Meet Your Teacher Day (Grades K-5) Monday, Aug, 5 The child’s teacher will contact parents by email or phone to schedule an
appointment. If you have not been contacted by Aug. 5 please go to your child’s school for a walk-in appointment.
Fox Run Schedule Pick-Up Monday, Aug. 5
All 6th grade students will pick up schedules by team. Guardians and Blazers 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Knights and Warriors 10 to 11 a.m.
Opelika Main Street begins hunt for new executive director
CONTRIBUTED BY OPELIKA MAIN STREET
The search for a new executive director for Opelika Main Street has begun.
Finding the right person can be like looking for a magical elf given the varied skill set required to succeed as the executive director. It is a multifaceted role. The person needs to be able to do a lot with little.
Opelika Main Street is a nonprofit organization that works closely with businesses, members and other partners to revitalize the downtown business district and promote economic vitality. The aim is to strengthen downtown businesses and expand opportunities for new businesses.
The executive director acts as the face of the organization — planning, organizing and directing the daily operations.
The ideal candidate would have experience working with nonprofit organizations and reporting to a board of directors. It is also important that the candidate be familiar with grant writing and grant applications. The executive director must be able to get creative with funding, recognizing what projects can be funded through grants and what will need to be funded through the general budget. The position also requires the ability to work with the public, social media, business owners and volunteers.
The Main Street organization covers a wide scope, including historic preservation, economic vitality and
CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
AUBURN — Auburn Public Safety is inviting community members, families, residents and stakeholders to celebrate the 41st annual National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6.
From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., residents are invited to come together in the field behind Duck Samford Stadium located at 1623 E. Glenn Ave. to promote awareness, safety and neighborhood unity. The evening will feature free food and family-friendly fun for all ages including:
• Local organizations with free community resources.
• Meet and greet with Auburn school resource 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 co-sponsored by Auburn Public Safety and na-
tionally sponsored by the National Association Town Watch (NATW), ADT, 7-Eleven, Starbucks, Associa, L.E.A.D. and Swank Motion Pictures. To learn more about National Night Out, visit www.natw.org.
Photos are from last year’s National Night Out event held in Auburn.
Lee County agency receives grant for weatherization assistance
CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
LEE COUNTY — The Alabama Council on Human Relations Inc., which serves Lee County, will receive funding in the amount of $101,766 as part of over $3 million in grants Gov. Kay Ivey announced on July 24.
The purpose of the grant funding is to lower energy costs for Alabama’s low-income residents, with a particular focus on helping the elderly, people with disabilities and families with children.
The grants support the Weatherization
Assistance Program, which helps residents lower their bills by making their homes more energy efficient. The funds have been awarded to 13 local agencies throughout the state that will accept applications for assistance from people in their regions.
“Energy costs can be overwhelming for low-income Alabama residents, especially during times of extreme heat or cold,” Ivey said. “Recipients of this assistance will be able to upgrade their homes in ways that will lower their bills both now and in the future.”
An energy audit is conducted of each
home that qualifies for weatherization assistance to determine the most cost-efficient measures. Common improvements include installing extra insulation in the attic, walls and floor; sealing air leaks around doors and windows; repairs or tune-ups for air conditioning and heating units; and replacing incandescent light bulbs with high-efficiency bulbs. In addition to lowering energy bills, the improvements can reduce the risk of fire and other hazards.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering
BY STEVEN STIEFEL FOR THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA — Auburn Mayor Ron Anders demonstrated his good nature by being the target of a community roast event on July 27 to benefit Greater Peace’s Community Development Corporation.
Roasting Anders at the event, held at Greater
Peace Missionary Baptist Church, were Auburn’s Ward 3 Council member and Mayor Pro Tem Beth Whitten, Lee County Youth Development Center Director Laura Cooper, local broadcaster D. Mark Mitchell and former Auburn Mayor Bill Ham.
All teased Anders for his public service, which according Ham, meant
“realizing you have thousands of bosses.”
In the comedic roast format, an annual guest of honor is subjected to jokes at their expense while surrounded by friends, fans and well-wishers. The programs include genuine praise and tributes.
After six years on the Auburn City Council, Anders was sworn into
the grants from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
“ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in support of this assistance for Alabama’s most vulnerable populations,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “The partnerships we have with community-based agencies makes it possible to deliver this help to those who need it most.”
For more information, contact the Alabama Council on Human Relations Inc. at (334) 821-8336.
office as mayor in early November 2018 and ran unopposed in the 2022 Auburn Municipal Election.
“Mayor Anders is an institution in these parts,” said Whitten. “Ron is quite the fashionista and is the sole reason that Lululemon opened a store in Auburn five minutes from City Hall. If you listen to city council
meetings on the radio, you can hear Ron… breathing. For those of you who don’t know what I’m talking about, just tune in.”
Cooper told the story of how Anders, a fitness buff, played the theme from the film “Rocky” during an intramural event on campus.
“He spelled A-U-B-UR-N without the second
U while leading cheers,” Cooper joked. Mitchell called Anders a true legend. “I know he’s doing a good job as mayor because I hear it all the time,” Mitchell said. “He worked tirelessly to bring the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s annual Super 7 Championship to See ROAST, page A16
TM Hair Studio, Ashley Harvill Travel Agent-Travelmation, Stone Martin at Tuscany Mills, Tobelem’s Table
urban renewal, promotions, fundraising and networking. The root of a successful downtown is economic vitality and a prospering downtown. Interested and qualified candidates are invited to apply by submitting a cover letter, resume and three references electronically to board@ opelika.mainstreet.org no later than July 31, 2024. For a complete job description go to www.opelikamainstreet.org/executive-director.
The Opelika Chamber hosted
Opelika.
Four Auburn alumni elected to Alabama Business Hall of Fame
CONTRIBUTED BY AUBURN UNI-
AUBURN — Four alumni of Auburn University have recently been elected to the Alabama Business Hall of Fame class of 2024. Rob Burton of Birmingham, (Building Science ’79); Raymond J. Harbert of Birmingham (Business ’82); Thomas A. Harris of Hope Hull (Business ‘71) and Thomas H. Lowder of Birmingham (Business ‘72) will be among seven honorees to be inducted in a Nov. 14 ceremony. Established in 1973, the Alabama Business Hall of Fame honors individuals who have brought recognition to the state of Alabama through their business contributions.
ROB BURTON Burton is CEO of Hoar Holdings. He started working at Hoar Construction for his father (then president Bob Burton) to learn the family business at the age of 13. After graduating from Auburn with a degree in building science, Burton again entered the company and held positions of increasing responsibility until he was named president in 1996 and CEO in 2001. Under Burton’s leadership, Hoar Construction diversified, opening offices in several states and tackling larger and more complex projects— including ones in health care, entertainment, higher education, government and more — while doubling the company’s revenue
in the first 10 years of his leadership. Additionally, in 1997 Burton established a now top 25 ranked national program management company, HPM, that offers design and construction expertise to institutions and companies around the country. In 2021, the company launched RPI Rentals, a construction equipment rental, materials and supplies company with offices in Alabama and Texas. Hoar Construction, HPM and RPI Rentals have all been repeatedly certified as a Great Place to Work.
A passionate supporter of Birmingham and the greater community, Burton has served on boards of various organizations, including The Birmingham Business Alliance, the Birmingham Zoo, Lakeshore Foundation, Protective Life and American Contractors Insurance Group, among others. He is currently chairman of the board at The Hope Institute, which helps schools cultivate the character of students. Burton founded Hoar Community Foundation in 2004, a fund that has donated millions to charities that further the firm’s core values in areas where employees live and work.
Burton and his wife, Nancy, have four children and nine grandchildren.
RAYMOND J. HARBERT
Harbert is the founder, chairman and CEO of Harbert Management Corporation, one of the largest alternative asset investment management firms in the Southeast. Harbert’s
lifelong entrepreneurial pursuits began early in life at age 15 when he founded Penbryn Hill Catering, which he ran throughout his high school years.
After graduating from Auburn with a Bachelor of Science in industrial management, Harbert went to work for Harbert International, Inc., the construction subsidiary of Harbert Corporation, and the company his father, John Harbert, had founded and built over a span of four decades. In 1990, at age 31, Harbert was promoted to president and CEO of Harbert Corporation, which was a multi-billion-dollar diversified conglomerate. In 1993, Harbert launched Harbert Management Corporation, the first multi alternative asset investment management firm in Alabama. Today, HMC manages 10 different investment strategies from eight U.S. and four European offices with over $8 billion of assets under management.
Harbert serves on the boards and executive committees of the Robert Meyer Foundation, Children’s of Alabama, Birmingham Business Alliance and is chairman of the Newcomen Society of Alabama. He is also a Trustee Emeritus of Auburn, where the College of Business is named for him. He previously served on the board of the Alabama Trust Fund and is a past member of Leadership Alabama. In 2006, Harbert was awarded the regional Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award for Financial Services, and he was inducted
into the Alabama Academy of Honor in 2015.
Harbert and his wife, Kathryn Harbert, are active philanthropists, having made significant gifts both in time and capital to numerous organizations including Auburn University, Red Mountain Theatre, Children’s of Alabama, University of Alabama at Birmingham and United Way of Central Alabama, where they were awarded the United Way Tocqueville Society Award in 2018. They have three children and nine grandchildren.
THOMAS A. HARRIS
Harris is an investment banker and entrepreneur who has founded several successful ventures. After graduating from Auburn in 1971 with a business degree, Harris worked for First Alabama Bankshares as head of national accounts and business development. In 1987, he was a founder and president of Merchant Capital, a leading investment banking firm based in Montgomery, with offices throughout the Southeast. Merchant Capital was acquired by Stifel Nicolaus Financial Corp. in 2014. Harris served as senior managing director at Stifel Nicolaus until 2022. In 2021, he founded Birmingham Recovery Center and Longleaf Wellness and Recovery Centers, which provides treatment for substance use and mental health disorders with four facilities across Alabama. In 2023, he partnered in launching YHN Media Group, LLC, which owns several Alabama-based
media outlets. An avid conservationist, Harris founded and serves as president of Alabama Black Belt Adventures, a nonprofit organization committed to promoting outdoor recreation and tourism opportunities in the Alabama Black Belt region. He was recently named to the national board of directors for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever and in 2019 was named Alabama Wildlife Governor’s Conservationist of the year. Harris serves on numerous boards, including the Alabama Wildlife Federation and Junior Achievement of Alabama. Harris and his wife, Cindy, have four children and seven grandchildren.
THOMAS H. LOWDER
Lowder is the former chairman and chief executive officer of Colonial Properties Trust, a New York Stock Exchange-listed, multifamily-focused real estate investment trust, with commercial assets in the Sunbelt region of the United States. After graduating with honors from Auburn with a bachelor of science degree, Lowder assumed the leadership role at the family business, Colonial Properties Trust, in 1976. Lowder took the business public in 1993. With Lowder as CEO, the company grew from $475 million in total market capitalization to $5.3 billion before he retired from active management in 2006. Lowder returned three years later as CEO, in December 2008, to lead the company after the
financial recession and Wall Street crisis. After 20 years as a public company, Colonial Properties merged with Mid-America Apartment Communities in 2013 and later Post Properties, Inc. to create one of the largest and most successful apartment real estate investment trusts on the NYSE with a market capitalization over $16 billion. Lowder continues to serve on the board of Mid-America Apartment Communities.
Active in his community and beyond, Lowder serves or has served as a member or chair of several boards, including Children’s Hospital of Alabama, the University of Alabama Health Services Foundation, the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, Quarterbacking Children’s Health Foundation, the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, the American Red Cross and United Way of Central Alabama, among others. Lowder and his wife, Susan, who he married in 2012, are active in philanthropic efforts to find a cure for Alzheimer’s, ALS and other neurological diseases, which took the lives of each of their previous spouses. Lowder has three daughters and Susan has three sons.
Marnix E. Heersink of Dothan, Alabama; Claude B. Nielsen of Birmingham, Alabama; and Nick L. Saban of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, will also be inducted into the Alabama Business Hall of Fame class of 2024.
ACES: Heat safety important as summer swelters
BY KATIE NICHOLS, ACES
AUBURN — Outdoor work and recreation are difficult to enjoy when temperatures are hotter than a cat on a tin roof in the middle of July. In Alabama, July and August are historically hot, with temperatures often hitting the upper 90s or higher. This summer has brought both high temperatures and high humidity, with many parts of the state experiencing excessive heat warnings. When spending time outdoors, pay attention to the temperature and practice heat safety.
Tamara Warren, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System assistant director for urban human nutrition, diet and health programs, said sun safety is important year-round, especially in the heat of the summer.
“Safety precautions are important, but individuals who are experiencing any signs of heat distress should seek medical attention immediately,” Warren said.
The sun’s rays can have both beneficial and detrimental impacts on human health. Sunlight’s benefits include
vitamin D, which strengthens bones. On the other hand, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns of the dangers of overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause skin cancers, as well as lead to heat stress-related illnesses. These illnesses can include heat strokes, exhaustion, cramps, sunburns and heat rashes.
Warren said it is important to note that each of these illnesses are preventable with a proper sun safety plan.
Protection Protocols for Workers
While heat-related illnesses are preventable, there are many individuals whose work keeps them outdoors during the summer. The CDC provides strong guidance for sun safety when working as well as during play. Consider the following tips to avoid overexposure to harmful UV rays while working: Minimize sun exposure. Create a work schedule that minimizes sun exposure. For example, schedule outdoor tasks — such as mowing the
lawn — for early in the morning instead of noon. Also, rotate workers to reduce their UV exposure.
Wear the proper clothing. If you cannot avoid being out in the hottest portion of the day, wear clothing — such as widebrimmed hats, dark and tightly woven, long-sleeved shirts and long pants — for added protection.
Sunglasses. Purchase sunglasses that provide 100% protection from UV rays.
Sunscreen. Apply sunscreen products with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher to avoid sunburns and potential cancer threats. Take cover. Use tents, shelters and cooling stations to provide shade at worksites.
Stay hydrated. Drink a lot of water in order to stay hydrated, but avoid alcohol or sugary drinks.
Protection Protocols for Recreation
Outdoor recreation is a great way to reduce stress and get some needed physical activity. All of the protection protocols for outdoor workers listed
above are equally important in recreational situations. Work hours cannot usually be altered, but timing for recreational activities is typically more flexible. When planning outdoor activities for fun, take care to plan events prior to 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. in order to avoid the UV rays when they are at their strongest. It is important to note that UV rays can still affect humans on cloudy, cool days. They also reflect off surfaces like water, cement and sand. Dressing properly and using sunscreen are two important deterrents for heat stress-related illness
es.
ROB BURTON
RAYMON HARBERT
THOMAS HARRIS THOMAS LOWDER
Alabama residents to get early access when booking stays at Alabama State Park campgrounds
BY ALABAMA STATE PARKS
CONTRIBUTED
ALABAMA — Alabama residents will soon be able to make reservations for traditional campground accommodations (RV, modern, and primitive camping) at Alabama State Parks a month earlier than other travelers.
Beginning Aug. 1, Alabama residents will be able to make online reservations 13 months in advance, a month before out-of-state residents. Known as the “Alabama Residents Advanced Reservation Window,” Alabamians will have greater flexibility in pricing, location and date options.
“Alabamians consistently support our 21 State Parks, and this is a way we can show our appreciation,” said Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner Chris Blankenship. “Allowing Alabama residents to book earlier gives our neighbors expanded opportunities to stay, play and explore throughout our State Parks.”
Alabamians, for instance, will be able to book Labor Day 2025 as early as Aug. 1 through early access. Some destinations, such as camping reservations at Cheaha State Park during peak fall foliage season, have sold out in a matter of hours a year in advance. The new “Alabama Residents Advanced Reservation Window” should make it easier for residents to secure such highdemand reservations.
Reservations can be made online through the Plan Your Adventure Online portal at alapark.com. When users access the online reservation system, they will be prompted to provide a zip code. Those with an Alabama zip code will be allowed to make reservations 13 months in advance, and users from out-of-state zip codes will continue to be allowed to make reservations 12 months in advance.
When an Alabama resident completes the online booking, the zip code attached to the credit card for the reservation must match the Alabama zip code that was originally provided. The
Concerned Citizens of Opelika to host ‘It Takes a Village’ night out
OPELIKA — The Concerned Citizens of Opelika will host its annual It Takes a Village Night Out event on Aug. 6. from 5 to 8 p.m. at Bandy Park, located at 300 Jeter Ave. in Opelika.
During the free event, there will be live music, food, drinks, games, a raffle and a special guest Larzene Turk —from the Larzene Turk Movement for Christ Reunion. For more information call Oscar Penn at 334-319-0289.
necessity to enter a zip code at the beginning and end of the transaction is a new but needed security feature to ensure that only Alabama residents utilize the 13-month booking window.
“In recent years, we have heard from Alabama residents inquiring about some form of reservation option that is unique to our state’s residents. With changes in our reservations system, we now have that technological capability and have made this happen,” State Parks Director Greg Lein said.
“We encourage guests to make reservations early and often through our Plan Your Adventure Online portal available on our
website at alapark.com. We truly appreciate all the support Alabamians give our State Parks.”
Whether guests come to enjoy a day on the trails or weeks of scenic park views, the Alabama State Parks system offers parkspecific events, interpretive programming, rest, relaxation, and adventure. Park leadership encourages guests to plan ahead at alapark.com for the most flexible dates, rates, and location opportunities at Alabama’s 21 state parks.
ABOUT ALABAMA’S STATE PARKS SYSTEM
The Alabama State Parks
is a division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and maintains 21 state parks encompassing more than 50,000 acres of land and water in Alabama. The parks range from Gulf Coast beaches to Appalachian Mountains and provide opportunities and facilities from basic day-use activities to resort convention lodging, restaurants, interpretative programming and golfing areas. These parks rely on visitor fees and the support of other partners like local communities to fund the majority of their operations. Learn more at www.alapark.com. Partners Pay the Way.
Alabama State Parks offer RV campsites at many parks.
National Night Out hosted by Auburn Public Safety, provides the community with an opportunity for fellowship and fun.
L labama Politics ee County & A
Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024
Inside the State House
Republicans leave convention
exuberant, positive and united
OPINION — The Republican Convention ended on July 19, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The GOP came out of their week long confab exuberant, positive and unified.
The Republicans nominated former President Donald J. Trump for the third time to lead their party into the Fall elections. Most reliable polling points to Trump being elected on Nov. 5. However, the election is three months away and anything can happen, and very well might given the events of the year.
Trump was unanimously nominated by the GOP delegates less than 48 hours after being shot by an assassin in rural Pennsylvania at a campaign rally. There were an estimated 10,000 people at the event in this important battleground state. The assassination attempt and Trump’s resilience, and defiant and brave response, further enhanced his odds of taking back the White House.
The big question going into the convention was, who would Trump pick as his running mate. That well kept secret was answered on Monday afternoon when he announced Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance as his choice to be vice president. The young freshman senator was not a surprise as he was speculated to have
been on Trump’s VP short list for months. He immediately became a popular selection.
Vance seems to be somewhat of an American superstar. He turns 40 on Aug. 2 and has had a stellar rags-to-riches, self-made Horatio Alger success story raised in poverty as a boy growing up in Ohio. After high school he became a Marine. He served in combat in the Marine Corp. He then went to college at Ohio State, on the G.I. bill. He continued to law school at Yale where he earned his J.D. degree. He began a successful venture capital business. His next endeavor was to write a best-selling book — an allegorical story about his life. The book Hillbilly Elegy was made into a movie, which a lot of folks have seen. I am sure a lot more will now see and also will read the book, now that Vance has been thrust onto the national scene. He and his wife, Usha, have three young children, ages 2, 4 and 7.
Vance is touted as a blue collar, Rust Belt, MAGA Republican. He will be an asset to the ticket in attracting middle class voters in the pivotal swing mid-western states surrounding his home state of Ohio. The election will be decided in the Midwest battleground states of Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin. Vance will also help keep his home state of Ohio in the red column.
Our own freshman Sen. Katie Britt is a close conservative ally and friend of Vance. They arrived in the Senate together less than two years ago. Britt and Vance were identified early by the national press as new rising, promising freshmen Republican conservative stalwarts in
a stellar freshman class elected in 2020. They have not disappointed anyone. They both are everything that they were cracked up to be for the GOP. Britt was given a primetime spot for an address to the convention on Monday.
Another Alabama lady was featured in the spotlight at the Convention. As the roll call began for the Presidential nomination, it was obvious that a beautiful, clear, distinct, southern accent was calling the roll. When I looked, I saw our own Vickie Drummond of Jasper was presiding. She was elegant, beautiful and exuded class. Vickie and her magnificent husband, Mike, a Jasper dentist, were Republicans before it was cool. They have toiled in the Republican Party vineyards for 60 years. They began with the Southern Goldwater Republican landslide of 1964. Vickie has become a leader in the National Republican Party. She serves as Secretary of the National GOP and is on the Executive Committee of the National Party. She and Mike are Alabama treasures.
Another Alabama treasure, iconic State Sen. Jabo Waggoner of Vestavia Hills, is the longest serving legislator in Alabama history and was a delegate to the GOP Convention for the ninth straight time going back to 1992. He also attended the 1984 Convention as a Republican candidate for Congress.
See you next week.
Steve Flowers’ weekly column appears in more than 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. steve@ steveflowers.us.
Solid waste disposal hot topic at Lee County Commission
BY MICHELLE KEY EDITOR@OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM
OPELIKA — Prior to the official start of Monday night’s Lee County Commission meeting, there was a time for public comments.
Lee County resident Lance Farrar addressed the commission regarding a records request that he made one year ago.
“July 31, 2023, Lee County Administrator Holly Leverette informed the Lee County Commission there were 6,818 delinquent — your words, not mine — solid waste customers for the monopoly Arrow Disposal Services bills that Lee County Commission were collecting for,” Farrar said. “I immediately gave notice of a public records request for the names and addresses for those so-called delinquent solid waste customers. I have yet to receive that [information] one calendar year later.”
Farrar also discussed requesting a copy of a letter sent by Commission Chairman Bill English to the Alabama Attorney General’s office pertaining to the legality of Farrar’s original request for the names and addresses of the solid waste customers. Farrar said that he made a public records request for that letter in April of this year, again with no response.
Others that made public comments included John Sophocleus, requesting a copy of a customer contract associated with his name and address for the solid waste pickup. Elias Card spoke on issues with Lee Road 56 and 57, requesting that the city consider paving the section that is still a dirt road. Steve Causey thanked Commission Richard LaGrand on assisting his mother with an issue with her billing, and he stated that he was angry that the county sent his mother’s account into collections for an error that was [allegedly] made by the county.
RECOGNITIONS
Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones recognized Lt. Pam Revels for being installed as the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) President. She is the first woman ever installed in this position.
