The Observer 08-03-2023

— Scan This >> The Gallery On Railroad

— A3

Mr. Gatti's is Back!

'Keep That Legacy

BY HANNAH GOLDFINGER HGOLDFINGER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

AUBURN — Ownership of well-known Auburn restaurant, Byron’s Smokehouse, is changing hands.

After more than 30 years, Glen Gulledge, owner of Byron’s, is passing off his business to Kevin Tudhope.

Kevin has been friends with Gulledge for many years — both of them having grown up in Auburn.

It was around May when Gulledge let Kevin know that there were people interested in buying Byron’s.

“They were looking at the possibility

of possibly selling it, so during that conversation, it just kind of evolved to us talking about whether I would be willing to do something like that,” Kevin said.

Kevin is no stranger to the business world. He and his wife, Julie, own local UPS stores, a mortgage company and a local Baumhower's franchise.

“He knew I’d been

Mourning One of the Best

BY MICHELLE KEY MICHELLE@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

OPELIKA —

Known as the guy who always had a smile on his face, Opelika Firefighter Medic Zachary "Bubba" Sorenson died in a single-vehicle crash early morning, Saturday, July 29.

The Opelika Fire Department (OFD) issued a public statement on its Facebook page later that morning and as word spread through city, hundreds of people shared their thoughts and memories of Sorenson. "Bubba set the

See SORENSON, page A4

ZACHARY J. "BUBBA" SORENSON

3, 2023

Opelika Tractor Supply Unveils Major Upgrades, New Garden Center

CONTRIBUTED BY OPELIKA TRACTOR SUPPLY

OPELIKA — Tractor Supply announced last week the completion of a remodel of the entire store at its Opelika location that will transform the shopping experience for local customers. The store is now home to a new, extensive Garden Center, loaded with plants, lawn and garden essentials for everyone from firsttime gardeners to experienced vegetable growers. The enhanced store features an improved layout for convenient and accessible shopping, as well as a new Customer Service Hub with upgraded digital tools to help customers find what

they need. Additionally, customers can now shop from an expanded assortment of apparel, tools, hardware, pet food, animal feed and more. The Garden Center offers an expansive new assortment of lawn and garden products, including annuals,

perennials, shrubs, decorative accent plants, fruit trees, herbs and vegetables.

Customers will also find top-tier items from national brands such as Scotts, Miracle-Gro and Bonnie Vegetables, as well as new options for professional landscapers.

“At Tractor Supply, we constantly work to improve the customer experience, from product offerings to in-store features,” said the manager of the Opelika Tractor Supply store. “These exciting upgrades have completely transformed our store, making it an

Getting Gatti's Back

even better option for customers shopping for life out here. We are excited for customers to visit our new space, especially the Garden Center that offers more products than ever before.

“Whether you’re a first-time gardener or a professional, the Garden Center has all your gardening and landscaping needs. We know customers will love these upgrades as much as we do, and we hope to share them with both familiar and new faces from the Opelika community.”

With these enhancements, the Opelika Tractor Supply continues to serve the needs of homeowners, livestock and pet owners, gardeners, hobby farmers,

ranchers, tradesmen and others. Tractor Supply customers can shop from a wide range of products including workwear and boots, equine and pet supplies, zero turns and riding mowers, pet food, lawn and garden supplies, power tools, fencing, welding and more.

The Opelika Tractor Supply store and its new Garden Center at 2600 Pepperell Parkway keep regular business hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. To learn more about Tractor Supply Company, visit TractorSupply. com. For information on Tractor Supply’s Neighbor's Club loyalty program, please visit NeighborsClub.com.

PUBLISHER | Michelle

Tractor Supply is located at 2600 Pepperell Parkway in Opelika.

Mr. Gatti's Pizza returned to the Opelika-Auburn area recently and officially opened its doors July 31. The chain restaurant, which was established in 1969 and now has over 70 locations across the Southeast, is located at 704 1st Ave. in Opelika. Mr. Gatti's serves a wide variety of pizzas, along with salads, oven-baked wings, pastas and desserts.

Evermore Homes: Elevating the Home-Buying Experience

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

LEE COUNTY —

In the ever-evolving landscape of the American housing market, one company stands out for its rapid rise to prominence and its unwavering commitment to excellence: Evermore Homes. Formerly known as American Southern Homes, this expanding home-building holding company has announced a groundbreaking transition that promises to reshape the way customers experience homeownership.

On July 13, 2023, Evermore Homes revealed its new identity — a unified brand that consolidates the strengths of four builder brands operating in Arizona, Alabama and Georgia. This strategic decision

aims to enhance the customer experience by simplifying sales, marketing and other operational processes while setting the stage for continued growth, the company said.

“For us, [being] able to unify the brand really allows us to continue to grow really effectively and to simplify the way we're doing things,” said Evermore Homes Senior Director of Marketing and Sales Adam Grounds.

“Today's home shoppers and homebuyers, they still want a really good learning experience and still want a lot of options.

“They want the home and they want that meaningful investment to them. And one of the things that we did as we've grown is try to streamline the way we're doing things and bring similar operations to each place that we're

building. Everyone together under the same brand name, we're actually able to express what the experience is like for our customers, what kind of floor plans we can bring into each market.”

Evermore Homes boasts

an impressive track record, having achieved the prestigious honor of being recognized among the top 100 U.S. home builders in the 2022 Builder 100 List. Within just six years, since its inception in 2017, the company has climbed

Impact of Downtown Fire One Year Later — Part Two

BY HANNAH GOLDFINGER HGOLDFINGER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

OPELIKA —

Debbie Purves, owner of The Gallery, suffered through a challenging situation a year ago when a fire at Maffia’s in downtown Opelika forced her from her space. But now, the business will move back into its newly renovated space in September.

The fire that devastated Maffia’s on July 21, 2022, did not only cause the Italian restaurant to go out of business, but closed the shops of two others — Southern Crossing and The Gallery. Both were forced into new spaces due to smoke and water damage.

To read about Southern Crossing’s revitalization, see more on our website: www.opelikaobserver. com/impact-ofdowntown-fire-one-yearlater-part-one/.

The fire broke out in the early morning hours

of July 21, but Purves said she didn’t know about it until about 6 a.m.

“Thankfully, I mean, it was a blessing I wasn’t up all night long worrying about it,” she said.

Purves and her husband received a text about the fire, though she said she didn’t realize there was damage to her store.

“It has been an ordeal, but really and truly, I know I may sound

cheesy saying this and everything, but our town, and not just our town, but the entire community — this whole area — they are the most supportive people in the world,” she said. “They’re constantly checking to see how the progress is going and when we’re going to be back in [the store].”

Purves called Opelika a family community.

“My customers have just been the most

accommodating people in the world; they have been so patient,” she said. “You know, they’ll come in and they’ll pick out their framing and they’ll say, ‘I know things are all messed up right now, just when you can get it done, let me know.’”

After the fire damage, The Gallery moved into the Eighth and Rail building, which is next door to the original space.

“It’s been challenging, but you put one foot in front of the next and get up the next morning and go to work,” Purves said.

There was no structural damage to the building, but it was mostly smoke damage, Purves said.

“Every single thing had to come out, I mean the sheetrock walls, all the carpeting … everything,” she said.

Following all the renovations, Purves said they hope to move back in in early September.

“There’s going to be a whole lot of new, fresh

the ranks through strategic acquisitions of respected regional brands in the Southeast and Southwest United States.

Now, as Evermore Homes, the company will oversee an extensive portfolio of more than

BAXTER >> from A1

demand and overseas competition.

The Baxter plant, which originated as Gambro Renal Products, chose to locate in Opelika in 2005. Gambro was purchased by Baxter International in 2012 and in 2014 completed a $252 million expansion of the facility that doubled the size of the plant. Overall, capital investment of the plant exceeded $400 million.

Mayor Gary Fuller expressed his disappointment and concern for the employees after receiving the news.

“We are very shocked and disappointed to hear that Baxter plans to close its Opelika facility,” he said. “The city and our Economic Development team will be working closely with Baxter, the Alabama Department of Commerce, the Opelika Chamber,

3,900 homesites spread across 46 communities in Alabama, Arizona, Georgia and Tennessee.

The unification of the four builder brands — American Southern Homes; Grayhawk Homes in Columbus, Georgia; Stoneridge Homes in Huntsville, Alabama; and Dorn Homes in Prescott, Arizona — represents not only a change in name but also a seamless blending of over 100 years of collective operational and leadership experience. This integration positions Evermore Homes as a powerhouse in the homebuilding industry, ready to deliver exceptional homes and experiences to customers across the nation.

“There was absolutely a top-down strategy of wanting to find really strong brands where [there was what] we consider See HOMES, page A4

Southern Union and our other workforce partners to assist these employees in finding other careers here in our area.”

Economic Development Director Lori Huguley echoed the mayor’s sentiments and said, “This is a big blow to our community and definitely not news we expected to hear, but we know we have great companies in our area who will welcome the chance to meet and interview those who are looking for other careers here.”

Baxter intends to continue production through November this year and then the last employees will be retained through January 2024.

The city and the Opelika Economic Development team will be working with state and nationwide contacts to help identify and recruit other potential companies to create future opportunities for the citizens of Opelika.

A home-building team of American Southern Homes.

The inside of The Gallery is undergoing repairs due to a July 2022 fire that forced the business to close.

See THE GALLERY, page A8

HPM Named 2023 Project Achievement Award Winner by CMAA

CONTRIBUTED BY JAMIE

BABECKA / THE WILBUR GROUP

AUBURN — Birmingham-based program management firm HPM has been named a 2023 Project Achievement Award winner by the South Atlantic Chapter of Construction Management Association of America (CMAA).

The firm was recognized for its work as the program manager for the construction of Auburn University’s Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center in Auburn, Alabama.

CMAA’s Project Achievement Awards program highlights the top projects completed by the country’s leading professional construction and program managers, which represent the “best of the best” in construction regardless of size or complexity.

Auburn’s Culinary Science Center was one of more than 36 projects across the southeastern region to be recognized for its commitment to program management excellence, innovation and resilience in completing the project with minimal setbacks or disruptions.

“I am immensely

proud of my team at HPM for their dedication to ensuring this state-of-the-art learning facility was delivered to Auburn without delay and in a cost-effective manner,” said HPM President Ryan Austin. “This award is a true testament to our ability to think outside of the box within our industry and achieve the best results possible for our clients, no matter the circumstances. We thank Auburn for their invaluable partnership

as well as CMAA for recognizing our team’s hard work.”

The Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center is a 142,000-square-foot complex with the capacity to facilitate hands-on, immersive learning experiences for students pursuing careers in hospitality and culinary sciences. The facility includes Class-A training kitchens and restaurants, labs, a brewery, a retail food hall and a boutique hotel. Also located

SORENSON >> from A1

potentially underserved markets around the country,” Grounds said. “So we had a really talented team of building operators and people who had worked for some of the best-known building brands in the country from an operations standpoint — construction, designing, developing land. And so I think on all levels we really focused on having the right people on the team to help us grow, help us create a compelling experience.”

Under the leadership of CEO Lee Darnold, Evermore Homes is embracing this transformative shift with enthusiasm, and Darnold highlighted the reasoning behind the brand unification.

"Our strategy has always been centered around acquiring builders known for the highest quality of craftsmanship

and exceptional customer service,” he said. “However, managing processes and experiences across multiple builder brands can be operationally complex. Today's milestone demonstrates our commitment to simplifying the home shopping process for our customers and maximizing the style and livability of the homes they'll live in for years to come. We are incredibly excited about this development.”

To celebrate this milestone, Evermore Homes has ambitious plans to introduce allnew home designs in its existing communities throughout Alabama, Georgia and Northern Arizona. This includes developments here in Lee County and just across the state border in Columbus, Georgia.

“When I started my role about two years ago, and when I first visited the area, I was really blown away; it's just so

on the first floor of the building is 1856, a tasting-menu-only teaching restaurant. HPM began program management oversight on the construction of the project in 2019.

HPM provided preconstruction and construction services on the project, ensuring that safety, schedule, budget and quality were managed in a manner that exceeded the client’s expectations. The firm oversaw logistics for various aspects of the project being managed by numerous vendors, which also included contract oversight and quality control and assurance. The firm worked closely with design teams during the planning stages to ensure the initial drawings aligned with the budget and timeline, while also managing communication with all partners and subcontractors to ensure that progress remained on schedule. HPM also scoped out and managed the bidding of a separate utility and enabling works package for the building contractor, helping bypass timeintensive utility relocations and keeping the overall project schedule on track.

beautiful,” Grounds said of the Auburn-Opelika community. “There's so many new developments. It seems like an area that's growing really rapidly. It seems like it's an area that so many people want to live in. So, the more nice residential communities there are, the more people want to live in that area. And it just seems like there's this endless stream of people that really love the area. So, we're so excited to be able to be a part of that and contribute to such a great place to live.”

These forthcoming designs, set to be unveiled later this year, will prioritize livability and value, incorporating thoughtful elements of design to elevate the lives of homeowners. With innovation at the forefront, Evermore Homes seeks to redefine modern living through its unique and carefully crafted homes, the company said.

“We just released our first new series in floor-

standard for our department. He was courageous, loyal and passionate about firefighting and the Opelika community," OFD said in the post.

According to Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), the crash occured at approximately 2 a.m. when the 2001 Toyota Tacoma that he was driving left the roadway and overturned.

Sorenson was not using a seat belt at the time of the crash, was ejected and pronounced deceased at the scene. The crash occurred on Lee County Road 188, approximately 9 miles west of Auburn in Lee County. No further information is available at this time as troopers with ALEA's highway patrol division continue to investigate. "You were everything good that resides in a man. While we grieve

heavily for your loss I know you are in a much sweeter place than we could ever fathom. Your hugs were the best and none will ever compete," C. Embert wrote in the comments.

Chris Smetana wrote, "It's taken me a few days to process that your gone. You were a genuine human and a solid guy with a huge heart. I’m thankful our paths crossed and I got to know you. Keep watch over us all. Thank you for being you, Bubba." A funeral service will be held on Saturday, Aug. 5, at 1 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Opelika. A period of visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Sorenson, an avid weight-lifter, earned the title “ Strongest Man in Alabama , ” heavyweight division, in 2022 and the passion he had for serving the community was just as strong as he was.

plan and it came out of a process that took a number of months,” Ground said. “So we spent a lot of time really researching what are the biggest trends right now in … home design? What, you know, what do people want [in] a future home?

“In the process, we've really focused on a few key tenets. So one, I'd say, is an eye [toward] livability, which is maybe something that people toss around as a phrase but we really think that we've designed to maximize the livability of its size. That means that there's a lot of touches throughout our homes that allow someone to really live in a flexible way. We've really invested quite a bit and what that exterior [of] the home looks like, too. So, every time you're coming home, you're pausing, waiting for that garage door to open … it’s this moment of pride that this is your home.”

Looking toward the future, Evermore Homes

is well-positioned for expansion, thanks to the groundwork laid by its dedicated executive and field teams.

“For two years, our executive and field teams have been laying the groundwork of a unified platform that will allow Evermore Homes to expand quickly,” Darnold said. “This platform — which combines our builder's local expertise with greater access to capital and standardized national processes and management systems — uniquely positions us to scale quickly as we add new builders and new markets to our portfolio."

Evermore Homes has embraced its new name with unwavering confidence and a renewed sense of purpose.

Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Evermore Homes remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering exceptional homes that exemplify quality craftsmanship, innovative design and outstanding

customer service.

As Evermore Homes continues to make strides in the real estate world, it invites potential homeowners to embark on a journey of elevated living, where every house is a home, and every experience is one to cherish for a lifetime.

“It's been a roller coaster in the last couple of years for home shoppers,” Grounds said.

“I think every little thing we can do to make it just a little better for them can really help. I'm in the business of helping people find a home. The better we can do that — whether that's from a price point standpoint or just creating a home that someone's proud of and excited to live in as long as they choose, but ultimately they can pass it on to the next family to live there — that's what makes me excited. At the end of the day, we're taking raw land and creating communities where families can live, and it’s really exciting.”

of

interior

exterior of

locally built homes by Evermore Homes. Find more informatin on Evermore Homes by visiting its website:

Bubba Sorenson often participated in community events such as the "Big Bite Challenge" and the Together Opelika football game as pictured here.

Program Management firm HPM was named a 2023 Project Achievement Award winner by the South Atlantic Chapter of the CMAA for its work on Auburn University's Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center.

Summer of Fun Winner's Circle

To All Decent and Moral Citizens of Auburn, AL

Come learn how you can keep the Auburn Public Library (APL) a safe and ethically clean place for children.

We are pro-family, pro-Christian, progood values. We are like the groups Mama Bears Rising, Safe Libraries, MassResistance, Liberty Counsel and more. CONSERVATIVE.

Come and learn about APL, about what Auburn City Council is doing or not doing to help clean up the library, and how to help, really help, by small steps or large.

Meet us on Saturday, Aug. 5 at 2 p.m. Auburn Municipal Airport Glass Conference Room (upstairs)

The airport is located on Bent Creek Road, up on the hill near the shopping center that hosts Academy Sports, Baumhower's, Another Broken Egg Cafe and AuburnBank. This is a paid advertisement.

• Drink lemona d e at Toomer's Corner

• Play at Town Creek Park

• Eat a hot dog from Mrs. Story's

• Enjoy a sweet treat from OTown

• Hike to the waterfalls at Chewacla

• Go to a farmer's market

• Play pinball at Rock ‘n Roll Pinball.

• Play laser tag at Cyberzone

• Go bowling at AMF or Good Times

• Watch a movie during the summer series at The Gogue

• Ride the train at Monkey Park

• Listen to a Summer Swing concert

• Watch a Fireworks show

• Visit Jule Collins Art Museum

• Do a nature scavenger hunt at Kreher Preserve

• Go fishing at Lee County Lake

LET' S HAVE A

• G o to Courthouse Square and read The Observer and / or Live Lee Magazine

• Play miniature golf at Tiger Town Sports

• Volunteer at the Lee County Humane Society

• Play golf at TeeTime Golf

• Visit the Museum of East Alabama

• Jump around at Surge Trampoline Park

• Skate around the at The Skating Rink in Valley

• Feed the Cows at Blue Ribbon Dairy

• Check out the animals at Choctafaula

• Go for a swim

• Go to the library

• Go for a walk at the Sportsplex

• Visit the Historic Jones Store Museum in Smiths Station

• Eat dinner at Food Truck Friday

• Throw axes at Axe Marks the Spot

OF FUN

be vulgar in nature. Only one prize per family can be won during the duration of the giveaway. Winners must be over 18 and be residents of Lee County, Alabama.

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

We are thrilled to support the

At

Week six winner was Katie Gilbert. This family found a great spot to stay cool while having fun by checking out some books at the public library.

Week seven winner was Lauren Cross-Whatley. Playing in the sand is a great way to have some summer fun!

Auburn Takes A Night Out

The city of Auburn partnered with Auburn University to bring the community National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug, 1. A community-building event with the goal of increasing awareness of local public safety programs, crime prevention, health, education and youth programs, National Night Out brought a crowd of community members to Ag Heritage Park at Auburn University. During the event, Auburn Public Safety hosted a K-9 demonstration, Touch-a-Truck, "Meet Your School Resource Officer" and more.

