Council of leaders aims to make Opelika a better place to live and work
BY DAVID BELL FOR THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA — The accomplishments of a group of people working together toward achieving a common goal are being realized on the streets, in schools and across communities in the city of Opelika.
Formed in 2021 through the Opelika Police Department, the Ambassadors of Change Council is comprised of multiple organizations and community advocates whose mission is to work together on various projects and issues, uplifting and empowering all citizens and residents to make Opelika a better place to live and work.
“Before the Council was formed, we had a lot of different organizations working on individual projects throughout the city,” said Council Chair Tiffany Gibson. “It was decided that we should come together and collaborate our efforts collectively for greater impact and better results.” Gibson operates a local
non-profit organization called Girls’ STEPS Inc., which encourages girls in grades 3-12 to join a movement that prepares them to become leaders in their schools, communities and life beyond. The program focuses on providing opportunities through education, advocacy and support.
“My organization and others like it were part of a small group at first, but the Ambassadors of Change Council quickly grew,” Gibson said.
The initial focus of the council was to help support the mission and values of the Opelika Police Department, facilitate communication between residents and police and help bring the five wards of Opelika together as a whole community. In monthly meetings, representatives from the local court system, public schools and community advocacy groups supplied information about their individual cares and concerns and ways the Ambassadors of Change could assist.
As additional needs and objectives were identified,
One of the Ambassadors of Change Council’s
the Council expanded its outreach to the Opelika City School District by sponsoring an annual “Back to School Bash,” distributing free school supplies to children in grades K-12.
“Our third consecutive event was held on July 20 at the Covington Recreation Center,” Gibson said.
“Approximately 60 organizations and 400 students
participated in the activities that also included food and entertainment, a College Expo and parent information sessions with Opelika City Schools officials to answer questions regarding registration status, lunch programs and transportation. We also had drawings for gift cards totaling over $1,000 for back-to-school clothing.”
Other collaborations
have involved expertise on how to successfully write grants for non-profit organizations and how to establish data platforms to make the application process easier. Community surveys are conducted on a regular basis to help identify other areas of need throughout the city.
The Ambassadors of Change Council currently meets quarterly at the Ope-
lika Public Library, with the next meeting scheduled for Oct. 28 at 5:30 p.m.
“The public is invited to attend, and we encourage everyone who is interested in making our city the best it can be to come and join us,” Gibson said.
Opelika Ambassadors of Change maintains a Facebook page that contains information about upcoming activities and events.
CONTRIBUTED BY CITY OF AUBURN
AUBURN — The Auburn Beautification Council presented St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church with a Loveliest Village Award on Wednesday, Aug. 7. The award honors St. Dunstan’s for the beautiful landscaping in front of their church, including topiaries, hanging ferns, lovely flowers and neatly trimmed shrubs. As a prominent location in downtown
Auburn, St. Dunstan’s was nominated for the award because of their hard work that contributes to the beauty of the community. The Auburn Beautification Council has four awards that recognize individuals, organizations and businesses that contribute to the beautification of Auburn. The public is invited to make nominations and can do so using the forms at auburnbeautification. com/how-to-nominate.
BY ELESE MCKINLEY
FOR THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA — Starting Aug. 16, the Opelika’s newest art studio, The Fired Fox, will host an Alley Art Walk in the breezeway between 8th Street and Courthouse Square. Alley Art Walks will be held on the third Friday of each month during Food Truck Fridays.
Alley Art Walks will allow local artists to showcase and sell their works.
Crysten Conner, owner of The Fired Fox, encourages the community to come support these local artists’ small businesses.
“The saying ‘starving artists’ is a real thing,” Conner said. “There are lots of artists who are super talented, but they lack a platform to showcase their creations locally and consistently. The Alley Art Walk is a great opportunity for artists to have a consistent outlet to sell their creations.”
Artists who sign up for the Art Walk will pay a table registration fee, which will be donated to local nonprofit organizations. There will also be a new charity spotlight every month, with representatives from the featured charity
having a table at the Alley Art Walk. This allows the community to learn about charities in need of donations and find out how they can get involved.
“I’m amazed at the number of nonprofits that exist right under our noses,” Conner said. “If people are educated about the needs of our community and the
The Opelika Rage Room celebrated its one year anniversary with a ribbon cutting. Opelika Rage Room can jazz up your next date night, party or fun group outing. Break things in style, and let out your artistic side in the paint splatter room. There’s even a “cosmic mode” turning everything glow-in-the-dark while you jam out to music with your friends. The Opelika Rage Room is located at 1510 2nd Ave. Book your next rage at https://loom.ly/ZBY2s-k or by phone at (334) 777-6688.
nonprofit organizations that serve those needs, they are generally excited about helping others when they are aware of the situations around them.”
Conner hopes that by highlighting these nonprofits, more people will become aware of the important work being done in the community. By providing
a platform for both artists and charities, The Fired Fox aims to foster a sense of unity and collective purpose among Opelika residents.
The Fired Fox Art Studio, which opened on Aug. 1, provides a creative outlet for people of all skill levels to express themselves. The studio is located at 207 S.
Editor’s Note: In
edition, The Observer incorrectly reported that The Fired Fox opened on Oct. 1. Also, after being painted, pottery will be glossed with a clear glaze rather than a clear resin. We apologize for the error and are happy to set the record straight.
Southern Employer Benefits to kick off initiative with luncheon on Aug. 21
OPELIKA — Southern Employer Benefits LLC announced that Lady Legends, an initiative to empower women leaders and small business owners, will kick off with a luncheon on Wednesday, Aug. 21.
The Lady Legends Inaugural Luncheon will be held from 12 pm to 1:30 pm at the office of Southern Employer Benefits, located at 1809 Corporate Drive in Opelika. The event is free, but an in-kind donation to support BigHouse Foundation’s family beach trip in October is requested. Lady Legends was the idea of Katlin Lee, owner of Southern Employer Benefits, and her associate, Jennifer Eck.
“We looked around and recognized that the growth Opelika and Auburn are experiencing has also brought to the forefront the large number of women leaders and small business
owners in this area,” Lee said. “With that in mind, we wanted to create an environment where women could come together throughout the year while raising awareness of our local nonprofits and helping to increase their visibility to different audiences.”
Southern Employer Benefits is based in Opelika and provides employer benefit program options for small to midsize businesses.
“Many women business owners and leaders are mothers and sometimes even more busy after 5 p.m.,” Lee said.
“We wanted to find a different way of networking that does not interfere with family time and still gives the opportunity to grow professionally.”
“Having a community impact was vital to the design of Lady Legends,” Eck said. “Each event will be in support of a local non-profit.
This will enable us to have an educational
component every time so that we can help our nonprofits reach a greater audience and assist in their contributions to the community, but, more importantly, showcase how women leaders can provide strength and impact.”
Registration for the luncheon is required at www.southernemployerbenefits.com. For additional information on Lady Legends, visit the website or email jennifer@southernbenefits.org.
ABOUT SOUTHERN EMPLOYER BENEFITS LLC Southern Employer Benefits LLC offers comprehensive group health, life and supplemental benefit programs tailored to fit the needs of a business and their employees. Aligning with a varied group of insurance providers, Southern Employer Benefits is able to offer employers of all sizes paid and voluntary benefits while managing benefit administration.
EAST ALABAMA —
Since 1938, Beck’s Turf Inc., strategically located between Auburn and Tuskegee, has been a staple in the turfgrass industry. In 1994, brothers Jimmy and Wayne Bassett took over the operation.
Jimmy, a 1987 Auburn University graduate with a degree in business administration, and Wayne, who graduated from Troy University in 1986 with a marketing degree, combined their skills to purchase the farm from the Beck family. Wayne was working in sales for another sod farm at the time, while Jimmy was a banker.
The Bassetts have expanded the farm to include five operations within a 10mile radius, employing 45 people. Beck’s Turf primarily grows sod for residential sales but also handles some golf course renovations in the Birmingham area and has supplied grass for the Jane B. Moore Field, home of AU softball.
They pride themselves on being the oldest zoysia farm in the United States.
Beck’s Turf originally had an ornamental tree nursery that the Bassetts shut down after a few years. They then opened The Wildlife Group nursery that grows nut and fruit-bearing trees and other wildlife habitat enhancement plants.
In 2000, they enhanced turfgrass offerings with Celebration® Bermudagrass, a licensed variety, and have expanded over time to well over 100 acres of production. They’ve also updated their irrigation systems, started grid soil sampling
and variable rate spreading.
Jimmy said the AU Turfgrass Department conducts significant research on their farm, including, most recently, a nutsedge test trial with new chemistry alongside Dr. Scott McElroy, professor of weed science/ turf at AU’s Crop, Soil & Environmental Sciences Department. In June, the Bassetts hosted a bus full of students from AU’s Auburn Global program, which offers international students opportunities for academic, language and career growth.
“We had 26 students from South Korea here yesterday for a farm tour,” said Wayne. “That’s good for the community and for spreading turfgrass internationally. You know, what are the benefits of turfgrass and why are we growing it? Not just because it’s pretty but because of the environmental effects too. We can use that as a platform to educate the world on the benefits of turfgrass.”
He also hosts Auburn Turfgrass classes several times throughout the academic year, allowing students to see a sod farming operation in person. In midApril, Beck’s Turf hosted the AU Turfgrass Club’s Spring meeting, where members kayaked and fished in the ponds on the sod farm, and they cooked dinner for them. Jimmy explained that it benefits them to form these relationships with the students.
Wayne noted the importance of adapting to industry changes, such as automation. Most recently, Beck’s Turf has implemented using drones to spray chemicals on their fields.
“When you can’t get out there with ground equipment because of moisture and other elements but you need to apply something, you can do it with the drone,” Wayne said. “It speeds up some processes, like this year we used it for our fire ant bait program.”
Another way Beck’s Turf improves profits and streamlines day-to-day operations is through the implementation of turf logistics software, which is crucial in managing tree shipments from their nursery division. While UPS handles the shipping, Turf Logistics manages inventory and invoicing and streamlines the pick ticket system for dispatching trees. The system also provides reports that are vital for invoicing and tracking sod sales.
Both Bassett brothers offered advice and suggestions for future turfgrass students and enthusiasts.
“Marry a good woman so she will support you in your endeavor of long hours and hard work,” Wayne said, jokingly. Both brothers attribute much of their success to the support of their wives, Catherine (Jimmy) and Sheila (Wayne), as well as the dedication of their employees.
They also suggest hiring good people. With minimal turnover since they took over, the Bassetts have grown close with their staff and consider them like family. Many of their employees have been with the company for many years, some as long as 40 years.
Jimmy said working with landscapers who enjoy what they do makes their job more enjoyable. Wayne said any time they meet a customer who compliments the quality of sod they got from Beck’s Turf five, eight or even 10 years later, it is a very rewarding feeling.
“We’re proud of our product and our grass, and we always appreciate the compliments they give,” Jimmy said. “It helps them sell their next job by us doing a good job for our landscapers. We’ve got landscapers who have been working with us for 30 years. We look for repeat customers and sometimes turn down big jobs to make
sure we can supply our weekly and monthly customers with sod.” Jimmy recalls receiving a call from a homeowner in Birmingham who needed some Emerald Zoysia to replace grass a utility company had dug up. The original sod had been purchased from Beck’s Turf in the early 1950s and the customer called back to say the new grass matched almost perfectly, nearly 50 years later. Jimmy said it was gratifying to know the original plant stock was still performing the same decades later. Beck’s Turf focuses on quality, efficiency and education, ensuring it remains a leader in the turfgrass industry. To learn more about their products and services, visit BecksTurf.com.
Information in this article submitted by Cecilia Johnson, media and content manager for Sod Solutions, an expert resource for lawn and garden content.
BY JACQUELINE JARIK
AGATE PUBLISHING
AUBURN — On Friday, Aug. 23 at 6:30 p.m., Auburn Oil Co. Booksellers will celebrate the release of award-winning journalist and local author Roger Thurow’s newest book, Against the Grain. Thurow will discuss his new book, answer questions, and sign copies. Against the Grain draws on the author’s four decades of journalism and humanitarian experience to explore how the practices of modern agriculture often turn against the farmers themselves, leading to malnutrition in their families, degradation of their soil and other environmental calamities that threaten their lives and their livelihoods. The result is a profound narrative of heroic farmers around the world confronting the collision of humanity’s two supreme imperatives: nourishing us all and preserving the planet from the very consequences of growing our food.
As rising global temperatures break records and disrupt global weather patterns, farmers have been forced to face the effects of modern-day agricultural practices on the land
they till and the environment at large. A focus on high-yielding, fast-growing crops has created a chemical-reliant, monocropping system that contributes to depleted soils, dwindling water resources, vanishing forests, endangered biodiversity and the release of greenhouse gases. Against the Grain spotlights shareholder, indigenous and family farmers who have turned away from that system, focusing instead on regenerating the soil and growing more diverse, nutritious food.
Author Roger Thurow brings readers on a transcontinental journey through the pioneering efforts of these farmers to farm against the grain of industrial agriculture, to terrace and diversify fields, to embrace agroforestry and to restore community traditions in the fight against abiding hunger and changing climates.
Booklist noted, “Providing essential knowledge about the power of regenerative soil and ecosystem health in a world where far too many experience hunger, Thurow shares the perspectives of individuals trying to effect changes that will have lasting, positive impacts on global food supplies.”
CONTRIBUTED BY AU COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
AUBURN — Researchers at Auburn University aim to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions due to agriculture by modifying one of the world’s largest voluntary conservation programs: the USDA’s 25-million-acre Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).
A team of agricultural economists from the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station was awarded $650,000 by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture to study how the CRP can best select land to include in the program.
The team will build a sophisticated simulation model to ensure the CRP is getting the biggest impact per taxpayer dollar when choosing land for the program.
“If you consider the size of CRP is close to 10% of all American cropland, that’s not a small amount,” said Ruiqing Miao, Auburn associate professor and leader of the grant team.
With 25 million acres, how the program chooses
which land to include will affect not only greenhouse gas emissions but also crop prices, wildlife populations and the natural environment. The team of economists must find the optimal mixture of factors and predict the environmental and economic impact of the program before making recommendations to policymakers.
The Conservation Reserve Program was created in 1985 to lessen soil erosion and control the surplus of crops that was driving down profits for farmers at the time. Farmers would offer their land to the program and, if selected, were paid to convert their cropland into grassland or forests for 10- to 15-year spans.
Today, the USDA is exploring ways to use the program to mitigate U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, reflecting increasing societal concerns. Roughly 10% of U.S. emissions are from the agriculture sector, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
The grant team’s model will help find the best balance between all factors and estimate the environmental and economic impact the program will have. The process is complex and builds on an existing model developed at Auburn.
“I think of it as ‘gene editing’ for the CRP program,” Miao said.
“CRP has a few ‘genes’ — the environmental and economic factors considered during enrollment. If you change one, the performance of the whole program may change.”
Lawmakers in the 1990s added other considerations, like wildlife habitat cover, water quality and air quality to the list of factors for selecting land. The new considerations reflected changing societal concerns. A complex enrollment mechanism called the environmental benefits index (EBI) was created to help the CRP weigh these new factors when choosing land for the program. Each parcel of land offered to the program was assigned an EBI score and land was selected, highest to lowest EBI score, until the program’s acreage cap was met.
Currently, the ability for land to sequester carbon is given only 10 points in the EBI weighting system, compared to 100 points each to wildlife, water quality and soil erosion. Miao and his grant team will explore how changing the priority of the factors will impact the environment and the economy and help meet the USDA’s goals.
“Maybe it’s time to redirect the program to meet the new needs of society,”
Miao said. Miao hypothesizes that a greater emphasis on carbon sequestration will mean more land from Alabama and the Southeast is selected for the CRP. Trees sequester more carbon than grasslands. So, heavily forested Alabama and the Southeast might gain an edge over the Midwest, where the greatest proportion of CRP land is today. Alabama farmers looking for guaranteed annual income for 10-15 years may find the program appealing. Before the model can be built, Miao and the grant team must first gather heaps of new data on carbon sequestration on CRP land. The grant team partners at Iowa State University will test the soil on lands in the Midwest that have been enrolled in the CRP program for 10, 20 and 30 years. The team will use this data to project the ability for land to sequester carbon over time.