Jones said that Revels has distinguished herself as being one of the most dedicated
people that he has ever known in regards to working in the school system and looking after the children.
“No more important of a job will you find, in my opinion,” Jones said. “Not only has she done pretty well at it, she has exceeded any expectations that anybody would have as far as a positive effect she has had.”
Speaking of the SROs working within the county Jones had high praise for them.
“A more dedicated group you will not find, they will put their life down to save a child, there is no doubt in my mind,” Jones said. “God forbid something were to happen here, but if it did, you [would] have to go through them first ... and they are not going to get out of the way.”
Revels spoke about the leadership she has experienced.
“I have learned along the way there are doers and there are sayers,” she said. “We have doers. Doers that care so much, that don’t just talk the talk, but walk the walk. This is not my accomplishment — this is our accomplishment, in hopes that I will do a job that is reflective of the heart, the passion, the kindness, the respect and all those other
Letter to the editor
words that should follow that is reflective of this community that I love so much.”
Keith Barnett president of the Alabama Association of Emergency Managers recognized the Lee County Emergency Management Agency team. The LCEMA team all achieved certifications which is considered to be an outstanding feat according to Barnett. Just the basic certification requires a minimum of 300 hours of training in addition to other public service requirements while the advanced certification requires 1,350 hours of training.
Laureen Jeffers earned a basic certification, Nicholas Glover, Austin Jones, Steven Holden, Michael Holden and Clint Knox all earned the advanced certification and EMA Director Rita Smith was re-certified at the master level which is required every five years.
“She is one heck of (take out an) a director,” Burton said of Smith. “She has held a master levels certificate for years now and she was able to accomplish the hours again, the continued education, the continued training and public service that you have to do every five year. She has
See COMMISSION, page A11
Dear Editor, I generally can learn something from Steve Flowers’ column, even though I don’t always agree with him. His analyses of Alabama’s past and present leadership and their political shenanigans and/or accomplishments are often pretty accurate when he tries to retain objectivity. However, his recent column (7-25-24) reacting to the attempted assassination of Donald Trump was so hyperbolic that it made me wonder if I would ever bother to read his column again.
He gushes, “Iif Trump had not turned his head to the right at that exact moment, the bullet would have hit him right in the head and killed him rather than simply grazing his ear. That was without question, divine intervention.” Really? Why wasn’t there any “divine intervention” to prevent the death and injury of other individuals attending the rally? Flowers then babbles that Trump “realizes that God spared his life” and that he “had a Damascus Road experience.” I doubt if Trump would even understand the allusion. I hope that Mr. Flowers can tamp down his effusive support of Mr. Trump in the months ahead and provide some actual political analysis.
Linda Henry Dean Auburn
BY STEVE FLOWERS
Above, Lt. Pamela Revels speaks to the Lee County Commission about being named the president of the NASRO. Below, the Lee County Emergency Management team were recognized for gaining certifications.
CITY OF OPELIKA PUBLIC NOTICES
RESOLUTION NO. 177-24
A RESOLUTION PROPOSING THE ADOPTION OF THE 2021 EDITION OF THE INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE AND SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE CODE WILL BE ADOPTED BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Opelika, Alabama as follows:
1. The City Council of the City of Opelika hereby proposes to consider the adoption of the “International Building Code”, published by the International Code Council, Inc., being particularly the 2021 edition thereof, with certain deletions, modifications and amendments hereinafter designated, as the official standard building code for the City of Opelika, Alabama, pursuant to the provisions of Section 11-45-8 of the Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, and will hold a public hearing thereon at the regular meeting of the City Council to be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, in the Courtroom of the Municipal Court Building located at 300 Martin Luther King Boulevard in the City of Opelika, Alabama, at which time all interested persons are invited to attend and express themselves on the subject matter.
2. The exceptions to the International Building Code referred to in paragraph 1 above are:
(a) The words “City of Opelika” shall be inserted in the blank space in Section 101.1.
(b) The words and numerals “City of Opelika” and “November 2, 2011” shall be inserted in the blank spaces in Section 1612.3.
(c) The words and numerals “January 1, 1952” shall be inserted in the blank space in Section 3412.2.
(d) Any reference within this code using the term “International Energy Efficiency Code” is replaced with “applicable sections of the Alabama Commercial or Residential Energy Code”.
(e) Sections 103, Section 104.10.1, and Section 1612 of the 2021 International Building Code shall be deleted
3. Three (3) copies of the proposed International Building Code shall be filed in the office of the City Clerk on or before August 19, 2024, (fifteen (15) days before the date of the hearing) for the use and examination by the public on that date through the September 3, 2024 (date of the public hearing).
4. The City Clerk of the City of Opelika is hereby authorized, empower and directed to cause fifteen (15) days notice to be given of the time, place and purpose of the public hearing provided for in paragraph 1 above, by publication of this Resolution once a week for two (2) consecutive weeks in the Opelika Observer, a newspaper of general circulations in the City of Opelika, the first publication to be made on or before July 25, 2024. The City Clerk is further directed to cause his certificate to be attached to the record of1his Resolution, stating the time and manner in which publication of this Resolution was effected.
ADOPTED AND APPROVED this date the 16th day of July 2024. /s/ Eddie Smith PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA ATTEST: /s/ Russell A. Jones, MMC CITY CLERK Legal Run 07/25/2024 & 08/01/2024
RESOLUTION NO. 178-24
A RESOLUTION PROPOSING THE ADOPTION OF THE 2021 EDITION OF THE INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE AND SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE CODE WILL BE ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Opelika, Alabama as follows:
1.The City Council of the City of Opelika hereby proposes to consider the adoption of “International Fire Code”, including all appendixes, published by the International Code Council, being particularly the 2021 edition thereof, with certain deletions, modifications and amendments hereinafter designated, as the official standard fire code for the City of Opelika, Alabama, pursuant to the provisions of Section 11-45-8 of the Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, and will hold a public hearing thereon at the regular meeting of the City Council to be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, in the Courtroom of the Municipal Court Building located at 300 Martin Luther King Boulevard in the City of Opelika, Alabama, at which time all interested persons are invited to attend and express themselves on the subject matter.
2. The exceptions to the
International Fire Code referred to in paragraph 1 above are:
(a)Appendixes A, J, K, L, and M shall be deleted.
3. Three (3) copies of the proposed Uniform Fire Code shall be filed in the office of the City Clerk on or before August 19, 2024, (fifteen (15) days before the date of the hearing) for the use and examination by the public on that date through September 3, 2024.
4. The City Clerk of the City of Opelika is hereby authorized, empowered and directed to cause fifteen (15) days notice to be given of the time, place and purpose of the public hearing provided for in paragraph 1 above, by publication of this Resolution once a week for two (2) consecutive weeks in the Opelika Observer, a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, the first publication to be made on or before July 25, 2024. The City Clerk is further directed to cause his certificate to be attached to the record of this Resolution, stating the time and manner in which publication of this Resolution was effected.
ADOPTED AND APPROVED this date the 16th day of July 2024.
/s/ Eddie Smith PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA
ATTEST:
/s/ Russell A. Jones, MMC CITY CLERK Legal Run 07/25/24 & 08/01/24
RESOLUTION NO. 179-24 A RESOLUTION PROPOSING THE ADOPTION OF THE 2021 EDITION OF THE INTERNATIONAL FUEL GAS CODE AND SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE CODE SHOULD BE ADOPTED BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Opelika, Alabama as follows:
1. The City Council of the City of Opelika hereby proposes to consider the adoption of the “International Fuel Gas Code”, published by the International Code Council, Inc., being particularly the 2021 edition thereof, with certain deletions, modifications and amendments hereinafter designated, as the official standard fuel gas code for the City of Opelika, Alabama, pursuant to the provisions of Section 11-45-8 of the Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, and will hold a public hearing thereon at the regular meeting of the City Council to be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, in the Courtroom of the Municipal Court Building located at 300 Martin Luther King Boulevard in the City of Opelika, Alabama, at which time all interested persons are invited to attend and express themselves on the subject matter.
2. The exceptions to the International Fuel Gas Code referred to in paragraph 1 above are:
(a) The words “City of Opelika” shall be inserted in the blank space in Section 101.1. (b) The following sections shall be deleted from the ICC Fuel Gas Code: 106.1.1, 106.1.2, 115.4, and 109 (c) Section 503.4 shall be amended to read as follows: 503.4 Type of venting system to be used. The type of venting system to be used shall be in accordance with Table 503.4. PVC shall not be used. All plastic pipe venting materials shall be in accordance with UL 1738.
3. Three (3) copies of the proposed International Fuel Gas Code shall be filed in the office of the City Clerk on or before August 19, 2024, (fifteen (15) days before the date of the hearing) for the use and examination by the public on that date through the September 3, 2024, (date of the public hearing).
4. The City Clerk of the City of Opelika is hereby authorized, empower and directed to cause fifteen (15) days notice to be given of the time, place and purpose of the public hearing provided for in paragraph 1 above, by publication of this Resolution once a week for two (2) consecutive weeks in the Opelika Observer, a newspaper of general circulations in the City of Opelika, the first publication to be made on or before July 25, 2024. The City Clerk is further directed to cause his certificate to be attached to the record of this Resolution, stating the time and manner in which publication of this Resolution was effected. ADOPTED AND APPROVED this date the 16th day of July 2024. /s/ Eddie Smith PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA ATTEST: /s/ Russell A. Jones, MMC CITY CLERK Legal Run 07/25/24 & 08/01/24
RESOLUTION NO. 180-24
A RESOLUTION PROPOSING THE ADOPTION OF THE 2024 EDITION OF
PUBLIC NOTICES
THE INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE AND SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE CODE WILL BE ADOPTED BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Opelika, Alabama as follows:
1. The City Council of the City of Opelika hereby proposes to consider the adoption of the “International Mechanical Code” published by the International Code Council, being particularly the 2024 edition thereof, with certain deletions, modifications and amendments hereinafter designated, as the official standard mechanical code for the City of Opelika, Alabama, pursuant to the provisions of Section 1145-8 of the Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, and will hold a public hearing thereon at the regular meeting of the City Council to be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, in the Courtroom of the Municipal Court Building located at 300 Martin Luther King Boulevard in the City of Opelika, Alabama, at which time all interested persons are invited to attend and express themselves on the subject matter.
2. The exceptions to the Mechanical Code referred to in paragraph 1 above are:
(a) The words “City of Opelika” shall be inserted in the blank space in Section 101.1. (b) The following sections shall be deleted from the International Mechanical Code: 103, 106.1.1, and 106.1.2.
3. Three (3) copies of the proposed International Mechanical Code shall be filed in the office of the City Clerk on or before August 19, 2024, (fifteen (15) days before the date of the hearing) for the use and examination by the public on that date through the September 3, 2024, (date of the public hearing).
4. The City Clerk of the City of Opelika is hereby authorized, empowered and directed to cause fifteen (15) days notice to be given of the time, place and purpose of the public hearing provided for in paragraph 1 above, by publication of this Resolution once a week for two (2) consecutive weeks in the Opelika Observer, a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, the first publication to be made on or before July 25, 2024. The City Clerk is further directed to cause his certificate to be attached to the record of this Resolution, stating the time and manner in which publication of this Resolution was effected.
ADOPTED AND APPROVED this date the 16th day of July 2024. /s/ Eddie Smith PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA
ATTEST:
/s/ Russell A. Jones, MMC CITY CLERK Legal Run 07/25/24 & 08/01/24
RESOLUTION NO. 181-24
A RESOLUTION PROPOSING THE ADOPTION OF THE 2021 EDITION OF THE INTERNATIONAL PLUMBING CODE AND SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE CODE WILL BE ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Opelika, Alabama as follows:
1. The City Council of the City of Opelika hereby proposes to consider the adoption of the “International Plumbing Code”, including all appendices, published by the International Code Council, Inc., being particularly the 2021 edition thereof, with certain deletions, modifications and amendments hereinafter designated, as the official standard plumbing code for the City of Opelika, Alabama, pursuant to the provisions of Section 1145-8 of the Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, and will hold a public hearing thereon at the regular meeting of the City Council to be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, in the Courtroom of the Municipal Court Building located at 300 Martin Luther King Boulevard in the City of Opelika, Alabama, at which time all interested persons are invited to attend and express themselves on the subject matter.
2. The exceptions to the International Plumbing Code referred to in paragraph 1 above are:
(a) The words “City of Opelika” shall be inserted in the blank space in Section 101.1.
(b) The following sections shall be deleted from the International Plumbing Code: 106.6.2, 106.6.3, 108.4 and 108.5.
(c) That Section 305.6.1 shall be amended to read as follows: Section 305.6.1-Sewer depth. Building sewers that connect to private sewage disposal systems shall be installed not less than twelve inches (12”) below finished grade at the point of septic tank connection. Building sewers shall be installed not less than twelve inches (12”) below grade.
(d) Section 903.1.1 shall be amended to read as follows: Sec. 903.1.1 Roof Extensions Unprotected. Open vent pipes that extend through a roof shall be terminated not less than six inches (6”) above the roof.
(e) Section 903.1.2 shall be amended to read as follows: Sec. 903.1.2 Roof used for recreational or assembly purposes. Where a roof is to be used as a promenade, restaurant, bar, or sunbathing deck, as an observation deck, or similar purposes, open vent pipes shall terminate not less than 7 feet (2134 mm) above the roof.
3. Three (3) copies of the proposed International Plumbing Code shall be filed in the office of the City Clerk on or before August 19, 2024, (fifteen (15) days before the date of the hearing) for the use and examination by the public on that date through the September 3, 2024, (date of the public hearing).
4. The City Clerk of the City of Opelika is hereby authorized, empower and directed to cause fifteen (15) days notice to be given of the time, place and purpose of the public hearing provided for in paragraph 1 above, by publication of this Resolution once a week for two (2) consecutive weeks in the Opelika Observer, a newspaper of general circulations in the City of Opelika, the first publication to be made on or before July 25, 2024. The City Clerk is further directed to cause this certificate to be attached to the record of this Resolution, stating the time and manner in which publication of this Resolution was effected. ADOPTED AND APPROVED this date the 16th day of July 2024.
/s/ Eddie Smith PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA ATTEST:
/s/ Russell A. Jones, MMC CITY CLERK Legal Run 07/25/2024 & 08/01/2024
RESOLUTION NO. 182-24
A RESOLUTION PROPOSING THE ADOPTION OF THE 2021 EDITION OF THE INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE AND SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE CODE WILL BE ADOPTED BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Opelika, Alabama as follows:
1. The City Council of the City of Opelika hereby proposes to consider the adoption of the “International Property Maintenance Code”, published by the International Code Council, Inc., being particularly the 2021 edition thereof, with certain deletions, modifications and amendments hereinafter designated, as the official standard Property Maintenance code for the City of Opelika, Alabama, pursuant to the provisions of Section 11-45-8 of the Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, and will hold a public hearing thereon at the regular meeting of the City Council to be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, in the Courtroom of the Municipal Court Building located at 300 Martin Luther King Boulevard in the City of Opelika, Alabama, at which time all interested persons are invited to attend and express themselves on the subject matter.
2. The exceptions to the International Property Maintenance Code referred to in paragraph 1 above are:
The International Property Maintenance Code hereby adopted shall be modified and amended as follows:
Section 101.1. Title. These regulations shall be known as the International Property Maintenance Code of the City of Opelika hereinafter referred to as “this Code.”
Section 103.5. This section is hereby deleted.
Section 302.4 This section is hereby deleted
Section 304.14. This section is hereby deleted.
Section 602.3
Heat Supply. Every owner and operator of any building who rents, leases or lets one or more dwelling unit, rooming unit, dormitory or guestroom on terms, either expressed or implied, to furnish heat to the occupants thereof shall supply heat during the period from the first of November to the end of April to maintain a temperature of not less than 68°F (20°C) in all habitable rooms, bathrooms, and toilet rooms.
Exceptions: 1. When the outdoor temperature is below the winter outdoor design temperature for the locality, maintenance of the minimum room temperature shall not be required provided that the heating system is operating at its full design capacity. The winter outdoor design temperature for the locality shall be as indicated in Appendix D of the International Plumbing Code.
2. In areas where the average
monthly temperature is above 30°F (-1° C) a minimum temperature of 65°F (18°C) shall be maintained.
Section 602.4. Occupiable workspaces. Indoor Occupiable workspaces shall be supplied with heat during the period from the first of November to the end of April to maintain a temperature of not less than 65°F (18°C) during the period the spaces are occupied.
Exceptions:
1. Processing, storage and operation areas that require cooling or special temperature conditions.
2. Areas in which persons are primarily engaged in vigorous physical activities.
3. Three (3) copies of the proposed International Property Maintenance Code shall be filed in the office of the City Clerk on or before August 19, 2024, (fifteen (15) days before the date of the hearing) for the use and examination by the public on that date through the September 3, 2024, (date of the public hearing).
4. The City Clerk of the City of Opelika is hereby authorized, empower and directed to cause fifteen (15) days notice to be given of the time, place and purpose of the public hearing provided for in paragraph 1 above, by publication of this Resolution once a week for two (2) consecutive weeks in the Opelika Observer, a newspaper of general circulations in the City of Opelika, the first publication to be made on or before July 25, 2024. The City Clerk is further directed to cause his certificate to be attached to the record of this Resolution, stating the time and manner in which publication of this Resolution was effected. ADOPTED AND APPROVED this date the 16th day of July 2024.
s/ Eddie Smith PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA ATTEST:
/s/ Russell A. Jones, MMC CITY CLERK Legal Run 07/25/2024 & 08/01/2024
RESOLUTION NO. 183-24
A RESOLUTION PROPOSING THE ADOPTION OF THE 2021 EDITION OF THE INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE AND SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE CODE WILL BE ADOPTED BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Opelika, Alabama as follows:
1. The City Council of the City of Opelika hereby proposes to consider the adoption of the “International Residential Code”, published by the International Code Council, Inc., being particularly the 2021 edition thereof, with certain deletions, modifications and amendments hereinafter designated, as the official standard One and Two Family residential building code for the City of Opelika, Alabama, pursuant to the provisions of Section 11-45-8 of the Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, and will hold a public hearing there on at the regular meeting of the City Council to be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, in the Courtroom of the Municipal Court Building located at 300 Martin Luther King Boulevard in the City of Opelika, Alabama, at which time all interested persons are invited to attend and express themselves on the subject matter.
2. The exceptions to the International Residential Code referred to in paragraph 1 above are:
(a) The words “City of Opelika” shall be inserted in the blank space in Section R101.1.
(b) The following sections shall be deleted from the International Residential Code: R103, R112, and R301.2.4.
(c) Section P2603.5.1 shall be amended to read as follows: P2603.5.1 - SEWER DEPTH. Building sewers that connect to private sewage disposal system shall not be less than twelve inches (12”) below finished grade at the point of septic tank connection. Building sewers shall be not less than twelve inches (12”) below grade.
(d) Section R506.2.3 shall be amended to read as follows: R506.2.3 Vapor retarder. A minimum 6-mil vapor retarder conforming to ASTM E1745 Class A requirements with joints lapped not less than 6 inches shall be placed between the concrete slab and base course or the prepared subgrade where a base course does not exist.
(e) Any reference within this code using the term “International Energy Efficiency Code” is replaced with “applicable sections of the Alabama Commercial or Residential Energy Code” with amendments.
(f) The 2021 International Residential Code with the Alabama Building and Energy Code amendments shall be adopted.
(g) Table N1103.6.2 of the 2021 International Residential Code
shall be adopted.
3. Three (3) copies of the proposed International Residential Code shall be filed in the office of the City Clerk on or before August 19, 2024, (fifteen (15) days before the date of the hearing) for the use and examination by the public on that date through the September 3, 2024, (date of the public hearing).
4. The City Clerk of the City of Opelika is hereby authorized, empower and directed to cause fifteen (15) days notice to be given of the time, place and purpose of the public hearing provided for in paragraph 1 above, by publication of this Resolution once a week for two (2) consecutive weeks in the Opelika Observer, a newspaper of general circulations in the City of Opelika, the first publication to be made on or before July 25, 2024. The City Clerk is further directed to cause his certificate to be attached to the record of this Resolution, stating the time and manner in which publication of this Resolution was effected. ADOPTED AND APPROVED this date the 16th day of July 2024.
s/ Eddie Smith PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA ATTEST:
/s/ Russell A. Jones, MMC CITY CLERK Legal Run 07/25/2024 & 08/01/2024
RESOLUTION NO. 184-24 A RESOLUTION PROPOSING THE ADOPTION OF THE 2020 EDITION OF THE NFPA 70, NATIONAL ELECTRIC CODE AND SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE CODE WILL BE ADOPTED BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Opelika, Alabama as follows:
1. The City Council of the City of Opelika hereby proposes to consider the adoption of the NFPA 70, “National Electric Code” , published by the National Fire Protection Association, being particularly the 2020 edition thereof, with certain exceptions, modifications and amendments herein designated, as the official standard electrical code for the City of Opelika, Alabama, pursuant to the provisions of Section 11-45-8 of the Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, and will hold a public hearing thereon at the regular meeting of the City Council to be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, in the Courtroom of the Municipal Court Building located at 300 Martin Luther King Boulevard in the City of Opelika, Alabama, at which time all interested persons are invited to attend and express themselves on the subject matter.
2. The exceptions to the National Electric Code referred to in paragraph 1 above are:
(a) The wiring of all places of assembly, commercial, and industrial buildings and associated structures shall be limited to raceways and cabled that are metallic. The use of any nonmetallic cables shall be prohibited.
(b) Grounding of new structures shall comply with Article 250.52(C) of the National Electrical Code.
(1) The connection shall be located in an accessible location.
(2) The grounding point shall be within 25 feet of the main disconnecting means.
3. Three (3) copies of the proposed National Electric Code shall be filed in the office of the City Clerk on or before August 19, 2024, (fifteen (15) days before the date of the hearing) for the use and examination by the public on that date through the September 3, 2024, (date of the public hearing).
4. The City Clerk of the City of Opelika is hereby authorized, empowered and directed to cause fifteen (15) days notice to be given of the time, place and purpose of the public hearing provided for in paragraph 1 above, by publication of this Resolution once a week for two (2) consecutive weeks in the Opelika Observer, a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, the first publication to be made on or before July 25, 2024. The City Clerk is further directed to cause his certificate to be attached to the record of this Resolution, stating the time and manner in which publication of this Resolution was effected.
