The Observer 07-20-2023

Opelika Chamber Wins Awards - A3

First Responders BBQ Photos - A6

Impact of Downtown Fire One Year Later — Part One

BY HANNAH GOLDFINGER HGOLDFINGER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

OPELIKA —

It’s been one year since a fire that started at Maffia’s in downtown Opelika destroyed the business and others surrounding it.

The fire started in the middle of the night on July 21, 2022.

The popular and recently reopened business was completely gone by morning.

But Maffia’s was not the only business that suffered. Because the fire had to be fought from neighboring businesses, The

OPELIKA —

The city of Opelika, the Wood Duck Nature Preserve of Opelika, AO Tourism and Red Clay Brewing Company will host a watch party on July 22 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Red Clay. The Opelika Wood Duck Nature Preserve is going to be featured on National Geographic’s "Extraordinary Birder with Christian Cooper" — the Alabama episode. The episode airs July 22 at 7 p.m. but can also be streamed on Hulu and Disney+. Barry Fleming,

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

AUBURN —

The new Target in downtown Auburn officially opened its doors last week.

The store welcomed customers a few days earlier than anticipated, but held an official grand opening Sunday, July 16. The completion of the retail destination comes after nearly a year of construction that began following the Auburn City Council’s approval of the project in May 2022.

The 19,200-squarefoot retail space is located on the ground floor of the Godbold Building, which also features 32 newlycrafted apartments on

the two floors above. The building includes additional parking in the back with walkways for easy access in and around the complex. Target offers guests the opportunity of a one-stop shop for all their retailing needs. Some of the mostly commonly purchased items at Target, according to statista. com, are: Beauty products and essentials, food and beverages, home furnishings and décor, and apparel and accessories. And yes, the downtown Target will sell alcohol as the Auburn City Council approved its alcohol and beverage licenses.

“We're excited to bring the joy of Target to new guests, and we’re committed to

See TARGET page A3

local publication created 'for local people, by local people.'

Pictured left: fire damage from the July 21, 2022, fire was extensive, leaving businesses on either side of Maffias inoperable. Right, repairs are being made to the area that once housed Southern Crossing. However, Southern Crossing does not expect to return to that location.

Upcoming July Tax Holiday Offers Consumers Way to Save

CONTRIBUTED BY ALABAMA RETAIL ASSOCIATION

ALABAMA — Alabama parents plan to take advantage of the savings associated with Alabama’s back-to-school sales tax holiday, but the tax-free weekend gives everyone a reason to shop.

Alabama’s 18th annual sales tax holiday for school-related items is July 21 through 23. This marks the seventh time the annual tax holiday will take place on the third full weekend of July.

From 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 21, until midnight, Sunday, July 23, the state waives its 4% sales tax on school-related supplies and clothing. More than 325 cities and counties throughout Alabama also waive their local

taxes. In some areas, the savings reach 10%. Check the 2023 Participating Cities and Counties list to determine if your local communities are participating.

Exempt items include:

- Clothing priced at $100 or less per article

- School supplies valued at $50 or less per item

- Books that cost $30 or less per book

- Tablets, laptops, computers and printers with a selling price of $750 or less. Learn more at alabamaretail.org/ alabamasalestaxholidays.

The sales tax holiday provides shoppers a way to save money and support their local economies, especially those local businesses

that sell the covered items exclusively, like shoe, children’s apparel, school supply, book and computer stores.

“The sales tax holiday offers parents a way to save on backto-school needs,” said Alabama Retail Association President Rick Brown. “Saving

money for consumers while stimulating sales for stores is what this weekend is all about.”

REASON FOR EVERYONE TO SHOP

Although the sales tax holiday targets backto-school shoppers, any consumer can benefit from the savings offered during the weekend.

A wide range of items are exempt during the holiday, so there is a reason for everyone to shop.

Some of the widely needed items include diapers, printer ink, thumb or flash drives, printer paper and art supplies.

As always, the Alabama

Retail Association encourages shoppers to buy from local retailers by promoting the use of the #ShopAlabama hashtag.

“Shopping with businesses that have a physical presence in your local area keeps businesses open and your neighbors employed,” Brown said.

Gallery on Railroad and Southern Crossings both experienced extreme damage.

Valerie Smith, co-owner of Southern Crossings, said that she and her husband Mike, woke in the middle of the night to 60-plus messages and a photo of a blaze.

“We just threw on, literally just threw on clothes and left the house and headed toward Opelika,” she said.

Before arriving on scene, they called the fire department, which told them to ask for Fire Chief Shane Boyd.

“He and several of the firefighters, they were just remarkable and looking back, that’s what stands out the most was their kindness and their compassion,” Smith said.

Smith said she was in shock a bit and didn’t realize the extent of the damage.

“Chief Boyd had to tell me about three times, that ‘total loss,’” she said. “… I just remember standing there in shock and just thinking about ‘that’s our livelihood in there.’”

One of the more difficult losses was the antiques and vintage items that Smith handpicked, she said.

One year later and Southern Crossings is located nearby — on 8th Street.

Opelika Main Street opened a business incubator on main street next to Zazu’s. Southern Crossings is currently in this space.

Smith said they were encouraged by the support from the Opelika community as they surveyed their loss.

“I can’t say enough about all of the people who reached out and took care of us and the community offered to do anything they could,” Smith said.

Even competitors reached out, she said, offering help and storage.

“It’s a wave of emotions, you’re in shock, and you’re hurt, and you’re sad and grieving, but then you’re also grateful and then you realize what your business meant to so many people and that was just amazing

to me,” she said. Despite all of the support, Southern Crossings has had a lot of trouble getting back on its feet.

“It’s been a real struggle,” Smith said. “Honestly, I don’t know that we’re going to survive it.”

The parking on 8th Street is different, a lot of customers don’t know where the new location is, the financial losses are still being worked out, she said.

Southern Crossings also won’t be moving back into its original space, Smith said.

Despite all of this, Smith said they value all their customers.

“We appreciate them following us over here and all of their support,” she said. “That’s always been the most important thing to

us are our customers and always will be. We value their loyalty and wouldn’t be where we are, right now, wouldn’t have come back at all without them.”

Deke Hilyer, the owner of the building that housed Southern Crossing said that he has the utmost respect for the fire department and all the first responders that helped contain the fire.

“The fire department did an outstanding job that night,” Hilyer said. “The fact that the fire was contained as well as it was, is a testament to their efforts and their training.”

As for the building, Hilyer is currently renovating it.

“I am using this time to repair the space and to bring it back to its formal glory,” Hilyer said.

Part two of this story will focus on The Gallery.

Photo of repairs going on inside of the buildings that was damaged by the July 2022 fire that resulted in the closing of three businesses on Main Street in downtown Opelika.

Southern Crossing is located in the business incubator space inside the new location for Opelika Main Street on 108 S. 8th St. in Opelika.

The two photos above are pictures from Southern Crossing after it has reopened in the Opelika Main Street business incubator space.

Opelika Chamber Wins Top Award for Communications

CONTRIBUTED BY THE OPELIKA

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

OPELIKA —

The Opelika Chamber of Commerce has been named one of 12 Communications Award of Excellence winners by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). ACCE is an association based in Alexandria, Virginia, that has over 1,600 chambers of commerce and related business and economic development organizations as members, representing more than 9,000 professionals in the industry.

ACCE’s Awards for Communications Excellence program, generously supported by Meta, is designed to showcase top communications and marketing work of chambers of commerce and similar organizations.

serving our guests in the form of friendly, helpful, in stock, clean and organized services, tailored to the needs of the Auburn community"

ACE Awards are judged by industry peers. This year’s panel was comprised of 14 U.S.-based chamber communications and marketing professionals.

“Chambers of commerce play a critical role in driving success for their communities,” said ACCE President & CEO Sheree Anne Kelly.

“Chambers are natural conveners, sharing stories that inspire and spur action. That creativity in communications, paired with catalytic leadership and visionary thinking, is what earned them this well-deserved recognition.”

The 12 winning entries will now go on to compete for the Best in Show title within their total annual revenue category. The three winning entries will be revealed at ACCE's annual convention in Salt Lake City during the Aug. 1 Awards Show. Opelika Chamber of Commerce was named an Award of Excellence

said Tony Thigpen, store director of the new Auburn Target store. “We offer a wide assortment of Target’s top owned and national brands spanning across grocery, cosmetics, essentials, home goods, adult apparel

and much more, as well as a convenient CVS pharmacy. Guests can also shop on their own terms with our easy, contactless and industry-leading Drive Up and Order Pickup — ready within a couple of hours with no

membership required for the easiest shopping experience in retail.”

Target has been an active partner in the Auburn area since opening its first store in 2005. This location will be the second store in the greater Auburn

winner for the entry of their 2022-23 Explore Opelika Magazine.

“I am very proud of our chamber for this award recognition,” said President and CEO, Ali Rauch. “I would be remiss to not recognize our Director of Communications and Media, Lenzi Womack, for her dedication to this magazine and all of our marketing efforts. She is the mastermind behind all things marketing and communications at the chamber, and we are so lucky to have her.”

A panel of communications and marketing professionals from 10 U.S.-based chambers of commerce evaluated entries submitted for this year’s competition. Entries were organized by category — based on the chamber’s annual revenue — and entry type: campaigns,

area, which all together employs approximately 320 team members.

Since 2017, Target has invested in pay and benefits for its employees that include a $15 to $24 per hour starting wage range, tuition-free education

print and electronic publications, videos and websites and apps.

ABOUT THE OPELIKA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

For more than 80 years, the Opelika Chamber has worked to strengthen the community as the champion of business by building bridges, cultivating community and elevating business in order to achieve excellence. Representing more than 900 businesses and over 20,000 employees in the region, the Opelika Chamber has been recognized for its operational best practices among 501(c)6 not-for-profit Chambers of Commerce. The Opelika Chamber is one of only three 5-star accredited chambers in the state of Alabama. You can learn more at www. opelikachamber.com.

assistance, access to counseling services and doctors and more stable schedules.

For more information on the new Target in downtown Auburn (located at 129 College St.) visit Target Auburn on Facebook.

president of the Alabama Ornithological Society and Opelika resident said, “It was a pleasure for us to share Alabama's wide variety of birds and habitats with Christian Cooper and the National

Geographic film crew. I think the episode represents well the state, the state's wonderous birds and the happy people here that work on behalf of the birds."

Several of the co-hosts from the episode will be in attendance at the watch party. The event is open to the public. The first hour will be a

Meet & Greet, while the second hour will be the viewing of the episode (it runs for 60 minutes).

The National Geographic TV series “Extraordinary Birder with Christian Cooper” features the bountiful birding of Alabama.

The show features several experts from east Alabama and one

section was filmed in Opelika’s Wood Duck Nature Preserve. In fact, the whole TV crew stayed in Opelika during the filming.

From swallow-tailed kites in Alabama’s Black Belt to the loggerhead shrikes, called butcher birds locally, and endangered red-cockaded

woodpeckers of the Coastal Plain, to the wood duck, a secretive and extraordinarily beautiful bird in the Piedmont, Cooper immersed himself deep in Alabama’s rich and biologically diverse ecosystem, and experiences the work Alabamians are doing to assist the continuing

richness of our avian abundance and diversity. There will be light refreshments; however, attendees will be responsible for purchasing their own beverages from Red Clay.

For more information, contact Robert Finkel at 404.310.0677 or rjf0010@auburn.edu.

WATCH >> from A1

TARGET >> from A1

A view of the outside and inside of the newly-opened Target in Auburn, located at 129 S. College St.

Explore Opelika, a magazine by the Opelika Chamber of Commerce, won the Chamber an Award of Excellence from the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE).

PHOTO BY WIL CREWS THE OBSERVER

National Night Out set for Aug. 1

CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF AUBURN/CLARENCE STEWART

AUBURN — Auburn Public Safety invites community members, families, residents and stakeholders to celebrate the 40th annual National Night Out (NNO) at Auburn University's Ag Heritage Park on Aug. 1, 2023, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

"This is a night for our nation to stand together and promote awareness, safety and neighborhood unity," said National Project Coordinator, Matt Peskin. "National Night Out showcases the vital importance of policecommunity partnerships and

citizen involvement. When law enforcement and the community work closely together, some amazing things can happen."

The evening will feature free food and family-

officers.

- Touch-a-Truck display.

- Auburn Police K9 demonstration.

- Auburn Fire Department fire education.

- Photo opportunities with Sparky the Fire Dog and

McGruff the Crime Dog.

- Face painting, music, giveaways and more.

National Night Out is nationally sponsored by NATW, ADT, Starbucks, Associa, L.E.A.D. and co-sponsored by the city

of Auburn and Auburn University.

To learn more about National Night Out, visit natw.org. For event inquiries, email Sidney Hancock at shancock@ auburnalabama.org.

friendly fun for all ages including:

- Local organizations with free community resources.

- Meet and greet with Auburn school resource

Dream Day Foundation Hosts Teen Summit at OHS

Creating an atmosphere that will be supportive, inclusive and engaging, the Dream Day Foundation, along with 14 other youth organizations, held its Teen Summit Saturday, July 15. The theme, “Shine Bright Like A Diamond,” placed focus on interpersonal and personal growth, and addressed issues that youth are facing today. The organizations united to create an exciting day that was uniquely designed to empower youth, featuring keynote speaker Reginald Foreman, an at-risk specialist, author, speaker, designer and inventor. Foreman presently resides with his wife and child in Phenix City, Alabama, and shared the unbelievable life story that took him from the jailhouse to the White House. Also, keynote speaker Monique Rogers, motivational speaker and CEO of H&S Commercial & Industrial Supply, shared her life story. Rogers, who resides in Mobile, has ties to this community by way of her daughter Raven Harvest. The summit also offered breakout sessions led by many local leaders and presenters, as well as Fred Spencer, a former Division I basketball player and the author of “Anti-Bullying Through Sports.” In addition, the college and parent session helped equip parents with tools to help their children develop the skills they need to succeed in life. The main goal of the event was to bring awareness and offer solutions to issues that impact the most vulnerable in local schools and communities. The event was open to all middle school, high school and college students. A free lunch courtesy of Good Ol' Boys was provided to all attendees.

Local fire rescue personnel attended a previous National Night Out celebration by the city of Auburn.

Statewide Business Competition Coming to Auburn Aug. 17

CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF AUBURN

AUBURN —

The finale of Alabama Launchpad, a statewide funding competition for startups, will be held in Auburn on Aug. 17 at The Park at Auburn University. Eleven finalists have been selected to participate in the second cycle of the 2023 competition, vying for a combined $75,000 in funding.

Alabama Launchpad — a program of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) in partnership with Innovate Alabama — features entrepreneurs in two

stages of development. Startups in both the concept stage and those in the early seed stage are eligible to compete for funding.

“We’re thrilled to provide Alabama Launchpad’s Cycle 2 2023 finalists with robust mentorship from an expert lineup of business leaders and experts,” said Miller Girvin, executive vice president of innovation & talent at EDPA.

“By providing critical funding and support to startups at the concept and early seed stages, Launchpad is building a sustainable pipeline of innovation and job creation in Alabama,

which can transform the economic landscape of the state.”

Since its inception in 2006, Alabama Launchpad has funded

114 startups and invested over $6.1 million in funding. Its

winning companies have generated more than 1,300 jobs across the state.

“Auburn University is proud to host Alabama Launchpad at The Park, the epicenter of the university’s innovative entrepreneurial efforts,” said Steven Taylor, Auburn University’s vice president of research and economic development. “We’re excited to partner with Alabama Launchpad to mentor and foster entrepreneurs, helping them reach their full potential.”

Eleven finalists were selected from a See LAUNCHPAD page A7

We

At

be residents of Lee County, Alabama.

Prizes must be picked up at The Observer office, located at 223 S. 8th St. in downtown Opelika. Photos submitted may be used in The Observer and on its website.

Pictured left to right are Matthew Willis and Evan Crawford.

Eleven finalists will vie for $75,000 in funding Aug. 1 during the finale of Alabama Launchpad, a statewide funding competition for startups.

Opelika Chamber Gives Back to First Reponders

The Opelika Chamber of Commerce hosted a First Responders BBQ at The Farm in Salem, Alabama, on Saturday, July 15. Opelika Fire Chief Shane Boyd (pictured top right) was a good sport in the dunk tank as attendees enjoyed the food and provided activities.

PHOTOS BY JERRY BALLAS FOR THE OBSERVER

Auburn Public Library wrapping up 2023 Summer Safari Learning Challenge

CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF AUBURN/CYNTHIA LEDBETTER

AUBURN —

The Auburn Public Library's 2023 Summer Safari Learning Challenge (SLC) will end July 31. The challenge will wrap up with the Summer Safari Learning Challenge

Finale on July 27 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Boykin Community Center. All are invited to enjoy activities, games and free Kona Ice from 5 to 6 p.m. The event will close out with a Family Story

Time from 6 to 6:30 p.m. There is still time to join and log your reading! The challenge is simple — read or listen for at least 1,000 minutes during the SLC. That’s just 20 minutes a day, and you can backlog minutes read since June 1. Participants do not need a library card to join the challenge. All ages are eligible to participate. This summer, participants can compete against other age categories for bragging rights for the

most minutes read. Our goal is to reach 1 million minutes read overall. The age categories are: infant

to 5 years, 6 to 11 years, 12 to 18 years and 19 and up. Those who complete the challenge by July 31 will earn

a T-shirt and will be entered into the grand prize drawing! Grand prizes will be awarded in each age category.