Miao and his team will also explore farmers’ motivations and interests in the program through a nationwide survey. Results of the survey will help administrators of the CRP to better encourage farmers to offer their land for enrollment in the program. In addition to the direct environmental benefit of having 25 million acres of arable land converted to grassland or forest, the program has many indirect benefits, such as the reduced water, pesticide and fertilizer usage caused by taking that land out of production. The program’s impact on the farming community remains to be researched.
The three-year program is in its beginning stages now. The program offers enrollment periods throughout the year for specific types of land. To learn more about the Conservation Reserve Program, visit the program’s website: www.fsa.usda.gov/ programs-and-services/ conservation-programs/ conservation-reserve-program/index.
Wes Allen is doing a very good job in his first term as Alabama’s 54th secretary of state. When he ran for this office, I said he was by far the best qualified person for this important post. This constitutional office is a real working position. It has a myriad of duties with dozens of employees to oversee. The primary reason that I knew he was the most qualified person was the fact that he had been the probate judge of Pike County for almost a decade. Although the secretary of state wears several hats, the administering of elections is one of the more important duties and the highest profile of this job.
I also knew Wes Allen to be a young man of integrity. I have known Wes most of his life. His dad is State Sen. Gerald Allen, who has represented Tuscaloosa and surrounding counties for over 30 years. I was already in the House of Representatives when Gerald came to the House in the mid 1980s. Gerald and I bonded. He gravitated to me because he knew that U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby and I were friends. Gerald was and still is a great admirer and friend of our revered and retired Shelby. They both hail from
Tuscaloosa.
While we were in the House of Representatives, Gerald asked me several times to go to lunch with him in Tuscaloosa. He wanted me to meet his son, of whom he was very proud. Finally, I journeyed to the Druid City where we ate at a famous meat and three restaurant on 15th Street. Wes joined us. Wes was everything Gerald said he was, very friendly and delightful. That was 35 years ago. Little did I know that Wes would one day sit in the same House seat that I was in when Wes and I first met, which is House District 89, representing Pike and Dale Counties. Wes was a student at the University of Alabama and a walk-on split end on Gene Stallings’ Alabama football team. Dabo Sweeney was Wes’ position coach. While probate judge of Pike County, Wes conducted more than a dozen elections without a single error. He was and still is a pillar of the Troy/ Pike County Community. I have watched him be a Christian conservative leader in the First Baptist Church in Troy. He was at every one of his children’s ballgames and coached their teams most of the time. While probate judge, he was chosen to be president of the probate Judges Association. In 2018, he was elected overwhelmingly to the legislature. He served successfully alongside his dad for four years. I do not think we have ever seen a father/son duo serve simultaneously in the legislature in state history. When Wes was elected secretary of state in 2022 and was sworn into office in January 2023, he set another unique precedent in state history. He became only the third person in
Alabama history to serve in all three branches of state constitutional government — judicial, legislative and executive – judicial as probate judge, legislative as a member of the House of Representatives 2018 to 2022, and now executive as secretary of state. Only two other men have accomplished this in Alabama government, George C. Wallace and John Purifoy.
Wallace was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives from Barbour County in 1946 at age 26. He served one four-year term and then went back home to be a Circuit Judge. In 1962 he was elected to his first of five terms as governor of Alabama.
John Purifoy had a prolific career in Alabama politics. He was a farmer from Wilcox County. He was born in 1842 and served in the Confederate Army. He was elected probate judge of Wilcox County in 1880 and later was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives. He was elected secretary of state from the legislature, like Wes. He served as secretary of state from 1915 to 1919. He was Alabama’s state treasurer 1911 to 1915 and state auditor from 1892 to 1896.
Wes Allen is not only a worthy secretary of state, he has a unique place in Alabama political history. See you next week.
Steve Flowers’ weekly column appears in more than 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. steve@ steveflowers.us.
BY HANNAH GOLDFINGER
LEE COUNTY — Monday night, the Lee County Republican Party and Lee county Democratic Party joined hands to make a request of the Lee County Commission.
Jamie Lowe, chair of the Lee County Democratic Party and Lee Vanoy for the Lee County Republican Democratic Party were in agreement as they asked for use of the Lee County Meeting Center.
Lowe expressed gratitude to the commission for allowing the parties to use the commission chambers for their monthly meetings but also requested use of the meeting center for two table set ups.
“It is incumbent upon both of us to increase public access to both of our executive committees and as such we are asking the county commission grant us limited space in the meeting center
across the street to achieve that goal,” he said.
The two groups want to set up a table in the lobby from mid September through the end of October that would display more information on the two groups and how to get involved.
Currently, policy dictates that any group that is not a 501c3 cannot use the meeting center and that no campaigning is allowed.
The groups specified they would not be campaigning.
While they are not nonprofits, the commission granted a one time exemption for the two groups given the tables will be unmanned and no one will be campaigning.
“[This is] just so people realize there are Republican and Democratic parties in our county and we find this to be a great location for that in that the absentee office and the board of registrars offices are [in that meeting center],” Vanoy said.
Many members of both
parties were in attendance to lend support and District 2 Commissioner Ross Morris commended the two groups for working together in such harmony.
“If America could be like y’all two, it would be a much better place,” he said.
OTHER BUSINESS:
- The commission heard an update and request from the Horseshoe Bend Regional Library.
- The commission heard an update on the Employee Life Insurance Benefit Provider.
- The commission approved the request to join an Employee Assistance Program.
- The commission heard an update on the July Free Disposal Day and PALS Participation.
- The commission heard the second reading for an opening on the East Alabama Health Care Authority Board
- The commission had See COMMISSION, page B9
BY DELL WITCHER, ACCR OPINION —
The book, A Man for The Ages: A story of the Builders of Democracy, highlights Abraham Lincoln’s qualities of leadership and perseverance. Here in Alabama, one such man, Dr. Gerald Johnson, is retiring from the Board of Directors of Alabama Citizens for Constitutional Reform (ACCR) at the age of 85, after 50 years of perseverance and leadership.
Johnson, a native of West Virginia, came to Alabama at the age of 30 to teach political science at Auburn University, including courses on state and local government and the Alabama Constitution. He describes it as an awakening.
“To get ready to teach the Constitution I needed to understand it,” he said. “But it turns out it wasn’t something I could just pick up and read. It was volumes and it was hard to decipher. I was shocked. I saw that the Alabama Constitution actually prohibits internal improvements.
That’s insane!”
Way back then, Johnson waded through the Constitution in all its many forms from the original 1819 Statehood document, which he describes as progressive, to subsequent iterations that went from bad to worse.
“The prohibition against state funds being used for internal improvements is still in there, as are restrictions
GERALD JOHNSON
on local governments,”
he explained. “To get around that, if a city or county wants to accomplish something they must amend the constitution. Local governments, especially counties, have limited authority. All the power is in Montgomery.”
He believed that a constitution should provide for the hopes and aspirations of its citizens — that it should define organs of government and how the government relates to the people. He didn’t find that in the Alabama Constitution.
Rather, he found a code book, the longest constitution in the world, approaching a thousand amendments. So, over the next five decades, Johnson worked steadily to help reform the document. He taught, researched, conducted studies and polls and participated in activities to support several Constitutional Commissions by several different Alabama governors who believed that Alabama citizens deserved a better state constitution.
And early on, Johnson joined ACCR, a notfor-profit organization founded by a group of
like-minded citizens who were advocating for constitutional reform. Johnson reflects that ACCR has had many great leaders like Bailey Thomson, Tom Corts, Albert Brewer and others.
“It was a mission for these people,” he said. “We’ve been working for this for so many years with so little success, that we could have said: Let’s just quit and go home. But what we have done is to create an entity that is a recognized and valued voice for constitutional reform. Without ACCR, where would we have that voice? We haven’t been successful in the amendment process or in a constitutional convention, but we have kept the flame of constitutional reform burning, alive.” ACCR was part of the effort that led to the passage of the Constitution of 2022 that removed racist language from the Constitution and reorganized the document to make it easier to understand. ACCR is currently, based on a proposal developed by Johnson and adopted by the ACCR Board, engaged in a collaborative project with the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama (PARCA) to produce a series of research reports that examine the ways in which the Alabama Constitution impacts the lives of everyday Alabamians. The reports will help define ACCR’s agenda for the future.
INVITATION TO BID
24029
Sealed bids for the construction of the N. 7th St. Storm Drainage Updates shall be received at the Opelika City Hall 2nd Floor Conference Room, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m., local time on August 27th, 2024, and then publicly opened and read aloud. All interested parties are invited to attend. Only bids from competent general contractors will be considered. At the time of contract award, the successful bidder must be a properly licensed general contractor. The attention of all bidders is called to the provisions of State law governing “General Contractors” as set forth in the Ala. Code §348-1, et. seq. (1975) and rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto. Bidders must be licensed by the Licensing Board for General Contractors when bids are submitted.
Bidders are required to have a State of Alabama General Contractor’s License with a specialty of “Highways and Streets, Clearing and Grubbing, Earthwork, Erosion, Site Work, Grading or Municipal and Utility”. All bidders must submit with their proposal, contractor’s license number, and a copy of the license. State law Ala. Code
§34-8-8(b) requires all bids to be rejected which do not contain the contractor’s current license number. Evidence of this license shall be documented on the outside of the sealed bid. All bidders shall possess all other licenses and/or permits required by applicable law, rule, or regulation for the performance of the work.
Drawings and Specifications may be examined at the Office of the City Engineer located at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama, and phone number: 334-705-5450. Bid documents may be obtained from the Office of the City Engineer at no charge as an electronic file if the bidder supplies a storage drive or as an email attachment or electronic drop box. Additionally, bid documents are available on the City of Opelika’s website at www. opelika-al.gov/bids.aspx. The bidder’s proposal must be submitted on the complete original proposal furnished to him/her by the City of Opelika. All information in the proposal must be completed by the bidder for the proposal to be accepted. A Bid Bond in the amount of five (5) percent of the bid amount made payable to the City of Opelika must accompany each bid. Performance and Payment Bonds for the full contract sum will be required of the successful bidder. The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids and to waive irregularities. Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to Lillie Finley, Purchasing-Revenue Manager, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama, 36803-0390. Attn: N. 7th St. Storm Drainage Updates
LILLIE FINLEYPURCHASING-REVENUE
MANAGER CITY OF OPELIKA 204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET (36801) POST OFFICE BOX 390
(36803-0390) OPELIKA, ALABAMA PH: (334) 705-5120 Legal Run 08/1/24, 08/8/24 & 08/15/24
ADVERTISEMENT FOR COMPLETION
LEGAL NOTICE
In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, notice is hereby given that JLD Enterprises, LLC, Contractor, has completed the Contract for (Improvement) of New 6th Grade School Roadway Improvements Project Fox Run Parkway Opelika AL at for the State of Alabama and the (County) (City) of Lee, Opelika.
Owner(s), and have made request for final settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify TURNERBATSON Architects, P.C.1950 Stonegate Drive Suite 200 Birmingham, Alabama 35242
JLD Enterprises, LLC (Contractor)
Mailing:P.O. Box 2280 Auburn AL 36830 (Business
Address) NOTE: This notice must be run for a minimum of three weeks for projects of $100,000.00 or more. For acceptable methods of advertisement, see General Conditions of the Contract, Article 34. Proof of publication of the notice shall be made by the contractor to the authority by whom the contract was made by affidavit of the publisher or website owner and a printed
copy of the notice published. A final settlement shall not be made upon the contract until the expiration of 30 days after the completion of the notice. Legal Run 07/25/2024, 08/01/24, 08/08/24 & 08/15/24
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA RUSSELL OWENS MITCHELL and LINDA BRADFORD, Plaintiffs, CIVIL ACTION NO. CV 2023-900377.00 A TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND IN LEE AND RUSSELL COUNTIES, ALABAMA, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: The Northeast quarter of Section 3, Township 16, Range 26, containing in the aggregate 320.0 acres, more or less, a portion of which is situated in Lee County, Alabama, and the remaining portion of which is situated in Russell County, Alabama; less and except therefrom Tract 1, Russell R. Toney Subdivision as shown on that certain plat of record in Plat Book 34, Page 183, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, and also less and except therefrom Tract 1, Russell R. Toney Subdivision as shown by that certain plat filed for record in Miscellaneous Book 25, Page 121, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Russell County, Alabama and vs. BENJAMIN DANIEL INGRAM, Defendants. Take notice that I, Robert H. Pettey, as Commissioner, having been appointed pursuant to Decree of Sale entered June 27, 2024 by the Circuit Judge of Lee County, Alabama, will offer for sale for division, to the highest bidder for cash, the following described real property on the 22nd day of August, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. CST in front of the Lee County Courthouse at 215 S. 9th Street, Opelika AL 36801, said property described as follows: The Northeast quarter of Section 3, Township 16, Range 26, containing in the aggregate 320.0 acres, more or less, a portion of which is situated in Lee County, Alabama, and the remaining portion of which is situated in Russell County, Alabama, less and except Tract 1, Russell R. Toney Subdivision as shown on that certain plat of record in Plat Book 34, Page 183, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, and also less and except Tract 1, Russell R. Toney Subdivision as shown by that certain plat filed for record in Miscellaneous Book 25, Page 121, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Russell County, Alabama.
The purpose of said sale is for distribution of the proceeds among the joint owners of said property. This the 23rd day of July, 2024.
ROBERT H. PETTEY Robert H. Pettey SAMFORD & DENSON, LLP Attorneys at Law P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 07/25/24, 08/01/24, 08/08/24 & 08/15/24
NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF ALICIA HANKS, DECEASED PROBATE COURT, LEE COUNTY CASE NO. 2024-419 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of the Estate of ALICIA HANKS, are hereby granted to Freida L. Luster Barregarye on the 12th day of July, 2024, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama. Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.
Freida L. Luster-Barregarye Legal Run 08/01/24, 08/08/24 & 08/15/24
Access Accommodations to Floral Park The City of Opelika RE: Form of Advertisement for Completion Legal Notice for Bid# 23026 In accordance with Chapter I, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given that Robinson Paving Company Inc, Contractor, has completed the Contract for The Construction of Access Accommodations to Floral Park Fields Opelika, AL, for the City of Opelika, owner, and have made request for final settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify Jeffrey Robinson, 5425 Schatulga Rd Columbus, GA 31907, in writing.
Legal Run 08/01/24, 08/08/24, 08/15/24 & 08/22/2024
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF KENNETH COGGIN GODWIN, DECEASED. Case No. 2024-366
TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Nancy Adena Phillips Godwin, as Executrix of the Estate of Kenneth Coggin Godwin, deceased, on the 15th day of July, 2024, by the Honorable Bill English. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same be barred.
Nancy Adena Phillips Godwin, Executrix Of the Estate of Kenneth Coggin Godwin, Deceased
Marrell J. McNeal, Attorney at Law, PC PO Box 308 Opelika, AL 36803
334-745-7033
Legal Run 08/1/24, 08/8/24 & 08/15/24
IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION PETITION OF ANDREW LANIER LANGLEY IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO.: 2024-191
PUBLICATION NOTICE TO: Ryan David Roberson or any other potential unknown or undisclosed fathers
Please take notice that a Petition for Adoption was filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama by Andrew Lanier Langley on March 27, 2024, for the adoption of E.L.W. born on November 21, 2013, in Opelika, Alabama to Rebecca Anne Walters. A hearing has been set in the Lee County Probate Court, Opelika, Alabama. Should you intend to contest this adoption you must file a written response with the attorney for the petitioner, Hon. Gary Abell, P.O. Box 2682, Columbus, GA 31902 and with the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, P.O. Box 2266, Opelika, AL 36803 as soon as possible but no later than thirty (30) days from the last day this notice is published. Dated on this the 25th day of July, 2024.