PHOTOS

Brides’ Walk Raises Awareness Against Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence Intervention Center (DVIC) and Josie Ashton, organizer of Healing His Bride, invited community members to stand together in downtown Opelika in an effort to raise awareness and take a firm stand against domestic violence. This empowering event gathered community members in downtown Opelika to unite against the scourge of domestic violence and demonstrate solidarity with survivors and those impacted by domestic violence. Ashton is walking 2,206 Miles from Atlanta to Los Angeles while wearing her wedding gown to raise awareness against domestic violence. The Brides’ Walk is an event that Ashton created in 2001, when she walked from New York to Miami to honor Gladys Ricart, a homicide victim of domestic violence who was shot and killed the day of her wedding by a jealous ex-boyfriend. The Brides’ Walk has become a yearly event in several states and in different countries. Women were to wear white or a wedding gown and for men to wear black as the group embarked on a symbolic walk through the heart of the city. This visual display served as a powerful reminder that every individual deserves a life free from violence and fear. Whether you are a survivor, concerned citizen or an advocate, your presence and support were invaluable in raising awareness and creating a safer future for all. Thank you for joining us as we demonstrated our commitment to ending domestic violence and creating a community where love, respect and kindness prevail. Together we can make a difference.

OPD K-9 to Patrol School Hallways

There will be a new face in Opelika Schools this fall. Gunner, a 20-month-old German Shorthaired Pointer, is the newest firearm detection canine for the Opelika Police Department. He is one of eight dogs on the force, which includes five dual-purpose canines, and three single-purpose canines. K-9 Gunner will join the School Resource Officer (SRO) Division alongside his handler, Officer Jonathon Glover. The Opelika Police Department began the process of incorporating a canine into the schools last year to further protect students and staff.

“We are constantly assessing the safety of our schools and looking for ways to prevent active attacks from occurring,” said Opelika Police Chief Shane Healey. “We also have one of the best K-9 units in the state, so we felt the best way to address gun safety in the schools was to utilize a detection canine.” Glover and K-9 Gunner underwent extensive training at Alabama Canine in Northport, Alabama, for approximately seven weeks. In addition to detection work, Gunner is also trained in tracking. Since completing the program, they have spent the past several months bonding and continuing their training.

“When selecting a dog for the schools, we knew we needed one that had a friendly demeanor and a high drive,” said Opelika Police Assistant Chief Kasey Brown, who is also a certified K-9 trainer. “Gunner can safely walk the halls of the schools and will alert his handler to the odor of firearms that may be in a stationary location or concealed on a moving person.” Glover and K-9 Gunner will begin patrolling the schools in August.

"Safety is our highest priority,” said Farrell Seymore, superintendent of Opelika City Schools. “This adds another layer of protection for our students and staff. We are thankful for our partnership with the Opelika Police Department and especially for our school resource officers.

Lions Club Speaks with OCT, Lee County Sheriff

Members of the Opelika Community Theatre (OCT) were recent guests of the Opelika Lions Club. OCT offers opportunities for all ages to be involved in the support and production of various theater projects. Pictured representing OTC are, left to right, Libby Herring, Marty Moore, Reagan Stokes, Betty Johnston and Lion President Glenn Stokes. The group will present six performances of the production “High School Musical” in August at the Southside Center for the Arts at 1103 Glenn St. in Opelika. More information on the organization is available at Opelikatheatercompany.com.

Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones (left) was a recent guest speaker for the Opelika Lions Club. Jones discussed various aspects of his office operations, including some recent legislation passed this year, his seventh in office. He was presented a donation for a canine protective vest by Lion James Morgan Jr.

CONTRIBUTED BY AARP

BY DEE ANN CAUDEL/AARP

ALABAMA STATE PRESIDENT

ALABAMA — HOW MUCH WILL I RECEIVE IN SOCIAL SECURITY?

While Social Security was never intended to be the only source of retirement income, it is a core part of Americans’ retirement security and often the only long-term, inflation-proof source of income for many Americans. In fact, 51% of Alabama residents age 65 and older rely on the program for at least half

Estimating Your Social Security Income

of their income. HOW TO ESTIMATE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY INCOME

The amount of Social Security you will receive depends on a number of factors, such as your lifetime income history, the age at which you claim benefits and, in some cases, your marital status.

• Earnings history: Retirement benefits are based on your average monthly income from work where you paid Social Security payroll taxes. To calculate your benefits, the program

transition very well to how we’re going to continue running Byron’s,” he said.

looks at your 35 highestearnings years, adjusted to reflect historical changes in U.S. wages.

• Claiming age: Your benefit calculation also depends on when you start collecting Social Security. You can start as early as age 62, but you will receive a larger monthly payment the longer you wait. Delaying until age 70 will maximize your monthly payment.

• Marital status: If you are, or were, married, it could affect what type of benefit you receive. Spouses could be eligible

for benefits based on their partner’s income, rather than their own, if their spouse had considerably higher earnings. The same may go for divorced former spouses, if the marriage lasted at least 10 years. If your spouse (or ex-spouse) has died, you may be eligible for survivor benefits based on their earnings.

If you are looking for an estimate of your future monthly Social Security income, check out AARP’s Social Security Calculator. This resource can help you decide when

to claim and show you how to maximize your benefits based on your circumstances.

WHEN SHOULD I

COLLECT SOCIAL

SECURITY?

Generally, it is best to collect Social Security as late as possible. Your monthly payments will be larger the longer you wait, up to age 70. Whenever you claim, your benefit amount will reflect past cost-of-living adjustments, so you don’t risk losing ground to inflation by waiting to collect.

Ultimately, though, this

is a question only you can answer, based on your own situation: your age, health, monthly expenses and other sources of retirement income, such as pensions, annuities or savings. For a tailored look at your prospective financial future, try the AARP Retirement Calculator. This tool can help you determine how much money you’ll need to live the retirement you want, based on information about your household status, savings, Social Security income and lifestyle expectations.

“We didn’t intend to change anything, we just wanted to keep Byron’s doing what it was doing. And that’s what he and his family wanted, was somebody that was going to preserve the brand and the style of the place, and the service and everything about what makes Byron’s great. He felt like that’s how we ran our companies and we would keep that legacy going.”

Byron’s is not a chain, unlike Baumhower's. However, that’s how Kevin said he does business too — relationally. Even in the franchises.

“How we did it at Baumhower's will

Kevin’s family runs the businesses together. He said his brother Brian Tudhope — also a staple around Auburn — is moving back to the area to help run Byron’s.

Brian will serve as a co-general manager at Byron’s. Two of Kevin’s sons work in the mortgage company. Two work in the UPS stores.

“When I say involved, they’re basically the head manager reporting to me in all these businesses,” Kevin said. “So I have somebody who A, I trust, and B, is a family member.”

Kevin has always had one foot in the

business world. He is an Auburn University graduate. For the last 12 years, he’s done work in mortgage and banking. But during those 12 years, Kevin also opened his first business.

The first was a UPS franchise in 2014 or 2015, he said. Soon after, they opened their second UPS franchise. Baumhower’s came next. Then a mortgage company, and now they are working on their third UPS franchise.

“It’s just kind of evolved over the last 10 or 12 years into, you know, a big, familyrun business,” Kevin said. “… We feel like this new chapter is going to be a better and improved chapter in this book we’re writing about our family business.”

That family connection is important to Kevin, he said.

“When you get older, and now we have grandkids, you realize that you start losing more and more time with your family the older you get,” Kevin said. “And this is a way for us to keep that in place and spend a lot more time with the family that we love and giving back to a community that we all grew up in. My parents are from here, my wife’s parents are from here, my kids all grew up here. So it’s special now to see my grandkids.

“My wife is basically retired from the family business and she keeps our four grandkids ... so that my kids can help run these companies … and you probably will

see [the grandkids] in 10 or 12 years working in the restaurant, or in the UPS store or in some of the family-run businesses as soon as they’re old enough to work.”

Kevin does have some plans for Byron’s. Namely, the restaurant will now be open on Sundays and for lunches. Lunch will begin on Tuesday, Aug. 8, and the restaurant will open on Sundays beginning Aug. 13. The hours will be 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

“Byron’s is a welloiled machine and it has been chugging along for 34 years,” he said.

Kevin also said he hopes customers can still feel like they see familiar faces when they come into Byron’s.

THE GALLERY >>

FROM A3

things to go with our brand new, fresh building, but we are maintaining the historic integrity of the building,” she said.

Purves said she hopes that others see this in Opelika and seek to maintain and love it, too.

“[Opelika] is pretty much my heart,” Purves said. “It’s my home. I mean, I’ve lived my whole life here.”

The goals for the future? “Bigger and Better,” Purves said. The business has been around for 43 years now.

“We’re fixing to be wide open again,” she said.

Visit The Gallery at its original location again soon — hopefully in September — at 809 S. Railroad Ave.

Meet David Hedges

AUBURNBANK PRESIDENT & CEO

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

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S Food ociety & News

S ociety & News vents, E

Stanley Sistrunk Honored For Philanthropic Community Endeavors

Ann Cipperly

SHouthernospitality

For over 42 years, Stanley Sistrunk has been known for his stunning floral designs and stylish taste in home decor at The Flower Store in Auburn. He is also known for his philanthropic achievements in giving back to the community. This past year, Sistrunk has received four honors, including the Lamplighter Award “for making

Auburn a brighter place to live, work and play,” presented by Mayor Ron Anders.

Other awards include Small Business Philanthropy from the Women’s Philanthropy Board, Auburn Chamber of Commerce Award for Best Small Business in 2023 and an AO Tourism Award.

While Sistrunk is known for his creative,

lavish floral designs, when he was growing up in Society Hill, he said he never dreamed of one day being a floral designer, visiting markets in New York and across the country.

In 1974, Sistrunk enrolled at Auburn University where he studied pharmacy for two years. After failing chemistry five times, the professor questioned him about

2023-2024 Performance Series Arts And Leadership Reimagined

CONTRIBUTED BY AAEA

OPELIKA —

For more than 58 years and 36 Performance Series seasons, the Arts Association of East Alabama has been leading the way in quality arts programming, artseducation initiatives and audience building for the benefit of all our closelyshared communities right here at home.

Our leadership and vision for what’s possible have also resonated with other arts organizations and venues across the state, as they found encouragement in the work we do and inspiration for their own efforts in developing innovative arts programming for their respective communities.

The roots of those local and broader relationships over time have grown deeper and continue to spread, serving people throughout this great state in ways that only the transcendent language of the

arts can.

The art of leadership, then, is to recognize, be prepared for and be willing to pursue new, meaningful opportunities to bring people together in discovery, mutual respect and common understanding.

Indeed, that is the challenge of our times. Fortunately, the creative spirit, which rests in all of us, is more than up to it. When the language we speak has the vowels and consonants of music, theater, dance, storytelling, literature, poetry, painting, sculpture and multi-media forms of all those and more; in folk tradition, classical tradition and popular tradition, we will seek and find comfort in the familiar, thrill in the new and encouragement in the aspiration to continue the dialog and keep learning from each other.

So here it is, the 20232024 Performance Series — a coming together of

this community more as an audience of participants than as spectators; greeting artists who arrive here from throughout the nation and world to perform on a stage in a uniquely warm and welcoming space; and celebrating the very best of the hard-working, committed talent living here amongst us; all while connecting and communicating in a fellowship of the arts that elevates our common language into a poetry of the spirit.

Performances include The Johnny Cash Experience on Oct. 17, Sacred Spaces on Nov. 9, Brian Stokes Mitchell on Dec. 5, Canadian Brass on Jan. 25, 2023, The King's Singers on Feb. 24, The Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra on March 4, Jonathan Dely on April 3 and Mandy Gonzalez on May 2. For ticket information visit www.eastalabamaarts. org/.

his interests. He asked Sistrunk if horticulture was appealing since there was a growing popularity in houseplants at that time. He suggested Sistrunk talk to Maudine Williams at the Auburn Flower Shop.

Soon afterward, Sistrunk came home to find a bouquet on the kitchen table, which had been delivered to his address by mistake. Sistrunk called the shop, saying he would deliver the flowers to the correct

address down the street. Williams told him to come by the shop, and she would give him a rose.

Just before Mother’s Day, he picked up the

See CIPPERLY page A11

Take Me to Your River

CONTRIBUTED BY WANDA DYE

OPELIKA —

“Take me to your River…Time with my Fathers” is a body of work created over the past seven years that reflects upon my journey in recovery. The work is a series of

meditative moments recorded through image, sound, drawing and artifacts. The work is not about technical perfection of a medium, process or decorative objects as “art”, but rather an introspective archive of images, sounds, drawings and assemblages

of fleeting, meditative moments. Specifically, my own spiritual experiences through the power of water, light, sound and the symbolic artifacts elevated to treasured talismans. The title, ‘Take me to See RIVER, page A10

F O O D T R U C K F R I D A Y S F O O D T R U C K F R I D A Y S

JOIN

For over 42 years, Stanley Sistrunk has been known for his stylish taste in floral arrangements, home décor and entertaining. He also does many things for the community and received four honors this past year for his philanthropic endeavors. While Sistrunk often doesn’t use recipes, he is sharing a few of his favorites for summer dishes and entertaining.

Former Auburn University head football coach Pat Dye (1939-2020) on a "Red Creek Walk" at Crooked Oaks Farm in Notasulga, Alabama.

Lake Martin is flat. Mirror flat. It is a perfect evening. The sun is low. The crickets are singing in full stereo. And I’m visiting with old ghosts.

My father would have looked at this calm water and said it was as “flat as a bookkeeper’s bottom.” Only he wouldn’t have used the word “bottom.” He would have opted for a more colloquial expression unfit for mixed company. Unless, of course, my mother was around. In which case he wouldn’t

RIVER >> FROM A9

Your River’ is a line from a song about redemption by Leon Bridges titled “River.” And ‘Time with my Fathers’ refers to my time spent with God through prayer and meditation and the six months I spent with my Father in 2018 while living and renovating a cabin at Crooked Oaks. Both relationships were mended and created an emotional serenity through meditative moments in nature. Images and sound are from my time at Pavillon Treatment Center and its property of serene creeks and falls, my time in Delray Beach where I lived near the ocean, and my time on the farm walking along Red Creek with my father or simply watching the summer rain. The AA meeting drawings are sketches of coral I collected along the beach. These meditative exercises were daily practices while I listened to fellow AA

Lake Martin

of my faded memories.

I am thinking about Granny. Granddaddy. Mama. And the man I once called “Daddy.” I am thinking about what these people would be doing right now, if they were here, alive.

have opened his mouth at all.

Because he was a man of few words, my father. Which is what I remember about him most. His quietness. My aunt used to say that my father once traveled with the circus, performing as a sideshow act: The World’s Most Quiet Man.

So right now, I’m taking up the family business. I haven’t said a word in a few hours. Mostly, I’ve just sipped my cold glass of Milo’s Famous Tea, and I’m happy in the company

I know what they would be doing. My Granddaddy would be carving a figurine with his butter-yellow Case knife. My grandmother would be reading the Bible, humming hymns and chain-smoking Winstons.

My mother would be sewing something with an embroidery hoop. My father would be shirtless — he was born shirtless. And he would be drinking something harder than Milo’s.

As it happens, I am a big fan of Milo’s tea. I go through three or four gallons each 60 seconds. And do you know why I like Milo’s?

Because they don’t try to do too much with their tea. They don’t dye it red

or add weird ingredients like azodicarbonamide, diacetyl, drywall dust or rodent excrement. They don’t flavor it with added garbáge. It’s just tea, plain and simple. Three basic ingredients. Tea, water and enough cane sugar to give your pancreas a workout.

Milo’s is the kind of tea your mother made. The kind you used to have in your refrigerator growing up. Homemade. No frills.

Of course, Milo’s isn’t actually homemade. Milo’s Tea Company is a massive corporation. Last year, Milo’s did approximately $445 million dollars in retail sales. That’s million with an M.

Also, each week, the Milo’s Tea Company sends 35 tons of used tea leaves to the Scotts plant in Vance, Alabama, where they manufacture Miracle-Gro garden soil. Thirty-five tons. That’s approximately the same weight of 10 or 12 average-sized Congressmen.

So Milo’s makes huge

Architectural educator and has worked in academia, art, and architecture for over 25 years and was the founding director of RE gallery in Dallas, Texas, for over five years. She received

money. But they deserve to make millions. Because they make delicious tea.

And I love Milo’s. And with all the corporations out there making millions by doing evil stuff, it’s comforting to know there is a company out there getting rich by making sweet tea exactly the way your Aunt Eulah did.

Last year, when the doctors thought I had stomach cancer, I was barred from drinking Milo’s. It broke my heart. Out of all the things I underwent — test after test, scan after scan — the one thing I missed the most? Milo’s.

And so it is, right now, as I sip my sweet tea; as the sun sets, and the air is becoming stagnant; as the hot and humid air makes me sweat like a Kardashian during an altar call, I am glad.

I see a small fishing boat in the distance. I see a young boy, standing on the bow, making a perfect cast. His father — or a reasonable facsimile thereof

her Architectural degrees from Columbia University and Auburn University. Presently she works for a small business organization and continues her creative practice in her spare time.

— is seated behind him.

I hear them both talking. Their voices are reverberating off the water. I don’t hear their words, exactly, but I can hear their tones. Happy voices. Lots of laughing.

I remember fishing with my own daddy. I remember the tone I used when I was with him.

It was a happy timbre. I also remember that I was the one who did all the talking because he was noiseless.

I remember how he’d frequently reach into his red Coleman cooler. I remember how he’d remove an ice cold can for himself. Then he’d fetch a plastic milk jug full of tea, and pour some into a glass for me. He’d throw a few ice cubes into the cup. He’d hand the glass to me and he’d say, “I love you, boy.”

And I don’t know where I’m going with this. I just felt like putting his words in print.

To view an archive of her academic, curatorial and art practices visit www. dye-projects.com. For all inquiries email contact@ dye-projects.com. www.dyeprojects.com

travelers’ stories. The symbolic artifacts reflect memories of sacred healing routines and devasting loss.

This exhibition is dedicated to my father, Patrick Fain Dye [19392020] and my brother, Wayne Barrett Dye, [1966-2023] and to all those who are struggling with alcoholism. Thirty percent of all sales will be donated to Pavillon Treatment Center, The AA Crossroads

Club of Delray Beach Florida and The Crooked Oaks Legacy Foundation. The exhibition will be at Opelika Art Haus located at 500 N. Railroad Ave., Opelika. Opening reception will be Saturday Aug. 26 from 5 to 8 p.m. Viewing hours are Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wanda Ward Dye is an award-winning

SEAN DIETRICH

Wanda Dye will be showcasing "Take me to your River... Time with my Fathers", at Opelika Art Haus Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 26 and 27.

rose and began visiting Williams. She offered him a job, but his father wouldn’t allow him to accept at that time and said he needed to study. Six months later, Sistrunk started working at the shop and continued after graduating until 1981.

He worked for his father at the sawmill for about a year while freelancing floral designs on the side. His first customer was Fran Dillard.

Sistrunk had tired of the sawmill when he noticed a small house for rent on South College Street. He borrowed the funds from his stepmother and opened The Flower Store in February of 1982, two weeks before Valentine’s Day.

After being in the same location for 20 years, Sistrunk opened the shop on Moores Mill Road in November 2001. He added a bridal registry and expanded the gifts and home accessories, including several upscale lines and later packaged gourmet foods. He personally selects items from shows in Atlanta, New York, San Francisco

ter and Christmas. Fresh flowers are available year-round from around the world.

Sistrunk said he is thankful for a dedicated staff. Floral Designer Mary Hodson has been with him for many years.

A couple of years ago, when the floral designer was having his new three-story home constructed next to the shop, he decided to reside on the top floor. He would use the bottom space for storage and create a garden-themed event center, Fig and Ivy, on the second level. A spacious courtyard filled with handsome plants and small trees separates the shop from the event center.

“I have wanted to have the event center for 20 years,” he said. “It came at the right opportunity, and I needed a place to live too. We have always had different events and parties at the shop and needed more space. I thought since I was having this building next door, we could host more people with an event center.”