ADOPTED AND APPROVED this date the 16th day of July 2024. s/ Eddie Smith PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA ATTEST: /s/ Russell A. Jones, MMC CITY CLERK Legal Run 07/25/2024 & 08/01/2024
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R ESOLUTION NO. 185-24 A RESOLUTION PROPOSING THE ADOPTION OF THE 2021 EDITION OF THE NFPA 101, LIFE SAFETY CODE AND SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE CODE WILL BE ADOPTED BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Opelika, Alabama as follows:
1. The City Council of the City of Opelika hereby proposes to consider the adoption of the NFPA 101, “Life Safety Code”, including all appendices, published by the National Fire Protection Association, being particularly the 2021 edition thereof, with certain deletions, modifications and amendments hereinafter designated, as the official standard life safety code for the City of Opelika, Alabama, pursuant to the provisions of Section 1145-8 of the Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, and will hold a public hearing thereon at the regular meeting of the City Council to be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, in the Courtroom of the Municipal Court Building located at 300 Martin Luther King Boulevard in the City of Opelika, Alabama, at which time all interested persons are invited to attend and express themselves on the subject matter.
2. An exception to the Life Safety Code referred to in paragraph 1 above is: (a) Section 24.3.5 is hereby deleted.
3. Three (3) copies of the proposed Life Safety Code shall be filed in the office of the City Clerk on or before August 19, 2024, (fifteen (15) days before the date of the hearing) for the use and examination by the public on that date through the September 3, 2024, (date of the public hearing).
4. The City Clerk of the City of Opelika is hereby authorized, empowered and directed to cause fifteen (15) days notice to be given of the time, place and purpose of the public hearing provided for in paragraph 1 above, by publication of this Resolution once a week for two (2) consecutive weeks in the Opelika Observer, a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, the first publication to be made on or before July 25, 2024. The City Clerk is further directed to cause his certificate to be attached to the record of this Resolution, stating the time and manner in which publication of this Resolution was effected. ADOPTED AND APPROVED this date the 16th day of July 2024. /s/ Eddie Smith
PRESIDENT OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
OPELIKA
ATTEST:
/s/ Russell A. Jones, MMC CITY CLERK Legal Run 07/25/2024 &
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SEIZURE AND PROPOSED FORFEITURE NOTICE
Lee County, Alabama District Attorney commenced forfeiture against property listed below. The property was seized by Auburn Police Department (APD), Lee County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO), and Opelika Police Department (OPD) during the course of their official duties and has never been claimed. CV-2024-900240.00: Firearms. A complete listing is available at www.leecountyda.org. To claim a firearm, contact the recovering agency directly. Claimant must provide proof of ownership, under oath, subject to penalty of perjury. Contest to the forfeiture of the listed property may be made by filing a claim no later than 11:59PM CST 30 days after final publication of this notice, or, thereafter, a default judgement may be rendered.
Legal Run 07/11/24, 07/18/24, 07/25/24 & 08/01/24
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY STATE OF ALABAMA
In re. the marriage of: JUANITA DORIS FULGHUM RODARTE, PLAINTIFF, VS. DANIEL ROBERT RODARTE, DEFENDANT. CASE NUMBER: DR-2023-900136.00 NOTICE OF DIVORCE ACTION Daniel Robert Rodarte, whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer Juanita Doris Fulghum Rodarte’s Verified Complaint for Divorce and other relief by September 2, 2024, or, thereafter, a judgment by default may be rendered against him in Case No. DR2024-900136.00, Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama. Done this 3rd day of July, 2024. /s/ Mary B. Roberson CIRCUIT COURT CLERK Jacob J. (Jake) Key Attorney for Plaintiff Johnson, Caldwell & McCoy, LLC 117 North Lanier Avenue, Suite 201 Lanett, Alabama 36863 (334) 644-1171 7/11/24, 7/18/24, 7/25/24 and 8/1/24 IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATIER OF THE ADOPTION PETITION OF JAMES FRANKLIN CLEMENS and LINDA NEWBILL CLEMENS CASE NO.: 2024-072 PUBLICATION NOTICE TO: Emily Beth Clemens, address unknown. Please take notice that a petition for adoption was filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama by James Franklin Clemens and Linda Newbill Clemens on February l, 2024, for the adoption of C.A.P. born on January 19, 2017 in Montgomery, Alabama to Emily Beth Clemens and Thomas Lewis Pouncey.
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A hearing has been set in the Probate Court, Lee County Courthouse, 215 South 9th Street, Opelika, AL 36801. Should you intend to contest this adoption you must file a written response with the attorney for the petitioner, Hon. Saylee McDonald, I 00 South Bolton Avenue, Sylacauga, AL 35150 and with the Clerk of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, as soon as possible but no later than thirty (30} days from the last day this notice is published. Dated on this the 25th day of June, 2024. HON. BILL ENGLISH JUDGE OF PROBATE LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Legal run 07/18/24, 07/25/24, 08/01/24 & 08/08/24
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF:
CATHERINE VIRGINIA CLARK,
An Adult in need of a Temporary Guardian. Case No.: 2022- 615
NOTICE OF HEARING
Notice is hereby given that William Owen Clark and Leslie Clark have filed a petition for final settlement of the Conservatorship of Catherine Virginia Clark, an incapacitated adult, now deceased, and a hearing has been set on said petition for September 4, 2024 at I 0:00 a.m. electronically via “ZOOM” virtual meeting website. Please dress appropriately for this hearing, just as if you were appearing in person before the Court. Participants will need access to a telephone, webcam, laptop or cellular telephone to access this hearing. Please contact the Lee County Probate Court at 334-737-3670 for access to said hearing. Done this the I 01h day of July 2024.
BILL ENGLISH Judge of Probate Lee County, Alabama Legal Run 07/18/24, 07/25/24 & 08/01/24
IN THE PROBATE
COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA In the Matter of the Estate of Barbara R. Mora, Deceased Case No. 2024-169
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTRIX AND NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS
Letters Testamentary on the Estate of Barbara R. Mora, deceased, having been granted to the undersigned on the 9th day of July, 2024, by the Honorable 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. /s/ Ottilia May Mora Temm Ottilia May Mora Temm, Executrix Legal Run 07/25/24, 08/01/24 & 08/08/24
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IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, STATE OF ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of DAVID E. STEELE, Deceased CASE Number 2024-428 TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to JUSTINE. STEELE as Executor of the Estate of DAVIDE. STEELE, deceased, on the 15th day of July, 2024, 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 same will be barred. Bradley R. Coppedge, Attorney for the Estate of David E. Steele Legal Run 07/25/24, 08/01/24 & 08/08/24
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
OWNER: City of Smiths Station 2336 Panther Parkway Smiths Station, Alabama PROJECT LOCATION: 2336 Panther Parkway Smiths Station, Alabama Sealed BIDS for the SMITHS STATION COMMUNITY TORNADO SAFE ROOM Building will be received by the City of Smiths Station at City Hall at 2336 Panther Parkway, Smiths Station, AL until 1:00 P.M. Eastern Time on Tuesday, August 20, 2024. On Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 1:30 P.M Eastern Time, the bids will then be publicly opened and read aloud. Items of work are as follows: CONTRACT SCOPE OF WORK - SMITHS STATION TORNADO COMMUNITY SAFE ROOM: Construct approximately 4,350 SF ICC 500-2020 / FEMA 361-2021 Community Safe Room. Scope includes but is not limited to the following: concrete slab on grade, CMU block, bar-joist, metal deck, membrane roofing, interior & exterior paint, EIFS, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, interior finishes, concrete, parking and concrete sidewalks in accordance with the Contract Drawings and Specifications. Pre-Bid Meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at 1:00 P.M. Eastern Time in the Council Chambers of the Smiths Station Government Center, located at 2336 Panther Parkway, Smiths Station, AL 36877. The CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, consisting of the Advertisement for Bids, Information for Bidders, Bid Bonds, Agreement, General Conditions, Payment Bond, Performance Bond, Plans, Specifications and Addenda, may be examined at Stacy Norman Architects, 126 Tichenor Avenue, Auburn, AL between the hours of 9:00
A.M. and 4:00 P.M. Contract Documents will be provided in digital format only. All plan holders are to contact and register with Stacy Norman Architects, Auburn, at the following email address, snorman@snarchitect. com, to receive electronic copies of the CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, addenda, and Bid Communications. Any Requests for Information should be forwarded to snorman@snarchitect.com in writing. All Bidders must comply with the requirements of the Contractor’s Licensing Law of the State of Alabama, the Alabama Bid Law, the Alabama State Business Privilege License, and the City Business License must be certified for the type of work on which a proposal is submitted. Proposals must be accompanied by a Bid Bond or Certified Check for not less than 5% of the amount of the Proposal but not greater than $10,000. A Performance Bond and Payment Bond in an amount equal to the Contract price will be required of each successful Bidder. The Contract Insurance requirements are strict, and compliance is required. Bidders must comply with Executive Order No. 11246, as amended, including specific provisions of the Equal Opportunity Clause set forth in the CONTRACT DOCUMENTS. Davis-Bacon Act Said work falls under the Davis-Bacon Act. The contractor shall supply the City of Smiths Station with certified payroll documentation. The Davis-Bacon and Related Acts apply to contractors and subcontractors performing construction, alteration, or repair with federally funded or assisted contracts in excess of $2,000. Davis-Bacon Act and Related Act contractors and subcontractors must pay their laborers and mechanics employed under the contract no less than the locally prevailing wages and fringe benefits for corresponding work on similar projects in the area. The Davis-Bacon Act directs the Department of Labor to determine such locally prevailing wage rates. The Owner reserves the right to waive any informalities or to reject any or all Proposals or Bids.
No Bidder may withdraw his Bid within sixty (60) days after the actual date of the opening thereof. Each Bidder must comply with the Conditions set forth in the Information for Bidders and otherwise required by the CONTRACT DOCUMENTS. Legal Run 07/25/24, 08/01/24, 08/08/24
INVITATION TO BID
24029
Sealed bids for the construction of the N. 7th St. Storm Drainage Updates shall be received at the Opelika City Hall 2nd Floor Conference Room, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m., local time on August 27th, 2024, and then publicly opened and read aloud. All interested parties
are invited to attend. Only bids from competent general contractors will be considered. At the time of contract award, the successful bidder must be a properly licensed general contractor. The attention of all bidders is called to the provisions of State law governing “General Contractors” as set forth in the Ala. Code §348-1, et. seq. (1975) and rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto. Bidders must be licensed by the Licensing Board for General Contractors when bids are submitted. Bidders are required to have a State of Alabama General Contractor’s License with a specialty of “Highways and Streets, Clearing and Grubbing, Earthwork, Erosion, Site Work, Grading or Municipal and Utility”. All bidders must submit with their proposal, contractor’s license number, and a copy of the license. State law Ala. Code §34-8-8(b) requires all bids to be rejected which do not contain the contractor’s current license number. Evidence of this license shall be documented on the outside of the sealed bid. All bidders shall possess all other licenses and/or permits required by applicable law, rule, or regulation for the performance of the work. Drawings and Specifications may be examined at the Office of the City Engineer located at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama, and phone number: 334-705-5450. Bid documents may be obtained from the Office of the City Engineer at no charge as an electronic file if the bidder supplies a storage drive or as an email attachment or electronic drop box. Additionally, bid documents are available on the City of Opelika’s website at www.opelika-al.gov/bids.aspx. The bidder’s proposal must be submitted on the complete original proposal furnished to him/her by the City of Opelika. All information in the proposal must be completed by the bidder for the proposal to be accepted. A Bid Bond in the amount of five (5) percent of the bid amount made payable to the City of Opelika must accompany each bid. Performance and Payment Bonds for the full contract sum will be required of the successful bidder. The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids and to waive irregularities. Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to Lillie Finley, Purchasing-Revenue Manager, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama, 36803-0390. Attn: N. 7th St. Storm Drainage Updates LILLIE FINLEYPURCHASING-REVENUE MANAGER CITY OF OPELIKA 204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET (36801) POST OFFICE BOX 390 (36803-0390) OPELIKA, ALABAMA PH: (334) 705-5120 Legal Run 08/1/24, 08/8/24 & 08/15/24
ADVERTISEMENT FOR COMPLETION
LEGAL NOTICE
In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, notice is hereby given that JLD Enterprises, LLC, Contractor, has completed the Contract for (Improvement) of New 6th Grade School Roadway Improvements Project Fox Run Parkway Opelika AL at for the State of Alabama and the (County) (City) of Lee, Opelika.
Owner(s), and have made request for final settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify TURNERBATSON Architects, P.C.1950 Stonegate Drive Suite 200 Birmingham, Alabama 35242
JLD Enterprises, LLC
(Contractor)
Mailing:P.O. Box 2280 Auburn AL 36830 (Business Address)
NOTE: This notice must be run for a minimum of three weeks for projects of $100,000.00 or more. For acceptable methods of advertisement, see General Conditions of the Contract, Article 34. Proof of publication of the notice shall be made by the contractor to the authority by whom the contract was made by affidavit of the publisher or website owner and a printed copy of the notice published. A final settlement shall not be made upon the contract until the expiration of 30 days after the completion of the notice.
Legal Run 07/25/2024, 08/01/24, 08/08/24 & 08/15/24
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM ROBERTS DEAN, DECEASED.
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA
Case No: 2024-413
Letters of Administration of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 12th day of July, 2024, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.
LINDA HENRY DEAN, Administrator
Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504
Legal Run 07/25//24, 08/01/24, 08/08/24
INVITATION TO BID 24030
Sealed bids for the construction of Removal of Dead, Dying, or Dangerous Trees and Stumps with Tree Pruning shall be received at the Opelika City Hall 2nd Floor Conference Room, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m. local time, on August 19, 2024, and then publicly opened and read aloud. All interested parties are invited to attend. Only bids from competent general contractors will be considered. At the time of contract award, the successful bidder must be a properly licensed general contractor. The attention of all bidders is called to the provisions of State law governing “General Contractors” as set forth in the Ala. Code §34-8-1, et. seq. (1975) and rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto. Bidders must be licensed by the Licensing Board for General Contractors when bids are submitted. A Mandatory Pre-Proposal Conference will be held at Opelika City Hall (204 S. 7th Street, Opelika, Alabama) at 10:00 a.m., local time, on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, to review the project and answer Bidder’s questions. Attendance at the Pre-Bid Conference is mandatory for all Bidders intending to submit a Proposal. Bidders are required to have a State of Alabama General Contractor’s License with a specialty in “Highways and Streets, Clearing and Grubbing, Earthwork, Erosion, Site Work, Grading or Municipal and Utility.” All bidders must submit with their proposal, contractor’s license number, and a copy of the license. State law Ala. Code §34-8-8(b) requires all bids to be rejected which do not contain the contractor’s current license number. Evidence of this license shall be documented on the outside of the sealed bid.
Bids must be submitted using proposal forms furnished by the City of Opelika. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive technical errors if, in the Owner’s judgment, the best interests of the Owner will thereby be promoted. The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids and waive irregularities. A certified check or Bid Bond payable to the City of Opelika, Alabama, in an amount not less than five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000.00 must accompany the bidder’s sealed proposal - refer also to Instructions to Bidders. Performance and statutory labor and material bonds for the full contract sum will be required of the successful bidder at the signing of the Contract. In addition, a payment bond to the awarding authority letting the contract shall be executed in an amount not less than 50 percent (50%) of the contract price, with the obligation that the contractor or contractors shall promptly make payments to all persons supplying labor, materials, or supplies for or in the prosecution of the work provided in the contract and for the payment of reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred by successful claimants or plaintiffs in civil actions on the bond. Bid documents may be obtained from the city’s website at https://www.opelika-al. gov/Bids.aspx or from the Purchasing Department at 204 S.7th St, Opelika, Alabama 36801 at no charge. The bidder’s proposal must be submitted using the complete original proposal furnished to him/her by the City of Opelika. All information in the proposal must be completed by the bidder for the proposal to be accepted. Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to: Lillie Finley, Purchasing-Revenue Manager, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama, 368030390. Removal of Dead, Dying, or Dangerous Trees and Stumps with Tree Pruning LILLIE FINLEYPURCHASING REVENUE MANAGER CITY OF OPELIKA 204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET (36801) POST OFFICE BOX 390 (36803-0390) OPELIKA, ALABAMA PH: (334) 705-5120 Legal Run 07/25/24, 08/01/24 & 08/08/24
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA RUSSELL OWENS MITCHELL and LINDA BRADFORD, Plaintiffs, CIVIL ACTION NO. CV 2023-900377.00 A TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND IN LEE AND RUSSELL COUNTIES, ALABAMA, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: The Northeast quarter of Section 3, Township 16, Range 26, containing in the aggregate 320.0 acres, more or less, a portion of which is situated in Lee County, Alabama, and the remaining portion of which is situated in Russell County, Alabama; less and except therefrom Tract 1, Russell R. Toney Subdivision as shown on that certain plat of record in Plat Book 34, Page 183, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, and also less and except therefrom Tract 1, Russell R. Toney Subdivision as shown by that certain plat filed for record in Miscellaneous Book 25, Page 121, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Russell County, Alabama and vs. BENJAMIN DANIEL INGRAM, Defendants. Take notice that I, Robert H. Pettey, as Commissioner, having been appointed pursuant to Decree of Sale entered June 27, 2024 by the Circuit Judge of Lee County, Alabama, will offer for sale for division, to the highest bidder for cash, the following described real property on the 22nd day of August, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. CST in front of the Lee County Courthouse at 215 S. 9th Street, Opelika AL 36801, said property described as follows: The Northeast quarter of Section 3, Township 16, Range 26, containing in the aggregate 320.0 acres, more or less, a portion of which is situated in Lee County, Alabama, and the remaining portion of which is situated in Russell County, Alabama, less and except Tract 1, Russell R. Toney Subdivision as shown on that certain plat of record in Plat Book 34, Page 183, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County,
Alabama, and also less and except Tract 1, Russell R. Toney Subdivision as shown by that certain plat filed for record in Miscellaneous Book 25, Page 121, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Russell County, Alabama.
The purpose of said sale is for distribution of the proceeds among the joint owners of said property.
This the 23rd day of July, 2024.
ROBERT H. PETTEY
Robert H. Pettey
SAMFORD & DENSON, LLP
Attorneys at Law
P.O. Box 2345
Opelika, AL 36803-2345
(334) 745-3504
Legal Run 07/25/24, 08/01/24 & 08/08/24
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ANNETTE B. ADAMSON JUSTICE, DECEASED.
IN THE PROBATE
COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA
Case No: 2024-418
Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 12th day of July, 2024, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.
BEVERLY ADAMSON
HUNTER KING
Personal Representative
Robert H. Pettey
Samford & Denson, LLP
P.O. Box 2345
Opelika, AL 36803-2345
Legal Run 07/25/24, 08/01/24 & 08/8/24
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA
Notice of the filing of Petition for Summary Distribution In the Estate of CARLTON HORACE DAVIS, SR.
Deceased
Case No: 2024-447
Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the Lee County Probate Office by Carlton Horace Davis, Jr. on July 23, 2024 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 required to enter an Order directing Summary Distribution of the estate of said decedent.
BILL ENGLISH, PROBATE
JUDGE Legal Run 08/01/2024
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
ESTATE OF ALICIA
HANKS, DECEASED
PROBATE COURT, LEE COUNTY
CASE NO. 2024-419
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of the Estate of ALICIA HANKS, are hereby granted to Freida L. Luster Barregarye on the 12th day of July, 2024, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama. Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.
Freida L. Luster-Barregarye Legal Run 08/01/24, 08/08/24 & 08/15/24
Access Accommodations to Floral Park
The City of Opelika RE: Form of Advertisement for Completion Legal Notice for Bid# 23026
In accordance with Chapter I, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given that Robinson Paving Company Inc, Contractor, has completed the Contract for The Construction of Access Accommodations to Floral Park Fields Opelika, AL, for the City of Opelika, owner, and have made request for final settlement of said Contract.
All persons having any claim for labor, materials or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify Jeffrey Robinson, 5425 Schatulga Rd Columbus, GA 31907, in writing.
Legal Run 08/01/24, 08/08/24, 08/15/24 & 08/22/2024
Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 1412 Opelika Rd Auburn, AL 36830 - Thursday, August 8, 2024 @ 10:00 AM
Unit C54
The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.
Legal Run 08/01/2024
STORAGE TREASURES AUCTION
Extra Space Storage, on behalf of itself or its affiliates, Life Storage or Storage Express, will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 2020 S. College St. Auburn, AL 36832 Thursday, August 8, 2024 at 10:00AM
Unit A5
Unit C219
The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.
Legal Run 08/01/2024
STORAGE TREASURES AUCTION
Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 1242 N Dean Rd, Auburn, AL 36830 Thursday, August 8, 2024 at 10:00AM Unit 75
The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.
Legal Run 08/01/2024
STORAGE TREASURES
AUCTION
Extra Space Storage, on behalf of itself or its affiliates, Life Storage or Storage Express, will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated:
Extraspace Storage 2357 E Glenn Ave Auburn, Al 36830 08/08/2024 at 10:00am Unit 1060 , unit 2161
The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction.
Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.
08/01/2024
Legal Run
STORAGE TREASURES
AUCTION
Extra Space Storage (Life Storage) will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: (1231 Gatewood Dr. Auburn Al ) Thursday, 8-8-2024 at 10:00AM
Unit 321
Unit 808
The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.
Legal Run 08/01/2024
STORAGE TREASURES
AUCTION
Extra Space Storage (Life
Storage) will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 3951 Pepperell Pkwy Opelika AL 36801 Thursday, Aug 8, 2024 at 10:00AM
Unit C18
Unit C25
The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete
the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property. Legal Run 08/01/2024
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF KENNETH COGGIN GODWIN, DECEASED. Case No. 2024-366
TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Nancy Adena Phillips Godwin, as Executrix of the Estate of Kenneth Coggin Godwin, deceased, on the 15th day of July, 2024, by the Honorable Bill English. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same be barred. Nancy Adena Phillips Godwin, Executrix Of the Estate of Kenneth Coggin Godwin, Deceased Marrell J. McNeal, Attorney at Law, PC PO Box 308 Opelika, AL 36803 334-745-7033 Legal Run 08/1/24, 08/8/24 & 08/15/24
IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION PETITION OF ANDREW LANIER LANGLEY IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO.: 2024-191
PUBLICATION NOTICE TO: Ryan David Roberson or any other potential unknown or undisclosed fathers
Please take notice that a Petition for Adoption was filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama by Andrew Lanier Langley on March 27, 2024, for the adoption of E.L.W. born on November 21, 2013, in Opelika, Alabama to Rebecca Anne Walters. 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. Gary Abell, P.O. Box 2682, Columbus, GA 31902 and with the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, P.O. Box 2266, Opelika, AL 36803 as soon as possible but no later than thirty (30) days from the last day this notice is published.