HON. BILLGLISH JUDGE OF PROBATE LEECOUNT
ALABAMA
Legal Notice 08/1/24, 08/8/24, 08/15/24 & 08/22/24
MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE
Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain Mortgage executed by Barbara A. Cummings, an unmarried woman, to First Horizon Home Loan Corporation, on May 25, 2006, in the original amount of $77,000.00, said Mortgage being recorded on June 13, 2006 in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, in Book 3336 Page 471; FIRST HORIZON BANK, a Tennessee Banking Corporation, successor by conversion to First Tennessee Bank National Association, a National Banking Association, successor by merger to First Horizon Home Loan Corporation, a Kansas Corporation, as holder, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said Mortgage, the following described property will be sold at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Lee County Courthouse, 215 S 9th Street, Opelike, Alabama on September 10, 2024, during the legal hours of sale the following described real estate, situated in Lee County, Alabama, to-wit: ALL THAT REAL PROPERTY SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE COUNTY OF LEE, STATE OF ALABAMA, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS, TO WIT: LOT(S) 305, CAMDEN RIDGE 8TH ADDITION SECTION 10, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 24, PAGE 194/195 IN THE OFFICE OF THE JUDGE OF PROBATE, LEE COUNTY ALABAMA.
Property Known As: 1848 Shadow Bend Lane, Auburn, AL 36830 (address for informational purposes only)
Said property will be sold on an “as is, where is” basis subject to any easements, encumbrances, and exceptions contained in said Mortgage and those contained in the records of the Office of the Judge of Probate where the above-described property is situated. Said property will be sold without warranty or recourses expressed or implied as to title, use and\or enjoyment,
and will be sold subject to the right of redemption of all parties entitled hereto. Said property will be sold subject to any outstanding ad valorem taxes (including taxes which are a lien, but not yet due and payable), any matters which might be disclosed by an accurate survey and inspection of the property, any assessments or easements, liens, zoning ordinances, restrictions, covenants, and any security deeds, mortgages or deeds of trust and any other matters of record superior to the Mortgage first set out above. The sale will be conducted subject (1) to confirmation that the sale is not prohibited under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and (2) to final confirmation and audit of the status of the loan with the holder of the security deed.
Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure, including attorney’s fees. The Mortgagee/ Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation.
FIRST HORIZON BANK, a Tennessee Banking Corporation, successor by conversion to First Tennessee Bank National Association, a National Banking Association, successor by merger to First Horizon Home Loan Corporation, a Kansas Corporation
Robert J. Solomon
Attorney for Holder Solomon | Baggett, LLC 3763 Rogers Bridge Road Duluth, GA 30097 (678) 243-2512
The law firm is acting as a debt collector attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Legal Run 8/1/24, 8/8/24, 8/15/24
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of JOHN EDWIN LOHMEYER, Deceased
CASE NO: 2024-330
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to LINDA MAE LOHMEYER, as Personal Representatives of the Estate of JOHN EDWIN LOHMEYER, deceased, on the 19th day of July, 2024, by Bill English, Lee County Probate Judge. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.
LINDA MAE LOHMEYER
Personal Representative of the Estate of JOHN EDWIN LOHMEYER Legal Run 08/01/24, 08/08/24, 08/15/24
NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF ERIKA HAUSCHILD, DECEASED PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY CASE NO. 2024-455
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of the Estate of ERIKA HAUSCHILD, are hereby granted to Claudia Ziglar on the 30th day of July, 2024, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama. Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.
Claudia Ziglar Legal Run 08/08/24, 08/15/24 & 08/22/24
IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF HUGH LAMAR SPEAR, DECEASED Case No. 2024-424
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary have been granted to Coleman R. Allen as Executor for the Estate of Hugh Lamar Spear, deceased, on July 29, 2024, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the
same will be barred. Done this the 29th day of July 2024. /s/ Bill English Bill English, Probate Judge Lee County, Alabama Jacob J. (Jake) Key, Esq. Attorney for Executor Johnson, Caldwell & McCoy, LLC 117 North Lanier Avenue, Suite 201 Lanett, Alabama 36863 (334) 6441171 Legal Run 08/08/24, 08/15/24 & 08/22/24
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA In RE: The Estate of Margie Ann Tomblin, deceased CASE NO. 2024-299 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY have been granted to Diana Wade as the personal representative of the Estate of Margie Ann Tomblin, deceased on the 23rd day of July, 2024, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama. Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Done this the 23rd day of July, 2024. Bill English, Probate Judge of Lee County, Alabama Legal Run 08/08/24, 08/15/24 & 08/22/24
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA In the Matter of The Estate of ALICE MILNER, deceased CASE NO. 2024-454 NOTICE TO CREDITORS LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of said deceased have been granted to Brently C. Milner and Thomas D. Milner, Jr., Personal Representatives on the 30th day of July, 2024, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County. Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.
Brently C. Milner and Thomas D. Milner, Jr., Legal Run 08/08/24, 08/15/24 & 08/22/24
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
SMITHS WATER & SEWER AUTHORITY SMITHS STATION, ALABAMA POTABLE WATER STORAGE TANK MAINTENANCE (2025-2034)
Sealed bids for the Potable Water Storage Tank Maintenance (2025-2034) CMGM240054 will be received by the Smiths Water & Sewer Authority, Attn: Mr. Andy Morris, GM, located at 2848 Lee Road 243, Smiths Station, AL 36877, until Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 11:00 EDT local time at which time the Bids received will be publicly opened and read.
The Project includes the following Work: Inspections, washouts, dive and vacuums, maintenance, renovation and repairs of eight (8) various capacity and type potable water storage tanks. Information for the Project can be found at the following designated website: www. gmcnetwork.com
The Issuing Office for the Bidding Documents is Goodwyn Mills Cawood LLC, 11 N. Water St., Suite 19290, Mobile, AL 36602, Ashley.Morris@gmcnetwork. com. Prospective Bidders may examine the Bidding Documents at the Issuing Office on Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and may obtain copies of the Bidding Documents from the Issuing Office as described below. Copies of the Bidding Documents may be obtained from the Issuing Office, during the hours indicated above, upon payment of a deposit of $20.00 for a one-time administrative fee for digital access/ file sharing and/or $100.00 for each printed set. Said cost represents the cost of printing, reproduction, handling, and distribution, therefore no refund will be granted. Checks for Bidding Documents shall be payable to “GMC.” Partial sets of Bidding Documents will not be available from the Issuing Office. Neither Owner nor Engineer will be responsible for full or partial sets of Bidding Documents, including Addenda if any, obtained from sources other than the Issuing Office. Bid security shall be furnished in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders.
The Owner reserves the right to waive any informalities, or to reject any or all bids, and to
award the contract to the best and most responsible bidder. All bidders shall submit, upon request, a list of projects “successfully completed” in the last 2 years, having the same scope of work and approximate construction cost as specified in this project. All bidders must comply with requirements of the Contractor’s Licensing Law of the State of Alabama and be certified for the type of work on which the proposal is submitted. Each bidder must deposit with his bid, security in the amount, form and subject to the conditions provided in the Instructions to Bidders. All Bidders bidding in amounts exceeding that established by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors must be licensed under the provisions of Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama, 1975, and must show evidence of license before bidding or bid will not be received or considered by the Engineer; the Bidder shall show such evidence by clearly displaying the license number on the outside of the envelope in which the Proposal is delivered. No bidder may withdraw his bid within 60 days after the opening thereof. Bidders will be fully responsible for the delivery of their bids in a timely manner. Reliance upon the U.S. Mail or other carriers is the bidder’s risk.
Owner: Smith Water & Sewer Authority
By: Mr. Joe Walden
Title: Chairman Legal Run 08/15/24, 08/22/24 & 08/29/24
CITY OF OPELIKA
SYNOPSIS OF ZONING NOTICE
The City Council of the City of Opelika will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in the Courtroom of the Opelika Municipal Court Building, 300 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama, to consider the adoption of an ordinance to amend the Zoning Ordinance and the Zoning Map of the City of Opelika by rezoning or redistricting the parcel of land hereinafter described so as to change such parcel from one class of district to another class of district, as follows: From a R-1 District (Low Density Residential District) to a Planned Unit Development (PUD), the parcel of land hereinafter described: A tract or parcel of land containing 68 acres more or less being all that part of the the N1/2 of the SW1/4 of Section 33, Township 20 North, Range 27 East, Lee County, Alabama lying east of Andrews Road and north of Sportsplex Parkway. The above-described property, containing approximately 68.4 acres, is located on the north side of Sportsplex Parkway. The Development Plan (Master Plan) provides for a residential development consisting of approximately 132 single-family home lots. The development plan shows planned open space areas, amenity areas and on-site detention. The development plan shows two (2) entry points into the development from Sportsplex Parkway and one entry point from Andrews Road. The development plan also shows cross-access to the adjoining Hidden Lakes North development. The proposed density is less than 2 units per acre. Public Notice of this public hearing with insertion of the proposed ordinance was first published on August 8, 2024, in the Opelika Observer. This notice is given pursuant to Sections 11-52-77 and 11-52-78 Code of Alabama (1975). The City Council reserves the right to modify or alter any of the proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance. At the public hearing, all persons who desire to be heard shall have the opportunity to speak for or in opposition to the proposed ordinance. Written comments concerning the above matter may be mailed to the City Clerk at P.O. Box 390, Opelika, AL 36803 at any time prior to the public hearing and may be further submitted to the City Council at the meeting and the public hearing. Please contact Brian Weiss, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334-705-5134 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to any disability. THIS NOTICE is given under my hand this the 15th day of August, 2024. /s/ Russell A. Jones, MMC CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 08/15/2024
HELP WANTED
Network Engineer positions offered by HL Mando America Corporation (Opelika, AL). Design, implement, maintain, & support our grow’g network infrastructure. Design, configure & install various network devices & services (e.g., Firewall, Switches, Wireless controller, NMS). Send resume to: debby.williams@ hlcompany.com
Materials Control Specialist positions offered by HL Mando America Corporation (Opelika, AL). Analyze long-term demand plan from Production control. Update BOM & part info into order file in timely manner. Send resume to: debby.williams@ hlcompany.com
Quality Assurance Engineer positions offered by HL Mando America Corporation (Opelika, AL). Provide technical actions within the quality discipline under the direction of the quality manager. Respond clearly to customer issues by arranging the optimal member or thru specialized training. Send resume to: debby.williams@ hlcompany.com
SERVICES
SELLING a RV, Tractor or Golf Cart? ADVERTISE STATEWIDE or by region in over 100 Newspapers, reaching over 1 million readers each week! Run your ad in our Classified Network for just $210 per week! Make one call to this newspaper (participating Ala-SCAN newspaper) or call 1-800-264-7043 to find out how easy it is to advertise statewide!
BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 1-855-405-8901
NEW AUTHORS WANTED! Our publishing staff will help you selfpublish your own book. FREE author submission kit! Limited offer! Why
PUBLIC NOTICES >> from A8
ORDINANCE NO. 016-24 ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CONVEYANCE OF REAL PROPERTY TO THE OPELIKA CITY BOARD OF EDUCATION (CARVER PRIMARY SCHOOL)
BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama as follows:
Section 1. The Council upon evidence duly presented to and considered by it, has found and determined, and does hereby find, determine and declare as follows:
(a) The following described real property is no longer needed for public or municipal purposes, to-wit: Lot 1A according to and as shown by map or plat of the subdivision known as “A SUBDIVISION OF THE CARVER SCHOOL AND COVINGTON REC. CENTER PROPERTY” of record in Plat Book 48, at Page 131 in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama.
(b) The property described above has been utilized and maintained by The Opelika City Board of Education as a public education facility for more than fifty (50) years.
(c) The City is desirous of conveying all of its right, title, interest and claim in and to the property described in Section 1(a) to The Opelika City Board of Education.
Section 2. That the City Council does hereby determine and declare that it is in the best interest of the City to convey the real property described in Section 1(a) above to The Opelika City Board of Education without consideration.
Section 3.That the Mayor and the City Clerk be and they are hereby authorized and directed to execute and attest, respectively, for and on behalf of the City of Opelika, Alabama, a statutory warranty deed, a copy of which is on file in the Office of the City Clerk, whereby the City of Opelika does convey the premises described in Section 1(a) above to The Opelika City Board of Education.
Section 4.That the Mayor, City Clerk and other appropriate officers and employees of the City are hereby authorized to take such further actions and execute and deliver such other documents, certificates and instruments as may be necessary or desirable to carry out and comply with the intent of this Ordinance.
Section 5. That this ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its adoption and publication as required by law.
Section 6. That the City Clerk of the City of Opelika
wait? Call now: 1-877-567-9754
LONG DISTANCE MOVING: Call today for a FREE QUOTE from America’s Most Trusted Interstate Movers. Let us take the stress out of moving! Speak to a Relocation Specialist, call 844-925-3534
WATER DAMAGE CLEANUP & RESTORATION: A small amount of water can lead to major damage in your home. Our trusted professionals dry out the wet area and do repairs to protect your family and your home’s value! If you have water in your home that needs to be dried, Call 24/7: 1-877-727-2344 Have zip code of service location ready when you call!
EDUCATION
ATTENTION ACTIVE Duty & Military Veterans! Begin a new career and earn your Degree at CTI! Online Computer & Medical training available for Veterans & Families! To learn more, call 866-475-1014 (M-F 8am-6pm ET).
HEALTH/BEAUTY
ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE information kit. Call 1-855405-8647
Attention: VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill SpecialOnly $99! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW: 1-855-405-9791
FOR SALE
AFFORDABLE TV & INTERNET. If you are overpaying for your service, call now for a free quote and see how much you can save! 1-866-816-3535
DirecTV Satellite TV Service Starting at $59.99/month! Free
is hereby authorized and directed to cause this ordinance to be published one (1) time in a newspaper published in and of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Alabama. ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 6th day of August, 2024. /s/ Eddie Smith PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA
ATTEST: /s/ Russell A. Jones, MMC CITY CLERK TRANSMITTED TO MAYOR this the 7th day of August, 2024. /s/ Russell A. Jones, MMC CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR APPROVED this the 7th day of August, 2024. /s/ Gary Fuller MAYOR ATTEST: /s/ Russell A. Jones, MMC CITY CLERK Legal Run 08/15/2024
ORDINANCE NO. 015-24
ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CONVEYANCE OF REAL PROPERTY TO THE OPELIKA CITY BOARD OF EDUCATION (OPELIKA MIDDLE SCHOOL SITE) BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama as follows: Section 1. The Council upon evidence duly presented to and considered by it, has found and determined, and does hereby find, determine and declare as follows:
(a) The following described real property is no longer needed for public or municipal purposes, to-wit: Lot 1 according to and as shown by map or plat of the subdivision known as “Opelika City School Subdivision, Middle School Site” of record in Plat Book 50, at Page 6 in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama. (b) The property described above has been utilized and maintained by The Opelika City Board of Education as a public education facility for more than sixty (60) years. (c) The City is desirous of conveying all of its right, title, interest and claim in and to the property described in Section 1(a) to The Opelika City Board of Education.
Section 2. That the City Council does hereby determine and declare that it is in the best interest of the City to convey the real property described in Section 1(a) above to The Opelika City Board of Education without consideration.
Section 3. That the Mayor and the City Clerk be and they are hereby authorized and directed to execute and attest, respectively, for and on behalf of the City of Opelika, Alabama, a statutory warranty deed, a copy of
Installation! 160+ channels available. Call Now to Get the Most Sports & Entertainment on TV! 844-594-7108
NEED NEW FLOORING? Call today schedule a FREE in-home estimate on Carpeting & Flooring. Call Today! 1-877-568-2248
UPDATE YOUR HOME with Beautiful New Blinds & Shades. FREE in-home estimates make it convenient to shop from home. Professional installation. Top quality - Made in the USA. Call for free consultation: 1-855-405-8839. Ask about our specials!
Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debrisblocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. Plus 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833-683-2005
Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 7-Year warranty with qualifying purchase* Call 1-877-323-5516 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.
Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-844-8716175
DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 400 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-877-817-4697 www.dental50plus.
which is on file in the Office of the City Clerk, whereby the City of Opelika does convey the premises described in Section 1(a) above to The Opelika City Board of Education.
Section 4. That the Mayor, City Clerk and other appropriate officers and employees of the City are hereby authorized to take such further actions and execute and deliver such other documents, certificates and instruments as may be necessary or desirable to carry out and comply with the intent of this Ordinance.
Section 5. That this ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its adoption and publication as required by law.