Sistrunk recently held a catered summer supper event at Fig and Ivy with fried chicken, chicken

dining at fine restaurants. While he enjoys cooking, he doesn’t really use recipes, he said. His gallery-style kitchen has a large island in the center where he can prep food with a dining table at the end. He can chat with guests while he prepares a dish.

Over the years, he has entertained subscribers of the Performance Series with a light supper featuring pasta and salads he prepared himself. He also prepares hearty appetizers for art shows at his shop. He is sharing several of his favorite appetizers along with summer salads in this piece.

When entertaining large groups now, Sistrunk will use the kitchen in Fig and Ivy. The venue has lots of seating, and it is easy to spread out. Since three of his friends are caterers, he generally doesn’t cook all of the food himself when entertaining.

One of his popular party dishes, he said, is Jean Phillip’s Dip prepared with hot sausage, ground sirloin, cream of golden mushroom soup and green chilies. This hearty dish can be served with Frito scoops or in toasted cornbread muffin halves

soup to a crowd, Stanley serves it in shot glasses. He has served crab bisque, broccoli, butternut squash and other soups in the shot glasses.

For some events, Sistrunk prepares a handsome cheese platter. His large cheese platter offers a variety of cheeses and flavors. Cheeses can serve a large number and are easy on the host. The platter can be assembled and set out an hour or two ahead for the cheeses to come to room temperature.

Lee Cannon, who was well-known for her parties, told Stanley when serving a crowd to order KFC’s extra crispy fried chicken livers and serve them with an easy dip.

“People walk in and see the beautiful flowers, but it is a stressful job creating arrangements because it may be for the most important event in a person’s life,” Sistrunk said. “It could be for their wedding, their mother’s funeral, a grandmother sick in the hospital or someone getting engaged that evening. It can be stressful getting it just right.”

For 42 years, Sistrunk has gone the extra mile to create incredible arrangements, getting each one just right for a variety of life events, as well as giving back to the community to make it a better place for everyone.

CIPPERLY RECIPES >>

DEVILED EGGS

Dr. Jane Moore's favorite food in the world was a deviled egg. Here are a few interesting takes on the traditional dish.

Eggs

Chicken Salad

Chick's old-fashioned chicken salad

Mayonnaise

Nancy Patterson's jalapeno pimento cheese from the Exxon Market, optional

Crispy fried okra, optional

Small fried oyster, optional

Boiled shrimp, optional

Finely chopped celery, optional

Crumbled goat cheese, optional

Finely chopped pecans, optional

Black pepper and salt to taste, optional

Several tablespoons of mango

chutney, optional

After boiling the eggs, slice and remove yolk. Mash the yolk and add Chicken Salad Chick's old-fashioned chicken salad and a little more mayonnaise.

Stuff and enjoy.

Doing the same process as above,

simply add Nancy Patterson's jalapeno pimento cheese from the Exon Market to the mashed yolk and stuff. Top with a small cheese straw.

Sometimes I like to top regular deviled eggs with a special added touch. My favorite is to top with a piece of crispy fried okra, a small fried oyster or a boiled shrimp.

Also, try adding to the mashed yolk, mayonnaise, finely chopped celery, crumbled goat cheese, finely chopped pecans, black pepper and salt to taste and several tablespoons of mango chutney or your favorite chutney. Stuff for a fancy new deviled egg.

GOOD LUCK 13

LAYER SALAD

Iceberg lettuce torn into bite-size pieces

Chopped green, yellow and orange bell pepper

Purple onion, thinly sliced

Shoe peg corn

Thawed frozen green peas

Sliced water chestnuts

Sliced hardboiled egg

Sliced radishes

Sliced black olives

Sliced English cucumbers

Sliced cherry tomatoes

Shredded cheddar cheese or cheese of your choice

Layer each ingredient

See CIPPERLY RECIPES, page A12

CIPPERLY RECIPES >>

in a clear glass English trifle pedestal dish in the order of ingredients listed above.

Topping:

2 cups mayonnaise

2 Tbsp. sugar

Crispy bacon

Next, top the entire salad with a thick layer (at least 2 cups) of mayonnaise mixed with a couple of tablespoons of sugar. Refrigerate for 24 hours and before serving top with a generous layer of very crispy bacon.

BUBBA'S COLESLAW

Great side with fried catfish, cheese grits and hushpuppies.

1 bag shredded packaged slaw mix (or a bag of broccoli slaw and bag of shredded carrots)

1 cup mayonnaise

2 large Tbsp. sour

cream

1/2 cup sweet pickle

relish

1/2 cup white raisins

1 small can of thoroughly drained crushed

pineapple

1 large green chopped

apple

1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts

1/2 cup sliced celery

6 chopped green onions

1/2 cup of chopped red

bell pepper

1 finely chopped green apple

Salt and pepper

Combine a bag of shredded packaged slaw mix or slice your own with a bag of broccoli slaw and a bag of shredded carrots. Add remaining ingredients. Add salt and pepper to taste, and you may add more mayonnaise. Chill overnight.

LEE CANNON'S FAVORITE

APPETIZER

The most common remark is "I do not like, or I hate chicken livers.” I usually make each guest try at least one bite and they always smile and say, “You were right — I do like livers.”

Fried chicken livers

Hot pepper jelly

Black pepper

Parsley

This is the best, fastest

and least expensive appetizer you can ever make. I have been doing it for probably 40 years and it is always a hit and usually a big surprise. I call the deli, gas station, grocery store and often KFC and order multiple orders of just fried chicken livers. I always ask for them to be small and extra crispy.

Pick up chicken livers an hour or so before the party and keep them lightly covered in foil in a very low-temperature oven. Do not wrap them tightly as they will sweat and get soggy.

I serve them in a chaffing dish, and, right before the guests arrive, I drizzle a jar of melted hot pepper jelly over the crispy livers and sprinkle with black pepper and parsley. Just remove the lid on the jelly and melt in the microwave or in a small saucepan on the stove.

BEET SALAD

Baby arugula

Sliced roasted beets in all colors

Blue cheese crumbles

Mandarin oranges

Pink grapefruit sections

Candied pecans

Thinly sliced red onions

Creamy blue cheese dressing

Croutons

Olive oil

Black pepper

Garlic

Bacon, optional

Toss the following items together in a large bowl or a deep platter:

Baby arugula, sliced roasted beets in all colors, blue cheese crumbles, mandarin oranges, pink grapefruit sections, candied pecans and thinly-sliced red onions. Toss with your favorite dressing. I usually just use a creamy blue cheese dressing.

HOMEMADE CROUTONS:

I do like to toast homemade croutons

with olive oil, black pepper and garlic until they are as crunchy and crisp as possible. I leave them sometimes in a very low oven for 30 minutes at 150 degrees. Sometimes I also add crunchy bacon.

BLANCO SALAD

Sorry, I do not know the proper amounts of each ingredient. I just never measure anything and don't even own any measuring instruments at all. Select your measurements according to your likes.

1 can of rinsed and well-drained white cannellini beans

1 can white shoe peg corn

1 can chopped water chestnuts

Chopped hard-boiled eggs

Several types of your favorite white cheeses, grated Sliced hearts of white celery

Chopped sweet white onion

Thinly sliced jicama

Toasted almond slivers

Mayonnaise

Sour cream

Salt and pepper to taste

Wedge of cold iceberg lettuce

White pepper

Buttered and toasted saltine crackers

Combine cannellini beans, white shoe peg corn, water chestnuts, chopped hard-boiled eggs, several types of your favorite white cheeses grated, sliced hearts of white celery, chopped sweet white onion, thinly sliced jicama and toasted almond slivers.

For the dressing, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream and salt and pepper to taste.

Serve in scoops on top of a wedge of cold iceberg lettuce with a course sprinkle of white pepper. Serve with buttered and toasted saltine crackers.

Buttered and Toasted Saltine Crackers: The old Columbus Country Club still serves these saltines.

Just brush with butter and put in the oven on 200 degrees for about 15 minutes or until very crispy.

POOR MAN'S PATE

Almost 40 years ago at a cocktail party at my house after an Auburn football game, my good ole friend, Dr. Tom Vaughan, told me this was the best appetizer that he had ever eaten. It is simple.

6 to 10 cans of Vienna sausages

Grainy mustard

Bread and butter pickles

Stuffed pimento olives

Oven-warmed Ritz Crackers

Open about 6 to 10 cans of Vienna Sausages, drain and rinse them in warm water. Then, very artistically arrange them in concentric circles on a pretty brightly colored round tray.

Place a trio of small bowls containing the following: grainy mustard, bread and butter pickles and stuffed pimento olives in the center of the tray.

Serve with oven-warmed Ritz Crackers. This is better than any French Pate you will find this side of Provence. Of course, provide toothpicks for serving.

CHICKEN A LA KING

This is really a random recipe, and I make it different every time. My Mama made this for us during the winter months all the time. She passed away in 1978, so this was a special meal during the '60s. Once again, I do not know the precise measurements.

Roasted, poached or store-bought rotisserie chicken, chopped

About a cup or so caramelized onions

Butter

Chopped celery

Sliced mushrooms

Can of water chestnuts, drained

Sour cream to taste

1 can cream of chicken soup

Heavy cream to taste

1 pack. frozen green

peas Black pepper and nutmeg

8 halved soft-boiled

eggs

Rice, toasted English muffins, toasted bread slice or Hardee’s biscuits

Combine chicken with caramelized onions. Melt about a couple tablespoons of butter in a skillet; sauté celery and mushrooms.

Add drained water chestnuts, a little sour cream and cream of chicken soup. Cook over low heat in a large skillet for 30 to 40 minutes.

Then add heavy cream to taste and green peas. Add a very generous amount of black pepper and a touch of nutmeg and top with 8 halved boiled eggs. This makes the sauce even richer and more luxurious.

You can serve this over rice, toasted English muffins or even better — just plain white toast. My favorite thing to serve it over is Hardees Biscuits.

Go in the morning and buy six or so Hardees biscuits, just plain and buttered. I then dig out the "gooey dough" part of the biscuit and discard it.

Then, right before serving, I put the biscuits under the broiler and leave until crispy.

Top with Chicken a la King and you will feel like a king. You just need a crisp salad.

JEAN PHILLIP’S DIP

1 lb. hot sausage

1 lb. ground sirloin

Brown meat and place in crock-pot.

Add:

1 lb. Mexican Velveeta cheese

1 can golden mushroom soup

1 can hot Rotel tomatoes, drained

1 can green chilies

Simmer until cheese is melted. Serve with Frito scoops or with hollowed-out, toasted cornbread muffin halves.

CHEESE TRAY

WITH ASSORTED ACCOMPANIMENTS

To create a stellar cheese tray, include Humboldt Fog, Triple Crème with Truffles, Roaring 40s bleu cheese, Grana Padano and Vermont Cheddar with Cranberries. Accompany the cheeses with fig preserves, a Savannah Honey Comb, a fig roll and Fig Walnut Crisps. In separate side dishes serve pepper dews, prunes and olives.

BITE-SIZE CHICKEN CAPRESE

10 to 12 cherry tomatoes

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into small squares

Dry Italian breadcrumbs

2 eggs

Fresh mozzarella

Olive oil

Salt, pepper to taste

Fresh basil, optional Place cherry tomatoes on baking dish; drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper; place in 375 degree oven for about 10 minutes until they burst and are lightly browned. Place eggs in a small bowl; beat. Place bread crumbs in a small dish. Place chicken pieces in eggs, then breadcrumbs. Place chicken in sizzling hot oil in a skillet; cook 2 to 3 minutes on each side until fully cooked. Arrange chicken on a platter. Top each with a slice of mozzarella and tomato. Garnish with basil, if desired.

PICKLED OKRA APPETIZER

Take several Wickles

Pickled Okra and pat dry on paper towels. Cut the stem end off. On a thin slice of Virginia ham, spread softened cream cheese with chives (may add little mayonnaise for spreading consistency). Place two okra tip to tip overlapping on cream cheese. Roll up and refrigerate. After chilled, slice into bitesize pieces.

WALTER ALBRITTON

RELIGION —

The word “glory” has many meanings. And it can be a noun, a verb, an adverb or an adjective.

As a noun, its primary meaning is the presence of God. As a verb it can refer to a player’s glory on a football field or the glory one may give to God. It becomes an adverb when you describe someone as gloriously

GLORY!

happy. An adjective when you speak of a child’s glorious smile.

“Glory” is a much used praise word in the Bible, found more than a hundred times in both the Old Testament and the New. It is used mostly to refer to the glory of God, meaning His majesty, honor and power, which hopefully His creatures will view with awe, respect and wonder.

There is worldly glory as well as spiritual glory. The former is fleeting, momentary and fickle. In contrast, the latter is enduring, dependable, lasting and even eternal.

In Exodus of the Old Testament, when God came into the tabernacle, His glory filled the place. That was His presence being manifested. Centuries later when John

wrote about the incarnation of Jesus, he called Jesus the glory of God. Jesus was the visible presence of God in the world, which Jesus verified when he said, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.”

Over the years I began using the word “glory” much in the same way people use the word “hallelujah,” a Hebrew word that means “Praise the Lord.” In writing I began adding three exclamation marks for emphasis. Interestingly, exclamation marks (or points) were first called shriek marks or screamers, which amuses me because I am in a sense screaming when I shout “Glory!” The writer Ben Johnson referred to them as “admiration marks.” I like that because when I shout “Glory” I

am inviting the audience to admire, thankfully and joyfully, the loving presence of God in our midst.

When I shout “Glory” I am saying, “Praise the Lord! God is with us! Give thanks for His presence! Rejoice in His loving forgiveness! Bow down before Him and exalt His Name! Kneel on the knees of your heart and let Jesus renew the joy of your salvation! Fall on your knees, repent and be saved from your sins! Jesus is here! Hallelujah! Worship Him! Give the rest of your life to Him!”

Can we “see” God’s glory? Yes, with the eyes of the spirit. We can see His glory in the radiant face of a child, in the grandeur of the mountains, in the splendor of the forests, in the marvelous handiwork of a craftsman,

OBITUARIES

MARY LOUISE WALTON DAVIS

Bebe was born on Jan. 22, 1924, and passed away on, July 30, 2023. Bebe was a resident of Opelika, at the time of her passing. She was proud to have been born and raised in Atlanta. She graduated from Commercial High School and was employed by the Georgia Department of Public Health for 12 years. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi business women's sorority. She loved her family very much and always enjoyed being with them, especially birthday and Christmas celebrations. She enjoyed gardening, bird watching, playing bridge and golf with Ernest at the Atlanta Athletic Club.

Bebe was preceded in death by her loving husband Ernest and is survived by her two daughters, Lane Sauser (William) and Lauren Smith (Randy); her two grandchildren, Greg Smith (Maggie) and Alicia Smith (Sarah Kody); two great-grandchildren, Owen Smith and George Smith. Services and committal will be held at the Chapel at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs, Georgia, at 11 a.m. EST on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023. The family respectfully

declines flowers and suggests memorial donations be made to the charity of your choice. The family wishes to thank the staff at Sterling Estates in Marietta, Auburn Assisted Living in Auburn, EAMC, Arbor Springs Health and Rehab and Southeast Hospice of Montgomery for the care and support they have provided.

SAMUEL HERREN OLIVER JR.

Samuel Herren Oliver Jr. passed from this life in Opelika, after an extended illness. Sam was born in LaFayette and was the son of Samuel H. Oliver Sr., and Abbie Lou Williams Oliver. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Billie and his sons, John (Tricia) Oliver, Kerry (Rebecca) Oliver and Chris (Kris) Oliver. He was a proud "Pops" to two grandchildren, Ashleigh (Jacob) Demerin and Matthew Oliver, and "Uncle Sam" to his special nieces and nephews. His sister-in-law, Joyce DeLamar, was truly a blessing in his life.

Sam graduated from LaFayette High School and attended Auburn University, where he was a Pi Kappa Alpha. His

college was interrupted by his service in the U.S. Army as a military policeman during the Korean conflict. He returned to Auburn to study Industrial Design. He co-oped to work with engineering at Boeing in Renton, Washington.

He returned to LaFayette, where he owned and operated Oliver's Flowers (previously owned by his mother) and the Dari-Dee, and then later worked with Harmon Engineering. Because of his love for photography, in 1974, he opened a photographic supply shop which later became Cameragraphics — a business now owned and operated by his son John.

Sam was passionate about so many things, but especially the arts. He loved photographing space launches and could often be seen with his camera on the sideline of the Auburn football and basketball games.

A graveside service was held July 31, at LaFayette City Cemetery in LaFayette, Alabama. Memorial gifts may be made in Sam's memory to Compassus Bethany House 1171 Gatewood Drive Building 100

in delicious food prepared by someone who loves us, in the loving embrace of a friend, in the worn hands of an aging laborer, in the face of a friend who has come to rescue us from the darkness of self-pity, in the open arms of someone who longs for the reconciliation of an injured friendship. Saint Paul saw the light of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

In The “Weight of Glory,” C. S. Lewis said that “we walk every day on the razor edge between two incredible possibilities.” One, to enjoy the glory of God’s delight, being known by God as “a good and faithful servant.” The other, “to be forgotten, shamed and dismissed by God,” hearing Him say, “I never knew you. Depart from me.”

Lewis calls God’s glory

“to be delighted in by God.”

To have that glory, Lewis contends that we must refuse to be content with the vanities of this world and seek the infinite glory God offers us. When that becomes our deepest desire, it becomes “a weight of glory that we must bear in our daily lives” but is also “a call to carry the weight of our neighbor’s glory every day — in whom Christ, Glory Himself, is truly hidden.”

Perhaps this is why Jesus summarized the commandments to these two: Love God and love your neighbor. In truly loving our neighbor, we discover the Christ, the Glory of God — what our soul has been longing for all our life.

So I say it again, with passion and compassion: GLORY!

Auburn, AL, 36830 or the charity of your choice. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home handled all arrangements.

GERALD WAYNE MCDANIEL

Gerald Wayne McDaniel, of Auburn, was born on Aug. 6, 1950, in Clay County, Alabama, to Lawtice and Lavert McDaniel and passed peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on July 27, 2023. Gerald was a gracious, caring and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend.

A 1968 graduate of Benjamin Russell High School, he attended Central Alabama Community College in Alexander City, Alabama, before transferring to Auburn University to major in Civil Engineering. After finishing at Auburn, he embarked on a career with the Alabama Department of Transportation. During his 43 years of service, he held several positions, including project inspector, district permit engineer and division permit engineer before retiring in 2011.

He was a proud member

of Parkway Baptist Church for 49 years. Throughout those years he faithfully served Parkway as the church treasurer, a church trustee, a deacon and for the last 37 years as lead teacher to the New Life Sunday School Class, which he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents Lawtice and Lavert Spears McDaniel and his wife of 50 years, Charlotte McDaniel. He is survived by his children, Brian (Brooke) McDaniel; Brad (Anna) McDaniel; grandchildren Jackson Stewart McDaniel, Caroline Elizabeth McDaniel, Avery Grace McDaniel and Kenneth Reid McDaniel; as well as a number of beloved cousins and family.

A graveside service was held July 31, at Hillview Memorial Park located in Alexander City followed by a Celebration of Life Service at Parkway Baptist Church in Auburn. The Rev. Jeff Redmond officiated.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gerald’s memory to the Parkway Baptist Church Library or the New Life Class Benevolence Fund at Parkway Baptist Church.

Bill Newton was born on July 26, 1932, in Atlanta, Georgia, to the late Mr. and Mrs. George Robert Newton Sr. and passed away at Arbor Springs Health and Rehab Center on July 28, 2023. He was 91 years old.

He was preceded in death by his brother George Robert Newton Jr. He was a third generation Atlantan and loved his home town. Bill attended Marist school in Atlanta and graduated from high school at Darlington in Rome, Georgia. He graduated from the University of Georgia with a bachelor's degree in business administration and he was a member of the Chi Phi fraternity. He was a general manager in the life insurance business for many years and later became a business consultant for large corporations. Bill and Sally Sealy Newton married Dec. 27, 1953, and had 70 wonderful years together. He and Sally moved to the Auburn area and spent many happy moments with children and grandchildren.