Register at auburnpl. beanstack.org or download the Beanstack Tracker app on any smartphone or tablet. Those who need help registering may stop by the Auburn Public Library for assistance.

Happy Learning!

Find more details about upcoming events on the library's online calendar. Questions? Email Library Events or call (334) 501-3296.

Are You Ready to Rumble?

specials and student discounts.

The Auburn Public Library was established in 1947 to serve the residents of Auburn, Alabama. Today, the Auburn Public Library provides residents with a collection that reflects the diverse and dynamic interests of our community, with access to public technology and information resources and with programs and activities that contribute to an engaged, literate and informed society. The Auburn Public Library is located at 749 E. Thach Ave.

AUBURN —

Rumble Boxing, the boxing-inspired group fitness workout, has opened its first Alabama location in Auburn on June 5 and is located at 2528 Enterprise Drive (next to Party City).

To celebrate, Rumble Boxing will be offering the local community exclusive membership

Rumble Boxing delivers 45-minute, 10-round, strength and conditioning group fitness workouts, crafted around teardropstyle aqua boxing bags and high-intensity strength training circuits. Rumble Auburn will bring all fitness levels together to experience what Rumble is known for: combining the sweet

science of boxing with high energy and positive vibes. This boutique fitness brand offers serious benefits like increased stamina and strength, with cardio that’s actually fun. The seasoned trainers at the new studio said they are thrilled to serve their local community while offering this fun, modern approach to boxing and welcome members of all fitness

backgrounds to the Rumble family.

Rumble Auburn is owned by

LAUNCHPAD >>

from A5

field of 32 applications and represent eight cities and towns across the state. Three Auburn companies are among the finalists — NanoPrintek, Inc., VivoSphere, LLC and Autonoma, Inc.

NanoPrintek, Inc. and VivoSphere, LLC are both affiliated with Auburn University’s New Venture Accelerator, a program that provides students, faculty and recent graduates a space to develop their entrepreneurial research, skills and techniques.

“Much of what we do at the New Venture Accelerator is designed to cultivate entrepreneurs’ business plans so they can

entrepreneurial couple, Helena and Stephen Coates. Seasoned small business owners and

take advantage of opportunities like Alabama Launchpad,” said New Venture Accelerator Director Lou Bifano. “We’re fortunate to have such a competition in our state and are thrilled to host it right in our backyard.”

Auburn hosted the 2016 Alabama Launchpad finale event and the first regional Alabama Launchpad competition in 2017. The regional competition returned to Auburn in 2018 and 2019. This will mark the fifth time Alabama Launchpad has come to Auburn, helping further the city of Auburn’s efforts to create a vibrant and supportive ecosystem committed to advancing and growing businesses in the community.

“By having

parents to three kids, their lives are busy, but they always manage to prioritize movement into their daily routines. After experiencing the Rumble magic and learning about the physical and mental health benefits this fitness concept had to offer, they were sold.

“We have a unique fitness modality to offer the community to get them excited about working out again,” the Coates said. “Everyone knows working out is not the easiest thing, but if you can throw people into an environment where the lights drop and the music hits just right, coupled with an effective training

See BOXING page A8

competitions like Alabama Launchpad in Auburn, we’re giving our local entrepreneurs an opportunity to both compete and learn from those who are vying for funding,” said Andrea Mitchell, the city of Auburn’s entrepreneurial and technology programs manager. “We encourage anyone interested in entering or advancing in the entrepreneurship realm to come out to the event to see what they can expect from similar competitions.”

Tickets for the finale event are available for purchase online. For more information about Alabama Launchpad and Innovate Alabama, visit alabamalaunchpad.com and innovatealabama. org.

The Auburn Public Library, located at 749 E. Thach Ave. in Auburn, provides numerous day activities for its community members.

CONTRIBUTED BY SALLY HAMER, FISHMAN PUBLIC RELATIONS

BOXING >> from A7

RUMBLE BOXING

program, that makes it a whole lot easier.”

full-body cardio and strength workout crafted around specially designed water-filled, teardropstyle boxing bags.

RUMBLE BOXING NOW OPEN IN OPELIKA!

Rumble has massive brand loyalty and widespread appeal, partly thanks to attracting top names like Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, Kendall Jenner, Hailey Baldwin, Jason Derulo, David Beckham and Kevin Hart to its studios. Now, Rumble has hit new markets like Las Vegas, Nevada, Tempe, Arizona and Denver, Colorado.

rumbleboxinggym. com, call 334-325-0210 or email at auburn@ rumbleboxinggym. com. Stay connected by following rumbleboxingauburn on Instagram and Facebook.

NOW OPEN IN OPELIKA!

ABOUT RUMBLE

BUY 1 CLASS GET 1 FREE

For more information about Rumble Boxing Auburn, visit

CLAIM NOW! EXPIRES 6.15.23

Founded in New York City in 2017, Rumble is a group fitness concept delivering a mix (or combination) of boxinginspired circuits and the transformative power of resistance training. Pro and amateur fighters glove up together, no matter their fitness level or skill, to reveal their inner fighter.

The experience is a 45-minute, 10-round,

Rumble was founded by Noah Neiman (former Barry’s Bootcamp master trainer, and cast member of Bravo’s Work Out New York), Eugene Remm (cofounder of Catch Hospitality Group (Catch Restaurants, CATCH STEAK, Lexington Brass), Andy Stenzler (co-founder Cosí, Kidville), and Anthony DiMarco (13time IRONMAN, former managing director, Google).

RUMBLE BOXING AUBURN 2528 Enterprise Drive Opelika, AL 36801 | 334.325.0210 rumbleboxinggym.com/auburn | @rumbleboxingauburn

Meet David Hedges

AUBURNBANK PRESIDENT & CEO

Leadership succession in any business is essential to its sustainability, especially one that has been strong and viable for 116 years. Since our founding in 1907, AuburnBank has had eight presidents—and now David Hedges succeeds Bob Dumas as our ninth. Joining the bank in 2006, David has demonstrated his commitment to AuburnBank and its shareholders. He and his wife, Jill, are members of First Baptist Church of Opelika, and they enjoy raising their three children who attend Auburn City Schools. David is excited to lead AuburnBank into the future, while upholding a tradition of service to our customers and our communities.

Member FDIC | AuburnBank.com

To celebrate its grand opening, Rumble Boxing will be offering the local community exclusive membership specials and student discounts.

Flower boxes at the windows and a floral wreath on the door provide a warm welcome at the home of Terri and Kevin Zackman in Opelika’s Trillium subdivision. The Zackmans are newcomers to the area; they moved here in July 2021 from Bordentown, New Jersey. While they have an interest in being active in the community, they said they have found

Ann Cipperly

SHouthernospitality

a church home, and Terri, who has a love of entertaining and home arts, is becoming known for her scrumptious homemade desserts, breads and other dishes.

When Terri and Kevin decided to retire and move to the South, they said they had no idea where they wanted to live. Terri began conducting searches with keywords, such as faith based community, small

town and lakes, as Kevin enjoys fishing.

“When I put those words in, I felt like we were guided by the Lord,” she said.

The Springs at Mill Lakes in Opelika kept coming up in her searches. This led to exploring what the Opelika area provided, and they said they soon knew it was the perfect location for them. After they met Payton Hester at Mill

Standard Deluxe to Host Alt-Country Legends

Lakes, she found them a home and church, Trinity Presbyterian, where her family attends.

Terri was born in Connecticut and lived there for five years until her father accepted a position in Manhattan, New

York. The family moved to Westwood in northern New Jersey. Terri attended Montclair State University where she received a degree in business, but she said she always had a passion for design.

Since Kevin’s father

was in the Air Force, his family lived in many places, including Japan, where he was born. They lived in the South for a while, and Kevin said he enjoyed that time and was interested in returning at

See CIPPERLY page A11

Sundilla Presents Ian Sherwood

—

Alt-country legends

Son Volt will perform in Waverly at Standard Deluxe on Aug. 27. The Jay Farrar-fronted outfit is touring to celebrate the 28th anniversary of

their seminal album, “Trace” (they would have done a 25-year anniversary tour in 2020 if not for the pandemic).

American Songwriter said, “As they approach the 30th anniversary of when they were first founded, Son Volt comes across as potent as ever.”

Kicking off in Nashville on July 11 and hitting 34 cities, the band will play “Trace” in its entirety, followed by songs from the rest of their celebrated catalogue and their brand-new Doug Sahm

See LEGENDS page A11

CONTRIBUTED BY SUNDILLLA

AUBURN — Sundilla welcomes an award-winning Ian Sherwood to town on Friday, July 21. Showtime at Pebble Hill is 7:30 p.m., and

as with all Pebble Hill concerts, this one will be outdoors if the weather cooperates. Advance tickets are just $20 and can be found at Spicer’s Music, Ross House Coffee and online at sundillamusic.com;

admission at the door will be $25. Free coffee, tea, water and food will be available, and as always the audience is invited to bring their own favorite food or

See SHERWOOD, page A15

Ian Sherwood will be in Auburn at Pebble Hill

Friday, July 21.

Terri and Kevin Zackman moved to Opelika in July 2021 and are looking forward to becoming involved in the community. Terri, who enjoys entertaining and the home arts, is pictured with an assortment of her favorite baked goods and is sharing the recipes.

It’s a gray afternoon and we are traversing Alabama. Today, we make our run across the Yellowhammer state. My wife only ever pulls over to buy gas or let me pee.

This is how we live.

In the past years we have traveled all over the U.S. doing my little one-man show, living on gas-station burritos, while our friend stays at our house watching the dogs.

In the backseat is a guitar, along with all our hanging clothes. We travel, eat, work and sometimes sleep in our little white van, which resembles a plumber's van. It’s the same kind of van driven by the LabCorp guy who visits your place of employment to collect urine samples.

It’s not a masculine looking vehicle. It’s small, a four cylinder.

When the engine revs it sounds like a little cat hacking up a hairball.

In our years traveling we’ve become connoisseurs of gas station restrooms. We can simply look at a filling station and know whether the bathroom is going to be a total horror show.

Like last week, a restroom in South Georgia took the grand prize. The men’s room urinal was detached and lying on the floor. And the commode had been removed so that there was nothing but a giant festering hole in the ground. And that’s not even the worst part.

I WAITED IN LINE TO USE THIS BATHROOM. But I couldn’t do it.

My wife and I turned right back around and ran to the van. I told my wife, “Quick, find a cow pasture!”

Believe me, I know

Traveling

I’m giving you too much information, but I’m only telling you that we have spent a lot of quality time in cow pastures together over the years.

But anyway, when you travel you have to make do. Especially when it comes to creature comforts. That’s why we love our van. It’s sort of like our mini home. I’ve seen my wife take a bath in the backseat using nothing but a wet-wipe and a shot glass. I’ve changed my entire wardrobe in the front seat during Atlanta rush hour.

There are paper cups littered on the floorboards, bags of peanuts, empty Chili Cheese Fritos bags. We even brew our own coffee in this car. We do it with an electric coffee maker plugged into a cigarette lighter.

Also, we always carry an electric cooler — which is basically a little refrigerator containing all the essentials anyone needs to survive after a full day of travel. Namely, beer. Also pimento cheese.

You probably think I’m kidding about this. I rarely kid about beer.

Sometimes we drive all night and when we sleep we steer with our feet. Often, we pull over in empty alfal -

Opelika Public Library to Host Family Story Time July 21

The Opelika Public Library will host a family story time on July 21 at 10 a.m. There will be stories, rhymes, songs and other fun activities designed to designed to develop language, literacy and social skills in an environment the whole family can enjoy. The event is suitable for all ages.

fa fields, abandoned shopping complexes or vacant filling station parking lots to make a sandwich. You never know what weird things you’re going to find on the side of the road.

Once, we stopped at a vacant filling station outside Tuscaloosa to make sandwiches. I was getting stuff out of the cooler when I noticed something on the ground beneath me. A purple piece of clothing.

I thought to myself, “Huh, this must be an article of my wife’s clothing that fell out of our car.” So I reached down to pick it up.

As soon as I touched it, my hand mushed into something warm. I knew I’d made a mistake. It was a pair of purple Dora the Explorer underpants that were filled with a substance plentiful in most barnyards and diaper bins. And because this is a family column, I will refrain from saying anything more about these Purple Underpants from Hell.

I’ll simply tell you

that I flung the garment into the air and screamed like a man who’d just grabbed a handful of apple butter.

My wife leapt out of the driver’s seat and said, “What happened? Are you hurt?”

“AAAGGGHHH!” was my response.

I was running in circles, holding my violated right hand in the air. I do not have a strong stomach and I have an extremely sensitive gag reflex. How sensitive is this reflex? Dentists fear me.

But being on the road isn’t all that bad. We don’t live a glamorous life — we drive a LabCorp van for God’s sake. But my wife and I have been lucky enough to live a pauper’s dream.

We’ve seen the sun come up over the Arizona desert. We’ve watched the wind turbines in Texas. We’ve been soaked by rain in Seattle. We’ve done Appalachia in autumn. Kansas in the Summer.

The Carolinas in the snow. We’ve eaten pierogis in Buffalo.

I’ve pulled the old

traveling man’s trick of ironing my clothes by placing them beneath my motel mattress.

I’ve eaten enough gas station food to endanger my lower-intestinal health. We never unpack our suitcases. We simply live out of them, even when we’re at home.

No wife wants to live this way, I know that. No little girl grows up dreaming of marrying a fool who drives a utility van all over creation. She has given up her comforts to spend life on a highway with her mildly eccentric husband. I think about this a lot.

Chances are she will read this tomorrow morning. When she does I want her to know that being stuck in this little white van together, visiting open pastures and living in hotels has been the second greatest adventure of my life. The first great adventure was loving her.

The third greatest adventure was definitely the purple underpants thing.

SEAN DIETRICH

some point. He worked in financial technology and was a senior technology executive for years. Kevin retired from Amazon Web Services as senior advisory consultant for the global market.

After their two children were born, they said they decided Terri would stay home while the children were growing up. Terri was active in their school and helped anyway she could. She said she wanted to give back to others and help other mothers.

During that time, Terri began sewing and making pillows, window treatments and bedding for family and friends. She decided to return to college and received a certification in design. Her mother enjoyed decorating and was an inspiration, Terri said.

Terri later worked at Calico Corners where she excelled in additional

CIPPERLY RECIPES

EASY GOAT CHEESE

APPETIZER

10 ½ oz. pkg. goat

cheese

½ cup fig jam

¼ cup chopped

pecans

1 Tbsp. honey

1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar

2-3 sprigs of fresh thyme

1 Tbsp. olive oil

Crostini or crackers for serving

In a shallow bowl spread out all of the goat cheese and drizzle with olive oil.

In a small pot warm honey, fig jam and balsamic vinegar over a medium heat, whisking to combine. Heat for about 5 minutes.

Remove from heat and let cool slightly, about 5 minutes.

Drizzle the goat cheese with the fig jam mixture.

Top with fresh thyme and pecan pieces. Add a pinch of sea salt and then serve with crackers or crostini.

HUMMUS WITH ROASTED TOMATOES

Roasted Tomatoes:

2 cups cherry

LEGENDS >>

FROM A7

tribute album, “Day of the Doug” (released June 16). Son Volt was formed by Farrar, the former lead vocalist and songwriter of the influential band Uncle Tupelo, after its breakup in 1994. Members include Farrar (vocals, guitar), Andrew DuPlantis (vocals, bass), John Horton (guitar), Mark Patterson (drums) and Mark Spencer (keyboard, guitar). You can find tickets for their Waverly performance at: www. standarddeluxe.com/

skills in making custom bedding and window treatments. She began an Etsy business, East Coast Cottage Designs, making accessories for women, including tote bags, cosmetic bags and stunning Bible bags lined with verses sewn on the inside. When they moved, she closed the five-star business, but she is thinking about starting it again and is currently making pillows.

For Terri’s service work at Trinity Presbyterian Church, she redid the pastor’s office and renovated a nursery-bridal room.

The Zackmans’ two children are now grown. Shannon and her husband Jim reside in southern New Jersey. Shannon has a master’s degree in social work and enjoyed working with the elderly before their daughter, Addison, was born. The Zackmans’ son, Taylor, received a degree in history with a minor in criminal justice on a baseball scholarship. He

tomatoes

2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

1 tsp. minced garlic

1 tsp. dried Italian herbs

Sea salt and pepper

Hummus: 17 oz. canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained

1 clove garlic

1 Tbsp. tahini paste

1 large lemon, juice squeezed

2 Tbsp. Greek yogurt

1-2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

1 Tbsp. toasted almonds, chopped

1 Tbsp. parsley, chopped Drizzle extra virgin olive oil

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

For tomatoes, mix together cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic and Italian herbs in a small bow and season really well. Lay out on a lined baking tray and roast in oven for approximately 15 to 20 minutes or until roasted. Remove and set aside.

For Hummus: In a food processor, add chickpeas, garlic, tahini, lemon juice, Greek yogurt, sea salt and pepper; process until smooth. With motor still running,

shop/sonvoltaugust27.

Released in 1995, “Trace” is Son Volt’s debut studio album that established the band as a significant force in the alternative country movement of the 1990s. “Trace” remains a beloved record among Son Volt fans and continues to be regarded as a landmark in alternative country music, showcasing Farrar's songwriting talents and the band's ability to merge elements of country, rock and folk into a cohesive and emotionally powerful sound. It achieved critical acclaim and

is engaged and a deputy sheriff in Tampa, Florida.

When Terri and Kevin moved here, she said she missed cooking for her family. At church, friends, including Kay Harris, Mary Ann Godwin, Sara SmithT and Judy Beall, have taken them under their wings.