Section 6. That the City Clerk of the City of Opelika is hereby authorized and directed to cause this ordinance to be published one (1) time in a newspaper published in and of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Alabama. ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 6th day of August, 2024. /s/ Eddie Smith PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA ATTEST:
/s/ Russell A. Jones, MMC CITY CLERK TRANSMITTED TO MAYOR this the 7th day of August, 2024.
/s/ Russell A. Jones, MMC CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR APPROVED this the 7th day of August, 2024.
/s/ Gary Fuller MAYOR ATTEST: /s/ Russell A. Jones, MMC CITY CLERK Legal Run 08/15/2024
ORDINANCE NO. 014-24 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING CITY DEPARTMENTS AND OFFICES TO CREATE AND RETAIN ELECTRONIC RECORDS AND CONVERT WRITTEN RECORDS TO ELECTRONIC RECORDS; AUTHORIZING THE USE OF ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES; AND ADOPTING AN ELECTRONIC RECORDS MANAGEMENT POLICY WHEREAS, the Alabama Uniform Electronic Transaction Act (“UETA”), codified at Ala. Code 1975 §8-1A-1 et seq, authorizes the City Council to determine whether, and the extent to which City departments and offices will create and retain electronic records and convert written records to electronic records; and WHEREAS, UETA grants authority to the City Council to determine whether and to what extent City departments and offices may use electronic signatures in the
com/alabama#6258
Donate your car, truck, boat, RV and more to support our veterans! Schedule a FAST, FREE vehicle pickup and receive a top tax deduction! Call Veteran Car Donations at 1-877-724-3049 today!
Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a limited time, waving ALL installation costs! (Additional terms apply. Subject to change and vary by dealer.) Offer ends 6/30/24. Call 1-877-205-0836
Replace your roof with the best looking and longest lasting material -steel from Erie Metal Roofs! Three styles and multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer -up to 50% off installation + Additional 10% off install (for military, health workers & 1st responders.) Call Erie Metal Roofs: 1-833-955-3163
AUTOMOTIVE GOT AN UNWANTED CAR??? DONATE IT TO PATRIOTIC HEARTS. Fast free pick up. All 50 States. Patriotic Hearts’ programs help veterans find work or start their own business. Call 24/7: 1-855-4058927
AUTO INSURANCE from $29 month Free 2-minute Quote! We Compare all Insurance providers offers for you! Lowest Rates! Call Now 866-450-0943.
VEHICLE TITLE Problems? We have a solution! Call Jason Steward Enterprises, We’re Alabama’s #1 Vehicle Title Problem Experts! Free telephone consultation. North AL 1-256-850-0527, Central AL 1-205267-5735, South AL 1-251-342-8538.
COMMISSION >> from A7
no action to be taken on the Appointing Authority Evaluations.
- The commission approved an inmate housing agreement with Autauga County.
- The commission held a discussion of a chief operating officer for the county.
JOHNSON >> from A7
Unquestionably, with both the wins and the losses, Johnson has left a legacy.
- The commission approved a Valorem Tax Abatement for WM Renewable Energy LLC.
- The commission approved a special event license application for three events at Twenty-One Acres.
- The commission approved an educational reimbursement request for the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
- The commission voted to approve an amendment to the Level II Advancement Program.
- The commission approved the Rebuild Alabama Act and the County Transportation Plan.
- The commission postponed a vote on the contract renewal for Residential Solid Waste Collection and Transport.
As he retires from the board of ACCR, he is grateful for the experience. “Alabama has made substantial progress in spite of the constitution, not because of it. I cherish my personal and professional journey with ACCR, and I am eternally thankful for the opportunity to make that journey with all of the past, present and future travelers on the road to a better Alabama through a better constitution.”
conduct of official business; and WHEREAS, UETA specifically empowers the City Council to adopt rules and policies for the creation, protection, maintenance, preservation and storage of electronic records; and WHEREAS, a proposed Electronic Records Management and Imaging Policy has been prepared by City staff and presented to the City Council for approval.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows:
Section 1. Authority. To the fullest extent permitted by UETA and subject to the limitations of the rules and policies adopted in Section 4 below, the City Council hereby authorizes City departments and offices to create and retain electronic records and to convert written records to electronic records and to send and accept electronic records and electronic signatures to and from other persons and otherwise create, generate, communicate, store, process, use and rely upon electronic records and electronic signatures.
Section 2. Scope. To the fullest extent permitted by UETA and subject to the limitations of the rules and policies adopted in Section 4 below, this Ordinance is intended to authorize the use of electronic records and electronic signatures in the conduct of official business of the City by City departments and offices and the conduct of official business with City departments and
offices by any person. Such use shall be in accordance with and subject to the provisions of UETA and the rules and policies adopted in Section 4 below. This Ordinance does not require a record or signature to be created, generated, sent, communicated, received, stored or otherwise processed or used by electronic means or in electronic form.
Section 3. Limitations.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Ordinance or the UETA:
(a) In no event shall any legal or binding recognition or effect be given to a record purported to be executed by a City signatory using an electronic signature, if the execution is not duly authorized in accordance with applicable law; and (b)In the event that any electronic signature is found by a City department, office or agency to have been used or applied to a City record in violation of this Ordinance, the UETA, or any other law, the electronic signature shall be null and void and the City record signed electronically using the unlawful, fraudulent, unauthorized or otherwise improper electronic signature shall also be null and void, discontinued and unenforceable against the City.
Section 4. Adoption of electronic record management and imaging policy. The Electronic Records Management and Imaging Policy, attached hereto as Exhibit “A” and incorporated herein by reference, is hereby adopted and approved.
Section 5. Conflict and Severability. In the event any provision of this
Dell Witcher is a member of the ACCR Board of Directors.
Ordinance conflicts with any other ordinance of the City of Opelika on the subject matter of this Ordinance, the more strict provision shall apply and supersede. If any provision of this Ordinance is held to be invalid, unconstitutional or unenforceable for any reason by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion of this Ordinance, which shall be deemed separate, distinct and independent provisions enforceable to the fullest extent possible.
Section 6. Effective date. This Ordinance shall become effective upon its adoption, approval and publication as required by law.
Section 7. Publication. This Ordinance shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama. ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 6th day of August, 2024. /s/ Eddie Smith PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA ATTEST: /s/ Russell A. Jones, MMC CITY CLERK TRANSMITTED TO MAYOR this the 7th day of August, 2024. /s/ Russell A. Jones, MMC CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR APPROVED this the 7th day of August, 2024. /s/
CONTRIBUTED BY AUBURN PUBLIC SAFETY
AUBURN — On Aug. 2, Auburn Police arrested Joseph Lamar Yearby, age 51, and Etika Vonya Jones, age 49, both from Miami, Florida, on warrants charging each with 13 counts of possession of a forged instrument first degree, possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana second degree, possession of drug paraphernalia and theft of property third degree.
The arrest stems from Auburn Police responding to the 1500 block of Opelika Road in reference to locating suspects associated with using counterfeit money to make purchases. Officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle occupied by the suspects.
Yearby and Jones both had multiple outstanding warrants for possession of a forged instrument first degree associated with previous incidents involving counterfeit money. Both suspects allegedly made purchases using counterfeit bills between May 22 and July 29 at businesses located in the 1100 block of Opelika Road and the 1500 block of Opelika Road.
During the traffic stop, counterfeit currency was recovered by police, resulting in additional possession of a forged instrument first degree charges. Officers also located illegal narcotics and narcotics contraband, which initiated the drug related charges.
Yearby and Jones were both transported to the Lee County Jail and each held on a $70,000 bond.
AUBURN — On Aug. 6, the Auburn Police Department, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Regional Task Force, arrested Jalan Druquan Spinks-Bryant, age 23, of Auburn on felony warrants charging him with two counts of discharging a firearm into an unoccupied vehicle and one count of discharging a firearm into an unoccupied dwelling.
The arrest stems from Auburn Police responding to a shots fired call near the 600 block of Opelika Road on July 21. Officers located multiple vehicles and nearby residences that were struck by gunfire. There were no injuries related to the gunfire.
During the investigation, Spinks-Bryant and Zaquavious Tygvan Gilmore were developed as suspects and arrest warrants were obtained for both. Last month, on July 22, Gilmore was arrested by Auburn Police and charged with discharging a firearm into an occupied dwelling and discharging a firearm into an unoccupied vehicle.
APD officers and members of the U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Regional Task Force located Spinks-Bryant on Aug. 6, and he was arrested in obedience to the outstanding arrest warrants.
Spinks-Bryant and Gilmore are both currently incarcerated at the Lee County Jail and held on no bond.
AUBURN — On Aug. 7, Auburn Police arrested Jarmarious Ja’Quan Woods, age 21, of Tuskegee on warrants charging him with fraudulent use of a debit/credit card and theft of property fourth degree.
On July 1, Auburn Police received a report involving fraudulent bank transactions. A victim reported their debit card was used to make several fraudulent transactions during a time period between June 26 and July 1. The fraudulent transactions included an unauthorized purchase made at a business located in the 2500 block of Buc-ee’s Blvd.
Woods was developed as a suspect, and after further investigation, arrest warrants were obtained. Woods was located and arrested in obedience to the warrants on Aug. 7.
He was transported to the Lee County Jail and held on a $2,500 bond.
AUBURN — On Aug. 8, Auburn Police, with assistance from the Huntsville Police Department, arrested Contrell Deon Dunklin, age 21, of Huntsville on felony warrants charging him with three counts of identity theft.
Auburn Police received a report involving fraudulent checks on March 29. Police met with a complainant who reported that checks were mailed to the intended recipients from a location in Auburn during a time period between March 23 and March 27. While in transit, the checks were stolen, altered and used to conduct fraudulent transactions by an unknown suspect.
Dunklin was developed as a suspect, and after further investigation, arrest warrants for identity theft were obtained. Dunklin was located by the Huntsville Police Department on Aug. 8 and arrested in obedience to the warrants.
Dunklin was transported to the Auburn Police Department and later transported to the Lee County Jail to be held on a $15,000 bond.
BY OBSERVER STAFF
LEE COUNTY — A shooting in Macon County on Thursday, Aug. 8, resulted in the death of a Loachapoka High School student and injury of another.
Javion Gary, 16, died in the incident, which occurred in Notasulga, Macon County. A 17-year-old juvenile was also injured.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) released the following statement:
“On Thursday, Aug. 8, at the request of the Notasulga Police Department,
special agents with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s State Bureau of Investigation launched a death investigation in the 100 Block of Union Camp Road in Notasulga.
“Upon arrival, a 16-year-old juvenile was found deceased at the scene. A 17-year-old juvenile was also injured and transported to a local area hospital for treatment.
“Nothing further is available as the investigation remains ongoing.
Once complete, the findings will be turned over to the Macon County District Attorney’s Office.”
In response to the inci-
dent, Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones issued the following statement:
“We are saddened and outraged by the incident of gun violence that resulted in the loss of life of one young man and injured another young man from our Loachapoka high school.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with families of these two young men, and we hope for quick recovery for the student that was injured.
“We hope that our young people will one day realize that settling an issue with a firearm is never acceptable.”
BY OBSERVER STAFF
EAST ALABAMA —
The Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s web page listed Barthonia Howard and Elijah Rogers as being arrested on charges of murder and attempted murder in Macon County.
The two were apprehended in Tuscaloosa County on Aug. 12 and booked into the Tuscaloosa Detention Center for the Macon County Sheriff’s Office.
Both face charges of murder and atttempted murder.
The arrests are re -
portedly in connection with an Aug. 8 shooting in Notasulga near a basketball court on Union Camp Road. One Loachapoka High School student was fatally shot and a classmate was injured (see story above).
According to the MaxPreps sports website, Barthonia is on the 2024 Notasulga High School football roster. Elijah Roger’s bio lists him as a multi-sport athlete who graduated from Notasulga in 2024.
CONTRIBUTED BY ALEA
LEE COUNTY — A single-vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 4:37 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13, has claimed the life of a Phenix City man.
Tyler S. Smith. 28, was fatally injured with the 2022 Harley-Davidson Sportster motorcycle he was operating struck a deer. Smith was thrown from the motorcycle and pronounced deceased at the scene. The crash occurred on Lee County 254 near U.S. 280, approximately seven miles east of Opelika in Lee County.
Nothing further is available as Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate.
AUBURN — On Aug. 11 at approximately 10:40 p.m., the Auburn Fire Department responded to a call of a structure fire with trapped occupants in the 700 block of Stubb Avenue.
Upon arrival, fire crews observed heavy smoke and flames visible from the residence. Firefighters immediately initiated rescue operations, using a ladder to gain access through a bedroom window. The two occupants, one adult male and one adult female, were found unconscious and were removed from the residence.
Life saving measures were immediately rendered on scene. Both patients were
transported by ETS to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The 61-year-old male patient was transported to East Alabama Health where he succumbed to his injuries.
The 60-year-old female patient was transported to Piedmont Hospital, where she was reported to be in a serious but stable condition.
The structure fire was contained to its place of origin, and no additional injuries or damage to nearby structures were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Auburn Fire Department.
The Auburn fire and police departments and East Alabama Health ETS provided assistance.
All persons arrested are considered innocent until convicted in a court of law.
BY BRUCE GREEN
OPINION —
Isaiah’s ministry ended somewhere around the time of Hezekiah’s death in 687
BC. Sixty years later, Jeremiah was called to his
BY WALTER ALBRITTON
OPINION —
Igrew up in the church.
Mama said I pitched a fit when she left me in the nursery. In church I met many fine teachers and youth leaders. I met the girl who would become my wife, and other boys and girls who became good friends. I met
ministry in the 13th year of Josiah’s reign (Jeremiah 627 BC/1:2). It would span the final five kings of Judah and extend into the period of the Babylonian Exile. While his focus was primarily on Judah, he was also “a prophet to the nations” and addressed Egypt, Babylon, Philistia, Moab, Ammon, Edom and others (chapters 46-51). Jeremiah was given a difficult ministry. Chapter 1 gives us the gist of it. Jeremiah had a vision of a boiling pot that was tilted toward Judah from the north (v. 13). This represented Babylon. They would come in judgment upon God’s people because of their wickedness and idolatry
Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024
(v. 16). Jerusalem would be destroyed, and the people would go off into exile. No one likes to be the bearer of bad news — especially when it has to do with your own people — but that was exactly the task that God gave Jeremiah.
Jeremiah would experience opposition. Of course, no one wanted to hear Jeremiah’s message. It wouldn’t be like getting bad news from a repairman, a dentist or even a doctor. This was bad news from God! God let Jeremiah know from the start that as God’s spokesman he would be opposed by kings, officials, priests and the people —in other words,
everyone. “They will fight against you” (v. 19a). God would be with him. In v. 17, Jeremiah was told, “Get yourself ready! Stand up and say whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them.” This would be absolutely overwhelming to anyone, but especially someone of Jeremiah’s age if . . . God had not also assured him He would be with him and rescue him. He told Jeremiah this both at the beginning and the conclusion of his commissioning (v. 8, 19).
Chapter one sets us up for what happens in the rest of Jeremiah. Just as God had told him, Jeremiah had a long,
difficult ministry where he experienced hostility and resistance. God was faithful and enabled the prophet to stand even in the hardest of times.
Was does this say to us today?
Ministry, when done right, is rarely easy.
Quick, who in the Bible had an easy ministry? It’s hard to come up with anyone, isn’t it?
Everyone we’re told about to any significant degree experienced struggles, hardships and challenges in their service to God.
That’s the nature of ministry. That why instead of looking for something easy to do, we need to ask God for strength to do whatever He puts before
many dedicated pastors. But I was 27, and already ordained a pastor, before I met Jesus. I encountered the living Christ on my knees, empty, drained and helpless – and He turned me around, turned me on, and made me aware that He is alive and able to transform the lives of those who surrender to Him. That life-changing encounter led me to enlist in the army of the Lord. Someone told me that in the Lord’s army, the wounded serve best. I was a wounded disciple so I signed on to live as a servant of Jesus. General Jesus said to me, “Enlist with me and I will live in you and give you the strength to serve me.” I
ANGLICAN
The Good Shepherd Anglican Church 3015 Opelika Road, Opelika
APOSTOLIC HOLINESS
God’s House of Prayers Holiness Church 301 Highland Ave., Opelika 334-749-9672
BAPTIST Central Baptist Church 1611 2nd Ave. Opelika, AL 36801 334-745-2482
Beulah Baptist Church 5500 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-705-0538
AFB - Cooperative Baptist Fellowship 128 E. Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-8506
Friendship Missionary Baptist Church
enlisted and never looked back.