See OBITUARIES, page A14

WILLIAM RICHARD NEWTON SR.

RELIGION —

“You don’t want to be on the wrong side of history.”

Imajored in history when I was in college (I tell our grandchildren it was easy because there was a lot less of it to learn back then.). Maybe that’s the reason my ears perk up a bit whenever I hear someone say the

The Right Side of His Story PLACE

above. It’s a statement that deserves closer examination since it is always said as part of an attempt to get people to change their mind about something.

The first thing worth noting is there’s nothing evidential about this statement. It doesn’t contribute one iota to determining the truth or falsehood of whatever issue is in question. That is significant.

The statement is rather a not-so-subtle form of peer pressure. It says that history (i.e., the people who will chronicle this issue for posterity), will not see things as you do. In today’s vernacular — they will write a different narrative than the one you’re supporting. Consequently, future generations will see you

as a mistaken, misguided and an unenlightened scoundrel (more or less). They will remove your statue, take your name off buildings and purge your writings. Your descendants will be embarrassed by you more than your teenage children ever were. Fortunately, you will be dead, so you won’t have to experience any of this.

The presupposition underlying this statement is that history is always moving forward in moral, ethical and spiritual terms. Therefore, whatever we’re doing today is by definition superior to what people were doing 100 years ago. The logic goes something like this:

• 100 years from now, X is what most people will regard as right.

• If most people think X is right, then it must be.

• You don’t want to be on the wrong side of what most people will think is right in 100 years. It doesn’t take a genius to see this is not a great argument. I wonder if someone whispered it in Pilate’s ear when he was trying to decide whether to crucify Jesus. Or maybe when Hitler was coming to power, the people of Germany were told to support his regime because they didn’t want to end up on the wrong side of history. If so, it didn’t work out well for them or for anyone else for that matter.

The simple but penetrating truth is that what is packaged and

BIBLE VERSE OF THE WEEK

ANGLICAN

promoted as progress isn’t always progress. History is crystal clear on that. It’s remarkably hubristic to think we have somehow arrived at such a state of advanced enlightenment that we are willing to do what no previous civilization has dreamed of doing and change the definition or marriage as well as declare the binary nature of gender erroneous. Yet we have done both of these things in the past decade.

The only question we should be concerned with is, “What is true, right and good?” For disciples, the standard will always be God’s unchanging word, not the shifting, easily manipulated entity known as popular

See GREEN page A15

Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched?

— Proverbs 6:28

CHURCH DIRECTORY

METHODIST

Valley 334-710-2117

The Good Shepherd Anglican Church 3015 Opelika Road, Opelika

APOSTOLIC HOLINESS

God’s House of Prayers Holiness Church

301 Highland Ave., Opelika 334-749-9672

BAPTIST

Beulah Baptist Church

5500 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-705-0538

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

Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 3089 Judge Brown Rd.,

OBITUARIES >>

FROM A13

He is survived by his wife, Sally and children, Sealy Newton Hargrove (David) of Auburn and William Richard Newton Jr. (Mindy) of Marietta, Georgia; his sister, Adele Newton Furin (Gary); three grandchildren, Lauren, Lents, and Kathryn; and two great-grandchildren. A private service will be held at a later date.

ANGELA "ANGIE" RUTH COLEMAN BREEDLOVE

Mrs. Angela “Angie” Ruth Coleman Breedlove, a resident of Opelika, passed away Sunday, July 30, 2023, at the age of 55. She was born Feb. 21, 1968, in Jacksonville, Florida, to Reginal Owen

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

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

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

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

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

CHURCH OF CHRIST

and Alma Ruth Smith Coleman.

Mrs. Breedlove is survived by her husband, Gary Rogers; brother, Reginal Owen Coleman (Elaine); brother, Chris Coleman; sister, Sharon Lee Spraggins and several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Reginal and Alma Coleman.

The family will receive friends Friday, Aug. 4, 2023, from 10 a.m. until service time at 11 a.m. at Jeffcoat Funeral Home Chapel in Tallassee, located at 255 Friendship Road. Online condolences are available at: www. jeffcoatfuneralhome.com.

Jeffcoat Funeral Home Directing, Tallassee, Alabama.

10th Street Church Of Christ 500 N. 10th St., Opelika 334-745-5181

Church Of Christ

2215 Marvyn Pkwy., Opelika 334-742-9721

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Church 13099 U.S. Hwy. 280

Waverly 334-401-1014

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

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

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

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

BRUCE GREEN

Teaching Minister at 10th Street Church of Christ in Opelika

St. Dun's Buns Reaches Two Year Milestone

What's Happening in Lee County

FARMER'S MARKETS

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

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

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

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

LEE/RUSSELL COUNTY LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP

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

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

COFFEE & CONVERSATION WITH VFW POST 5404

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

COMMUNITY IN UNITY

Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church will be hosting a “Community in Unity” event on Saturday, Aug. 12, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. EST.

There will be activities for children and families alike, including a performance from the Smiths Station High School Colorguard. Mayor Bubba Copeland, members of the Smiths Station City Council and other elected officials will also attend for this community-centric event.

NAMI MEETING

GREEN >>

FROM A14

opinion. There’s a reason why when the Hebrews writer spoke of certain men and women possessing

an enduring and triumphant faith, he said, “The world was not worthy of them” (11:38). They didn’t care about being on the right side of history, just the right side of His

story.

What do you care about?

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

NAMI East Alabama, the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), will meet Aug. 15, 2023, at 7 p.m. NAMI supports families dealing with mental illness through mutual support, education and advocacy. There will be a time for sharing. The public is invited. Meetings are held at 714 E. Glenn Ave. in Auburn.

July 2023 marks the second year of St. Dun's Buns, a baking for donations group of St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church in downtown Auburn. During those two years, the group has baked for donations and distributed donations to 60 nonprofits in the Lee County area. At the presentation this month, donations were awarded to (from top to bottom) Flags for Vets, represented by Jamie Popwell and his furry friend, Sona Jean; Lee County Domestic Violence Shelter, represented by Zenene Davis; The Romeo Club and Tallapoosa Sheriff's Girls Ranch, represented by Eric and Stephanie Strong. St. Dun's Buns may be found on Facebook with a link to the Sign Up Genius. All donations are made to nonprofits in the area through the community outreach program of the Mary & Martha Guild at St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church.

Schools & S

ports

ON THE MARK

BY D. MARK MITCHELL

AHSAA in the News

OPINION —

The Alabama High School Athletic Department held its quarterly Central Board of Control Meeting last week in Montgomery. There were several significant decisions approved by the board, including that the AHSAA will return a record $2.25 million to member schools as a part of the revenue sharing program set up in 2009 to 2010. The total amount of money returned to member schools is $23,450,000 over 14 years. The board waived membership dues totaling over $85,000 (annually) for the 32nd year in a row. This has resulted in member schools saving approximately $2.25 million since being implemented 14 years ago. The Central Board voted to sanction girls flag football and wrestling starting in the 2024-25 and 2025-26 classification period. Seventy-six schools declared the sport of wrestling for the upcoming season while

89 schools are playing flag football.

There will be two classifications in both sports, Class 1A through 5A and Class 6A and 7A. Two flag football tournament championship games will be played during this year's Super 7 Championship at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Dec. 6.

The AHSAA increased the sanctioned sports to 13 for females compared to 12 sports for males. In other news, Executive Director Alvin Briggs will form a bylaw task force to help the AHSAA move forward as they continue to grow.

Briggs led off "FOX Sports the Game 9101310’s High School Media Days" presented by the Orthopaedic Clinic, last Tuesday.

Briggs made his sixth straight appearance to our media days, the last three as executive director.

Briggs started by thanking all the

See ON THE MARK, page B6

Media Days— B2, B3

Day Photos — B7

Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023

World Series a Smashing Hit in Opelika

BY RUSTY ARMSTRONG

OPELIKA —

Over five exciting days, starting from Friday, July

21, a total of 22 gripping games took place at the picturesque West Ridge Park in Opelika, marking the 2023 Jr. Dixie Boys Baseball (DBB) World Se-

ries. Nine states proudly sent their best players, all vying for the coveted title of World Series Champions. The festivities kicked off with a gathering of

local officials and an inspiring opening speech by Auburn University’s baseball head coach, Butch Thompson, setting See WORLD SERIES, page B4

AISA Seeking Officials

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

ALABAMA — Alabama Independent School Association (AISA) Executive Director Roddie Beck opened the second day of local high school football media days last week and delivered an update on the state’s private school athletics.

“Whatever association you’re dealing with, we are in it for these athletes and we want them to have a positive experience,” Beck said.

The AISA services 82 schools in total and about half play athletics. The organization offers 11 sports to its student-athletes, along with two non-sanctioned sports; bass fishing and sporting clays.

Beck began his time on the podium at Media Days explaining that the AISA

will feature the fall sports of cheerleading, volleyball, cross country and football. At this time, the AISA has three classifications — 1A, 2A and 3A — as well as an 8-man football league. There are 10 schools in both the 1A and 2A classifications, eight in the 3A classification and six playing 8-man football.

The AISA had a successful first season in its implementation of 8-man football last year, Beck said. He emphasized that the funding that comes from playing football is crucial to its member schools, and the option 8-man football fills a need for smaller schools in rural areas.

“Our 8-man we started last year and crowned a state champion last year,” Beck said. “I feel like if we had started our 8-man a little earlier, a couple years ago, we may have saved some of our member schools who

AISA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RODDIE BECK

are no longer open. A lot of our 8-man football schools are trying to get back to 11man. But a lot of our rural area schools, the

are down a little bit. I think the 8-man football is a great opportunity for them to

See MEDIA DAYS, page B6

PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

numbers

PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES THE OBSERVER

The 2023 Jr. Dixie Boys Baseball (DBB) World Series concluded last week with the team from Hattiesburg, Mississippi (pictured), defeating the team from Columbus County, North Carolina. For more photos from the championship game, turn to page B4.

FOR THE OBSERVER

Opelika Ready for Year Two in 7A State Championship Loss a Chip On Glenwood’s Shoulder

PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE PBSERVER

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

OPELIKA —

For the varsity Opelika Bulldog football team, last season coincided with many milestones.

Beginning with their move up to the highest classification of Alabama high school sports, 7A, to the defeat of eventual region champions Central Phenix City in early September, to the end, when Opelika missed the playoffs for the first time since 2009, not all of Opelika’s milestones were happy ones. However, the new season is here, and after its initial exposure to playing in 7A, the Bulldogs are ready to cement their place amongst the state’s best in 2023.

“We are excited about this year,” said Opelika head football coach Erik Speakman. “This is year two for us in 7A. Last year, we struggled. We saw some growing pains of what we were facing each week with that jump but, we competed. There are no moral victories but, we lost three of those games by a combined 18 points. So we are hoping that carries over to this year.”

Opelika, which last year spent its first season competing in a region comprised of East Alabama regional powerhouses like Central and Auburn, finished the 2022 season with a record of 5-5. It matched that .500 effort

in its eight regional games, going 4-4. The Bulldogs crashed out of the playoff picture in the end, however, losing its final two region games to Enterprise, 14-22, and Dothan, 7-14.

“I think the biggest thing is, you are always talking to your kids about the five or six plays that make a difference in the game, and little things matter,” Speakman said. “But I think when you actually lose a game because of it, it means a little bit more. And then all of sudden you don’t make the playoffs for the first time since 2009, you’re done before Halloween, that really puts some perspective on it. I like trick-or-treating and have fun scaring people but I rather be doing football practice.”

This season’s schedule doesn’t get any easier for the Bulldogs. Opelika will begin its schedule facing backto-back-to-back-to-back

7A champions, Thompson High School, in Montgomery’s Cramton Bowl for the AHSAA’s annual Kickoff Classic.

“It brings a lot of excitement number one,” Speakman said on what it means to open the season against Thompson. “It brings a lot of energy to your summer, because [the players] know what is ahead of them. When you get a chance to play Thompson with what they have done, you can kind of just see a different attitude going into the weight lifting,

the running and the summer practice.”

Thompson is led by freshman quarterback Trent Seaborn, who, as an eighth grader, torched Auburn High School in the 7A State Championship game last December, resulting in a final stat line of 12-of-14 passing for 207 yards, three touchdowns and one interception, as well as being named the game’s MVP.

“Trent, great kid, they have a really good team over there,” said Opelika quarterback Roman Gagliano. “But I have full confidence in coach Speakman, our coaching staff and all our players that we are going to go there and make them earn the win. All of our players’ mindset is that we are the underdogs. That’s kind of how we are thinking — go prove everybody wrong.”

Speakman said he is aware of Seaborn’s abilities but the Bulldogs will not cower at the prospect of slowing the prolific Thompson offense. In fact, Speakman is betting on his guy, the senior 3-star, Gagliano, as the quarterback to watch in the season opener.

“The best quarterback in the state is wearing an Opelika jersey,” Speakman said.

To achieve a season-opener upset over Thompson, and to reach

BY NOAH GRIFFITH FOR THE OBSERVER

SMITHS STATION—

No one beat Lee-Scott last season, but no one came closer to doing it than the Glenwood Gators.

The Warriors beat everyone on their schedule by 30 points or more, but Glenwood was the exception which posed a threat to its rivals. Coming into Auburn in week four under first-year head coach Ryan Nelson, Glenwood put up a season-high 16 points on the Warriors in a 35-16 loss. The Gators improved on that in their second matchup with Lee-Scott, falling 35-21 in the AISA 3A State Championship in November.

Glenwood finished 8-4 in 2022, and the Gators encountered many setbacks along the way. Under Nelson, the team battled injuries and sickness while playing one of the toughest schedules in recent history, but instead of letting those be excuses, the Gators are using that for fuel in the chase to return to the Crampton Bowl for the title game this year.

“Last year, we went to the state championship, and it was a great experience for us, but it didn’t come out how we wanted,” said senior quarterback Dallas Crow at High School Media Day on Wednesday, July 26. “I think it gives us

a chip on our shoulder to go back and work even harder … I believe in our coaches and I believe in our players, and I think we’re going to get it done.”

Crow is entering his third season as starting QB, and as Nelson pointed out, he can enter this one a little more comfortably.

Crow’s first two seasons at starter were spent adjusting, as he was operating under different head coaches with different offenses each year — Jason Gibson in Crow’s sophomore year and then last season under Nelson. While the offense dealt with injuries early last season, Crow didn’t hit his stride until the back end of the year. Glenwood started 0-2, and then 2-3, before winning six in a row leading up to the state championship.

This time around, the dual-threat QB with dynamic running ability can play more to his strengths with a system he understands and a coach who knows his skillset better.

“He went through some pains last season,” Nelson said of Crow. “I’m not going to say that he struggled early but it’s just, without experience [in a new offense], it’s hard to get in ballgames and play at a high level. After the third or fourth game, Dallas played extremely well for us last year.”

The Gators started out

PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE PBSERVER

last season with two close losses to St. Anne-Pacelli and Brookestone — two talented teams out of Columbus, Georgia. Pacelli won the GIAA 4A State Championship, and it knocked Brookestone out in the semi-finals. Glenwood will have another tough start to this season with those same teams scheduled early, but it will be more prepared this time around.

The Gators have an experienced quarterback, but he also has plenty of skill around him. Despite losing its top running back duo of JT Banks and Aaron Burton, the Gators have sophomore running back Carter Judah, receivers Brandon and Mason McCraine and athlete Camden White, who plays all around on offense. Nelson said he expects all of those guys to contributed greatly over the course of the 2023 season.

Nelson compared White to Traveon Samuel, who he coached at Central before Samuel went on to play at Louisville, in that he can line up at running back, inside or outside receiver.

“You’re gonna see number three (White) all over the field this year,” Nelson raved. “Just a guy, when he’s got the ball in his hands, he’s dynamic.”

Nelson also said the Gators have placed an

Left to right: QB Roman Gagliano, head coach Erik Speakman and DB Jamarcus Phillips.

Left to right: No. 4 Lamont Burton, No. 55 Wes Graham, head coach Ryan Nelson, No. 2 Dallas Crow and No. 8 Cam White.

Lee-Scott Football Playing Next Man Up in Mission to Repeat Smiths Station Anticipates Year One Under Garrison

PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE PBSERVER

BY NOAH GRIFFITH FOR THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA ––

Lee-Scott football has the task of replacing last year’s senior class of 18, including AISA Back of the Year George Myers, in its search for a second consecutive state championship.

The Warriors have just seven seniors this year, but according to head coach Buster Daniel at iHeart Media Days last Wednesday, the seniors last year laid the groundwork for this team and future teams to be successful by setting the standard in a 13-0 season that ended with an AISA 3A State Championship.

The coaches made sure to have the future in mind last season and regularly gave underclassmen playing experience. That was, of course, made a little easier considering the Warriors won every game by double digits.

“We were lucky enough to get a lot of guys that start this year in games last year,” said defensive coordinator Jacob Ozment. “We’ve got a lot of guys with in-game experience from last season that weren’t necessarily starters but got 75+ snaps on the defensive side while scores were close.”

Pitching seven shutouts last season, Lee-Scott has a lot to replace on the defensive end. Ozment

the goal of returning to the playoffs in 2023, Opelika, like any high school football program, will have to replace the talent lost from its 2022 roster. The graduation of 2022 All-Stars Brenton Williams (defensive end) and Tae Gay (linebacker) leaves a 450-pound-sized hole in the middle of the Bulldog defense. And the graduated Jakori Thornton and Caden Cooper vacate a large chunk of carries and receptions handled by the Bulldog’s offensive weapons in 2022.

While Speakman said the Bulldog’s senior class is “not as big,” he emphasized that “the quality is there.”

And with the return 20 players who Speakman said

named several guys as key returners, including senior defensive back Miles Zachry, senior linebacker Jonathan Meyers and junior defensive back Tyler Kennedy.

Zachry is also going to be on the other side of the ball at receiver, but he’s also taken snaps at quarterback. He is versatile on the field, but when Daniel introduced him at media days, he introduced him as the first pilot he’s ever coached. Zachry has had his pilot license for about three years, and he’s not even out of high school. And this season, he’s trying to lift the Warriors to their first ever back-to-back state titles in football.

“Last year, we put in a ton of extra work to maintain those shutout games,” Zachry said. “Coach Oz and coach (Clay) Samford, they do a great job of getting us ready each week. I think if we just keep that up, we’ll have another good season.”

Under offensive coordinator Rick Wade, LeeScott set a school record, scoring 44 points a game last season. But it’s taking a team effort to make up for the losses on offense last season, too.

It will be tough to replace the production of last year’s AISA top running back with just one guy, so the Warriors have three guys rotating in the backfield: (Jonathan) Meyers, Kennedy and junior Banks

played significant snaps last year, the head coach hopes Opelika will have an experience edge on some of its competition this season.

“We have some dogs on the team and we aren’t scared of anybody on the schedule,” said senior defensive back Jamarcus Phillips.

Along with Gagliano and Phillips, look for junior defensive linemen Malik Autry, E’Mauri Smiley, Allen Jackson and Jakii Lightfoot, junior athlete Makai Simpson and junior running back Calvin Hughley to make their presence known for Opelika in 2023.

“This group has done a great job in the offseason,” Speakman said. “We start back August 7, so at this point the focus now is on doing the little things right. Making sure we are here

Sims.

They also have the luxury of a returning quarterback, junior Pelzer Reeves, and Ozment said the starting job is his to lose.

The Warriors know they are the team to beat in AISA 3A this season after dominating everyone but Glenwood by more than 30 points, and defeating Glenwood twice — the latter time for a state championship.