“It has been a lifesaver,” Terri said. “The people are wonderful, and we get together for fellowship.”

Terri’s mom had a love of entertaining and influenced her in enjoying cooking and offering hospitality. Terri would help her Mom bake and set the table for gatherings with family and friends.

“When Mom made Nanny's homemade sauce and meatballs every Wednesday, I would sit and talk with her and help roll the meatballs for the sauce,” Terri said. “We would share stories of our days with one another as we prepared the meatballs for the sauce. These were

drizzle in olive oil.

To Assemble: Spoon hummus into a shallow bowl and use the back of a spoon to smooth it out.

Spread roasted tomatoes over top so that they are evenly dispersed. Top with toasted almonds, chopped parsley and drizzle some olive oil around the edges in a circular motion.

MORNING GLORY COFFEE CAKE WITH BROWN SUGAR CRUMB TOPPING

Cake:

Baking spray with flour

3 cups White Lily all-purpose flour

1 tsp. kosher salt

½ tsp. baking powder

½ tsp. baking soda

2 cups granulated sugar

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 tsp. vanilla extract

4 large eggs

2 cups sour cream

1 cup dried sweet cherries

Topping:

¾ cup chopped

pecans

½ cup all-purpose flour

½ cup firmly packed light brown

some of my sweetest memories with Mom.

“She was always so supportive and loving. Mom taught me how to be of service to others with meal preparation. She always did this for others with such grace her whole life. Food in our family was an expression of our love for one another. Mom always made sure we spent Sunday dinners together as a family, a tradition I carried out with my family as well.”

Her parents were service oriented, and her mother would bake a crumb cake or a meal to take to someone who needed it. Her mother always had baked goods in the house. Terri is sharing the Morning Glory Cake recipe, which is similar to the crumb cakes her mother made, along with muffin and bread recipes. Terri’s Nanny also influenced her love of cooking, she said. She lived during the Depression and knew

sugar

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

½ tsp. ground nutmeg

¼ tsp. kosher salt

1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup powdered sugar

5 Tbsp. heavy cream

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Grease a 10 inch tube pan or Bundt pan with baking spray.

Prepare cake: Whisk together flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda in a small bowl. Beat together sugar and butter on medium-high speed with a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. With mixer on low speed, add vanilla and eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add flour mixture and sour cream alternately to butter mixture. Fold in dried cherries. Pour batter into tube pan.

Prepare topping: Stir together pecans, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Stir in butter. Sprinkle over batter. Bake in preheated oven until a wooden pick inserted in center

how to stretch food.

“Nanny’s kitchen was her domain,” Terri said. “She only liked one cook at the stove. I would sit and watch her prepare wonderful meals. I was her taste tester; a position I humbly accepted. I learned so much from just watching her prepare food for the ones she loved.

“Her joy came from seeing us enjoy her delicious meals. Recipes and traditions are still carried forward in our family to our children and grandchildren. That is the blessing of food and family.”

The Cranberry Pork Tenderloin is served at their traditional Christmas dinner with cranberry sage stuffing and sweet potato soufflé. Terri created the pork recipe from a dish she and Kevin tried on their honeymoon in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia.

Kevin’s mother, Shirley Zackman, gave her the recipe for the Chicken and

comes out clean, 65 to 70 minutes.

Cool in pan for 30 minutes. Remove from pan. Whisk together powdered sugar and cream until smooth. Drizzle over cake.

CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI WITH CHEESE TORTELLINI

Shirley Zackman, Kevin’s mother’s recipe

1 head fresh broccoli

1 cup cooked chopped chicken

1 lb. fresh or dried cheese tortellini pasta

2 cloves minced garlic

1 tsp. Italian seasoning

½ tsp. red pepper flakes

1 cup chicken stock

¼ cup olive oil

½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Bring your pasta water to a boil, drop in pasta and cook as directed.

At the same time, start a skillet pan warming with about ¼ cup olive oil. Sauté the garlic in the pan just until lightly browned. Add the broccoli florets and Italian seasoning and red pepper

Broccoli Tortellini. She taught Terri how to make quick meals for her young, busy family.

When entertaining, Terri will have the dinner almost completely prepared ahead in order to enjoy time with their guests instead of being in the kitchen. , she said. She is learning about southern seasonings, and a friend taught her how to make biscuits.

“I am so grateful to be in Opelika,” Terri said. “Our hope is that the Lord can use us as a vessel to be sure we are giving back to the community and people. To me, that is most important in life. I believe that God put us here. He has given us special gifts with people I feel I have known my entire life that have made us feel like we are part of their family.

“We want to be a part of the community as much as we can, whether it is through our church or our food and gatherings, as it is important to us.”

flakes.

Cook over medium heat and then add the chicken stock to the pan. Simmer on low. Once pasta is done, drain and add to the broccoli mixture on the stove.

Slowly incorporate chopped chicken. Serve in bowls and top each portion with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serves 4.

CHICKEN WITH CREAMY SUN DRIED TOMATO SAUCE

8 oz. penne pasta uncooked

2 Tbsp. olive oil or the sundried tomato oil from the jar of tomatoes.

Chicken and

seasoning:

1.5 lbs. chicken tenderloins cubed into bite size pieces ¼ tsp. black pepper ½ tsp. sea salt ½ tsp. garlic powder ½ tsp. onion powder ½ tsp. Italian seasoning

Sauce:

1 ½ cups heavy cream

See CIPPERLY RECIPES, page A12

commercial success, reaching a wide audience beyond the genre's niche.

of rock, R&B, country, folk, Tex-Mex and psychedelia into something that existed in its own space. His heralded body of work includes many solo and collaborative albums, three Top 40 hits with the Sir Douglas Quintet, and a Grammy win with Tejano supergroup Texas Tornados. Sahm was both a friend and a mentor to Farrar — the two recorded an exceptional rendition of Sahm’s classic song “Give Back the Key to My Heart” on the final Uncle Tupelo album, “Anodyne” (1993). Farrar’s goal with “Day

of the Doug” was not only to pay tribute to Sahm’s music and influence, but to also highlight some of the deeper tracks. Listen to Son Volt’s rendition of “Sometimes You’ve Got To Stop Chasing Rainbows” here: www. orcd.co/chasingrainbows. Son Volt’s August shows will be opened by Anders Parker, a singersongwriter and multiinstrumentalist known for his soulful vocals, thoughtful lyrics and a blend of folk, rock and Americana influences. Learn more about Parker here: www.andersparker. com/.

Doug Sahm blazed trails across genres, blending key elements

packages

RECIPES

tomatoes in oil (Cut up tomatoes)

1 shallot and 3 Tbsp. butter to sauté

3 whole garlic cloves

minced

¾ cup grated

Parmesan cheese

¼ cup fresh basil, chopped

¼ tsp. red chili flakes

Cook pasta according to instructions on box. Drain when ready to add to sauce.

In a small bowl season chicken with mixture of seasonings listed with the chicken.

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat reserved sundried tomato oil (about 2 Tbsp.).

Cook chicken in oil until chicken is done. This will take about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove chicken from pan.

Add 3 Tbsp. of butter to pan and sauté shallot.

Add tomatoes and garlic to shallots and cook for a couple of minutes until tender.

Add heavy cream, broth, cheese, salt, black pepper and pepper flakes to skillet.

Mix and simmer the sauce on low heat for a few minutes until sauce thickens up. Stir in drained pasta and fresh chopped basil.

Cover and cook for a few more minutes on low heat until pasta absorbs some of sauce.

Top with more chopped fresh basil and shaved Parmesan as you are serving your guests.

Serve immediately.

Serves 6

SPRING SALAD

WITH BERRIES AND BACON

2 Tbsp. red wine

vinegar

1 Tbsp. finely chopped shallots

1 ½ tsp. honey

½ tsp. Dijon mustard

3 cups sliced strawberries, divided ¾ tsp. kosher salt, divided

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

5 cups baby spring mix or two 5 oz.

4 oz. feta cheese block, crumbled

1 medium shallot, thinly sliced lengthwise

1 cup yellow cherry tomatoes, halved

8 bacon slices, cooked and coarsely chopped

Add kalamata Greek olives if you prefer

Place red wine vinegar, finely chopped shallot, honey, Dijon mustard, 1 cup of the strawberries and ¼ tsp. of the salt in a blender. Process until smooth, about 30 seconds. With blender running, gradually drizzle in oil, processing until vinaigrette is smooth and combined, about 30 seconds.

Arrange spring mix on a large platter. Top with feta, sliced shallot, tomatoes, bacon and remaining strawberries and olives if you prefer.

Add ½ tsp. salt. Drizzle vinaigrette over salad and serve immediately. Serves 6.

CHICKEN PARMESAN

2 lbs. chicken, approximately 12 chicken tenderloins

1 large jar Rao's Tomato Basil sauce.

1 lb. finely grated mozzarella cheese, preferably whole milk.

1 cup Progresso Italian breadcrumbs for breading chicken

2 beaten eggs

2 Tbsp. vegetable oil

1 lb. pasta or linguini

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Use a 9 x 13 glass baking dish and put 2 Tbsp. oil in the bottom.

Open tomato sauce jar and warm sauce on stove which will go over the chicken and pasta.

Get pasta water started on stove, and place pasta in once water boils. Cook

pasta and keep warm. Place breadcrumbs into a bowl and 2 beaten eggs in another bowl.

Dip chicken into egg and then dredge into the breadcrumbs to coat.

Place chicken pieces into baking dish and cook for about 20 to 25 minutes, turning once after about 10 minutes.

After the 25 minutes you will add warmed sauce over chicken to coat and entire bag of mozzarella over sauce. The cheese will lightly brown in about 10 minutes. Take dish out of oven. Place pasta on plates and add cooked chicken and sauce on top of pasta.

CRANBERRY PORK

TENDERLOIN

2 lbs. pork

tenderloin

Glaze:

1 can whole cranberry sauce

½ cup raspberry jam

½ tsp. cinnamon

¼ cup orange juice

¼ cup orange marmalade

¼ cup sweet blend wine, or port

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Place pork tenderloins into shallow baking dish. Combine glaze ingredients.

While pork is cooking, I will glaze it with sauce mixture. Usually after it has been cooking for about half an hour, I will start glazing, and slowly add more glaze until it is all on the meat while still in the oven.

Bake for about 25 minutes per pound. It usually takes about 1 hour, but you can check internal temperature while cooking. It is done at 145 degrees.

After meat is done, let it rest for 10 minutes and serve with sauce and drippings from pork

tenderloin. Serves 6.

NANNY'S MEATBALLS

AND SAUCE

Nanny Luizzo

Sauce:

8 oz. can Contadina or Hunt's Tomato Paste with basil

28 oz. can

Progresso whole plum tomatoes with basil

4-5 whole garlic cloves (leave cloves whole)

1 medium onion, chopped

½ tsp. crushed red pepper

2-3 fresh basil leaves

Salt and pepper to taste

½ cup olive oil

Meatballs:

1 lb. ground meat 80/20 mix and one Italian sausage mild taken out of casing.

2 small pieces of garlic, minced

½ onion, chopped up very fine

Season with salt and pepper

½ cup plain breadcrumbs

¾ cup Italian grated cheese, Pecorino Romano, (Locatelli Brand) if possible.

½ cup chopped Italian parsley

1 egg mixed with 2 Tbsp. ice water

Sauce: Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until lightly brown. Add tomato paste with 2 cans cold water.

Put tomatoes in a bowl and cut up into small pieces and add to paste. Cook for ten minutes.

Meatballs: Mix ingredients all together with meat. Roll into meatballs, then dip meatballs in the breadcrumbs and brown lightly in oil in frying pan with olive oil.

Then drop into sauce while cooking and simmer for 1 ½ hours, stirring occasionally. Cook on a low medium flame.

Last 15 minutes of cooking, remove garlic pieces from sauce and smash, then add them back into

the sauce. Serves 8.

BLUEBERRYLEMON MUFFINS

1 ¾ cups allpurpose flour

½ cup sugar, divided

2 ½ tsp. baking powder

¾ tsp. salt

1 to 2 tsp. lemon zest

1 egg, beaten

¾ cup milk

1/3 cup cooking oil

1 cup blueberries

2 Tbsp. butter, melted

Preheat oven 400 degrees.

Place paper liners in twelve 2 ½ inch muffin cups.

In medium bowl, stir together flour, ¼ cup of sugar, baking powder and salt. Stir in grated lemon peel.

In a large bowl, beat egg with milk and oil. Add flour mixture to egg mixture, stirring just to combine ingredients. Be careful not to beat the batter too much; it should still have a few lumps.

Toss blueberries with 2 Tbsp. of sugar. Fold blueberries into batter. Spoon batter into prepared cusps, filling them only 2/3 full.

Bake muffins in oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. While muffins are warm, dip tops in melted butter, then in remaining sugar. Makes 12 muffins.

CARROT RAISIN MUFFINS

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup sugar

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. cinnamon

¼ tsp. ginger

½ cup shredded carrots

½ cup Dole raisins

½ cup walnuts

8 oz. can dole

crushed pineapple

2 tsp. vanilla extract

2 eggs

½ cup melted butter

Set oven at 375

degrees.

Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and ginger.

Stir in carrots, raisins and nuts.

In a separate bowl, combine undrained pineapple, eggs, vanilla and melted butter.

Stir into dry ingredients.

Spoon into greased muffin tins. Bake until wooden toothpick comes out clean. Makes 12 to 14 muffins.

CHOCOLATE BANANA BREAD

½ cup (1 stick)

unsalted butter

¾ cup brown sugar

2 eggs

1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

¼ cup cocoa powder

1 tsp. baking soda

½ tsp. salt

1 cup mashed, very ripe bananas (2 to 3)

½ cup sour cream

1 tsp. vanilla

¾ cup semi-sweet

chocolate chips

½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan.

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt.

Using a stand or hand mixer, cream together butter and sugar until combined.

Add eggs, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Add sour cream and vanilla extract and bananas.

Add dry ingredients to butter mixture, slowly incorporating. Add chocolate chips and walnuts.

Pour mixture into prepared loaf pan and bake 55 to 65 minutes, or a bit longer, until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool in pan for 15 minutes, then turn onto a cooling rack to cool completely. Store at room temperature, wrapped for up to four days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

CIPPERLY

>> from A11

WALTER ALBRITTON

RELIGION —

Ican hardly begin to describe the countless ways God has blessed me. He let me be born to godly parents and grow up with four siblings who loved Jesus. He called me to preach

I Know God Can't Forgive Me

the gospel. I have shared the gospel on five of the seven continents of the world. I was married for 68 years to a servant of Jesus who birthed our five wonderful sons. He has allowed me to serve Jesus for 91 years. Yet it dawns on me that the greatest privilege God has given me has been the honor of sharing the good news of God’s love with individuals who were living without hope and without God. And that is an honor God gives to every believer for it is His will that every follower of Christ share the good news of God’s forgiving love with someone who has never embraced it.

What is the good news? God loves us. He showed his love for us by letting Jesus die on the cross. Because of his shed blood, our sins are forgiven. Peace with God is available to everyone.

How do I obtain this peace? Saint Paul said it best in Romans 10, “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” And to be saved is to find peace with God.

This was brought home to me again during a second reading of “Healing Meditations for Life” by David A. Seamands. A

counselor, writer and preacher, Seamands shared his visit in the hospital with a woman who told him there was no need to pray because she had been so bad. She told him the story of how her mother, whom she loved deeply, died suddenly.

Overwhelmed with grief, the night after the funeral she and her older brother got “roaring drunk.” With great shame, she told Seamands how in their drunken stupor they had slept together.

“That’s why,” she said, “it’s no use for me to pray. I know God can’t forgive me, since I sure can’t forgive myself.”

OBITUARIES

ALLEN THAW HUNTER

Allen Thaw Hunter, age 83, of Destin, Florida, formerly of the Brooklyn Community.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m., Saturday, July 8, 2023 at Brooklyn Baptist Church. The family received friends at the church one hour prior to the services.

The Rev. Jack Williamson officiated. Interment followed in the Brooklyn Baptist Church cemetery.

Cope-Keahey Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements.

Left to cherish his memory, son, Allen Thaw Hunter Jr., of Destin, Florida; daughters, Mary Leigh Hunter of New York; Frances Rae Hunter of Auburn, Alabama; sister, Sharon Harper of Andalusia, Alabama; grandchildren, Allen Thaw Hunter III (Emily); Zachary Tucker Hunter.

Allen was the son of the late Gid Frierson Hunter and Lillie Belle Johns Hunter; he was a graduate of Auburn University and retired from Destin Luxury Real Estate Company.

He was the president of the Alabama 4-H club 195657; he was a graduate of the Evergreen High School class of 1957. Mr. Hunter earned a 4-H scholarship to Auburn University where he graduated in 1961 with a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture. Mr. Hunter owned Hunter's Texaco in Auburn for 25 years, he was very engaged in the Auburn community where

he coached little league baseball and football and presided over the Planning Commission - Auburn Chamber of Commerce in the late 1970's. He moved to Florida in the ‘90s where he obtained his Real Estate license in 1995 and practiced for over 30 years.

He loved his Brooklyn home where he escaped regularly to relax, fish and enjoy the country of his boyhood. He cared deeply about his community and was always known to help family, neighbors and friends when they were in need.

JEFF BROWN

Jeff Brown of Opelika/ Beauregard passed away on Saturday, July, 15 2023.

He was born in Athens, Alabama, on Aug. 16, 1960. He grew up on Brown’s corner and later moved to Opelika where he worked for Cannon Carpet for the last 35 years.