As I began to walk with Jesus, He did a new work of grace in me. I began to emerge from bondage to a performance-driven life. Jesus delivered me from bondage to guilt and fear. He said, “Walter, you don’t have to keeping trying so hard to impress me; I love you just like you are. Relax and enjoy being my man. Allow me to love people into the Kingdom through you.” I woke up in a new life. My chains were gone; I rose, went forth and began following Jesus into new joy. Jesus helped me embrace His purpose for my life. As I studied the Scriptures, the
3089 Judge Brown Road Valley 334-710-2117
Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church 650 Jeter Ave., Opelika 334-749-9487
Green Chapel Missionary Baptist 390 Lee Road 106, Auburn (334) 749-4184
Providence Baptist Church 2807 Lee Road 166, Opelika 334-745-4608
Purpose Baptist Church 3211 Waverly Parkway, Opelika 334-750-5338
Shady Grove Baptist Church 2194 Lee Road 177, Opelika 334-476-1531
Union Grove Baptist Church 4009 Lee Road 391, Opelika 334-749-0461
CHURCH OF CHRIST
Holy Spirit inspired me to see that Jesus could change me just like He changed Peter, Paul and Mary. I felt the hand of Jesus on my life just like Paul had once felt it. When Paul surrendered to Jesus, he turned from a burning desire to destroy the Christian movement and embraced a burning desire to serve Jesus. Paul identified himself as a servant of Jesus, so I did that too, adding the letters “sjc” to my name to remind me of my identity. Billy Graham dreamed of being a star baseball player. He saw himself standing at the plate, bat in hand, hitting a grand slam home run. Then Jesus took hold of him and he found himself in
10th Street Church of Christ 500 N. 10th St., Opelika 334-745-5181
The Opelika Church 2660 Cunninghan Drive Opelika
University Church of Christ 449 N. Gay St., Auburn www.auchurch.com
Southside Church of Christ 405 Carver Ave., Opelika 334-745-6015
CHURCH OF GOD
Lakeside Church of God 3295 Lee Rd 54, Opelika 334-749-6432
CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS 510 Groce St. Opelika, AL 36830 706-610-0547
EPISCOPAL- AME
Saint Luke AME Church 1308 Auburn St., Opelika 334-749-1690
EPISCOPAL Emmanuel Episcopal Church
one stadium after another, with a Bible instead of a bat in his hand. Near the end of his life, Graham wrote about this in his book, Nearing Home. Writing about how baseball players want to get “home,” Graham said he was praying for grace and guidance to finish strong as he was getting nearer to his home in heaven. Like Graham I am nearing home also, and yes, praying for strength to finish strong. As a young man I was inspired by Warner Sallman’s painting of “Christ Our Pilot.” In it there is a young man whose hands are holding the helm, the steering wheel of a ship at sea. Behind the man
800 1st Ave., Opelika 334-745-2054
UNITED METHODIST
Auburn United Methodist Church 137 South Gay St., Auburn 334-826-8800
Beulah United Methodist Church 5165 Lee Road 270 Valley 334-745-4755
Grace United Methodist Church 915 E. Glenn Avenue Auburn, AL 36831 334-887-7003
GLOBAL METHODIST
Christ Methodist Church of Auburn 434 E. Magnolia, Auburn Worship at Lee-Scott Academy 334-209-0074
NON-DENOMINATIONAL
Bridge Church of AL 315 2nd Ave., Opelika 334-363-0552
Church At Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy., Opelika 334-524-9148
Connect Church
Add your church to the directory for only $100 a year, or consider a display ad like the one at right for only
Email michelle@opelikaobserver.com or call (334) 749-8003.
us.
God will grow us into what He wants us to do. Jeremiah was concerned about his ability to speak and his youthfulness (v. 6). God was not. He didn’t want Jeremiah to be either because He would be with him. That answers most of our ministry challenges, doesn’t it? There might be an occasion when we can’t handle something and we need to get help or even pass it on to someone else (i.e., the apostles delegating the helping of widows to the seven in Acts 6), but most of the time we can be part of the solution because God will enable us to do what is
stands a taller man, Jesus, who is pointing the way forward with one hand while his other hand rests on the shoulder of the young man. For more than seven decades I have sought to hold on to Christ’s plan for my life and to feel his strong hand upon my shoulder, guiding me home. That remains my desire in my ninety-second year. The great key to finishing well is to surrender to Jesus every day – and stay surrendered until the chariot arrives to take us home. That is no small task. But if we continue to obey Jesus by loving God and loving each other, He will keep His
See ALBRITTON, page A15
2015 West Point Pkwy., Opelika 334-707-3949
Father’s House Christian Fellowship 214 Morris, Ave., Opelika
Living Waters Ministry Center 3005 Lafayette Parkway, Opelika
Southern Plains Cowboy Church 13099 U.S. Hwy. 280, Waverly 334-401-1014
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
GLENN
RALPH O’NEAL COTTON
Ralph O’Neal Cotton passed away peacefully into his heavenly home on Aug. 8, 2024, at Bethany House after battling pancreatic cancer.
Ralph was born Feb. 1, 1946, to Tela and Clara Ward Cotton.
Ralph is survived by his best friend and devoted wife of 49 years, Jane Champion Cotton; his bonus children, Terry (Jan) Crocker Jr. and Andy Crocker; granddaughter, Hannah Crocker (Zack) Hammond; sister-in-law, Doris Cotton; nieces, Kandi Cotton (Tommy) Tatum, Telatha Cotton (Jim) Traywick and Kellie Cotton; aunt, Nelleen Ward; cousins Barbara Gail Ward, Eddie Ward, Dwayne Ward, James Ward and Teresa Ward; and numerous grand nieces and nephews.
Ralph was predeceased by his parents; his precious sister, Jane Cotton Fuller; brother, Gene Cotton; inlaws, A.B. and Estelle Champion; and nephews, Bubba Cotton and George (Butch) Ioannides.
Ralph attended Pepperell School, Opelika High and received a BA degree from Auburn University in secondary art education. He taught at Ridgecrest Christian School for several years, then became the art teacher at Scott Prep until they merged with Lee Academy. After Scott Prep, he started working at East Alabama Medical Center in the graphics department where he worked for 40 years.
Ralph was also the pastor of Father’s House Christian Fellowship Church for over 25 years. One of the many joys of his life was sharing and teaching the good news about his savior, Jesus Christ.
Ralph was a talented artist and musician. He was a beacon of joy, known for his infectious laugh. His huge sense of humor and ability to bring laugher into any situation was a testimony of his joyous spirit. He had a giving heart and loved being with friends and meeting people. He had a gift for making people feel loved and appreciated. While we mourn his death, we also celebrate his remarkable life and profound impact on all who knew him. His legacy of love, laughter, service and faith in Jesus Christ will forever be cherished and remembered by all who knew him.
Funeral services for Ralph were held Aug. 12 at Jeffcoat-Trant
Funeral Home. Internment followed at Garden Hills Cemetery.
The family acknowledges with sincere appreciation the staff of Bethany House and Spencer Cancer Center and to Dr. Kevin Jackson. They also want to thank their many friends for their comforting messages, love and prayers as Ralph and Jane went through this journey — a journey that Ralph traveled with such grace and dignity.
The family ask that instead of flowers, please contribute a donation to Father House Christian Fellowship (214 Morris Ave, Opelika), St. Jude Children’s Hospital or your favorite charity in Ralph’s name.
GLENN W. LONG
Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Glenn Wilson Long, 90 of Auburn, who was born Jan. 12, 1934, in Selma, passed away after a short illness on Aug. 6, 2024, at East Alabama Medical Center.
Glenn earned his Eagle Scout Honor as a young man. He graduated from Auburn University and later earned his postgraduate degree from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
Glenn was a 23-year veteran, serving overseas in Germany and Korea and in the Vietnam War. After retiring from the Pentagon in 1979, he moved to Auburn, where he earned an additional undergraduate degree from Auburn University and would later work for AU’s Center for Government Services until his retirement.
Glenn was preceded in death by his son, Raymond W. Long;
brother, William R. Long Jr.; and parents, William R. Long Sr. and Myrtis Nee Wilson Long.
Glenn is survived by his wife of 69 years, Anne W. Long; son, Glenn W. Long Jr. (Janine) of Vero Beach, Florida; daughter-in-law, Ina Long of Hoover; four grandchildren, Amanda Long, Robert Long, Samuel Long and Walker Long; and two great grandchildren, Harper and Maverick Long.
A military graveside service will be held at the Montevallo National Cemetery at 11:45 a.m., on Friday, Aug. 16.
Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home of Opelika is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made Wounded Warrior Project or Tunnel to Towers.
BETTY JEAN MAYBERRY SHERWOOD
Betty Jean Mayberry Sherwood went to be with her Lord Aug. 11, 2024, at age 88. She died peacefully in her home surrounded by family.
Betty was born June 15, 1936, in Beauregard to George and Erma Mayberry. She was preced-ed in death by her loving husband of 71 years, Kenneth W. Sherwood; her sisters, Barbara Ann Martin and Mavis Stevenson; and her eldest son, Steve Sherwood.
Betty is survived by her children, Sandra (Tommy) Lowery, Kenny (Diana) Sherwood, Randy (Diana) Sherwood, Jennifer (Tim) Hughes, daughter-inlaw, Dawn Sherwood; 13 grandchil-dren, Jim (Heather) Lowery, Scott (Tamiko) Lowery, Nick (Madison) Sherwood,
Beth (Will) Sosebee, Jeremy Sherwood, Dixie (Bart) Stamper, Dustin Blair, Amy (Earl) Anderson, Nathan Hughes, Alison (Marc) Woodall, Ashley (Jay) Vales, Tyler (Ashley) Sherwood, and Hunter (Kristen) Sherwood; 21 greatgrandchildren; siblings, Margaret Huguley, Ruby Cunningham, Janice Rumsey, Ben (Lelia) Mayberry, Jerry (Marcia) Mayberry; sister-in-law, Rose (Leon) Johnson; and Brother-In-Law, John (Melanie) Sherwood.
Betty grew up and attended school in Beauregard and was a life member of Providence Bap-tist Church.
She loved spending time with her grandchildren, storytelling and shopping. She loved fami-ly trips to Panama City Beach and Branson. Her hobbies included collecting and reading cookbooks, working in her flower beds and gardening.
She was renowned for her strawberry cake and chicken and dressing.
Her heart was her family, and until the last day of her life she was planning “Sunday Dinner.”
A service was held at Providence Baptist Church East Campus on Aug. 14, with Dr. Rusty Sowell officiating. Burial followed at Providence Cemetery. Frederick-Dean Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
The family is grateful for the caring staff at Compassus Hospice and Comfort Keepers caregivers, Mary McNatt and Gayle Gomez.
Donations may be made to Providence Baptist Church.
THELMA J. SOSEBEE
Thelma J. Sosebee,
94, of Opelika was born on May 24, 1930, in Gainsville, Georgia, and passed away on Aug. 8, 2024. She was preceded in death by her husband, David Sosebee; her parents, Claude and Ellen Louise Loggins; and son, Darrel Sosebee.
Thelma is survived by her children, Donna (Randy) Waldrop, David (Tammy) Sosebee and Koyt (Daphne) Sosebee, along with nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
A service was held Aug. 12 at FrederickDean Funeral Home, with Rev. Dr. Rusty Sowell officiating. Interment followed at Garden Hills Cemetery.
JOSHUA “GIA” CHISOLM Joshua “Gia” Chisolm was born June 20, 1985, and passed away Aug. 4, 2024, at the age of 39.
A funeral service was held Aug. 10 at Jeffcoat -Trant Funeral Home, followed by a committal service at Garden Hill Cemetery in Opelika.
RILEY KATE WALLER-HOLDER
It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our precious baby, Riley Kate Holder, who left this world on Aug. 6, 2024. Born on July 22, 2024, Riley Kate graced our lives with two weeks of love and light. Though her time with us was brief, the impact she had on our hearts is immeasurable. In those precious days, Riley Kate brought joy and hope to our family, showing us the true meaning of unconditional love. Her tiny hands and feet touched our souls, and her innocent eyes
reflected the beauty and purity of life.
Riley Kate is survived by her parents, Blake Holder and Megan Waller, who cherished every moment with their beloved child. She will be forever remembered by her grandparents, Charles and Cheryl Waller, Sharie Holder and Jason and Teri Klepper. Riley Kate will also be remembered by her aunts, Kristin Waller and Lindsie Klepper, and her uncle, Trey Holder, who were blessed to have known her, even for a short time. She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Shane Holder.
Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in the love and support of our family and friends. We are grateful for the outpouring of kindness and compassion during this difficult time.
A funeral service was held at Jeffcoat-Trant
GREEN >> from A13
needed. The real question isn’t our ability but our availability. That was the question for Moses, Jeremiah, Jonah and
ALBRITTON >> from A13
promise to stay with us and never forsake us. He will not fail to keep His loving, strengthening hand upon our shoulder until our ship docks at that distant shore.
Our resolve is strengthened by the examples of others who kept the faith and finished strong. I have long been inspired by the example of a young preacher who stayed surrendered to Jesus despite the devastating odds against him. This young man surrendered to Jesus and began serving him in a small English village. His popularity grew as people from miles around came to hear him preach.
Then one day a young woman came forward, claiming that the young preacher had tried to force himself upon her sexually. Her word spread like wildfire. People believed her – but her claim was a lie. The young preacher struggled with her charge and was filled with bitterness. But, like Joseph in the Book of Genesis, the preacher overcame his bitter spirit. With the help of Jesus, he forgave the woman for her
Funeral Home in Opelika on Aug. 9. Please consider donations in Riley Kate’s name to support the Montgomery Baptist South Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) at https://baptistfoundation. org/waysto-give.
NANCY THORNTON
Nancy Thornton passed away in Auburn on Aug. 5, 2024. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Dorris Hogan, and her sister, Diane Hogan. She is survived by her husband of nearly 66 years, Bill Thornton of Au-burn; children, Julie Wood, Steve Thornton (Patti) and Lee Thornton; grandchildren, Jeremy Wood, Michael Wood and Abby Thornton; three great-grandchildren; her sister, Dorris “Dee” Hogan (Murray); nephew, David Tillman; niece, Kathy Gullion; and three great-grandchildren. Nancy graduated
a host of others. It’s not a surprise that it’s usually the question for us as well. God can do amazing things through us when He gets us —not 50%, not 75%, but ALL of us. When He has our com-plete and undivided
lies but felt his life was over, that he would never again be used of God to help others. He was wrong, however, for though Oswald Chambers struggled with bitterness, he finished strong – and God has for many years blessed millions of believers with Chambers’ famous book, My Utmost for His Highest. All because the young preacher learned to surrender to Jesus. Whatever your age, you would be wise to surrender
from Auburn University (Alabama Polytechnic Institute) in 1957. She married Bill on Aug. 8, 1958, in Columbus, Georgia. They moved to Auburn in 1963. Nancy earned two graduate degrees from Auburn University. After a long and distinguished career, she retired as editor of publications produced by the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service. She was a devoted member of Lakeview Baptist Church, where she served in many volunteer and leadership positions.
Nancy’s family is incredibly grateful for the kind, loving and professional care offered to her by the staff of Magnolia Place since 2016. Her family would cherish any gift made on her behalf that contributes to the research, treatment and ultimate cure of Alzheimer’s disease or any other cause that is close to the heart of her friends.
attention (think of Jonah), that’s when ministry really be-gins.
Find more of Bruce Green’s writings at his website: a-taste-ofgrace-with-bruce-green. com.
to Jesus so you can finish strong. Surrender does not save you from struggling with the common problems that attend the ending of life here, but it will ensure that you will not struggle alone. You will feel His hand upon your shoulder until your journey ends. And when you arrive in the place He has prepared for you, you will be filled with joy as He welcomes you home with open arms.
We meet one Sunday each month at the First Methodist Church in Opelika. Our meetings typically start with an optional exercise session at 1:30 pm, a short-business meeting at 2:00
BY D. MARK MITCHELL
OPELIKA — It is hard to to believe, but high school football season starts next Thursday in Alabama. Most local schools play their first games next week, Aug. 22 or 23.
Opelika will open the season by playing Benjamin Russell on Savarese/Martin Field at the Charles Bailey Sportsplex Aug. 23 at 7 p.m.
Opelika’s head coach Bryan Moore discussed the final week prior to game week, during an interview on my radio show “On the Mark” on FOX Sports the Game 910-1310.
Moore opened the conversation by discussing the entire team.
“We are less than a week away from playing our first game [and] we have so much to do,” Moore said. “I am proud of the work our kids have put in; we have a long way to go. Every year I have been a head coach, this is my normal feeling prior to playing game one. There are many unknowns prior to playing a game and [since] this is year one we have a bunch to do. I want our guys to be prepared and ready to play on game night.”
The conversation shifted to “how to win.”
“We are close to knowing what it means to win, of course we need to win a game to know the feeling,” Moore said. “But let’s be honest — l want our seniors to learn how to win — not just the first half, but the second half, win the fourth
quarter, win every play.
We scrimmaged last Friday morning. It was not our best. I posted their game grade on the board after watching film. Win as a team, we lose as a team. They must learn to do their job each play.
“We have over 150 people involved in our program, counting kids and coaches. This is about our program, the kids — all of them. I invited several different folks from around Alabama and Opelika to talk to the kids about relationships and understanding how to be a good teammate. Former Prattville, UAB head coach Bill Clark spent time with us and talk to our kids. It was important to understand it’s important to keep our kids first, relationships matter.”
How many players do you hope to play during a game?
“I asked our coaches about our players, how many do they think can play in the games,” Moore answered.”
The more we play, the more depth we build. Many will play. I am hoping we play 45 to 50 players each game, we have 7 to 9 players on the offensive and defensive lines, we have many bodies to rotate, and we will play the guys that have met the standard. Starting is important, playing is important. We are close to knowing who the best five linemen we have. Playing more kids will help us late in the game. Several losses last year happened at the end of games in the season.”
See ON THE MARK, page B2
CONTRIBUTED BY AU ATHLETICS
LEE COUNTY — Robb Taylor, head coach of Auburn University’s Wheelchair Basketball team, will lead the U.S. Men’s National Wheelchair Basketball Team at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.
The games begin on Wednesday, Aug. 28, with the gold medal game scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 7. Taylor, who has served as head coach since 2022, is preparing his team to defend their gold medal from the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games.
Since joining Auburn in 2016, Taylor has transformed the university’s wheelchair basketball program into a top-tier team. Under his leadership, Auburn’s Adapted Athletics has flourished, contributing significantly to the community, and achieving national recognition.
Taylor’s coaching career spans over two decades. He has guided the U.S. team to gold medals at the 2022
IWBF World Championships and the 2023 Santiago Parapan American Games. As an assistant coach, he helped the team win gold at the 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.
“The excitement and pride I feel heading into the Paris Paralympics are immense,” Taylor said. “Our team has worked incredibly hard,
and we are ready to compete at the highest level. The support from Auburn and the wider community has been overwhelming, and it fuels our drive to succeed on the international stage.”
The 2024 U.S. Men’s Wheelchair Basketball National Team is comprised of 12 athletes and four alternates. The pool includes 12 athletes from the gold medal winning U.S. Men’s team from the Santiago 2023 Parapan American Games held in Santiago, Chile, Nov. 17-26, 2023, as well as includes eight athletes from the gold medal winning U.S. Men’s team from the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games.
Brian Bell of Birmingham is Alabama’s only player to make the U.S. Men’s National Wheelchair Basketball Team. Bell won gold at the 2023 Parapan American Games, where he was the team’s leading rebounder with 11.8 boards per contest. He was
Most Money Raised & Best Tasting Burger
August 17, 2024 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
FOOD, FACE PAINTING, GAMES & MORE Train Rides: 10 a.m. - Noon ($2)
For more information, visit @cityofopelika on Facebook.
Formerly known as Summer in the Park. Proceeds go to the United Way of Lee County.
PARALYMPICS >> from
a member of the last two U.S. Men’s teams that won gold medals at the Paralympics (2020 and 2016). In addition to his Paralympic accolades, Bell is a three-time gold medalist at Parapans (2015, 2019 and 2023) and a three-time medalist at Worlds (2022 gold, 2018 silver, 2014 silver). Bell also won a NWBA Division I National Championship with the Golden State Road Warriors in 2023. He will be joined by teammates Steve Serio of Westbury, New York; Trevon Jenifer of Huntington, Maryland; Paul Schults of Ann Arbor, Michigan; Jake Williams of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Nate Hinze of Oshkosh, Wisconsin; John Boie of Milton, Wisconsin; Jorge Salazar
The conversation went to quarterbacks:
“We have two players battling at quarterbacks, both sophomores. It is important that we rotate players and keep them fresh. The more they have reps, the better they will play, both are improving each day. We must keep them out of trouble, block up front and try to avoid putting too much on the QBs.”
Moore wrapped up his interview discussing the weekly schedule: Thursday night, Quarterback Club members will be treated to a steak diner at the Indoor Complex at 6 p.m.
Friday afternoon Opelika will host “Meet the Bulldog Scrimmage” at Bulldog Stadium starting at 4:30 p.m. with the seventh and eighth grade scrimmage, followed by the eighth vs ninth grade team scrimmage.
The football players and cheerleaders will be introduced at 5:30 p.m. Opelika fans can meet the players get a signed poster from 6 to 6:30, followed by the varsity scimmage at 7
of Delano, California; Fabian Romo of Chicago; Talen Jourdan of Deerfield, Wisconsin; Jeromie Meyer of Woodbine, Iowa; and A.J. Fitzpatrick of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Alternates include Perry Berry of Houston; Aaron Gouge of Grand Prarie, Texas; Ryan Neiswender of Lebanon, Pennsylvania; and Jorge Sanchez of Oakland, California.
Taylor’s coaching staff also includes an Alabamian — Jeremy Johnson of Dothan will serve as the team’s athletic trainer. The staff also includes assistant coaches Scott Meyer of Columbia, Missouri, and Michael Paye of Warren, Michigan; team leader Tony Frescas of Omaha, Nebraska; strength and conditioning coach Katie McClosky of Houston; sports dietitian Marta Scechura of Chicago; and sports psychologist
p.m.
The event is free and open to the public.
iHeartRadio continues to carry Opelika High Football on WKKR 97.7 Kicker FM, kickerfm.com and streaming on the free iHeartRadio app. Van Riggs will handle the play-byplay, with commentary from Coach McCrackren in the booth and son Mack on the sidelines. Coverage begins Friday’s with the Bulldog Tailgate Show presented by Opelika Environmental Services from 6 to 6:30 p.m.
Pre-game coverage from the stadium begins at 6:30 p.m. with Moore’s pregame show, followed by kickoff at 7 p.m.
HIGH SCHOOL COACHES SHOW
Every Wednesday night from 6 to 8 p.m., fans can listen to the High School Coaches Show presented by Orthopaedic Clinic and Goree’s Furniture live from MOE’S BBQ ( Bent Creek on 97.7 Kicker fm and FOX Sports the Game. Head coaches from around the area tell us about the upcoming game and inside info.
HIGH SCHOOL RECAP SHOW Saturday mornings, High school football fans can
Adam O’Neil of Boulder, Colorado.
ABOUT USA WHEELCHAIR
MEN’S BASKETBALL
The USA Wheelchair
Men’s Basketball Team represents the United States in international competitions, consistently achieving excellence with multiple gold medals in Paralympic Games and World Championships. Follow your U.S. Men’s National Team on social media, or for more information, visit teamusa.com.
ABOUT AU ADAPTED ATHLETICS
Auburn University Adapted Athletics provides competitive opportunities for student-athletes with disabilities, excelling in sports like wheelchair basketball and tennis. For more information, visit Auburnadapted.com.
listen to all the scores from Friday night by listening to the “Orthopaedic Clinic High School wrap-up Show” on WZMG FOX Sports the game, 8 to 9 a.m. Terry Rosenthal, Jeff Sasser and I will go over all state wide high school scores in the AISA and AHSAA.
FRIDAY NIGHT SCOREBOARD ON KICKER
Football fans can listen to the High School Scoreboard show presented by Encore Rehab, Friday’s 10 p.m. to midnight on WKKR 97.7 Kicker fm. Jere Bavaro and Eddie Owen host the two-hour show, bringing all the football scores from the area and around the state of Alabama.
Read about all the local schools in The Observer each week.
D Mark Mitchell is the sports director at iHeartMedia, host of “On the Mark” Fox Sports the Game 910-1319, co-chair of the Auburn-Opelika Sports Council, chairman of the Super 7 and Dixie Boys Baseball state director.
BY BETH PINYERD
As an older teacher, I am blessed to be doing inter-generational teaching at Trinity Preschool. Lee Ann Scroggins is the director, and teachers are greeting their students with Fruits of the Spirit decorations on the doors and bulletin boards and in lessons.
Children are met with bananas for self-control, kiwis for faithfulness, raspberries for gentleness, strawberries for kindness, apples for patience, watermelons for goodness, pears for peace, oranges and lemons for joy and grapes for love, putting Galatians 5:22-23 to heart: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness
and self-control.” What a wonderful and fruitful way to start off the new school year!
Early childhood is such a critical time of learning — learning how to adjust and how to socially interact with others. I would like to review the Fruits of the Spirit with parents and families in hopes you will apply them with your children:
1. Love is a fruit we need so much of. 1 Corinthians 13:13: “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” Children love to sing songs of love for each other. It is joy to a parent’s heart and ears to receive hugs and hear the words, “I Love you.” Ask your child, “Who could be helped by our love today?”
2. The fruit of Joy is a
MISSISSIPPI STATE, Mississippi
— Timberly Stephanson of Auburn, a foreign language major, was one of 45 Mississippi State students who attended the 2024 interdisciplinary Global Game Changers study abroad trip to Italy. Participants ventured through Milan, the Amalfi Coast, Florence and ended the trip in Rome with customized itineraries specific to their field of study.
TROY — Troy University has announced the Chancellor’s List for the summer semester and Term 5 of the 2023-2024 academic year. Full-time undergraduate students who are registered for at least 12 semester hours and earn a grade point average of 4.0 qualify for the honor. Local students on the Chancellor’s List are Chaz Smith and Ashley Royal of Auburn and Ira Henderson and Katrin Hodgins of Phenix City.
TROY — Troy University has announced the Provost’s List for the summer semester and Term 5 of the 2023-2024 academic year. Full-time undergraduate students who are registered for at least 12 semester hours and who have a grade point average of at least 3.65 qualify for the Provost’s List. Local students on the Provost’s List are William Lacour of Auburn, Hayley Petty of Phenix City and Zayne Maddox and Ashanti Fuller, both of Smiths Station.
path that children seem to understand. They love to clap and sing. Happiness depends on what is happening to a child at a particular time, but joy is deep within the heart, not shackled by circumstances. A child’s joy is contagious to adults. Ask your child how joy can help someone else at school today.
3. Teaching children about peace, we stress for them to look for positive happenings all around. Too, the fruit of peace can be used to guide children in ways to get along with others.
4. The fruit of patience is such an asset in our rushed world. At the beginning of the year, when going over class rules, teachers remind children to raise their hands and take turns answering questions or sharing facts. I gently remind them not to interrupt the lesson but to “Save That Thought” until the end of the lesson. When other children are talking, we are to listen to what our classroom friends are sharing. As parents and teachers, we have to be patient as children learn this process.
5. The fruit of kindness spreads when we share and model that we are supposed to help others. Children want to help others. A good way to
foster this is to assign chores at home, such as helping set the table, picking up toys, cleaning their room, etc. I am a recipient of kindness anytime I go into the classroom and students help me lay out books, give out papers to color, pick up trash, open the door, etc. I love it when children are out on the playground when I am leaving for the day, and they yell to me as I am leaving, “Mrs. Beth, have a good day!” That encourages me so and melts my heart!
6. The fruit of goodness is doing what is right. With young children, this is obeying parents, teachers, listening to instructions, trying to finish up assignments, cleaning up, etc.
7. The fruit of faithfulness can be fostered as parents and model this in prayer. Children love to pray. With their young hearts and gentle spirits, they believe in prayer. I love to hear young children sing prayers and say prayers. They trust and know that God will keep His promises.
8. Guiding young children to think of others is the fruit of gentleness. It is so rewarding to see young children help each other, such as helping each other open up a box of crayons or juice box -
es, helping their teachers put classroom resources back where they belong, helping older people as needed, etc.
9. The fruit of self-control is applied in children obeying their parents and adults. This is a process that takes training and patience.
With these Fruits of the Spirit at the beginning of the school year, this is a good time to guide your children to make friends. Children love to have friends at school. Listen closely to your child when they talk about children they like to play with at school or pre -
school. To teach them social interaction and how to relate to others, check with these children’s parents and invite them over to play. Plan activities such as going to the park, playing games, viewing a favorite video and enjoying a favorite snack together. Children are so happy with just doing the simple things. The main issue you are focusing on is having the children get along.
Beth Pinyerd has taught in the early childhood classroom for many years. She holds a master’s degree in early childhood education.
BY MAGGIE EDWARDS, ALFA
AUBURN — The Alabama Farmers Federation honored two Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) and Auburn University (AU) agriculturalists for outstanding research and service Aug. 3.
Dr. Andre da Silva earned the Rittenour Award for Production Agriculture & Forestry Research, while Dennis Brothers received the Duncan Award for Excellence in Production Agriculture & Forestry Extension.
The sixth annual awards were presented during the Federation’s Farm & Land Conference in Montgomery.
Da Silva, an associate professor and ACES vegetable specialist, scored $10,000 from the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation (AFAF). His work is instrumental in developing best management practices for high-yielding,
high-quality vegetable crops. Da Silva plans to use the prize to further his variety trials and diversify research.
The recognition was a surprise for da Silva.
“It’s encouraging
to see my work and drive to help was recognized,” da Silva said. “I like working with people. That’s why I enjoy working for Extension. When a grower has a problem,
you help them and then they succeed. It’s rewarding for me to see their harvest of vegetables and high-quality production.” Brothers, an associate ACES professor in AU’s Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology Department, was also proud of the recognition. As the Duncan Award win -
See ACES, page B9
BY BETH PINYERD FOR THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA — Open House for MomCo is Thursday, Aug. 15, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Pepperell Baptist Church in Opelika. The open house is free. Refreshments will be provided, and children are welcome (childcare will be available for regular meetings, but not for this Open House).
THE MOMCO EXPERIENCE
1. Who is it for? All moms in every stage of motherhood from pregnancy to high school age children.
2. What do we do? We meet twice monthly during the school year for encouraging, distraction-free time together (childcare provided for older infants, toddlers and preschoolers), relevant topics and Biblical motherhood discussions, mentor relationships and coffee and refreshments. There are also opportunities outside of regu-
lar meetings to further connect and foster deeper friendships.
3. Why does the group exist? We aim to encourage and equip moms of young children to realize their potential as mothers, women, and leaders, in relationship with Jesus, and in partnership with the local church. Motherhood is hard-we want to do it together.
KIDS AT MOMCO
Childcare? Yes please! At MomCo we promise uninterrupted conversations while the little ones have a party of their own. Expect a free hand to hold that hot mug of coffee.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
Our Theme this year is “Wild Hope!”
Mark your calendars for upcoming meetings, held on the first and third Thursdays of each month. The group meets mornings at 9 a.m. and evenings at 5:30 p.m.
Meeting dates are scheduled for the follow-
ing dates: Sept. 5 & 19
Oct. 3 & 17
Nov. 7 & 21
Dec. 5
Jan. 16, 2025
Feb. 6 & 20, 2025
March 6 & 20
April 3 & 17
May 1 & 15
Yearly MomCo International dues are $37, which provides a magazine, valuable mom teachings and more.
But don’t let dues stop you from joining — ask about available scholarships.
If you want to check us out before joining, the first meeting is free. Simply send a Facebook message to the MomCo at Pepperell or email auburnopelikamops@gmail.com to let us know you are coming.
If you have any questions, call Rachel Elrod at (706) 244-5620. Pepperell Baptist Church is located at 2702 2nd Ave, Opelika, AL 36801.
people are what make any job rewarding for me.”
ner, he earned $5,000 to fund his poultry economic research, courtesy of AFAF. Past projects include the poultry production cost calculator tool, a “New Farmer’s Guide to the Commercial Broiler Industry” manual and the 2022 Alabama Ag & Forestry Economic Contribution Study.
“I’m always looking for ways to benefit the guy out there with chicken manure on his boots,” Brothers said. “I get unique opportunities to serve poultry growers. The
The Federation was honored to present the Rittenour and Duncan awards to two trailblazers in agriculture, said Federation President Jimmy Parnell.
“Alabama farmers are blessed to have da Silva and Brothers in their corner,” said Parnell, a Chilton County farmer. “Their practical research is helping farmers stay productive, profitable and on their farms. That’s important in today’s economy. We’re proud to recognize these leaders and thank them for their work.”
CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
AUBURN — Oklahoma
trio The Close will make their second appearance at the Sundilla Concert Series & Radio Hour on Friday, Aug. 23.
Showtime at the AUUF
(450 E. Thach Ave. in Auburn) is 7:30 p.m.
Advance tickets are available for $20 from Spicer’s Music, Ross House Coffee, Foodie’s, and online at sundillamusic.com. Admission at the door will be $25, $15 for students. Free coffee, tea, water and food will be available, and the audience is invited to bring their own favorite food or beverage.
The first Sundilla appearance for The Close was a night like many other nights. Most of the regulars and a few others came to the venue on a Friday
night, not knowing much about what they were about to hear, but knowing that chances were excellent that it would be worth their while. And it ended like many other nights, with people saying, “They were great!” and “Bring them back again as soon as you can!” and “Knocked it out of the park… again!”
“I love nights like that,” said Bailey Jones, one of the organizers of Sundilla and the volunteer responsible for booking the performers. “I know we often ask our supporters to take a chance on a performer, and when they let us know that they’re glad they came to hear someone they weren’t familiar with, but now want to see again. Those are the nights that make me wish we had the resources to present even more concerts per year. Sixteen might be all we can handle,
but it just isn’t enough. That’s why we try to hard to make those 16 count.”
The Close is a harmony-focused band comprised of multiple writers. Lori J. Rowton, James Mckinney and Shannon Walker are a collective of introspective lyricists who pen genre-blending melodies wrapped in stellar harmonies. The Close first grabbed the attention of audiences with their EP release, Hello Heart, in 2019, and absolutely shine in a live setting, where they are as dynamic as they are intimate in their connection with their listeners. So it’s no surprise that, following their last Sundilla visit, so many in the audience said “Bring them back here as soon as you can!”
They blur the lines between Americana/Contemporary Folk/Indie Rock and Country with a commercial
Pop sensibility. The Close has been recently featured on Roots Radio, WMOT’s Finally Friday Broadcast live from Nashville, and were featured on the television series “The Southern
Music Showcase.” The Close were asked by Victor Records, right before the pandemic hit, to record “The Close, Live from Victor Studios” at Victor recording studio. This time,
The Close will be touring for their much anticipated full- length album release, “Orbit.” For more information, go to www.sundillamusic. com.
BY ANN CIPPERLY
Now that school has started, the slower pace of summer is over. It’s back to the rush of getting to school on time, homework and going to bed early. Children come home from school hungry and ready for a hearty snack. While it’s preferred to serve healthy choices, sometimes freshly baked cookies and a tall glass of milk or a smoothie are the most popular. Local moms are sharing recipes for favorites.
Betsy Hall Ledoux is one of those loving mothers getting her children back in school and planning special treats for them after school.
Betsy, who grew up in Opelika, and her husband, Nick, moved back to the area several years ago to be near family after living in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and various places in the U.S. The couple both served with Samaritan’s Purse and the United States Agency for International Development in leadership roles in a number of countries around the world.
Betsy enjoys making after school snacks for their three sons, Matthew, who is in the second grade; Andrew, who attends kindergarten; and John, who is in preschool.
“We are so grateful for a new school year with great teachers, sweet friends in their classes, new friends to get to know and the gift of education,” Betsy said. “It’s going to be a great year of learning and
growing.”
Betsy listed things her three active sons enjoy doing such as hiking, being outside and at playgrounds, playing with their brothers, inventing and building new creations, splashing in the creek, lake, beach, splash park, pool and waterslides.
They also have fun exploring interactive, hands-on museums, playing board games, going on adventures, doing science experiments, learning about places around the world, building with Legos and Magnatiles, reading with Mama and Daddy and spending time with friends and family. The boys are already dreaming about careers as a farmer and wildlife veterinarian, superhero engineer, construction worker and doctor when they grow up.
The boys love special treats like birthday cake, ice cream, cookies and brownies fresh out of the oven. Betsy is sharing recipes for three other favorites: Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies, GaGa’s Congo Squares and Children’s Charcuterie Board. The charcuterie board is a creative way to serve children their favorites and add some healthy snacks too.
“Being these boys’ mama is such a joy and a gift from Jesus,” said Betsy, who is creating many happy memories for their sons like she had growing up in Opelika. “We grew up on a lake, so we would often drive home to deer in our front yard and go to sleep to the sound of frogs croaking and crickets chirping.”
Her parents are Vondalyn and the late Dr. Robert Hall Jr. Her grandparents, the late Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hall Sr., also lived in Opelika.
“Mama created a home that was always open and full of life,” Betsy said.
“My sisters and I never hesitated to call Mama to let her know that we were on the way home with 20 other teenagers in tow. She
would say, ‘Wonderful!
I’ll start making cookies.’ Anything Mama touched became beautiful. Daddy was my hero, role-model, one of my best friends and one of my favorite people that has ever lived.
“We ate dinner as a family every night, and my sisters and I always knew that we were loved. Our closest friends were like family. My sisters and I were blessed with an amazing childhood in Opelika and a sense of belonging to a community.”
When Betsy was just 10 years old, she heard God’s call to serve Him in Africa. After completing her master’s degree at Auburn, she moved to Washington, D.C., where she served as a Presidential Management Fellow and budget analyst for four years at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
In 2008, Betsy moved to Mozambique, Africa, and realized the dream that began for her as a child. For over a decade, she served in various leadership roles in humanitarian aid and public health. She was deputy country director for Samaritan’s Purse in Mozambique and again in Haiti.
Betsy met her husband, Nick, while responding to the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti in January 2010. Betsy and Nick served as the two deputy country directors in Haiti for Samaritan’s Purse during the earthquake and cholera response.
They were married in August 2012 at Trinity Methodist Church in Opelika. Nine months later, they returned to Mozambique to serve for five years in leadership roles. They moved to Nepal in 2018 to help rebuild after the earthquake, and eventually moved back to Opelika.
The Ledouxes own and operate Mission Softwash, a roof and exterior cleaning company. A portion
of the revenue is used to help provide clean water in Africa.
“Of all of our adventures, raising our little boys is our favorite adventure and greatest blessing,” said Betsy. “I have loved the amazing privilege of working on programs that save lives, reduce suffering, and share hope around the world, but being ‘Mama’ to our little boys is by far my favorite job that I have ever had. They are a complete joy to my heart.”
Look over the recipes and select several to prepare this coming week, whether you are making after school snacks or preparing yummy treats for your family.
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies Betsy Hall Ledoux
• 1 cup butter, room temperature
• 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1 ¼ cups sifted flour
• 1
sweetened coconut flakes (I prefer Baker’s Angel Flakes)
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips Beat together butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla. Sift flour, soda, salt and cinnamon together. Add these two mixtures together and mix
thoroughly. Fold in oats, coconut and chocolate chips. Drop by teaspoon onto greased baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 12 - 15 minutes. Cool before removing from sheet. Makes approximately four dozen.
GaGa’s Congo Squares Betsy Hall Ledoux
• 2/3 cup butter
2 ¼ cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
• 2 ¼ cup all-purpose flour, sifted
• 2 ½ tsp. baking powder
• ½ tsp. salt
3 eggs
• 1 cup chocolate chips Melt butter in saucepan. Remove from heat and stir in sugar and
vanilla. Transfer mixture to a large bowl. Allow to cool. Sift together flour, baking powder and salt. Add eggs, one at a time, to cooled sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in flour mixture, then chocolate chips.
Spread in a greased 9 x 13-inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 35 minutes. Cut into 2 inch squares when almost cool.
Children’s Charcuterie Board
Betsy Hall Ledoux
Our boys love “choosing” their own food, so coming home to a charcuterie board and little plates that each one may fill according to his preference is always a fun treat.
I try to include options in the following categories: cheese, crackers, nuts, fruit or dried fruit, cured or deli meats and sometimes a dipping sauce. Our boys’ favorites are listed below, but you can add or subtract options based on personal preference.
Charcuterie boards are a fun way to be creative with options, elevate your little ones’ favorite snacks and offer independence in their choices. I like to mix and match options on different days to create
different charcuterie boards. Increasing the quantities also makes a fun lunch.
Cheese: Colby Jack, cheddar, mozzarella sticks, chèvre and Laughing Cow cheese (cut all of the above into little bite size pieces except the chèvre and Laughing Cow cheese)
Crackers: Ritz crackers, club crackers, wheat crackers, Cheezits, goldfish
Nuts: salted cashews, honey roasted peanuts, toasted pecans (see recipe below)
Fruit or dried fruit: craisins, sliced apples, sliced bananas, strawberries
Cured or deli meats: pepperoni, salami, ham, turkey
Dipping sauce: honey, peanut butter (for the apples)
Toasted pecan recipe:
• 2 Tbsp. butter
1 cup pecan halves
• Salt to taste
Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Add pecans and sauté just until warm and well coated with butter. Spread onto a baking sheet and toast in oven for 10 to 15 minutes at 300 degrees.
Place on paper towels with newspapers underneath. Salt to taste while still hot; turn and salt again. These toasted pecans are a favorite anytime, but especially when eaten warm.
See RECIPES, page B13
BY SEAN DIETRICH
This house is a tomb. Ever since the kid left. We’ve had a kid here at the lake for the past several days. Our goddaughter. She left this morning. There is evidence a child has been in this house, however. There is, for example, a giant rubber ball, sitting in the middle of our living room.
Smoothies
Jennifer Rezek
½ cup Greek plain
yogurt
• ¾ cup sliced frozen banana
• ¼ cup strawberries
A splash of pineapple juice
In a blender, place all the ingredients. Blend and pour into cup.
Caramel Toffee Dip
Tipi Miller
Delicious with apple wedges
½ cup plain nonfat
Greek yogurt
• ½ cup light sour
cream
• 1/3 cup brown
sugar
• ¾ tsp. vanilla ex-
tract
• 5 Tbsp. toffee bits
Combine all ingredients and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Melanie’s Monkey “Milkshake” 1/2 cup milk
• 2 Tbsp. chocolate
syrup
• 2 Tbsp. peanut butter
1 frozen sliced ripe banana
8 oz. carton vanilla yogurt
Place all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
2 medium frozen bananas, sliced
1 cup low fat milk
• 1 Tbsp. cocoa powder
• 4 Tbsp. peanut butter, creamy
Blend all ingredients together in blender until smooth.
The ball is shaped like a giant peanut. It is called a “peanut sensory stability ball.” Basically, a child sits on this peanut and it’s ride ’em cowboy. Which is exactly what the kid would be doing if she were here right now. Bouncing on her peanut. Making happy conversation, probably while eating—I don’t know—a popsicle.
Either that, or she would be swimming in the lake right now. The child loves the lake. She adores the lake, actually. Although the child I’m referring to is blind, and many people naturally assume she is afraid of water, the kid is not afraid. She is obsessed with water.
(For larger batch use a food processor or an immersion blender with partially thawed frozen bananas or fresh bananas.)
Kiddos Trail Mix
Heather Cummings
1 cup Cheerios toasted oat cereal
1 cup Goldfish crackers
1 cup dried cranberries (or other favorite dried fruit)
• 1 cup cashews (or other favorite nuts)
• 1 cup M&M’s chocolate candies
• 1 cup peanut butter chips
1 cup miniature pretzel twists or pretzel sticks
Throw everything together and toss in a sealed container. Store in a cool, dry area. This recipe can be easily adapted to fit your personal tastes.
Fruit Yogurt Smoothie
• 8 oz. container low fat vanilla yogurt
2 cups fat free milk
• ½ cup frozen pineapple-orange juice concentrate, thawed 1 banana, chopped Combine all ingredients in a blender; process until smooth. Makes about 5 cups.
Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Wedges
Carol Pridgen
• 2 kiwis, peeled and diced
• 2 golden delicious apples, diced
• 8 oz. raspberries (optional)
• 1 lb. strawberries, chopped
• 2 Tbsp. white sugar
3 Tbsp. fruit pre -
Over the last three days, the child has lived in lake water. Take yesterday. The kid woke up at eight. She emerged from her bedroom, already wearing her swimwear and water shoes.
“Good morning!” she said in much the same way you might announce that you won the Florida Powerball jackpot.
“Good morning,” we replied in low-pitched morning voices, drinking coffee, trying to coax our middle-aged eyelids open.
The child ate a bowl of cereal while her aunt Jamie simultaneously slathered the squirming little-kid body with SPF 12,380 sunscreen.
Within seconds the child was in the lake water.
serves, any flavor
In a large bowl mix fruit, sugars and preserves. Cover and chill at least 15 minutes. Serve with Cinnamon Sugar Tortillas.
Cinnamon Sugar
Tortilla Wedges: 10 (10-inch) flour tortillas
Butter flavored cooking spray 1/2 cup cinnamon sugar
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat one side of each tortilla with butter spray. Cut into wedge shapes. Arrange on single layer on cookie sheet. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Spray again with butter spray. Bake 8 to 10 minutes.
Purple Monstrosity
Smoothies
Beth Brewer
• 2 frozen bananas, skins removed and cut in chunks 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
1 cup orange juice
• 1 Tbsp. honey (optional)
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract (optional Place bananas, blueberries and juice in a blender. Puree the fruits Add honey and/ or vanilla to taste. Use more or less liquid depending on the thickness you want for your smoothie.
Tropical Island
Smoothie
Cooler
Beth Brewer
• 1 cup orange juice
2 cups pineapple chunks, drained
1 banana, coarsely chopped 1/4 cup skim milk
Which felt weird to me, swimming directly after eating breakfast. But then, I was raised by old-school parenting. I was brought up to believe that you were not supposed to swim after eating. When I was a kid, after we ate a Snickers, our mothers forced us to wait at least two or three presidential administrations.
But apparently this is just another old myth from the days of yore.
Modern doctors say there is no evidence that eating before swimming is dangerous. In fact, there is new evidence to suggest that swimming immediately after eating is actually healthy.
Who knows which myths they’re going to
• 2 Tbsp. honey
• 1 cup crushed ice
In a blender crush ice with the orange juice. Then add pineapple chunks, milk, and honey to the crushed ice. Blend until smooth.
Snickerdoodle
Cookies
Kelly Cox
½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• ½ cup sugar
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
• 1 tsp. vanilla
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp. baking soda
• ¼ tsp. cream of tartar
• ¼ tsp. salt
Separate bowl:
• ¼ cup sugar
2 tsp. cinnamon
Mix ingredients together. Chill dough at least 30 minutes. Then roll into 2 Tbsp. balls. Roll each ball in the sugar and cinnamon mixture.
Bake at 350 degrees for 9 minutes.
Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
Dr. Sara SmithT
• 2 sticks softened margarine
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla
debunk next. Next thing you know doctors will be saying it’s beneficial to your health to run with scissors while smoking Camels.
So anyway, after eating breakfast, we’d walk out to the little swim dock.
The little girl would jump into the lake, and she’d stay in the water for upwards of 12 hours, only exiting the water occasionally to eat lunch while bouncing on her peanut.