“I think our guys know how important it is for them to step into so many roles that have been opened from guys that have left from last season,” Ozment said. “We’re fortunate that coach Daniel encourages us as coaches to keep challenging players each day to be proud of what all was accomplished last season but remember that last season, was last season. We’re going to get everyone’s best game each week. Who wouldn’t want to knock off the defending champions?”

LEE-SCOTT ACADEMY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE:

- Aug. 17: vs. Chambers Academy

- Aug. 24: OPEN

- Sept. 1: vs. Monroe

- Sept. 8: vs. Morgan

- Sept. 15: @ Glenwood

- Sept. 22: vs. Macon-East

- Sept. 29: @ Autauga

- Oct. 6: vs. Bessemer

- Oct. 13: @ Valiant Cross

- Oct. 20: @ Fort Dale

- Oct. 27: @ Edgewood

on time, acting right in the classroom, all the things we talk about as far as off the field that translates to success on the field. With this schedule, every week is a new challenge with a really good team in front of you, so we will focus on that, play it out on Friday(s) and start it over on Monday(s).”

OPELIKA FOOTBALL

SCHEDULE:

- Aug. 25 (neutral) vs.

Thompson

- Aug. 31 @ Jefferson

Davis

- Sept. 8 vs. Lee

- Sept. 15 @ Central Phenix City

- Sept. 22 vs. Prattville

- Sept. 29 @ Theodore

- Oct. 6 vs. Auburn

- Oct. 13 @ Smiths

Station

- Oct. 20 @ Enterprise

- Oct. 27 vs. Dothan

BY NOAH GRIFFITH FOR THE OBSERVER

SMITHS STATION —

After taking the head coaching job of Smiths Station football in February, Bryant Garrison is paving a new path forward for the Panthers.

In a tough 7A Region 2 consisting of powerhouses like Central, Auburn and Opelika, Garrison wants to instill in his players a mindset that they can compete with even the toughest competition. He said he knows it will take time, though, as the Panthers went 1-9 last season and haven’t won multiple region games since 2018. They last defeated Auburn in 2013, while they last beat Central in 2008.

“The main thing I wanted to do when I come in, and the players can attest to this too, we wanted to change the culture and change the narrative about Smiths Station, who Smiths Station is and who Smiths Station is going to be going forward,” Garrison said at High School Media Days in Opelika on Wednesday, July 26.

Garrison knows a thing or two about programs rising to prominence. He saw it happen as a graduate assistant at the University of Alabama, and he’s looking to repeat that process at Smiths Station.

After graduating with a masters degree in kinesiology from Alabama, he became the equipment manager for the football team in 2004 under then-head coach Mike Shula. When Nick Saban took over in 2007,

GLENWOOD >> FROM B2

emphasis on physicality up front on both sides of the ball after he feels they got dominated in the run game by Lee-Scott, and they have the tools for it.

Returning on defense to bolster Glewnwood’s defense is R.J. Williams at defensive end, Marquel Robinson on the defensive line, Lamont Burton II at linebacker, Jaxson Griggs at corner and Thet Morris, who moved from receiver to safety.

Offensively, the Gators have three returning offensive lineman: Will Johnson at center, Wyatt Taylor at

Garrison was promoted to graduate assistant and worked with the defensive backs alongside Kirby Smart, where he got his passion for great defense.

That was before it became “cool” to go to Alabama, but he was there when the Tide won its first National Championship under Saban in 2009, too. He said he is able to take bits and pieces of what Saban did and apply it in his own way, but he was able to work with Smart a lot closer.

“Coach Smart really helped me as far as safety play,” Garrison said. “I’ve always been kind of a secondary guy, and especially with the safeties. But just learning how to build a program because I was there when Alabama really wasn’t Alabama the way it is today. That’s because of the foundation it built back in 2007.

“I think that [Saban] changed the culture there, too. That’s the first thing he did — the weight room, the work ethic and the attention to detail, not only from a football standpoint but just going about your day-to-day business you have that sense of urgency to always want to do your job and make sure you do it right.”

One way Garrison is instilling the value of hard work is by changing the work out routine.

Smiths Station built a new weight room in the offseason, and Garrison is preaching to his team the self-inflicted wounds that come from cutting corners in all areas of life — with the classroom translating to the weight room and vice

guard and senior Wesley Graham rotating between guard and tackle. Graham is the latest of his family to have big expectations at Glenwood, following his brothers Ben and Will who formerly started on the Gators’ o-line.

“As I like to say, it’s time for him to dominate football games up front,” Nelson said of Graham.

In year two under Nelson, the Gators are confident in their leadership and look like a threat to make another run to the state championship. This time, it’s about finding out how to win it.

“We’re not changing a whole lot,” Nelson said. “If

PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE PBSERVER

versa. The new weight room also appeals to the players, who’s faces lit up on stage at High School Media Day at the mention of it.

With Garrison’s leadership, the Panthers look forward to seeing the product of their work on the field starting in August.

“I think we have a lot of maturity on the defensive side of the ball,” said senior linebacker Lance Peterson. “Offensively, we’re getting a new system and a new offensive coordinator, and we’ve really embraced his schemes. We’ve got a taste of what it’s like to be elite this year, and I think it’s safe to say we’re definitely striving toward that and we’re expecting good results.”

Smiths Station’s sole win last year was a 30-21 defeat of region foe Prattville in week three, which the Panthers are looking to build off of this year.

“The way we’ve been working all summer, I don’t think nobody in our area works harder than us,” said junior running back Quenton Brooks. “I will say that this year, we’ll have a much better season than last year.”

SMITHS STATION FOOTBALL

SCHEDULE:

- Aug. 25: vs. Pleasant Grove

- Sept. 1: @ Central - Sept. 8: @ Prattville

- Sept. 15: vs. Enterprise

- Sept. 22: @ Dothan

- Sept. 29: vs. Benjamin Russell

- Oct. 6: OPEN

- Oct. 13: vs. Opelika

- Oct. 20: vs. Jefferson Davis

- Oct. 28: @ Lee

Nov. 3: vs. Auburn

it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

So, you know, we’re just going to work and try to make this 2023 team the best team that we can possibly make. The goal hasn’t changed. We’re trying to win it all.”

GLENWOOD FOOTBALL

SCHEDULE:

- Aug. 18: vs. St.

Anne-Pacelli

- Aug. 25: @ Brookstone

- Sept. 1: @ Fort Dale

- Sept. 8: @ Bessemer

- Sept. 15: vs. Lee-Scott

- Sept. 22: OPEN

- Sept. 29: vs. Valiant

Cross

- Oct. 6: @ Monroe

- Oct. 13: vs. Autauga

- Oct. 20: vs. Morgan

- Oct. 27: @ Chambers

Left to right: WR/DB Miles Zachry, head coach Buster Daniel, K/P Matthew Rolader, RB/LB Jonathan Meyers.

Left to right: LB Ethan Shuford, RB Quenton Brooks, LB Lance Peterson and head coach Bryant Garrison.

WORLD SERIES >>

the stage for the young athletes.

Amidst rain delays on both Friday and Saturday and enduring scorching heats, these dedicated young men gave it their all on the field. Despite the challenges, they left it all behind — dirty, sweaty and exhausted — but filled with cherished memories of a week spent competing at the highest level.

Dixie Boys Baseball Glory

In the end, the final four teams emerged: Columbus County, North Carolina; Charlotte County, Virginia; Jefferson Parish, Louisiana; and Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Columbus County dispatched Charlotte County, securing a six-run victory with eight hits, while Virginia scored five runs from eight hits.

In a thrilling matchup, Mississippi and Louisiana went toe-to-toe until Louisiana notched the first run in the bottom of the fourth,

and eventually claimed a tight 2-1 victory,

The championship game featured an intense showdown between the visiting Mississippi team and Columbus County, led by one of the tournament's standout pitchers, Briley Tedder. Tedder had been in top form, pitching seven scoreless innings, allowing only one hit and striking out 10 batters. Mississippi countered with Terry Barnes, who had also impressed with a two-inning

outing, allowing no runs, just one hit and fanning four. Despite Tedder striking out the first two batters, Mississippi managed to score two runs in the top of the first inning and added another in the third. North Carolina responded with one run in the bottom of the third.

Tedder gave an impressive performance but reached his pitch count limit, finishing the game with one run given up on five hits and eight

strikeouts. Going into the seventh inning, Mississippi held a commanding 7-1 lead and tacked on one more in the top half. North Carolina fought back, making it interesting by scoring four runs in the bottom half, but ultimately, Mississippi secured the victory and was crowned the 2023 Jr. DBB World Series Champions.

Congratulations to all the participants, including the players, coaches and fans, for their outstanding

efforts and sportsmanship throughout the tournament. The West Ridge Park complex and the Auburn/Opelika Tourism group received heaps of praise for their exceptional hosting of the event. Special recognition goes out to Anthony Terling and Karen Gilmore of AO-Tourism, as well as D. Mark Mitchell, Alabama DBB state director, for making this a memorable experience for everyone involved.

Lee-Scott Hires New Head Baseball Coach

CONTRIBUTED BY LEE-SCOTT ATHLETICS

AUBURN —

Lee-Scott Academy

(LSA) has announced the hiring of Jarrod Cook as the school’s new varsity head baseball coach.

Cook comes to Lee-Scott from Trinity Presbyterian School, where he served on the baseball staff for the past 14 years, including the last two seasons as varsity head coach.

Cook is a former college baseball player, a dedicated and certified physical education teacher and coach with 17 years of teaching experience who loves to challenge young men and women in pursuing their God given purpose.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jarrod, his wife, Lindsey and their children, Barrett and Mary Claire to the Warrior family,” said LSA Athletic Director William Johnson. “Jarrod will place an emphasis on making sure our young men have success both on and off the field.

“We have a very bright future under his leadership and are incredibly excited for the future of our baseball program.”

Named the 2015 Alabama Baseball Coaches Association Assistant Coach of the Year, as well as the 2022 3A Alabama High School Baseball Coach of the Year, Cook has been a part of four AHSAA state championships with the Wildcats (2012, 2013, 2014, 2022). Prior to coaching, he played baseball at Southern Union

Community College from 2001-03 and then signed with Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) as a starting pitcher. While at AUM, he was named an NAIA All-Conference pitcher and was a part of the NAIA World Series team.

Lee-Scott Academy Head of School Dr. Stan Cox said the following on Jarrod Cook’s hiring:

“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Cook and his family to the Lee-Scott Academy family. Jarrod is a proven winner, a championship coach, a developer of young men on and off the baseball diamond and a man whose values align with ours. I have no doubt that he will elevate our baseball program to unprecedented heights and we cannot wait for him to get started.”

Jarrod and his wife, Lindsey, have been married

OCS Assistant Superintendent Chosen to Serve on the CLAS Board of Directors

BY LEE-SCOTT ATHLETICS

CONTRIBUTED BY OPELIKA CITY SCHOOLS

OPELIKA —

for the past 17 years. They have two children, Barrett, a rising ninth grader, and Mary Claire, a rising fifth grader.

“First off, I want to thank God for this great opportunity for me and my family,” Cook said. “Thank you to my wife, Lindsey, for being my biggest fan and supporting me through the journey of being a coach’s wife. Trinity players, coaches and families: thank you for 14 years of serving alongside you every day. You will hold a special place in our hearts. Lastly, I want to thank Dr. Cox, Coach Johnson and the Lee-Scott family for welcoming us with open arms. We are excited to get to work and build relationships with this great community. I know God has great plans for LeeScott Academy and I am ready to get to work. Go Warriors!”

The Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS) is pleased to announce the selection of Tiffany Yelder, assistant superintendent of Opelika City Schools, to serve on the esteemed CLAS Board of Directors. Yelder joins a distinguished group of educational leaders who are dedicated to advancing excellence in leadership and promoting positive change in Alabama schools.

The CLAS Board of Directors plays a pivotal role in shaping the direction and initiatives of CLAS, a premier professional organization committed to supporting and empowering educational leaders across the state. Through their expertise, vision and advocacy, the board members provide strategic guidance and ensure that CLAS continues to meet the evolving needs of educational leaders and the students they serve.

In the AASCD director role on the CLAS Board of Directors, Yelder will contribute to the development and implementation of innovative programs, resources and initiatives that address the challenges and opportunities facing

educational leaders in Alabama. Their insights and expertise will play a vital role in shaping the future of educational leadership and promoting continuous improvement in schools across the state.

Reflecting on the selection of Yelder, Dr. Vic Wilson, executive director for the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS), expressed his excitement, and said, “We are thrilled to welcome Ms. Yelder to the CLAS Board of Directors. The leadership, expertise and dedication to educational excellence are valuable additions to

our team. We look forward to working together to advance our mission of empowering educational leaders and advancing public education in Alabama."

Yelder joins a diverse group of educational leaders who are passionate about collaboration, innovation and educational equity. The CLAS Board of Directors comprises individuals from various educational roles and backgrounds, united by their shared commitment to elevating educational leadership and improving outcomes for all students.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

TIFFANY YELDER

Scott Foxhall Joins Auburn Baseball as Director of Player Development

CONTRIBUTED BY AU ATHLETICS

AUBURN — Auburn baseball head coach Butch

Thompson announced on Friday the addition of Scott Foxhall as the program’s director of player development. Foxhall, who has 29 years of collegiate coaching experience and previously served as Auburn’s pitching coach and recruiting coordinator from 200914, most recently spent the last five seasons as the pitching coach at Mississippi State (2019-23). His coaching career was kickstarted at the College of Charleston (19952008), his alma mater, and also included a four-year stint at N.C. State (2015-18).

“Scott Foxhall brings an abundance of experience to our player development position,” Thompson said. “His recruiting connections span across the country and his familiarity with Auburn will allow him to hit the ground running. A large number of

former Auburn players and baseball supporters who love our program are going to be excited to see Scott and his amazing family back on The Plains.”

In his role with the Tigers, Foxhall will be responsible for assisting the coaching staff in the overall development of the student-athletes, from assisting with practice plans and scouting reports to reviewing analytical data and overseeing the academic progress of the program. He will also play a large role in on-campus recruiting.

“I believe in Coach Thompson and love the winning culture that he has restored for Auburn baseball,” Foxhall said. “I’m ready to get to work helping one of the most respected coaching staffs in the country to continue to develop high-level men who are also high-level baseball players.”

Foxhall’s tenure at Mississippi State was highlighted by helping lead the Bulldogs to the University’s first national championship and being named the

American Baseball Coaches Association

Assistant Coach of the Year in 2021. He has helped lead his teams to 10 NCAA Tournament appearances and a pair of College World Series appearances.

In 29 seasons in the dugout, Foxhall has mentored 24 All-Americans, 16 Freshman All-Americans and six Pitchers of the Year. Most recently, he coached back-to-back conference Pitchers of the Year in 2018-19, including the 2019 ABCA Pitcher of the Year, and back-to-back National Freshman of the Year award winners in 2019-20.

Foxhall has seen 61 of his pitchers selected in the MLB Draft, including 17 in the top 10 rounds. Sixteen of the 17 former pitchers taken in the top 10 rounds were undrafted out of high school. Eleven of his former pitchers have gone on to make their MLB debuts.

Foxhall has spearheaded the recruiting efforts for multiple programs, including his previous stint at Auburn. Each of his

last three classes at Auburn ranked among the top 25, culminating with the No. 9 class in 2014. He also recruited future No. 1 overall pick Casey Mize during his time on The Plains.

Along with the aforementioned accomplishments of players he mentored on the diamond, Foxhall has also helped stress success in the classroom, boasting four Academic All-Americans (nine total honors), one Academic All-American of the Year and three conference Student-Athlete of the Year award winners.

Prior to joining the coaching ranks, Foxhall was a member of the Auburn Baseball Team under head coach Hal Baird from 1990-91 before spending his final three seasons at the College of Charleston (199294), where he earned his bachelor's degree in education.

A native of Greer, South Carolina, Foxhall and his wife, Laura, have twin children, Kade and Kennedy.

keep their doors open and keep their football program going.”

The culmination of the inaugural AISA 8-man football classification took place at Montgomery’s Cramton Bowl on Nov. 17, along with championship games in the AISA’s three 11-man football classifications. At this time, Beck said the Cramton Bowl is “home” for the championship series, despite rumors of a time-share with Troy University floating around the news.

“It went really well,” Beck said of the four championship games played at Cramton Bowl. “When you get to the state championship game, you never know what may happen. And that [8-man championship] was an outstanding football game. And we had a great crowd, so we do have people in our association supporting the 8-man football. Again, I wish we would have just started that a little earlier because it does give our schools an opportunity to continue to play football, which we all know is the money maker for your schools.”

In addition to explaining the state of athletics within the AISA, Beck issued what could be described as a call to action. Beck noted that there is an official shortage which is causing complications with scheduling

football games. To remedy that, Beck said the AISA has asked member schools to, if possible, willingly schedule games on Thursday nights to better allow for an adequate number of officials to serve all weekly games.

“There is still an official shortage, not just in our area but across the nation,” Beck said. “The part that a lot of our folks don’t understand is that these guys and gals got to start somewhere, and we have to give them a chance. I stay on our coaches all the time, they want to get on our officials for a missed call, this, that and the other … you got to learn somewhere. And we want them to learn at a lower level and move them up. A lot of our officials are older gentlemen, and we don’t have other officials lined up that are wanting to take their place. The official shortage continues to be tough on high school athletics.”

Beck said if anyone is interested in becoming an official that there a link on the AISA’s website that will direct them on how to get in touch.

Lastly, with practices beginning as of Monday, Beck also mentioned that the AISA is in the process of adding three new member schools to its ranks, including Trinity Christian School in Opelika, and that the AISA has no plans as of now to move toward adding a shot clock for its high school basketball games.

schools, media representatives, iHeartRadio, the Orthopaedic Clinic and the Bottling Plant Event Center, where Media Days was held last week. He began by discussing the upcoming season and a few rule changes in football.

The first rule change of note: If the offensive player holds behind the line of scrimmage, the penalty will be accessed from the line of scrimmage instead of the spot

of the foul. Teams may chose to decline the penalty because of this change. Other rule changes included that unnecessary or excessive contact to a defenseless player now includes a receiver. This means the receiver who is forcefully contacted by an opponent who is not (1) incidentally making contact, (2) initiating the hit with open hands or (3) attempting to tackle by wrapping arm(s) around the receiver, will be flagged. If a player is flagged

for hitting a defenseless player, it is a 15-yard penalty.

FOX SPORTS THE GAME

HIGH SCHOOL MEDIA DAYS

PRESENTED BY ORTHOPAEDIC CLINIC

Last Tuesday and Wednesday, iHeartRadio's FOX Sports the Game (910-1310) and presenting sponsor, the Orthopaedic Clinic, hosted the sixth annual High School Media at the Bottling Plant Event Center. A record 22 high school football teams were represented by the teams’ head coaches and

several players. Briggs and AISA Athletic Director Roddie Beck spoke about their athletic associations and the upcoming athletic year. In the coming weeks, I will go over tidbits from each school.

AISA NEWS I have learned that four AISA schools may apply for membership to the AHSAA. No official word from the AHSAA or the schools but a person with knowledge of this information, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said

some of the schools have submitted paperwork requesting to join or are preparing the paperwork to submit. The four AISA schools want to be a part of the AHSAA in 2024-25, which allows the schools to play in the new classifications issued after fall sports. Stay tuned for more information.

DBB WORLD SERIES

ATTENDANCE

The Dixie Junior Boys World Series took in over $11,000 at the gate over the five days. This does not include teams,

coaches and immediate family members, guests, DBB officials, umpires or workers. West Ridge park was visited by more than 1,000 people from out of state and several hundred from Alabama.