He is preceded in death by his father Charles (Charlie) Brown, mother Gladys Abernathy Brown, and brother Andy Brown.

He leaves behind his wife of 27 years, Tina Brown of Opelika; three sons Trace Tillery (Kayla), Justin Tillery (Katy) and Hunter Brown; seven grandchildren Kylan, Allie, Izzy, Conner, Gracey, Maddie and Paisley; brothers Randy Brown and Kevin Brown (Pam) of Athens, Alabama and a slew of nieces and nephews.

He was loved, respected

and he also inspired so many. With the biggest personality and voice to match. Jeff made an impact on anyone he came to know. Whether it was a contractor, client, doctor, nurse, his wife’s coworker’s, friends of his children or those at the store he stopped at every day. Jeff loved his family; loved his friend and his music.

Visitation was at JeffcoatTrant Funeral Home on Tuesday night, with the funeral service being held on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 at the chapel. Burial will be 12:30 p.m. CST on Friday, July 21, 2023, at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery.

NOAL MILLER

GARY

Gary Noal Miller passed away unexpectedly and was welcomed into Heaven by our Lord and Savior on July 15, 2023. Gary was born in Columbus, Georgia, on Nov. 7, 1955, to Mr. Jack Noal Miller and Jane Sands Miller. He is survived by his high school sweetheart and love of his life for 50 years, Dorinda Gunter Miller, and his two daughters, April Miller Reed Smith of Auburn, husband Jake Smith (Tad, Trent, Miller and Turner) and Tracy Miller Rush of Auburn, Alabama, husband Travis Rush (Trevor, Tatum and Tenley); and sister Debbie Miller Wojtowicz of Alpharetta, Georgia, husband Peter Wojtowicz.

Gary graduated from Scott Preparatory School in 1973. He and his father

opened Miller Mobile Homes in Opelika, in September 1973. This September will be Miller Homes’ 50th Anniversary. Gary and Dorinda were married on Aug. 20,1978 and have lived in Opelika for 45 wonderful years.

Gary was an active member and devoted much of his time to the First Baptist Church of Opelika where he served as a trustee, deacon, a member of the Helping Hands ministry and on various other committees. Gary lived out his faith daily by helping his church family and community.

Gary’s favorite thing to do was spend time with his family, especially his grandchildren. They made many special memories together, and he and Dorinda prioritized attending all of the children’s sporting events.

A visitation for Gary was held Tuesday, July 18, followed by a funeral service at First Baptist Church of Opelika. Gary was laid to rest at Garden Hill Cemetery. The officiant was the pastor of the First Baptist Church, the Rev. Jeff Meyers.

Contributions in Gary’s memory may be made to: First Baptist Church of Opelika 301 S. 8th St. Opelika, Alabama 36801. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Seamands said that very morning, in devotions with his wife Helen, they had read from 2 Corinthians 5:19-20. So it was fresh in his mind that he was God’s personal ambassador with His authority. So he took her by the hand and said, “Rosie, my name is Seamands. And I want you to know that God Himself personally sent me to tell you that Jesus died on the cross for you, and that He forgives you for that sins and all the rest of your sins.”

After they prayed together, Rosie said to Seamands, “What you said God told you to tell me was wonderful. I’m going to try and believe it.”

Seamands returned to the hospital to see Rosie only to learn that she died in the night. But a nurse who recognized Seamands told him Rosie gave her a message to give him: “Tell Reverend David that I did pray, and I did believe what God told me, and I’ve got peace in my heart, and everything between me and God is all right!”

Surely there is no greater honor in this life than to share the good news of God’s love with someone who, believing it, can experience the joy of knowing that “everything between me and God is all right!”

Grace Ruth Stone, age 90, passed away peacefully at her home on July 16, 2023, surrounded by her family. She was born on March 22, 1933, in Woodland, Alabama, to the late Verna and Shellie Thompson.

Grace was a member of Providence Baptist Church. She helped with Mother's Day Out at the Church and sang in the choir at one point. She was a lifelong Baptist, she was saved young and had a servants heart for God. She was loved by her family and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Grace is preceded in death by both of her late husband's, Roy Dunaway and Paul Stone; sister, Betty Jameson; brother, Loyce Thompson and brother-in-law's, Bill Jameson, Harold Gilreath, James Greene and Hobart McManus.

She is survived by her children, Wanda Willis (Ray), Denise Otter, Jennifer Dunson (Richard); grandchildren, Kevin Willis, Karen Andrews (Ed), Adam Otter (Amber), Brittany Otter, Cody Dunson; greatgrandchildren, Ashleigh Willis (Colton) Brookshire, Faye Willis, Anna Grace Andrews, Owen Andrews; sisters, Jean Haynes (Ralph), Shirley McManus, Carol Gilreath; brothers, Maxie Thompson (Anita), Joe Thompson (Barbara), Sammy Thompson (Carolyn) and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation was held on Wednesday, July 19, in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home with the funeral service following

the Chapel with Dr. Rusty Sowell officiating.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home handled all arrangements.

MARSHA SUMNERS RIDDLE

Marsha S. Riddle of Opelika was born at Lee County Hospital to the late Morris and Dorothy Sumners on Dec. 16, 1947, and passed away at Bethany House on July 14, 2023. She was 75 years old.

She was a member of Morris Chapel Methodist Church.

Marsha was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years Roy Jerrell Riddle.

Marsha is survived by daughters, Cristy Riddle Milner(Brent), Kimberly Riddle Yates(Alan); son, Jerrell Clint Riddle(Crystal Jenkins), grandchildren; Megan Fuller, Tessa McCormick, Lexie McCormick, Carter Milner, Kale Pickering, Jacie Jenkins and Carly Yates, great-granddaughter Aria Pangle; sisters, Dottie Jean Fetner(Marvin), Glenda Dubose(Wayne), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members.

Visitation was held at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home July 17, with the funeral service following in The Chapel with Dr. Rusty Sowell officiating. Interment followed at Garden Hills Cemetery.

Frederick-Dean is handled all arrangements.

GRACE RUTH THOMPSON DUNAWAY STONE

Panning From the Past — Part Two

can be painfully instructive, it can also be powerfully inspiring. The writer’s history lesson isn’t about the average rainfall in the Mediterranean, the political structure they lived under, or the leading export. He wants to tell them about people.

Teaching Minister at 10th Street Church of Christ in Opelika

RELIGION —

Last week I wrote about how the writer of Hebrews 11 points to the past and the importance of us learning to use the past constructively. This week we’ll look at two additional things he does.

2. He points them to people. If the past

But not just any people. People like them. People who had committed themselves to live for God — come what may. Everything didn’t start with us. History is full of men and women who were committed to living His story out before their culture. We impoverish ourselves if we fail to familiarize ourselves with their stories.

The people he writes about are heroes.

Heroes are always helpful to us, but especially when we’re up against the wall — when we’re tempted to “shrink back” (see 10:39). James Thompson writes, “Struggling people need heroes … The author of Hebrews knows the value of heroes for discouraged people.” They help us to see beyond our problems to our possibilities.

3. He points them to principles. Our greatest heroes are those whose lives are characterized by a deep and abiding faith. They don’t just talk about it — they live it. In Hebrews 11, they lived by certain principles. One principle was that through their faith, they saw the unseen.

There’s Noah the boatbuilder, Abraham the person who took off when God told him to go but didn’t tell him where, and Sarah, who was going to have a child in her old age. The journey of faith that we’re called to is predicated upon seeing the unseen. We haven’t physically seen Jesus, or God, or any of the people we read about in Scripture for that matter. But we see them and much, much more through the eyes of faith. Because they saw the unseen, the people of Hebrews 11 endured. Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born. (Can you imagine how hard it would be to hide a baby for three months?)

BIBLE VERSE OF THE WEEK

Moses grew up in Pharaoh’s palace but refused that identity and choose to suffer with the people of God. And Abraham endured three of the longest days ever as he took Isaac to Mt. Moriah to sacrifice him there.

Because they saw the unseen, the people of Hebrews 11 triumphed. Israel passed through the Red Sea while Pharaoh and his army drowned in it. The walls of Jericho fell down before the army of Israel. Three young Hebrew men emerged alive out of a furnace so hot the people who threw them in it were burned to death. But here’s the real truth we need to see — some of the people triumphed

CHURCH DIRECTORY

334-745-5181

ANGLICAN

The Good Shepherd Anglican Church

3015 Opelika Road, Opelika

APOSTOLIC HOLINESS

God’s House of Prayers Holiness Church 301 Highland Ave., Opelika

334-749-9672

BAPTIST

Beulah Baptist Church

5500 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-705-0538

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

Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 3089 Judge Brown Rd., Valley

334-710-2117

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

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

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

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

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

CHURCH OF CHRIST 10th Street Church Of Christ 500 N. 10th St., Opelika

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

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

CHURCH OF GOD

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

EPISCOPAL- AME Saint Luke AME Church

1308 Auburn St., Opelika

334-749-1690

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

METHODIST

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BRUCE GREEN

Speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. — Ephesians 4:15

The Greenhouse Venue is Open

What's Happening in Lee County

FARMER'S MARKETS

Tuesdays 3 to 6 p.m., O Grows Farmer’s Market, 1103 Glenn St., Opelika

Thursdays 3 to 6 p.m., Auburn University Ag Heritage Park Market, Auburn

Saturdays 8 to 11 a.m., Camp Hill, Mt. Lovely Baptist Church, 21900 Sen Claude Pepper Dr., Camp Hill (Hwy 50) through Sept. 30

Saturdays 8 to 11 a.m., Auburn City Market, Town Creek Park, Auburn through Aug. 26)

LEE/RUSSELL COUNTY LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP

SMITHS STATION —

The Greenhouse Venue is a new venue located in at 145 Lee Road 223 in Smiths Station.

In the short six months it has been open, people have come from all over Alabama and Georgia to take professionally styled photos, shop and sell at the monthly markets, to book a micro wedding,

SHERWOOD>>

FROM A7

beverage.

With Sherwood you get guitar, saxophone, huge songwriting and a voice that won him a Canadian Folk Music Award for Contemporary Singer; he brings everything and more to every stage he stands on.

A born story teller and a constant creator, his music dances the line between

GREEN >>

FROM A14

in life, but they all triumphed in death. It may or may not be that we’ll experience triumph in this life, but there’s no doubt it’s coming when this life is over.

host their own unique styled private party, or participate in a guided meditation in the relaxing greenhouse.

The Greenhouse hosts monthly markets with the next ones being held on:

- July 29

- Aug. 26 - Sept. 30 - Oct. 28

-Nov. 18.

Vendor applications are being accepted for all market dates and the cost

folk and pop. He is in a constant state of creative motion, yet his live performances thrive on intimacy. His persona is irresistible and completely destroys fourth walls. When the humble and hardworking musician takes to the stage, he delivers songs that dance the line between folk and pop; a natural storyteller, he adds much wit to his shows as he engages the audience with his lyrics,

Hebrews 11 is an amazing chapter!

No matter how many times we read it, we always find something to speaks to wherever we are on our journey. It provides a wonderful lesson for us to look to people from the past

is only $25 per vendor.

Attendance is free to the public and these are the only times the greenhouse and venue spaces are open to the public without reservations.

The next three guided meditations are:

- Aug. 1 - Aug. 30 - Sept. 28.

For more information, visit its Facebook or Instagram pages.

musicianship and his stage presence. Critics say “Born enigmatic performer. Brilliant lyrics. Lightening quick wit. Top notch all the way,” and “... a natural performer, a highly personable guy who entertains as much with his wit and stories as with his songs.” If it sounds like a concert that you don’t want to miss, you’re right!

For more information, go to sundillamusic.com.

who lived by godly principles and live not as people who shrink back and are destroyed but as those who faith and are saved.

You can find more of Bruce’s writings at his website: a-tasteof-grace-with-brucegreen.com.

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

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

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.

STANDING ROCK COMMUNITY HOLDS FUNDRAISER

ROANOKE, AL —

The Standing Rock Community Center Committee will have a Draw Down and Steak Dinner fundraiser on July 15, 2023, at 6 p.m. CT at Johnson Farms (1745 Louina St. in Roanoke, Alabama). Tickets are $100 and consist of a steak dinner for two and a chance to win cash prizes. For tickets, call 706-333-8559 or 706-586-0252. A limited number of tickets are being sold, and participants don’t have to be present to win. Proceeds benefit the Standing Rock, Alabama, Community Center Building Project.

NAMI MEETING

NAMI East Alabama, the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), will meet July 18, 2023, at 7 p.m.

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

season subscription, you can reserve a seat to every performance included within the Gogue Center’s regularly scheduled season lineup. Season subscriptions offer the highest discount on ticket prices, too —

CONTRIBUTED BY THE GREENHOUSE VENUE

The Greenhouse in Smiths Station is perfect for photo shoots, parties and other uses.

Schools & S

ports

BY D. MARK MITCHELL

DBB World Series Comes to Opelika

OPINION —

The city of Opelika and AO Tourism partnered with Dixie Boys Baseball (DBB) to host the 2023 Junior Dixie Boys World Series, beginning Friday (July 21) and running through Tuesday night.

The 12 team double-elimination World Series tournament features the following teams from10 different states: Jefferson Parrish, Louisianna, Brunswick County, North Carolina, Beaufort County, South Carolina, Charlotte County, Virginia, Oconee County, South Carolina, South Henderson, Tennessee, West (Columbus) Georgia, Columbus County, North Carolina, Palestine, Texas, Dothan, Alabama and host, Opelika.

Teams must checkin with Dixie Baseball officials Friday between 1 to 2 p.m. at the Sportsplex in Opelika. Each team will

receive a "Welcome Bag" and other novelties for advancing to the Junior DBB World Series.

Friday's activities include a mandatory coaches meeting at 2 p.m. in the Sportsplex. Teams report to West Ridge Park between 3 and 4:30 p.m. for their free meal prior to opening ceremonies.

The DBB Junior World Series will hold official Opening Ceremony starting at 5 p.m. Special guests include Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller, Auburn Mayor Ron Anders, Opelika City Council President Eddie Smith, Auburn University Baseball coach Butch Thompson, ESG team-Opelika Director Michael Hilyer, Parks and Recreation board members Rusty Melnick and Jasper Snipes, Recreation Director Sam Bailey, First Baptist Senior Pastor Dr. Jeff Meyer and AO Tourism's Anthony Terling.

See ON THE MARK, page B3

Coach Freeze at SEC Media Days— B6

Thursday, July 20, 2023

Opelika Dixie Youth Finish Runners-Up in State Tournament

Opelika Swim Team Receives

Honors From ASCA

CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF OPELIKA

OPELIKA —

Opelika Swim Team

Coach Tyler McGill was named one of the Top 50 Age Group Coaches of the Year by The American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA) and Fitter & Faster. McGill was the only coach Southeastern Swimming (SES) coach named to the list.

The Top 50 coaches were selected based on USA Swimming’s National Rankings data from May 1, 2022 through April 30, 2023 for both Long Course Meters (LCM) and Short Course Yard (SCY) for 12 and under swimmers.

ASCA also named the Opelika Swim Team No. 24 on their list of the 2023 Top 100 Age Groups Teams. The results were compiled using the Top 20 Individual USA National

Rankings in the 9-10 and 11-12 age groups for the 2022 Long Course season and 2022-23 Short Course season.

McGill was hired as the city of Opelika’s head swim coach in 2018. He was previously an assistant coach for Auburn

University’s swimming and diving program. McGill is a 2012 Olympic gold medalist and 15-time All-American.

Tyler McGill (left), has been the coach of the Opelika Swim Team since 2018.

The Opelika Dixie Youth Minor League All-Stars. Pictured front row left to right: Blaine Bryan, Masyn Wimberly, Brycen Credle, Briggs Hutto, Noah Peoples and Jack Corbitt.Middle row left to right: Jax Johnson, Troy Hill, Isaiah Lyles, Tucker Greer, Charlie Branch and Parker Risner. Coaches left to right: assistant coach TR Risner, head coach Kurt Branch and assistant coach Brandon Hutto.The Opelika Dixie Youth Minor League (9-10-year-olds) All-Stars this past weekend finished as runners-up in the Dixie Youth State Tournament in Greenville, Alabama. The Opelika team won the District 10 Championship in Auburn June 23. Opelika went 7-2 throughout the Disctict and State Tournament, including losing the state championship game, 4-3, on a walk-off single against Dothan American.

Fishing for Smiles: Zuggy Fishing Using Online Platform to Promote Positivity

BY NOAH GRIFFITH FOR THE OBSERVER

AUBURN —

“Thank y’all for watchin’. All glory to God. Be positive, just fish.”

This is the line Auburn University junior in marketing, known by those around him as Zuggy, uses to close out every YouTube video. Fishing has taught him to stay positive in hard times after spending a large portion of his childhood in the hospital battling an undiagnosed condition.

Now, he’s passing that on to thousands across TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.

“Positivity is such an important thing. It really can make or break someone’s day and change their outlook on life,” Zuggy said. “A huge part of my channel is to help people in that sense and bring a light to their day. Ultimately, that light that I can bring that day

— hopefully that leads people to the forever light of God.”

It all started in 2017, when people in his hometown of Mountainside, New Jersey, began asking about his fishing adventures.

“They were like, ‘Zuggy, Zuggy, you gotta start a YouTube channel,’” Zuggy recalled. “I was like: ‘alright, fine.’”

Not expecting much out of it, he went to YouTube that night and hit the “publish channel” button. Then, he hopped in the car with his family and rode about 18 hours down to Florida for vacation and filmed his first videos. After a handful of “cringe” videos, his posts simmered out — until the COVID-19 pandemic.