Dated on this the 25th day of July, 2024. HON. BILLGLISH JUDGE OF PROBATE LEECOUNT
Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain Mortgage executed by Barbara A. Cummings, an unmarried woman, to First Horizon Home Loan Corporation, on May 25, 2006, in the original amount of $77,000.00, said Mortgage being recorded on June 13, 2006 in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, in Book 3336 Page 471; FIRST HORIZON BANK, a Tennessee Banking Corporation, successor by conversion to First Tennessee Bank National Association, a National Banking Association, successor by merger to First Horizon Home Loan Corporation, a Kansas Corporation, as holder, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said Mortgage, the following described property will be sold at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Lee County Courthouse, 215 S 9th Street, Opelike, Alabama on September 10, 2024, during the legal hours of sale the following described real estate, situated in Lee County, Alabama, to-wit: ALL THAT REAL PROPERTY SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE COUNTY OF LEE, STATE OF ALABAMA, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS, TO WIT: LOT(S) 305, CAMDEN RIDGE 8TH ADDITION SECTION 10, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 24, PAGE 194/195 IN THE OFFICE OF THE JUDGE OF PROBATE, LEE COUNTY ALABAMA. Property Known As: 1848 Shadow Bend Lane, Auburn, AL 36830 (address for informational purposes only) Said property will be sold on an “as is, where is” basis subject to
any easements, encumbrances, and exceptions contained in said Mortgage and those contained in the records of the Office of the Judge of Probate where the above-described property is situated. Said property will be sold without warranty or recourses expressed or implied as to title, use and\or enjoyment, and will be sold subject to the right of redemption of all parties entitled hereto. Said property will be sold subject to any outstanding ad valorem taxes (including taxes which are a lien, but not yet due and payable), any matters which might be disclosed by an accurate survey and inspection of the property, any assessments or easements, liens, zoning ordinances, restrictions, covenants, and any security deeds, mortgages or deeds of trust and any other matters of record superior to the Mortgage first set out above. The sale will be conducted subject (1) to confirmation that the sale is not prohibited under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and (2) to final confirmation and audit of the status of the loan with the holder of the security deed. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure, including attorney’s fees. The Mortgagee/Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. FIRST HORIZON BANK, a Tennessee Banking Corporation, successor by conversion to First Tennessee Bank National Association, a National Banking Association, successor by merger to First Horizon Home Loan Corporation, a Kansas Corporation
Robert J. Solomon Attorney for Holder Solomon | Baggett, LLC 3763 Rogers Bridge Road Duluth, GA 30097 (678) 243-2512 The law firm is acting as a debt collector attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Legal Run 8/1/24, 8/8/24, 8/15/24
CITY OF OPELIKA ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
300 Martin Luther King Blvd. August 13, 2024 TIME: 9:00 AM A.APPROVAL OF MINUTES
B. VARIANCE
1. David Slocum, authorized representative for Kiwi, LLC, 1911 Century Blvd., Requesting a 13-foot side yard on street (Century Blvd) variance from the minimum 25- foot side yard on street requirement in a C-2, GC-P zoning district.
2. Daryl Bledsoe, 1728 1st Avenue, C-2 zoning district, Requesting a 2 foot variance from the minimum 10-foot setback requirement from another structure for an accessory structure in the rear yard.
“In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Opelika will make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. If you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the ADA Coordinator 72 hours prior to the meeting at (334)705-5130.” Legal Run 08/01/2024
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of JOHN EDWIN LOHMEYER, Deceased CASE NO: 2024-330 NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to LINDA MAE LOHMEYER, as Personal Representatives of the Estate of JOHN EDWIN LOHMEYER, deceased, on the 19th day of July, 2024, by Bill English, Lee County Probate Judge. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. LINDA MAE LOHMEYER Personal Representative of the Estate of JOHN EDWIN LOHMEYER Legal Run 08/01/24, 08/08/24, 08/15/24
Pops with Cops visits Covington’s summer camp program
Attempt to identify theft suspect OFD
CONTRIBUTED BY OPD
OPELIKA — On July 13, the Opelika Police Department began investigating a fraudulent use of a credit/debit card and a theft of property, second degree. At approximately 12:09 p.m., the suspect used stolen credit cards on several transactions at Target, located at 2640 Enterprise Drive.
The suspect, a lightskinned female with blonde curly hair, can be seen on surveillance video wearing a brown skirt, white top and dark-colored sandals. If you have any information on this incident or the identity of the suspect, please contact the OPD Detective Division at (334) 705-5220 or the Secret Witness Hotline at (334) 745-8665. Tips can be submitted through the Opelika Police Mobile App. You may wish to remain anonymous. Tips can also be forwarded through Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at (334) 215-STOP(7867), toll-free at 1-833-AL1STOP, or via the Facebook page: www.Facebook. com/215stop or their website: www.215STOP. com.
APD recognizes promotions
CONTRIBUTED BY AUBURN
POLICE
AUBURN — The Auburn Police Department is proud to recognize the recent promotions of Detective Joseph Ellison, Officer Matthew George and Detective Terry “TJ” White to the rank of sergeant, effective May 2024.
JOSEPH ELLISON Joseph Ellison has been promoted to the rank of sergeant (SGT). Sergeant Ellison served in the United States Marine Corps from 1997 to 2001. He has dedicated nearly thirteen years to working in law enforcement, ten of which have been with the Auburn Police Department.
He is a certified fraud
examiner and a certified financial crimes specialist. Sgt. Ellison is a TASER instructor, CRASE instructor, active attack incident response instructor and regularly presents crime prevention and awareness classes in the community.
Sgt. Ellison and his wife, Wendy, are the proud parents to five children and grandparents to two grandchildren.
MATTHEW GEORGE Matthew George has been promoted to the rank of sergeant (SGT).
Sergeant George began his career with the Auburn Police Department as a patrol officer in June 2021. He was previously employed by the Notasulga Police Department from 2019 to 2021. Sgt.
George is a traffic homicide investigator, field training officer, honor guard member (bagpiper) and drone pilot for the Auburn Police Department. He is also a member of the Alabama Law Enforcement Memorial Pipes and Drums.
Sgt. George obtained a bachelor’s degree in wildlife ecology and management from Auburn University in 2017.
TERRY WHITE
Terry White has been promoted to the rank of sergeant (SGT).
Sergeant White began his career with the Auburn Police Department as a patrol officer in March 2008. He served as a bike patrol officer from 2012 to 2014 and was promoted to detective in Oct. 2016.
Sgt. White was assigned to the Auburn Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) from 2017 to 2020 and assigned to the U.S. Marshals – Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force in 2022. He is also an AXON virtual reality trainer and a crisis/hostage negotiator for the Auburn Police Department.
Sgt. White graduated from Beauregard High School. He and his wife, Amber, are the
awarded critical lifesaving upgrade from Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation
CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF OPELIKA
OPELIKA — Opelika Fire Department has been named a 2024 grant recipient by Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, receiving $41,723 to ensure Opelika is safer than ever. The grant will be used to purchase Holmatro extrication tools for the department and will ensure our community is better prepared for emergencies.
“We are committed to helping organizations such as Opelika Fire Department continue their lifesaving work. We are honored to be able to award this grant and do our part to ensure that Opelika is safer for everyone, including first responders,” said Robin Peters, Executive Director, Firehouse
COMMISSION >> from A7
probably forgotten more about emergency management that I will ever learn.”
The commission heard a presentation from the Lee County Historical Society.
Commissioners Cannon and Morris as well as other county employees spoke on their experience on attending the National Association of Counties annual conference last month.
County administrator Holly Leverette delivered an update on the Loachapoka Broadband Phase III ARPA Grant Project. According to Leverette, two applications have from providers have been received and the committee expects to have a recommendation for the commission to consider by the Aug. 12 meeting.
IN OTHER BUSINESS
- The commission approved the minutes of the July 8 meeting.
- The commission approved a motion to ratify and approve claims and procurement card transactions
- The commission approved the appointment of Vertrina Grubbs to the East Alabama Health Care Authority Board and also held a first reading for an additional appointment to the same board.
- Morris put forth the suggestion that the commission consider adopting an operating model that would include the
Subs Public Safety Foundation. The extrication tools will be used to mitigate delays in the event of vehicle entrapment incidents. This suite of tools sets the standard for battery-powered technology, and it will be a vital additional resource for the department as it continues to equip its first responders with the best life-saving equipment available.
For the past 18 years, charitable donations have been the driving force behind Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation supporting first responders and public safety organizations nationwide. To learn more about Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation or donate directly, visit FirehouseSubsFoundation.org.
hiring of a Chief Operating Officer.
- The commission sent an Inmate Housing Agreement with Autauga County to the county attorney for further review.
- The commission approved a motion to reduce the Speed Limit and to erect a No Truck Route sign on Lee Road 267. The new speed limit will be 15 miles per hour.
- The commission approved the final plat for the property division of Parcels 5 and 6 located adjacent to Lee Road 183.
- The county approved the Final Plat for the Cherry Hill Subdivision.
- Leverette gave an update for the county’s COVID-19 Policy and the commission voted to approve the revised policy. The biggest changes involve removing the automatic 40 hours of sick leave for new hires following changes to recommendations fro the Centers of Disease Control (CDC) that no longer require patients with COVID-19 to be in isolation, the maximum cap for sick leave will be adjusted back down to the pre-covid amount of 1,040 hours.
- The commission approved Commissioner Tony Langley to be the next Representative on ACCA’s Legislative Committee.
- The commission approved five work session dates to work on the fiscal year 2025 budget. The work sessions will be held on Aug. 12 following the regularly scheduled meeting, Aug. 13 at 5 p.m., Aug. 26 following
the scheduled commission meeting, Aug. 27 at 5 p.m. and Aug. 28 at 5 p.m.
WORK SESSION
Following the meeting, the commission held a work session to discuss dirt road paving and the solid waster contracts with Arrow and GFL.
During the work session, Leverette produced reports showing that the Simplified Sellers Use Tax (SSUT) for the current year has already generated excess revenue of budgeted amounts by $353,235. It was proposed that the excess funds be earmarked and split evenly between the general fund/personnel, dirt road paving projects and public safety.
During the discussion on the county’s trash pickup services, a plan to possibly shift the bulk trash pickup which is currently on a call in to schedule basis to regular routes that would run once a month was discussed. Leverette asked the commissioners if the county should start requesting that Arrow start picking up the trash cans of customers who’s accounts are delinquent for failure to pay the quarterly bill and there was a discussion on whether or not the county should open up a bidding process for a new contract or decide to renew the contract with Arrow. LaGrand suggested that officials from Arrow be invited to the next meeting on Aug. 12 to discuss some of the problems with service that have been reported to the commission.
proud parents to five children.
Opelika Police Officers recently visited the Covington Recreation Center’s Summer Camp, where they handed out stickers and popsicles and visited with campers. Pops with Cops events throughout the city this summer have given citizens the chance to interact with officers in a fun and productive way.
ELLISON GEORGE WHITE
Cold treats for a hot marching band
Letter to the editor
Christian Women’s Job Corps recognizes its Executive Director
Dear Editor,
In I Thessalonians 5: 11 we read, “ Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing .”
That scripture describes what Neeley Caldwell does for a living. Neeley is the Executive Director of CWJC in Lee County, Alabama. Her office, located in Auburn, has an open door to the women in this area who need help with resumes, job and soft skills training, ESL enrichment and the valuable skills needed to be self-sufficient.
Neeley’s welcome smile and words of encouragement have impacted women and their families since she joined CWJC in July of 2013. Neeley’s leadership has guided and developed a team of caring volunteers who serve as mentors and teachers. She also has aligned the program with different community resources which keeps them aware of the program and keeps the program in touch with things going on locally.
The volunteers and community resources have been able to address family needs and offer and explain the tools needed for financial, physical, emotional and spiritual help. These resources have given the ladies a more comfortable understanding of the community that surrounds them.
Since the pandemic, Neeley has guided the program to become a successful outreach to the international community in the Lee County area. These ladies participate in classes on American culture, ESL classes, conversation classes, personal studies and Bible study opportunities through CWJC.
Because of Neeley’s efforts, the international community has come to trust and appreciate this ministry and its role in their lives.
Neeley reaches out to the community by speaking to Civic and Church groups and represents CWJC at various local functions. She continues to keep in touch with former graduates and provides help when needed. Neeley is involved in CWJC at state and national levels as well. She is a National Trainer and has been training site coordinators since 2018.This year she has committed to a three-year role as a member of the CWJC/CMJC Advisory Group.
Neeley is “all in” in our ministry at CWJC and she is a blessing at every level of our organization.
The major fundraising activity for Lee County’s CWJC is a yearly banquet. This year’s theme is a tailgate party. Auburn, as you may know, is the home of Auburn University and football is an important part of Auburn life. Neeley will be the number one cheerleader at this year’s event. Just as she is every day, as she “encourages and builds up” the women who walk through the door at her CWJC office.
Thank you Neeley for all you do for the women in your community and to grow the ministry of CWJC at every level.
Cathy Zevac Opelika
A Taste of Grace
BY BRUCE GREEN
OPINION —
There’s nothing in the biblical witness like the prayer that Jesus gave His
Altar call
BY WALTER ALBRITTON
On the day God raised Jesus from the dead, two disciples of Jesus were walking on the road to Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. The two may have been husband and wife, Cleopas and Mary, possibly the two mentioned in John 19:25. Mary was a sister of the mother of Jesus. Doctor Luke tells us in Luke 24 that their faces were
ANGLICAN
Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024
The Community God
disciples. It is located in the heart of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:9-13), yet in terms of the overall organizational flow of Jesus’ message, the prayer is somewhat of a deviation. The central idea of 6:1-18 is the importance of not doing things to be seen by others (v. 1). He starts with the act of giving (v. 2-4), ends up with fasting (v. 16-18) and mentions prayer in the middle. The model prayer does not further this line of thought, so in a sense, it is an excursion, a side trip from the main path. But what a trip! The prayer is remarkably brief — 53 words in the NIV. After talking about
“downcast.”
not praying to be seen by others (v. 5-6), Jesus adds that the disciples were not to be like the pagans (“do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard for their many words”). From this, He segues into an example of what prayer should look like.
This prayer is intended to be a model for us. “This, then, is how you should pray” (v. 9). From the rest of the NT, it seems clear His intent wasn’t that His followers engage in a verbatim repetition of these words (though there is nothing wrong with that), but more that His words be taken as a framework
for prayer—honoring God, praying for His will to be done, asking for our daily bread, seeking forgiveness, and aid in temptation. This is not everything there is to prayer, but it’s a solid basis for it.
And it is dripping with powerful truths for today.
Think about the first two words of the prayer — “Our Father.” It’s easy to overlook them, but I think they say something of fundamental importance for the disciple. Jesus could have started the prayer with “Father” or “My Father,” but He didn’t. He purposely chose to use a plural pronoun.
That’s interesting, don’t
you think?
It’s also purposeful.
Using “Our” reminds us that we don’t come to God as isolated individuals, we come as part of the human family of which He is the Father (Hebrews 12:9).
The phrase “Our Father” recognizes Him and the extent of His Fatherhood.
It also reminds us that since we don’t live in a vacuum, we shouldn’t pray in one either. In a shocking blow to the 21st century mindset, the model prayer does not have a single “I” in it — it is all plural pronouns — nine of them.
In the end though, isn’t this what we need? A God who calls us away from self
Suddenly, Jesus!
Suddenly, Jesus appeared, though they did not recognize him. As Jesus began talking to them, they shared why they were discouraged. “We thought Jesus was the Messiah but now he has been crucified,” they said. Jesus interrupted their despair with biblical truth! He began explaining to them what the scriptures teach about himself, beginning with Moses. Though still unaware that it was the resurrected Jesus speaking to them, they wanted him to stay with them in their village home. Jesus agreed. Then, as they sat at the table, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began giving it to them.
That’s when something marvelous happened. Suddenly, Jesus opened their
CHURCH DIRECTORY
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
Central Baptist Church 1611 2nd Ave. Opelika, AL 36801 334-745-2482
Beulah Baptist Church 5500 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-705-0538
AFB - Cooperative Baptist Fellowship
128 E. Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-8506
Friendship Missionary Baptist Church
eyes. They realized that the one at the table with them was none other than Jesus. But just as suddenly, Jesus was gone. They sat there, astonished, sharing how their hearts burned within them as he had opened the scriptures to them.
As disciples of Jesus, we, like Cleopas and Mary, are on a journey called life. We too are sometimes “downcast,” disheartened by harsh events that suck the joy out of our lives. But because God raised Jesus from the dead, we can expect him to appear unexpectedly and interrupt our despair with his presence.
The presence of Jesus changes everything for us, just as it did for Cleopas and Mary. When suddenly, Jesus appears, despair is replaced with excitement. New energy is provided, just Cleopas and
3089 Judge Brown Road 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
Providence Baptist Church 2807 Lee Road 166, Opelika 334-745-4608
Purpose Baptist Church 3211 Waverly Parkway, Opelika 334-750-5338
Shady Grove Baptist Church 2194 Lee Road 177, Opelika 334-476-1531
Union Grove Baptist Church 4009 Lee Road 391, Opelika 334-749-0461
CHURCH OF CHRIST
Mary found the strength to walk back to Jerusalem to share with other believers, “We have seen the Lord!” His presence inspires us to get busy doing what pleases God.
In his gospel, Matthew shares another occasion when suddenly, Jesus appeared. When the women went to the tomb, they witnessed a violent earthquake and saw an angel roll the stone away. The angel said to the women, “Jesus is not here; he has risen, just as he said. So go and tell his disciples he has risen from the dead.” Filled with joy, they hurried away -- when suddenly, they met Jesus.
Jesus has a way of meeting us suddenly, when and where we need him. Some people speak mistakenly of “finding Jesus.” Actually,
10th Street Church of Christ 500 N. 10th St., Opelika 334-745-5181
The Opelika Church 2660 Cunninghan Drive Opelika
University Church of Christ 449 N. Gay St., Auburn www.auchurch.com
Southside Church of Christ 405 Carver Ave., Opelika 334-745-6015
CHURCH OF GOD
Lakeside Church of God 3295 Lee Rd 54, Opelika 334-749-6432
CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS 510 Groce St. Opelika, AL 36830 706-610-0547
EPISCOPAL- AME
Saint Luke AME Church 1308 Auburn St., Opelika 334-749-1690
EPISCOPAL Emmanuel Episcopal Church
Jesus finds us. God comes to us. Jesus comes to us. Often he brings people with him.
One day a local policeman came to our home, seeking counsel and prayer because his wife was threatening to leave him. As we talked, I realized that suddenly, Jesus had appeared, bringing a policeman with him.
We can read the Scriptures and expect Him to be present with us. We can ask Him to open the scriptures to us so our hearts can also burn. We can break the bread of holy communion and experience his presence. We can expect Him to touch us as we worship, awakening new enthusiasm for serving him.
E. Stanley Jones gave me a great idea that I have practiced in my own life with great benefit. Brother Stanley said when he was praying, he heard the Inner Voice say,
800 1st Ave., Opelika 334-745-2054
UNITED 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
Grace United Methodist Church 915 E. Glenn Avenue Auburn, AL 36831 334-887-7003
GLOBAL METHODIST
Christ Methodist Church of Auburn 434 E. Magnolia, Auburn Worship at Lee-Scott Academy 334-209-0074
NON-DENOMINATIONAL
Bridge Church of AL 315 2nd Ave., Opelika 334-363-0552
Church At Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy., Opelika 334-524-9148
Connect Church
Add your church to the directory for only $100 a year, or consider a display ad like the one at right for only $20 per week. Email michelle@opelikaobserver.com or call (334) 749-8003.
and into the recognition and acknowledgement of the world around us—a God who refuses to be pegged as an individual or tribal God but is rather the God of all. “Our Father” reminds us that every person on this planet is known intimately and loved ultimately by God. “God loves everyone but I’m His favorite,” is just childish nonsense spoken by those who don’t understand God.
“Our Father” sets the context for healthy prayer!
Bruce has written a book on the model prayer called Praying in the Reign. It is available through 21st Century Christian.
“Stanley, in every situation, I want you to say, ‘Here I am Lord,’ and I will take care of the rest. No need for you to worry.” Jones said, “Lord, I seal the bargain. Here I am Lord.” I have said that many times myself. In doing so, I have felt His Presence. He has told me also not to worry. Peace always comes when I give him permission to take over my life. I invite you to try it. As my friend Jay Wolf says, “If it worked for me, it will work for you.” I believe it will. Do it now. Then do it daily, ”Here I am Lord.” And trust him to handle every situation you are in.
When we do that, telling others about Jesus becomes our life purpose. The early disciples had a mission after Jesus appeared to them – to
See ALBRITTON, page A16
2015 West Point Pkwy., Opelika 334-707-3949
Father’s House Christian Fellowship 214 Morris, Ave., Opelika
Living Waters Ministry Center 3005 Lafayette Parkway, Opelika
Southern Plains Cowboy Church 13099 U.S. Hwy. 280, Waverly 334-401-1014
PRESBYTERIAN Providence Presbyterian Church 1103 Glenn St., Opelika 256-405-8697
Trinity Presbyterian Church 1010 India Road, Opelika 334-745-4889
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST
Opelika Outreach
S.D.A. Church P.O. Box 386, Opelika 334-749-3151
Teaching Minister at 10th Street Church of Christ in Opelika
Upcoming Services
JASON DAVID MAYBERRY
Jason David Mayberry of Beauregard, Alabama, was born Sept. 10, 1971, in Selma, Alabama, to Ben and Leila Mayberry. He passed away on July 27, 2024, at the Bethany House in Auburn.
Along with his parents, Jason leaves behind two older siblings Andy (Kim) Mayberry and Tabitha (Charles) Prestridge.
Jason loved his family — especially his nieces and nephews: David (Rachel), Emily, Jake (Sarah), Dan, Rebecca (Richard), Katie (Jeremiah), Sarah and Ben; great-niece and -nephews Milly, Charlie and Brooks. His grandparents George and Erma Hilyer Mayberry, were surely waiting for him at the pearly gates.
A 1993 graduate of Beauregard High School Special Education program, Jason attended Valley Haven in Valley, Alabama. Jason loved his doctor and staff — Dr. Keith Fuller at East Alabama Family Practice and his family is appreciative of the love and care they poured out on Jay. Some of Jason’s favorite activities included listening to music — specifically Johnny Cash and the songs Rhinestone Cowboy by Glenn Campbell and Brick House by The Commodores. Jason was passionate about not wasting food, often cleaning his plate and the plates of others, and draining all cokes in sight.
Jason was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1982 in San Antonio, Texas. Jason loved to go for rides to get a coke and at Christmas time looking at all the
lights. Other activities that he loved include swimming, going for walks, throwing rocks in the pond, and especially watching the washing machine run a cycle. Jason will be dearly missed by all who were honored to know and love him.
He will be laid to rest at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery in a private ceremony.
Jason’s family would like to send a special note of gratitude to the Compassus hospice team who lovingly cared for our boy in his final days. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Jason’s name to Compassus Living Foundation who wonderfully care for those preparing to meet our Father in Heaven.