D. Mark Mitchell is the sports director at iHeartMedia, host of “On the Mark” Fox Sports the Game 9101319, co-chair of the Auburn-Opelika Sports Council, chairman of the Super 7 and Dixie Boys Baseball state director.

CORRECTION

PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES THE PBSERVER

Representatives of the Loachapoka football team at High School Media Days July 25.

Pictured left to right: Sr. WR Quinton Cooks Sr., DE Jamari Payne Jr., QB Quinjavis Nelms and head coach Fredrick "Reco" Newton.

Last week we ran the wrong names for the players and coach from Loachapoka. The correct names are listed below. We apologize to the players and coaches of Loachapoka football for our mistake.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Thank You for 40th Anniversary Success

CONTRIBUTED BY THE ASF FOUNDATION

OPINION

Dear Editor:

Reflecting on the 40th Anniversary Alabama State Games, we realized that none of the accomplishments celebrated would have been possible without the support of our sponsors,

Troy University’s John M. Long School of Music and POPulus, the participants, coaches, officials, volunteers and families. For that — the time, effort and support — we offer a resounding thank you!

Because of your generosity and support of the Alabama State Games, we were able

to host 26 sporting events at 20 venues throughout Birmingham, Hoover, Vestavia Hills, Gardendale, Homewood, Pelham, Trussville, Calera, Ashville and Jefferson County. From the Opening Ceremony where scholarships totaling $20,000 were awarded — including the State Farm Athlete Leadership

Summit — to the final gold medal, the 40th Alabama State Games featured more than 3,800 participants of all ages and abilities. That number is just as impressive as our dedication to academic excellence. Since the academic scholarship initiative’s inception, $363,000 has been awarded.

The response and backing of the host communities and the families statewide that were a part of the 40th anniversary Alabama State Games brought our annual event to rousing life and has empowered our team to make the 2024 Alabama State Games an even bigger and better event.

O-Day a Day to Remember

For all that you have done — this year and throughout the Alabama State Games 40-year legacy — we thank you and encourage you to tell your friends and family to mark their calendars for next year.

Sincerely, Ron Creel President/CEO ASF Foundation & Alabama State Games

Our summer ends on a sweet note with National Ice Cream Sandwich Day on Wednesday, Aug. 2, and National Watermelon Day on Thursday, Aug.

3. But this week, as a community, we are welcoming our students and families back to a new school year. From Classroom Observer’s Corner, I would like to extend prayers, hope and joy for a good year for students and their families. Whether you send your child to school or homeschool your children, we as educators and families have a very important school year goal and that is to provide our children with a quality education.

Welcome Back to School Classrooms are Ready

many wonderful rewards that count for eternity.

I have shared this before, but it is worth repeating. From an anonymous author, I have adopted this teacher acrostic to encourage myself and fellow teachers.

T- Teaching takes time

E- Energy

A- Attention paid to our children and students

C- Children

H- Helping our children and students

blessing it is for teachers and parents to share knowledge and light the lives of our students with the love of learning.

My teaching career has been in the early childhood and elementary classroom, but at joint teacher workshops and meetings, I realize that even though we are teaching different ages and subjects, we are on the same page of wanting to share knowledge and life skills with our children. How can we meet this educational challenge?

It is important for us to plan and to be prepared.

As teachers and parents, we have to pack our heart backpacks for the school year with spiritual, emotional and physical supplies.

Starting out a new school year may have its ups and downs, but being called to teach children has so

E- Encouraging children and students

R- Reaching out to all students

S- Sometimes simply being there

As classroom teachers call each name on their roll on the first day of school, we connect a name to a student and we quickly acknowledge that we will need understanding as we instruct our students. The same is true with parents as they listen and spend time with their children in learning what is the best way to teach their children and encourage them to work toward their potential.

As teachers and parents, we want our children and students to know that we respect and value them. What a

We desire our classrooms to be a place where students will learn, discover, create, question and grow. This is the heartfelt wish of parents as they guide and teach their children. As we share our classroom rules with our students at the beginning of the year, we reflect and use wisdom when we must discipline in promoting the learning process and when to show mercy. I loved what Mother Teresa shared with us in relating to children, “kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.”

We prepare according to the age, abilities and developmental needs of our students. Young children learn so much by process and older students focus on content learning but many subjects require both process and content learning.

As educators in our community schools, we desire to equip students with life skills and provide them with inspiration to learn. As children adjust to their

new home away from home — the classroom — parents can help facilitate bonding and security for their children with their teachers. Think of it as a team effort to provide a wonderful learning experience for your child. Take time to talk to your child about their school day. Keep a positive focus as they talk to you about their friends, what they learn and what they do.

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 our children more than we could ever imagine.

Just as I did with readers in last week’s Classroom Observer’s article for sharing with the older generation, “Expressing Joy In the Middle of The Storm”, I want to use the same three E’s to encourage students and parents as we begin this new year.

1. Encourage - As parents and teachers, we need to 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 accomplish an assignment.

From the heart of Classroom Observer, have a very good first week of school!

Classroom Observer

Beth Pinyerd

BETH PINYERD

L labama Politics ee County & A

Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023

Inside the Statehouse

Siegelman Meets Big Jim

and went on to become Alabama’s secretary of state, attorney general, lieutenant governor and finally his life’s dream of governor.

Auburn Council Discusses Boykin Community Center

STEVE FLOWERS

—

OPINION

We are continuing this week with our summer series on Big Jim Folsom — Alabama’s most colorful governor.

Those of us who grew up in and around Alabama politics have coined a descriptive term for a person who is obsessed with seeking political office constantly and tirelessly without reservation or concern for their physical, mental or financial welfare. They will run for highelected office at all costs. The term we use to describe those people is named for the man who best exemplified that obsession, George Wallace. Therefore, someone who is driven by an obsession to win high public office has the “George Wallace Syndrome.”

The Alabama baby boomer who was eaten up with the George Wallace Syndrome more than any other I know was Don Siegelman. Siegelman ran nonstop beginning from the time he was a student at the University of Alabama in the 1960s. He was successful. He was president of the student government at Alabama

There is an old political saying that you don’t ever want to get into a race with someone who wants it more than you and will outwork you. Siegelman was never outworked. He was relentless and focused on the ultimate prize that many a young politician in Alabama aspired to and that’s the governor’s chair. He captured the brass ring.

Siegelman reminded me so much of Wallace, he truly deserves the award for having the Wallace Syndrome. He and Wallace were so consumed with politics and being governor that neither one of them could tell you what they were eating when you had lunch with them. Eating was a sideline to any political discussion they were having and calling lunch. They ate because they had to eat to survive.

Siegelman was always a little more liberal than most Alabamians. Therefore, he grew up admiring the more progressive Alabama political icons. He admired our progressive New Deal Democrats, such as Lister Hill, John Sparkman and Carl Elliott. However, the utmost idol for young liberal politicians of my era was James E. “Big Jim” Folsom. Folsom was truly a progressive on fiscal and social issues.

Siegelman had a markedly similar career and educational

background as Bill Clinton. Both were almost the same age, both received undergraduate degrees from their state universities, both left college and went to prestigious law schools — Clinton to Yale and Siegelman to Georgetown. They both went on to do postgraduate work at Oxford in England. Then they both started running for office right away. Clinton ran for Congress, then governor of Arkansas. Siegelman ran for secretary of state and then on up the Alabama political ladder to attorney general, lieutenant governor and governor.

As Siegelman was beginning his first foray into Alabama politics, I will share with you a funny story that I call the “Don Siegelman meets Big Jim story.”

Siegelman was campaigning hard all day for secretary of state in early 1978 and wound up his day late in Cullman. Folsom, in his later years, camped out at a truck stop along the interstate in Cullman. Folsom was drinking coffee and Siegelman spotted his lifelong hero and liberal idol and went over to introduce himself. Siegelman gave Folsom his spiel and what he was doing and how his campaign for secretary of state was going. He gave Folsom the story of his pedigree concerning all of his educational degrees: University of Alabama Student Government

See FLOWERS, page B10

LEGAL NOTICES — PAGE B12

BY HANNAH GOLDFINGER HGOLDFINGER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

AUBURN —

The Auburn City Council approved several items relating to the new Boykin Community Center during Tuesday night's council meeting.

The Boykin-Donahue Campus Project is a large city project to add a multi-cultural center, a splash pad, recreation center and more to the to the current Boykin Community Center.

The council approved a lighting services agreement with Alabama Power Company for the Boykin-Donahue Campus Project for over $112,000.

The lighting agreement will place permanent lighting on the new campus and pathway lighting between the new section and the old section.

The council also amended the professional services agreement with McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture for the Boykin-Donahue Campus Cultural Center Project for over $27,900.

This amended agreement included additional funds because of changes inc classroom sizes, restrooms and more, said City Manager Megan Crouch. Essentially the amount increased in design costs but it will lower construction costs.

Auburn Mayor Ron Anders said that the idea for the cultural center came from a local resident back when Anders was first elected to this position in 2018.

“This idea was to create this school house

[a Rosenwald House] and use it as a center for education, recognition and there could be some historical, kind of museum qualities to it as well,” Anders said. “… But I never thought we’d be looking at a million dollars to build this.”

The cost of the project for the cultural center is just over a million.

Anders said his original vision was this could be a community project, rather than using a contractor with a high price tag.

The mayor asked if there was a chance of stepping back to look at the price tag or re-evaluate.

“Can we talk about this even more?" he asked. He did clarify though that he was still on board for the project, despite concerns.

Crouch said that while yes, it can be discussed, the council is contractually obligated to pay McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture.

Ward 1 Council Member Connie Fitch Taylor expressed disagreement with Anders’ concerns.

She asked why the cost was not taken into account sooner. Anders said he never thought

there would be a contractor and it would be a community project.

“I’m getting a little sensitive about this, simply because, this is something that has already been put out there to the community, everybody’s excited about it,” she said.

The design of the project wouldn’t change, just how labor and materials are acquired.

Anders’ vision of a community project is how Hickory Dickory Park was built, Crouch said.

Even if the project had the full green light as of Tuesday night, it could be two months before things begin, the city said.

Crouch said she’d like to talk further about the project during the biennial budget discussions.

The council also approved a professional services agreement with McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture for the Boykin-Donahue Campus Recycling Center Project for over $33,900.

Finally, the commission amended the professional services agreement with

See AUBURN, page B13

Opelika Council Approves Funds for 'We'll Meet Again' Performance

BY MICHELLE KEY MICHELLE@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

OPELIKA —

During Tuesday night's Opelika City Council meeting, the council approved a special appropriation to the Arts Association of East Alabama (AAEA) in the amount of $14,000 to be used exclusively to defray expenses of using the Opelika Center for the Performing Arts (OPAC) on Aug. 28, 2023, for additional productions of “We’ll

Meet Again.”

The production centers around the life of Henry Stern whose family settled in Opelika during World War II after escaping Germany’s persecution of those of Jewish heritage.

The play was first performed in Opelika in August 2022. It will begin the regional tour with a school performance at OPAC, the evening show for the community on Aug. 28 and performances in Auburn at the Jay and

Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center at Auburn University on Aug. 30 and Aug. 31.

“We’ll Meet Again” is a musical written by the team of Alabama playwright James R. Harris and awardwinning composer and arranger Mark Hayes.

“Our hope in creating this show is to capture the essence of what America has meant to the world in our best moments — love of family, love of country, welcoming others into

our culture, and striving and succeeding together as a community,” Harris said in a press release.

The 2023 southern tour of “We’ll Meet Again” is made possible by support from Auburn University men's basketball head coach Bruce Pearl and his wife, Brandy, who experienced the premiere at the Opelika Center for the Performing Arts last year.

“That night, we were treated to something we really weren’t

expecting,” said Pearl in a press release issued by the Gogue. “We laughed and we cried. We enjoyed the music and the dancing. We were filled with great pride and happiness about the greatest country in the world that we love so dearly.”

After growing up in Opelika, Stern went on to become a wellknown and respected businessman.

OTHER BUSINESS

• The council approved a bid from Hudmon

Construction Co. Inc. in the amount of just over $102,000 for the removal of dead, dying or dangerous trees and stumps.

• The council approved a bid from Utility Packaging and Construction Inc. for steel and materials for Substation 10 in an amount of just over $202,000.

• The council approved expense reports from various departments.

See OPELIKA, page B11

‘A Republic, if you can keep it’: Israel Struggles to Keep Democracy

us a pretty good picture.”

The change Dans is talking about is transferring several thousand jobs into a different hire category, with more control by the Executive Branch. Fully staffing an administration requires some 4,000 political appointees, with 1,200 needing U.S. Senate approval. The extent of planning and ideas for disqualifying people this early harkens a new way to play the game.

OPINION —

When Vladimir Putin became Russia’s president in 1999, its constitution allowed presidents for two consecutive terms. But wait? After his second term ended in 2008, Putin sat in as prime minister before becoming president again in 2012. And so it goes. Did he serve two more presidential terms? Yes. Because Putin drafted an amendment for new terms. In July 2020, Russian voters approved

that change. Now he may be in office until 2028. Or longer.

“You would be disqualified for a Trump administration job if you kind of have shown yourself to have fought against the Trump administration, or if there are issues when you have actually been counter to it,” said Paul Dans, a lawyer in the Trump White House.

“People stand where they sit, so to speak. Their postings and social media, their allegiances over time give

There is a famous story about the Constitutional Convention in 1787, when the Constitution was adopted, in which the Americans gathered at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. They asked Benjamin Franklin, ‘What do we have, a republic or a monarchy?’

Franklin replied, ‘A Republic; if you can keep it.’ That anecdote has been revised by historians who learned that Elizabeth Willing Powel, an influential woman of the founding era, is the true source. As Franklin was there and a key figure, he was presented as the author of the phrase. But he was not.

More dramatically,

changes instituted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will crimp the independence of the judiciary and limit checks and balances in the nation. The legislation places a black mark just as the remarkable nation celebrates its 75th year as the State of Israel. Netanyahu has been the country’s leader three times (1996 to 1999, 2009 to 2021 and 2022 topresent). Although not consecutive, he has the longest tenure in Israeli history.

Netanyahu’s plan is nothing less than an overhaul of the justice system and is seen as the beginning of authoritarian rule. After the vote, thousands of mass protests good new life. “It’s a sad day,” said opposition letter Yair Lapid said. “This is not a victory for the coalition. This is the destruction of Israeli democracy.”

The American Jewish Committee in a said it had “profound disappointment” with the events. It was “gravely concerned” that divisions will likely deepen in Israeli society with the huge demonstrations against the law.

“The continued effort to press forward on judicial reform rather than seeking compromise has sown discord within the Israeli Defense Forces at a time of elevated threats to the Jewish homeland and has strained the vital relationship between Israel and diaspora Jewry,” according to the statement.

Veteran candidates such as President Joe Biden and Trump should be closely monitored so their real plans can surface. They know the system and have access to the smartest advisors.

Didn’t citizens realize that Putin was going to do something to keep power when his presidential terms ended — twice? Couldn’t Israelis see that Netanyahu’s corruption charges might end up at the Supreme Court? Or that he might mold the court in his way? Haven’t people heard that the top U.S. political parties are already crafting laws and organizational charts in case they win the 2024 presidential election?

Always be aware of what is developing in politics

and government. If we find out when it’s a foregone conclusion, we will certainly suffer. Time is of the essence, particularly when constitutional change is on tap. Small efforts over time assure better results. “Gulliver’s Travels”, a four-part satirical work by Jonathan Swift, was published anonymously in 1726.

Lilliputins put threads on Gulliver, who was bigger and stronger and the threads were not making much of a difference. Two threads, five or even 100 was not enough. But when you put hundreds of these threads over Gulliver, he couldn’t stand up. Just as in government: destructive and anti-democratic moves are not seen for what they are early enough.

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

Citizens and Commission At Odds Over Comments

BY HANNAH GOLDFINGER HGOLDFINGER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

LEE COUNTY —

Two years ago, the Lee County Commission removed citizens’ communications from its livestream video, public record and minutes.

“The Lee County Commission voted unanimously to change the agenda format and place citizens’ comments before the formal call to order of the county’s business meeting,” said Lee County Probate Judge Bill English in an interview with The Observer. “Some seem to think that our meetings are just an open political forum, but they are intended for the commission to conduct county business. That agenda change resulted in removal of citizens’ comments from the

livestream and from the minutes of the meetings.

“The reason was because they almost always were coming from the same three or four guys who had a political agenda. At least three have been candidates for public office during that time. There were repetitive personal attacks on several members, and their comments were not contributing anything of substance to the meetings. As we’ve seen recently, one is determined to repeat the same subject at every meeting.”

Susan Bolt, Lee county resident and business owner, spoke up at the July 10, 2023, commission meeting to voice her displeasure with the situation.

“Tonight, I’m here to ask the Lee County Commission to reinstate

the public comments in both the official meeting minutes and livestream,” she said. “I’m an engaged and concerned citizen of Lee County but I cannot attend all of the governmental meetings. … While not required by law, the continued absence of public comments from the recorded record gives the appearance that there’s something to hide.”

English confirmed that it is not required by law.

“Most of the citizens upset with their removal have been in the same circle of people who caused them to be removed in the first place,” he said. “There has been almost zero feedback from anybody about their absence, except from that small circle of objectors. We’ve heard a lot of talk about

the First Amendment from them. The actual text of the 45 words of the First Amendment says: 'Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.'

“There is no more right to freedom of speech in a county commission meeting than there is in a session of the Alabama Legislature or the United States Congress. Nor is there any right or requirement that we livestream any portion of the meetings, nor include citizens’ comments in the minutes of the meetings. Those had been the practice for

many years, until they were abused to the point that action needed to be taken.”

Another resident, Gary Smith, said he thinks it is “the crime of the century” to “eliminate public comments.”

However, public comments have not been removed — any citizen can still sign up to speak before the commission and are given three minutes to address whatever topic they so choose.

Micah Messer, another resident who spoke at that meeting, said that people sacrifice things like time and money to come to the meetings.

“Citizen comments are a crucial part of a republic form of government,” Messer said.

In the same vein, Oscar Penn, a member of the Concerned Citizens of Lee County,

FLOWERS >>

FROM B9

president, Georgetown Law School and Oxford in England.

Folsom listened intently to the young politician and sipped on his coffee. Now, you have to realize that even though Folsom was a progressive on fiscal and race matters, he was pretty down home when it came to country politics, patronage and home-spun talking to folks. Folsom was also pretty pragmatic and plain-spoken. He said, “Boy are you asking my advice about your campaign?” Siegelman said, “Sure I am, governor.” Folsom said, “Well, first of all, you need to change your

expressed that because of his disabilities, he finds it difficult to attend meetings. But without attending, he can’t hear what other citizens say during citizens’ comments.

English said that he doesn’t see public comments being restored anytime soon.

“Those same three or four people have continued unabated,” he said. “Their continuance may result in more change, but probably not in the direction they seek. There has been some support for removing [citizens’ comments] altogether, or placing them after the motion to adjourn. If that happens, I will explain publicly that those dissatisfied with that result need to address their concerns to the individuals whose behavior created the situation.”

name, ain’t nobody in Opp going to vote for some boy named Siegelman. First of all, you can’t say it, secondly, it don’t sound like a good regular Alabama Baptist or Methodist name, and you better tell folks you went to school at Oxford High School in Calhoun County and not someplace in England. Thirdly, don’t you know you can’t steal any money in that job?”

See you next week.

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

GREG MARKLEY

Ivey Administration Aims to Eliminate 'Help Wanted' Signs

BY THE OFFICE OF ALABAMA GOV. KAY IVEY ALABAMA

—

To gather the fullest employment picture in Alabama — and across the nation for that matter — we must shift our focus to labor force participation.

Alabama’s current unemployment rate is at an impressive and historic low of 2.2%.

In fact, almost all of the 10 states with the lowest unemployment rates, Alabama being one of those, are Republican led, which is no coincidence.