Zuggy hit 1,000 subscribers in two days from people in his community following him, but that number stayed relatively constant until he started back posting in March 2020, when he got up to

100,000 followers on TikTok. Now, he is sitting at over 83,000 subscribers on YouTube with around 250,000 followers on TikTok.

While he said he is grateful for the opportunity a following provides him to make a difference and document his life, it has never been about clout or popularity. It’s his love for fishing that

BY ZUGGY FISHING

getting followers — if that was my goal, I would’ve quit a long time ago.’ I had the same number of followers for the first two years,” Zuggy said. “Fishing is just such a great way to bond with others and have fun. It gets you outside, you can do it at any age, it can be very relaxing or a great adrenaline rush at the same time.”

fish last April, to killing and eating a python in Florida and then spending nine days in the hospital with bacterial pneumonia, to catching a 300-pound “Goliath Grouper,” his time at Auburn has been just as much about impacting lives and making memories as it has been about fishing.

got things started, and it has never faded.

Despite the disappointment of not being able to play sports in his childhood like the kids around him, his dad introduced him to fishing at 3-yearsold, and he was “hooked.” The goal in sharing his experiences is to help others find that same joy.

“I’ve always told myself: ‘If this was about

Since making the journey to Auburn from New Jersey in 2021, his fishing journey has expanded through new people and places. Zuggy is now part of the Auburn University Bass Fishing team, and he continues to post several times throughout the week on all platforms. Not only has he been able to make connections on the team and around Auburn, he’s made some memorable videos on the Plains.

From filming a video with Auburn basketball star Dylan Cardwell and helping him catch his first

SU’s Therapeutic Massage Program: An Ever-expanding Opportunity

CONTRIBUTED BY SUSCC/BY KATIE LAMAR JACKSON OPELIKA —

Looking for a meaningful, well-paid career that can take you places and that you can take anywhere? Southern Union (SU) State Community College’s Therapeutic Massage (TM) Program may be just the ticket.

According to TM program coordinator Kendall Yates, demand for licensed massage professionals is on the rise as more and more people recognize the health and wellness benefits provided by therapeutic massage, a fact that Yates said she learned through her own personal experience.

An alumnae of SU’s TM program, Yates found her way to the

field of massage therapy by accident and also because of an accident that occurred during her senior year at Troup High School in LaGrange, Georgia, she said. At the time, she was a stand-out softball player on track to realize her dream of joining the U.S. Women’s Olympic softball team. But three days before her senior prom, a horrific car crash left Yates temporarily paralyzed and, some 12 surgeries later, “pretty much metal from the waist down.” Her Olympic dream dashed, Yates switched her sights to a career as an athletic trainer and, still healing from the wreck, began taking her core classes at Southern Union’s Opelika cam-

pus. It was there that she heard about SU’s three-semester massage therapy certificate program, which at the time was taught in the evenings, and she said she realized it could be a perfect part-time job to help pay her way through college.

She entered the program expecting to learn a few basic massage techniques but quickly discovered it was so much more, she said.

“The amount of knowledge we were learning completely rocked my world,” she said. And because she and her fellow students honed their skills by working on each other, her own health improved, she said.

“I was able to walk a

“That was such an awesome day out on the water getting Dylan his first fish,” Zuggy said. “He was super hyped. We had some laughs and talked about his testimony as well. Really, really cool video.”

Ironically, even as he’s gained a following and had videos get millions of views, many people couldn’t tell you his real name. In his social media handles, he is under the name Zuggy and has become known as Zuggy Fishing. His name is Ryan Diskin, but his dad gave him the nickname

See FISHING, page B6

little better and my gait and my posture (which had been altered by the accident) began to change for the better,” she said. “I fell in love with the rehabilitation side of massage by going through it personally.”

Sure enough, Yates did put her massage therapy skills to work while she was in school, and they came in handy when she returned to SU in 2009 and ended up teaching in and then directing the entire TM program for six years. Though she left SU for a few years to work as a career coach at Calhoun Community College and in local schools in north Alabama, by 2019 Yates was back in east-central

See SUSCC, page B5

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Zuggy is a junior Auburn University student who has gained attention for his social media fishing accounts.

A SUSCC student participating in the college's Therapeutic Massage (TM) Program.

Ambassadors of Change Hosting Back-to-School Bash

BY ETHAN STAMPER FOR THE OBSERVER

—

OPELIKA

More than 40 businesses, churches and organizations have banded together to host a Back-to-School Bash event for the city of Opelika.

The Ambassadors of Change is a collection of local nonprofits and businesses that came together to combine their resources in order to have the largest impact on the Opelika community as possible. The group formed roughly two and a half years ago with the idea to coordinate schedules and put on events with a wider impact.

“The purpose was

TIFFANY GIBSON

to bring all of the nonprofit organizations and social clubs together to get one calendar so everyone would know what the other is doing, and to look at different opportunities that we can partner on versus having small events,” said Tiffany Gibson,

founder of the local nonprofit Girls STEPS Inc. “We can put all of our resources together and have one large event so that we can reach more people and be more impactful, and this [Back-to-School Bash] is one of those events”

Girls STEPS Inc. is a nonprofit organization with the purpose to empower, inspire and motivate school-age girls by exposing them to various culturally enriched activities that will prepare them for success. Gibson founded the organization in 2015 and it has continued to grow ever since.

“I am a school counSee BACK-TO-SCHOOL, page B4

ON THE MARK >> FROM B1

After introduction of guests each team will be introduced as they enter the field; Meyers will give the invocation and Melodie Wood will sing the National Anthem. Fuller and Anders will welcome the teams, family and friends.

Thompson is the keynote speaker and will speak to those in attendance.

The tournament gets underway with two games at 6 p.m., including host Opelika. Friday's games include West Georgia versus Columbus County (NC) on field 2, and Palestine, Texas, versus Opelika on field 2.

The finals are scheduled for Tuesday at 6 p.m. See bracket in paper.

iHEARTRADIO HOSTS SIXTH HIGH SCHOOL MEDIA DAYS PRESENTED BY THE ORTHOPAEDIC CLINIC JULY

25-26

The local iHeartRadio team of Van Riggs, Jeff Sasser, Richard LaGrange, Jason Lee and myself are set to host High School Media Days represented by the Orthopedic Clinic for the sixth year in a row on July 25 and 26.

The two-day media blitz hosted by iHeartRadio at the Bottling Plant Event Center will feature AHSAA Executive Director Alvin Briggs, AISA Athletic Director Roddie Beck and 20 head coaches representing their school. This year's media day is the largest to date, featuring two new teams, Handley and Booker T. Washington.

You can listen to iHeartRadio’s High School Media Days's on WZMG FOX Sports the Game, online at foxsportsthegame.com and on the AHSAA TV partner WOTM-TV.

Day one begins with AHSAA Executive

Director Alvin Briggs at 8 a.m., followed by Valley, Dadeville, LaFayette, Springwood, Loachapoka, Booker T. Washington, Russell County, Beulah, Beauregard, Handley and Auburn.

Day two (July 26) starts at 8 a.m. with AISA Athletic Director Roddie Beck, followed by Chambers, Southern Prep, Lee-Scott, Notasulga, Lanett, Glenwood, Benjamin Russell, Reeltown, Smiths Station, Tallassee and Opelika.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM

I want to take this opportunity to wish my mother, Bettye L. Mitchell, a happy birthday. Nana turned 83 on July 17.

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

Serve to Lead Team Makes First Visit to Albania

BY NOAH GRIFFITH FOR THE OBSERVER

GLENWOOD — Glenwood baseball coach Tim Fanning and his Serve to Lead team are no strangers to mission trips and serving through teaching baseball in foreign countries. But this trip was different from the others.

Fanning and his home team of six, including his wife and two daughters, and two of his former players, set off to join team members from California, eventually travelling to a country neighboring Macedonia, Austria and Great Britain — the southern European country of Albania. Albania is located on the southern entrance to the Adriatic Sea, and unlike other trips they’ve been on, Albanians have not been long accustomed to working with other nationalities — much less playing the game of baseball.

“Some of the kids, when you rolled them the ball they would kick it like a soccer ball,” Fanning said humor-

ously and seriously at the same time. “It was something new. They were communist until 1989, and their borders were closed. Now, if you’re American, you can stay an entire year without getting a visa. That’s how much they want to embrace democracy and try to get Americans to come to Albania.

“The coolest thing for me to see was, we’ve never done a trip with that many nationalities involved, and to have one common purpose and for everybody to enjoy each other was pretty amazing.”

Despite the language barrier, the team was able to teach the basics of baseball, donate equipment and clothing and visit local churches, all while sharing their love for God and their life journeys. While only scheduled to work with one group on the trip, the Serve to Lead team was able to visit three different locations in Albania and Macedonia, developing relationships with the kids as well as

coaches who could continue to build off of their work after the trip.

A language barrier is nothing new for Fanning and his team, but the coach said technology such as google translate, as well as having a translator with them, helps with communication. Although, the game of baseball can often times be demonstrated without words.

A game of whiffle ball each afternoon in the town square was all it

took to see the joy the kids had playing the game and to engage the community. They didn’t even need a field. Maybe all it takes is a whiffle ball and a bat, and they’ll come, as they say.

“We met people from Syria, Kosovo and actually several Americans — a family from Arkansas, one from New Jersey, one from Boston — and people from Spain, so it was really a huge cultural experience for our team,” Fanning

said.

While working hard to serve those in need, the Serve to Lead group, as Fanning explains in his book “Serve to Lead,” adapted to a new culture and took in the unique scenery around them. Also bordering Greece as well as the Adriatic Sea, Albania features unique scenery that the group soaked in.

“Everything started about 20 minutes late, but on these trips, you learn to adapt and make

the best of it,” Fanning said. “It was a beautiful place. The country had mountains, but it’s only along the coast of the Adriatic Sea. So we went to visit a very historic castle one day, and another day we went to the beach. It was cool to see those two sides of it.”

Throughout the team’s work on the trip, Serve to Lead began to make connections and plan for a trip to revisit the country that was so enthused to welcome them in, according to Fanning. The trip to Albania that began in Tirana was the team’s second of two mission trips this summer, after first making a visit to the Dominican Republic in June.

Serve to Lead is a nonprofit organization and welcomes anyone who feels led to help support its mission. To donate or find out more about how to get involved, visit servetolead2.com or check out its work on social media (@servetoleadteam on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter).

BACK-TO-SCHOOL >>

FROM B3

selor by trade, and I've worked in schools now for 21 years,” Gibson said. “I started Girls STEPS because, while I was a counselor at a secondary school, we were having issues with girls. So, I created a girl group at the school and I had more people from the community who stated that they would love for their child to be in such a program.”

The formation of the Ambassadors of Change allows nonprofits like Girls STEPS Inc. to have a larger impact on the community through their combined pooling of resources.

“We can do so much together,” Gibson said. “When we were separate, a lot of these groups were only getting 25 kids or so; but when we put all of our resources together, we are able to provide many more school supplies, but also serve more people in our community.”

The Back-to-School Bash is proof of what

can be accomplished with a larger pool of resources and a common goal. Last year, the event served over 400 youth in the Opelika community, and this year they are projected to serve even more. The event will offer giveaways, registration stations, school supplies, Spanish interpreters, college and military recruiters and access to school officials. Parents are required to accompany their child to the event and can be entered into giveaways for gift cards and supplies after attending parent’s sessions with their child.

“It is very important that parents understand the education of their children takes teamwork,” Gibson said. “It requires them, the child, the school system and the community to come together to make sure everybody's doing their part so our kids can be more successful.”

The Back-to-School bash will be held July 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Covington Recreation Center located at 213 Carver Ave. in Opelika.

Some of the Serve to Lead spending time teaching baseball basics to local children in Albania.

The Serve to Lead team, led by Glenwood head baseball coach Tim Fanning, spent time on a mission trip in Albania and Macedonia teaching the local community about baseball.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY SERVE TO LEAD

UTSA Junior Tennis Championships Arrive in AU

SUSCC Hosts Skills for Success Bootcamp

CONTRIBUTED BY SUSCC

WADLEY —

Southern Union State Community College

(SUSCC) held its first

Skills for Success

Bootcamp on the Wadley campus June 5 through 9.

Skills for Success is a rapid workforce training program launched by the Alabama Community College System’s Innovation Center. The program is offered at no cost to participants.

“Through Skills for Success we are able to offer training that our community members need to quickly secure good paying jobs,” said SUSCC president Todd Shackett. ”This means more people are able to have the opportunity for a successful career.”

Eighteen people received certificates in recognition of their completing training.

Six people earned their CDL Class B and twelve earned credentials related to the operation of three types of heavy equipment. Several potential employers were in attendance at the program and are very interested in hiring these graduates.

“The number one challenge for businesses right now is finding and keeping skilled workers; this training allows people to expand their skill set and earn specific training that can translate straight to the workplace,” Shackett said.

For more information on Skills for Success go to innovation.accs.edu. For more information on the technical and workforce development division at SUSCC contact Joffrey Moore, director of technical education, at jmoore@suscc.edu.

Alabama and soon serving again as SU’s TM program coordinator.

The program, which admits students annually in small cohorts (typically no more than 20 students per cohort), is designed to blend classroom learning with hands-on experience. Students not only work on one another, they also hold weekly community clinics (Tuesdays and Thursdays) and provide other hands-on outreach activities. In addition, they interact with and are supported by local community leaders and partners, including spas and other related business eager to recruit graduates.

According to Yates, the program prepares students to “hit the ground running” toward a wide variety of careers options ranging from self-employment to working at health clubs, medical clinics, chiropractor offices, athletic departments, spas, salons and holistic health centers.

Demand for SU’s TM graduates is already high — the program boasts a near 100-percent job placement rate — and it’s growing, which is one reason SU launched Alabama’s first-of-its-kind associ-

ate’s degree in Wellness and Therapeutic Massage in 2022.

Both the certificate and degree-track programs prepare students to sit for massage therapist board exams, but the associate’s degree track also certifies them in CPR, first aid, wellness and personal training and can open doors to other four-year degrees.

To meet demand, the popular program is expanding this fall to the Wadley campus where it can serve students in Randolph and surrounding counties. It will also better serve SU’s athletic program, which is centered on the Wadley campus, by allowing massage therapy students to work more closely with student athletes to meet their modality, recovery and rehabilitation needs.

For Shatequa Caldwell, a recent graduate of the Wellness and Therapeutic Massage degree program, it’s that kind of hands-on opportunity that made her love her time at SU, she said.

Originally from Camp Hill and now living in Tallassee, Alabama, Caldwell discovered the TM program when she decided to go back to school after an eightyear hiatus. By then she had three young daughters and was nervous about returning to the

classroom, she said, especially as an older-than-average student. But she also said she knew that massage therapy was the career route she wanted to take because of her own firsthand experience with its healing powers.

“After I had my last daughter, I started getting massages to help with post-partum depression,” she said. “It was a game-changer for me, and it helped me so much physically and mentally that I knew that’s the route I wanted to go to pursue a career.”

Caldwell loved the small class sizes, handson training and straightforward instruction style, but she especially loved being surrounded by like-minded fellow students who encouraged one another.

“We were like family,” she said.

Caldwell finished the certification program in December 2022 and graduated in May with her Wellness and Massage Therapy associate’s degree. Even before graduating, Caldwell had landed a job at Absolute Therapy in Auburn where she works as a receptionist and massage therapist.

“I don’t think anyone coming out of this program will have trouble getting a job,” she said. “I feel like the options are endless.”

Caldwell said her current job is “amazing” and has already helped her expand her massage therapy skills while showing her how to run a business. Eventually, Caldwell hopes to expand into sports massage therapy, which she was exposed to by working on SU’s athletes, and someday start her own practice, she said.

“The program can be for anyone at any stage of life,” Caldwell said. “No matter how old or young you are, or whether you have kids or don’t have kids, there is flexibility in the program for everybody to succeed.”

With that in mind, Yates said she hopes to add yet another option to the TM lineup — restarting an evening program to offer further accessibility for people who work or have other daytime responsibilities.

And she wants people to know this: “Whether you make it your fulltime career or not, you can take this profession anywhere and set up shop,” she said. “The sky’s the limit.”

To learn more about the TM program and its application process, contact SU’s Health Sciences admission or advising offices at 334-745-6437 or email Yates at kyates@suscc. edu. Registration for fall semester at Southern Union is now open.

The Junior Team Tennis Alabama Championships were held in Auburn July 14 through 16. The UTSA tournament was hosted at both the Yarbrough Tennis Center and the Auburn Intramural Courts.

Auburn University Student Center Gets an LED Video Upgrade

CONTRIBUTED BY SNA DISPLAYS

AUBURN — Auburn University

upgraded its Harold D. Melton Student Center with the addition of a BOLD™ Interior LED screen from SNA Displays. The project was led by Electrical Technicians, Inc (ETI).

The center, which serves as a “home away from home for Auburn University Students,” contains study areas, student lounges, gaming spaces, meeting rooms and a ballroom where the new direct-view LED is located. The new display is elevated and custom-mounted into the wall and support pillar at the back of the third-floor ballroom.

The LED screen is 8'10" x 15’9" and employs a 2.5 mm pixel pitch at a high-definition resolution of 1,080 x 1,920 pixels, meaning the display system processes more than 2

million total pixels.