And somehow, I kind of got into the rhythm of having a kid around. The days seemed more thrilling. Every morning has a definite sense of adventure to it. Nothing feels insignificant or humdrum with a child nearby. Everything is so important
• 1 large egg
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. salt 1 bag semi-sweet
chocolate chips
Cream margarine and sugars. Add egg and vanilla; mix well. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt; mix in well. Stir in chocolate chips (with a spoon). Drop with a tablespoon onto greased cookie sheet. Bake 10 minutes at 350 degrees.
Chocolate Chip Ice
Cream Sandwiches
Dr. Sara SmithT
For a special treat, let cookies cool completely. Put a scoop of vanilla ice cream between 2 cookies. Freeze until ready to serve. Makes a great treat to eat outdoors when company comes after dinner.
Easy Caramel Brownies
• 2 sticks butter, room temperature
• 1 box light brown sugar
• 2 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
• 2 cups self-rising flour
and exciting. Sandwiches are exciting. Strawberries are exciting. Music is exciting. Even a middle-aged fool, who unable to have children of his own, seems exciting to a child. Life. It’s all so darn exciting. But now she’s gone. The house is quiet. And the rubber peanut just sits there.
Sean Dietrich is a columnist, novelist and stand-up storyteller known for his commentary on life in the American South. His column appears in newspapers throughout the U.S. He has authored 15 books.
Peanut Butter Shortbread Bars
• ½ cup shortening ¼ cup butter, room temperature 1/3 cup peanut butter
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1 egg yolk
1 ½ tsp. vanilla
• 1 ¾ cups flour
Glaze:
• 2 Tbsp. peanut butter
2 Tbsp. milk
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup chopped nuts, optional Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Beat the butter until fluffy. Add brown sugar and vanilla; cream together. Add eggs one at a time, beating well. Mix nuts with flour until coated. Add flour and nuts to batter; blend well. Pour into a greased middle size baking pan. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until done. Cool in pan. Cut into squares and serve. Freezes well.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine shortening, butter, 1/3 cup peanut butter, brown sugar, egg yolk and vanilla in large bowl. Beat until light and fluffy; add flour and blend. Press dough into an ungreased 9x9x2-inch pan. Bake 20 minutes or until lightly browned. For glaze, combine 2 tablespoons peanut butter, milk and powdered sugar to make icing. Pour over warm cookies. Cut into squares. Thank
AUG. 17 — BURGERS & BADGES GRILL OFF
The city of Opelika police and fire departments will go headto-head in the annual Burgers & Badges Grill Off, set for Saturday, Aug. 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Municipal Park (Monkey Park).
AUG. 17 — AUBURN POKER TENNIS SOCIAL
What’s Poker have to do with Tennis? Come find out on Saturday, Aug. 17, at the Yarbrough Tennis Center on Richland Road in Auburn. All levels of adult players are welcome. Matches will be played on the outdoor clay courts starting at 9 a.m. Entry fee is $10 which covers balls, court fees and prizes. Format: Time-based rounds of Men’s, Women’s and/or Mixed Doubles; 3 x 30-minute rounds; Win or lose, each team draws 1 card for every game won after a round; Winning team(s) of event determined by best 5-card poker hand.
AUG. 17 — HORSESHOE BEND ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM
The Horseshoe Bend National Military Park Annual Symposium will be held Saturday, Aug. 17, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Pebble Hill, 101 S. Debardeleben St. in Auburn. This year’s theme will focus on the Cherokee connection to the Creek War and will feature talks by Dr. Susan Abram (Western Carolina University), Dr. Steven Peach (Tarleton State University), and Dr. Stuart Marshall (Sewanee: The University of the South). Admission is free.
THROUGH AUG. 18 — BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
Auburn Area Community Theatre presents Disney’s Beauty and the Beast — the Broadway musical Aug. 8-18 at Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center in Auburn. For performance times and ticket information, visit www.auburnact.org.
AUG. 22 — ARTIST LECTURE & CLOSING RECEPTION
Artist Billy Renkl, whose exhibition of mixed media collages is on display at Auburn University’s Biggin Gallery (112 S. College St.), will speak at a closing reception on Thursday, Aug. 22, from 5 to 7 p.m. The exhibition, artist lecture, and closing reception are free and open to the public. For more information, visit: https://cla.auburn.edu/art/galleries/ exhibitions/2023-24-exhibitions/billy-renkl.
AUG. 23 — THE CLOSE @ SUNDILLA
The Close will take the stage at Sundilla on Friday, Aug. 23, at 7:30 p.m. at AUUF (450 E. Thach Ave., Auburn). Advance tickets are $20 and can be found at Spicer’s Music, Ross House Coffee, Foodies and online. Admission at the door will be $25 and $15 for students with an ID. Children ages 12 and under are free. Free coffee, tea, water and food will be available, and the audience is invited to bring their own favorite food or beverage.
THROUGH AUG. 24 — AUBURN ARTS SUMMER SHOW
The Auburn Arts Association’s 2024 Summer Show, titled “Black and White + One Color” is on display now through Aug. 24 at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. The visual experience showcases the creativity and innovation of local artists.
AUG. 24 — 13TH ANNUAL BACK TO SCHOOL BASH
Cornerstone Family Chiropractic in Auburn will host a free family event on Saturday, Aug. 24, from 9 a.m. to noon at 323 Airport Road. The event, which will feature inflatables, games, raffle prizes, food and sweet treets, supports the BigHouse Foundation.
THROUGH AUG. 24 — AUBURN CITY MARKET
City Market, Auburn Parks and Recreation’s weekly farmer’s market, is open each Saturday morning through Aug. 24 from
8 to 11 a.m. at Town Creek Park. The entire family is invited to enjoy live music, fun activities for the kids and an array of fresh, local and handcrafted items to browse and purchase. Parking is available at Town Creek Park and in the gravel lot across the street from the park. City Market vendors will start selling their products at 8 a.m. sharp. For more information, visit auburnalabama.org/citymarket or email citymarket@ auburnalabama.org.
AUG. 24 — GOSPEL SINGING
The WeHelp Coalition, a group of 12 local churches, will present the second Gospel Sing fundraiser to benefit Auburn Opelika Habitat for Humanity on Saturday, Aug. 24, at 3 p.m. at True Deliverance Holiness Church (963 N. Donahue Dr., Auburn). In addition to musical performances, there will baked goods for purchase. For more information, email Athera Y. Perry at apblessed@hotmail.com or text (334) 663-0919; or email Barbara Morris at Barbara.morris33@yahoo.com or text (334) 887-1440.
AUG. 29 — THIRD THURSDAY POETRY SERIES
Auburn University’s Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities will host the Third Thursday Poetry Series on Aug. 29 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Pebble Hill (101 S. Debardeleben St., Auburn) featuring local readers Ken Autrey, Ernest Gibson and Maria Kuznetzova. Refreshments will be available. Admission is free.
AUG. 30 — FOOTBALL, FANS & FEATHERS
The Auburn University Raptor Center’s Football, Fans and Feathers — offers fans the opportunity to see a raptor show where they will experience birds of prey eye-to-eye and watch as they swoop overhead. Shows are held at 4 p.m. on Fridays before Auburn home games. Tickets can be purchased in advance; there is no charge for children age three and under. The hour-long program is presented at the center’s the 350seat Edgar B. Carter Educational Amphitheater.
AUG. 30 — COME HOME TO THE CORNER
Join the Auburn Downtown Merchants Association for Come Home to the Corner every Friday night before a home football game from 5 to 10 p.m.. There will be live music from 6-9 p.m., extending shopping hours and more.
THRU AUGUST — ITTY BITTY SCAVENGER HUNT
The city of Auburn’s Itty Bitty Auburn Scavenger Hunt is underway now through the end of August. To participate, pick up a worksheet at any Auburn Parks and Recreation facility, visit the City of Auburn website or check out the details on Facebook. The worksheet features 20 itty-bitty sites located in various spots around Auburn. Participants will need to visit the sites and find a clue hidden at each location. Successfully finding all the clues will reveal a special phrase that participants will need to log their win. register before midnight on Aug. 31, at auburnal.myrec.com. Those who compile all 20 clues and discover the phrase will be entered into the grand prize drawing. Winners will be announced and contacted on Sept. 6.
SEPT. 6 — FOOTBALL, FANS & FEATHERS
The Auburn University Raptor Center’s Football, Fans and Feathers — offers fans the opportunity to see a raptor show where they will experience birds of prey eye-to-eye and watch as they swoop overhead. Shows are held at 4 p.m. on Fridays before Auburn home games. Tickets can be purchased in advance; there is no charge for children age three and under. The hour-long program is presented at the center’s the 350seat Edgar B. Carter Educational Amphitheater.
SEPT. 6 — COME HOME TO THE CORNER
Join the Auburn Downtown Merchants Association for Come Home to the Corner every Friday night before a home football game. There will be live music from 6-9 p.m., extending shopping hours and more. Entertainment district from 5-10 p.m.
SEPT. 14 — OPELIKA FALL FESTIVAL
A Fall Festival is planned for Saturday, Sept. 14, beginning at 10 a.m. at Courthouse Square in downtown Opelika. There will be a bounce house, treats, games, vendors and more.
SEPT. 14 — SECOND SATURDAY AT PIONEER PARK
On the second Saturday of every month, the Lee County Historical Society hosts a lively event at Pioneer Park. History re-enactors don period attire, showcasing their arts and crafts. Blacksmiths forge, spinners and weavers bring the textile room to life, and gardeners tend to the historical gardens. Crafts and seasonal activities are scheduled throughout the day. A meal is prepared in the fireplace or outdoors. The Whistle Stop Pickers gather at the Museum at 1 p.m. for live music. For more information, visit www.leecountyhistoricalsociety.org.
SEPT. 19 — BLUES ON THE PLAINS GALA
The Lee County Democratic Party will host its annual gala, Blues On The Plains, on Thursday, Sept. 19, at 6 p.m. at Fig & Ivy, located at 2290 Moores Mill Road in Auburn. The Lee County Democratic Party is committed to fostering a healthier democracy and creating a future filled with hope and progress, and this cocktail event will feature keynote presentations from speakers, interactive networking and show-stopping live music. Tickets start at $65 and are available at https://secure. actblue.com/donate/bluesontheplains.
SEPT. 19 — THIRD THURSDAY POETRY SERIES
Auburn University’s Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities will host the Third Thursday Poetry Series on Sept. 19 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Pebble Hill (101 S. Debardeleben St., Auburn) featuring professors Catherine Carter and Brian Gastle of Western Carolina University. Refreshments will be available. Admission is free.
THRU SEPT. 28 — CAMP HILL FARMERS MARKET
The Camp Hill Marketplace Farmers Market is held each Saturday through Sept. 28 from 8 to 11 a.m. at Mt. Lovely Church Grounds, 21900 Sen. Claude Pepper Drive. Senior benefit cards are welcome. Vendors contact market manager Joanne Finley at (334) 332-5970.
OCT. 1 – NATIONAL NIGHT OUT @ SMITHS STATION
Lee County Sheriff’s Office & the City of Smiths Station are partnering for National Night Out 2024. National Night Out is a yearly, nation-wide event to build relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Stop by the Smiths Station Govt. Center (2336 Lee Rd 430) 5-7:30pm CT to meet deputies, see helicopters and first responder vehicles and learn about programs offered by community partners.
OCT. 5 – RIDE AND SEEK @ CHEWACLA Registration is now open for the second annual Ride and Seek: A Bike Safety Adventure. The event, for children in grades K-8, will be held at Chewacla State Park on Saturday, Oct. 5, at 8 a.m., with bike rides beginning at 9 a.m. At Ride and Seek, riders and their parents will get safety tips from experts and test their skills on mountain bike and paved trails. There will be free prizes, a raffle for some great bike equipment and food and drink for purchase. Registration is $15 per person. Register by Sept. 18 to be guaranteed a T-shirt. Visit http://bit. ly/rideseek2024 to register.
OCT. 7 — ‘SOME ENCHANTED EVENING’ CONCERT
Some Enchanted Evening, a jazz-steeped sojourn exploring a bevy of The Great American Songbook’s most enduring hits from the Golden Age of Broadway to today, will be presented at the Opelika Center for the Performing Arts on Monday, Oct. 7, at 7:30 p.m. For ticket information visit the website SomeEnchantedConcert.com.
OCT. 12 — SECOND SATURDAYS AT PIONEER PARK
On the second Saturday of every month, the Lee County Historical Society hosts a lively event at Pioneer Park. History re-enactors don period attire, showcasing their arts and crafts. Blacksmiths forge, spinners and weavers bring the textile room to life, and gardeners tend to the historical gardens. Crafts and seasonal activities are scheduled throughout the day. A meal is prepared in the fireplace or outdoors. The Whistle Stop Pickers gather at the Museum at 1 p.m. for live music. For more information, visit www.leecountyhistoricalsociety.org.
OCT. 17 — BOOK TALK BY KATHRYN BRAUND
Auburn University’s Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities will host a book talk on Thursday, Oct. 17, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Pebble Hill, 101 S. Debardeleben St., Auburn. Dr. Kathryn H. Braund, Hollifield Professor of Southern History Emerita at AU, will discuss her new book, Mapping Conquest: The Battle Maps of Horseshoe Bend. Mapping Conquest provides a revealing look at the many aspects of war and how battle maps shape our collective memory.
OCT. 19 — AUBURN OKTOBERFEST
Auburn’s Oktoberfest: The South’s Favorite Craft Beer Festival will return on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 3 to 7 p.m.at Ag Heritage Park, located at 620 S. Donahue Drive. The event will feature live music from Kidd Blue and The War Damn Polka Band, tastings from more than 70 breweries, wineries and homebrewers, educational tents from Auburn University’s AU BREW and a HOP presentation by Auburn’s Horticulture Department. Activities will include naming of Mr. & Mrs. Oktoberfest, stein hoisting contest, weiner dog races, barrel racing, a Chicken Dance competition and more. There will be food trucks, along with several large TV’s highlighting the day’s football games. Tickets are on sale now at Eventbrite. com.
OCT. 21 – LCSO TRUNK OR TREAT
Join the Lee County Sheriff’s Office 6-7:30pm CDT for a festive and fun Trunk-or-Treat!
Trunk-or-Treat with our Deputies, members of the Lee County District Attorney’s Office, and other community partners, and enjoy getting up close to your favorite law enforcement vehicles all while showing off your family’s awesome Halloween costumes! Toys will be available for children with food sensitivities. There is no cost for this event. Interested in helping purchase treats for this event? Visit lcsofoundation. org/donate
ONGOING — O GROWS FARMERS MARKET
The O Grows Summer Farmers Market is open every Tuesday from 3 to 6 p.m. at Opelika’s Courthouse Square. O Grows accepts SNAP, EBT and SFMNP.
VFW Post 5404, 131 E. Veterans Blvd., Auburn, next to Ray's Collision off of South College Street, will be open on Wednesdays, 8 to 11 a.m. with coffee, donuts, cake and conversation about service and benefits for all veterans and spouses to stop by.
AUBURN/OPELIKA MOPS IS NOW 'MomCO'
MOPS International changed its name from MOPS, Mothers of Preschoolers to MomCo to include moms of children of all ages. Auburn Opelika MomCo meets at Pepperell Baptist Church, 2702 2nd Ave. in Opelika. Contact Rachel Elrod at (706) 244-5620 or Pastor Zac Gardner at (334) 745-3108 for further information.
LEE/RUSSELL COUNTY LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP
The group meets every month on the third Wednesday from 1:30 to 3 p.m. The meeting will be held at the AIDB-Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind Opelika Regional Center on 355 Dunlop Drive in Opelika. Every month different topics are discussed to make life more manageable living with low vision.
Contact Shiquita Fulton, M.ED/Vision Rehab therapist for additional details at 334-705-2024, or Melody Wilson, case manager for the blind, at 256-3683258.
NAMI MEETING SET FOR AUG. 20
NAMI East Alabama will meet at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 20, at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, 714 East Glenn Ave.
Amanda Carpenter, MSW, Victim Services Program Coordinator for Rape Counselors of East Alabama, will be speaking on the services that the agency provides as well as about the sexual assault resource center (Bridges Haven) that is located in Auburn.
The public is invited. There will be time for sharing after the program.