Frederick-Dean Funeral Home assisted family with arrangements.
OMA LOU MOORE
On July 28, 2024, beloved Oma Lou Moore peacefully departed from this world, leaving behind a legacy of love and warmth that touched the hearts of all who knew her. She was 79 years old.
Oma was born on July 24, 1945, in Mojave Desert, California, where she spent her early years surrounded by family and friends. She was known for her gentle spirit, unwavering kindness and boundless generosity. She was of Baptist faith. Throughout her life, she dedicated herself to caring for others, always putting the needs of her loved ones before her own.
Family was the cornerstone of Oma’s life. She cherished
OBITUARIES
her role as a mother and grandmother. Oma was a loving mother to Tina Hamrick, Billy Hamrick, Donald Hamrick, and Kevin LaHue, nurturing them with patience and wisdom. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought immense joy to her life, and she delighted in their laughter and accomplishments.
In addition to her dedication to family, Oma was a CNA and a home health sitter. Her compassion and empathy touched the lives of many, leaving an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to know her.
Oma enjoyed simple pleasures in life, such as crocheting, cooking delicious meals for her family, and sharing stories of times go by. Her home was a welcoming haven where all who entered felt instantly at ease, surrounded by her warmth and hospitality.
While we mourn the loss of Oma, we also celebrate her remarkable life and the profound impact she had on all who knew her. Her legacy of love, kindness and selflessness will continue to inspire us for generations to come.
Oma Lou Moore was preceded in death by her daughter Tina Hamrick; several brothers and a sister. She is survived by sons Billy (Cathy) Hamrick, Donald (Stephanie) Hamrick and Kevin LaHue; brothers Chuck (Leona) Hartman and Larry (Fran) Hartman; grandchildren, Martha Hamrick, Shelley (Kent) Correll, Oma (Llesenia) Hamrick, Crystal Hamrick, Felicia (Cody) Butler, Amber (TJ) White, Kevin LaHue, Mary Lou (Thatcher) Bell, Donald Hamrick Jr., Stephanie (Riley Mann) Hamrick and Colin LaHue; 16 great-grandchildren and a host of other family members. She will be dearly missed by her family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Forever in our hearts, Oma’s spirit will continue to shine brightly, reminding us of the power of love and the beauty of
a life well lived. May she rest in peace.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024 at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home in the Parlor from 5 to 7 p.m.
A graveside service will be held Friday, Aug. 2, 2024, at 10 a.m. at Garden Hills Cemetery. Frederick-Dean Funeral home is assisting the family with all arrangements.
MARY M. HAMMETT
Mary M Hammett a resident of Auburn, received her angel wings on Friday July 12, 2024, at the age of 73. She was born in Muncie, Indiana, Feb. 4, 1951, to Josephine Priscilla and Norman E Hammett.
Hammett is survived by her siblingS Dallas Hammett; Patti Davis (Gene); nine nieces and nephews; six great-nieces and nephews; a great-great-niece and a great-great-nephew.
Mary enjoyed books of all kind and loved to send greeting cards to family and friends for all occasions. She had a gentle heart and loving soul and was so generous to a fault.
She loved her church St Michael's and has been a member for several years. She has made many wonderful friends at St Michael and Auburn University Library. We will miss talking with you Mary always, and know you are in peace now in Heaven.
A memorial service was held, Thursday, July 25, at JeffcoatTrant Funeral Home.
ELVEN WOOD RUDD
Elven Wood Rudd, 95, of Opelika, Alabama, and beloved mother of nine children, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home on July 24, 2024, leaving a tremendous void in the lives of her family. She was born in Bald Rock, Alabama, on June 28, 1929.
She was preceded in death by her parents Ocie Lee Wood and Minnie Ophelia Howard Wood; her husband Clarence Houston Rudd, Sr.; brothers Robert Crawford Wood and William Jessie Wood; sisters Minnie Lee
Humphrey and Frances Wood Keefer; and grandson Jeremy Steven Rudd.
She is survived by her daughter Barbara Ann (Danny) Brewer; sons Clarence Houston (Kay) Rudd, Jr.; Ira Lee (Tammy) Rudd; Ronald R Rudd; Donald D (Susan) Rudd all of Opelika; daughter Margaret Marie (Greg) Lancaster, of Dadeville, Alabama; son Phillip Roger (Joyce) Rudd, of Arvada, Colorado; daughter Julie Diane Kilgo of Salem, Alabama; daughter, Mary Frances Heptinstall, of Auburn; 26 grandchildren; 67 great-grandchildren; 24 greatgreat-grandchildren; brothers Julian Lee (Frances) Wood, of Huguley, Alabama; and Clifford Earl (Betty) Wood, of Morton, Mississippi; sister Mary Joyce (Jerry) Stevison, Anchorage, Alaska; sisters-in-law Joyce Allen Rudd; Jerri Ratzlaff Wood; and Gladys Brewer Wood; brother-in-law Robert L. Rudd, as well as a number of nieces and nephews who will never forget the love she brought to their lives.
Her family was her pride and joy. She was a Ridge Road Baptist Church member and a devout Christian whose unwavering faith influenced many lives. Before becoming disabled, she enjoyed working in her flower beds growing some of the most beautiful flowers ever seen.
Visitation was held on Sunday, July 28, 2024, from in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home. Funeral service was held July 29, at Ridge Road Baptist Church with Pastor Stephen McClain officiating. Interment followed at Garden Hills Cemetery. Frederick-Dean Funeral Home assisted with all arrangements.
BETTY GAYLE DERBEN WILKERSON
Betty Gayle Derben Wilkerson, 84, passed away peacefully in her sleep at Arbor Lake Nursing Home in Auburn, on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. She
was born on Aug. 1, 1939, in Chattanooga, Tennessee to the late Paul Madden and Minnie Mae Camp Derben. She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years Frank Wilkerson; her brother William Paul Derben and her sister Emma Jo Derben. She is survived by daughters Lisa Wilkerson Ellen (Tim) and Lynette Wilkerson Strickland (David); grandchildren Ragan Ellen Herdener (Chris), Spencer Ellen, Taylor Ellen Felker (Andy), Wilson Strickland (Kayla), Emma Strickland Bulso (Nick), Peter Strickland (Paige), Oliver Strickland (Summer), John David Strickland, Cecilia Strickland, Henry Strickland and Oscar Strickland; greatgrandchildren Mary Larson Herdener, Margaret Herdener, Augustine Bulso, Maximilian Bulso, Albert Bulso, Cyril Bulso, Salem Strickland and Jade Strickland; special sister-in-law Gloria Derben; and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
Gayle worked for many years with students at Auburn University and ultimately retired from there. Gayle and Frank spent many a day at Auburn athletic events showing their loyalty, as well. She enjoyed working with the students very much, but especially cherished her time with family, cooking and loving them. She will be greatly missed by many. Visitation will be held on Aug.1, 2024, (what would have been her 85th birthday) from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. in the Chapel at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home with Pastor Cade Farris officiating. Interment will follow at Garden Hills Cemetery. The family would also like to thank the staff of Arbor Lake for their care during her residence there.
Frederick-Dean Funeral Home is assisting with all arrangements.
St. Duns Buns donates to four nonprofits in July
AUSTIN 1st Foundation. This nonprofit was formed in memory of Austin Terling who left this earth far too early with a rare disease. For more information visit www.austin1stfoundation.org/aboutus.
HIRAM D’FRANCIS WILLIAMSON
Hiram D’Francis Williamson, aged 54, passed away on July 23, 2024, in Auburn. Born on Sept. 23, 1969, in Mobile, Alabama. Hiram led a life marked by devotion to his family and an unwavering spirit of generosity.
A graduate of W. P. Davidson High School, Hiram continued his education at Auburn University earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Adult Education. He was on the Auburn University Football Team as a defensive tackle wearing number 74. His thirst for knowledge led him to obtain a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. Hiram achieved a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. He was also a proud member of the Auburn University Letterman Club for many years. Hiram was involved with
the youth group at Cornerstone Church for many years, where he also worshipped during that time. His commitment to service was evident through his participation in multiple mission trips to Ecuador and Uganda alongside his wife, Jodi. Hiram was a beacon of joy, known for his infectious laugh and a smile that never faded. His kindness knew no bounds, and he never hesitated to lend a helping hand. But above all, he was a devoted family man. He leaves behind his beloved wife Jodi; his son Vik Williamson (Heather); and daughters Alexis and Jade Williamson; his devoted sister Dana Williamson; mother-inlaw Bobbie Bishop; sistersin-law Chenel Brooks (John) and Jennifer Sedenquist; his nieces Hermaine Williamson and Helen Williamson; and nephews, Tony Chima, Cody and Ryan Brooks and Jackson Sedenquist; along with a host of cousins. Hiram was preceded in death by his parents Charletta
and Herman Williamson and his brothers Herman and Dwayne Williamson.
Visitation was held on Monday, July 29, from at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home in Opelika. Funeral services were held Tuesday, July 30 at Cornerstone Church in Auburn, followed by a graveside service at Town Creek Cemetery, Auburn.
Hiram’s legacy of love, laughter, and service will forever be cherished and remembered by all who knew him.
Frederick-Dean Funeral Home assisted the family with all arrangements.
THOMAS PHILLIP STORY
Thomas Phillip (Phil, Buddy) Story, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2024, with his wife by his side following a courageous 20 plus year journey with cancer that he managed with dignity and grace. He was born on Nov. 10, 1953, in Tuskegee, Alabama. Phil, nicknamed Buddy by his dad, lived his parents’
belief that “hard work earns respect”. At an early age, he had a “farmer’s drivers’ license” to operate tractors and other heavy equipment, and on occasion, chauffeur his dad. During his high school years, his jobs with Bentley Grassing taught him responsibility, problem solving, and “to do whatever had to be done to get the job done” — all while he enjoyed working alongside friends. At Macon Academy, Phil played the positions of quarterback and left field, as well as other positions, and learned the value of teamwork and commitment. His family’s tradition of service to our country resonated with Phil and he enlisted in the US Navy. Aboard the USS Miller he toured the Mediterranean at the end of the Vietnam conflict. Returning home, Phil worked at the US Postal Service for over 35 years in jobs from clerk to management at Tuskegee, Dadeville, Bessemer, Opelika and Montgomery, among other cities.
Phil believed and lived by principles of faith, honor, loyalty, integrity and courage. He could be described as one that talked less but said more. He was always happy working the land on his tractors, mending fences, and attending to his horses on his property in Loachapoka — doing it all in the cowboy way. Phil served in various leadership roles at Armstrong Methodist Church. He understood and found solace in his favorite verse: 2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Phil is lovingly remembered by his wife of 41 years Daria Doster Story of Auburn; his brother Earl (Dana) Story of Chattanooga, his sisters Linda (Glenn) Newsome of Society Hill, and Nancy (Mike) Griggs of Tuskegee; his sisters-inlaw Deb (Drew) Barnett and Dawn Lane of Auburn; and a host of relatives and friends.
He is predeceased in death by his parents Tommy and Mary
Frances Story of Tuskegee. A memorial service to commemorate Phil’s “home going” was held on Tuesday, July 30 at Cypress Hill venue, 8015 County Road 53 (Wire Road) in Auburn, followed by a reception to celebrate his life. Honorary pallbearers were Donnie Baker, Jimmy Barham, Charles Bell, Phil Knieriem, John Mitchell, Enrique Morales, Jerry Nix, Jimmy Rothwein, Howie Thomas, Everett Wilson and J.W. Yarbrough. Memorial donations may be made to CARE Humane Society, 1140 Ware Drive, Auburn 36832, or to the charity of your choice. The family expresses their deep gratitude to Dr. Paul Mansfield and team at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, for their long-term dedication and support to Phil’s care and wellbeing, and more recently to the staff of the Spencer Cancer Center.
The Big House. This is the group's second donation to The Big House. With school soon to start, St. Dun's Buns wanted to help The Big House put together backpacks for the foster children they serve.
Project Healing Waters - Fly Fishing- Healing those who Serve. Dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active military service personnel and disabled veterans through fly fishing.
Brave Hearts Program, College of Liberal Arts/Auburn University. This program strives to enhance and elevate the lives of children and young people with disabilities. Brave Hearts epitomizes the Auburn Creed where there is "human touch that cultivates sympathy and mutual helpfulness and brings happiness to all."
Project MOVE aims to increase Alabama voter participation
CONTRIBUTED BY ACLU
ALABAMA — The ACLU of Alabama has announced a new multi-year strategy to increase voter turnout across the state.
Alabama currently has one of the lowest voter turnout percentages in the country. In 2022, only 37.3% of registered voters exercised this right — the fifth lowest turnout nationwide. In the 2024 presidential primary election in March, that number dropped to 24.8% of registered voters.
The ACLU’s Project MOVE (Making Our Voices Echo) aims to make civic engagement more accessible for more Alabamians by addressing barriers to the ballot, identifying potential voters' biggest issues and providing community care and resources that address Alabamians’ concerns. The project will also work to increase voter awareness and education through mock voting programs and other get-out-the-vote volunteer activities.
ALBRITTON >> from A13
tell others that Jesus was alive and to trust Him alone as Lord. As disciples today we have that same mission — to make disciples, love people into the Kingdom, walk with them in obeying our Lord’s teaching, and help them receive the gift of eternal life. How do we make disciples? We can tell others
THEO DONALDSON WAGES JR.
Theo Donaldson Wages Jr., 81, passed away on July 21, 2024, in Auburn. Born on April 14, 1943, in Birmingham, Alabama, his family lived throughout the southeast during his idyllic childhood. Returning to Birmingham, he graduated from Phillips High School in 1961 and then served his country in the United States Army, 8th Infantry Division, from 1962 to 1965. After earning his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Livingston University, Theo embarked on a distinguished career, beginning as a high school teacher in West Alabama, moving on to become an industrial relations representative in the petroleum exploration
“Alabama has a long history of leading efforts to extend voting rights to more people,” said JaTaune Bosby Gilchrist, the ACLU of Alabama’s executive director. “Despite the sacrifices many have made to preserve and extend this right, voter apathy is real. Our community-centered approach seeks to move more Alabamians to the polls, ensuring that every citizen’s voice is truly a part of the democratic process.”
Additional information about Project Move, including a calendar of future events, is available at https://www.aclualabama.org/ en/project-move.
ABOUT THE ACLU
The American Civil Liberties Union works to preserve and protect the civil liberties and civil rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, especially the principles contained in the Bill of Rights. Learn more at aclualabama.org
the difference Jesus is making in our lives. That is what Cleopas and Mary did when they returned to Jerusalem. It is not easy to share our faith. Our culture frowns on talk about Jesus. But when he is on the throne of your heart, he will give you the wisdom to know when to speak about Jesus. My friend Bob is a good example. Alcohol almost ruined his life. Suddenly,
field for ODECO, and later serving as a senior safety consultant for Safe State at the University of Alabama College of Continuing Studies.
Theo was a member of Taylorville Baptist Church and Grace Church in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and, upon moving to Auburn, joined Lakeview Baptist Church. After retiring, he volunteered with Gideons International, Women’s Hope Medical Clinic and the East Alabama Food Pantry.
He is survived by his loving spouse Dianne Boyd Wages; son Theo Donaldson Wages III (Wynne); grandsons Theo Donaldson Wages IV (Sophie) and Wakefield Driskell Wages; granddaughters Anna Louise Wages and Tanner Boyd Wages; sisters Tommy Bender and Molly Argott; and
Jesus came to him! He was changed. Now he speaks warmly and graciously about his love for Jesus.
If you feel a need for Jesus to come suddenly into your life, open your heart to his presence and say, “Here I Am Lord. Please take over!” Then do not be surprised that suddenly, Jesus is with you, interrupting your despair and filling your heart with hope and joy.
beloved brother-in-law Skip Boyd. He was preceded in death by his parents Theo Donaldson and Tommy Lou Wakefield Wages and sister Gail McDanal.
A service to celebrate Theo’s life will be held at Lakeview Baptist Church, Auburn, Alabama, on Aug. 10, 2024, at 11 a.m. The family is being assisted by JeffcoatTrant Funeral Home in Opelika, Alabama. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Theo’s memory to Gideons International, Women’s Hope Medical Clinic in Auburn, Alabama, or the Senior Ministry of Lakeview Baptist Church, Auburn.
Theo’s legacy is marked by his love and commitment to his family, his loyalty to his friends, his larger than life personality and his confidence in his faith.
Auburn and established its annually rotating schedule between Auburn University’s Jordan-HareStadium and the University of Alabama’s Bryant-Denny Stadium.”
Ham made fun of Anders’ full head of hair, adding, “Turning white is better than your hair falling out.”
Anders served 20 years as the CEO of Anders Bookstore, a small, family-owned business that was established on Magnolia Avenue in 1966. Anders grew up working in the store with his father and grandfather. He took over as owner and operator until the business was sold in 2005. Anders also served as the director of special projects for Tailgate Guys’ Auburn Crew (renamed REVELxp) from 2015 to 2022. He is a 1982 graduate of Auburn High School and a 1986 graduate of Auburn University.
Anders has served as past chair, past president, past director and past board member for a number of civic, community, recreation and charitable organizations including: Auburn Chamber of Commerce, Auburn Planning Commission, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Lee County and Child Advocacy Center. He lives in Auburn with his wife, Becky, with whom he has three children.
During his “rebuttal” the mayor counter-teased the roasters but ulti -
mately credited their citizenship. He also encouraged everyone to donate to the Greater Peace Community Development Corp., which helps low to moderate-income families in Lee County and East Alabama. The organization has provided free meals, housing and quality childcare. They employed 25 adults and two teenagers, provided pre-K services to special needs children and partnered with the City of Opelika’s Workforce Development office to host an area-wide job fair. These are just a few of its accomplishments over the past year.
During the event, Greater Peace congratulated college scholarship recipients JaNiah Hoskins, Anaiya Simpson, Hannah Rogers and Cailyn Dowdell; as well as presented several awards, including the Emerging Youth Leader Award to Ian Foreman; Educator of the Year Award to Audrey Marshall; Humanitarian Award to Marion Sankey; and Founder’s Award to Richard LaGrand Sr. The event included a Taste of Lee County, with several local vendors contributing food. The event closed with remarks from the Rev. Clifford E. Jones. To donate to Greater Peace Community Development Center, look for $GreaterPeaceCDC on CashApp, greaterpeacecommunity@ gmail.com on Zelle, or by checks or money orders.
S
On the Mark Recreation
Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024
Local sports roundup
BY D. MARK MITCHELL
OPINION — Opelika
football coach Bryan Moore starts fall practice Monday Aug. 5, in preparation for the 2024 season.
Moore spoke to the media last week at FOX Sports the Game High School Media Days presented by Orthopedic Clinic at the Bottling Plant Event Center.
Coach Moore started by saying, “I am so grateful to return to Opelika where this system took a chance on a 20-year old to coach. To give back, wow. it is awesome.
“Time has gone by fast, we have come along way, we have a long way to go. I am proud of the guys that have stuck it out, all 111 of them.” Moore said. “I enjoy seeing guys that were babies, now playing on the team. (as he pointed to Brody Jones, son of coach Billy Jones, on stage as a bulldog player). I have a good group of coaches, I brought in JD Atkins (OHS graduate) as offensive coordinator, Chad Mchee our new strength and conditioning coach for all sports, not just football.
“I added co-defensive coordinator Tyler Dawkins to go along with those that were on staff. Mike Murry joined the staff as well. I like guys that played at OHS to coach here.” Moore said.
“The team has played in more 7 v7 and OTA than ever before and it is time to keep score and WIN. We must learn how to win. This is going to help us on Friday
night.” Moore asked fans to join the new Bulldog Quarterback Club to help football team. Membership is $100 per individual or $150 for two, membership comes with one or two Opelika polo shirts, depending on the package purchased. Members of the Quarterback Club will be privy to inside information, game to game updates and a steak diner prior to the season. Contact OHS at 334745-9715.
Moore brings a 86-21 overall record in eight years as head football coach.
OHS MEET AND GREET NEW TRACK COACHES
Opelika High will hold a meet and greet for the new Track and Field coaches at 6 p.m. on Aug. 25, in Bulldog Cafe. OHS hired Tiera Harris to coach the girls and Randy Gillion as boys head coach. The two coaches will be on hand to meet the public from 6 to 8 p.m.
AHSAA RETURNS $2.25 MILLION TO MEMBER SCHOOLS
The Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Central Board of Control, voted to return $2.25 million dollars as apart of the Steve Savarese School Athletics Grant Program. The board approved to waive membership dues for the 33rd straight year, saving members schools $85,000. The program is named in honor of Steve Savarese, See ON THE MARK, page B2
AHSAA Media Days offers preview of season
For more photos turn to B4. A special Media Days magazine edition will be released in a few weeks with a preview of each team’s upcoming season.
Auburn High School head football coach Keith Etheredge and players attended the AHSAA Media Days event on July 23.
Opeika head football coach Bryan Moore and players spoke during the AHSAA Media Days event on Wednesday, July 24.
Kiddie Cheer Camp
OPELIKA — The Opelika High School Cheerleaders will host Kiddie Cheerleading Camp on Aug. 24 at Bulldog Stadium. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and the parent performance begins at 11:30 a.m. Pre-registration costs
$45 (MySchoolShares link) and the day-of registration is $50 (cash or check), with a discount for siblings. This cost includes three hours of instruction with the OHS Cheerleaders, a t-shirt, free entrance for the child and a pre-game performance with the OHS cheerleaders at the OHS vs JAG football game on Sept. 13.
who started the revenue sharing program in 2010, after the building was paid for and the AHSAA had one year of operating funds in reserve.
AHSAA 7A FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS CHANGE
The AHSAA Central Board of Control voted to
approve to change the 7A football playoff bracket, allowing the four areas to cross over and play instead of having a north/south bracket. This year’s bracket calls for one region to cross over and play region 4, the Huntsville area teams. The change allows two teams to play in the Super 7 Football Championship at Protective Stadium in Birmingham.
Average Alabamian plans on watching 39 hours of Olympics
Over 1 in 4 plan to take some time off work to watch the games
CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
ALABAMA — As the world's eyes turn to Paris for the Olympic Games, millions of Americans are gearing up for their own test of endurance - not on the track or in the pool, but on their couches. Every four years, this global spectacle transforms living rooms across the nation into personal stadiums, where the only medal on offer is for marathon viewing.
From the familiar thrill of track & field and the nail-biting vertical challenges of sport climbing to the debut of breakdancing (yes, you read that right), the Olympics promise a smorgasbord of athletic prowess. And just how much of this feast are Alabamians planning to consume? HostingAdvice decided to find out, surveying 3,000 sports fans about their Olympic viewing ambitions.
The results? We're going for gold in the couch potato category. The average
iHEARTRADIO
Last week, iHeartRadio completed its annual “ FOX Sports the Game
High School Media Days presented by the Orthopaedic Clinic” at the Bottling Plant Event Center. This year’s Media Days was the largest, featuring 24 high school football teams over a two day period. As a full-time employee of iHeartRadio, I
Alabama sports enthusiast plans to dedicate 39 hours and 28 minutes to Olympic coverage during the twoweek event (above the national average of 35 hours). That's over a full workweek spent cheering, groaning, and possibly learning the rules of handball.
Some states are taking their Olympic devotion to new heights. Hawaii leads the pack, with residents estimating a jaw-dropping 98 hours of viewing time - four straight days of non-stop Olympic action. On the flip side, Montanans appear less consumed, planning a modest 8 hours of coverage - just enough time to watch the opening ceremony and maybe catch a few swimming finals.
For those wondering about their viewing stamina, the average respondent is prepared to plant themselves in front of their screens for up to three and a half hours at a stretch. That's longer than most movies, but who needs Hollywood when you've got the drama of the
have privilege to help with Media Days. There are many businesses and people that help by sponsoring High School Media Days: The Orthopaedic Clinic is the Title sponsor, the Bottling Plant Event Center host media days, Auburn Audio provided the sound equipment, Chick-fil-a Tigertown proved breakfeast and Breezeway provided lunch, Coke Company provided drinks, Advanced Graphics helped with media days shirts for all players and coaches in attendance
balance beam? Tradition still reigns supreme when it comes to how we'll tune in. Twothirds of viewers will opt for the classic TV experience, while a tech-savvy 22% will stream on their phones - a small but dedicated 1% plan to watch via game consoles.
The Olympic spirit is infecting our daily lives, too. More than a quarter of respondents admitted they'd be taking time off work to catch the games. Another 27% expect their sleep patterns to take a hit. After all, who needs a regular sleep schedule when there's table tennis to watch at 3 am?
Social media takes the gold for staying updated, with 55% of fans turning to their feeds for the latest Olympic news. News websites claim silver at 27%, while official Olympic apps and sports apps battle it out for bronze.
So, as athletes from around the world prepare to push their bodies to the limit, Alabamians are
and the following in-part sponsors: Auburn Mayor Ron Anders, Lee County Revenue Commissioner Oline Price, Auburn Bank, Auburn-Opelika Tourism, Friends of Eddie Smith, Bubba’s Medicine Shop, H and S Raven Harvis, Kenny Knox, Opelika Power Services, Auburn University Credit Union, Plaza Body Works, Beauregard Drugs, Reynolds Outdoors, First Baptist Church of Opelika, Southeastern Land Group, Chambers County Sheriff
readying themselves for a different kind of endurance event. It may not require physical training, but it does demand dedication, stamina and a willingness to explain the intricacies of modern pentathlon to confused family members at odd hours.
"Americans are as passionate as ever about the Olympics, and it's fascinating to see just how much time they plan to dedicate to watching their favorite events," said Christina Lewis from HostingAdvice. "From streaming preferences to the lengths they'll go to stay updated, this survey highlights the nation's deep connection to the Games."
ABOUT HOSTINGADVICE
HostingAdvice is an authority on web hosting, providing reliable advice, how-to guides, review and more from hosting and programming experts. Its mission is to inform and educate about the world of web hosting. Find out more at www.hostingadvice.com.
Jeff Nelson, SUSCC, ValleyPoint Funeral Home, Watson Brothers, The Observer and The Wisdom Firm. Over the two day event, more than 30 media representatives attended to cover the schools.
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.
Inaugural USA Team Handball Wheelchair National Team to compete in World Championship
BY ANN CIPPERLY FOR THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA
—
This
summer the inaugural USA Team Handball Wheelchair National Team was formed in Auburn and will compete in the third International Handball Federation (IHF) Wheelchair Handball World Championship in Cairo, Egypt, Sept. 16-21. Head coach Dr. Ford Dyke of Auburn University and former Olympian Reita Clanton of Opelika, who competed in the 1984 Olympics, is the assistant coach.
Dyke was a member of the Men’s National Team for USA Team Handball from 2013 to 2020. The USA Team Handball Residency Program was centralized in Auburn.
Dyke, an associate clinical professor in the School of Kinesiology at Auburn University, is the performance coach for Auburn Adapted Athletics under the direction of head coach Robb Taylor. Dyke has been involved in Auburn Adapted Athletics at since 2012.
As a graduate student, he was the strength and conditioning coach for the Auburn Wheelchair Basketball Team. He was instrumental in launching the first intercollegiate wheelchair basketball team under head coach Jared Rehm at Auburn University.
In 2013, Dyke began a seven-year career as a Team USA Athlete in the sport of USA Team Handball. In 2016, he became the performance Coach for Auburn Adapted Athletics led by Taylor.
In November 2023, Dyke received a call from his former teammate, Ebiye Jemery Udo-Udoma, about building a USA Team Handball Wheelchair National Team. Dyke was the only person Ebiye knew in the United States that had adapted athletics and team handball experience.
Dyke was the ideal head coach with his background in adapted athletics and team handball. After the United States was unanimously awarded the Wild Card on May 16, He designed a plan to assemble the first USA Team Handball Wheelchair National Team to compete in the upcoming World Championship and beyond.
By the first week in June, Dr. Dyke had submitted over 200 emails to a variety of organizations, teams,
coaches and team leaders to spread the word as quickly as possible about assembling the national team.
“On July 5, 6, and 7 — for three days — we broke history and held the first ever USA Team Handball Wheelchair National Team open tryouts at Auburn University,” Dyke said, “We hosted 18 athletes on site who represented over ten states. We facilitated a total of seven sessions, and at the end of training, our team began to look like wheelchair handball players.”
On July 10, Dyke notified 14 of the 18 athletics who received an invitation into the 2024 national team athletic pool. They were then invited to the Aug. 2 to 4 training camp at Auburn University.
Since they are a new team,
Dyke is working with a number of Opelika and Auburn organizations, including A-O Tourism, the city of Auburn, the city of Opelika, Auburn Rotary Club and others to provide support. The entire coaching staff is working as volunteers and the USA Team Handball Wheelchair National Team continues to search for financial assistance.
“Our initiative is made up of volunteers,” Dyke said. “Our goal is for the athletes not to pay anything but with sweat and tears of joy. We are trying our best as a staff to ensure everyone is supported with international travel, lodging, meals, ground transportation, uniforms and equipment.”
“We welcome anyone interested in providing support,” he added. “The
team needs assistance, and we are seeking sponsors and companies interested in showcasing their logo on our uniforms on the world stage.
“The Auburn family has helped us tremendously,” Dyke said. “The A-O Tourism department helped with hotel accommodations for open tryouts and offered to help with our upcoming training camp. They provided all the snacks for our athletes as well as catered lunches and dinners. They helped us to get on radio and television and helped with press releases. Auburn University opens its doors for us to train onsite.”
The first USA Team Handball Wheelchair National Team will leave Sept. 11 and arrive on the 12th in Cairo, Egypt. Tournaments will be held Sept. 16 until Sept. 21. Dyke said he intends to return home with the gold medal.
In parallel to Dyke’s tenure as a Team USA Athlete, he and Olympian Clanton were co-instructors for a course in the School of Kinesiology. They were also co-facilitators of Mindfulness@Auburn, the evidence-based approach to optimal performance, health and well-being. They have worked closely together for over a decade.
Dyke grew up in Jupiter, Florida. After graduating with a degree in Psychology from the University of North Florida, he pursued a master's degree in Exercise Science at Auburn University in 2012. While working on his master's, he was offered an assistantship with the Adaptive Fitness Program at Auburn University. This experience made him the
Olympian Reita Clanton of Opelika assistant coach for inaugural team
BY ANN CIPPERLY FOR THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA — While Reita Clanton didn’t have the opportunity to participate in organized sports growing up in Opelika, and never heard of team handball until she was 22 years old, she was part of the 1984 USA Women’s Olympic Handball Team. She was also an Olympic coach in 1996 for the USA Women’s Handball team. Currently, Clanton is an assistant coach for the inaugural USA Team Handball Wheelchair National Team, which was formed in Auburn this summer, with Dr. Ford Dyke as the head coach.
When Clanton was 7 years old, her family moved to Opelika from Roanoke. Clanton said she has loved sports, especially sports played with a ball, for as long as she can remember. She grew up in Opelika in the 50s and 60s when there were not any organized sports for girls.
“While I didn’t have any organized opportunities when I was growing up,” said Clanton, “I grew up in a great neighborhood with lots of kids, and the playground was our social hub. With a little imagination we could transform it into the field or court we needed to play whatever sport was in season. We learned from each other, and we had a lot of fun. It was really a wholesome and healthy environment for growing up.”
After Clanton graduated from Opelika High School in 1970, she attended Auburn University. In 1972, sports changed for women with Title IX, which was part of the Education Act of 1972, which stated any extracurricular activities in education offered for boys had to be offered for girls as well.
Clanton said she remembers there was a group of dedicated women navigating the changes after Title IX, including Sandra Newkirk, Aletha Bond, Susan Nunnelly and Jane Moore.
“That group made sure those of us at Auburn at the time were provided the opportunity,” Clanton said. “They built a bridge to the future for Auburn women’s athletics.”
In 1972, Auburn offered volleyball, softball and basketball to women students, but there wasn’t any recruiting or scholarships.
“I was starved to try anything,” Clanton said. “I tried out for all three teams, and I was in heaven playing competitive sports for the first time in my life.” In 1974, she earned Outstanding College Athlete of America recognition.
When Clanton graduated from Auburn in 1974, she said she was thankful for her experience, but she thought her playing days were over. She got a job teaching at
Olympian Reita Clanton of Opelika carrying the Olympic Torch in 2002.
Organized in Auburn this summer, the inaugural USA Team Handball Wheelchair National Team will compete in the third International Handball Federation Wheelchair Handball World Championship in Cairo, Egypt, Sept. 16-21. Dr. Ford Dyke of Auburn University is head coach, and former Olympian Reita Clanton of Opelika is the assistant coach.
See COACH, page B5
The inaugural USA Team Handball Wheelchair National Team, which was formed this summer in Auburn, will compete in the third International Handball Federation (IHF) Wheelchair Handball World Championship in Cairo, Egypt, Sept. 16-21.
Lee County coaches lead the way on the field
The head coaches from schools in Lee County participated in the 2024 AHSAA Media Days event last week. From left to right starting with the top row are Keith Etheredge, Auburn High School; Justin Jones, Beauregard High School; Matthew Johnson, Beulah High School; Ryan Nelson, Glenwood School; Buster Daniel, Lee-Scott Academy; Brandon Hall, Loachapoka High School; Bryan Moore, Opelika High School; Bryant Garrison, Smiths Station High School; AISA Director Roddie Beck and Big East Official Dana Barker.
Look for The Observer’s special magazine coverage of High School Media Days, coming out later this month.
Lee County Special Olympians bring home medals
I said yes. It really felt like God was saying come on, try this.”
Glennwood School in Phenix City, and also coaching girls’ basketball.
“I thought if I couldn’t play anymore at least I could stay connected to sports through coaching” she said.
In October that year, Sandra Newkirk at Auburn University received a letter about the new Olympic sport of team handball, that would be an Olympic sport for women for the first time in the 1976 Olympic games. To assemble a team, letters were sent to colleges across the country in search of multisport athletes to recommend. Tryouts were being held at Iowa State University.
Newkirk contacted Clanton to see if she would be interested in trying out.
“My heart just about jumped out of my chest,” Clanton said. “I said ‘yes’ but had no idea what the sport of team handball was.”
Clanton said she had a dream since childhood of one day being in the Olympics. She remembers seeing the Olympic games on television.
“In the early 60s I was drawn to the Olympic Games, not any particular sport, but I could see and feel myself being a part of it. It seemed crazy since there were no opportunities for me to play sport, but it was a dream that was always in my heart. When Sandra Newkirk said the words Olympics,
Clanton went to Iowa State in November for a week of tryouts.
“I get there and see this game that was every game I played on the playground rolled into one,” she said. “It was running, jumping, throwing and catching. I saw this awesome game and I felt like I had prepared for this opportunity all my life.”
There were about 60 women there with the same dream. A week later, the first national training squad of 22 women were selected with Clanton on the team.
In 1980, they were in the process of qualifying for the games, when the announcement came that the Olympics would be boycotted. In 1981, they reassembled a team, and Clanton was selected. At that time, she was coaching basketball at Middle Tennessee State University
After a lot of hard work, they had the first USA Team Handball Women’s National Team in two World Championships and the 1984 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
“It was a surreal moment,” Clanton said. “You spend so much time and work so hard being on the team. The defining moment of that experience was the opening ceremony. It was powerful in a lot of ways. We were the host country coming on the heels of the Olympic games we boycotted in 1980.”
As the host country, the USA teams are the last ones to march into the old coliseum in Los Angeles filled with about 100,000 people.
“I remember walking through the tunnels that are a little dark,” Clanton said, “and at the opening you can start to hear the music, to hear the crowd and see the light coming through. Then we just burst into the scene filled with color, light, music and the energy from the crowd. It was such an uplifting experience.
“The thing that impressed me as I was walking around, the track, was that almost every country in the world has at least one person represented in this coliseum and sports had done that,” Clanton said “The Olympic games temporarily brought the world together in one place to celebrate excellence and what is good about us as human beings. The Olympic games are a grand institution of sports, but more importantly, it is an institution of peace and goodwill with sport and culture bringing people together to celebrate our shared human values. I was so impressed with that.
“It was an inspiring, uplifting, life affirming experience, that to this day I can put myself back in the moment and appreciate,” Clanton added.
While the USA team handball team was seeded last, they upset China in their first game. They played West Germany for the bronze. The USA team lost by one point,
finishing fourth.
“We were proud of what we had accomplished,” Clanton said.
When she returned home to her family, Opelika honored her with a proclamation from the city.
Clanton was an assistant coach for the USA Handball Team in the 1996 Olympic games in Atlanta. In 1997, Olympian Clanton was inducted into the Tiger Trail of Auburn University.
In 2002, Clanton was asked to carry the Olympic Torch. That year she moved back to Opelika to be with her family. Clanton started a sports training program and taught at Lee-Scott Academy for a couple of years. In 2013, she began teaching at Auburn University.
Now, she is back working as an assistant coach for the USA National Wheelchair Handball Team.
“It is an honor and as a handball Olympian, I am excited to share this awesome sport with adaptive athletes.”
The core of the staff is at Auburn, and the training camps will be at Auburn.
“I am happy that as adaptive sports continue to grow in our country,” Clanton said, “that handball will be a part of that movement of lowering barriers and providing opportunity to this community.
“It is my first time working with adaptive sports athletes, but I am amazed and inspired at what I have witnessed and so privileged to be a part.”
ideal candidate to lead the USA National Wheelchair Handball Team.
The team will be working to reach the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles.
“We need to do our best not just for our country,” Dyke said, “but rather to elevate the sport of wheelchair handball to the highest level both domestically and internationally. We are proud of what we have accomplished so far, but we have so much more to do, and we are fueled by the community. Our friends, family and the community continue to motivate us toward our goal.”
COACH >> from B3
TEAM >> from B3
Showing off their medals are some of the 27 athletes from Lee County who competed in the Alabama State Special Olympic Games, held July 19-20.
Competitors from 10 states tried out to be one of the 14 athletes invited into the 2024 national team. The team will attend training camp at Auburn University Aug. 2-4.
Education
LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS | BOARD MEETING AUG. 13, 6 P.M.
Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024
OHS student trained for a future in economic and community development
CONTRIBUTED BY AU NEWS
OPELIKA — Hayley Ponds, a rising senior at Opelika High School, was one of 25 high school seniors to attend the fifth Huntingdon College Economic and Community Development Scholars Program. The two-day, one-night immersive experience took place on the historic Huntingdon College campus in Montgomery. The program, sponsored by the Huntingdon College Presidential Scholars Program and the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama, was designed to introduce young Alabama citizens to the importance of economic and community development in cities and the state.
Participants were selected by their local Chamber of Commerce and the Huntingdon College Presidential Scholars Program. Hayley was nominated to participate in the program by the Opelika Chamber of Commerce. She represented the very best and brightest from outstanding Chambers across the state of Alabama.
During the program, the students had the opportunity to meet and learn from Dr. Anthony Leigh, president of Huntingdon College; Jim Searcy, executive director of the Economic Development Association of Alabama; Paige Hutto, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama; Nicholas Hadley, business development specialist for the Alabama Department of Commerce; Madison Haddock, economic development specialist for the Selma/Dallas County Economic Development Authority;
Jess Skaggs, chief of staff for the Lieutenant Alabama Governor’s Office; and Bria Rochelle-Stephens, director of the Huntingdon College Presidential Scholars Program.
For a hands-on experience in economic development, the students were divided into small groups and given a city in Alabama to represent as they vied for a corporation, led by Leigh, to call their community “home.”
After completing several tasks in the project that directly referenced the presentations of the guest speakers, the teams gave their final pitch to fellow students and guests. The winning team was highlighted in a groundbreaking and ribbon cutting ceremony at the program graduation.
“The creativity and innovation put on display by these incredibly talented students brings me much excitement about the future of Alabama’s leadership” said Rochelle Stephens. “I am confident that each one of these students will leave a lasting impact in their communities.”
Huntingdon College is looking forward to planning the next ECDS program in the summer of 2025.
ABOUT HUNTINGDON COLLEGE
Huntingdon College, grounded in the Judeo-Christian tradition of the United Methodist Church, is committed to nurturing growth in faith, wisdom, and service and to graduating individuals prepared to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Founded in 1854, Huntingdon is a coeducational liberal arts college.
OPELIKA — The Opelika City Schools Board of Education met in regular session on July 23. At the meeting, the board approved several personnel recommendations, including renewal of a contract for Chris Hanson to remain as the school system’s Chief Financial Officer.
The board accepted the low bid of $69,401 from Bresco for the purchase of 13 new milk coolers for schools. The board rejected bids of approximately $72,400 and $92,400 for identical equipment from two other suppliers. Considering increased food costs, the board approved a recommendation to increase the price of school meals for teachers and visitors. The cost of breakfast will now be $3.25 and lunch will now be $4 for teachers and visitors.
The board approved annual membership dues of $10,966 for the School Superintendents of Alabama and $14,207 for the Alabama Association of School Boards.
The next meeting is scheduled for Aug. 27 at 4:30 p.m. in the conference room of the district administrative offices, located at 300 Simmons St.
Opelika City Schools welcomed 73 new teachers last week during New Teacher Academy. They spent three days learning about classroom management, curriculum and instruction, technology, and many other topics related to working in the Opelika City Schools. Special thanks to the Opelika Chamber of Commerce, Cadence Bank and AEA for sponsoring meals and snacks during the week.
APL offers reading program for parents of preschoolers OPL’s August calendar offers programs for young and old
BY ANITA STIEFEL EDITOR@OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM
AUBURN — The Auburn Public Library’s “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten” program helps keep parents of preschoolers stay on track with regular reading.
Parents can use the Beanstack Tracker app to track reading to their newborn, infant, toddler and/ or preschooler. Any book counts, and books may be repeated. Attending an APL story time counts as books read, and attendance can be logged for an activity badge. Those who complete the program will receive a prize from the library.
Participating is simple:
• Register at auburnpl.beanstack.org or download the Beanstack Tracker app to any smartphone or tablet.
• Read 1,000 books before your child starts kindergarten and earn prizes along the way.
• Log your reading via Beanstack to complete the challenge.
For more information, visit the website www. auburnalabama.org/library or call (334) 501-3296.
BY ANITA STIEFEL EDITOR@OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM
OPELIKA — The Opelika Public Library has planned a month chock-full of programs and activities for all ages during August.
Olympics Behind the Scenes On Tuesday, Aug. 6, OPL will host an exclusive opportunity to hear from local Olympian Tyler McGill as he shares his personal experiences — the rigorous training regimens, the camaraderie among athletes and the exhilarating moments that define the Olympic Games. McGill, a former competition swimmer who is a butterfly specialist, has been a member of two world champion relay teams and was a member of Team USA at the 2012 Olympic Games, at which he won a gold medal in the 4×100-meter medley relay. McGill is currently the head swim coach for the city of Opelika.
Back to School Root Beer Floats
Also on Aug. 6 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. in the pavilion, OPL will offer the chance to enjoy one more summer afternoon before school starts at a Back-to-School Root Beer Floats event, providing ice cream and sodas for children to make their own floats, along with yard games, sidewalk chalk and bubbles.
Tasty Tales On Wednesday, Aug. 14, from 4:15 to 5 p.m., students in grades K-5 are invited to an event that is
HAYLEY PONDS
Summer is coming to a close and students and families are ready to start a new school year. The school bell will so be ringing in schools across our county. As a parent, you may hear “my tummy hurts or I don’t want to go to school,” in the mornings before school. This first week of school children may go through a pattern tears as they enter school, not wanting their parents out of sight. And to be honest, parents may shed a few tears as they separate from their young ones for
the first time. When children start school or go back to school, it can bring a lot of changes in routine, adjustment and trust bond between the child, teacher and parent. As an early childhood teacher, I use these opportunities of transition to provide children a time to grow and learn. I also have used these opportunities of adjusting to a new environment as a time to strengthen my ties with my classroom parents as we join hand in hand to educate their child. This week, I’d like to help parents with a few helpful suggestions from
Ushering in the 2024-25 school year
a teacher’s point of view. Teachers make sure that they know each child individually by assessing likes and dislikes. Orientation programs like “Meet the Teacher Day” are offered at most schools. Parents should take this opportunity to show their child around the school, hand in hand. A big concern for little ones is to know where the bathroom is. Be sure to show your children where the bathroom is located. Your child’s teacher will guide the students bathroom rules and more.
Classroom teachers take little tours around the school to show the children the cafeteria, library, introducing them to the principal and other faculty and staff. As you view your child’s classroom, you may notice an area for individual and family pictures. There will usually be a place where the teacher shows the classroom schedule and rules with parents so they can prepare their little ones on the rules and routines of the day. These are some guidelines from past articles as well from my own teaching experiences in getting over
the bump in the road of helping children to adjust to a new school year.
1.Be positive, enthusiastic and encouraging to your child who is about to make a big change. This is a new stage in their lives. Acceptance of a new stage in your child’s life is joyful but also can bring tears as you realize your child is growing up.
2. As a parent you need to prepare yourself for these changes. Make sure you and your child get to know your child’s teacher who teaches them six hours a day.
3. Children love routine. In fact, over the years as a teacher my little classes of kindergarten, first and second grades have kept their teacher on the established routine when we would get off a little bit. A routine for a child provides a guideline for order and security.
4. Always say good-bye to your child with possibly a hug and reassurance. If your child whines or clings to you please don’t prolong the goodbye. This makes it hard for you, your child and teacher.
5. Last but not least, make the morning time
with your child start on a happy, positive note with a good breakfast and a discussion of the day ahead. Start the day off with prayer and verses to encourage. At the end of the work day focus on the joy of being a parent to your children. They grow up once and they grow up so fast.
At the beginning of this school year, give your child a little token of encouragement to put in their backpacks or pockets. I love to see students cling to the note their parents may have left in their lunchboxes, notebooks or folders. A simple little note can positively encourage children of all ages more than we could ever imagine.
I would like to review and share the three E’s
1. Encourage - Let children talk and express themselves as the year begins. This depends on the age of the child. Something important for children is for their teachers and parents to make sure they are understood and heard. As teachers and parents, we have to be active listeners.
2. Endure-Your children
may face difficult subjects this year. Encourage your child to endure the challenges of a difficult subject. We can all remember those teachers who encouraged us to make it through those tough subjects by breaking subjects into small steps of learning until we understood.
3. Embrace-To embrace means to hold. Embracing our children means embracing everything about them, their good points and their imperfections. In embracing children during the learning process, we have to look at the process and effort that they have put into trying to learn and accomplishing an assignment.
From the heart of Classroom Observer I hope I have packed your backpack with a few essential supplies to have a very good first week of school!
Classroom Observer
Beth Pinyerd
Beth Pinyerd has taught in the Early Childhood Classroom for many years. She holds a Masters in Early Childhood Education.
American Red Cross offers back-to-school safety checklist
Reminder for drivers as school buses take to the road again
CONTRIBUTED BY AMERICAN RED CROSS
ALABAMA — The American Red Cross offers this checklist which you can follow to help make sure your student is safe as they return to the classroom.
If your student is younger or going to school for the first time, teach them:
• Their phone number, address, how to get in touch with their parents at work, how to get in touch with another trusted adult and how to dial 911.
• Not to talk to strangers or accept rides from someone they don’t know.
If your child walks to school, teach them to:
• Walk on the sidewalk. If no sidewalk is available, walk facing traffic.
• Stop and look left, right and left again to see if cars are coming.
• Cross the street at the corner, obey traffic signals and stay in the crosswalk.
• Never run out into the street or cross between parked cars.
If your student takes the bus to school, teach them to:
• Get to their bus stop early and stand away from the curb while waiting for the bus to arrive.
• Board the bus only after it has come to a complete stop and the driver or attendant has instructed them to get on. And only board their bus, never an alternate one.
• Stay in clear view of the bus driver and never walk behind the bus.
If your student rides
their bike to school, teach them to:
• Always wear a helmet.
• Ride on the right in the same direction as the traffic is going.
If you drive your child to school, teach them to:
• Always wear a seat belt. Younger children should use car seats or booster seats until the lap-shoulder belt fits properly (typically for children ages 8-12 and over 4’9”), and ride in the back seat until they are at least 13 years old.
If you have a teenager driving to school, make sure they:
• Use seat belts.
• Don’t use their cell phone to text or make calls and avoid eating or drinking while driving.
If you are considering
getting your student a cell phone:
• Download the free Red Cross First Aid and Emergency apps to give them access to first aid tips for common emergencies and real-time weather alerts. Find the apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.
If your student is joining a sports team, make sure they:
• Wear protective gear, such as helmets, protective pads, etc.
• Warm up and cool down.
• Watch out for others.
• Know the location of the closest first aid kit and AED.
BACK TO SCHOOL CHECKLIST FOR DRIVERS
• Slow down.
• Yellow flashing lights indicate the bus is getting ready to stop ─ slow down and be prepared to stop. Red flashing lights and an extended stop sign indicate the bus is stopped and children are getting on or off.
• Motorists must stop when they are behind a bus, meeting the bus or approaching an intersection where a bus is stopped.
• Motorists following or traveling alongside a school bus must also stop until the red lights have stopped flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn, and all children have reached safety. This includes two and four-lane highways.
ABOUT THE AMERICAN RED CROSS:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @ RedCross.
• If physical barriers such as grassy medians, guide rails or concrete median barriers separate oncoming traffic from the bus, motorists in the opposing lanes may proceed without stopping. Do not proceed until all the children have reached a place of safety.
J.F. Drake High Alumni create endowment scholarship
CONTRIBUTED BY BURTON
CRENSHAW | CACF
AUBURN — The Joseph Fanning Drake High School Alumni, in collaboration with the East Alabama Community Foundation (EACF), recently announced the establishment of the Joseph Fanning Drake High School Endowment Scholarship.
This scholarship honors the memory of Joseph Fanning Drake High School alumni, teachers, administrators, staff, parents and community members who achieved educational excellence despite numerous societal challenges.
The Joseph Fanning Drake High School Endowment Scholarship was established under the leadership of the Class of 1968, who encouraged the involvement of all 12 classes (Classes of 1958-1970), former teachers, relatives and other interested parties. The primary objective is to provide financial assistance to technical and college
students while ensuring the J.F. Drake legacy is forever enshrined in Alabama's and the nation's history. The endowment will provide a scholarship up to $500.00 to deserving students.
For more information about this endowment scholarship, visit The J.F. Drake School Alumni Scholarship website www. cacfinfo.org/scholarships/jf-drake-school-alumnischolarship/ or contact the office at (334) 264-6223.
ABOUT EACF
Established in 2007 by
community leaders, the East Alabama Community Foundation is dedicated to fostering positive change through philanthropy, collaboration, and community engagement, serving Lee, Chambers, Russell and Tallapoosa counties. EACF became an affiliate of the Central Alabama Community Foundation in 2024.
For more than 37 years, the Central Alabama Community Foundation has been a valued community partner and resource for nonprofits
and students in the River Region and Wiregrass. Through the generous support of individual and corporate donors, the foundation provides over $5 million in grants and scholarships each year that meet diverse community needs, supporting programs and projects in education, human services, health, cultural arts and other civic concerns. It’s mission is to create a better quality of life for those who live and work in the River Region for many years to come.
ABOUT DR. JOSEPH FANNING DRAKE
Dr. Joseph Fanning Drake of Auburn, Alabama, is the namesake of the former high school and current middle school. Drake received his high school and bachelor's degree from Talladega College, his master's degree from Columbia University, and his Ph.D. from Cornell University. He served devotedly as the third President of Alabama A&M University for more than thirty years.
BETH PINYERD
Education Briefs
ADELPHI, Maryland — University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) graduated nearly 14,000 students worldwide during the 2023-24 academic year, including Coryon Horace of Phenix City, who received a Bachelor of Science degree in human resource management, and Amir Alinaghian of Opelika, who received Bachelor of Science degree in general studies.
DEMOREST, Georgia — Yanyetta Robinson of Smiths Station was among the almost 70 graduates who were celebrated during Piedmont University's commencement ceremonies on July 19.
BROOKINGS, S.D. — South Dakota State University announces Raed Alayouni of Auburn graduated following the spring 2024 semester. Alayouni earned a Ph.D. from SDSU's College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences.
MEDFORD, Mass. — Michelle Sun of Auburn recently graduated with a degree in biomedical engineering from Tufts University. In addition, she was named to the Dean's List for the Spring 2024 semester, an honor reserved for students who achieve a grade point average of 3.4 or greater.
MISSISSIPPI STATE — Katherine Barlow of Auburn is among Mississippi State students who presented at the university's Undergraduate Research Symposium this spring. Barlow presented "What are the Opportunities and Constraints of Designing and Applying Complex and Organic Shapes Using 3D Concrete Printing Technology Compared to Traditional Concrete Construction Methods?" in Biological and Life Sciences/Poster category. MSU's Undergraduate Research Symposium is a bi-annual event that allows students to showcase faculty-guided research and creative activity.
Timberly Stephanson, a foreign language major from Auburn, Alabama, was one of 45 Mississippi State students who attended the 2024 interdisciplinary Global Game Changers study abroad trip to Italy.
Participants ventured through Milan, the Amalfi Coast, Florence and ended the trip in Rome. Students from six of the university’s nine colleges traveled abroad with customized itineraries specific to their field of stu dy, meeting daily to enjoy broader cultural activities as a group.
TROY — Troy University announced the following local students have completed IMPACT orientation and enrolled in classes for the Fall 2024 semester:
From Auburn — Mykel Ammons, Kentavious Bennett, William Best, Caleb Crawford, Lamar Finley, Mary Drue Garner, David Garner, Cale Garner, Abreal Knox, John May, Hannah McCoy, Tyler McKinnell, Alani Pinkard, Nathanial Pitt, Ramari Wright.
From Beauregard — Ashley Clevenger.
From Cusseta — Caitlyn Harris.
From Opelika — AnaGrace Atkins, Paige Bales, Vanessa Bell, Leslie Ann Chase, Carlee Craft, Jaycee Herron, Langley Lunsford, Saybriann a Mckinstry, Mailan McTier, Addie Shoemaker, Sanai Stringer, Landon Willis.
From Phenix City — Myles Carden, Gracelyn Esco, Taylor Henderson
From Smiths Station — Cameron Lee, Jacob Maholick, Ella Melton, Jarrod Menke, Addison Minton, Craig Rose, Haylee Spinks, Jamal Wilson.
AUBURN UNIVERSITY — Alabama 4-H, the youth development organization of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System that seeks to empower young people with the skills to lead their communities and also grow into future leaders, has selected Ellis Reed of Lee County as a 2024-2 025 4-H Ambassador. As one of 31 4-H Ambassadors selected, Reed will serve as a representative of the organization, leading and assisting statewide with 4-H clubs and youth council meetings throughout the year.
U.S, NAVY — In the photograph below, Aviation Electrician’s Mate Airman James Kirkland, a native of Auburn, applies torque to silicone controlled rectifies in the generator shop aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), July 28. The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is underway in the Atlantic Ocean completing integrated naval warfighting training. Composite Unit Training Exercises are an intense, multi-week exercise designed to fully integrate a carrier strike group as a cohesive, multi-mission fighting force, to assess their ability to carry out sustained c ombat operations from the sea, and drive future warfighting development. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Logan McGuire)
Alumnus and attorney Beau Byrd to be summer commencement speaker at AU
CONTRIBUTED BY AU NEWS
AUBURN — AU alumnus and Birmingham attorney Beau Byrd will deliver the commencement address at the university’s summer graduation ceremonies.
A 1989 accounting graduate, Byrd is currently a partner at the Bradley Law Firm, where he specializes in commercial real estate and lending transactions. Listed in Band 1 of Chambers USA, the definitive rankings body for legal excellence across the industry, Byrd has also been named among The Best Lawyers in America® and Mid-South Super Lawyers and maintains the highest rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, one of the nation’s oldest agencies that provides reviews of lawyers and law firms for consumers and professionals.
Byrd is a member of the AU Foundation’s Board of Directors and served as president of the Auburn Alumni Association. He is involved in numerous Auburn organizations and is an active member of the Professional Advisory Board of the Master of Real Estate Development program in the Harbert College of Business, where he previously served as its chair.
As a past president of the Greater Birmingham Auburn Club, Byrd and his family continue to champion Auburn students by supporting various univer-
LIBRARY >> from B6
will get to take home a recipe and tips for recreating the dish at home. Please note: Food allergies cannot be accommodated. Food tasting items will be posted with advance notice.
Dolores Hydock: Fools for Love
On Tuesday, Aug. 20, from 2 to 3 p.m., OPL will host master storyteller Dolores Hydock, who will present her program, Fools for Love: Fads and Fancies of Regency England. This program brings to life the world of the late 1700s and early 1800s — the Regency Period in England
INFO >> from A1
sity programs, including establishing numerous scholarships with his wife, Kathy, sons Walker and Carter and daughter-in-law Sarah, all proud Auburn alumni.
“As a respected member of the Auburn Family, Beau Byrd’s achievements and contributions epitomize the high standards and profound influence that Auburn aims to cultivate every one of our graduates,” President Christopher B. Roberts said. “His unwavering commitment to public service, coupled with his influential leadership and advocacy, truly encapsulates the essence of the Auburn Creed. I am confident that his thoughtful insights will deeply res-
— a time of strange fads, sketchy medicine and hairraising shenanigans among the fashionable set, led by George, Prince of Wales and the future King George IV of England, who was the center of fashionable and cultural life during that time. Letters, diary excerpts, photographs and paintings are used to explore the customs, habits and tokens of love and remembrance that were part of this stylish and passionate time in English and American history.
Dolores Hydock is an actress and storyteller whose presentations highlight the “story” behind a variety of topics from history, art and literature. Her work has been featured at
OMS Schedule and Chromebook PickUp
Monday, Aug. 5
9 to 10:30 a.m. 7th Grade 11:00 a.m to 12:30 p.m. 8th Grade Students will pick up schedules and are encouraged to find classroom locations. Info tables will be available for parents to complete lunch forms, medical forms, etc.
onate with our graduates.”
“Auburn is such an important part of my life and my family’s lives,” said Byrd. “I am humbled to have this opportunity to share my thoughts with the Summer 2024 graduates as they prepare for their next chapters.”
Byrd will address more than 1,400 graduates and their families during the university’s summer commencement ceremonies on Saturday, Aug. 3, at 9 a.m., 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. in Neville Arena. Admission is restricted, but Auburn’s commencement ceremonies are streamed live on the university’s commencement website: auburn.edu/commencement.
conferences, festivals and special events throughout the U.S., including the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee. She has served as the teller-in-residence at Jonesborough's International Storytelling Center, and her 12 CDs of original stories have all received awards for excellence from Storytelling World magazine. She has collaborated with the Birmingham Museum of Art, and her Christmas story special airs annually on NPR affiliate WBHM in Birmingham. Check out the full August schedule of library programming at www. opelika-al.gov/917/OpelikaPublic-Library.
Meetings with classroom teachers will be during Open House.
OHS Schedule Pick-Up
*10th through12th Grade schedule pickup was July 26.
*9th Grade schedule pick-up was during Freshman Orientation on July 25. Schedules for OHS students that were unable to pick up their schedules on those dates are available in the counselor’s office.
BEAU BYRD
Lee County students earn Alfa Foundation Scholarships
CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
LEE COUNTY —
Six local students are among100 recipients of the 2024-25 Alfa Foundation Scholarship Program, including Caroline Belcher, a sophomore at Auburn University majoring in agricultural business and economics; Lindsey Coshatt of Auburn, a freshman at AU majoring in hospitality management and event planning; Zayne Lackey, a freshman at Southern
Union State Community College majoring in history; Caden Neighbors, a freshman at Auburn University majoring in agricultural science; and Libby-Kate Posey, a freshman at Auburn University majoring in visual arts media; and Karley Nelson, a sophomore at Southern Union State Community College majoring in nursing.
Each student received $1,000 to use toward tuition, fees, books and supplies.
CAROLINE BELCHER
LINDSEY COSHATT
ZAYNE LACKEY
CADEN NEIGHBORS
LIBBY-KATE POSEY
KARLEY NELSON
Food &E ntertainment Community Calendar
Southern Hospitality
Cindy Pugh enjoys cooking treasured family recipes
BY ANN CIPPERLY
Nestled against the woodlands in a country setting in Beauregard, the home of Cindy and Steve Pugh offers cozy places to relax and enjoy the outdoors, including a large front porch with a swing, screened-in back porch and a patio area around the pool. Cindy, whose family has many good cooks, has a love of cooking and is sharing favorite recipes that have been treasured for decades.
As far back as Cindy can remember, she has been in the kitchen helping to prepare meals or cooking.
“I grew up when family meals were special times,” she said. “We didn’t go out to eat much. We wanted to be home to eat together. My father
would cook breakfast for us on weekends. After church on Sunday, we would always have a big lunch that our mother called dinner. She would wake up early and cook a roast, fry some chicken or make a meatloaf and there were always vegetables and fried cornbread. It was a wonderful tradition.”
Cindy attended Auburn University and was a travel agent for 20 years.
“I used to send people on trips, and now I bring them here,” Cindy said. She is the Group Sales Manager at Auburn-Opelika Tourism. She travels to trade shows and meets with travel planners looking for unique destinations to host a conference or a leisure travel group.
Cindy has loved showing off the Auburn-Opelika area nationwide for 19 years. As a native of Auburn, she has seen many changes over the years.
“We have so many wonderful things now that we didn’t have when I started in tourism,” she said. She is also involved in the community and serves as the secretary on the board for Independent Rights and Resources.
Steve is retired from the Auburn Police De -
partment and works in security for the Columbus federal courthouse. Their blended family includes five children and six grandchildren.
Growing up, Cindy and her sister, Carol Law Duncan, began helping their mother, nicknamed “Pete”, in the kitchen at an early age. Their mother worked and would call the girls after school to get dinner started by chopping an onion or browning some hamburger meat. They ate at the dinner table for all of meals except on Sunday nights when Cindy and Carol could have a sandwich on a tv tray while watching Walt Disney on television.
Their grandparents and aunts were also good cooks. Cindy said she enjoyed visiting them and was influenced by their cooking.
Her mother grew up in Ariton located in south Alabama. The family would go there to visit the maternal grandmother, Gaga, and the other grandmother, Mimi, who resided in Ozark.
“My sister and I were always interested in what was going on in their kitchens,” Cindy said.
“Although Mimi enjoyed cooking whenever our
family would come to town, she had the sweetest lady named Rachel that would cook meals for us.
“We would watch them make a homemade blackberry cobbler and hard sauce to go with it. We would have an amazing meal on Saturday Ozark and then eat Sunday dinner with my grandmother in Ariton on our way back home. She had a garden and would serve fresh peas, creamed corn, fried chicken, roast, fried cornbread and fried pies”
Cindy said both she and her sister developed a
love of cooking.
“My sister and I talk a few times a day on the phone,” Cindy said. “We always end up talking about what we are cooking for supper.”
Cindy and Carol enjoy cooking favorite recipes from childhood neighbors. They took recipes their mother had collected from neighbors and tweaked them over the years to suit their taste.
“One next door neighbor, Thelma Jackson would cook dinner for us sometimes and bring us a casserole that we named Thelma’s Casserole”
Cindy said. “It was a sweet time when neighbors did things for each other.”
Another recipe from a childhood neighbor is Leroy’s Chicken that is still a family favorite. Leroy was the father of a neighbor who would invite Cindy’s family over for a Saturday night cookout. He prepared a sauce that he used to baste chicken while it grilled. Steve uses Leroy’s Chicken recipe for grilling out when family visits. Cindy said he also
An evening with two powerhouse singer-songwriters
BY MICHELLE KEY EDITOR@OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM
OPELIKA — Jill
Sobule and Jesse Lynn Madera will be performing at The Sound Wall in Opelika on Oct. 17.
Sobule is currently recording the soundtrack to her next project which was conceived by Sobule about an adolescent romance, a brief rise to pop stardom, a queer musical memoir — about how we’ll never get out of middle school. Sobule’s
1990s hits include “Supermodel” and the original “I Kissed a Girl.” Madera is currently touring in support of her sophomore breakthrough album Speed of Sound. This album has charted on Americana, Folk and Triple A radio, and is celebrating its third consecutive week at No. 1 on the European HotDisc Chart. For more information contact The Sound Wall at info@theswmi.org or visit the website www. theswmi.org.
Cindy Pugh has a love of cooking and is sharing favorite family recipes collected over the years. Cindy, who works with Auburn-Opelika Tourism, and her husband, Steve, are enjoying the quiet life in a
Beauregard.
enjoys cooking on his Big Green Egg. He will grill extra meat on weekends to freeze for serving during the week. Cindy uses leftover smoked chicken to prepare an easy salad made with chopped celery, green onions and Duke mayonnaise.
Slow Cooker Beef Ragu is one of Cindy’s favorite comfort food dishes. The chuck roast is placed in a well-seasoned beef broth with red wine to simmer slowly all day while she is at work. When the roast is cooked, Cindy puts it in the refrigerator overnight for the flavors to blend, and serves it the next day. It also freezes well.
In order to have homecooked meals on weeknights, Cindy will cook dishes ahead, such as Bolognese or soup to freeze for serving after a hectic day. During summer, she also freezes fresh peas. Cindy has a small garden where she grows tomatoes and herbs. She makes pesto with the fresh basil and freezes it to use during the winter months.
Her salsa recipe came from a favorite Mexican restaurant that was located in Montgomery. She said she asked a server one day what was in the salsa. He told her the ingredients and after a few weeks of experimenting she finally nailed it. She has been making it for 35 years. The recipe is easy to double and great to make for gifts.
One of her mother’s favorite recipes is Pete’s Party Cheese Ball. Her mom began making it in the early 70s, and it was her go-to appetizer for parties. Cindy said she makes it for family get togethers, and that it is still popular.
“I love to make these recipes and think of the people who made them,” Cindy said. “My sister and I came from a long line of people who loved to cook, and we are carrying on that tradition for our families. Our children like to cook, too, and we are making sure they have these recipes.”
Whether they are entertaining or relaxing on weekends with their dog Clyde and cat named Kiki, Cindy said she and Steve are enjoying the quiet life in Beauregard.
As she looked over the tomatoes and herbs near the back porch, Cindy remarked, “It is a fun place to be.”
Pete’s Party Cheeseball
Two 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 Tbsp. chopped pimento
1 Tbsp. chopped green pepper
½ cup finely chopped onion
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. lemon juice
Dash of cayenne pepper
Dash of salt
1 cup chopped pecans
½ cup fresh chopped parsley
Crackers for serving
Combine the first nine ingredients until blended.
Shape into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for eight hours.
Roll the cheese in pecans and parsley before serving with a variety of crackers.
Marinated Cheese
1 .7 oz. envelope Italian dressing mix
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup white vinegar
3 Tbsp. minced green onion
2 Tbsp. water
1 1/2 tsp. sugar
8 oz. block Monterey Jack cheese
8 oz. block sharp cheddar cheese
8 oz. block Colby cheese
4 oz. jar chopped pimiento, drained Assorted crackers
Whisk together first six ingredients and set aside. Cut the three blocks of cheese in thirds lengthwise then cut crosswise into ¼ inch thick slices. Place in plastic bag and pour marinade over and chill for 8 to 10 hours. Drain marznade and arrange cheeses in rows on a platter and top with pimento. Serve with assorted crackers.
Cin’s Salsa
From a Mexican restaurant in Montgomery
28 oz. can whole tomatoes
2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and diced
¼ cup pickled jalapeno peppers
¼ cup pickled jalapeno juice
1/3 cup fresh cilantro
½ cup fresh chopped onion
1 Tbsp. fresh garlic, chopped
1 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
1 tsp. canola oil
Dash of salt
Blend first seven ingredients in a blender until mixture is the consistency you like. Add lime juice and canola oil and a dash of salt.
Mixture needs to be refrigerated for 24 hours to blend flavors before serving. Serve with chips.
Beauregard Clyde’s Margaritas
1 cup good tequila
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1/2 cup simple syrup
1/4 cup orange liqueur
Dip the top of the glasses in lime juice and roll in margarita salt, if desired. Combine ingredients. Serve over ice with a lime wedge. Makes two servings.
Smoked Chicken Salad
2 cups chopped smoked chicken
¼ cup finely chopped celery
¼ cup finely chopped green onion
¼ cup Duke’s mayonnaise ¼ tsp. salt
½ tsp. white ground pepper
Mix all ingredients together until combined. Place in refrigerator for at least 12 hours for flavors to blend.
Makes 2½ cups.
Marinated Asparagus
1½ lbs. fresh asparagus, tough ends removed
2 Tbsp. olive oil
¼ cup cider vinegar
¼ cup soy sauce
¼ cup sugar
Black pepper to taste
¾ cup finely chopped pecans. optional Place asparagus in boiling water for 2 minutes or until slightly tender. Drain and rinse under cold water. Place in an oblong serving dish or a large Ziploc bag. Mix remaining ingredients and pour over asparagus. Sprinkle with pepper. Best if marinated for about 4 to 6 hours. Sprinkle with pecans before serving, if desired.
Leroy’s Chicken
3 cups white vinegar
1 cup Worcestershire sauce
1 chopped onion
2-3 cloves minced garlic
2-3 Tbsp. freshly ground black pepper
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 Tbsp. oregano
1 stick butter
Juice of 2 to 3 lemons, throw in a couple of lemon halves in the pot
Bring all ingredients to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until onions are tender, about an hour. Let sauce sit on stove top with lid on for 3 to 4 hours to let flavors develop. Baste or mop chicken while grilling.
Blue Cheese Coleslaw
3 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
2 Tbsp. finely chopped onion
1 Tbsp. sugar
¾ tsp. celery seeds
¼ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. dry mustard
¼ tsp. black pepper
¼ cup canola oil
1 clove garlic, minced
16 oz. finely shredded cabbage
4 oz. crumbled blue cheese
Combine first eight ingredients in a small bowl. Slowly pour in oil and whisk until blended. Combine cabbage, blue cheese and dressing mix. Toss well and serve.
Serves six to eight.
Balsamic Vinaigrette
1 cup olive oil
½ cup balsamic vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
1-2 tsp. Dijon mustard
½ tsp. fresh ground black pepper
Pinch of salt
Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Serve on your favorite salad.
Makes 12 oz.
Slow Cooker Beef Ragu
When it’s just the two of us I cook just the amount of pasta for two servings, mix with some of the ragu and freeze the rest as it freezes beautifully!
3 lbs. beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks,
4 Tbsp. olive oil, divided
1½ cups chopped onion
¾ cup chopped celery
¾ cup chopped carrot
4-5 fresh garlic cloves, minced 1 tsp. salt
½ tsp. dried thyme
½ tsp. dried rosemary
2-3 bay leaves
1 cup red wine (I use Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
1 cup low-sodium beef broth
28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
6 oz. tomato paste
16-oz. rigatoni
Chopped fresh parsley
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Salt and pepper the beef and sear for a few minutes on each side. Set aside.
Heat remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in the same pot. Add onion, celery and carrots.
Sprinkle with salt and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
Pour mixture into slow cooker. Add thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, red wine, beef broth, crushed tomatoes and tomato paste; stir. Add beef. Cover and cook on high for 5 to 6 hours or on low for 6 to 10 hours.
When cooked, shred beef and return to crock pot. Adjust seasonings, if
necessary. Cook pasta according to directions and reserve
1 cup of pasta water. Add pasta to ragu using pasta water to thin, if necessary.
Top with fresh parsley and freshly grated Parmesan Cheese.
Serves eight to 10.
Miss Thelma’s Casserole
1 lb. ground chuck
½ cup chopped onion
14.5 oz. can fire roasted tomatoes
1 cup cooked rice
½ cup sliced green olives (more to taste)
Salt, pepper, garlic powder and oregano to taste
Parmesan and shredded cheddar cheese
Brown beef and onion; drain. Mix with tomatoes, rice, olives and seasonings. Place in an 8 x 8-inch casserole dish.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Top with cheese and bake another 10 minutes. Serves 4 to 6. Leftovers are great to stuff in bell peppers.
Lemon Chicken Pasta
2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite size pieces, seasoned with salt and pepper
2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 cans fire roasted diced tomatoes
¼ cup fresh lemon juice, add more to taste
1 bunch fresh green onions sliced Salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste
4 Tbsp. butter
12 oz. pasta, cooked and drained (Penne is my favorite for this dish.)
Fresh basil, torn Fresh parsley, chopped Brown chicken in olive oil. Add tomatoes, lemon juice, green onions, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Simmer on low for about 30 to 45 minutes. At the very end, add basil and parsley.
Toss with penne pasta and serve with fresh parmesan and crushed red pepper flakes.
Cin’s Red Beans ‘n Rice
16 oz. bag dark red kidney beans, soaked in water for at least 4 hours
1 lb. sausage, (Andouille or spicy Conecuh) cut in bite size pieces
1 onion, chopped
2-3 stalks celery, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
½ tsp. cayenne pepper
1 tsp. chili powder
3-4 cloves fresh garlic
½ tsp. cinnamon
2-3 bay leaves Hot cooked rice
Combine above ingredients except rice in a pot. Cover ingredients
with water; bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer. Cook until beans are done, stirring occasionally, about 2 hours.
Remove about a cup or two of beans, mash them and return to pot. Adjust seasoning, if necessary. Serve over rice with hot sauce, chopped green onions and cornbread. Serves eight.
Squash Casserole
3 lb. yellow squash, sliced 1 onion, chopped 6 oz. can sliced water chestnuts
1 can cream of chicken soup 8 oz. sour cream
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 tsp. each salt and black pepper (more to taste)
1 bag Pepperidge Farm herb stuffing 1 stick butter, melted Cover squash and onion with salted with water and bring to a boil. Simmer until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well and add next 4 ingredients. Mix stuffing and butter together. Blend half of this with above. Put in a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish. Top with remaining stuffing and butter mix. Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes. Serves eight to 10.
Southern Banana Pudding (Ninnie Puddin’)
¾ cup sugar, divided 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
Dash of salt
4 eggs, separated, at room temperature
2 cup whole milk
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
35-40 Nilla Wafers
4 medium bananas, sliced ½ tsp. cream of tartar
Combine ½ cup sugar, flour and salt on top of a double boiler. Stir in egg yolks and milk until well blended. Bring to a simmer uncovered over boiling water stirring constantly until it becomes thick. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract. Spread about ½ cup of custard on bottom of and 8 x 8 -inch casserole dish. Layer Nilla Wafers and bananas on top. Repeat twice ending with a layer of custard. Beat egg whites with hand mixer adding cream of tartar at beginning. Gradually add ¼ cup sugar and beat until soft peaks form. Spread meringue on top of banana pudding. Bake in a 425 degree oven for 5 to 6 minutes until lightly brown. Make sure to keep a close eye on it! Garnish with Nilla Wafers, if desired.
BY SEAN DIETRICH
OPINION — Ten years.
That’s how long I’ve been writing this blog/column/ whatever-the-heck-youcall-it.
It started as a blog. Sort of. Back when we still had blogs. Remember those? Blogs existed during a primitive technological era when we still had DVDs, landlines, 4-1-1 directory assistance, and older people in your family still did not understand Facebook.
Namely, because before social media, we did not “share” photos with loved ones. It wasn’t possible.
To recreate the social media experience back
Sean of the South
then by, say, posting a photo, we would have had to (a) take a picture with a Kodak camera, (b) develop the film at Walgreens, (c) physically mail envelopes containing hundreds of photos to loved ones and random friends, then (d) wait weeks for people to reply with comments, such as: “Why did you send me a photo of your dinner?”
Also, 10 years ago we still had taxis. Today, taxis are extinct. On my last trip to New York, my Uber driver, a former taxicab driver, said that 10 years ago there were 11,000 cabs in New York.
“Now there are less than 800,” he said.
But getting back to blogs. As a wannabe writer with no credentials, no training, and no pedigree, frankly, I always found a blog to be a magical notion.
You could write something, send it into the
subscription is also great way to add seats to one’s existing season or series subscription.
AUBURN — The Jay and Susie Gogue
Performing Arts Center at Auburn University has created a “Create Your Own” (CYO) subscription and it is now available to the general public. With a CYO subscription, patrons can build their own series by reserving seats to any three or more performances in the Gogue Center’s regularly scheduled 2024–25 season lineup. CYO packages offer a10% discount off single ticket prices, including any performance in the Broadway Series. A CYO
The fine print A CYO subscription requires a purchase of tickets to a minimum of three separate 2024–25 season performances. Excludes tickets to Family Series performances, add-on performances presented by the Gogue Center, and rental performances/events presented by outside organizations.
For more information on CYO subscriptions, the upcoming 2024–25 season and to purchase tickets, visit www.goguecenter. auburn.edu, or contact the
Auburn Parks and Rec. seeks feedback on Concert Series
CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF AUBURN
AUBURN — Auburn Parks and Recreation is seeking feedback from Auburn residents about its Sundown Concert Series. This popular seasonal event offers free music and entertainment to the community. Your input is valuable in shaping the future direction of the Sundown Concert Series, with a focus on delivering a diverse range of music, creating a welcoming environment and providing amenities that align with the interests of Auburn residents.
The survey will take approximately five minutes to complete and covers various aspects of your experience at the Sundown Concert Series, your music preferences and suggestions for enhancing the overall concert experience. Additionally, all survey participants will be entered into a drawing to win a City Market swag package. The drawing will take place the first week of September 2024.
To participate in the survey, visit forms.office.com/r/ FaBZzC2e7P
The upcoming Sundown Concert Series is scheduled for September and October 2024. For more information regarding programs and facilities, please contact Auburn Parks and Recreation at (334) 501-2930, visit us at auburnalabama.org/parks and follow Auburn Parks and Recreation on Facebook and Instagram.
Thank you for supporting The Observer, three-time winner of the Alabama Press Association Award for General Excellence
Ten Years
universe, and interact with real humans! Your writing didn’t even have to be good or “contane propper punctuashin.”
People would actually read your stuff, and if you were lucky, the next morning, you would receive hundreds of heartfelt emails from Nigerian princes.
We had a lot of Nigerian-prince emails back in the day. I personally received many of these emails. These were messages sent by members of the Nigerian royal family, telling me how much they enjoyed my blog, how they hoped someday we might meet, hug each other’s necks, and—God willing— exchange intimate financial information.
So anyway, I remember the morning I started my blog. I was so nervous. What was I thinking? Did I have anything to say? Would anyone care?
I obsessed over each article. I painstakingly wrote 500 words each morning. Then, like all writers, I painstakingly edited those words, thousands of times, polishing and rephrasing and respelling, until at last, my 500 words had blossomed into true crap. Then I would share my work.
At first, the main replies I got were: “Hey! Nice blog!” And: “Very cool! Keep it up!” And—this is an actual reply—“My name is John Madeuke Chimizie, Nigerian Minister of Petroleum, I have an exciting opportunity for you…!”
But something else happened, too. People actually read my work. And some people actually seemed to care about it. This totally changed my view of myself.
This writer who failed fifth grade. This writer who dropped out of the seventh
grade, who got his highschool equivalency as a grown man. Who used to be called “white trash” as a kid. Who was rejected by a university, who has lived in three trailers, who uses the word “ain’t” in social settings.
Somehow, this blog/ column/whatever-the-actual-freaking-term-is led me to you. Whoever you are. And I can honestly say that after 10 years you have altered my entire life.
Yes, you.
You might not know it. You might not believe it. But every person reading this, every interview I’ve ever conducted, every story I’ve written, has all helped me realize important lessons.
Firstly, I’ve learned there is no such thing as white trash. I’ve also learned that angels are real. I’ve learned that this nation is not as bad as people say. I’ve learned that peo-
ple get cured from cancer every day. I’ve learned that blind children are not blind. I’ve learned that, if you are a fledgling writer, no matter how badly you think your writing stinks, there are people out there who will tell you sincerely that your work stinks. I have learned that God has a terrific sense of humor. I’ve learned that He cares an awful lot about what happens to His kids. I’ve learned that I am one. And so are you. But most of all, I’ve learned that Nigeria has a boatload of dignitaries.
Sean Dietrich is a columnist, novelist and stand-up storyteller known for his commentary on life in the American South. His column appears in newspapers throughout the U.S. He has authored 15 books.
Gogue Center box office by telephone at 334-844. TIXS (8497), via email at gpactickets@auburn. edu, or in person at 910
S. College St., in Auburn, Tuesday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
To start building a CYO subscription, visit www.
AUG. 1 — GAME ON BASKETBALL
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
The Opelika Police Department will present the Together Opelika GAME ON basketball event on Thursday, Aug. 1, from 8 a.m. to noon at Covington Rec Center, located at 213 Carver Ave. This is a free event for kids ages 5-18. Registration is free and includes a T-shirt and lunch. Visit opelikapd.org for more information.
AUG. 1 — AUG. 31 — ITTY BITTY SCAVENGER HUNT
Starting Thursday, Aug. 1, participants can start the hunt by picking up a worksheet at any Parks and Recreation facility, visiting the city of Auburn website or checking out the details on Facebook. The worksheet features 20 itty-bitty sites located in various spots around Auburn. Participants will need to visit the sites and find a clue hidden at each location. Successfully finding all the clues will reveal a special phrase that participants will need to log their win. To participate, all scavenger hunters must register by Aug. 31 at 11:59 p.m. To register, visit www.auburnal.myrec.com. Those who compile all 20 clues and discover the phrase will be entered into the grand prize drawing. Winners will be announced and contacted on Sept. 6.
AUG. 3 — SPORTSPLEX TRI FOR KIDS
The annual SportsPlex Tri for Kids triathlon benefitting Nourish Alabama will be held on Saturday, Aug. 3, at 7:30 a.m. at the Opelika Sportsplex, located at 1001 Andrews Road. Ages 6-8 will swim 50 yards, bike 1.5 miles and run 500 yards. Ages 9-11 will swim 100 yards, bike 3 miles and run 1 mile. Ages 1215 will swim 150 yards, bike 6 miles and run 2 miles. The non-competitive Small Fry Tri will begin at 10 a.m., with ages 2-5 running through the splash pad. Advance registration for the Kids Tri by July 26 is $40 per child; registration beginning July 27 until Friday, Aug. 2, is $45 per child. Online registration for the Small Fry Tri is available until Friday, Aug. 2, for $20 per child. For both events, there is a $5 per child discount for registration of three or more children. Pre-registration is required for both events — no same-day signups accepted. For more information, visit www.sportsplextriforkids.com/race-info.
AUG. 5 - REGISTRATION FOR RIDE AND SEEK OPENS
The second annual Ride and Seek: A Bike Safety Adventure will be held on Saturday, Oct. 5, for children K-8 at Chewacla State Park. Registration will open Monday, Aug. 5, and walk-ups will be permitted the day of the event. Attendees are encouraged to register by Sept. 18 to be guaranteed a T-shirt.The event will begin at 8 a.m. with bike rides beginning at 9 a.m. Ride and Seek teaches kids how to ride safe and have fun. Riders and their parents will get safety tips from our experts and test their skills on our mountain bike trail and paved trail. There will be free prizes, a raffle for some great bike equipment and food and drink for purchase. Registration is $15 per person.Visit www.bit.ly/ rideseek2024 to register. Please email registration@auburnalabama.org with any questions.
AUG. 6 — NATIONAL NIGHT OUT IN AUBURN
Auburn Public Safety will host National Night Out on Aug. 6, marking the 41st anniversary of this nationwide event, which is an opportunity for residents to come together and foster a true sense of community. The FREE fun-filled evening will have something for all ages, including a meet and greet with local first responders, games and activities for kids, live entertainment, free food and refreshments and giveaways. Auburn’s National Night Out will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 1623 East Glenn Ave. (the field behind Duck Samford Stadium).
AUG. 6 — WE ARE THE VILLAGE NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
The Concerned Citizens of Opelika is sponsoring its annual We are the Village National Night Out event from 5 to 8 p.m. on Aug. 6. The event will be held at Bandy Park, located at 300 Jeter Ave. in Opelika. The public is invited to attend this free event that will have live music and more.
AUG. 24 — 13TH ANNUAL BACK TO SCHOOL BASH
Cornerstone Family Chiropractic in Auburn will host a free family event on Saturday, Aug. 24, from 9 a.m. to noon at 323 Airport Road. The event, which will feature inflatables, games, raffle prizes, food and sweet treets, supports the BigHouse Foundation.
SEPT. 19 — BLUES ON THE PLAINS GALA
The Lee County Democratic Party will host its annual gala, Blues On The Plains, on Thursday, Sept. 19, at 6 p.m. at Fig & Ivy, located at 2290 Moores Mill Road in Auburn. The Lee County Democratic Party is committed to fostering a healthier democracy and creating a future filled with hope and progress, and this cocktail event will feature keynote presentations from speakers, interactive networking and show-stopping live music. Tickets start at $65 and are available at https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ bluesontheplains.
OCT. 19 — AUBURN OKTOBERFEST
Auburn’s Oktoberfest: The South’s Favorite Craft Beer Festival will return on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 3 to 7 p.m.at Ag Heritage Park, located at 620 S. Donahue Drive. The event will feature live music from Kidd Blue and The War Damn Polka Band, tastings from more than 70 breweries, wineries and homebrewers, educational tents from Auburn University’s AU BREW and a HOP presentation by Auburn’s Horticulture Department. Activities will include naming of Mr. & Mrs. Oktoberfest, stein hoisting contest, weiner dog races, barrel racing, a Chicken Dance competition and more. There will be food trucks, along with several large TV’s highlighting the day’s football games. Tickets are on sale now at Eventbrite.com.
ONGOING — O GROWS FARMERS MARKET
The O Grows Summer Farmers Market is open every Tuesday from 3 to 6 p.m. at Opelika’s Courthouse Square. O Grows accepts SNAP, EBT and SFMNP.
ONGOING — AUBURN CITY MARKET
City Market, Auburn Parks and Recreation’s weekly farmer’s market, is open each Saturday morning through Aug. 24 from 8 to 11 a.m. at Town Creek Park. The entire family is invited to enjoy live music, fun activities for the kids and an array of fresh, local and handcrafted items to browse and purchase. Parking is available at Town Creek Park and in the gravel lot across the street from the park. City Market vendors will start selling their products at 8 a.m. sharp. For more information, visit auburnalabama.org/ citymarket or email citymarket@auburnalabama.org.
ONGOING — CAMP HILL FARMERS MARKET
The Camp Hill Marketplace Farmers Market is held each Saturday through Sept. 28 from 8 to 11 a.m. at Mt. Lovely Church Grounds, 21900 Sen. Claude Pepper Drive. Senior benefit cards are welcome. Vendors contact market manager Joanne Finley at (334) 332-5970.
ONGOING — ATTENTION ORCHID LOVERS
The East Alabama Orchid Society meets at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at the Opelika Public Library in Meeting Room 2, located at the rear of the library next to the train mural. Anyone interested in growing orchids is encouraged to attend the meetings. There are orchid growers of all levels and abilities who meet to learn and discuss growing orchids from the members. At each meeting, members will bring their blooming plants to share with the group. For more information about the meetings, contact David Stanbury at: stanbdm@auburn.edu.
ONGOING — ZUMBA CLASSES
Zumba classes are held on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Frank Brown Recreational Center in Auburn. Cost is $5 drop in, $25 for five classes and $40 for 10 classes. Register at auburnal. myrec.com.
ONGOING — ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI
The Lee County Alumni of Alabama State University is holding a membership drive. Increased membership will allow the group to offer more scholarships and support financial and other vital needs for student success at ASU, as well as will foster a sense of pride, visibility and connection to the community. For more information, contact President Dwight E. Howard at (334) 745-7293.
Club News from around Lee County
Beta XI Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa Kiwanis Club of Auburn
The Opelika Beta Xi Chapter of Alabama Alpha Delta Kappa was recently represented at the 2024 Gulf Regional Conference in Dunwoody, GA where Opelika resident, Kay Spriggs, was installed as the Alpha Delta Kappa Gulf Region President.Alpha Delta Kappa is an International Honorary Organization of Women Educators whose mission is to “Empower women educators to advance inclusion, educational excellence, altruism and world understanding.” Each year, Alpha Delta Kappa enhances classrooms, communities and careers of educators by awarding grants and scholarships to members and non-members. For more information about Alpha Delta Kappa, please visit the national website at www.alphadeltakappa.org, the local website at www.Alabama-Beta-Xi. com, or contact Shannon Lee at (334)546-0980.Pictured L-R are: Ann Marie Brown, Alpha Delta Kappa International President; Kay Spriggs, Past President Beta Xi, Alabama Past President, and newly installed Gulf Region President; and Shannon Lee, Beta Xi Chapter President.
Kiwanis Club of Opelika
VFW Post 5404, 131 E. Veterans Blvd., Auburn, next to Ray's Collision off of South College Street, will be open on Wednesdays, 8 to 11 a.m. with coffee, donuts, cake and conversation about service and benefits for all veterans and spouses to stop by.
AUBURN/OPELIKA MOPS IS NOW 'MomCO'
MOPS International changed its name from MOPS, Mothers of Preschoolers to MomCo to include moms of children of all ages. Auburn Opelika MomCo meets at Pepperell Baptist Church, 2702 2nd Ave. in Opelika. Contact Rachel Elrod at (706) 244-5620 or Pastor Zac Gardner or Pastor Josh Elliott at (334) 745-3108 for further information.
LEE/RUSSELL COUNTY LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP
The group meets every month on the third Wednesday from 1:30 to 3 p.m. The meeting will be held at the AIDB-Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind Opelika Regional Center on 355 Dunlop Drive in Opelika. Every month different topics are discussed to make life more manageable living with low vision.
Contact Shiquita Fulton, M.ED/Vision Rehab therapist for additional details at 334-705-2024, or Melody Wilson, case manager for the blind, at 256-3683258.
NAMI East Alabama, the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), will meet at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 20, at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, 714 East Glenn Ave. in Auburn. Mrs. Brownyn Ramsey, ADC, LPC-S, Clinical Director of East Alabama Mental Health Center will talk to the group about what services are available at the Center and what happens when someone accesses these services. NAMI supports families dealing with mental illness through mutual support, education, and advocacy. After the program there will be a time for sharing. The public is invited. NAMI JULY MEETING SET FOR AUG. 20
This week our speakers were
Auburn Kiwanis President Mike Martin, Speaker Mike Kelley, and Auburn Kiwanis Speaker Coordinator Brian Snyder. Mike is an attorney with Kelley Legacy Law and spoke to the members about the importance of estate planning.