“Direct-view LEDs can be a perfect fit for multi-purpose spaces like the Melton Center ballroom,” said AJ Faxel, director of sports and live events at SNA Displays. “Whether its use-case is a liveevent broadcast, an eSports competition, informational in nature or just a mood-

setting canvas, these display products offer universities and other event venues needed flexibility.”

To learn more, visit SNA Displays’ Auburn University Student Center portfolio page.

ABOUT SNA DISPLAYS

SNA Displays brings creative visions to life by building high-end digital displays as

vivid and dynamic as the imagination. SNA Displays employs a team of SNAPros™ — engineers, skilled project managers, systems experts, installation managers and support staff — whose mission is total project satisfaction. SNA Displays is headquartered in Times Square and has

worked with clients to design and build some of the largest and most recognizable digital spectaculars in the world. Discover how Dreams Live Digitally® at snadisplays.com.

ABOUT ELECTRICAL TECHNICIANS, INC. ETI is an experienced electrical contractor in the industrial market that installs all types

and sizes of conduit and cable to meet customer specs. As a full-service industrial contractor with more than 25 years of experience, ETI specializes in the following areas: power distribution, automation, machine wiring, custom control panels, network cabling and more. For further information, visit etiga.com.

Freeze Takes Podium at SEC Media Days

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

NASHVILLE, TENN —

Auburn head football coach Hugh Freeze admitted at SEC Media Days in Nashville Tuesday that his team may have some deficiencies this season.

But the Tigers boast a revamped roster in 2023, with Freeze’s winter arrival coinciding with a spring that overhauled nearly half the roster through the transfer portal and the arrival of the 2023 freshmen class. Tuesday afternoon, Freeze talked about where the Tigers are just over a month away from the season opener at home against UMass, touching on what it means as a coach to make it back to the SEC, what things

he focused on in the early days of his time on the Plains, the coaching staff, position battles, Auburn’s place among the SEC and nation’s best and much more.

1. What does it mean to make it back to SEC and Auburn in particular?

When Freeze resigned from Ole Miss in 2017 following negative off-thefield conduct reports, he admitted that at the time he didn’t see a way back to coaching at the highest level of competition in college football, the SEC. But Freeze said he believes how people respond to failure mostly greatly defines them.

“Truthfully, when the ending at Ole Miss occurred it was hard to process would you ever get that opportunity again,” Freeze said. “I tell people

all the time that I think one of the greatest judges of people are when you experience disappointment or failure … those are tough circumstances, but how a person responds and reacts to those probably tells you more about them than the

successes do. So, I would be less than truthful with if you if after we started to have success with Liberty … did the thought start creeping in [my] mind that certain opportunities might present themselves again? Yes.”

PHOTO BY AU ATHLETICS / AUSTIN PERRYMAN

2. What are the first things he tried did to implement a new culture at AU?

Freeze was hired by Auburn following the Tigers’ two tumultuous seasons under head coach Bryan Harsin, during

which Auburn amassed a 11-14 combined record. According to Freeze, one of the first things he addressed when he arrived to the Plains was restoring pride in the Auburn culture and family.

“Our culture in based on faith, attitude, mental toughness, integrity and love,” Freeze said. “And what do those things mean to us? The bottom line is, if we are going to re-establish Auburn being what Auburn should be we must have faith in each other. That’s probably where it needed to begin because I think that was lost for whatever reason. What I did sense coming in that the faith in the whole family of Auburn football was fractured somewhat. And I think that is where I had to start in trying to repair that.”

See FREEZE, page B7

before he could talk, and it just stuck.

“The way my dad explains it to me is, when I was little, there was this one Nissan car commercial that I really liked that went ‘Zoom,

zoom zoom.’ I wasn’t old enough to pronounce it really well, so I would say ‘zug’ instead of ‘zoom,’” Zuggy said. “People I’ve known for years don’t even know my real name is Ryan. I never say it in my videos. Zuggy is just what everyone calls me.”

His dad gave him the

name, but he also helped set the example of how powerful positivity can be.

Another doctor’s appointment. Another surgery. More confusion. That was a lot of his childhood, but his parents stayed strong through it all. His dad played a big part in teaching him to keep an optimistic mindset and got him involved in fishing — two things that changed his life.

To this day, the doctors don’t know what causes the fluid leaking to his brain — the best they can do is put in a stint to stop it. Even so, he keeps smiling through it all.

“Stay positive, just fish” is his motto, and he gives God the credit for allowing him to live that out every day.

“Jesus saved my life, and I glorify his name through these videos,” Zuggy said. “That’s the number one reason why I do this at the end of the day.”

The Harold D. Melton Studnet Center last week unveiled in its ballroom the addition of a BOLD Interior LED screen from SNA Displays.

FISHING >> FROM B2

Auburn University head football coach Hugh Freeze spoke at SEC Media Days in Nashville Tuesday, July 18.

Goodwill Southern Rivers To Award $100,000 In Educational Scholarships

Students Will Receive Gap Grants to Help Cover Tuition & Other Expenses

CONTRIBUTED BY GOODWILL SR

COLUMBUS, GA. —

Goodwill Southern Rivers (Goodwill) today announced it will be awarding up to $100,000 in educational scholarships to students in its 50-county territory who are seeking to further their education. The scholarships are made possible by the generosity of donors and shoppers who round up at the register in Goodwill stores. They are designed

to bridge the gap that often exists between a student’s financial aid package and the total expense of attending school including tuition, books, equipment, housing, etc.

Since the establishment of the roundup scholarship program in 2022, over 100 students have been awarded more than $87,000 in scholarships. This year Goodwill is planning to help even more students in its local territory and has raised the scholar-

ship amount to $100,000. Goodwill is now accepting applications for the 2023 Round-Up Scholarship Program. Scholarship recipients will be awarded up to $500 each for tuition, books, equipment, housing, etc.

Students who are attending a university, tech school, GED program, or any industry recognized credentialing program are eligible and encouraged to apply as soon as possible. The application period ends July 31 at

11:59 p.m.

Goodwill Vice-President of Mission Services, Tricia Llewellyn-Konan, added, “This initiative aligns directly with our mission of changing lives through the power of work. As such, we stand ready to support the recipients with job placement services and support once they graduate.”

For more information and to apply visit www. goodwillsr.org/scholarship

ABOUT GOODWILL

SOUTHERN RIVERS

Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers (GoodwillSR) is one of 155 independent, community-based Goodwill nonprofits across the United States and Canada. Headquartered in Columbus, Georgia, GoodwillSRM serves 50 counties throughout east Alabama and west Georgia. We provide employment readiness training, computer access, educational assis-

tance, skills workshops and more to spur job placement and economic stability in the communities we serve. We can provide these and other programs thanks to continued donations of giving patrons. We use the revenue generated in GoodwillSR stores to fund the majority of our community services. For more information about Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers, visit www.goodwillsr.org.

3. What is the offensive system going to look like?

When former Tulsa head coach Phillip Montgomery was announced as Freeze’s offensive coordinator hire, given Freeze’s resume and acumen for play calling, questions immediately arose regarding who would direct the Tigers’ offense from the sideline. Tuesday, Freeze spoke about his play calling ability and eluded to the alignment that he and Montgomery have and how that will lead to good things for the Tigers.

“I needed help,” Freeze said he realized when he got to Auburn. “The first priority was hire somebody that does and believes exactly what I do offensively. We are running the same system that I have always run, that has worked everywhere I have been. But Phillip has helped me with terminology. Game planning is a combination of a lot of people. And obviously Phillip will be the primary play caller but obviously I have the right to step in and say I need to see something. Phillip has been in the head coaching seat and the coordinator seat, and he gets that. I have great trust in him and have

been very impressed. He’s going to be the play caller unless I want to step in; that happens all the time.”

4. What is the status of the QB battle?

Freeze spoke candidly Tuesday about Auburn’s starting quarterback battle between Robby Ashford, Payton Thorne and Holden Geriner. Ashford started most of the games in 2022;

Thorne has the experience however, transferring from Michigan State this summer after two years as the Spartans’ starter. Freeze called Thorne’s leadership qualities “intrinsic” and said he expects to gain clarity on the top of the depth chart early in fall camp.

“Quarterback-wise, that’s going to be a challenge for us,” Freeze said. “Truthfully, I am a lot more optimistic than most people are, I think we have a great room. We have been able to do things with the quarterbacks everywhere we have been and produced the results to win. Obviously we want to create competition in that room. What [Thorne] adds to that room right now is incredible leadership.”

5.Where does Auburn fit in to new SEC format and 12-team playoff?

With the SEC adding Texas and Oklahoma to

its ranks in 2024, and the College Football Playoff Committee’s decision to expand the postseason playoffs from four to 12 teams, Freeze said he expects the Tigers to be in the mix of the conference’s top half soon rather than later, allowing the opportunity for the Tigers to be considered in championship talks at the end of regular seasons.

“I would see us in the upper-echelon of this conference,” Freeze said.

“We have the facilities, we have the support, we have the administration and we are in an area that football is important and an area that you can recruit to. I do believe that the ’24 and ‘25 recruiting cycle will tell a large portion of the story. But we have to start closing the gap on the elite programs in this conference, and when you add Texas and Oklahoma only increases the competition. Hopefully we can create a culture where kids want to come to Auburn and stay at Auburn. I see no reason why Auburn shouldn’t be in the upper half and competing every year. If you’re in the upper half of this conference and you get a break here or there, you’re in the playoffs. And that’s where I see Auburn.”

6. How will new additions through transfer portal fare?

Auburn added a total of 40 new players to its roster this offseason through the transfer portal and the 2023 freshmen class. Freeze spoke Tuesday about transfers Brian Battie (running back, USF) and Caleb Burton (wide receiver, Ohio State) in particular, and the impact they can have this season.

“Really excited about both those young men,” Freeze said. “[Battie] is wiggling through holes and falling forward, and I think he’s going to add great value to us. Caleb Burton … his high school tape is phenomenal. Now we are able to get four years with him. I think, wide receiver wise, for our offense to work we have to have production there and be able to win some one-onone’s there. I think I am a ways away from saying exactly where we are.”

7. How are you handling financial literacy with players and NIL?

In the new age of NIL, it is imperative for universities to encourage and guide players towards handling their brand in an educated manner. Freeze spoke Tuesday on what Auburn is doing to achieve

just that, and the overall status of NIL.

“The education part is absolutely vital,” Freeze said. “I have five people that work in that arena; they don’t have anything to do with football; they deal with our player development and how we are going to educate them. And then, once a deal is done with On To Victory, they have an incredible board that is set up with financial advisors that are willing to help them do that. I tell every kid that you are very wise if you take us up on the resources we are offering you. I think it is incredible that young men get to benefit. Do I think that at some points it needs some more parameters around it? Of course. But If we are not educating them, then we are just setting them up for more issues.”

8. How close is the talent on Auburn’s roster to the standard of the best in the SEC?

Freeze said he knows it will take intense work to get the Auburn roster to a level comparable to that of the back-to-back National Champion Georgia Bulldog or the dynasty that is Alabama under Nick Saban, but stressed how he believes Auburn’s talent has improved since his

arrival.

“I love our team,” he said. “They are my team; they are Auburn’s team; and we are going to coach the heck out of them. Do I think we have improved Auburn with the additions since we have been there? Yes. Does that mean we closed the gap at all? I have no clue. What I do know is we improved Auburn. What I hope that means is that we somehow closed the gap enough to, if we have a good gameplan, to be in some of those games in the fourth quarter and have maybe a shot to pull an upset. But it’s too early for me to really say.”

Freeze was also answered questions about his acumen for second half adjustments, the rivalries with Georgia and Alabama, his relationship with SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey, the lingering questions regarding junior running back Jarquez Hunter following his offseason off-the-field issues — which he denied comment on — and more. But the one thing Freeze continuously reverted back to, however, was how much he believes Auburn has improved from its position last year. In about six weeks, the world will begin to find out just how much.

L labama Politics ee County & A

Thursday, July 20, 2023

Inside the Statehouse

If Alabama Loses Space Command, It's Because We Lost Shelby

Guess what, Shelby wanted the study to say that Huntsville was the place.

Auburn City Council Develops Policies On Citizens’ Communications

STEVE FLOWERS

OPINION —

Make no mistake about it, the decision as to where the heralded National Space Command Headquarters will be located is political. If you think otherwise, you are politically naïve.

Sen. Richard Shelby is the reason and only reason that the federal military officials even considered moving Space Command from Colorado to Huntsville, Alabama, in the first place, period. Folks, you are just beginning to see the impact Shelby’s retirement meant to the state of Alabama.

Our freshman congressional members and even state and Huntsville leaders are continually referring to the results of a commission study that supposedly analyzed the qualifications and best locations for the Command Center and Huntsville was the best choice. Commissions and studies like that are created every day of the week by Washington’s most powerful senators to justify what they want to accomplish.

The bottom line is the only reason there was any consideration towards moving the facility from Colorado to Alabama was Shelby, and the only reason that it might not be moving is because he is gone. I knew at the time of the announcement that Space Command Headquarters might move to Alabama, that if Shelby did not get it actually moved before he retired that it would probably never happen.

Our two new senators, Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt, do not have the power to impact the final decision on Space Command’s location. Seniority is omnipotent in the U.S. Senate. Britt is 99th out of 100 and Tuberville is 93rd. They have a vote and that is it. Huntsville even has a freshman congressman in Dale Strong. He is less than irrelevant as a new face in the 435-member House. It will be 10 years before they know he is even there. Strong and Britt have been in the House and Senate less than six months. If truth be known, with us having this little clout in Washington, I doubt that Huntsville is even on the radar screen for the headquarters. Huntsville should not feel so badly about the Biden Administration leaving Space Command in Colorado, it was crumbs compared

CORRECTION

to what Shelby loaded Huntsville up with in the last decade anyway. This Space Command deal is more for prestige than it is for jobs and dollars. Shelby brought most of the high tech and aerospace dollars in the country to Huntsville, which is what matters. Much more importantly, he moved most of Washington to Huntsville, including the FBI Headquarters. Folks, that is real power. It is unlikely that Alabama or any other state in the nation will ever see the power wielded by Richard Shelby in the nation’s history.

King Shelby was more powerful than the president, whether it be Trump or Biden. As chairman of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee and chairman of the Subcommittee on Armed Services Appropriations, he called the shots when it came to the U.S. military. When he spoke, the generals listened.

Unfortunately, when Britt and Tuberville speak, the military generals are cordial, but they could not care less what Britt and Tuberville say. In defense of Britt and Tuberville, they are giving it their all as freshman senators.

The liberal writers in Alabama have castigated Tuberville

See FLOWERS, page B10

BY HANNAH GOLDFINGER HGOLDFINGER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

AUBURN — Following the regularly scheduled items at the Tuesday night Auburn City Council meeting, and before thecitizens’ open forum began, Auburn Mayor Ron Anders issued a statement to the council and city.

Beginning immediately, during citizens’ open forum, there are new rules in place governing these interactions between citizens and the public body.

“In support of and respect for open and fair and informed decision-making process, the city council recognizes that civil and respectful and courteous discourse and behavior are conducive to the democratic and harmonious airing

of concerns and decision making.

“However, uncivil discourse and/or discourteous or inappropriate behavior have a negative impact on the character and productivity of the decision-making process.

“In an effort to preserve the intent of open government and maintain a positive environment for citizen input and council decision-making, the council has adopted a set of citizens’ open forum procedures, which set forth the rules of decorum and civility which govern this part of our council meetings.”

Anders said that the information will be available to any citizen during council meetings by the door.

Part of these regulations include:

- A respectful and civil tone

- Citizens should not

debate - Address the council as a whole.

“It is not easy for me, as the mayor and the chair of these city council meetings, to administer these rules of decorum in the moment, in fact, sometimes it’s very, very difficult,” Anders said. “But I assure you, going forward, I stand ready and willing to preserve civility and decorum in these meetings and to prevent disruption and facilitate an orderly meeting.”

OTHER BUSINESS:

- The council approved a restaurant retail liquor ABC license for Par Fore LLC doing business as Bunkers at 250 W. Glenn Ave.

- The council authorized a temporary street closure on Armstrong Street for the Pine Hill Lantern Tour on Oct. 19

See AUBURN, page B11

Opelika City Council Approves PUD for The Landing Entertainment District

BY MICHELLE KEY MICHELLE@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

OPELIKA —

Having been tabled for several weeks, the Opelika City Council voted Tuesday night to reinstate a proposed ordinance involving the rezoning of nearly 15 acres of land located at Gateway Drive and Interstate 85. The proposed ordinance changes the zoning of the acreage from C-2 to a planned unit

development (PUD). The project will be known as the The Landing Entertainment District. The council then voted to approve the zoning changes.

According to the agenda packet, the proposed revised development plan is a mixed commercial development consisting of a coffee shop, a Texas Roadhouse Restaurant, retail outlets, restaurants, quick service restaurants with drive thrus, hotels and

an outdoor recreational facility. A fueling station and welcome center has already been constructed within the boundaries of the PUD. The development will take access by extending Capps Landing across Gateway Drive and by extending Capps Drive across Gateway Drive. IN OTHER BUSINESS - The council approved a request for a retail wine and beer offpremise alcohol license

See OPELIKA, page B11

In the article printed July 13, titled Concerned Citizens of Opelika Host National Night Out, we mistakenly reported that Oscar Penn had served as the Ward 2 Council Member. Penn serves as a community liaison in the Together Opelika program.

'Like a Box of Chocolates’: Signing Your Books is Lost Tradition

or 30 years ago.

Writing our names in books is generally pegged to our childhood. Children scribble their names so they don’t get mixed with those of their friends. My mother, I recall, was not upset when I signed my name to books. But she was perturbed when I scrawled my name on the kitchen walls.

A website called Bookswritten notes that youngsters don’t want to lose their books, because they will need them in class.

“I just hate spoiling my book, apart from academic texts of course,” said Sparsh Mudgat of Ghaziabad, India. “But no, never will write my name on any book. It is just weird. We had enough of that in school. I think now is the time we move past that habit (signing or spilling something on the pages).”

of communication at East Carolina University published a promising book, “The Voice of Reason: Eric Sevaraid’s CBS Commentaries”. It is available online.

and Jack Hawkins, Jr. of Troy University.

OPINION —

Maybe 10 years ago, I bought an old copy of “Not So Wild a Dream.” I knew about Eric Sevaraid’s 1946 book on his life growing up in North Dakota and Minnesota and his travels as a young journalist. Knowing of his eloquent commentaries on CBS in the 1960s and 1970s, I was delighted to find this book. Inside, the book was signed by a well-known

Lee-Countian: David Housel. He is director of athletics emeritus at Auburn University, having served as director of athletics from 2004 through 2006. He was the department's sports information director, 1981 to 1994. Housel is an avid reader as well as an author. Those in younger generations might be astonished to hear that people routinely signed their own books. I explain why this tradition was popular until 20

“A teacher, a senior or another friend could easily identify the owner of the lost book and return it,” said writer D’ipanjenah Ali.

Another motivation for people to sign their books is they enjoy labeling and personalizing. It is often a reflection of old habits. It distinguishes your ownership. As one woman described it, “I stopped writing my name on books ever since I stopped lending them out. But I like my books personalized.”

Eric Sevareid wrote “Not so Wild a Dream,” the book that Auburn’s David Housel put his signature to. He was one of a group of elite war correspondents hired by CBS newsman Edward R. Murrow. Sevareid was the first to report the Fall of Paris in 1940, after the city was captured by German forces in World War II.

Sevaraid presented beautifully written commentary from 1963 (I was 7) to 1977 (I was 21). He was sometimes disparagingly called “Eric Several Sides” but I learned the importance of being an “honest broker” instead of a divisive advocate. In 2017, T. Harrel Allen, a professor

Supreme Court Decision Exposes Alabama's Historic Voter Suppression, Highlights Ongoing Efforts to Limit Voter Participation

CONTRIBUTED BY LIBERTARIAN PARTY OF ALABAMA

—

ALABAMA

The recent landmark Supreme Court decision addressing racial gerrymandering has brought Alabama's historic voter suppression practices to the forefront. The ruling not only exposed contemporary issues related to redistricting but also shed light on Alabama's troubling history of voter suppression efforts. This announcement by the Libertarian Party of Alabama aims to draw attention to ongoing voter suppression and advocate for fair representation and equal access to the elec -

toral process.

In a 5-to-4 vote, the Supreme Court reaffirmed the importance of the Voting Rights Act and emphasized the need for fair representation for all citizens. The Court recognized the discriminatory redistricting plan implemented by Alabama's Republican-dominated legislature, which systematically denied African American voters a reasonable chance to elect a second representative of their choice. This ruling serves as a precedent that could prompt other states with significant Black populations to reevaluate their own redistricting

practices.

The decision also highlights Alabama's troubled past, including the abolition of direct election to the electoral college in response to the civil rights movement. This regressive action aimed to undermine the voting power and representation of marginalized communities, perpetuating a pattern of systemic voter suppression.

In addition to historical voter suppression, Alabama's current restrictive ballot access laws marginalize voter choice. New political parties or statewide independent candidates, excluding the presiden -

cy, must gather a petition representing 3% of the last gubernatorial vote. Only the Libertarian Party has successfully met this requirement in 2000 and 2022. However, even if a party qualifies, it must obtain 20% of the vote for any statewide office to remain on the ballot, creating significant obstacles for non-duopoly parties to grow. These are the most restrictive third party ballot access laws in the country.

Moreover, the validation process for qualified third-party candidates begins after

In his final CBS essay, Severaid said, “The goal has been to elucidate when one can rather than advocate, to remember that the public is only persons, no two alike. Also to remember that ignorant and biased reporting has a counterpart in ignorant and biased reporting.” Maybe 10 years ago, I bought an old copy of “Not So Wild a Dream.” I knew about Eric Severaid’s 1946 book on his life growing up in North Dakota and Minnesota and his travels as a young journalist. Knowing of his eloquent essays on CBS in the 1960s and 1970s, I was happy to find this book.

In the early 2000s, I came upon an academic book, “Out of silence and darkness: the history of the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind, 18581983.” The coauthors were Robert Hill Couch

FLOWERS >>

FROM B9

for losing Space Command because of his position on abortion. He is no more the reason than Britt or Strong. All three are representatives of Alabama’s conservative Republican policy towards abortion.

The Biden administration is using this decision to win two political points.

First of all, if you are a liberal Democratic president and Space Command is in a liberal Democratic state like Colorado, would you move it to one of the reddest Republican states in America? Secondly, Biden is promoting the notion that since

The book was signed by Couch’s wife Helen Gibbs Daniel Couch. She died in 2022 but had become a professional storyteller with a weekly television show.

I was glad to open the Sevaraid book and to see Housel’s name written in his handwriting. I was delighted that day five years ago when I found Gibbs Couch’s signature on her husband’s book. Other generations are likely to forget the intimacy of someone’s signature being in a book. But for now, I wonder if Housel signs his books from the Backbooth at Chappy’s Deli?

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

conservative ruby red Alabama has enacted a very restrictive antiabortion law that he is going to keep Space Command in Colorado. Most Democrats are for abortion on demand. He wins approval and points from both sides of the deal. By the way, he is running for reelection as a Democrat. That is Politics 101. Politics prevails, especially in an election year. See you next week. Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Flowers may be reached at www. steveflowers.us.

GREG MARKLEY

See COURT , page B11

OPINION —

Ihad a discussion with a pastor recently about the weight of culture being pressed down upon our kids. At every turn it seems that kids are being led to values, lifestyles and decisions that are in direct contrast to what parents want for their child. In the course of the conversation my pastor-friend said, “we must do a better job at equipping our kids for the fight that they are already in. Staying neutral is not an option.”

As the conversation unfolded the pastor likened his point to the movie “The Patriot,” starring Mel Gibson. With a storyline set in the time of the American Revolution, Gibson’s character, Benjamin

AUBURN >>

FROM B9

and 20, 2023.

- The council approved a contract with Garrett Tree & Landscaping LLC for the July 2023 Tree Removal and Pruning Project for $20,000.

- The council approved a contract with Forensic Technology Inc. for the purchase of a oneyear warranty for the NIBIN program for over $27,200.

- The council approved an easement for East

OPELIKA >> FROM B9

as well as a request for a lounge retail liquor class 2 (package store) alcohol license from Big Dad LLC doing business as Big Dad Grocery.

- The council approved a street closure request for the fourth annual Songwriter's Festival to be held Oct. 6 and 7.

- The council approved a bid for uniform cleaning from Downtown Cleaners Inc for the Opelika Fire Department.

- The council approved a bid from Mayer Electric Supply Co Inc., for the Sportsplex Aquatic Center Lighting Project for an amount of nearly $34,000

- The council approved a bid from D&J Enterprises Inc. for almost $800,000 for the Columbus Parkway

Aim Small, Miss Small

way or the other, believing that by doing so his children will be safer.

Over his protestations

Martin’s oldest son left home on his own and joined the Continental Army, while his next son begs to also be allowed to do so.

values. Some would say it is a war for our very way of life. If you are a conservative, if you are a Christian, then you are a target of the most strident and avaricious liberalism ever allowed to gain a foothold in our country.

himself and ran into the burning house and up to the attic. He dragged out an old chest and began to retrieve his weapons of war. Then he grabbed up rifles, powder and ball, and ran back outside to his children.

go badly for them.

Yes, “The Patriot” is a great movie. But it is perhaps more so an analogy for our times. Let’s not be that man or woman who feels shame later for having done nothing.

Martin, is a plantation owner and a member of the Continental delegation from South Carolina.

In “The Patriot,” war is brewing and South Carolina’s leadership is debating whether to urge the Continental Congress to declare war on Great Britain. Martin is a veteran of the French and Indian War. Still jaded from his time in battle, he is a widower raising seven children on his own, and determined to stay neutral and to keep his sons from joining the fight.

At this stage in the narrative Martin is a man with a proven record of being willing to fight. But he sees his own children and determines to stay neutral and take no stand one

Mag Investments LLC to accept public right-ofway and easements for property at 801 Ogletree Road.

- The council accepted various easements for The Tracks LLC for property at 616 W. Glenn Ave.

- The council approved a planning commission appointment and two greenspace advisory board appointments.

- The council postponed a vote on an annexation of 85.79 acres for Herring Development

North Access Road.

- The council approved emergency purchase orders for repairs to a sewer line that was damaged near Arrowhead Subdivision during a recent flash flood.The total cost of repairs was nearly $200,000.

- The council approved the purchase of Meraki cameras and equipment using the Omnia Contract No. 2018011-01 for an amount of almost $40,000.

- The council approved a resolution to amend Resolution 12623 — an arrangement letter with Critical Insights Consulting LLC; funding of approximately 25% or $164,750 of the contract will come from the opioid settlement funds instead of the unassigned fund balance as previously stated.

- The council

There is a pivotal moment in the movie when his children could hear the sounds of battle not far from their home. The flash of cannon fire could be seen in the waning light of day. It was scary but the fight was still “out there” ... until it wasn’t. Martin’s oldest son stumbled into the house bleeding from a wound he had suffered in the battle just over the horizon from his own home. By morning the front porch was covered in wounded soldiers, both British and American. When British Dragoons arrived, they killed Martin’s second-oldest son and led his oldest son away into captivity. The enemy torched Martin’s house and barn and left he and his remaining children to grieve in the ruins.

Suffice to say the war that had been kept at bay by staying neutral came to Martin’s house anyway.

Here’s the first point of this amazing analogy. There is a war going on all around us. It is a culture war. A war for our

for property on Bridlewood Drive, east of Creekwood Trail as part of the Rockhouse Farms Annexation.

- The council voted to approve an annexation of 0.51 acres for Kendall Milner for property at 196 Lee Road 0057 (Willis Turk Road).

- The council approved alcohol and beverage licenses for Vintage 2298, LLC doing business as Vintage 2298 Butcher Shop as an added item to the agenda.

- The council ap -

approved an engagement letter with Samford & Denson LLP for services pertaining to the demolition of 509 1st Ave. The owner of the property filed an appeal of the decision in the circuit court.

- The council approved a project agreement with Opelika City Schools for improvements to Bulldog Stadium and Bulldog baseball field for nearly $1.7 million which is approximately 50% of the expected costs of the improvements. The improvements includes the purchase and installation of new synthetic turf, lighting upgrades, new video board upgrades and a new LED lighting system for Bulldog baseball field.

- The council approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Opelika City

Truth be told, that war is targeting our kids, our homes and our way of life. You may want to stay neutral and quiet. But sooner or later the sounds of the cannons in the distance will be on your front steps because the enemy doesn’t care a whit for your neutrality. They only want your surrender. If you won’t fight back, and stand for what you believe, they will try to take your children anyway.

Later in the movie Martin is discussing the state of things, and the loss of his son with a woman who looked at him and said, “You have done nothing for which you should be ashamed.” Martin replied, “I have done nothing. And for that I am ashamed.” Though he had intentionally not taken a stand the war came anyway. Staying silent had actually resulted in the loss of one child and the captivity of another.

My pastor-friend pointed out that what came next in the movie was key. With his house on fire Martin came to

proved the conditional use approval for The Boulevard, Phase 7. The Boulevard is a multi-unit development located west of Summerhill Road between Old Stage and Bryant Avenue.

- The council authorized an contract with Signature Tennis Courts Inc, to seal cracks and resurface the courts at Yarbrough Tennis Center for a little over $73,000. Part of the amount will be paid by the city of Auburn and part by Auburn University.

Schools and the Opelika Police Department pertaining to the school resource officer program.

- The council approved the nomination of Steven Chapman to the Lee County Board of Equalization.

- The council voted to repeal Resolution 17323 and approve a new agreement with Valley Rescue Mission Inc. in Columbus, Georgia. The updated resolutions allows for funding to come from the opioid settlement funds instead of the unassigned fund balance and also amends the amounts to be paid to $1,200 a month for men in the program and $1,400 a month for women in the program.

- The council approved an ordinance that will rename Media General Drive to Wyndham Industrial Court.

What Martin did next caused some liberal heads to explode in modern America when he armed two of his sons. He reminded them what he had taught them about shooting; “Aim small, miss small,” he said. He then led his two sons to fight for the life of their older brother. His boys had been raised with key values, and taught some skills. He armed them, he led them and he took the stand that perhaps he should have taken all along.

My pastor-friends point was this: not an actual call to arms, but an understanding that there is nonetheless a fight going on. A cultural fight that demands that we capitulate and move to the left. It is all around us, and some of you have likely already suffered some losses in that fight. But we cannot stay neutral. We need to give them an example of an adult who cares enough to stand in the gap for them and to tell the world that they will not bring the fight to our homes because if they do it will

COURT >>

FROM B10

the petition submission deadline, leaving them uncertain about their inclusion on the ballot and impacting their campaign viability. The petition deadline in presidential years falls in March, making it impossible for third-party nominated presidential candidates to participate in the party ballot access process.

Consequently, the Libertarian Party always runs their presidential candidates under less restrictive laws for "Independent" presidential candidates, highlighting Alabama's highly restrictive third-party ballot access laws.

Alabama's political leaders must be held accountable for their active role in suppressing voters. The recent Supreme Court decision underscores the importance of fair representation and equal access to the electoral process in a healthy democratic republic. Efforts to curtail voter participation, particularly those disproportionately impacting marginalized communities, undermine the principles of democratic governance.

The Libertarian Party of Alabama, along with concerned citizens and advocacy

We need to equip our children to understand what is right and wrong with the tools of faith, character, confidence, love, assurance and values. We need to teach them the culture war version of “aim small, miss small.”

Phil Williams is a former state senator, retired army colonel and combat veteran, and a practicing attorney. He previously served with the leadership of the Alabama Policy Institute in Birmingham. Williams currently hosts the conservative news/talkshow Rightside Radio Monday through Friday from 2 to 5 p.m. on multiple channels throughout north Alabama. (WVNN 92.5FM/770AM-Huntsville/Athens; WXJC 101. FM and WYDE 850AM –Birmingham/Cullman.)

His column appears weekly throughout Alabama. The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of this news source. To contact Williams or request him for a speaking engagement go to www.rightsideradio.org.

groups, urges Alabama's political leaders to prioritize fair representation and ensure equal access to the ballot box for every eligible voter. It is crucial to dismantle voter suppression practices, reconsider restrictive ballot access laws and foster an inclusive political environment that embraces the voices and choices of all voters.

The Libertarian Party of Alabama stands in solidarity with the 28% black minority that is experiencing discrimination at the hands of ALGOP elected officials. Discrimination based on libertarian beliefs or melanin content is unacceptable, especially when utilized to achieve the political goals of ALGOP politicians and their crony rent-seeking backers.

ABOUT THE LIBERTARIAN PARTY OF ALABAMA:

The LPA is dedicated to preserving America's heritage of freedom, including individual liberty, personal responsibility, a free-market economy, non-interventionist foreign policy, peace and free trade. Through research, advocacy, and political action, the LPA works towards greater personal freedom in a society free from unnecessary restrictions.

PHIL WILLIAMS

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LEGAL NOTICE

In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, notice is hereby given that WHATLEY CONSTRUCTION, LLC, Contractor, has completed the Contract for the Alterations to Building #500 & Building #6000 at Drake Middle School at 655 North Donahue Drive, Auburn, Alabama 36832 for Auburn City Schools, Auburn, State of Alabama, Owner(s), and have made request for final settlement of said Contract.

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Legal Run 06/29/2023, 07/6/23, 07/13/23 & 07/20/23

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA FAMILY COURT DIVISION:

DOMESTIC RELATIONS

IN RE: THE MARRIAGE OF:

AIDA HERNANDEZ

ZAPATA, Plaintiff, Vs.

SANTIAGO HERNANDEZ

ZAPATA, Defendant.

Case No. DR-2023-900055

NOTICE OF DIVORCE

ACTION

SANTIAGO HERNANDEZ

ZAPATA, Defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer AIDA

HERNANDEZ ZAPATA·s Complaint for Divorce by August 26, 2023, or thereafter, a Judgment by Default may be rendered against her in case number DR 2023900055, Circuit Court of Lee County Alabama. Mary Roberson, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Lee County /s/ Margaret Y, Brown

Margaret Y. Brown 214 North College Street Auburn, Alabama 36830

334-821-6944

Attorney for Plaintiff Legal Run 07/06/23, 07/13/23, 07/20/23 & 07/27/23

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, STATE OF ALABAMA

IN RE: The Estate of IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, STATE OF ALABAMA

JAMES G. POTTER, (A/K/A JAMES GARDNER POTTER) Deceased

Case Number: 2023-321

TAKE NOTICE that Letters

Testamentary having been granted to SCOTT POTTER and LISA SPAETH as CoExecutors of the Estate of JAMES G. POTTER (a/k/a JAMES GARDNER POTTER), deceased, on the 15th day of June 2023, by the Honorable BILL ENGLISH.

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the

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same will be barred. SCOTT POITER, CoExecutor of the Estate of JAMES G.

LISA SPAETH, Co-Executor of the Estate of JAMES G. POTTER (a/k/a JAMES GARDNER POTTER) Legal Run 07/6/23, 07/13/23 & 07/20/23

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF RAY CURTIS PRATHER, deceased.

Case No. 2023- 354

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Joan Jarrell, Personal Representative, on the 6th day of July, 2023, by 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.

Joan Jarrell

Personal Representative Legal Run 07/13/2023, 07/20/2023 & 07/27/2023

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF JOHN ROBERT WILSON, deceased COURT OF PROBATE LEE COUNTY

Letters of Administration of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 20th day of June, 2023, by Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Witness my hand and seal this the 30th day of June, 2023

Paulette Wilson Dowdell Legal Run 07/13/2023, 07/20/2023 & 07/27/2023

IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION PETITION OF SEAN PATRICK McNAIR and ASHLEY LYNN McNAIR IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

CASE NO.: 2023-314

PUBLICATION NOTICE

TO: Christopher Earl Kennedy, Address Unknown

Please take notice that a Petition for Adoption was filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama by Sean Patrick McNair and Ashley Lynn McNair on June 13, 2023, for the adoption of N.P.L.K. born on November 6, 2017, in Columbus Georgia to Christopher Earl Kennedy and Shannon Paige McNair. A hearing has been set in the Lee County Probate Court, Opelika, Alabama.

Should you intend to contest this adoption you must file a written response with the attorney for the petitioner, Hon. Jason C. Riggs, P.O. Box 954, Auburn, AL 36831 and with the Clerk of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, P.O. Box 2266, Opelika, AL 36803 as soon as possible but no later

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PUBLIC NOTICES

than thirty (30) days from the last day this notice is published Dated on this the 6th day of July 2023.

HON. BILL ENGLISH JUDGE OF PROBATE LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Legal Run 07/13/2023, 07/20/2023, 07/27/2023 & 08/03/2023

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

Case No.: CV-2023-900262

KINGDOM LAND and PROPERTIES, LLC, Plaintiff, v. A tract or parcel of land designated: Lot Forty-Four (44), Beauregard Estates, Phase II, according to and as shown by that certain map or plat thereof of record in Town Plat Book 23, at Page 112, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama And Sharon (M.) Johnson, and/or the unknown heirs Of Sharon (M.) Johnson And Fictitious Defendants A, B, C, D, E, F & G, Being Persons, Individuals, Firms, Associations, Partnerships, Corporations or other Entities, Whose names are otherwise unknown to the Plaintiff, but who claim interest in and to the above-captioned parcel of land, and whose correct names and legal identities will be added by Amendment when 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 13th day of July, 2023, a complaint to quiet title was filed in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama, and the following are the names of all parties to the action: Kingdom Land and Properties, LLC, as Plaintiff; Sharon (M.) Johnson and/or the unknown heirs of Sharon (M.) Johnson, as Defendant, whose heirs, executors and/or administrators are unknown and cannot be ascertained after the exercise of due diligence, and which are believed to have claimed some right, title, interest or claim in and to the property described as follows:

Lot Forty-Four (44), Beauregard Estates, Phase II, according to and as shown by that certain map or plat thereof of record in Town Plat Book 23, at Page 112, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama

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 14th day of July, 2023 /s/ Mary Roberson Mary Roberson Circuit Court Clerk, Lee County J. Brandon Rice Davis, Bingham, Hudson & Buckner, P.C. 724 North Dean Road, Suite 100 Auburn, AL 36830 Legal Run 07/20/2023, 07/27/2023, 08/03/2023 & 08/10/2023 07/20/2023 & 07/27/2023

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Opelika will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, 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 Number 124-91 (entitled “Zoning Ordinance of the City of Opelika”) adopted on September 17, 1991. At said Public Hearing all who desire to be heard shall have the opportunity to speak for or in opposition to the adoption of the following ordinance:

ORDINANCE NO. ______ AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “City Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows:

Section 1. That Ordinance 124-91 entitled “Zoning Ordinance City of Opelika, Alabama”, adopted on September 17, 1991, and the Zoning Map of the City of Opelika provided for and referred to therein, as previously amended and/or modified, be and the same is hereby amended by rezoning or redistricting the parcel of land hereinafter in this section described, so as to change such parcel from one class of district to another class of district as follows, to-wit: From a M-1 District (Industrial District) to a C-2 District (Office/Retail District), the parcel of land hereinafter described: Lot 1, Block 1, OP ELIKA MANUFACTURING CORPORATION PROPERTY, according to and as shown by that certain map or plat thereof of record in Town Plat Book 4, at Pages 49 and 50, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama. The above-described property contains 7,324 square feet, more or less, and is located at 1625 1st Avenue, Opelika, Alabama. Section 2. Any ordinance or part thereof in conflict with provisions of this Ordinance be and the same are hereby repealed. Section 3. This Ordinance shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama. All interested persons are invited to attend the public hearing and be heard. Written

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comments concerning the above matter may be mailed to the City Clerk at P.O. Box 390, Opelika, AL 36803 at any time prior to the public hearing and may be further submitted to the City Council at the meeting and the public hearing.

Please contact Brian Weiss, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334-705-5134 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to any disability.

WITNESS my hand this the 20th day of July, 2023.

/s/Russell A. Jones, CMC CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal 07/20/2023

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Opelika will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, 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 Number 124-91 (entitled “Zoning Ordinance of the City of Opelika”) adopted on September 17, 1991. At said Public Hearing all who desire to be heard shall have the opportunity to speak for or in opposition to the adoption of the following ordinance:

ORDINANCE NO. ____ AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZONING

ORDINANCE AND ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “City Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows:

Section 1. That Ordinance 124-91 entitled “Zoning Ordinance City of Opelika, Alabama”, adopted on September 17, 1991, and the Zoning Map of the City of Opelika provided for and referred to therein, as previously amended and/or modified, be and the same is hereby amended by rezoning or redistricting the parcel of land hereinafter in this section described, so as to change such parcel from one class of district to another class of district as follows, to-wit:

From a R-1 District (Rural District) to a R-2 District (Low Density Residential District), the parcel of land hereinafter described: ALL THAT TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND lying and being located in Section 1, Township 19 North, Range 26 East, City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama.

Commencing from an iron pin found (1/2” rebar w/ cap – AL CA 718) at the Northeast corner of Lot 47, Cannon Gate Subdivision, being recorded in Plat Book 42, Page 167; Thence South 88 degrees 40 minutes 28 seconds West, a distance of 121.87 feet to an iron pin set (1/2” rebar w/ cap – GRAY), said pin being the POINT OF BEGINNING. From said POINT OF BEGINNING,

South 88 degrees 40 minutes 28 seconds West, a distance of 394.66 feet to an iron pin found (1/2” rebar w/ cap –PRECISION); Thence North 88 degrees 03 minutes 00 seconds West, a distance of 27.92 feet to a concrete monument found; Thence South 89 degrees 24 minutes 21 seconds West, a distance of 36.25 feet to an iron pin found (3/4” open top pipe); Thence North 17 degrees 48 minutes 11 seconds East, a distance of 509.70 feet to a point; Thence North 82 degrees 07 minutes 35 seconds East, a distance of 269.14 feet to an iron pin set (1/2” rebar w/ cap – GRAY); Thence South 06 degrees 02 minutes 34 seconds East, a distance of 214.86 feet to an iron pin set (1/2” rebar w/ cap – GRAY); Thence South 02 degrees 36 minutes 20 seconds East, a distance of 300.24 feet to an iron pin set (1/2” rebar w/ cap – GRAY), said pin being the POINT OF BEGINNING. Said tract containing 4.180 acres or 182,088 square feet. The above-described property contains 4.18 acres, more or less, and is accessed from Oak Bowery Road, Opelika, Alabama. Section 2. Any ordinance or part thereof in conflict with provisions of this Ordinance be and the same are hereby repealed. Section 3. This Ordinance shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama. All interested persons are invited to attend the public hearing and be heard. Written comments concerning the above matter may be mailed to the City Clerk at P.O. Box 390, Opelika, AL 36803 at any time prior to the public hearing and may be further submitted to the City Council at the meeting and the public hearing.

Please contact Brian Weiss, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334-705-5134 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to any disability.

WITNESS my hand this the 20th day of July, 2023.

/s/ Russell A. Jones, CMC CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA

Legal Run 07/20/2023

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA THE ESTATE OF GLADYS COLETTE HAGERTY STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF LEE CASE NO, 2023-305

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Take Notice that Letters of Administration of the Estate of GLADYS COLETTE HAGERTY, deceased having been granted to GALEN ROGER HAGERTY on the 30th day of June, 2023, by Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate, Lee County, Alabama Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said Estate are hereby required to present such claims within the time required by law, or the same will forever be barred. Legal Run 07/20/2023, 07/27/2023 & 08/03/2023

See PUBLIC NOTICES, page B13

Local Clubs Spotlight Community Involvement

Kenny Young, center, director of His Place in Opelika, was a recent guest of the Opelika Lions Club, where he gave an update on activities and plans for the organization. His Place, a faith-based organization founded in 1996 by Rick Hagans, currently has 46 men registered in the organization which serves as a place of restoration to men aged 19 plus who suffer from life controlling issues. Young was introduced by Lion Greg Boyd, left, who presented a donation from the club with Lion President, Glenn Stokes, right.

FROM B12

ORDINANCE NO. 020-23

AN ORDINANCE REPEALING OBSOLETE OR OUTDATED PROVISIONS OF CITY CODE

WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes that the Code of Ordinances of the City of Opelika should be updated from time to time; and

WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes that obsolete or outdated provisions should not remain in the Code; and

WHEREAS, any provision of the Code may be repealed by act of the City Council.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows:

Section 1. Provisions

Repealed.That the following sections, articles, divisions or provisions of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Opelika are hereby repealed:

(a) Division 2 of Article II of Chapter 2, consisting of Sections 2-31 thru 2-71, inclusive

(b) Division 5 of Article II of Chapter 2, consisting of Sections 2-125.1 thru 125.5

(c) Article III of Chapter 2, consisting of Sections 2-126 thru 2-130

(d) Article VI of Chapter 2, consisting of Sections 2-180 thru 2-183

(e) Article IX of Chapter 28, consisting of Sections 28-451 thru 28-467

(f) Article X of Chapter 28, consisting of Sections 28-501 thru 28-508

(g) Article XI of Chapter 28, consisting of Sections 28-526 thru 28-531

Section 2.Effective Date. This ordinance shall become effective upon its passage and publication as required by law. Section 34.

Publication. The City Clerk of the City of Opelika, Alabama is hereby authorized and directed to cause this ordinance to be published one (1) time in a newspaper of general circulation published in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama. ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 11th day of July, 2023. /s/ Eddie Smith PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA ATTEST:

/s/ Russell A. Jones, CMC CITY CLERK TRANSMITTED TO MAYOR on this the 12th day of July, 2023. /s/ Russell A. Jones, CMC CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR APPROVED this the 12th day of July, 2023. /s/ Gary Fuller

MAYOR

ATTEST: /s/ Russell A. Jones, CMC CITY CLERK Legal Run 07/20/2023

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF JENNIFER M. MILLER, DECEASED COURT OF PROBATE, LEE COUNTY

Letters of Administration of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 13th day of July, 2023, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Witness my hand and seal, this the 13th day of July 2023.

JEFFERY KEVIN MILLER Legal Run 07/20/23,07/27/23

Notice of the filing of Petition for Summary Distribution In the Estate of JAMES FORT ORMOND SR., Deceased

Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the Lee County Probate Office by Janet W. Ormond on July 13 2023, pursuant to Section 43-2-690, Code of Alabama and that 30 days after the notice of publication hereof and pursuant to law the Court shall be requested to enter an Order directing Summary Distribution of the estate of said decedent.

BILL ENGLISH, PROBATE JUDGE Legal Run 07/20/23

--------------

IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of PEGGY ABLES a person alleged to be incapacitated. Case No. 2023-376

NOTICE_OF HEARING

TO: ANY HEIRS OF PEGGY ABLES

Notice is hereby given that a Petition to Appoint a Guardian of the Estate of PEGGY ABLES, has been filed in the Lee County Probate Office by Lee County Department of Human Resources. A hearing has been set for the 30th day of August, 2023, 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 to Appoint a Guardian of the Estate of PEGGY ABLES.

BILL ENGLISH JUDGE OF PROBATE, LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

Legal Run 07/20/23, 07/27/23 & 08/03/2023

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JUDITH

Members representing Domestic Violence Intervention, Inc., were recent guests of the Opelika Lions Club where they presented an overview of services their organization provides for residents of Randolph, Chambers, Tallapoosa, Lee, Macon and Russell Counties. One of such services is a 24 hour crisis hotline for anonymous, confidential help 24-7 at 1-800-650-6522 or 334-149-1515. Accepting a donation presented for the club by Lion Yvonne Eason (right), are Gloria Owens (left), and Kayla Atchison (center). More information on DVIC is available at dviceastal.org.

M. BOURNE, DECEASED Case No.: 2023-267

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Take Notice that Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Betty M. Hill on the 11th day of July, 2023, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama. Notice is hereby given to all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

J. TUTT BARRETT

P.O. Box 231 Opelika, AL 36803-0231 Legal Run 07/20/2023, 07/27/2023 & 08/03/2023 STATE OF ALABAMA, LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE

COUNTY, IN THE MATTER OF THE WILL OF ENID LOVELESS WEISSINGER, DECEASED

NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS

Letters Testamentary on the Estate of Enid Loveless Weissinger, deceased, having been granted to Charles Hill Weissinger on the12th day of July, 2023, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of Probate of said county, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Legal Run 07/20/2023

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Opelika Self Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property belonging to those individuals listed

below at the location and time indicated:

710 Columbus Parkway, Opelika AL, 36801

Friday, July 27, 2023, at 1:00pm Central. Alvis Montina, Unit 1346

Laprincess Williams, Unit 1252 Corene Miles, Units 1050 & 1053 Jessie White, Jr. Unit 1017 Julia Nelms, Unit 1235 Thomas Ray, Unit 1287 Brittany Roberson, Unit 1421 The auction will be listed and advertised on www.lockerfox.com. Purchases must be made with credit card only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Opelika Self Storage may refuse any bid and rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

Legal Run 07/20/2023

This weeks speaker at the most recent Kiwanis Club of Opelika meeting was Opelika High School Athletic Director Jamie Williams. The meeting took place at Saugahatchee Country Club and Williams spoke the athletics department for the Opelika school system.

The Auburn Kiwanis Club recently hosted Ellyn Hix (second from left) and Rene Waldrop (second from right) as guest speakers. Hix and Waldrop spoke about Our House, a local nonprofit that specializes in mission outreach to children and their families who live in Auburn Public Housing. Pictured with Hix and Waldrop are club President Wanda McCaghren (left) and speaker coordinator Jack Burhalter.

There are many legends worldwide of creatures that populate the forests, oceans and swamps of the world. Some of these legends have been passed down from generation to generation for hundreds, if not thousands of years. Native American tribes have stories of Wendigo, Wampus Cat, Thunderbird and more. One creature that seems to have roots in the lore of more than one tribe in the northwestern United States and Canada is known as Sasquatch or Bigfoot. Other parts of the continent may know him as the Skunk Ape or Swamp Monster. These creatures are called legends because no one has been able to prove that they do exist, but many people believe that they are real and search for proof. What scientific processes are being used to prove that Bigfoot is not just a legend but a real creature?

Bigfoot

On October 20, 1967 Roger Patterson and Bob Gimlin were making a film about Bigfoot when they filmed what they said was a female creature walking through the woods. This was the first time that Bigfoot was supposedly caught on film. Many people and scientists have watched the film trying to prove that the creature was fake. Many of them think it is a man in a gorilla suit. However, no one has proven this 100 percent. Was the film real or made up?

The average height for an NBA player is between six and a half to seven feet tall. People describe Bigfoot as being very tall. Their descriptions have it standing as tall as 15 ft high. The creature is said to have human features, walk on two legs and be covered from head to toe in hair. Old and new stories say Bigfoot smells very bad. There is of course the feet. It is said his feet can be as long as 24 inches (two feet long) and nine inches wide. According to the Guiness Book of World Records, the largest human foot belongs to Robert Wadlow who was eight feet tall. He wore shoes that were size 37. Size 37!! What size do you wear?

Crossword

With Bigfoot sightings from as far north as Alaska to as far south as Florida, scientists have begun to study this legend. Could this mysterious animal from legends be real? Could modern science prove that it exists? Scientists have traveled to sights where people claim to have seen Bigfoot. They have taken casts of footprints to examine. This means that they have poured plaster in the footprint and let it dry. They have found hair caught on trees nearby and they have sent the hair for genetic testing. Some hair they tested belonged to bears and some to moose or elk. There are other hairs that they have been unable to identify. Scientists have proven that many of these sightings are hoaxes. A hoax is trying to fool people into believing that something is true. What scientists have not done is prove Bigfoot exists. Most scientists say that there have been no homes like dens or caves, and that no bones that fit the description of this massive creature have ever been found. Yet people still believe that Bigfoot is out there.

aMazing!

Help these Bigfoot hunters solve the mystery!

Parents

Teachers

Some people believe so strongly that Bigfoot exists that they take vacations to certain places hoping to see one. The website Atlas Obscura even has a map of Bigfoot museums, festivals and campgrounds. If a trip deep into the woods or swamps of The United States or Canada sounds exciting to you, you just may be the one to prove that Bigfoot is real.

Why is Bigfoot so good at reading map symbols?

Because he’s a legend!

How many Bigfoots can you find on this page?