This news is certainly worth celebrating.

In Alabama, we can also be glad about the 78,000-plus new jobs we have recruited to our state so far during my time as governor. And during the last legislative session, we passed ‘The Game Plan’ package to renew our economic development incentives, so as Alabamians have heard me say: We’re just getting started.

Just yesterday, the Alabama Department of Labor reported that online job ads were up almost 11% from June of last year. To no surprise, registered nurse positions top the chart. The ads also include anything from retail sales positions to software developers to fast food workers to maintenance workers.

To put it simply: If an Alabamian can and wants to work, there is a job opening for them. All of the wellpaying jobs pouring into our state at record numbers plus these continuous position openings, coupled with our historically low unemployment rate creates — I’ll call it — a good problem to have. In fact, I have had reporters ask me with all of the new business and industry locating to Alabama and such a low unemployment rate, how can we even plan to fill all these jobs? Well, I say this with full affection, of course, but if the media are

OPELIKA >> FROM B9

• The council approved the purchase of three diesel exhaust systems and the installation from Williams Fire Apparatus for an amount not to exceed $36,657.

• The council approved the purchase of fire hoses and nozzles from NAFECO for a total amount of $47,525.

turning two positives into a negative, you know you are doing something right. I will admit, though, it’s a good question to ask. Workforce development remains a key focus for my administration and will continue to be until the end of my term as governor in 2026. However, if the only measuring stick we use is the unemployment rate, we are doing ourselves, our people and our businesses a huge disservice. A 2.2% unemployment rate, according to the Alabama Department of Labor, means we have a bit more than 50,000 folks looking for work. Let me say that again: The unemployment rate is only looking at one segment of our population — those who are actively looking for work. In other words, we’re seeing half the picture. The labor force participation rate, however, is looking at everyone ages 16 and above. That is where we need to shift our focus. So, we beat level one, and now we’re moving on to level two. Despite having one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country and a record number of Alabamians working, the percentage of Alabamians participating in the labor force is lower than almost any other state. While we are increasing that by the tens of thousands, we have to change this statistic. Getting folks off the sidelines and into the labor force is my next priority. To be clear, I am not saying Alabamians on the sidelines are avoiding work. I believe and will always believe that Alabamians are eager and have pride in a hard day’s work and want to be able to provide for themselves and their families. Let me add; achieving a 100% ‘labor force participation rate is not the goal. Sixteenyear-olds go to school, and a 66-year-old may

• The council approved the purchase of two-way radios and related equipment for the fire department from Motorola Solutions for an amount of nearly $67,000.

• The council approved the purchase of services from Cisco for a Webex calling plan. The annual charge for the service is $92,847, plus other related per usage

want to retire. A key part of our workforce development efforts is identifying barriers that exist for those on the sidelines who want to work but cannot. Maybe that is childcare. Maybe that is transportation. Maybe that is simply difficulty in shifting from a reliance on government programs to employment. We are working hard to help eliminate these barriers — whatever they may be — so that more Alabamians can participate in our labor force. We also know in Alabama, the best way to increase the labor force participation rate is by also increasing our postsecondary education attainment rate. In other words, we are working to support more Alabamians getting skilled up whether by certificates or schooling to fill the jobs that are out there. Six years ago, I launched my first initiative as governor — Strong Start, Strong Finish. This education agenda focuses on every step of learning from our youngest Alabamians all the way through the workforce. And we will need to tackle both our education, and workforce and economic goals to continually increase our labor force participation rate. That is the Ivey Administration’s new focus. I believe more Alabamians can achieve their strong finish. We will increase both our postsecondary education attainment, as well as our labor force participation. Accomplishing these benchmarks will meet the needs of our employers in this growing and evolving market. Alabama has led the nation in low unemployment. Now, we will shift our focus to labor force participation. In turn, ‘Help Wanted’ signs will come down and more of our Alabama families will prosper.

charges.

• The council approved a resolution to amend the CDBG PY2021 Action Plan.

• The council approved a resolution to approve the CDBG PY2023 Budget & Annual Action Plan.

• The council approved a resolution to amend the Organization Chart of the Engineering Department in

Kiwanis Learns About Court

Lee County Adds More To Broadband Project

BY HANNAH GOLDFINGER HGOLDFINGER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

LEE COUNTY —

The Lee County Commission amended projects under the Lee County Broadband Expansion Grant Program during Monday night’s meeting.

The Broadband Expansion Grant Program is a product of funds from the American Rescue Plan Funds. Broadband expansion was one of the allowed uses for that money.

“On [May 30, 2023], the Lee County Commission approved four specific priority project areas totaling 39.7 miles to expand broadband fiber optic infrastructure and services to unserved areas,” said County Administrator Holly Leverette. “We were notified recently that several of the roads in the counties’ priorities are also currently funded rural-digitalopportunity-fund grant projects that are already in place. This is a federal project where we can’t comingle our funds. So those are already set projects.” That means the county needed to remove roads from its projects, Leverette said, though those areas will still be serviced. The county will not be able to control the timeline, though, she said.

“We were able to add an additional 5.1 miles to the overall priority projects totaling 44.8 miles, so in the end, we’re gaining more mileage, and all of the roads that we had to remove are going to be funded,” she

order to reclassify the Stormwater Management Coordinator non-exempt position from pay grade 18 to pay grade 22.

• The council approved a two-year lease agreement in the amount of $1,200 a month with Petrina Properties LLC for the property located at 105E N. 10th St. in Opelika.

• The council

said.

The application is also being updated, Leverette said. The application will indicate that if an area is already covered federally it cannot be covered by the county. Applications opened Aug. 1 and will close Sept. 15.

OTHER BUSINESS:

- The commission heard a powerpoint presentation by CTV Beam Representatives.

- The commission heard a presentation on the FY 2023 Rebuild Alabama Act Annual Grant Program Award from County Engineer Justin Hardee. Hardee shared the application was approved.

- The commission heard an update on the Loachapoka Park.

- The commission heard the first reading of three openings on the Lee County Commission District Board E911.

- The commission agreed to draft a contract to take Leverette off of probation after a year and a half. A contract will be presented at the next meeting.

- The commission approved the nomination of three members to the County Board of Equalization.

- The commission heard a request from Beulah Utilities and approved a raise in compensation for board members from the county budget.

- The commission approved a bid for 10 or more Panasonic Toughbook Computers for the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

- The commission approved an educational reimbursement request for

approved a professional services agreement with Barrett Simpson for the Phase One Drainage Study of North Railroad and First Avenue.

• The council authorized the waiver of all building and construction permit fees for Habitat for Humanity.

• The council approved a grant application through

the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

- The commission nominated and approved District 1 Commissioner Doug Cannon as the Lee County ACCA Legislative Committee Representative.

- The commission amended the solid waste transition to include that the solid waste office move under the commission office; a new department of commission billing be created; creation of a billing office manager position; creation of guidelines for delinquent accounts; institution of late fees; refund processes; lockbox services; reclassification of CFO position; and amended the solid waste billing guidelines.

- The commission approved the creation of a commission office administrative technician position for the county by reclassifying the grant specialist.

- The commission scheduled budget work sessions.

- The commission approved the creation of a construction materials storage area.

- The commission approved a request for assistance from NCAT.

- The commission approved Goat Rock Ridge, Phase II.

- The commission approved Phase 3 of the Halawakee Creek Landing.

- The commission approved an adopt-a-mile application for Lee Road 265.

ALDOT for an amount not to exceed $250,000 for the installation of traffic controls signals at the intersection of Gateway Drive and Marvyn Parkway (AL Hwy 51.)

• The council held a public hearing and then later voted to approve a weed abatement assessment for the property located at 311 S. 3rd St.

The guest speaker at last week's Opelika Kiwanis Club meeting was Denise Rogers, with the Opelika Municipal Court. She came and spoke on some programs the court has that assist individuals with suspended or revoked licenses. The guest speaker for the Aug. 10 meeting will be Opelika High School head football coach Erik Speakman.

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PUBLIC NOTICES

IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION PETITION OF SEAN PATRICK McNAIR and ASHLEY LYNN McNAIR

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

CASE NO.: 2023-314

PUBLICATION NOTICE

TO: Christopher Earl Kennedy,

Address Unknown

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

A hearing has been set in the Lee County Probate Court, Opelika, Alabama. Should you intend to contest this adoption you must file a written response with the attorney for the petitioner, Hon. Jason C. Riggs, P.O. Box 954, Auburn, AL 36831 and with the Clerk of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, P.O. Box 2266, Opelika, AL 36803 as soon as possible but no later than thirty (30) days from the last day this notice is published Dated on this the 6th day of July 2023.

HON. BILL ENGLISH

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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

Case No.: CV-2023-900262

KINGDOM LAND and PROPERTIES, LLC, Plaintiff, v. A tract or parcel of land designated: Lot Forty-Four (44), Beauregard Estates, Phase II, according to and as shown by that certain map or plat thereof of record in Town Plat Book 23, at Page 112, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama And Sharon (M.) Johnson, and/ or the unknown heirs Of Sharon (M.) Johnson And Fictitious Defendants A, B, C, D, E, F & G, Being Persons, Individuals, Firms, Associations, Partnerships, Corporations or other Entities, Whose names are otherwise unknown to the Plaintiff, but who claim interest in and to the above-captioned parcel of land, and whose correct names and legal identities will be added by Amendment when ascertained, Defendants.

NOTICE OF ACTION

To: All Defendants herein, whose whereabouts are unknown and which cannot be ascertained after the exercise of reasonable diligence.

You are hereby notified that on the 13th day of July, 2023, a complaint to quiet title was filed in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama, and the following are the names of all parties to the action: Kingdom Land and Properties, LLC, as Plaintiff; Sharon (M.) Johnson and/or the unknown heirs of Sharon (M.) Johnson, as Defendant, whose heirs, executors and/or administrators are unknown and cannot be ascertained after the exercise of due diligence, and which are believed to have claimed some

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right, title, interest or claim in and to the property described as follows:

Lot Forty-Four (44), Beauregard Estates, Phase II, according to and as shown by that certain map or plat thereof of record in Town

Plat Book 23, at Page 112, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama

All persons having an interest in said lands or any portion thereof, claiming any title thereto or any encumbrance or lien thereon, are hereby directed to plead, answer, or otherwise respond to the Complaint on or before the expiration of 30 days after the last publication of this notice, or thereafter suffer judgment by default to be rendered against them, it being intended that this notice shall be used to perfect service against all parties who cannot be personally served with a copy of the Complaint.

Done this the 14th day of July, 2023

/s/ Mary Roberson Mary Roberson Circuit Court Clerk, Lee County J. Brandon Rice Davis, Bingham, Hudson & Buckner, P.C. 724 North Dean Road, Suite 100 Auburn, AL 36830

Legal Run 07/20/2023, 07/27/2023, 08/03/2023 & 08/10/2023

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

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that Letters of Administration of the Estate of GLADYS COLETTE HAGERTY, deceased having been granted to GALEN ROGER HAGERTY on the 30th day of June, 2023, by Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate, Lee County, Alabama

Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said Estate are hereby required to present such claims within the time required by law, or the same will forever be barred.

IN RE: The Estate of PEGGY ABLES

a person alleged to be incapacitated.

Case No. 2023-376

NOTICE_OF HEARING TO:

ANY HEIRS OF PEGGY

ABLES

Notice is hereby given that a Petition to Appoint a Guardian of the Estate of PEGGY ABLES, has been filed in the Lee County Probate Office by Lee County Department of Human Resources. A hearing has been set for the 30th day of August, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. central time, electronically via “ZOOM". Please contact the Lee County Probate Court at 334-737-3670 for access to the electronic hearing should you intend to take part in the hearing of the Petition to Appoint a Guardian of the Estate of PEGGY ABLES.

BILL ENGLISH JUDGE OF PROBATE, LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

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

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JUDITH M. BOURNE, DECEASED

Case No.: 2023-267

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Take Notice that Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Betty M. Hill on the 11th day of July, 2023, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama.

Notice is hereby given to all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

J. TUTT BARRETT

P.O. Box 231 Opelika, AL 36803-0231

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

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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

Case No.: CV-2023-900216 SPRAYBERRY REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, LTD.,

Plaintiff, v.

A Parcel of Real Property described as: Lot 1-A, Landmark Subdivision, according to and as shown by that certain map or plat thereof of record in Town Plat Book 11, at Page 29, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, And Landmark Partnership, Ltd., (Sarah) Lucy (Little) Hammond, and/or the unknown heirs of (Sarah) Lucy (Little) Hammond, John R. (Rudolph) Little, and/or the unknown heirs of John R. (Rudolph) Little, et al, Defendants.

NOTICE OF ACTION

To: All Defendants herein, whose whereabouts are unknown and which cannot be ascertained after the exercise of reasonable diligence.

You are hereby notified that on the 13th day of June, 2023, a complaint to quiet title was filed in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama, and the following are the names of all parties to the action: Sprayberry Real Estate Partners, Ltd.,

as Plaintiff; and, Landmark Partnership, Ltd., Charles Tyler Clark, Leigh Clark Marshall, Katherine Marshall Dyer, Molly Marshall Giddens, Mary Mackey DeArment, William Austin Wear, Robert Euguene Webb, Sue Doup Donaldson, Anne Doup, Michael L. Doup, Carol Chandler Doup, Gary L. Webb, and Gregory A. Webb, as Defendants; AND, (Sarah) Lucy (Little) Hammond, and/or the unknown heirs of (Sarah) Lucy (Little) Hammond; and, John R. (Rudolph) Little, and/ or the unknown heirs of John R. (Rudolph) Little; and, James Felton Little, and/or the unknown heirs of James Felton Little; and, (Charlotte) Louise (Little) Hammond, and/or the unknown heirs of (Charlotte) Louise (Little) Hammond; and, Virginia (Blount) (Little) Watts, and/or the unknown heirs of Virginia (Blount) (Little) Watts; and, Charles Hubert Webb, and/or the unknown heirs of Charles Hubert Webb; and, David (Lawrence) Webb, and/or the unknown heirs of David (Lawrence) Webb; and, Eleanor Webb Hayt, and/or the unknown heirs of Eleanor Webb Hayt; and, Leigh M. (Mallett) Clark, and/or the unknown heirs of Leigh M. (Mallett) Clark; and, Charlotte (Judson) Clark, and/or the unknown heirs of Charlotte (Judson) Clark; and, C. (Charles) Edward Clark, and/or the unknown heirs of C. (Charles) Edward Clark; and, James Lewis Clark, and/or the unknown heirs of James Lewis Clark; and, Julia Ann (Clark) Wear, and/or the unknown heirs of Julia Ann (Clark) Wear; and, Mary Leigh (Clark) Schensnol, and/or the unknown heirs of Mary Leigh (Clark) Schensnol, as additional Defendants, all of whose heirs, executors and/or administrators are unknown and cannot be ascertained after the exercise of due diligence, and which are believed to have claimed some right, title, interest or claim in and to the property described as follows: Lot 1-A, Landmark Subdivision, according to and as shown by that certain map or plat thereof of record in Town Plat Book 11, at Page 29, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama. All persons having an interest in said lands or any portion thereof, claiming any title thereto or any encumbrance or lien thereon, are hereby directed to plead, answer, or otherwise respond to the Complaint on or before the expiration of 30 days after the last publication of this notice, or thereafter suffer judgment by default to be rendered against them, it being intended that this notice shall be used to perfect service against all parties who cannot be personally served with a copy of the Complaint.

Done this the 21st day of July, 2023

/s/ Mary Roberson Mary Roberson Circuit Court Clerk, Lee County J. Brandon Rice Davis, Bingham, Hudson & Buckner, P.C. 724 North Dean Road, Suite 100 Auburn, AL 36830 Legal Run 07/27/2023, 08/03/2023, 08/10/2023 & 08/17/2023

IN THE PROBATE

Opelika,

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busi accts for int’l companies & preparing conversion of the accts under GAAP/IFRS acct’g sytm., Send resume to Hanwha Cimarron, LLC, 4800 N Park Dr., Opelika, AL 36801.

COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF PAMELA JORDAN GRYSKI, DECEASED Case No.: 2023-300

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Take Notice that Letters

Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Mike Murphy on the 31st day of May, 2023, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama. Notice is hereby given to all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

J. TUTT BARRETT P.O. Box 231 Opelika, AL 36803-0231

Legal Run 07/27/2023, 08/03/2023 & 08/10/2023

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE:THE ESTATE OF PLENIE LOU JOHNSON, DECEASED.

TAKE NOTICE that Letters

Testamentary having been granted to Johnny Johnson, as Executor of the Estate of Plenie Lou Johnson, deceased, on the 10th day of July, 2023, by the Honorable Bill English. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same be barred.

Johnny Johnson, Executor Of the Estate of Plenie Lou Johnson, Deceased Marrell J. McNeal, Attorney at Law, PC PO Box 308 Opelika, AL 36803 334-745-7033

Legal Run 07/27/2023, 08/03/2023 & 08/10/2023

INVITATION TO BID 23039

Sealed bids for the construction of the Opelika Parks & Recreation Calhoun Complex Retrofit Lighting Project 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 Monday, August 28, 2023, and then publicly opened and read aloud. Only bids from competent general contractors will be considered. The successful bidder must be a properly licensed general contractor. The attention of all bidders is called to the provisions of State law governing “General Contractors” as set forth in the Ala. Code §34-8-1, et. seq. (1975) and rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto. Bidders must be licensed by the Licensing Board for General Contractors when bids are submitted. A State of Alabama General Contractor License is required with a specialty construction classification in Electrical. All bidders must submit with their proposal, contractor’s license number and a copy of the license. State law Ala. Code §34-8-8(b) requires all bids to be rejected which do not contain the contractor’s current license number. Evidence of this license shall

be documented on the outside of the sealed bid. All bidders shall possess all other licenses and/or permits required by applicable law, rule or regulation for the performance of the work. Specifications may be obtained from the Purchasing Department located at 204 S 7th Street, Opelika, Alabama, and phone number: 334-705-5120. Bid documents may also be downloaded from the City’s website at www. opelika-al.gov/bids.aspx. The bidder’s proposal must be submitted on the complete original proposal furnished to him by the City of Opelika. All information in the proposal must be completed by the bidder for the proposal to be accepted.

A certified check or Bid Bond payable to the City of Opelika, Alabama in an amount not less than five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000.00 must accompany the bidder's sealed proposal - refer also to Instructions to Bidders. Performance and statutory labor and material payment bonds for the full contract sum will be required of the successful bidder at the signing of the Contract. The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids and to waive irregularities. Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to: Lillie Finley, Purchasing/Revenue & Codes Director, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama, 368030390. Attn: Opelika Parks & Recreation Calhoun Complex Retrofit Lighting Project LILLIE FINLEYPURCHASING/REVENUE & CODES DIRECTOR CITY OF OPELIKA 204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET (36801) POST OFFICE BOX 390 (368030390) OPELIKA, ALABAMA PH: (334) 705-5121 Legal Run 07/27/23, 08/03/23 & 08/10/23

CITY OF OPELIKA

ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA 300 Martin Luther King Blvd. August 8, 2023

TIME: 9:00 AM

A.APPROVAL OF MINUTES B.VARIANCE

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 08-03-2023

See PUBLIC NOTICES, page B13

McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture for the Boykin-Donahue Campus Public Library Project for over $429,200.

OTHER BUSINESS:

- The council announced a vacancy on the Lee County Youth Development Center.

- The council approved a concurrence for INICS Battery Solutions Corp for 2585 Innovation Drive in Auburn Technology Park West and a tax

PUBLIC NOTICES

FROM B12

>>

INVITATION TO BID

Separate sealed bids for the completion of the construction of Storm Drain Repair for the City of LaFayette, Alabama, will be received by the City of LaFayette, 50 Alabama Avenue West, PO Box 87, Alabama 36862, until 3:00 pm CST, August 17, 2023. No bids will be received after the time set forth hereinabove, and the Proposals will be publicly opened and read aloud.

The project consists of furnishing all labor, tools, materials, and equipment for completing the City of LaFayette Storm Drain Repair project. Inspection of the site prior to submitting a bid is mandatory. Time is of the essence to reopen Hospital Street.

Plans and Contract Documents may be obtained from the office of the engineer, Harmon Engineering & Contracting Co., Inc. located at 13376 C. L. Torbert Parkway, LaFayette, Alabama, 36862, upon payment of $100.00 per set, non-refundable. PDF sets are available for $50.00 per set non-refundable.

Direct request for bid packages to the address listed above, by email to austin@he-inc.co, or by phone 334-864-9135. The plans and specifications are also on file for examination at the LaFayette City Hall. Bids will be opened publicly and read in the presence of those interested. The Owner reserves the right to waive any informality or to reject any or all bids. The owner reserves the right to select the lowest legal Bid deemed in the best interest of the owner. A "responsive" bid shall be evidenced by: (1), a Proposal Form completed in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders and with instructions and/or requests contained in any other sections of the Contract Documents; (2), a Proposal Form not evidencing any apparent unbalanced pricing for performance of the items of work; (3) a Proposal Form without excisions, special conditions or qualifications made by the Bidder. Each bidder must deposit with his bid, security in the amount, form and subject to the conditions provided in the Information to Bidders.

A Performance Bond and a Payment Bond will be required from all contractors in an amount equal to 100% of the contract price, guaranteeing faithful performance of the contract and payment of all persons supplying labor and/or materials for the construction of the project. All bidders must have a current Contractors License with appropriate specialties from the State of Alabama. Each bidder shall be responsible for knowledge of and compliance with the Alabama Public Works bid law, Alabama Code Section 39-1-1, et seq. Bids will be received only from experienced contractors who have successfully completed projects of similar scope. Each bid must be submitted in a sealed envelope bearing on the outside the name of the bidder, his address, the name of the project for which the bid is submitted, and the bidder's Alabama's Contractor's License Number. If forwarded by mail, the sealed envelope containing the bid must be enclosed in another envelope addressed as specified. Envelopes containing bids must be addressed as follows, and delivered to Mr. Louis Davidson, City Clerk, City of LaFayette, 50 Alabama Avenue West, PO Box 87, LaFayette, AL 36862 and marked "BID FOR STORM DRAIN REPAIR".

abatement.

- The council approved a contract with Bill & Sons Body Shop Inc. for repairs to police patrol vehicle No. 104 due to a traffic collision for over $23,600.

- The council approved the amendment of a facility encroachment agreement with CSX Transportation Inc. for the Will Buechner Parkway Project for over $7,600.

- The council approved a construction agreement with CSX Transportation,Inc. for the Will Buechner Parkway Project for

No bidder may withdraw his bid within 30 days after the actual date of the opening thereof.

Legal Run 08/03/2023

IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

IN RE: The Estate of WILLIAM RUSSELL MOORE, DECEASED

Case No. 2023-14

NOTICE OF HEARING

TO: Mickey Loughman4856 Old Farm Court NE, Woodstock, GA 3Ql88

Marty Ashe, 640 Magnolia

Lane, Acworth, GA 30102

Martha McQuffie - 600 54th Avenue East, Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 AND ANY OTHER

KNOWN OR UNKNOWN heirs of WILLIAM RUSSELL MOORE, Deceased

Notice is hereby given that a Petition to Probate the Last Will and Testament of the Estate of WILLIAM RUSSELL MOORE, deceased has been filed in the Lee County Probate Office. A hearing has been set for the 6th day of September, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. central time, electronically via ..ZOOM".

Please contact the Lee County Probate Court at 334-737-3670 for access to the electronic hearing should you intend to take part in the hearing of the Petition to Probate the Last Will and Testament of the Estate of WILLIAM RUSSELL MOORE, deceased.

BILL ENGLISH JUDGE OF PROBATE, LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

Legal Run 08/03/2023, 08/10/2023 & 08/17/2023

INVITATION FOR BIDS

Sealed bids will be received by the Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners of the City of Mobile, Alabama (“Board”), at MAWSS Training Center Conference Room, 4725A Moffett Road, Mobile, AL 36618, Mobile, AL 36618 until 12:00 p.m., Local Time, September 11, 2023, and then publicly opened and read at 1:00 p.m., for furnishing all labor, materials, and performing all work for the following project:

Contract No. M5712-2700, Perch Creek Area Sanitary Sewer Trunk Line CIPP Phase 1. Plans and Specifications may be inspected at the Board’s offices at 4725A Moffett Road, Mobile, AL 36618; or at the office of McCrory & Williams, Inc., Consulting Engineers, Mobile, AL.

Copies of the Plans, Specifications, and other

Contract Documents may be obtained from McCrory & Williams, Inc. , 3207 International Drive, Suite G, upon a non-refundable payment of $100.00 per set. No Contract Documents will be issued later than twenty-four (24) hours prior to bid submission time.

A mandatory pre-bid conference will be held at MAWSS, 4725 Moffett Road, Mobile, Alabama 36618 on August 17, 2023 at 10:00 a.m., Local Time, to discuss bidding and project requirements. Prospective bidders and subcontractors should attend. Bids must be submitted on the standard forms included with the Contract Documents. The bidders shall comply with the requirements outlined in the Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners, Policy No.: UBE/DBE 1601, Approved: December 5, 2016, Amended October 2017,

Envelopes containing bids must be sealed and delivered to the Director, Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners of the City of Mobile, Alabama, 4725A Moffett Road, Mobile, AL 36618 or placed in the drop

over $42,800.

- The council approved a contract with Cutting Edge Lawn Service LLC.

H.C. Morgan WPCF for the Steam Bank Stabilization Project Tree and Shrub Installation for over $77,300.

- The council approved the purchase of 1,652 steam mitigation credits from Broadview Mitigation Bank (BMB) through Headwaters LLC for the BoykinDonahue Campus Project for $247,800.

- The council approved the purchase

box located inside the MAWSS Business Entrance lobby: “Bid for constructing Contract No. M5712-2700, Perch Creek Area Sanitary Sewer Trunk Line CIPP Phase 1, to be opened at 1:00 p.m., Local Time, September 11, 2023”.

The Bidder's Alabama State Contractor's License Number and discipline shall be on the envelope. Bid guarantee in the form of certified check, bid bond, or irrevocable letter of credit acceptable to the Board will be required for at least 5% of the bid amount, not to exceed $10,000.

The Board reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive any informality in bids received.

The BID SCHEDULE may be examined at the following locations:

A. Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs Office of Minority Business Enterprise 401 Adams Avenue, Suite 580 Montgomery, AL 36103

The Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners of the City of Mobile 4725A Moffett Road Mobile, Alabama 36618

Any contract awarded under this Invitation for Bids may be paid for in whole or in part with grant funding from the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council (“RESTORE Council”, also “Council”) and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (“ADCNR”) under the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012 (RESTORE Act). Any contract resulting from this solicitation will be subject to the terms and conditions of the funding award, the RESTORE Council Financial Assistance Standard Terms and Conditions, including any Special Award Conditions, the Standard Sub-Award Terms and Conditions, the RESTORE Act, 33 U. S. C. 1321(t) et seq., the U.S. Department of the Treasury Regulations 31 C. F. R. § 34 et seq., including 31 C. F. R. §§ 34, Subpart F, all applicable terms and conditions in 2 C.

F. R. Part 200 of the Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”) Uniform Guidance for Grants and Cooperative Agreements, as amended, (including Appendix II to Part 200), and all other OMB circulars, executive orders or other federal laws or regulations, as applicable. Notwithstanding the above, neither ADCNR nor the RESTORE Council, or any of their agents, representatives, or employees, is or will be a party to this Invitation for Bids or any resulting contract. Further, any contractor awarded a contract under this Invitation for Bids shall not be deemed to be an agent, representative, employee or servant of ADCNR or the RESTORE Council.

Minority and women’s business enterprises are solicited to bid on this contract as prime contractors and are encouraged to make inquiries regarding potential subcontracting opportunities and equipment, material and/or supply needs.

All bidders must make positive efforts to use small and minority owned business and women business enterprises. THIS INVITATION FOR BIDS IS CONDENSED FOR ADVERTISING PURPOSES. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ REQUIREMENTS FOR BIDDERS CAN BE FOUND IN THE CONTRACT DOCUMENTS. THE BOARD OF WATER AND SEWER COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF MOBILE, ALABAMA Legal Run 08/03/2023, 08/10/2023

of traffic separator devices for Cox Road from Impact Recovery Systems for over $25,000.

- The council approved the purchase of two 2023 Dodge Chargers for the Police Department - Detective Section from Stivers Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for over $78,900.

- The council approved a contract with Terracon Consultants Inc. for the Public Safety Training Facility - Phase 2 Classroom Building Project for $18,200.

- The council ap -

LEGAL NOTICE OF PUBLIC

HEARING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA

To:Bill J. Jones, Jr., and all other persons claiming any interest in the building or structure located at 3807 Heritage Place, Opelika, Alabama. The Building Official of the City of Opelika, Alabama, determined that the condition of the building or structure located 3807 Heritage Place, Opelika, Alabama, 36804, is in such condition as to make it dangerous to the life, health, property, morals, safety or general welfare of the public.

NOTICE is hereby given that the City Council of the City of Opelika, Alabama, will meet in public session at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, in the Courtroom of the Opelika Municipal Court Building, 300 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama, for the purpose of discussing the findings of the Building Official and to consider the adoption of a resolution ordering the demolition of the building located at the above-described property. All interested persons are invited to appear before the City Council to show cause why his or her objection to the demolition of the building or structure should be sustained. Upon the holding of the hearing, the City Council shall determine whether or not the building or structure is unsafe to the extent that it is a public nuisance. If it is determined by the City Council that the building or structure is unsafe to the extent that it is a public nuisance, the City Council shall order the demolition of the building or structure at the expense of the City and assess the expense of the demolition against the land on which the building or structure stands or to which it is attached. The property referred to is more particularly described as follows: Lot Number Seventy-One (#71) of BENT CREEK SUBDIVISION, Heritage Section in Opelika, Lee County, Alabama, according to and as shown by plat of survey thereof made by T. Richard Fuller, Licensed Land Surveyor, Registration No. 7384, recorded in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, in Plat Book 9 at Page 83. Also being further described as Parcel Number 43-09-0726-0-000-071.035, according to records maintained in the Lee County Revenue Commissioner’s Office. All interested persons are invited to attend the meeting and be heard. Written communications concerning the above matter may be mailed to the City Clerk at City Hall, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama 36803, at any time prior to the public hearing and may be further submitted to the City Council at the meeting and public hearing. Any person aggrieved by the decision of the City Council may, within ten (10) days hereafter, appeal to the Circuit Court upon filing with the Clerk of the Court notice of appeal and a bond for security of costs in the form and amount approved by the Circuit Clerk. Please contact Brian Weiss, the City’s ADA Contact Person, at 334-705-5134 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to any disability. Further information concerning this Notice may be obtained at the Office of the City Clerk during normal business hours.

DATED this the 3rd day of August, 2023.

/s/Russell A. Jones, CMC CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 08/3/23, 08/10/23, 08/17/23 & 08/24/23

proved three board nominations for the Board of Equalization.

- The council approved the establishment of “school speed limit sign assemblies” for Woodland Pines Elementary School.

- The council amended the city code, article IV, Section 3-70 to add manufacturer as a license type category and set the annual manufacturer license fee to $1,500.

- The commission approved a manufacturer alcohol beverage license for ABW Auburn LLC doing business as

STATE OF ALABAMA, LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, IN THE MATTER OF THE WILL OF ENID LOVELESS WEISSINGER, DECEASED.

NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS

Letters Testamentary on the Estate of Enid Loveless Weissinger, deceased, having been granted to Charles Hill Weissinger on the12th day of July, 2023, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of Probate of said county, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Legal Run 08/3/23, 8/10/23, 8/17/23

Notice of Public Auction Mini

Mall Storage-Opelika

We will be holding a public auction online at SelfStorageAuction.com

Date: August 16, 2023

Time: 10:00am

The payment methods we accept for this are cash, debit, Visa, Mastercard and Amex. All sales are final: The bidder must place a $100 cash deposit, make payment and clear out the unit within 48 hours from the time the auction closes. Once the unit has been inspected, the $100 cash deposit will be returned to the bidder. We currently have 1 unit:

Unit-# B09

Contents: Wooden chairs & table, TV tray,microwave,flat screen TV, stuffed animals,boxes, outdoor chairs,rug,wooden magazine holder, small table,storage cubes,art, recliner/ chair,desk chair Legal Run 8-3-2023

NOTICE OF COURT PROCEEDING IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

Notice of the filing of Petition for Summary Distribution In the Estate of CONNIE BETH CASH, deceased. Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the LEE COUNTY Probate Office by Kevin M. Cash on April 24, 2023, pursuant to Section 43-2-690, Code of Alabama and that 30 days after the notice of publication hereof and pursuant to law the Court shall be requested to enter an Order Directing Summary Distribution of the estate of said decedent.

BILL ENGLISH, PROBATE

JUDGE Legal Run 08/03/2023

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Take Notice that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION were granted to Anthony Edward Carpenter on the Estate of Amanda Christine Carpenter, deceased, on the 17thday of July, 2023 by 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.

BILL ENGLISH JUDGE OF PROBATE

Legal Run 07/27/2023, 08/03/2023 & 08/10/2023

LEGAL NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA NOTICE is hereby given that the City Council (the “Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama, will meet in public session at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, in the Courtroom of the Municipal Court Building, 300 Martin Luther King Blvd.

New Realm Brewing Company for 207 S. College St.

- The commission approved a tax abatement for Seohan Auto USA Corporation located at 2590 Innovation Drive in the Auburn Technology Park West.

- The commission approved a commercial development agreement with Friendship Foods Inc. Country’s BBQ.

- The commission approved a contract with TRP Construction Group, LLC for the FY 23 Streets Restriping Project for $250,000.

in the City of Opelika, Alabama, for the purpose of considering the transaction of business that may properly come before the Council, such business to include, but not be limited to, the authorization by the Council, pursuant to Amendment No. 772 to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, as amended, of a resolution (the “Resolution”) approving the execution and delivery of a Development Agreement (the “Agreement”) by and between the City of Opelika, a municipal corporation (the “City”), and BROAD METRO, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, (the “Company”) to be dated the date of delivery with respect to a proposed development to be located in the City (the “Project”). Pursuant to the Agreement, the Company has acquired approximately 73.35 acres of real property located at the intersection of Gateway Drive and Interstate 85 in the corporate limits of the City, and is constructing approximately 100,000 square feet of improvements for use as retail, restaurants, a QuikTrip store and gas station, a golf entertainment venue and other commercial uses requiring a total estimated capital investment of $7,400,000. The Company estimates that the Project is expected to create, when fully placed in service, approximately 80-100 full and part-time jobs. In consideration for the obligations of the Company under the Agreement, the City has agreed to share with the Company an amount equal to fifty percent (50%) of (a) City Sales Tax Proceeds and (b) Non-Economic and Tourism City Loging Tax Proceeds actually generated and collected from the Development over a period of up to fifteen (15) years. The total maximum City Contribution under the Agreement shall not exceed $7,500,000.

The City seeks to achieve, by undertaking its obligations pursuant to the Agreement and the Resolution, to promote the economic development of the City by facilitating the acquisition and construction of the Project for the benefit of the general public, to increase employment opportunities in the City and to increase the tax and revenue base of the City.

The business entity to whom or for whose benefit the City proposes to lend its credit or grant of public funds or thing of value is Broad Metro, LLC.

All interested persons may examine and review the Project Agreement and Resolution and all relevant documents and make copies thereof at personal expense at the offices of the City Clerk during normal business hours, before and after the meeting referenced herein.

During the public meeting referenced above, the City Council will conduct a public hearing with respect to the Agreement and the matters therein contained. All interested persons are invited to attend the public hearing and be heard. Written communications concerning the above matter may be mailed to the City Clerk at City Hall, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama 36803 at any time prior to the public hearing and may be further submitted to the City Council at the meeting and public hearing.

Please contact Brian Weiss, the City’s ADA Compliance Officer at (334) 705-5134 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability. Further information concerning the information of this Notice can be obtained at the office of the City Clerk during normal business hours.

DATED this the 3rd day of August, 2023.

/s/ Russell A. Jones, CMC CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 08/03/2023

The Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most special places on Earth. Located in Northern Arizona in the United States it is not just spectacular to see as a tourist from the edge, but it is a living science museum. It is a record of time on this planet and is a home for a wide range of animals. Evidence of human life from the past can be found as well as dinosaur fossils. From the rim of the canyon, to the canyon floor, amazing discoveries wait to be found. There is a lot to explore because the Grand Canyon is 277 miles long and 18 miles wide. It is bigger than the entire state of Rhode Island. Today you can visit the park, hike trails, take a helicopter ride above the canyon or even ride a mule from the top to the Colorado River deep within the canyon walls.

Smartypants academy

More materials for parents and teachers!

Videos!

The first European explorers to reach the Grand Canyon were Spanish Conquistadors led by Francisco Vázquez de Coronado. The first American to actually make it down the Colorado River from one end of the canyon to the other was Major John Wesley Powell. His group started the trip in May of 1869 in Wyoming. There were 10 people in the beginning. By the time they reached the exit of the Grand Canyon there were 6 people left. One man, Frank Goodman, stayed behind at a settlement in July thinking they would never make it down the river. Three other men were killed by Native Americans when they decided to leave the boats and hike out. The adventure was almost 1,000 miles and took 98 days. One amazing thing about this expedition is that John Powell completed the trip with only one arm. He lost the other arm during a battle in the Civil War.

Archaeologists have found artifacts and other evidence that people lived in the canyon almost 12,000 years ago. This culture is called the Paleoindians and they lived in the canyon for around 3,000 years. Not only are there about 2,000 Anasazi ruins but the oldest ones are almost 2,000 years old. The Tusayan Ruins have been a popular place to visit and learn about the Anasazi people. There are 11 Native American Tribes that believe the Grand Canyon is a sacred place. The Havasupai, Hopi, Navajo, Zuni, and Paiute, along with other tribes, have legends and stories about the canyon.

There are many animals that live in the canyon now, but there is also evidence of animals from thousands of years ago. Within the national park there are five different ecosystems. This means there is an enormous amount of wildlife that calls it home. Mammals that live in the Grand Canyon include small animals like bats, squirrels and ring tailed cats (the Arizona state mammal) and rabbits. If you’re looking for something larger you may spot some elk or bighorn sheep. There are two very shy animals in the park that you may never see, one is the largest wild cat in North America, the mountain lion. The other is the smaller bobcat. Soaring between and above the walls of the canyon you may spot a California Condor, ravens, hawks and eagles. At the bottom of the canyon in the Colorado River there are six species of fish you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Spiders, snakes, lizards, butterflies and other insects inhabit

An artist with Powell’s expedition painted this picture of the men running deadly whitewater rapids through the canyon.

Ringtail cat

The Georgia Isles: Jekyll & St. Simons Islands

October 19 – 22, 2023

DELUXE CHARTER BUS TOUR

Explore the Isles’ Unique History & Natural Wonders!

•3 nights’ stay at Jekyll Hampton- Oceanside

•Private boat tour, marshlands, Maritime forest

•Fort Frederica and Battle of Bloody Marsh

•Gullah-Geechee culture, and much more!

$995/double $1395/single

Organizing top-quality historic tours since 2015

THIS WEEK’S PUZZLE ANSWERS: