Shop KidzWorld at USA Town Center, 1220 Fox Run Ave.
‘Live
AT&T workers join picket lines
BY ANITA STIEFEL EDITOR@OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM
OPELIKA — As Americans celebrate with backyard barbecues this Labor Day, it’s a good time to remember the roots of the holiday, which sprung from violent clashes over working conditions in the late 1800s. Thankfully today’s disputes are usually settled at the bargaining table, as is the case with the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and telecommunications company AT&T.
Last week, the union issued the following statement re -
ALDOT suspends lane closures for holiday
CONTRIBUTED BY ALDOT
ALABAMA — The Alabama Department of Transportation announced that there will be no temporary lane closures on interstate routes statewide during the upcoming Labor Day weekend.
To facilitate smooth travel for residents and visitors and to ensure the safety of the traveling public and maintenance and construction workers, all temporary lane closures will be suspended from noon on Friday, Aug. 30, through noon on Monday, Sept. 2.
By halting lane closures, ALDOT aims to reduce congestion and enhance safety during one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.
“Labor Day is a time when motorists take to the roads to enjoy the last days of summer,” says Allison Green,
See ALDOT, page A5
garding a strike which began in mid-August and is currently underway throughout the southeastern U.S.
“Over 17,000 CWA workers across the Southeast went on an unfair labor practice strike in protest against AT&T’s bad faith bargaining tactics. CWA
District 3 members in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee walked off the job. Though negotiations began in late June, AT&T has refused to bargain over mandatory subjects and has failed to send a
CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA — CyberZone, located at 107 N. 9th St., is closing its doors after 11 years in business, the laser tag and arcade center announced last week.
“We are heartbroken to shut CyberZone’s doors, especially given the wonderful friendships we’ve made in this community since opening in 2013,” said CyberZone President Simon Bak. “The challenges that stemmed from the devastating roof install failure, subsequent water damage and total loss we experienced in June
representative with authority to make decisions.”
CWA President Claude Cummings Jr. said he has told AT&T executives he supports the workers’ decision to strike.
“I expect AT&T to treat every member with respect and to
See STRIKE, page A5
2021 proved too much to overcome, and it is best for our family to part with the business.”
“We thank all of our guests for entrusting us with their celebrations and gatherings,” said CyberZone Vice President Elaine Bak. “It has been a privilege to be the place that so many came to make memories and share fun times for more than a decade.”
CyberZone’s final day of operation will be Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 2. Until then, visit www.cyberzone334.com for information on hours, specials pricing and more.
CyberZone owners Simon and Elaine Bak opened the entertainment center in 2013.
Construction at Dean & University expected to last through end of
Machen McChesney is named Top 500 CPA firm
CONTRIBUTED BY
MACHEN MCCHESNEY
EAST ALABAMA — Machen McChesney, an Auburn-based CPA and business advisory firm, is excited to announce its recognition by INSIDE Public Accounting as one of the Nation’s Top 500 CPA Firms and one of the Nation’s Fastest Growing Firms.
Each year, INSIDE Public Accounting releases its rankings of the top 500 CPA firms across the country, which range from multi-billion-dollar Big 4 firms to prominent local and regional practices. These rankings provide a valuable benchmark for
CONTRIBUTED BY
THE WALTON LAW FIRM
EAST ALABAMA — Walton Law Firm P.C. announced that attorneys Will O. (Trip) Walton III and Catherine Moncus have been included in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.
Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence, assisting those in need of legal services to identify the lawyers best qualified to represent them in distant jurisdictions or unfamiliar specialties.
“For more than 40 years, the rigorous methodology of Best Lawyers has ensured the integrity and esteem of our legal recognitions,” said Best Lawyers CEO Phillip
Greer. Attorneys who are nominated for consideration are voted on by currently recognized Best Lawyers in America who are working in the same practice area and located in the same geographic region. They undergo an authentication process to make sure they are in current practice and in good standing.
TRIP WALTON
As a former Golden Gloves Heavyweight Boxing Champion, Walton learned that aggressive hard work, persistence and diligence pay off, both in the boxing ring and in the courtroom.
Walton, who was on Auburn University’s football and debate teams, has been recognized on the Best Lawyers in America list
since 2022 and is rated AV
Preeminent by the Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating Service, which means he has been rated by his peers as having the highest level of legal ability and ethical standards. He has also been selected yearly as an Alabama Super Lawyer since 2011, Top Attorneys in Alabama since 2011 and 100 Top Trial Lawyers since 2011. He is a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation since 2020.
Walton served as a Deputy District Attorney in Montgomery County, where he prosecuted numerous felony cases, including capital murder and drug trafficking. He left the DA’s office in Montgomery and began his private practice with Harper and Meadows Law Firm in Auburn. While a partner
firms to gauge their standing against their peers.
“We are deeply honored to be named once again among the Nation’s Top 500 CPA Firms and this year as one of the Nation’s Fastest Growing Firms,” said Mike Machen, the firm’s managing partner.
“This recognition reflects the unwavering dedication and hard work of our entire team. We are grateful to be acknowledged along-
with the Walker-Hill firm in Opelika/Auburn, he handled the city of Auburn’s prosecution duties for five years. He founded the Walton Law Firm in 2001 around a core of attorneys
side some of the industry’s best.”
ABOUT MACHEN MCCHESNEY: Machen McChesney is a business advisory firm offering proactive accounting, audit and assurance, business tax and advisory, business valuation, family and elder care, individual tax planning and consulting and outsourced client accounting services. Learn more at machen.cpa.
with superior trial skills who would share the same goal of standing up and fighting for the rights of those who cannot fight for themselves.
CATHERINE MONCUS
Moncus is a highly successful personal injury and wrongful death lawyer with over 23 years of experience. She currently serves as treasurer for the See LAWYERS, page A3
MONCUS
WALTON
Inaugural ‘Live on The Plains’ music festival announced
AO Tourism announces Nov. 9 concert featuring headliner Tyler
TOURISM
CONTRIBUTED BY AO
LEE COUNTY — Au-
burn-Opelika Tourism will present the inaugural Live on The Plains music festival on Saturday, Nov. 9, featuring performances by Tyler Childers, Mountain Grass Unit, Braxton Keith, Bayker Blakenship and Hudson Westbrook.
The upscale music event, planned to be held annually, will take place at Sistrunk Farms, making it easily accessible for both local residents and visitors from across the Southeast.
“We’re thrilled to be a part of bringing Live on The Plains to the Auburn area,” said Robyn Bridges, president and CEO of Auburn-Opelika Tourism.
“Auburn-Opelika Tourism is always looking for opportunities to introduce new experiences, and this concert series is set to become an exciting new tradition.”
Auburn is known as a hub for top-tier sports, and by hosting Live on the Plains, the city will also cement its place as a destination for unparalleled
cultural and entertainment experiences, Bridges said, explaining that the festival is “a tribute to everything that makes Auburn great, bringing together the city’s culinary delights, unique local businesses and the energy of a live music event.”
“The support from the Auburn community has been unprecedented,” said Nathan Baugh of Peachtree Entertainment.
“From top performances to amenities that will appeal to families, we are dedicated to providing an unforgettable experience for music lovers of all ages.”
“The Auburn Chamber is excited to welcome Peachtree Entertainment as a new member of the chamber and community,” said Anna Hovey, president and CEO of the Auburn Chamber of Commerce. “We are also thankful for the emphasis Peachtree places on supporting local businesses and collaboration. We hope this first concert will see great support from the community and we look forward to a long partner-
ship ahead.”
Tickets will go on sale starting at 10 a.m. Aug. 26 at the event website, liveontheplains.com. For more information and updates, follow Live on The Plains on Instagram or Facebook.
ABOUT AUBURN-OPELIKA TOURISM
Auburn-Opelika Tourism is a nonprofit service organization driving economic impact and improving the quality of life in our community through tourism and travel. For more information, visit aotourism. com.
ABOUT PEACHTREE ENTERTAINMENT
Peachtree Entertainment is a nationally acclaimed concert promoter committed to spotlighting rising talent. As pioneers in identifying and nurturing new talent, Peachtree Entertainment has played a key role in launching the touring careers of artists like Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Luke Bryan and more.
Opelika’s Rauch elected to ACCE board of directors
CONTRIBUTED BY ACCE
OPELIKA — Ali Rauch, president and CEO of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce, has been elected to serve on the board of directors for the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), a national association of over 9,000 professionals who work for and with more than 1,300 chambers of commerce.
“We are pleased to welcome Ali Rauch to the ACCE Board of Directors,” said Sheree Anne Kelly, ACCE president and CEO. “Ali Rauch’s expertise and leadership will be invaluable as we continue to optimize our industry’s opportunities and leverage the ever-growing mo-mentum for innovation, catalytic leadership and economic vitality within our communities.”
Rauch celebrates her four-year anniversary as president of the Opelika Chamber with sig-nificant achievements, including being named as national Chamber of the Year and earning a 5-star accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Under her leadership, the Chamber raised over $3 million for the Forward Opelika initiative and completed a success-ful brand refresh.
Women’s Section of the Alabama State Bar. She is rated AV Preeminent by the Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating Service and in 2015 was selected as 100 Top National Trial Lawyers. In 2021, she was admitted into the Million Dollar and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, of which fewer than 1% of U.S. lawyers are members. Before becoming a lawyer at Walton Law Firm in 2007, Moncus was a sole practitioner at Moncus Law Firm in Alexander City. Prior to opening her own office in
The mission of ACCE is to support and develop chamber professionals. ACCE identifies and analyzes trends affecting communities, shares best practices, develops benchmarking studies and provides other tools to help chamber leaders manage and improve operations at their organization and achieve the highest impact locally.
August 2005, she was a partner at Ingram Moncus Law Firm. She was previously an associate there when the firm was Kenneth Ingram Jr. & Associates, before becoming partner. While at the firm, Catherine appeared several times on Law Call on WSFA 12 television in Montgomery speaking on various legal subjects. Her law career began in 1998 at Morris, Haynes, Ingram & Hornsby. She received an associate degree in business administration from Central Alabama Community College in 1992, a bachelor’s degree in justice and public safety from Auburn University Montgomery in 1994 and a juris doctorate from Jones
School of Law in 1997. She grew up in Alexander City and continues to live there with her husband, Ricky Moncus. They have two sons, Austin, a teacher at Chilton County High School, and Dylan, who plays on the Samford University golf team.
ABOUT WALTON LAW FIRM PC Walton Law Firm’s experience ranges from personal injury in Alabama and Georgia to criminal defense within the Auburn, Opelika, Lee County and Chambers County areas. Walton Law Firm has recovered over $100 million in verdicts and settlements for its clients and their families.
Childers
Chambers
Passion Properties
info@passionsgroup.com
Southern Preparatory Academy
Members of the Auburn and Opelika Chambers of Commerce held a ribbon cutting last week to celebrate the fifth anniversary of The Southern Prep Academy. Southern Preparatory Academy, located in Camp Hill, is a private military boarding academy providing the best in academics, leadership and athletics, structured on a foundation of moral and ethical values that develop young men of integrity, competence and excellence who are prepared for the work of life.
RAUCH
The Opelika Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for Passion Properties owned by Senitha Barnett. The business office is located inside The CoLab, located at 216 S. 8th St., in downtown Opelika. Email
for more information.
September is library card sign-up month
Fall learning challenge begins Sept. 1
CONTRIBUTED BY APL
AUBURN — Through access to technology, media resources and educational programs, a library card gives students the tools to succeed in the classroom and provides people of all ages opportunities to pursue their dreams and passions.
During September, all Auburn Public Library (APL) visitors who register for a new APL card or who possess an existing APL card may enter the Library Card Sign-up Month prize drawing. Stop by any help desk at the library located at 749 E. Thach Ave. during September to enter the drawing.
The Auburn Public Library continues to adapt and expand services to meet the evolving
Kreher Preserve announces fall lineup of programming
CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
AUBURN — Kreher
Preserve & Nature Center has announced its lineup of fall events, programs and workshops.
“We have curated a variety of activities designed to engage and inspire nature enthusiasts of all ages,” said Michael Buckman, who manages the preserve for Auburn University’s College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment.
“From educational workshops to family-friendly events, there is something for everyone to enjoy. We invite you to join us in celebrating the beauty of fall and the wonders of nature.”
Events
AUsome Amphibians &
Reptiles: This well-established gameday tradition at Auburn, is back for two days this fall, on Sept. 20 and Nov. 1. Learn more at www.aub.ie/ausomeamphibians.
Halloween Enchanted Forest: The classic family-friendly Halloween event is back with costumed characters, s’mores, and great Halloween fun for the whole family Oct 17-19. Learn more at www. aub.ie/enchantedforest.
Nature Nightmares: Now in it’s third year, this haunted hike through the pitch-black forest gets better (and scarier!) each year. Hikes are set for Oct. 25 and 26 for ages 13 and up. Learn more at https://aub. ie/naturenightmares.
HoHoHo Hike & Holiday Celebration: The Jan
Dempsey Community Arts Center will transform the Nature Center into Santa’s Workshop on Dec. 7. Learn more at www.aub.ie/ hohohohike.
Workshops In The Garden With Cyndi: This fun, casual gardening class for adults is held every couple of months with a different, seasonal theme each time. Whimsical Gardens will be held Sept. 21 and Farm to Table will be held on Oct. 19 and Nov. 16. Learn more at www.aub.ie/inthegarden.
Wreath Workshop: Get into the holiday spirit by building your own wreath from natural materials on Dec. 14. All supplies will be provided.
needs of our community. To sign up for a library card or to learn more about the Library’s resources and programs, visit auburnalabama.org/library.
PAGES & PUMPKINS FALL LEARNING CHALLENGE
The Auburn Public Library’s Pages and Pumpkins Fall Learning Challenge will kick off on Sept. 1. Participants of all ages are challenged to read or listen for at least 1,000 minutes from Sept. 1 through Oct. 31 to earn their choice of a T-shirt or hoodie (while supplies last).
Participating is simple:
• Register by downloading the Beanstack Tracker app or by visiting auburnpl.beanstack.org.
• Read or listen for at least
1,000 minutes during the challenge.
• Log your reading via Beanstack to complete the challenge.
ABOUT AUBURN PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Auburn Public Library was established in 1947 to serve the residents of Auburn. Today, the Library inspires, enriches and delights our residents with vital and valuable resources, services and experiences. The Auburn Public Library provides residents with a collection that reflects the diverse and dynamic interests of our community, with access to public technology and information resources and with programs and activities that contribute to an engaged, literate and informed society.
For the Kids Fall Camps: Parents can get the kids outside and keep them learning during the days schools are closed, on Oct. 15 & 21 and Nov. 11. Learn more at www.aub.ie/fallcamp.
Nature Explorers Homeschool Program: This program is expanding this fall, with more classes and more content. Learn more at www.aub.ie/natureexplorers.
Noon Year’s Eve: This wildly popular countdown for kids (countdown to noon) will be back for its third year on Dec. 31.
Tree Tots, Forest Friends & Pond Pals: Innovative nature-based play classes for ages walking to
10 years offers both a fall session and winter popups. Learn more at www. aub.ie/nurturedinnature.
ABOUT KREHER PRESERVE & NATURE CENTER
The Kreher Preserve & Nature Center offers outdoor recreation, nature education, and many ways to just relax and enjoy the wilderness. This first-class discovery and nature center is an outreach program of the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences and is open to the public every day from sunrise to sunset.
Kreher offers interesting environmental education programs throughout the year for all ages and it serves as the outdoor
classroom for the university and area schools. With more than six miles of wellgroomed trails, visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk or vigorous hike to the pond, butterfly garden, waterfall or any of the many features hidden in the forest. Families will enjoy the unique and shaded Nature Playground with a human-size eagle’s nest and beavers lodge. The Nature Center’s calendar is full of fun and unique activities for all ages, and is available on thewebsite. For updates and more information, explore the website and follow on Facebook and Instagram.
CARE Humane Society is recipient of Grey Muzzle grant
among the winners.
Humane Society in Auburn is one of 100 animal welfare groups chosen from nearly 400 applicants to receive a grant to help local senior dogs and the people who love them. The winning
groups are sharing more than $1 million in grants to help save and improve the lives of at-risk old dogs in their communities.
This $10,000 grant will enable CARE Humane Society to give senior dogs like Timon, an 8-year-old, another opportunity to find a forever home. Timon is one of CARE’s eligible resi-
dents for the Grey Muzzle program due to his medical needs.
“There’s nothing quite like the gratitude and love of an older dog, and we’re excited to help more senior dogs like Timon get the second chance they deserve,” said Grey Muzzle’s Executive Director, Lisa Lunghofer.
Over the past 16 years, the national nonprofit Grey Muzzle Organization has provided more than $5.7 million in grants to support its vision of “a world where every senior dog thrives, and no old dog dies alone and afraid.”
“Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we’re delighted to help deserving organizations like CARE Humane Society make a positive difference in the lives of dogs and people in their communities,” said Lunghofer. “Many senior dogs in Auburn & Opelika are enjoying their golden years in loving homes thanks to the lifesaving work of CARE Humane Society.”
ABOUT CARE HUMANE SOCIETY CARE’s mission is to advance humane treatment and responsible ownership of companion animals through community education, animal sheltering and adoption, and alleviation of animal suffering. For details, visit www.carehumane.org.
ABOUT GREY MUZZLE
A national nonprofit, The Grey Muzzle Organization, improves the lives of at-risk senior dogs by providing funding and resources to animal shelters, rescue organizations, sanctuaries, and other nonprofit groups nationwide. For details, please visit www.greymuzzle.org.
India Palace brings international flavor to Auburn
BY ANITA STIEFEL EDITOR@OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM
AUBURN — The area’s newest restaurant for those who love international cuisine is India Palace, which opened earlier this month at 1100 S. College St., Suite 101, in Auburn.
Chef Sanjay Chowdhury prepares traditional Indian food, which is renowned worldwide for its flavorful use of herbs and spices. He said enjoys cooking dishes to taste and preference — guests can specify the preference of spiciness on a scale of one to 10 (with one being mild and 10 being extremely hot), and it’s no problem to ask for vegetarian and vegan options.
Chef Sanjay moved to Auburn from Florida, and manager Jimmy Hossain came from New York City, where he worked at the famous Carnegie Deli, satisfying the palates of celebrities who sought him out regularly such as Liza Minelli, Sarah Jessica Parker, David Letterman and others.
India Palace provides a friendly, casual atmosphere for guests to enjoy moderately priced delicious handmade food, masala chai (tea) and exotic juice drinks. Soon the restaurant will offer happy hour all day, featuring Indian beer and spicy cocktails. Jimmy’s always got a joke or a story to tell customers, and he and the servers are happy to explain the menu options and help guests find dishes they will enjoy.
Among India Palace’s most popular items are the garlic naan (fresh bread baked in a clay oven), chicken tikka masala (boneless chicken in a creamy tomato sauce) and mango lassi, a smoothie-type drink made from a blend of yogurt, mango pulp, milk and sugar.
Appetizers include vegetable samosas (crispy friend dumplings stuffed with potatoes and vegetables); keema samosa (stuffed with chicken and peas); and veggie, paneer (cheese) and fish pakora (marinated, deepfried nuggets); tandoori wings and aloo tikki (potato patties served with chickpeas, yogurt and chutney). For those who want to try a bit of it all, India Palace has an appetizer
ALDOT >> from A1
Drive Safe Alabama coordinator. “By suspending lane closures, we hope to make the journey safer and less stressful for everyone. Safety is a shared responsibility, and we urge all drivers to remain alert and follow traffic laws.”
ALDOT offers the following safety tips for motorists traveling during the Labor Day Weekend:
Watch your speed – Speeding reduces your reaction time and increases the severity of crashes. Always follow posted speed limits.
Avoid distracted driving – Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of vehicle crashes. Put your phone down and keep your focus on the road. Alabama law prohibits drivers from holding a cell phone while driving.
Never Drive Impaired – Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is not only illegal but extremely dangerous.
Arrange for a designated driver or use a rideshare service if you plan on drinking.
Motorists planning their holiday travel route can find Alabama traffic and road condition information, including live traffic camera feeds at ALGOtraffic.com or by downloading the ALGO Traffic app.
sampler. The restaurant also offers cream of tomato soup, murg shorba (similar to chicken broth) and mulligatawny soup (made with lentils and mild Indian spices).
Among the tandoori meals (cooked in a special clay oven) are chicken, shrimp, fish and mixed grill, seekh kabab and skewered chicken tikka. The restaurant offers biryani (a popular mixed rice dish) that can be made with a choice of vegetables, egg, chicken, shrimp, lamb or goat.
Chicken dishes include afghani (mango and ginger sauce), saag (cooked with creamy spinach), vindaloo (cooked with potatoes in a spicy sauce) among others. There are also entrees of curry, kadai, vindaloo and Rogan Josh made with lamb or goat, as well as seafood dishes such as shrimp curry and fish tikka masala.
A wide variety of vegetable entrees are offered, such as dal tadka (yellow lentils prepared with garlic, ginger and tomato); masalas with aloo gobi (cauliflower and potatoes) and bhindi (okra); bangan bharta (eggplant); and a number of paneer (homemade cheese) and curry dishes.
One section of the menu contains Indian-Chinese dishes, which combine the two cuisines for interesting Manchurian (soy sauce based) and chili creations.
For the little ones, India Palace offers a kid’s meal of chicken tikka, rice, French fries and mango juice.
For dessert, there’s kheer (sweet rice flavored with cardamom, raisins and nuts), gulab jamun (sweet dumplings), rasmalai (cheese patties soaked in milk and garnished with pistachios), gajar halwa (carrots, milk and dried nuts with a fudgy texture) and different flavors of kulfi (ice cream).
India Palace is open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch (11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) and dinner (5 to 9:30 p.m.) and is closed on Mondays. Food is available for dine in or take out, and catering is available. Check out the menu and order online at www.indiapalaceaub.com or call (334) 209-0064.
STRIKE >> from A1
send representatives to the table who have authority to bargain and who are serious about bargaining in good faith,” he said.
Outside the local office on Airport Road in Opelika, workers having been braving the late summer heat to wave at passers-by with signs that read, “Fighting for the middle class” and “Honk if you support workers.”
One of the striking employees explained the situation to The Observer.
“Our contract was over Aug. 3, and the CWA has been negotiating with ATT, and every day they come to the table and bargain, but it seems like the people who are representing ATT either don’t know much about what we’re bargaining for, or they just don’t want to bargain,” said Randall Kendrick of Opelika.
“So, it’s rocked on about three weeks, and now the CWA has filed an unfair labor
practice lawsuit against the company, just so they could get somebody in there to get serious about it. That’s what we’re striking for.
“Now, since they’ve come back and are negotiating [in good faith], we hopefully will be back to work soon, and hopefully they’ll settle something. If they don’t, then we may have to come back out here again,” he said. “But they’ve brought in a federal mediator to help and make headway in trying to negotiate.”
When asked what it is the workers want as a result of the negotiations, Kendrick explained, “First of all, we don’t want anything taken away from us, as far as what we’ve got so far. Years and years ago, our union has fought for us to get good wages and good benefits, but through the years, it’s gotten lower.”
For example, he said, insurance coverage has decreased but premiums have increased, and pay raises have not kept up with inflation. He said the
strike is also about improving the lives of the company’s younger workers.
“We have these new employees, they’re called wire techs, and they seem to be getting not a fair a deal as we do,” Kendrick said. “But we’re all together under the CWA, so we’re out here fighting for ourselves and we’re trying to support them, as well.”
In response to the strike, AT&T issued the following statement:
“We are committed to reaching a fair deal for our employee members of CWA District 3 [Southeast], with wages that outpace projected inflation and many other benefits that reflect today’s competitive job market. To eliminate any doubt about our sincerity and our conduct, as well as underscore our commitment to constructive dialogue, we’ve invited a federal mediator to join the negotiations. We’ll continue to ensure our customers receive the excellent service they deserve by taking action
to minimize any disruptions from CWA leadership decisions.”
The CWA website claims that with customer service representatives and AT&T installation and maintenance technicians on the strike line, the company “has resorted to using unqualified subcontractors to keep their network running.”
“During the strike, AT&T has been sending undertrained managers and contractors to perform highly technical work,” said Honeycutt. “Our members have seen them at work in their communities and documented unsafe practices, including failure to wear proper safety equipment, failure to secure ladders and other equipment, putting the worker and nearby vehicles and pedestrians at risk, and failure to mark work areas with safety cones. We are encouraging members of the public to use extra caution when encountering these worksites.”
Pictured above left is a popular appetizer for the table, chaat, which is made with chickpeas in a savory sauce and topped with tiny crunchy noodles and a side of spicy chutney. Above right is a vegan (meat and cheese-free) tray with, clockwise from top right, mixed vegetable masala, dal makhni, chana masala, cumin rice, vegetable samoa and wheat naan.
Protect Your Family’s Land: Attend the Lee County Heirs Property Series
BARR
CONTRIBUTED BY TARA
LEE COUNTY — Do you own land that’s been passed down through your family? If so, you need to know about heirs property—a common issue where land is jointly owned by descendants of a deceased person without a clear or marketable title. This can lead to legal disputes, complications, and even the loss of family land.
The Lee County Heirs Property Series, hosted by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and the Alabama Heirs Property Alliance, will help you understand and resolve these issues. The series will cover:
Week 1: Sept. 12 - An overview of heirs’ property
• Week 2: Sept. 19 - Strategies for resolving heirs’ property issues
• Week 3: Sept. 26 - Tips on preventing heirs’ property disputes through proactive estate planning
• Week 4: Oct. 3 - Exploring land use options after resolving heirs’ property issues
Join us from 6:00-7:00 pm CST at the Benny Adkins Meeting Center, 205 S. 10th Street, Opelika, AL.
Learn how to secure your legacy and avoid potential legal headaches through proper estate planning. Visit www.aces.edu to register and for more information.
Don’t leave your family’s future to chance. Take control of your land’s future today!
Advertise your business in The Observer
Winner of eight Alabama Press Association awards for excellence in advertising including BEST ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN and BEST SPECIAL SECTION. Let the professionals at The Observer help you boost your business. Call (334) 749-8003 or email michelle@opelikaobserver.com
L labama Politics ee County & A
Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024
Inside the State House
Labor was dominant in post-war Alabama
BY
OPINION —
As we prepare for Labor Day this coming Monday, it reminds me how labor union laden Alabama was during the immediate post World War II era in our state’s industrial development. Alabama experienced the wrenching throes of the Great Depression like the rest of the nation. There were tragic stories of devastation that paralleled those illuminated in the classic novel, The Grapes of Wrath. On the other hand, I have heard many old timers who lived during the Depression say we never knew there was a depression in Alabama. We were poor before, so there was no marked difference to our standard of living. We had plenty to eat. There were people jumping out of buildings in New York City committing suicide because they were millionaires one day and penniless the next. We didn’t have much of that in Alabama.
These Depressionera rumblings resonate pretty accurately because most Alabamians lived off the land. Most of our ancestors were farmers and most had modest farms where they grew all their staples and food. Therefore, the Depression probably did not change
their standard of living. In fact, it could have helped them buy their Sunday suit and pair of shoes for the year at a reduced price.
The South was an agrarian region. There was little industry in Alabama. Eight out of ten Alabamians, black or white, made their living on the farm. Although they had enough to eat, they were poor compared to the rest of the nation. It was a hard life with little discretionary income.
World War II brought America out of the Great Depression. The country had to become industrialized in a hurry. Most of Alabama’s young yeomen farmers were drafted or enlisted in the military. They saw the world and were exposed to a vast new world of opportunity. They came home aspiring to more than their fathers had experienced. They wanted out of their poverty, but they also loved their native Alabama roots. The best of both worlds was about to occur. Industry came to Alabama.
The post-World War II economy expanded into the Heart of Dixie. Birmingham became one of the South’s largest cities. Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s New Deal programs transformed the Tennessee Valley from an impoverished Appalachian region to a vibrant industrial area that would later attract Werner Von Braun and the Redstone Arsenal. The northern part of Alabama became the largest population base in the state due to this industrial expansion. Today it is still home to the majority of Alabamians.
A new generation of Alabamians moved from the farm to the factory. They also went a step further than the rest of the South and joined labor unions. Alabama became the most unionized state in the South.
Every major industry in Alabama was served by a unionized workforce. The steel mills of Birmingham were Alabama’s largest employers. The United Steelworker’s Union ruled supreme. The state docks in Mobile boomed with the economic expansion. The dock workers were all unionized.
The explosion of new automobiles desired by Americans created the need for tires. Tire makers looked to Alabama and built major plants here. B.F. Goodrich landed in Tuscaloosa. Goodyear settled in Gadsden and Opelika. These tire plants became the largest employers in these three cities. They were all unionized.
The paper mills in Tuscaloosa were unionized. Reynolds Aluminum built their largest plant in the world in Sheffield. It became the premier employer in the Quad-Cities. The workers were all union.
The massive Tennessee Valley Authority, which harnessed the vast natural water of the Tennessee Valley, gave employment to an array of north Alabamians. These TVA workers were union members.
The Black Belt planters were like ostriches with their heads buried in the sand when they wrote Big Jim Folsom off as a buffoon in
See FLOWERS, page A9
Lee County Commission allots more ARPA funds
BY HANNAH GOLDFINGER FOR THE OBSERVER
LEE COUNTY —
Loachapoka can release that breath it’s been holding in — the Lee County Commission entered into an agreement with Spectrum Southeast LLC for the broadband expansion plan in Loachapoka Monday night.
The American Rescue Plan Act Funded Broadband Expansion Grant Award Phase III is essentially Phase I repeated.
The Lee County Commission previously entered an agreement for the Loachapoka area but Point Broadband backed out and the contract had to be redone with Spectrum.
This grant expansion will allow the covered areas — which is 9.1 miles and 89 households — to have access to broadband, should they choose to sign up.
Through this, the Lee County Commission will be providing over $415,000 from ARPA funds and Spectrum will be providing over $160,000.
“I know this area’s been through a couple
iterations of these so we’re excited to get to work and excited to get this project started,” said the Spectrum representative Monday night.
Spectrum said it doesn’t have a completion date for the project available at this time.
Other Business:
- The commission heard an appropriation request from DA Jessica Ventiere for a Juvenile Drug Initiative Program, Truancy and Juvenile Mental Health Support Program.
- The commission heard a presentation on the new county website that will be launching soon.
- The commission approved the consent agenda.
- The commission held a public hearing on the vacation of a right-a-way on Lee Road 57A though no one spoke for or against the project.
- The commission voted to approve the Appointing Authorities Compensation.
- The commission voted to approve a contract renewal for residential solid waste
collection and transport with Arrow Disposal for an additional three years.
- The commission voted to approve a contract renewal for solid waste disposal with GFL Environmental for an additional three years.
- The commission approved an ABC retail beer and table wine application for Family Dollar Stores of Alabama LLC (D4).
- The commission approved two ABC special évent retail alcohol applications for Premium Pours LLC (D5).
- The commission approved an educational reimbursement request for the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
- The commission approved Bid No. 202410 Kiosk for Revenue Commissioners Office. This will allow the Revenue Commissioners Office to be open 24/7 with two self-serve kiosks. The total bid was for $50552.
- The commission approved the fiscal year 2024 Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant application.
- The commission approved the fiscal year 2025 County Transportation Plan.
Opelika City Council to hold special called meeting
CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF OPELIKA
O PELIKA — The Opelika City Council has called a special meeting to be held Friday, Aug. 30, at noon in the courtroom of the Opelika Municipal Court Building located at 300 Martin Luther King Blvd.
The purpose of the special meeting is to consider a resolution adopting the Annual Transportation Plan for fiscal year 2025.
STEVE FLOWERS
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 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY,ALABAMA CASE NO. CV-24-900161
VICKIE RIGGINS, Plaintiff, vs. A PARCEL OF LAND LOCATED IN LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA, TO-WIT:
Start at the NW corner of Section 20; Township 18 North; Range 28 East, Lee County, Alabama; thence North 89 degrees 03 minutes 06 seconds East, 274.72
335.00 feet to a point on the Easterly ROW of a Lee County Road; thence North 14 degrees 55 minutes 05 seconds West along said ROW, 291.56 feet to a point of beginning, containing 5.9559 acres; being parcel 6 of that certain plat of survey prepared by James W. Calhoun, reg L. S. No. 9426, entitled “Survey for Williams Estate” and dated April 12, 1988, and May 24, 1988, SHAWAN PARKER, CEDRIC PARKER, BRUYTTA PARKER-BAILEY UNKNOWN HEIRS OF CONSTANCE PARKER AND TERRIE PARKER McLEAN, UNKNOWN HEIRS OF WILLIE PARKER BELL, UNKNOWN HEIRS OF NELLIE PARKER, ANY UNKNOWN PERSONS Defendants. } NOTICE OF ACTION
To: All Defendants herein, whose whereabouts are unknown, and which cannot be ascertained after the exercise of reasonable diligence.
You are hereby notified that on the 8th day of April 2024 a Bill to Quiet Title and Complaint to Sell for Division was filed in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama, regarding the following described real property: Start at the NW corner of Section 20; Township 18 North; Range 28 East, Lee County, Alabama; thence North 89 degrees 03 minutes 06 seconds East, 274.72 feet to a point on the Easterly ROW of a Lee County Road; thence South 15 degrees 00 minutes 00 seconds East along said ROW, 448.70 feet to a point; thence South 15 degrees, 55 minutes, 05 seconds East, 46.21 feet; thence South 14 degrees 55 minutes 05 seconds East along said ROW, 810.85 feet to point of beginning of parcel to be described; thence leaving said ROW North 89 degrees 03 minutes 26 seconds East, 1144.92 feet to a point; thence South 06 degrees 21 minutes 29 seconds West, 265.31 feet to a point; thence North 86 degrees 01 minute 28 seconds West, 718.46 feet to a point; thence South 75 degrees 00 minutes 00 seconds West, 335.00 feet to a point on the Easterly ROW of a Lee County Road; thence North 14 degrees 55 minutes 05 seconds West along said ROW, 291.56 feet to a point of beginning, containing 5.9559 acres; being parcel 6 of that certain plat of survey prepared by James W. Calhoun, reg L. S. No. 9426, entitled “Survey for Williams Estate” and dated April 12, 1988, and May 24, 1988. All persons having an interest in said lands or any portion thereof, claiming any title thereto or any encumbrance or lien thereon, are hereby directed to plead, answer, or otherwise respond to the Complaint on or before the expiration of 30 days after the last publication of this notice, or thereafter suffer judgment by default to be rendered against them it being intended that this notice shall be used to perfect service against all parties who cannot be personally served with a copy of the Complaint Done this the 29th day of July, 2024 Mary Roberson Circuit Court Clerk, Lee County Benjamin H. Parr 830 Avenue A, Suite A Opelika, Alabama 36801 Telephone Number: 334-749-6999
Fax: 334-203-1875 ben(a),benparrlaw.com Legal Run 08/15/24, 08/22/24, 08/29/24 & 09/05/24
NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY were granted to Judy Geiger on the Estate of Curtis Leroy Word also known as Curtis L. Word, deceased, on the 12th day of August, 2024 by Honorable Bill English.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. BILL ENGLISH JUDGE OF PROBATE Legal Run 08/15/24, 08/22/24 & 08/29/24
THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: JOHNNY MACK PRINCE Deceased
CASE NO.: 2024- 456
NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary have been granted to Thomas R. Prince of the Estate of Johnny Mack Prince, deceased, on the 31s1 day of July, 2024 by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.
BY: Ben C. Hand
Attorney for Thomas R. Prince Personal Representative of the Estate of Johnny Mack Prince Legal Run 08/15/24, 08/22/24 & 08/29/24
PUBLIC NOTICES
INVITATION TO BID 24032
Sealed bids for the construction of the Grandberry Drive Extension shall be received at the Opelika City Hall Conference Room, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m., local time on September 10, 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. Bid documents may also be obtained on the City’s website at www.opelika-al.gov/bids.aspx. The bidder’s proposal must be submitted on the complete original proposal furnished to him/ her by the City of Opelika. All information in the proposal must be completed by the bidder for the proposal to be accepted.
A Bid Bond in the amount of five (5) percent of the bid amount made payable to the City of Opelika must accompany each bid. Performance and Payment Bonds for the full contract sum will be required of the successful bidder. The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids and to waive irregularities.
Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to Lillie Finley, Purchasing-Revenue Manager, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama, 368030390. Attn: Grandberry Drive Extension LILLIE FINLEYPURCHASING-REVENUE
MANAGER CITY OF OPELIKA 204 SOUTH SEVENTH
STREET (36801) POST OFFICE BOX 390 (368030390) OPELIKA, ALABAMA PH: (334) 705-5120 Legal Run 08/22/24, 08/29/24 & 09/05/24
INVITATION TO BID
24031
Sealed bids for the construction of Spring Villa 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 Thursday, September 12, 2024, and 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. A Non-Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Central Time, at the Opelika City Hall 2nd Floor Conference Room (204 S. 7th Street, Opelika, Alabama).
Bidders are required to have a State of Alabama General Contractor’s License. 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 General Contractors bidding on this project shall be required to visit the site and examine all existing conditions prior to submitting their proposal. All
Bidders shall have general liability and workman’s compensation insurance. The project shall be bid excluding taxes. Bids must be submitted on proposal forms furnished by the City of Opelika. The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids and to waive irregularities if, in the Owner’s judgment, the best interests of the Owner will thereby be promoted. As a condition of award, the business entity and its subcontractors shall not knowingly employ or hire an unauthorized alien within the State of Alabama. The awarded business entity must provide documentation of enrollment in the E-Verify program. The business must participate in the E-Verify program for the length of the contract. A certified check or Bid Bond payable to the City of Opelika, Alabama, in an amount not less than five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000.00 must accompany the bidder’s sealed proposal - refer also to Instructions to Bidders. Performance and statutory labor and material bonds will be required at the signing of the Contract. In addition, a payment bond to the awarding authority letting the contract shall be executed in an amount not less than 50 percent (50%) of the contract price, with the obligation that the contractor or contractors shall promptly make payments to all persons supplying labor, materials, or supplies for or in the prosecution of the work provided in the contract and for the payment of reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred by successful claimants or plaintiffs in civil actions on the bond. Drawings and specifications may be obtained at www.sslarchitecture.com/bids/ or by contacting Nick Vansyoc, nvansyoc@ sslarch.com or (334) 781-6029, at Seay, Seay & Litchfield, P.C., at no charge as an electronic file if the bidder supplies a storage drive or as an email attachment. Additionally, bid documents are available on the City of Opelika’s website at www.opelika-al.gov/ bids.aspx. 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, Opeli¬ka, Alabama 36803-0390. Attn: Spring Villa 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 08/22/24, 08/29/24 & 09/05/24
CASE NO. 2024 - 463
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The State of Alabama, Lee County Probate Court Estate of: BARBARA D. WILSON, Deceased. Letters Testamentary upon the estate of said decedent, having been granted to the undersigned on the 6th day of August, 2024, by the Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said Estate are required to file an itemized and verified statement of such claim in the office of the said Judge of Probate within six months from the above date, or said claim will be barred and payment prohibited. MICHAEL STANLEY WILSON, Executor. NOTICE TO CREDITORS BILLING INFORMATION: HARRIS H. ANTHONY, ESQ. MAYNARD NEXSEN PC 1901 Sixth Avenue North, Suite 1700 Birmingham, AL 35203
Tel: 205-254-1000
Executors: Dated: Aug. 6, 2024
MICHAEL STANLEY WILSON
Legal Run 08/22/2024, 08/29/2024 & 09/05/2024
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of Mildred Q. Moncrief Also Known As Mildred Bellflower Davis, Deceased
Case No. 2024-315 TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration with Will Annexed having been granted to WILLIAM (BILL) P. DAVIS, as Administrator of the Estate of MILDRED Q. MONCRIEF, ALSO KNOWN AS, MILDRED BELLFLOWER DAVIS, deceased, on the 15th day of August, 2024, by Honorable 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. WILLIAM (BILL) P. DAVIS Administrator of the Estate of MILDRED Q. MONCRIEF also known as MILDRED BELLFLOWER DAVIS Legal Run 08/22/2024, 08/29/2024 & 09/05/2024
STORAGE TREASURES AUCTION
Extra Space Storage (Life Storage) will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 3951 Pepperell Pkwy Opelika AL 36801 Thursday, September 5 2024, at 10:00AM
Unit A10 Unit C33
Unit A100 Unit C43
Unit A 17 Unit C56
The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction.
Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property. Legal Run 08/29/2024
STORAGE TREASURES AUCTION
Extra Space Storage (Life Storage) will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: (1231 Gatewood Dr. Auburn Al ) Thursday, 9-05-2024 at 10:00AM Unit 417 Unit 822
The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction.
Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.
Legal Run 08/29/2024
IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF JOSEPH J. CANNON, DECEASED Case No. 2024-439
NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration have been granted to Joanne LaBuda as Administratrix for the Estate of Joseph J. Cannon, deceased on August 15, 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 15th day of August 2024. BILL ENGLISH, Probate Judge, Lee County, Alabama Legal Run 08/29/2024, 09/05/2024 & 09/12/2024
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No.: CV-2024-900393
JUNE BARNES, as Personal Representative of the Estate of Cecil Day, deceased, Plaintiff, v. A tract or parcel of land designated as: A parcel of land lying in Sections 4 &5, Township 18 North, Range 26 East, Lee County, Alabama, and being more particularly described as follows: Commending at the locally accepted Southwest corner of Section 5, Township 18 North, Range 26 East, Lee County, Alabama; thence North 00° 40’ 49” West 2,130.08 feet to a found ½ pipe located on the Westerly right-of-way of New Wright’s Mill Road and the POINT OF BEGINNING of parcel described herein described; thence leaving said right-of-way North 01° 28’ 48” West, a distance of 164.28 feet to a found 2 inch pipe; thence North 00° 23’ 58” East, a distance of 261.89 feet to a found ¾ inch pipe; thence North 05° 29’ 04” West, a distance of 161.87 fee to a Found ¾ inch solid iron; thence North 00° 04’ 33” East, a distance of 25.12 feet to a found 1 Inch flat iron; thence North 21° 30’ 21” West, a distance of 257.52 feet to a set 5/8 inch rebar set along the Southeasterly rightof-way of Interstate Highway 85; thence along saidright-of-way North 53° 48’ 34” East, a distance of 284.61 feet to a distance of 393.40 feet to a found 1 inch flat iron; thence South 05° 45’ 23” West, a distance of 592.43 feet to a found ½ inch pipe located on the Western right-ofway of New Wrights Mill Road; thence along said right-of-way South 30° 26’ 43” West, a distance of 44.94 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING. Containing 2.04 acres, being further described On that certain Boundary Survey for Melmer Smith prepared on 10/20/10 by J. Keith Maxwell, Ala. Reg. Land Surveyor No. 17262, A copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit “A.” AndJohn Bowen, Jr., and/or the unknown heirs
Of John Bowen, Jr. And Rebecca Bowen, and/or the unknown heirs Of Rebecca Bowen, And Fictitious Defendants A, B, C, D, E, F & G, Being Persons, Individuals, Firms, Associations, Partnerships, Corporations or other Entities, Whose names are otherwise unknown to the Plaintiff, but who claim interest in and to the above-captioned parcel of land, and whose correct names and legal identities will be added by Amendment when ascertained, Defendants. PUBLICATION NOTICE John Bowen, Jr., Rebecca Bowens, and any other persons who may claim an interest in the real property more particularly described herein below (“Defendants”), must answer the Complaint to Quiet Title, filed by the Estate of Cecil Day, deceased, by and through its Personal Representative, June Barnes, on or before November 1, 2024, or a Judgment by Default may be rendered against them in Lee County Case No.: CV-2024-900393. The real property situated in Lee County, Alabama, is more particularly described as: A parcel of land lying in Sections 4 &5 Township 18 North, Range 26 East, Lee County, Alabama, and being
Containing 2.04 acres, being further described on that certain Boundary Survey for Melmer Smith prepared on 10/20/10 by J. Keith Maxwell, Ala. Reg. Land Surveyor No. 17262, A copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit “A.” This notice is Ordered by Lee County Circuit Judge Christopher J. Hughes on August 19, 2024, a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. /s/ Jonathan K. Corley Attorney for June Barnes, as Personal Representative of the Estate of Cecil Day, deceased Mary B. Roberson, Lee County Circuit Clerk Legal Run 08/29/24, 09/05/24, 09/12/24 & 09/19/24
Publication Notice to Creditors of Appointment IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO.: 2024-490 IN RE: THE ESTATE OF SUSAN T. BECK, DECEASED. TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Darren Thomas Beck, as Executor of the Estate of Susan T. Beck, deceased, on the 21st day of August, 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. Darren Thomas Beck, Executor of the Estate of Susan T. Beck, Deceased Michael W. Kelley, II Kelley Legacy Law, LLC 3320 Skyway Drive, Suite 711 Opelika, AL 3680 l 334-801-9797 Legal Run 08/29/24, 09/05/24 & 09/12/24
PUBLIC AUCTION OF ABANDONED VEHICLES In accordance with Alabama Abandoned Motor Vehicle Act, Alabama Code Sections 32-13-1 through 32-13-8 notice is hereby given to the owners, lienholders, and other interested parties. The following motor vehicles will be sold at public auction to the highest bidder at 9:00 am , September 20, 2024 at Opelika Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram , 801 Columbus Highway, Opelika, Alabama. Seller reserves the right to reject any bid and the right to bid. 2010 Dodge Charger VIN# 2B3CA4CD4AH108765 Legal Run 08/22/24, 08/29/24
Letter to the Editor
Alabama ranks second highest nationally in internet expansion
BY CHRISTINA LEWIS HOSTINGADVICE.COM
OPINION —
Our lives revolve around the internet. If you live in the U.S., you probably use the internet for everything: work, education, healthcare, taxes, entertainment, keeping in touch with family… it’s easier to say what you don’t use it for. It’s become an essential part of our daily lives, and while we don’t think about it much while using it, we definitely feel its absence.
Broadband is the backbone of our modern, high-speed internet. It’s what allows for high-speed, always-on internet access that is capable of handling multiple connections at once. With reliable internet, students can access online learning, patients can have virtual doctor visits and businesses can reach customers worldwide. Yet despite
the 1946 governor’s race. They dismissed Big Jim, who had won
FLOWERS >> from A7 IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JOSEPH SINGLETON YORK, JR,
its seemingly indispensable nature, there are a lot of places in the U.S. that just don’t have broadband access. Blame it on the “Last Mile Problem,” which has been vexing telecommunication companies for as long as they’ve existed. The whole “information superhighway” metaphor is kind of tired now, but it helps to picture the internet as a system of roadways. It’s easy to get between major population centers since there are huge multi-lane highways connecting them. However, if you want to get to a tiny cabin in the mountains, you’re going to need to leave the highways and start taking narrow, unpaved roads.
It’s all about economy of scale: these less populated areas aren’t major destinations, so it’s just not viable to build eightlane highways that lead to them. Since individual homes are also spread out, it’d be cost-prohibitive to pave every single road
the overwhelming endorsement of the AFLCIO. However, they quickly realized that their Alabama had changed when Big Jim crushed their candidate and
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Deceased
Case No.: 2024- 496
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Rose Lynn Bliss York, Personal Representative on the 26th day of August, 2024, by Honorable Bill English, Judge of 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. Rose Lynn Bliss York Legal Run 08/29/24, 09/05/24 & 09/12/24
STATE OF ALABAMA LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT CASE NO. 2024-489 ESTATE OF DEBORAH GAMMON FORD, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL
REPRESENTATIVE
and driveway.
Broadband access works the same way: the fewer people who live in an area, and the more spread out those people are, the less cost-effective it is for internet companies to upgrade their infrastructure. But since the internet is becoming increasingly essential, many states are fighting to secure broadband access to their most underserved areas.
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The percentage of households with broadband internet access was derived from County Health Rankings data spanning 2021 to 2024. By comparing the number of households with broadband access in 2021 to those in 2024
became governor because of the endorsement of organized labor.
However, over the past half-century, the American and world economy has changed,
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Letters Testamentary of said Deborah Gammon Ford, deceased, having been granted to Don Rogers this 26th day of August 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 the law or the same will be barred. Don Rogers, Personal Representative Jeffery A. Hilyer Attorney at Law 334-745-2564 P.O. Box 30 Opelika, Alabama 36803-0030. Legal Run 08/28/24, 09/05/24, 09/12/24
STORAGE TREASURES AUCTION
Extra Space Storage, on behalf of itself or its affiliates, Life Storage or Storage Express, will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 2020 S. College St. Auburn, AL 36832 Thursday, September 5, 2024 at 10:00AM Unit C339
and relating it to the total population, we calculated the overall percentage of homes with broadband access. This analysis provided insights into both the percentage change and the exact number of homes that either gained or lost internet access compared to four years ago. This assessment was conducted at both state and county levels to capture a comprehensive range of results. The study found that Alabama has made among the greatest gains in broadband access across America. Alabama came in second place overall with an 8% increase, meaning 192,663 more households now have access to broadband compared to four years ago. Arkansas came in first place with a 9% increase, equating to 119,722 house-holds.
Interestingly, other Southern states were identified among those with the most improvements. For example, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi and
and labor union strength has diminished almost to the point of insignificance in Alabama. Although recently organized labor has made an intense
Unit C352 The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property. Legal Run 08/29/2024
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of GLADYS DOWDELL DUMAS, Deceased CASE NO.: 2024-350
NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that on the 30th day of July, 2024, Letters of Administration were granted by the Honorable Bill English to Vivian Banks, as Administrator of the Estate of Gladys Dowdell Dumas, who was deceased on the 28th day of February of 2023.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the
Tennessee all had 8% increases in broadband access.
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said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. /s/ Vivian Banks Vivian Banks, Administrator Legal Run 08/22/2024, 08/29/2024 & 09/05/2024
THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT EARL SULLIVAN, JR. , DECEASED. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA
Case No: 2024-229
Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 16th day of August, 2024, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same
Steve Flowers’ weekly column appears in more than 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. steve@ steveflowers.us.
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will be barred. TRACY E. SULLIVAN Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 08/22/24, 08/29/24 & 09/05/24
IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF MARK BERNARD SANDERS , Deceased CASE NO.: 2024-098 NOTICE TO CREDITOR Take Notice that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION of said deceased having been granted to TAWANDA FAULK-ELAM on the 21st day of August, 2024, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of 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.
TAWANDA FAULK-ELAM Legal Run 08/29/24, 09/05/24 & 09/12/24
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF PEGGY BARNETT DECEASED ESTATE NO.: 2024-431 NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS Letters of Administration on the Estate of Peggy Barnett, deceased, having been granted to Donald Bledsoe on the 15th day of August 2024, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.
BILL ENGLISH Legal Run 08/29/24, 09/05/24 & 09/12/24
ORDINANCE NO. 021-24
ORDINANCE ANNEXING
CERTAIN PROPERTY INTO THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA
(Property located on west side of Lee Road 171)
WHEREAS, Prestige Worldwide Rentals LLC, a limited liability company (hereinafter referred to as the “Petitioner”) being the owner of the property hereinafter described, heretofore filed a Petition for Annexation (the “Petition”) with the City of Opelika, Alabama, a municipal corporation, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit “A”, requesting the annexation of certain property owned by the Petitioner as more particularly described below; and WHEREAS, the Petitioner is the owner of all of the lands described in his Petition; and WHEREAS, the territory to be annexed is contiguous to the existing corporate limits of the City of Opelika and does not embrace any territory within the corporate limits of another municipality, and when annexed into the City of Opelika will form a homogenous part of the City; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Opelika did find and determine that it is in the best interest of the public that said property be annexed into the City of Opelika and it did further determine that all legal requirements for annexing said real property have been met pursuant to Sections 11-42-20 through 1142-24, Code of Alabama (1975). NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Opelika, Alabama as follows:
Section 1. The City Council of the City of Opelika, finds and declares, as the legislative body of the City of Opelika, that it is in the best interest of the citizens of the City of Opelika, to bring the territory described in Section 2 of this Ordinance into the corporate limits of the City of Opelika.
Section 2. The following described property be, and the same is hereby annexed into the corporate limits of the City of Opelika, Alabama, and the boundary lines and corporate limits of the City of Opelika, Alabama shall be extended, altered and rearranged to include within the corporate limits of the City of Opelika, in addition to the territory now included therein, all the following territory, to wit: Commence and begin at a found concrete monument located at the locally accepted center of Section 14, T20N, R26E, Lee County, Alabama, said point being the Point of Beginning of the portion of Prestige Subdivision to be annexed into the City of Opelika described herein: from this POINT OF BEGINNING, thence N01°03’06”W, 968.84’ to a set ½” rebar by Precision Surveying (CA788); thence N78°51’17”E, 446.88’ to a set ½” rebar (CA788); thence N00°17’02”E, 258.18’ to a set ½” rebar (CA788); thence N89°42’45”E, 957.07’ to a set ½” rebar (CA788); thence N00°00’40”E, 730.46’ to a set ½” rebar (CA788) at the right of way for Lee Road 171 being 30+’ of the centerline of the existing dirt road; thence along said right of way S32°01’45”E, 172.25’ to a set ½” rebar (CA788) at the beginning of a curve tangent to said line; thence along said right of way for an arc distance of 315.49’ along the curve concave to the southwest, having a radius of 1166.54’ and a chord of S24°16’53”E, 314.53’ to a set ½” rebar (CA788) at the point of a compound curve; thence along said compound curve concave to the West having a radius of 7213.71 and a chord which bears S12°39’24” E, 973.39’ for an arc distance of 974.13 to a set ½” rebar (CA788) at the point of a reverse curve; thence along said reverse curve for an arc distance of 807.86’ along the curve concave to the northeast, having a radius of 1232.73 and a chord of S29°09’01”E, 793.48 to a set ½” rebar (CA788) at the point of a reverse curve; thence along said reverse curve for an arc distance of 422.56 along the curve concave to the southwest, having a radius of 2663.19’ and a chord of S43°22’32”E, 422.12; thence along a compound curve to the right of a radius of 760.98’ concave to the West for
an arc distance of 125.98’ on a chord of S34°10’24”E, 125.83’ to a found ½” rebar (CA788) at the Northeast corner of Lot 1, Prestige Subdivision as recorded in Plat Book 49, Page 163 in the Office of the Judge of Probate for Lee County, Alabama; thence leaving the right of way for Lee Road 171 and follow the North line of Lot 1, Prestige Subdivision S73°20’52”W, 1379.19’ to a found ½” rebar (CA788); thence S16°47’17”E, 499.93 to a found ½” rebar (CA788); thence along the North line of the City Limits for Opelika, Alabama N89°58’42”W, 1345.63’ to a calculated point at the intersection of the West line of this property and the North line of said City Limits; thence N01°03’06”W, 1263.63’ to the Point of Beginning. The above-described property contains 109.9 acres, more or less, and is located on the west side of Lee Road 171. Section 3. A map or plat of a survey describing the territory annexed and showing its relation to the corporate limits of the City of Opelika shall be attached to this ordinance, marked Exhibit “B” and made a part hereof.
Section 4. The Clerk of the City of Opelika is hereby authorized and directed to file with the Probate Judge of Lee County, Alabama, a certified copy of this ordinance, together with a certified copy of the petition of the property owner and the Clerk is further directed to take all necessary and proper steps to perfect the annexation of said territory herein described.
Section 5. This ordinance shall be published as provided by law in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Alabama. Section 6. The territory described in this ordinance shall become a part of the corporate limits of the City of Opelika upon publication of this ordinance as set forth in Section 5 above.
ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 20th 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 on this the 21st day of August, 2024. /s/ Russell A. Jones, MMC CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR
APPROVED this the 21st day of August, 2024.
/s/ Gary Fuller MAYOR ATTEST: /s/ Russell A. Jones, MMC CITY CLERK Legal Run 08/29/2024
ORDINANCE NO. 020-24 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “City Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows: Section 1. That Ordinance 124-91 entitled “Zoning Ordinance City of Opelika, Alabama”, adopted on September 17, 1991, and the Zoning Map of the City of Opelika provided for and referred to therein, as previously amended and/or modified, be and the same is hereby amended by rezoning or redistricting the parcel of land hereinafter in this section described, so as to change such parcel from one class of district to another class of district as follows, to-wit: From a R-5M District (High Density Residential District) to a C-2 District (Office/Retail District), the parcel of land hereinafter described: Commence at the Northeast corner of the Southeast quarter of the Southwest quarter of Section 12, Township 19 North, Range 26 East in Lee County, Alabama; run thence West for 59.6 feet; run thence South for 506.8 feet to a point on the Southeasterly margin of Pleasant Drive; run thence South 24 degrees 37 minutes West, along the Southeasterly margin of Pleasant Drive for 130 feet to the point of beginning of the lot to be herein described and conveyed; from said point of beginning run thence South 73 degrees 42 minutes East for 185.6 feet; run thence South l 2 degrees 53 minutes East for 113 feet; thence run North 73 degrees 42 minutes West for 255 feet to the Southeasterly margin of Pleasant Drive; run thence North 24
degrees 37 minutes East along the Southeasterly margin of Pleasant Drive; run thence North 24 degrees 37 minutes East, along the South Easterly margin of Pleasant Drive for 100 feet to the point of beginning.
The above-described property contains 22,450 square feet, more or less, and is located at 711 Pleasant Drive, Opelika, Alabama.
Section 2. Any ordinance or part thereof in conflict with provisions of this Ordinance be and the same are hereby repealed.
Section 3. This Ordinance shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama.
ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 20th 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 on this the 21st day of August, 2024. /s/ Russell A. Jones,MMC CITY CLERK
ACTION BY MAYOR
APPROVED this the 21st day of August, 2024. /s Gary Fuller
MAYOR ATTEST:
/s/ Russell A. Jones, MMC CITY CLERK Legal Run 08/29/2024
ORDINANCE NO. 019-24
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “City Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows: Section 1. That Ordinance 12491 entitled “Zoning Ordinance City of Opelika, Alabama”, adopted on September 17, 1991, and the Zoning Map of the City of Opelika provided for and referred to therein, as previously amended and/or modified, be and the same is hereby amended by rezoning or redistricting the parcels of land hereinafter in this section described, so as to change such parcels from one class of district to another class of district as follows, to-wit: From a C-2 District (Office/Retail District) to a C-1 District (Downtown Commercial District), the parcels of land hereinafter described: PARCEL I From the intersection of the Northeasterly margin of First Avenue with the Southwesterly margin of North Seventh Street in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama, run thence Northwesterly along the Southwesterly margin of North Seventh Street for 33 feet, more or less, to the center of the common wall between the building on the above described corner and the building on the within described property, the point so reached being the point of beginning of the property herein to be described and conveyed. FROM SAID POIN’I OF BEGINNING continue Northwesterly along the Southwesterly margin of said North Seventh Street for 67 feet, more or less, to the Northerly corner of Lot 2 D, Block 17 of the Grant Lands as shown on Totten’s Official Real Estate Map of the City o1 Opelika, Ala, 1930, recorded in the Lee County Probate Office in Town Plat Book 2 at Page 9 thence leaving said street, run Southwesterly parallel with First Avenue, 100 feet to the Westerly comer of said Lot 2 D; thence Southeasterly parallel with North Seventh Street, 67 feet, more or less; thence Northeasterly parallel with First Avenue, 100 feet, to North Seventh Street, and the point of beginning, a portion of the last said call running along the above described common wall.
PARCEL II
The Southeasterly 40 feet of Lot 2 E, Block 17, of the Grant Lands as shown on Totten’s Official Real Estate Map of the City of Opelika, Ala., 1930 the same being recorded in the Lee County Probate Office in Town Plat Book 2, at Page 9, and being more particularly described as follows: from the point of intersection of the Northwesterly margin of First Avenue with the Southwesterly margin of North Seventh Street in the City of Opelika, run thence Northwesterly along the Southwesterly margin of North Seventh Street 100 feet to the point of beginning of the property here in to be described and conveyed. FROM SAID POINT OF BEGINNING continue Northwesterly along said margin of said street, 40 feet, thence Southwesterly and parallel with First Avenue, 175 feet to the rear of lot of said Lot 2 E; thence Southeasterly parallel with North Seventh Street, 40 feet, to the Southerly corner of said Lot 2 E; thence Northeasterly 175 feet to the point of beginning.
PARCEL III
Commence at that certain point in the City of Opelika, Alabama where the Southwesterly margin of North 7th Street intersects the Northwesterly margin of First Avenue; thence run in a Southwesterly direction, along the Northwesterly margin of First Avenue, a distance of 100.0 feet to the point of beginning of the lot or parcel of land herein to be described and conveyed; from said point of beginning, thence run in a Southwesterly direction, along the Northwesterly margin of First
Avenue, a distance of 45.0 feet; thence run in a Northwesterly direction, parallel with North 7th Street, for 100.0 feet; thence run in a Northeasterly direction, parallel with First Avenue, for 45.0 feet; thence run in a Southeasterly direction, parallel with North 7th Street, for 100.0 feet to the said point of beginning on the Northwest margin of First Avenue. The above-described parcels are located at 704 1st Avenue, 104 North 7th Street and a vacant lot on North 7th Street, Opelika, Alabama. Section 2. Any ordinance or part thereof in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance be and the same are hereby repealed. Section 3. This Ordinance shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama. ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 20th 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 on this the 21st day of August, 2024. /s/ Russell A. Jones, MMC CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR
APPROVED this the 21st day of August, 2024. /s/ Gary Fuller MAYOR
ATTEST: /s/ Russell A. Jones, MMC CITY CLERK Legal Run 08/29/2024
ORDINANCE NO. 018-24 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 26 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, RELATING TO ENCAMPMENTS IN PUBLIC PLACES; DECLARING CERTAIN CONDUCT TO BE UNLAWFUL AND PROVIDING PENALTIES THEREFOR; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY
WHEREAS, pursuant to Article 3 of Chapter 43, Code of Alabama 1975, the City of Opelika (the “City”) has the power to (1) adopt police regulations for the safety, health and welfare of the community; (2) manage and control its public property; and (3) regulate its streets and alleys; and WHEREAS, a core function of local government is to help ensure its public property is used in a manner that is consistent with the property’s purpose and minimizes hazards to public health and safety; and WHEREAS, the City has partnered with Valley Rescue Mission, a non-profit organization, to provide housing and social services to homeless persons, which efforts have reduced Opelika’s homeless population; and WHEREAS, notwithstanding the efforts of the City and its partner, from time-to-time certain homeless persons erect tents or other temporary structures in the City’s public places for use as living quarters, which structures are inconsistent with the property’s purpose; and WHEREAS, on occasion such structures have been used to shield criminal acts from public view, threatening the safety of the general public and, especially, of persons in or near the structures; and WHEREAS, on occasion homeless persons have used heating or cooking devices in public places, which devices present a fire hazard threatening the safety of the general public and, especially, of persons near the devices; and WHEREAS, some homeless persons have maintained in public places substantial amounts of personal property that the City, at significant public expense, must move to another location to clean the public place and reduce health hazards for the general public and, especially, for persons using the places; and WHEREAS, the City is obligated to preserve, protect, and maintain public property for its intended purposes and to help ensure its public places are not used in a manner creating health or safety hazards for persons using the property or for the general public; and WHEREAS, in the recent case of Grants Pass v. Johnson, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that ordinances regulating camping on public property do not constitute “cruel and unusual punishment” prohibited by the Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Opelika, as follows:
Section 1. Findings incorporated. That the findings contained in the preamble of this Ordinance are determined to be true and correct and are hereby adopted as part of this Ordinance. Section 2. Amendment to Chapter 26 of City Code. That Chapter 26 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Opelika is hereby amended by adding a new Article XII that reads as follows: “ARTICLE Xll.
ENCAMPMENTS Sec. 26-350. Definitions. As used in this article, the following words and terms shall have the meanings ascribed in this section, unless the context of their usage clearly indicates another meaning: Durable medical equipment means equipment customarily used for medical purposes, able to withstand repeated use, and
generally not useful to a person in the absence of illness or injury. Non-exclusive examples of such equipment include wheelchairs, canes, crutches and portable oxygen tanks.
Encampment means any one or more of the following:
(a) To pitch, erect or occupy tents, huts or temporary or permanent structures that evidence an intent to function as temporary or permanent place of residence; or
(b) The unauthorized use of fabric, metal, cardboard, or other materials as a tent or other temporary structure for living accommodation purposes or human habitation; or
(c) The unauthorized use of a heating device; or
(d) The unauthorized accumulation of personal property (other than durable medical equipment) that would not fit in a container three feet high, three feet wide, and three feet deep.
Heating device means a camp stove, grill, heater, or other container or device capable of generating or containing an open flame.
Police officer means an officer of the city’s Police Department.
Public place means an outdoor area owned, managed, or controlled by the city to which the public has access, including public rightsof-way, parks, streets, sidewalks, hike and bike trails, underpasses, and parking lots.
Sec. 26-351.
Encampment in a public place prohibited; penalty.
(a) Encampment in a public place in the city is unlawful.
(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to move an encampment from one public place in the City to another public place in the City within sixty (60) days after receiving a written warning, as required by Section 26-353(a).
The re-establishment of an illegal campsite in a public place in the City within said sixty (60) day period shall constitute a continued violation of this Section and shall negate the requirement of another written warning as specified in Section 26-353(a).
(c) Any person who violates this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punished as provided in section 1-8 of this Code.
Sec. 26-352. Exceptions.
The provisions of Section 26-351 shall not apply to any persons participating in organized and supervised recreational activities in public parks within the City if approved by the City’s Director of Parks and Recreation nor to camping in public areas legally established and clearly designated for camping purposes.
Sec. 26-353. Procedure for enforcement.
(a) A police officer may issue a warrant for a violation of this article if prior to issuing the warrant:
(1) The officer has tendered a written warning to the person stating that a failure to comply with the city’s prohibition against encampment may result in the issuance of a criminal warrant to the person or in the person’s arrest; and
(2) The officer has provided a reasonable time of at least forty-eight (48) hours for the person to comply with the prohibition, but the person has not complied.
(b) The written warning required by subsection (a)(1) of this section may be accompanied by written information regarding the availability of medical treatment (including mental health treatment) or social services (including temporary shelter or drug or alcohol rehabilitation).
(c) A police officer may arrest a person for a violation of this article if prior to the arrest. The officer has tendered the written warning required by subsection (a) of this section and has provided a reasonable time of at least forty-eight (48) hours for the person to comply with the prohibition, but the person has not complied.
Sec. 26-354. Unlawful use of fires.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to build a fire or maintain open flames for any purpose on public property except in designated areas in parks when parks are open.
(b) Any person who violates this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punished as provided in Section 1-8 of this Code.
Sec. 26-355. Cumulative effect; conflict with other ordinances. This article is cumulative of other applicable laws and ordinances. If this article conflicts with another provision of this Code, the more restrictive provision shall govern.
Section 3. Severability. That, if any provision, section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Ordinance, or the application of same to any person or set of circumstances, is for any reason held to be unconstitutional, void, or invalid, the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance or their application to other persons or sets of circumstances shall not be affected thereby, it being the intent of the City Council in adopting this Ordinance that no portion hereof or provision or regulation contained herein shall become inoperative or fail by reason of any unconstitutionality, voidness or invalidity of any other portion hereof, and all provisions of this Ordinance are declared to be severable for that purpose.
Section 4. Effective Date. That this Ordinance shall become effective upon its adoption, approval and publication as required by law.
Section 5. Publication. That this Ordinance shall be published in
a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama. ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 20th 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 on this the 21st day of August, 2024. /s/ Russell A. Jones, MMC CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR APPROVED this the 21st day of August, 2024. /s/ Gary Fuller MAYOR ATTEST: /s/ Russell A. Jones, MMC CITY CLERK Legal Run 08/29/2024
ORDINANCE NO. 017-24 AN ORDINANCE EXEMPTING PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF HEARING INSTRUMENTS FROM THE CITY OF OPELIKA’S SALES AND USE TAX AND AMENDING CHAPTER 14 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES WHEREAS, effective October 1, 2024, and ending September 30, 2029, the State of Alabama has enacted a tax exemption excluding all gross proceeds from the sale or sales of hearing instruments, including hearing aids, from the State of Alabama sales and use taxes; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Opelika, Alabama seeks to further exempt all gross proceeds from the sale or sales of hearing instruments from municipal sales and use taxes. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Opelika, Alabama, as follows: Section 1. In conformity with Alabama Code Section 40-23-4(a) (55), the City hereby exempts the gross proceeds from the sale or sales of hearing instruments, as defined in Alabama Code Section 34-14-1, including hearing aids, from the City of Opelika, Alabama’s sales and use tax effective October 1, 2024 and ending September 30, 2029. Section 2. That Chapter 14 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Opelika is hereby amended by adding a section to be numbered Section 14-52, which said section shall read as follows: Sec. 14-52 Exceptions. The taxes levied by Sections 14-51 and 14-66 shall be subject to the following exceptions and exemptions: (a) Annual State Sales Tax Holiday. In conformity with the provisions of Chapter 23, Article 7 of the Code of Alabama, providing for a State Sales Tax Holiday, the City of Opelika, Alabama, exempts “covered items” from municipal sales and use tax each year during the period authorized in §40-23213, which begins at 12:01 a.m. on the third Friday in July and ends at 12:00 p.m. midnight the following Sunday. The exemption shall be subject to all terms and conditions, definitions, time periods and rules as provided by Chapter 23, Article 7 of the Code of Alabama and any subsequent amendments. (b) Annual Severe Weather Preparedness Tax Holiday. In conformity with the provisions of Code of Ala. 1975, Title 40, Article 8, providing for a State Severe Weather Preparedness Tax Holiday, the City of Opelika exempts “covered items” from municipal sales and use tax each year during the period authorized in Code of Ala.1975, §40-23-233, beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Friday and ending at 12:00 midnight the following Sunday during the last full weekend of February. This exemption shall be subject to all terms, conditions, definitions and time periods as provided by Code of Ala. 1975, Title 40, Chapter 23, Article 8, and any subsequent amendments.
(c) Hearing Instruments. In conformity with the provisions of Section 40-23(a)(55) of the Code of Alabama, the City of Opelika hereby exempts the gross proceeds from the sale or sales of hearing instruments, as defined in Alabama Code Section 34-14-1, including hearing aids, from municipal sales and use taxes. Section 3. The City Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to certify a copy of this Ordinance under the seal of the City of Opelika, Alabama, and to forward said certified copy to the Alabama Department of Revenue. Section 4. If any section, clause, sentence, or phrase of this Ordinance is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, then said holding shall in no way affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 20th 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 on this the 21st day of August, 2024. /s/ Russell A. Jones, MMC CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR APPROVED this the 21st day of August, 2024. /s/ Gary Fuller MAYOR ATTEST: /s/ Russell A. Jones, MMC CITY CLERK Legal Run 08/29/2024
Authorities release name of Auburn man killed in Opelika officer-involved shooting
CONTRIBUTED BY ALEA
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) has released the name of an Auburn man who died on the scene of an Aug. 18 officer-involved shooting at Century Park Apartments in Opelika.
ALEA released the following statement:
“On Sunday, Aug. 18, at the request of the Opelika Police Department, special agents with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) launched an investigation into an officer-involved shooting involving an officer with the Opelika Police Department. The incident occurred at approximately 3:07 a.m. when
Opelika Police Department responded to a call for service regarding a suspicious incident in the 1800 Block of Century Boulevard in Opelika. Once on scene, the officer encountered an individual with a firearm. An altercation occurred between the officer and the suspect, which resulted in the officer discharging his weapon and injuring the suspect by gunfire. The suspect, identified as Tice Daequan Cobb, 26, of Auburn, was pronounced deceased at the scene. No officers were injured over the course of the incident.
“Nothing further is available as the investigation is ongoing. Once complete, the findings will be turned over to the Lee County District Attorney’s Office.”
Auburn police charge woman for identity theft
CONTRIBUTED BY APD
AUBURN — On Aug. 9, Auburn Police received a report involving a fraudulent debit card transaction. Police met with a victim who reported that an unauthorized purchase was made using the victim’s debit card on Aug. 8.
Akemii Kishree Jack-
son, 26, of Auburn was developed as a suspect, and after further investigation, arrest warrants for identity theft and theft of property were obtained. Jackson was located by police on Aug. 20, and she was arrested in obedience to the warrants. She was transported to the Lee County Jail and held on a $6,000 bond.
OPD seeks theft suspects
CONTRIBUTED BY OPD
OPELIKA — On July 23, the Opelika Police Department began investigating a report of an unlawful breaking and entering a vehicle and a theft of property second degree which occurred in the 600 Block of Blackberry Cove.
Security footage shows the suspect, a white male wearing a Kansas City Chiefs hat, a t-shirt and shorts, walking through the neighborhood and pulling on car doors around 3 a.m. The suspect appears to have facial hair and several tattoos on his forearms (see photos above and at right).
On June15, OPD began investigating a report of organized retail theft that occurred at Ulta, located at 2690 Enterprise Drive. At approximately 8:50 p.m., the suspects entered the store and began to conceal various merchandise before leaving in an unknown vehicle.
The first suspect, a black female, can be seen on surveillance video wearing a red hoodie and plaid pajama pants. She allegedly concealed merchandise in the black backpack she was carrying. The second suspect, a black female with long braids, concealed merchandise in the brown hoodie she was wearing (see photo at right).
If you have any information on either of these incidents or the identity of the suspects, please contact the Opelika Police Department Detective Division at (334) 705-5220 or the Secret Witness Hotline at (334) 745-8665. Tips can be submitted through our Opelika Police Mobile App. You may wish to remain anonymous. Tips can also be forwarded through
Grand jury indicts Auburn man for manslaughter
CONTRIBUTED BY APD
AUBURN — On Aug. 25, Auburn Police arrested Wesley Denzel Lindsey, 30, of Auburn on a grand jury indictment charging him with manslaughter. The arrest stems from the investigation that was initiated by the previously reported traffic fatality that occurred on Oct. 26, 2023, which claimed the life of a 36-year-old female from Auburn.
Police gathered evidence
CONTRIBUTED BY OPD
OPELIKA — On Aug. 21 at approximately 1:55 a.m., Opelika Police responded to a report of a possible vehicle burglary in the area of 4th Avenue and North 7th Street. Responding units located an individual matching the suspect’s description in the area of 4th Avenue and North 4th Street. Officers attempted to initiate contact when the suspect fled on foot. After a short foot pursuit, officers were able to take the suspect into custody.
The suspect was iden -
indicating that the driver of sole vehicle involved, Lindsey, recklessly caused the death of the victim, who was a pedestrian.
At the conclusion of the investigation, the Lee County District Attorney presented the case to a grand jury, which resulted in the indictment for the charge of manslaughter.
Police located Lindsey on Aug. 25 and he was arrested in obedience to the grand jury indictment. He was transported to
the Lee County Jail and held on a $25,000 bond.
WESLEY DENZEL LINDSEY
tified as Ervin Kendell Dunn, 27, of Opelika. Officers located bags containing stolen items in the area where the suspect had fled. Dunn was charged with two counts of unlawful breaking and entering a vehicle and one count of theft of property third degree. This case remains under investigation and additional charges are pending. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the Opelika Police Department Detective Division at (334) 705-5220 or the Secret Witness Hotline at (334) 745-8665. Tips can also be submitted through the Opelika Police Mobile App. You may wish to remain anonymous.
Auburn Police arrest man for fraudulent use of credit card
CONTRIBUTED BY APD
AUBURN — On Aug. 20, Auburn Police arrested Brian Henry Ritter, age 35, on felony warrants charging him with four counts of fraudulent use of a debit/credit card. The arrest stems from Auburn Police receiving a report involving fraudulent debit card charges on Aug. 15. Officers met with a complainant who
reported a debit card was used without authorization multiple times during July 8 and Aug. 15. The fraudulent charges were made at multiple business locations in Auburn. Ritter was developed as a suspect. Police located Ritter on Aug. 20, and after further investigation, he was arrested for charges associated with the fraudulent debit card transactions. Ritter was transported
to the Lee County Jail and held on a $6,000 bond.
AKEMII KISHREE JACKSON
ERVIN KENDELL DUNN
BRIAN HENRY RITTER
Nurses Honor Guard provides Nightingale
CONTRIBUTED BY ELESE MCKINLEY FOR THE OBSERVER
EAST ALABAMA —
In March 2023, Amanda Simmons founded the Nurses Honor Guard of the East Central Alabama Region, a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring the careers and contributions of deceased nurses.
Through heartfelt ceremonies, the Nurses Honor Guard pays tribute to the service and dedication of these individuals with a Nightingale Tribute at the nurse’s funeral, offering a lasting memorial to their impact on the community.
The Nurses Honor Guard begins preparing for its ceremonies by making an official call to the deceased nurse’s next of kin, seeking to learn more about the nurse’s career contributions. The Honor Guard then contacts the family, encouraging them to attend the ceremony and bring personal items to display. During this preparation period, the organization creates personalized placards as keepsakes for the family and typically sets up a display at the funeral.
The Nightingale Tribute ceremonies are a series of heartfelt rituals that honor the deceased nurse’s service. The tribute begins with the Honor Guard members filing to the front of the funeral home or church, carrying a lit porcelain Nightingale lamp.
Dressed in traditional World War II-era style uniforms — white dresses, navy capes with red linings and nursing caps — the Honor Guard recites a brief passage before placing a white rose on the casket or urn.
The nurse’s name is then called three times, each followed by the ring of a triangle. When the nurse does
not answer the call to duty, she is symbolically released from her nursing duties, and the lamp is extinguished. The tribute is a heartfelt act of appreciation for the nurse’s dedication and lasting impact on the community.
The ceremony typically includes the presentation of a framed certificate and the reading of a tribute that highlights the nurse’s contributions to healthcare.
This event serves as an honorable tribute to the nurse’s dedication and impact on the community.
Simmons shared a memorable experience from a Nightingale Tribute ceremony she conducted for Tracee Williams, a former nurse practitioner, highlighting the deep emotions it evoked for
her.
“We attended Tracee’s funeral, and one family member spoke about how African Americans were not always accepted in the nursing field or otherwise when Tracee was [first] in the work force,” Simmons said. “Approximately 50 members of the Chi Eta Phi nursing sorority from all over the country attended Tracee’s funeral, and our guard members were the only attendees who were not African American. We were accepted with open arms, and it was so beautiful to see all of us come together in nursing sisterhood to support Tracee and her family.”
Simmons highlighted the numerous challenges nurses encounter, such as mental health struggles and the risks
to their own well-being.
She underscored the sacrifices nurses make and the demanding nature of their work. Despite these difficulties, Simmons believes it is all worth it in the end. She said it’s rewarding to see the impact she has on people through her work with the Nurses Honor Guard.
“It has been incredibly rewarding to help families honor their loved ones,” Simmons said. “Many family members have reached out after the ceremony, eager to offer help in any form they are able. We are always open to accepting help. The Nurses Honor Guard truly helps to comfort the loved ones of the deceased nurses, and it’s so meaning to have families stay in touch.”
These services are provided at no cost, funded solely by donations, and the community is encouraged to participate. All donations directly cover the costs of items presented to families during the tributes, such as white roses, a porcelain Nightingale lamp, a custom honorary coin and a placard. Active nurses or those with a valid nursing license in good standing are eligible to join the Honor Guard, but others interested in the organization are welcome to inquire about ways to support its mission.
Simmons envisions the Nurses Honor Guard expanding its impact by starting scholarships for nursing students and hosting community events. Now a hospice nurse, she also emphasizes
the importance of celebrating individuals while they are still alive and hopes to introduce living tributes to honor retired nurses near end of life who selflessly served the nursing field.
Simmons understands the need to recognize those who have sacrificed so much to care for others. As the state’s lead coordinator of Nurse Honor Guards, Simmons has made it her personal mission to help new guards form across the state in hopes that every nurse who passes is able to receive a tribute. Presently, Alabama has six guards with coverage for 32 out of 67 counties.
To learn more about the Nurses Honor Guard or to get involved, visit www.nhgeastcentralalabama.com.
The Nurses Honor Guard, East Central Alabama Region, performs Nightingale Tribute rituals which honor the service of deceased nurses for their service and dedication.
Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be establishe
Proverbs 16:3
A Taste of Grace
BY BRUCE GREEN
OPINION —
The Beatitudes are not spiritual fast food. As with most of the Scripture, they are not well suited to our drive-through, microwave mentality. Rather, they should be thought of as a holiday feast to be lingered
BY WALTER ALBRITTON
OPINION —
Life lessons abound in the common events of life. I learned a good one while refilling the little honey jar I bought from Ruttan Family Farms in LaPine, Alabama.
ANGLICAN
Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024
The challenging Beatitudes
over and luxuriated upon. And, as with such celebrations, they are something to be cherished, re-membered and returned to on a regular basis. When we return to them, we find illumination. It is not the seven steps to this-or-that type of trendy, artificial light that burns bright on the bestseller list for a week or two and then languishes in the dark recesses of the discount table. It is a genuine spiritual radiance that consistently quells the darkness in our lives. We need this light because the world most of us live in tends to be dominated by hazy attitudes and murky thinking. Not so in the Beatitudes. Each of them is like a sunburst piercing through the cloud cover of our lives, calling us to
something grander, nobler and counterculture. They are not interested in why we are the way we are; their focus is to prod us to ask ourselves why we could not be something more than what we are.
The Beatitudes are about being. Jesus did not pronounce a blessing on those who do pure in heart or poor in spirit — heaven’s blessing is on those who are these things. Just as you can talk without doing, you can do without being (as in “This job is not who I am, it’s just what I do”).
The Beatitudes are about being in the same way that marriage or parenting call us into being. When marriage or parenting are successful, it is because the people involved realized that their world
had changed, and they could no longer retain their old mindset and lifestyle if they wanted to make a successful transition. They made the decision to embrace this and become a husband, wife, father, or mother. At this point, it was no longer something they did, it became what they were. The kingdom of God will be an impossibility for us as long as we insist on retaining our old mindset and lifestyle. We will be trying to put new wine in old wineskins. If faith is to be real, it must be more than something we do, it must be who we are.
The journey to which the Beatitudes call us starts in the heart when we embrace the revolutionary truths of the kingdom of God. These truths are presented as paradoxes.
‘I love you,
My son Steve’s friend, Butch Ruttan, is the beekeeper who runs the family business. He placed some bee hives near Steve’s home from which my honey is harvested. Butch has many hives here and there which produced a honey harvest of 87 gallons for 2024. It is mighty good honey. Call Butch if you need some — (334) 296-3058. Having bought a small jar (one pound), I now buy larger two-pound bottles from which I refill the small one as needed. As I was refilling it yesterday, the honey taught me a
CHURCH DIRECTORY
The Good Shepherd Anglican Church 3015 Opelika Road, Opelika
APOSTOLIC HOLINESS
God’s House of Prayers Holiness Church
301 Highland Ave., Opelika 334-749-9672
BAPTIST
Central Baptist Church 1611 2nd Ave., Opelika 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 3089 Judge Brown Road, Valley 334-710-2117
valuable lesson about patiently trusting God. Since the large jar was two-thirds empty, I sat at my table and watched patiently for ten minutes as all the honey drained into the small jar. At first there was a strong flow, then the flow slowed down until it all finally dripped out. I decided to watch patiently until it stopped dripping, not wanting to lose a single drop.
I heard the Lord whispering, “That’s like your life, my son. For more than 92 years your life flowed strongly, but now the flow is weakening and
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 Pkwy., 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 10th Street Church of Christ
This should not surprise us because living in the world as a citizen of heaven is itself a paradox. Consequently, the idea that mourning is blessed, the meek inherit, the poor are rich, are all perfectly at home in a kingdom founded upon the principle that death brings life, where we walk by faith in a sightoriented world and where we are not to be overcome by evil but to overcome evil with good.
In his gospel, Matthew places Jesus’ teaching about His disciples being the salt of the earth and the light of the world immediately after the Beatitudes. This suggests that as we live out the Beatitudes, we become salt and light to the world around us. If we settle for something less as our
Honey’
soon, like the honey, it will cease dripping. But don’t be sad. Observe that while the large jar is emptying, the small jar is being filled. That’s like your life. Since you became my child, your life has been flowing into me, and I’ve got you.” Continuing, He said: “The end is the beginning. You will soon have a new life, free from pain and suffering. Think of the honey again. You valued the last drop. And I value the final days of your life. Each one is precious to me. The last drop of honey is as sweet as the first. And be-cause you have asked, I
500 N. 10th St., Opelika 334-745-5181
The Opelika Church 2660 Cunninghan Dr., 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 800 1st Ave., Opelika 334-745-2054
will help you finish strong.
“As you were patient with the slow-dripping honey, patiently endure this last chapter of your earthly life, and continue to trust me to hold you as steadily as you held those honey jars. I know you feel weak and unsteady now because of your cancer treatments, but hear me for I am saying to you what I said to my servant Paul: ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Fully embrace my grace and you will be able to say what Paul said, ‘Therefore I will boast all the more gladly
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 2015 West Point Pkwy., Opelika
REACH OUT BY ADDING YOUR CHURCH
Add your church to the directory for only $100 a year, or consider a display ad like the one at right for only $20 per week. Email michelle@opelikaobserver.com or call (334) 749-8003.
standard of character and conduct, our witness will be equally diminished. When Thoreau was jailed for refusing to pay a poll tax, Emerson came to visit him. He looked through the bars and asked Thoreau what he was doing in there. Thoreau’s response was to ask Emerson what he was doing out there. In the same way, it’s a real temptation for us to ask how the Beatitudes fit into our twenty-first century lives — how are they relevant to us? But that is the wrong question to ask. It is to miss the point. The real question we should ask is—how do our lives fit into the Beatitudes?
Find more of Bruce’s writings at his website: a-taste-of-grace-withbruce-green.com.
about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.’”
So, in days of weakness, I am asking for Christ’s power to rest upon me, giving me the confidence that His grace is indeed sufficient for me.
In reflecting on my “honey” lesson, I remembered that in the Bible honey and bees are used as images of God’s love, his many blessings and occasional references to Christ. The Psalmist often compared the sweetness of honey to the love of God. An example
See ALBRITTON, page A15
334-707-3949
Living Waters Ministry Center 3005 Lafayette Pkwy., Opelika
Oak Hill Church 2506 Marvyn Pkwy., Opelika, www.Oakhillopelika.com
Southern Plains Cowboy Church 13099 U.S. Hwy. 280, Waverly 334-401-1014
PENTECOSTAL
Gateway Pentecostal Sanctuary 1221 Commerce Drive, Auburn 334-745-6926
PRESBYTERIAN
Providence Presbyterian Church 1103 Glenn St., Opelika 256-405-8697
Trinity Presbyterian Church 1010 India Road, Opelika 334-745-4889
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST Opelika Outreach
S.D.A. Church P.O. Box 386, Opelika 334-749-3151
Teaching Minister at 10th Street Church of Christ in Opelika
Upcoming Services
MICHAEL JOSEPH WOODARD
Aug. 29 | Visitation 1 p.m., Funeral Service 2 p.m. Frederick-Dean Funeral Home, Opelika
MERADITH DUNN APLIN
Meradith Dunn Aplin, 36, went to be with Jesus on Aug. 20, 2024, surrounded by her family. Meradith is survived by her husband Luke Aplin; her son Pruett Aplin; and her daughter Merritt Drake Aplin; along with her parents Jeffery and Tina Sanderlin Dunn; brother Blake (Emily) Dunn; parents-in-law Sonny and Jane Aplin; sister-inlaw, Magan (Nolan) Yon; nieces and nephews Conley and Ramer Dunn, Sam and Conner Wallace and Layla and Lawson Yon; as well as aunts, uncles, grandparents and cousins.
Meradith was a graduate of Taylor Road Academy in Montgomery and received a degree in business from Troy University, where she was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta.
Meradith was passionate about her work as the regional director, realtor and HOA coordinator for Woodruff Properties for 13 years.
Meradith and her family are members of Cornerstone Church in Auburn, where she loved to serve in the children’s ministry and was a vital part of many other groups within her church.
Meradith’s faith was the foundation of her life, and she lived every day to point people to-ward Jesus. She was a fiercely loyal friend to many. She lived each day
with such grace and strength, it inspired all those who knew her. Her presence was felt when she walked into a room, and her personality was captivating. She lived loud and loved hard. Meradith’s unrelenting belief that God handpicked her for a battle that would further His Kingdom was a confidence she shared with all she encountered.
A Celebration of Life was held at Cornerstone Church on Aug. 24, with Pastor Marcus Popenfoose officiating. Frederick-Dean Funeral Home of Opelika assisted the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Cornerstone Church or Spencer Cancer Center.
MICHAEL JOSEPH WOODARD
Michael Joseph Woodard, 70, passed away at East Alabama Medical Center on Aug. 26, 2024.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, Pastor Ray W. and Katherine Woodard; brothers, Lloyd Woodard and Donald Woodard; son-in-law, Barry Price; and granddaughter, Olivia Alderson. He is survived by his wife, Margarette Woodard; daughters, Vanessa (Ryan) Huddleston and Melissa Price; one brother; one sister; grandchildren, Taylor Alderson, Grace Alderson and Emma Smith; upcoming great-grandchildren, Bryson Garcia; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Michael’s passion in life was devoted to his wife of 49 years. His two daughters and his grandchildren were his pride and joy. He was strong in his faith to serving his Savior Jesus Christ.
The family would like to give a special thank you to East Alabama Medical Center
OBITUARIES
ICU nurses, Dr. Keith Fuller and family friend Anthony Hamby.
Visitation will be in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home on Thursday, Aug. 29, at 1 p.m., with a Funeral Service following at 2 p.m. in the Chapel, with Anthony Hamby officiating.
KODY LANE BLANKENSHIP
Kody Lane Blankenship, “My Doodle Monkey,” was born on Feb. 2, 2000, and passed away on Aug. 18, 2024.
Kody was born in Opelika and grew up in the Beauregard community, where he was baptized by Brother Rusty Sowell on Oct. 19, 2008.
He was preceded in death by his father Julius Blankenship; grandfather David Payne; grandmother Connie Blankenship; greatgrandmother Catherine Elizabeth Duncan; and greatgreat grandmother Geneva Wilson. He is survived by his mother Amanda Blankenship; brother Kelton Blankenship; sister Kandice Blankenship; his beautiful niece who he loved more than anything, Sofia Marie Bracknell; grandmother Noni Payne; aunts Kecia Lewis, Courtney Payne and Brittney Payne; and special aunts Judy Thrift and Pam Johnson; as well as multiple cousins, aunts and uncles and many family friends.
Kody was an avid outdoors man who loved fishing, shooting guns, building things and spending time with his numerous animals.
To know Kody was to love
Kody. He had the biggest, sweetest heart of any human. He would give the shirt off his back to help others. More than anything, Kody loved making others laugh and smile. His aggravating ways, slick comments and belly chuckles will forever be missed and never ever forgotten.
A graveside service was held Aug. 25 at Shady Grove Cemetery. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
Helen Patricia Davis Edwards was born March 1, 1939, to Alvin James Davis and Addie Bell Miller Davis in Refugio, Texas. A short time later the family moved to Houston, Texas, where Helen actually grew up. She graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in 1957. Helen attended Abilene Christian College (now Abilene Christian University) for a short time but had to withdraw because of a serious accident of her grandfather Miller. Over the years, Helen successfully completed over two academic years of credit in Business Systems and Management.
Helen is survived by her husband of 65 years, George; son Keith (Misty); grandson Nathan (Caitlyn) great grandson Hudson; granddaughter Erin (Kyle); brother Jim (Linda); sister Maureen; sister Pamela; and numerous nephews and nieces.
Before starting a family, and while based in Big Spring, Texas, was employed by Cosden Petroleum
Corporation for over four years. While George was attending The Ohio State University and serving in Vietnam, Helen was employed by Standard Oil of Ohio (SOHIO) for five years.
Helen was a most loving and giving person. Always thinking of others first before herself. She loved Jesus, the Church and family. She enjoyed teaching young children in the church.
Helen loved participation in Keep Opelika Beautiful and the Tulip Garden Club of Opelika. She served as District Director of District V of the Garden Clubs of Alabama and president of the Tulip Garden Club of Opelika. Helen was very artistic. She enjoyed making ceramics with her close friend Jeanette Burdette at the Opelika Ceramics Studio. Helen also maintained close contact with her long- time childhood friend Clara Galante as each lived in various locations around the world. A friendship that has lasted over 73 years.
During her marriage to George, a retired Air Force Officer, they were stationed in various parts of the United States and at Air Force Headquarters in Europe at both Wiesbaden and Ramstein, Germany. During the assignment in Germany, the Helen and the family were presented the opportunity to visit many beautiful and historic sites in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Lichtenstein, France, Italy, Spain, Greece and Turkey. She passed away on Aug. 18, 2024, at the age of 85. A service was held Aug. 21 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home of Opelika.
SHARON KAY WILSON
Sharon Kay Wilson, 75, passed away peacefully on Aug. 23, 2024, in Auburn.
Born April 7, 1949, in Detroit, Michigan, Kay was the daughter of the late Charlie F. Wilson and Mary Phyllis Wilson. She graduated from Wayne State University and worked as a registered
nurse many years until she retired.
Kay is survived by her younger brother, Robert (Theresa) Wilson, her two nieces and their families, her nephew, as well as several cousins. She will be deeply missed by her family.
As per Kay’s request, no funeral or memorial service will be held.
Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home of Opelika assisted the family with arrangements.
Alexander Gray Freeman, 43, passed away Aug. 25, 2024, after a lifelong battle with Type 1 diabetes. Alex passed peacefully at his home in Opelika with his loving mother at his side.
Born in Albany, Georgia, Alex later moved with his family to Marietta, Georgia, where he graduated from High School. An avid artist and collector of art, he also enjoyed music and history. Alex was preceded in death by his father, Alton Lee Freeman, and grandparents, Roland & Lorene Freeman and Joe & Alma Tomlinson. He is survived by his mother, Linda Tomlinson Freeman, and his brother, Andrew Lee Freeman (Stacey).
The immediate family will have a private service but covets the prayers and support of family and friends.
Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
Donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.
HELEN PATRICIA DAVIS EDWARDS
ALEXANDER GRAY FREEMAN
Youth for Christ to host 39th annual Golf Classic
EAYFC
BY
CONTRIBUTED
AUBURN — East Alabama Area Youth for Christ (EAYFC) is preparing for its 39th Annual Golf Classic fundraiser, to be held at Auburn University Club on Oct. 7. A variety of sponsorship opportunities are available for those interested in supporting the event.
Registration includes a goody bag, golf cart rental, lunch and the opportunity to hear ministry testimonies. There will be
a variety of contests, including a Hole-inOne Contest and a Golf Ball Drop.
East Alabama Youth for Christ is a non-profit organization focused on reaching and engaging with young people in the East Alabama area. To fulfill this mission, they partner with local churches and ministries to build strong relationships and equip lifelong followers of Jesus. For more information about sponsorship levels or to register, visit www.eastalabamayfc.org/golfclassic or email golf@eastalabamayfc.org.
ALBRITTON >> from A13
is Psalm 119:103: How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth. Honeybees are, of course, crucial to our existence in the world through crop pollination. Many of the foods we love to eat would not be available without the honeybees. In the same way, the spiritual health of the world is dependent upon the faithful work of
Christ followers in every land.
Honey is created by bees working together; they illustrate how we can work together in the Body of Christ to fulfill God’s plan for our lives. I agree with the biology professor who said that “honeybees demonstrate the bringing of peace, love, and joy into their lives and the lives of others.” Working together as Christians, we can emulate the inspiring work of the bees.
A final word about honey: It is a precious
word to me, for during our 68 years together, “Honey” was my favorite nickname for my wife, Dean. And most of the time, she was as sweet as honey to me.
At bedtime nowadays I end the day by praying awhile. Then I look at Dean’s picture on the wall and say, “I love you, Honey.” I hear no audible response though in my heart I hear her saying, “I love you, too.”
I think that is God’s way of blessing me with the peace that Jesus promised.
Parkinson's Disease Support Group
Mission
Our Meetings
Fall Meeting Dates
https://www.pdsupportgroup-auburnopelika.org/
YOUR HEALTH YOUR STATUS YOUR BEST LIFE
On the Mark Recreation
Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024
OHS Football season now underway
BY D. MARK MITCHELL
OPINION —
he Bryan Moore
Tera at OHS started with a bang, with Opelika opening the season with a 28-14 win over Benjamin Russell last Friday in Alex City.
Opelika’s Jamari Miller returned the opening kickoff to the Wildcat 36-yardline.
One play lat-er Miller ran the remaining 36 yards to score the first touchdown of the game. Johnni Cesena kicked the PAT making the score 7-0. The Dogs added a second score after Calvin Hughley rushed for a TD, and Cesena made his second PAT to raise the lead to 14-0.
Opelika held BRHS scoreless in the first half, but the Wildcats scored with 7:00 left in the third quarter, making it 14-7.
Sophomore quarterback Colby Key threw a 44-yard pass to Jamari Miller for his second TD of the game.
Cesena nailed his third PAT making the score 21-7 with four minutes left in the third quarter.
Ben Russell scored its second TD on a 21-yard pass, making the score 21-14 with four minutes left in the game. Opelika’s Key threw a 74-yard touchdown pass to Vincent Dooley, with Cesena making his fourth PAT, sealing the 28-14 win.
Opelika averaged 6.63 yards per rush, gaining 210 yards on 33 rushing
attempts. Calvin Hughley led the rushing attack, gaining 145 yards on 16 carries and scoring two TDs. Sophomore QB Colby Key was almost perfect, completing seven of eight pass attempts for 124 yards and two TDs. The Dogs were flagged for four holding calls and two false start penalties.
Opelika’s defense allowed 209 passing yards, 66 rushing yards for 275 total yards. Ty Hudson led OHS with 13 total tackles, six solo tackles and seven assists. Tyler Moore recorded seven tackles and a sack, and Emauri Smilry added five tackles, including a sack. Jakari Lightfoot also added a sack.
Opelika (1-0) plays its first home game of the season Friday, Aug. 30, hosting Calloway (Georgia) at Bulldog Stadium. Calloway lost its season opener to Cass High school 42-7 on Aug. 18. The two teams are both 2-2 in four games, with Calloway winning in 2018 and 2021 and Opelika winning in 2019 and 2022. Winning the opening game of the season in Alex City gives Coach Moore immediate credibility with Opelika fans. If the Dogs win the home opener, they will carry a two-game win streak into Duck Samford Stadium against rival AHS on Sept. 6.
Fans can listen to the Opelika/Calloway game by tuning in to WKKR See ON THE MARK page B2
Auburn High cruises to season-opening 49-0 shutout over North Miami Beach
BY PATRICK BINGHAM FOR THE OBSERVER
AUBURN — The Auburn High Tigers, led by rising star running back Omar Mabson, cruised to a 49-0 win over North Miami Beach in their season opener at Duck Samford Stadium on Friday night.
Mabson, a junior running back, was the star of the night. He scored four touchdowns on 12 carries for 110 total rushing yards on the Chargers.
“Unbelievable,” said AHS head coach Keith Etheredge of the running back. “I mean, we could’ve given him the ball 25 times
See AHS, page B3
Glenwood makes a statement with first AHSAA win over Valley
BY NOAH GRIFFITH FOR THE OBSERVER
SMITHS STATION —
The Glenwood Gators booted the door down and charged into its new era of football.
Down in the Swamp of Phenix City, Glenwood took some punches early on but fought back to put an exclamation point on its first week in AHSAA 3A. With about 4:00 left in the game, senior receiver Kham Cooper hauled in the game-winning touchdown pass, and the Gators held on to win 21-20 over Valley.
“That was the one thing I was really impressed with was just we found a way to win,” said head coach Ryan Nelson. “When things weren’t comfortable and adversity hit, we didn’t panic. We kept playing, and on the sideline we kept believing. When you do that, a lot of times good things hap -
pen for you.”
But after winning nine of its 10 games by at least two scores last season, Glenwood was put to the test on Friday night.
Valley gave Glenwood a rude welcome to the season by running the opening kickoff back for six. The Rams proceeded to dig a 20-0 hole for the Gators, but that’s when the switch flipped.
In his first start at quarterback for Glenwood, senior Levi Pinder remained calm and collected. He got the offense on the board by hitting junior Cal Lawrence down the sideline for a score. Closing the gap before halftime, running back Jermaine Brown rumbled into the end zone to make it 2014 going to the break.
Glenwood seized momentum and got the ball back to open the second half, but Valley wasn’t going to let the
The AHS Tiger defense dominated the Chargers under the Friday night lights.
See GLENWOOD, page B5
Under the Lights — Week One
BY MICHELLE KEY PUBLISHER
LEE COUNTY — The first week of local high school football started last week with most of the local teams walking away with a win.
Auburn v. North Miami Beach
Auburn played at Duck Samford stadium in its first game of the season against North Miami Beach (NMB). Auburn cruised all over NMB like a walk on the beach, winning the game 49-0.
The Florida team made its 12-hour trip home with some broken bones, but some positive memories of their time spent in The Loveliest Village on The Plains. The team spent Friday before the game touring Auburn University and said that they look forward to returning next year. For a detailed recap of the game, see Patrick Bigham’s story on B1.
Auburn will play Vestavia Hills at Duck Samford on Aug. 30.
Beauregard v. Wetumpka
The hornets fell 1419 to the Wetumpka Indians Friday night.
Sophomore Cub Jones had 124 passing yards to the Indians’ 217 yards by senior Tyler Johnson. Both teams fumbled the ball, with the Hornets losing the ball twice and Wetumpka once.
The Hornets were leading game with just five minutes left in the 4th quarter, but Wetumpka perservered and scored a TD followed. Beauregard lost its opportunity to pull back ahead when a pass was intercepted by the Indians in the final
seconds of the game. Wetumpka snapped the ball and took a knee allowing the clock to run out.
Beauregard will travel to Anniston Aug. 30 for its game.
Beulah v. Abbeville
It was the Bobcats versus the Wildcats last Friday night when Beulah faced off against Abbeville for its game of the season.
Although Abbeville had a home field advantage, it was not enough to stop the Bobcats from coming out on top 39-14. This was a non-conference game for Beulah.
Beulah will play Lanett at home on Aug. 30
Glenwood v. Valley
It was a close game for the Glenwood Gator’s first game in the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) but the Gators defeated their foe from Valley 21 - 20. For a detailed recap of the game, see Noah Griffith’s story on B1.
Glenwood will play in Elba on Aug. 30.
Lee-Scott v. Excel
The Lee-Scott Warriors also won their first AHSAA game Friday night when they faced off against the Excel Panthers. The final score was 33-16.
D. Mark Mitchell provides more game info in his column on B1.
Lee-Scott will take on the Loachapoka Indians on Aug. 30 in Loachapoka.
Loachapoka High School
The game with the Loachapoka Indians and Notasulga was
canceled last week due to tensions between the teams following the death of LHS player [add his name] and the injury of another student the first week of school. Two teens from Notasulga have been arrested and charged in connection with the shooting.
The Indians will host their first game on their new field on Aug. 30 and will face Lee-Scott.
Opelika v. Benjanmin
Russell
The Opelika Bulldogs defeated their opponent in [insert city name] [insert score] on Friday night.
See D. Mark Mitchell’s column on B1 for more detailed information about the game.
OHS will play at home against Callaway from Georgia on Aug. 30.
Smiths Station v. Shaw
The Panthers from Smiths Station lost their first home game of the season, Thursday, Aug. 22, game against the Shaw Raiders out of Columbus, Georgia. The final score of the game was 15-6.
Smiths Station will travel to Valley on Aug. 30 to face the Rams.
Other area teams that will play Aug. 30 include:
• Chambers Academy against Fort Dale Academy
• LaFayette v. Central Hayneville
• Lanett v. Beulah
• Notasulga v. Barbour County
• Reeltown v. Trinity Presbyterian High School
• Southern Prep Academy v. Coosa Valley
• Tallassee v. Elmore County and
• Valley v. Smiths Station.
Auburn University issues football gameday advisory
CONTRIBUTED BY AU ATHLETICS
AUBURN — In advance of Auburn football’s 2024 season opener on August 31 against Alabama A&M, please note several changes which have been made to improve the gameday experience in an around Jordan-Hare Stadium, as well as a few adjustments being carried out as a part of continuing progress on major construction projects.
POST-GAME TRAFFIC FLOW/ROUTES
To provide a more expedient drive for fans departing Auburn, new post-game outbound routes have been established in consultation with transportation experts across the region. The goal of these changes is to maximize use of the two main roadways, Interstate 85 and US Highway 280, that connect Auburn to the state and region.
Prescribed routes have been established for each parking lot on campus and are viewable at AuburnTigers.com/ gameday or on the Official Auburn Athletics App. While some of the routes may seem abnormal to a daily routine, the mission is to keep traffic flowing to the larger thoroughfares as quickly as possible.
Local law enforcement will continue to be present at intersections to direct traffic to the prescribed route.
Each game day parking pass issued through Auburn University now includes a QR code with a map and prescribed route from each parking area to either 85 or 280.
Fans are encouraged to plan ahead and be aware of post-game routes and use the Waze app to find the best routes for your travel to and from the Auburn campus.
TIGER WALK
As the $30 million expansion and renovation to Plainsman Park continues toward completion prior to the 2025 season, standing areas for fans around Tiger Walk will be impacted for the 2024 football season. While the entire west side of Tiger Walk will remain fully accessible, the east side will be limited
from the beginning of right field baseball stadium gate to the Frank Thomas statue near home plate.
PARKING UPDATES
Ross Square, just west of Samford Hall, is now a permanent parking location available for purchase for Auburn fans.
Please note restricted grass parking locations are now being enforced along Wire Road across from the Woltosz Football Performance Center for at least the first five games of the 2024 season. A limited number of single-game parking passes remain available for purchase.
NORTH END ZONE CONSTRUCTION
As a part of the continued progress to modernize the north end zone at Jordan-Hare Stadium, pathways between Petrie Hall and the north end of Jordan-Hare Stadium will feature very limited pedestrian and golf cart traffic. Fans and golf cart traffic are recommended to use the Thatch Concourse for an east-west walkway on the north side of the stadium. Please plan accordingly.
NEW RIDESHARE LOCATION
In addition to the rideshare location located at Wire Road and War Eagle Way, an additional rideshare location has been added at the corner of Duncan and Samford Drive to provide expanded offerings to those traveling to and from campus using rideshare partners.
COOLING STATIONS
Three new cooling stations have been added to the exterior of Jordan-Hare Stadium. Those locations include the start of Tiger Walk at Samford & Donahue Drive, the Tiger Transit drop off location on War Eagle Way and the daily Tiger Transit Depot on the east side of Jordan-Hare Stadium.
WATER BOTTLE POLICY
Fans coming to Jordan-Hare Stadium will be permitted to enter the stadium with a full sealed clear water bottle or an empty clear plastic water bottle.
ON THE MARK >> from B1
97.7 Kicker FM, online at kickerfm.com or on the free iHeartRadio app. You can also listen to iHeartRadio’s Encore Rehab High School Scoreboard Show Fridays at 10 p.m. on WKKR 97.7 Kicker FM, following Opelika football games. Jere Bavaro and Eddie Owens will go over all the high school football scores, take your calls and talk to head coaches from around the area. On Saturday morning listen on FOX Sports the Game 910-1310 for the Orthopaedic Clinic High School Football Recap Show from 8 to 9 a.m.
OPELIKA AT AUBURN TICKETS
The Opelika-Auburn football game, set for Sept. 6 at Duck Samford Stadium in Auburn is expected to be a sellout, so fans wanting to attend should purchase tickets online now at gofan. co. Opelika fans need to buy visitor tickets, as no cross over seating is allowed.
AREA ROUNDUP
Lee-Scott Academy Lee-Scott beat Excel 33-16 last Friday in its first game since joining Alabama High School Athletic Association. Seniors Tyler Kennedy and Brady Cegielski combined to gain 177 all-purpose yards and scored two touchdowns apiece to lead LSA offensiverly. Cegielski gained 82 rushing yards and caught three passes for 53 yards, while Kennedy gained 55 yards with an average of 5.2 yards per touch. Other players that shined: Hayden Kelley, Hutch Blowmeyer,
Christian Horak, Allen Owens, Harrison Short, Barrett Cook and Hayes Wagner.
Beauregard High School
Beauregard lost a heartbreaker by a score of 19-14 at Wetumpka. The Indians scored the game winning TD with less than two minutes in the game. The Hornets play at Anniston next week. Other results and upcoming games include: Benjamin Russell plays at Central Clay this week; Booker T. Washington beat Eufala 18-10 and is off this week; Chambers Academy lost to Starkville Academy (Mississippi) 35-31 and will travel to Fort Dale; Dadeville lost to Elmore County 7-28 and will host Handley; LaFayette beat Ellwood Christian 49-0 and will host Central Hayneville; Lanett beat Bullock County 14-13 and will travel to Beulah; Russell County beat Carroll 32-0 and will host Eufaula; and Southern Prep lost to Sparta Academy 0-34 and will travel to Coosa Valley Academy.
Loachapoka will open its season Friday night, hosting Lee-Scott Academy. The Indians will name the field “Jones-Tate Field’ after former coaches Jerome Tate and Thomas Jones. The ceremony will take place prior to kickoff.
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.
Auburn bests North Miami Beach 49-0
AHS >> from B1
and he’s going to have 250 yards and he’s going to have six, seven touchdowns, but we’ve got to monitor his carries. We don’t want to get him too much this early… We could have given him the ball a lot more in this game, you know.”
The junior running back set the tone early, scoring three of the first four TDs for the Tigers —all by the first play of the second quarter.
Mabson ran for 31 yards on four carries during Auburn’s season-opening drive against the Chargers that took just 1:40 off the clock.
“I’m really excited about this group on offense,” said Etheredge. “I love the pace. Love how we got from snap to whistle back on the ball. Snap to whistle, I love the pacing of the offense.”
Auburn’s defense continued the Tigers’ fast start to the 2024 campaign as Isaac Benford returned a North Miami Beach fumble 28 yards into the endzone to give the Tigers a 14-0 lead just under three minutes into the game.
“Defense really set the tone,” said Etheredge.
“[Defensive coordinator Scott Goolsby] does an unbelievable job. They play with such intensity, such fire. When we get to the football and cause turnovers, we can really, really cause people problems. I think that our defense flew around tonight.”
In addition to the Benford scoop-and-score, the Tigers were led by sophomore Jaxon Loveless, who racked
up eight total tackles on the night, five of which were solo. Loveless and Auburn’s defense were able to prevent any Charger plays over 20 yards.
“I thought the defense played great — we locked up and tackled,” Etheredge said. “That’s the one thing you worry about coming into your first game simply because you don’t do it as much in practice, because you don’t want anybody going to the ground and stuff. I thought we tackled well tonight. I thought we kept the balls in front of us.”
The Auburn offense kept the momentum going the rest of the first half by scoring on all six of its drives to build a commanding 42-0 lead heading into the break. Both sides agreed on playing with a running clock due to injuries amongst a small North Miami Beach travel squad.
“We did a running clock because they had some guys banged out,” Etheredge said. “I think he said they (the Chargers) had two broken collarbones and two concussions, and he said a couple of those guys played both ways.”
Playing mostly without its starters in the second half, Auburn High was able to preserve a shutout, despite a North Miami Beach drive that got as far as the Auburn 10-yard line.
Next up, AHS will host the Vestavia Hills Rebels at Duck Samford Stadium on Friday, Aug. 30, with kickoff slated for 7 p.m.
The North Miami Beach High School football team visited the Auburn University campus while in town to play Auburn High School.
Southern Christian hits the ground winning
BY JASON SCOTT FOR THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA — Coming home last week after defeating Jacksonville Christian on the road, the Patriots of Southern Christian Academy (SCA) ordered a double shot of winning and drank every drop on Friday against the Springwood Wildcats.
The Wildcat’s high-powered offense came into Moore Stadium in Opelika with a dose of confidence after defeating the Pats last year 50-7. But what a difference a year can make. Springwood’s head coach Joey Burch’s stable of runners, in the end, were no match for the swarming
defense of SCA. Lawton Curran and Jedd Scott led the Patriots defense with nine ground pounding tackles each.
“This year the key to our success will be our defense,” said Coach Jason Scott, head coach for SCA. “I think coach Ben [Phinney] has done a great job as defensive coordinator
getting our guys ready for prime time.”
On the other side of the game, there is Jagger Scott. He is currently the number one rushing junior in eightman football this week on Maxpreps.com. Not only is he the top rusher in the state of Alabama, but he’s the number one junior in the nation, and number
three overall. This young bull also filled his cup to the brim with 255 all-purpose yards, doing triple duty on punts and kickoffs, and had seven bone jarring tackles. He also had an interception along with freshman cornerback Owen Vaughan.
But the star of the night was Patriot quarterback
Elijah Bailey running an amazing 21 times for 82 yards and completing 10 of 16 passes for 157 yards. In the end, the Patriots defeated the Wildcats 5536. The Patriots will have two weeks off before returning to Moore Stadium on Sept. 13 to face off with Stewart County, Georgia.
The Southern Christian Academy Patriots defeated the Springwood Wildcats by a score of 55-36.
Lee-Scott Academy tops Excel
Lee-Scott Academy beat Excel 33-16
Glenwood Gators chomp the Valley Rams
>> from B1
shutout after the first quarter. Senior Emory Davis led the way with four sacks, while several other newcomers such as Makai Simpson and Eric Carter excited on both sides of the ball.
That effort kept the game at a standstill until Pinder found Cooper for the nail in the Rams’ coffin in the final minutes of the fourth quarter. In his first game taking over behind center since four-year starting QB, Dallas Crow, graduated in the spring, Pinder solidified the offense with no turnovers and avoided any crucial mistakes –then, he pounced on the opportunity to mount a dramatic start to Glenwood’s first competition
in the AHSAA after moving over from AISA. Pinder went 9-for-17 with 97 passing yards, no interceptions and two TDs. No. 2 also had a strong supporting cast; Cooper caught five passes for 46 yards and a TD, Lawrence hauled in two receptions for 27 yards and a TD, and Brown ran it 22 times for 103 yards and a score.
Valley, who’s in class 5A, held nothing back on the 3A Gators as they embarked on their new journey, but Glenwood didn’t take long to show it can hang with the big boys.
“They battled their tails off for our school and for our football team,” Nelson said. “This helps them just from a standpoint of believing and knowing this is where they belong.”
The Glenwood Gators held on to win a 21-20 victory against Valley in the season-opening game last weekend.
GLENWOOD
Southern Union Alumni Association awards Van Cleave scholarship
Mary John Brown, left, president of Southern Union State Community College’s Alumni Association, presented Jordan Ford, right, with the 2024 Van Cleaves Scholarship. Ford is a student at the University of Alabama at Birmingham pursuing a degree in biomedical sciences. First awarded in 1967, the scholarship is sponsored by the SUSCC Alumni Association in appreciation of Dr. and Mrs. A.R. Van Cleave and Miss Vera Van Cleave for their many contributions to the college. Dr. Van Cleave served as Dean Emeritus of the college from 1971-1987. The $1,000 cash award is awarded annually to a student who displays academic excellence and leadership in the college, church and community.
Letter to the Editor
Alabama Possible works to increase access to college
OPINION —
Alabama Possible is a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation based in Birmingham and has been, for 31 years, breaking down barriers to prosperity in Alabama through education, collaboration and advocacy. In our efforts to break the cycle of generational poverty in our state, Alabama Possible’s initiatives are primarily focused on making education equitable and creating pathways to prepare learners to take advantage of high-wage, high-demand careers in our state.
Our scope of work includes postsecondary access, postsecondary success, advocacy, and civic engagement. The bodies of work Alabama Possible implements continue to remove financial barriers to postsecondary pathways. Alabama Goes to College (AG2C) initiative particularly focuses on closing postsecondary attainment gaps for first-generation college-going students, students from under-resourced families, and students of color. This program equips high school
educators with tools and connects them with relationships to ensure their seniors successfully navigate postsecondary pathways.
The goals of the three components of AG2C are:
1. Cash for College: graduating high school seniors complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) so they can access financial aid for their postsecondary journey.
2. Alabama College Application Week: graduating high school seniors apply to at least one college (whether 2 or 4-year) in and around Alabama for free.
3. College and Career Decision Day: acknowledging each student for their postsecondary decisions
Additionally, we assist students and families across the state in navigating the postsecondary access process through our Alabama Goes to College Help Desk at 334.316.6155.
Chandra Scott Executive director Alabama Possible
Auburn counseling designated as 2024 Program of Distinction
The Alabama School Counselor Association has designated Auburn High School as having a 2024 Alabama School Counseling Program of Distinction. At an upcoming meeting, the Auburn City Schools Board of Education will recognize Isalie Corneil, Marie Harris, Heather Langford, Sheryl Smith, James Tindell and Nicole Warren for this accomplishment, which is evidence of the excellence in the counselors’ intentional relationships and day-to-day work with ACS students. The group will be honored at the ALSCA Awards Luncheon in November. AHS’s counseling is aligned with the Comprehensive Counseling and Guidance Model for Alabama Public Schools and the American School Counseling Association National Model.
SU welcomes first class of on-campus vet tech majors
Understanding the role of the soil microbiome in plant health
Research made possible by $294K USDA-NIFA grant
CONTRIBUTED BY AU COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
AUBURN — Long-term security of U.S. food and fiber production depends upon healthy soils to produce healthy plants. While scientific understanding of the importance of healthy soils has increased greatly, there remains a knowledge gap when it comes to how the soil microbiome contributes to soil and plant health.
Audrey Gamble, associate professor at Auburn University and researcher in the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, recently received $294,000 from USDA-NIFA to investigate the effect of cover crop species on soil microbial community structure and function and to examine the influence of different cover crop species
on cotton root development and water and nutrient uptake.
“There is a critical need to enhance our understanding of the soil microbiome to gain a comprehensive understanding of soil health and impacts on cotton development and productivity,” Gamble said.
The project was funded through the AFRI Commodity Board Co-Funding Program and co-funded by the Cotton Board.
The long-term goal of this project, according to Gamble, is to improve sustainability of cotton production by leveraging the benefits of cover crops to enhance plant development, nutrient uptake and water use efficiency by managing for improved soil microbial structure and function.
Many soils across the
southeastern United States are severely degraded by the humid climate, coarse soil texture and intensive row cropping systems used in the region.
Historically, cotton production played a role in soil erosion and degradation, with significant portions of the Coastal Plain and Piedmont regions of the South dedicated to
cotton production under intensive tillage practices at the turn of the 20th century.
Today, cotton is still an economically important crop in the southern region. In 2023, 90% of the nation’s 11 million acres of cotton were planted in the Southeast, according to the USDA. The U.S. Cotton industry is now leading
efforts to create sustainable agricultural systems by setting specific sustainability goals, including reducing soil loss, improving soil organic carbon storage and increasing land use efficiency on land used for cotton production.
Existing knowledge demonstrates that conservation management practices that combine high-biomass cover crops with conservation tillage can improve soil health and agricultural sustainability of southeastern soils by increasing soil organic carbon storage, improving soil fertility, reducing soil water evaporation and minimizing soil compaction.
However, there is a lack of sufficient information on the influence of conservation management practices on the abundance and functionality of microbial communities in the soil.
Gamble said that of all the indicators of soil health, this biological component is the most intricate and
least understood.
“Science is still in the early stages of understanding how the soil microbiome contributes to soil and plant health,” Gamble said. “We aim to contribute to bridging the existing gap that currently exists in conservation management practices to improve the soil microbiome. By investigating which cover crops can improve cotton physiological characteristics that help the crop to increase nutrient and water use efficiency, we can provide farmers with recommendations to improve the sustainability of farming in the Cotton Belt from an economical and environmental perspective.”
Gamble is working with fellow Auburn College of Agriculture and Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station researchers Yucheng Feng, Alvaro Sanz and Kip Balkcom on the project.
Vaccine to fight the high mortality rate of large-mouth bass
Research made possible by $300K USDA-NIFA grant
BY ADAM CLETZER AU COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
AUBURN – Largemouth bass producers may soon have a new vaccine for a common pathogen affecting the unusually deathprone fish species. Auburn University researchers are working to lower the fish’s near 80% mortality rate and expand cultivation of the lucrative species.
The team of hatchery scientists from the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station’s E. W. Shell Fisheries Center was awarded $300,000 by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture to develop an immersion-based vaccine for Aeromonas spp., common bacteria that can cause internal swelling and hemorrhaging gills in the fish.
Largemouth bass sells for more than twice the price of rainbow trout and five times that of catfish, but the mortality rate is a deterrent to producers. Only 71 farms are producing food-size largemouth bass nationwide, according to the most recent USDA Census of Aquaculture. Researchers see an opportunity to help producers expand cultivation by mitigating this common disease.
“There’s a big push
toward bass culture right now,” said Timothy Bruce, assistant professor at Auburn and the grant’s director.
Cultivation of largemouth bass as a food fish species is relatively new, Bruce said. Much of the science of studying the species has yet to be developed. One challenge is that before the research team can begin to develop and test a vaccine, they must first create a scientifically replicable method to infect the fish with Aeromonas in a controlled environment.
“We have to figure out how to make the fish sick in a way that mimics the natural environment before we can begin to test how largemouth bass might respond to a vaccine,” Bruce said.
The traditional method of infection in a lab setting is to inject the fish with the pathogen, but the result of infecting the fish in an unnatural way is a fish that gets sick in an unnatural way. This makes it difficult to test a vaccine meant to work in the natural environment.
The team turned to a fin-clip immersion challenge method of infecting fish originally developed at Auburn for the cultivation of catfish. This initial stage of research is in many
ways the most impactful. By perfecting and sharing the process of infection, future researchers at other institutions will be able to develop other non-antibiotic treatments that will benefit the aquaculture industry.
“We’re going to be able to get a lot of answers for the academic community by understanding the response of these fish,” said Bruce.
The team’s next step is to develop the vaccine. To be commercially viable, the vaccine must be immersion based. Rather than injecting each individual fish with the vaccine, producers
will simply be able to add it to the fish’s tank where it will be ingested.
The vaccine will also have an important ecological benefit. There are currently only three FDA-approved antibiotics for fish production, according to Bruce. Over-reliance on the few approved antibiotics could lead bacteria to develop resistance, and getting FDA approval of new antibiotics is an expensive, years-long process.
“It’s a struggle to get approval,” said Bruce. “There’s a sense that what we have is pretty much what we have.”
However, not all vaccines require full FDA approval. Largemouth bass producers can work with their local veterinarian to develop an autogenous vaccine to treat only the fish at their facility. This process could ease reliance on antibiotics and reduce the danger of antibiotic resistance.
This research study is part of a concerted effort by scientists at the E. W. Shell Fisheries Center to expand the cultivation of Largemouth bass in the U. S., including a similar ongoing study of rearing bass during the larval stage.
Bruce and colleagues
have plans to quickly disseminate their findings to the aquaculture industry through workshops, newsletters and seminars.
The team will also work in coordination with Auburn’s Alabama Fish Farming Center in Greensboro, Alabama, to host workshops and demonstrations for local producers.
The two-year project also involves Dr. Ian Butts at Auburn University. Dr. Julio García and Dr. Benjamin LaFrentz at the USDA Agricultural Research Service Aquatic Animal Health Research Unit in Auburn are also supporting the research.
DR. AUDREY GAMBLE
AU researchers are working on an immersion-based vaccine to prevent a common bacteria from harming large-mouth bass fish.
BY BETH PINYERD
Iremember that when I was a child we didn’t start the school year till after Labor Day due to not having air conditioning in the schools. I really looked forward to Labor Day, but I didn’t know why we celebrated Labor Day. As Labor Day is next Monday, Sept. 2, this is a perfect time to explain and emphasize what community helpers do. Emphasize that this holiday makes workers feel special as we celebrate their achievements. Take time to explain to
your child the different jobs community helpers do. Talk to them about the jobs policemen, policewomen, firefighters, doctors, nurses, teachers, utility workers, mail carriers, construction workers, those in transportation of all kinds, those in cleaning services, store workers and more do everyday. Encourage Your children to think of more types of workers. As an early childhood teacher, it always amazes me just how many different workers children come up with.
Consider making an occupation collage with
Teaching children our Labor Day lessons
your children by finding pictures from magazines, a computer and other resources, to cut out and glue on paper. Look in your closets for old shoe boxes to make entire towns — fire trucks, police cars, etc. Children get so excited when they have made their own crafts. They cherish what they have made. Using toy cars, trucks, airplanes, buses, blocks that you already have they can talk about different community helpers. With just these simple suggestions they will learn so much about the people in the community who make their world a better place to live. We need to pray for strength and safety for our community helpers.
As school and activities start back up for the 2024-25 school year, this is a good time to review and stress safety tips for your children. Parents and families it is important for children to be taught how to dial 911 for safety reasons only. These safety reasons include fire, accidents,
sudden illnesses that may strike a parent or caregiver causing them to need assistance. Present these safety lessons to your children in a calm, non-threatening manner. As a teacher, I have used big toy telephones to teach children how to dial 911. Children enjoy playing with old cell or home phones too. I love to sit back and hear “pretend conversations” that children have on toy or old phones in the preschool. Children who are three years old or older can practice writing 911 as well as use their pointing finger to trace the number. Go over specifically with your child the situations that warrant using 911. Put a sticker on your phone with 911 so your children will remember the number to dial.
We use to have a song, “Buckle up for safety, buckle up” to remind children to put on their seat belts. The best way to teach this lesson is to have your child simply to practice buckling, unbuckling the seatbelt
in the car.
While teaching children not to talk to strangers I have used the story of “Little Red Riding Hood” by Charles Perrault. This version is a good non-threatening lesson for children to clearly understand that we do not interact with strangers. Parents be clear on instructions to your children about this. Be sure to teach your child about the importance of not talking with people they do not know and not getting into the car with strangers. When teaching my students, I instruct them not to accept candies or to go away from the sight of their parents. Develop a security system with your child.
It is the parents’ responsibility to let a teacher or director know this so it can be noted on an information card. There are children who are allergic to certain cleaning products, dust, and mold. Let the caregiver know this right away; this is all a part of safety plan. When your young child is riding a bicycle, even with training wheels or skateboarding be sure your child is wearing a helmet. A local safety officer such as a policeman or policewoman would welcome the opportunity to explain that to your child like they do in a classroom.
Have a fire escape plan in your home as well. “Stop, drop, and roll” is what local firefighters teach children when they come to the classroom or we go on field trips to the fire station. Visit the local fire department so they can explain to your family the best way to survive an emergency but make an appointment first.
With poison prevention, the best home policy is to put everything that may be dangerous up out of your young child’s reach. Tell children not to touch or drink anything with a skull and X on it which means poisonous materials. Take time of making of inventory of items in your home that may be poisonous such as detergents, cleaning agents, gasoline, lawn and fertilizer bottles or bags, etc.
As a teacher, I deeply appreciate knowing when a child is allergic to certain foods or conditions.
Families have a SAFE and fun-filled Labor Day Weekend!
Beth Pinyerd has taught in the early childhood classroom for many years. She holds a master’s degree in early childhood education.
Food &E ntertainment Community Calendar
Southern Hospitality
Price family gathers for cookout on Labor Day weekend
BY ANN CIPPERLY
After a busy summer, Oline and Randy Price look forward to gathering their family and friends together for a big cookout celebration on Labor Day weekend, which also kicks off Auburn football. The annual cookout will feature favorite recipes collected over the years, including many from family. Oline is the revenue commissioner for Lee County, while Randy is the state senator for District 13.
Both Oline and Randy grew up on farms in Lee County that have been in their families for generations. Oline grew up in the house her grandparents built. Her father managed the farm and was department head for the facilities division at Auburn University.
Her grandmother lived with them and was an excellent southern cook, as well as her mother. While she was not Italian, her grandmother would make lasagna with cottage cheese for Christmas Eve every year. It is a tradition that Oline has carried on in remembrance of her.
Oline now lives “a pasture away from where she grew up.” The Prices’ grandchildren are the sixth generation to grow up on the family land that has remained a cattle farm. The family received the Century and Heritage Farm Award in 2021. The award is given by the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries to family farms that have been owned and operated
continuously by the same family for a 100 years or longer. Their farm has been in the family for more than 125 years.
Located outside Auburn in a community called Beehive, Randy grew up on his family’s farm and was involved in agriculture. He attended Beauregard High School where his mother was teaching. His father was an appellate referee for the State of Alabama. While Randy’s father was involved in the farm, his grandfather managed the cattle.
Randy and Oline met in high school when they were showing cattle at 4-H shows and started dating. They married while Oline was attending Auburn University and Randy was at Southern Union.
The Prices have two sons, Cameron, who lives on the family land and manages C&H Farms and landscaping company, and Hunter, who is married to Lisa Collins, his childhood sweetheart. They have two children, Brooklyn, 11, a student at Samford, and Walton, 5, who is in kindergarten at Beauregard where Lisa teaches. They live next door to Oline and Randy. Brooklyn is continuing the family tradition of showing calves and has received awards.
Oline and Randy started the big Labor Day celebration after their sons were grown. It is a good time to get together before busy fall events and the kids becoming involved in school activities. The weekend before Labor Day is the end of the family’s Bulls, Bands and Barrels show that Hunter manages across the country.
Since it also kicks off the football season, sometimes the cookout turns into a big tailgate party. While most of the big Labor Day cookouts are at the Prices’ farm, sometimes they are held in Auburn as tailgates when it is an important football game. Oline and Randy’s football seats are the same ones that have been in his family since
the late 1950s. The family enjoys tailgating before the games.
Oline, who has a love of cooking, assembles a menu filled with their favorite dishes for the Labor Day cookout.
Cameron, who graduated from Oklahoma State with a degree in meat science, does most of the grilling, which is generally his specialty: ribs. Sometimes another family member who enjoys grilling will help.
Dessert will be Oline’s mother’s recipe for homemade ice cream and her grandmother’s pound cake with fresh berries. Those recipes and many others were found after her mother passed away. Oline and her sister were cleaning out their mother’s house and found a big box of recipes that also contained many of their grandmother’s recipes.
Hunter’s favorite, Strawberry Congealed Salad, is always on the menu for the cookout. Oline’s sister first made the salad years ago, and it has remained a family favorite. Hunter likes it so much that he
wanted it on the menu for his rehearsal dinner when he got married. Oline gave the recipe to the caterer to make enough for a 100 people.
Oline will make her special baked beans, which are easily mixed, and the recipe is easy to double or triple. She simply combines one can Bushes’ Vegetarian Beans, a can of seasoned black beans, a jar of Pace’s Salsa and bacon bits. She does not drain any of the containers and bakes the dish until most of the juices have been absorbed.
She will also serve corn on the cob. Sometimes she cooks the corn in a stockpot on the stove with a little salt and a stick of butter. If she is grilling the corn, she soaks the corn in husks in salted water for a while. She then puts it on the grill. When the husks are pulled back the silks come off too.
Oline and Randy assembled many of their favorite recipes and ones from friends in a small cookbook the first time Randy ran for state senator.
“It was a way to tell
people about Randy, what he does and our family,” Oline said. “When we decided to share recipes and family stories, we looked at each recipe and remembered the people who gave us the recipe.”
They now have two small cookbooks.
Randy enjoys grilling and will make No Bake Chocolate Cookies, a recipe from a home economics class in high school. Their sons prepared the recipe growing up, and now the grandchildren make them. Sometimes Oline will add coconut or chopped dried blueberries or cranberries to the cookie mixture.
Since Oline enjoys cooking so much she was involved in the Alabama Legislative Club’s cookbook, “Around the Spiral Staircase Vol. 2” in celebration of Alabama’s Bicentennial. She helped gather the recipes and worked with Jay Lamar, who was the chairman, and other legislative wives on the fundraiser.
Randy has served six years as state senator for District 13, and Oline has been revenue commis-
sioner for 27 years. After Oline graduated from Auburn, she went to work for a national beef cattle publication, which required travel. When they began having children, she decided she did not want to be away from her family.
She began working in sales and news for Gary Fuller, who owned WKKR. In 1986, she was offered a job with the city of Opelika, and after that she worked with the Auburn Housing Authority. When Mary Ingram retired as tax assessor in 1993 due to health reasons, Oline was recruited to run for the position and was elected in 1996. When the county voted to combine the office of tax assessor and tax collector in the 2002 election, Oline won. She became the first Lee County revenue commissioner.
Lee County has experienced significant growth since she was elected. At the time, the population of the county was about 80,000 at the most, and in 2023, the population was
The Price family is gathering together for a cookout with friends on Labor Day weekend, and Oline Price is sharing their recipes for the event. Pictured are the Prices: front row from left, Brooklyn and Walton; back row from left, Cameron, Oline, Randy, Lisa and Hunter.
PHOTO BY JERRY BALLAS FOR THE OBSERVER
See CIPPERLY, page B12
184,000.
When Randy decided to run for state senator, Oline encouraged him. Randy’s father had been interested in politics, which led him to be interested and taking government classes in college. He knew he wanted to be involved in agriculture, as he was working on the regional level with cattle shows and sales.
He began showing cattle and managing purebred cattle sales across the country. As their sons were getting older, he decided he needed to do something else. Randy opened several small businesses.
When he became more involved in the Republican Party, Randy was appointed to the executive committee in Lee County and became chairman.
“One person I had the chance to talk to often was the late Col. Andy Pick,” Randy said. “He was a mentor. I appreciated him taking time to help me and pointing me to a direction in politics.”
While the Prices lead busy lives, they also have a farm to table meat business. The bulls they don’t sell go into their feed lot, and they will sell half of a steer. Sometimes there is a waiting list.
“I am proud of the little market,” Oline said. “I will give people recipes on how to cook the beef.”
She is sharing her favorite steak recipe that is served with blue cheese butter. Her breakfast casserole is also popular with the family.
“Cooking is therapy and my quiet time in the kitchen,” she said. “We try to get the family together one or two Sunday nights at our dining room table for dinner. After grace is said, our 5-year-old grandson, Walton, goes around the table and asks everyone to give him their positive words for the day. I look at the grandkids and think we are blessed.
“It has been an unbelievable busy summer with meetings out of town,” Oline added. “I am grateful we are all home and healthy. Before everyone gets busy with school, football games and other fall activities, we look forward to Labor Day for spending time with family and friends.”
Artichoke Dip
This super quick and easy appetizer is one of Oline’s favorite “go to” recipes, and guests always come back for seconds.
14 oz. can artichoke hearts, drained 1/2 cup fresh grated
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup mozzarella
cheese
• 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 cup mayonnaise (Kraft mayonnaise with olive oil works best.)
Break up artichoke hearts with fork and mix with remaining ingredients. Bake in Pam sprayed casserole dish at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Serve warm with assorted crackers.
Mushroom Logs
• 2 (8 oz.) cans refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, room temperature
4 oz. can mushroom stems and pieces, drained and chopped
• 1 tsp. seasoned salts
1 egg, beaten
• 1 to 2 Tbsp. poppy seeds
Separate crescent dough into eight rectangles; press perforations to seal.
Combine cream cheese, mushrooms and salt; mix well. Spread mushroom mixture in equal portions over each rectangle of dough. Starting at long sides, roll up each rectangle jellyroll fashion. Pinch seams to seal.
Slice logs into 1-inch pieces, please seam down on an ungreased baking sheet.
Brush each log with beaten egg and sprinkle with poppy seeds. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes. Makes four dozen.
Chicken Marinade
This is a flavorful, favorite marinade in our family.
• ½ cup pineapple juice
¼ cup oil
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 1 Tbsp. brown sugar
2 tsp. ground ginger
• 1 tsp. dry mustard
1 tsp. garlic salt
Mix all ingredients well, and pour over chicken to marinate. Remove chicken from marinade and grill until completely cooked.
Oline’s Whipping Cream Pound Cake
Every cook needs a “go to” basic dessert, and this is the perfect
one. You can’t go wrong with a pound cake and just by changing the flavor of the seasoning you can change the entire cake.
• 3 cups sugar
½ lb. butter, room temperature
3 cups cake flour, sifted twice
1 cup whipping cream (heavy cream)
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
7 eggs, room temperature
Butter and flour a 10-inch tube or bundt pan. Thoroughly cream together sugar and butter. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix in half the flour, then the whipping cream and the other half of flour. Add vanilla.
Pour into prepared pan. Set in cold oven and turn heat to 350 degrees. Bake 1 hour to 70 minutes, until a sharp knife inserted in cake comes out clean.
Cool in pan five minutes. Remove from pan and cool thoroughly.
Wrapped well, this cake will keep for several days.
Note: While the original recipe did not suggest this, sometimes I will add a teaspoon or two of orange or lemon extract for a lemon or orange pound cake.
Mama’s Ice Cream
A “generational” recipe in our family
• 2 large and 1 small can
Pet Evaporated Milk
• 2 ½ cups sugar 1 tsp. vanilla flavoring
• 6 eggs
Cream sugar and eggs until light and fluffy. Add milk diluted with equal parts water. Add sprinkle of salt and 1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring. Mix and freeze.
Chocolate No-Bake
Cookies
The Prices’ sons prepared Randy’s cookie recipe when they were growing up, and now Oline makes them with their grandchildren, Brooklyn and Walton.
2 cups sugar
• ½ cup cocoa ½ cup butter
• ½ cup milk
• ½ tsp. salt ½ tsp. vanilla
• 3 cups oatmeal, uncooked
Combine sugar, cocoa, margarine and milk in saucepan. Allow mixture to come to a boil and continue boiling for two minutes. Remove from heat, stir in salt, vanilla and oatmeal. Drop with spoon onto wax paper. Let cool.
Hunter’s Favorite Strawberry Congealed Salad
Oline’s sister brought this congealed salad to a family get-together when Hunter was young, and he decided it was created expressly for him.
Two 3 oz. pkg. strawberry Jell-O
2 cups boiling water
• Two 10 oz. pkg. frozen strawberries
• 20 oz. can crushed pineapple, drained 1 cup sour cream
• 2 bananas, mashed Dissolve gelatin in boiling water. Add partially thawed strawberries and stir well. Add banana and pineapple. Place half of mixture in a 13 x 9 x 2 -inch dish. Put in refrigerator to congeal.
Allow other half to thicken slightly but stay pouring consistency. When refrigerated half is set, top with sour cream. Add remaining mixture and return to refrigerator.
Grits and Sausage Casserole
When Cameron was a student at Oklahoma State University, the farm was a stopping point for his classmates and fraternity brothers on their way to the beach and back during spring break. Randy would grill burgers, and Oline would always serve this casserole for breakfast, which was their favorite.
1 cup grits (not instant), cooked according to package directions
1 lb. bulk sausage, browned and drained on towels
½ to ¾ stick butter
• ¼ cup milk
Grated cheddar cheese (mild, medium and sharp), to taste
• 2 eggs, beaten Cook grits. While still in pan, add cheese and butter and mix thoroughly. Add eggs and milk; mix. Add sausage and put in buttered casserole dish for 45 minutes at 350 degrees.
Special Macaroni and Cheese
• 2 cups cottage cheese
• 8 oz. container sour cream
• 1 large egg
¾ tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. pepper
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 8 oz. pkg. macaroni, cooked Cook macaroni according to directions; drain and set aside. Stir together first six ingredients in a large bowl, then stir in macaroni. Spoon mixture into a
lightly greased 2-quart baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes and let stand 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
Baked Fried Green Tomatoes Fried green tomatoes are versatile, and can be prepared as a vegetable or side dish, an appetizer or a featured sandwich.
• 8 (½ inch thick) green tomato slices
• Butter-flavored vegetable cooking spray
• 1 Tbsp. bottled oil-free Italian dressing
• ½ cup soft breadcrumbs
⅛ tsp. salt
• ⅛ tsp. onion powder
⅛ tsp. pepper
Arrange tomato slices on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray, brush dressing on each slice. Combine remaining ingredients; spoon 1 tablespoon of crumb mixture on each tomato slice. Spray each slice with cooking spray. Bake at 400 degrees for 18-20 minutes.
Tomato Pie
• 1 deep-dish pie shell
3 cups tomatoes, chopped
• ½ cup green onions, chopped
• 1-1 ½ tsp. dried oregano
• 1-1 ½ tsp. dried basil
Salt and pepper
• 2-3 Tbsp. mayonnaise
• 5 pieces bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (of your choice)
Punch holes with a fork in bottom of piecrust and bake for about 10 minutes in a 400-degree oven. Remove from oven and add a layer of cheese, onion and tomatoes. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, oregano and basil. Continue layering until ingredients are used except for ½ cup of cheese.
Mix crumbled bacon, mayonnaise and cheese; spread on top of the pie. Sprinkle with extra cheese, if desired. Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 35-40 minutes. Let stand for at least 15 minutes before cutting.
Beef Tenderloin with Blue Cheese Butter
When you are in the cattle business, you naturally eat a lot of beef. When we are celebrating special events such as birthdays, it is fun to dress the menu up. This tenderloin fits the order perfectly especially when it comes from our own C&H Farm beef.
• 2 ¼ - 2 ½ lbs. trimmed beef tenderloin
½ tsp. black pepper
¾ tsp. salt
• 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter, softened
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread blue cheese butter over beef, then sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. Place on a rack inside of rimmed pan. Roast for 40 to 50 minutes or until desired doneness.
Blue Cheese Butter
• ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
3 Tbsp. unsalted butter
• 2 Tbsp. chopped parsley Mix all ingredients together. Let stand 10 minutes, then spread over roast or top each slice with butter.
Garlic Shrimp and Grits
• 1 lb. unpeeled, medium size fresh shrimp, cooked
3 cups water
• 1 cup whipping cream
• ¼ cup butter
1 tsp. salt
• 1 cup quick-cooking grits, uncooked
• 1 cup shredded extra-sharp cheese
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Fresh chives for garnish Peel and devein shrimp. Bring three cups water, cream, butter and salt to a boil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium and whisk in grits. Cook, whisking constantly, seven to eight minutes or until mixture is smooth.
Stir in shrimp, cheese and garlic. Cook one to two minutes or until heated thoroughly. Serve in casserole dish garnished with fresh chives.
Oven-Fried Catfish
Next to beef, catfish is Randy’s favorite meat, especially when it is fried. Oven-Fried Catfish allows him to enjoy one of his favorite meals without the guilt.
• Light vegetable oil cooking spray
½ cup cornmeal
• 1 Tbsp. Greek seasoning
1 Tbsp. creole seasoning
• Lemon pepper
Garlic powder
• 1 tsp. paprika
• 4-5 catfish fillets
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray baking sheet three times to coat well. Mix cornmeal and Greek seasoning on a large plate. Sprinkle creole seasoning, garlic powder and lemon pepper on each of the catfish fillets. Coat catfish thoroughly with cornmeal mixture and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet. Dust each fillet with paprika. Coat catfish with vegetable oil spray. Bake on the bottom rack in the oven for 20 minutes at 400 degrees. Reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake for about five minutes longer until crust is golden and fish flakes easily.
BY SEAN DIETRICH
OPINION —
Iwoke up, staggered from my bedroom and made coffee. I pulled out my phone and commenced to scroll social media. On my screen, [there was] a young woman, in pajamas, dancing in her kitchen. She was maybe mid twenties, with a pierced nose, and extremely hairy armpits.
Sean of the South
I wiped sleep from my eyes and tried to understand what I was looking at.
It was early in the morning. My brain could not piece together why my newsfeed was showing me feminine armpit hair first thing in the morning. Who was this unshaven woman? Why was she dancing in her kitchen as opposed to, say, her bathroom? Why do people post dance videos on social media? And more importantly, why is this video on my news feed?
This young woman is a stranger to me. We are not Facebook friends. I’ve never seen her before in my life. Of this I am certain; I never forget an armpit.
Thus, I can only assume the bushy dancer is on my news
It’s all in the algorithms
feed because of AI algorithms.
Which is probably why the next video on my news feed depicted Japanese men and women on a Japanese game show, sliding down a waterslide into a vat of whipped cream. But at least their pits weren’t visible.
I remember when I first signed up for social media. Back then, we didn’t have algorithms or AI selecting what was in our news feed. In fact, we didn’t even call it “social media.” We called it “wasting time.”
In those days, you fired up your PC with a ripcord, lawnmower-style, then you used dial-up internet that took four or five years to connect.
Facebook was still in its infancy, and was still an
important application many middle-aged people used to discover whether or not their high school sweethearts had gotten fat.
The main function of social media in those days was posting stuff. It was good clean fun. You’d make a clever post, whereupon the only people to comment were your aunts and uncles, at which point you’d end up blocking all your insane family members and nobody would talk to you at the following Thanksgiving.
But now we have algorithms.
The algorithms are doing everything now. You interact with algorithms every day in the modern world. Whenever you apply for a mortgage, or a job, buy something on Am-
azon, stream a movie, watch TV, adjust your thermostat, you are using an algorithm.
The scary thing is, a lot of algorithms make decisions for us. In our current society, algorithms are now driving cars, mowing lawns, making investments, setting insurance premiums, writing emails, prescribing medicine, and telling your robot vacuum to avoid the dog poop in your living room.
In a recent study, one expert said: “Computer algorithms are making us more advanced, and they’re getting smarter. They are making decisions for us, every day. Decisions we’re incapable of making. They’re leading us into a new age.”
It’s too bad mankind didn’t have the algorithms to “lead”
him out of the Stone Age. A computer would have likely told cavemen to reject usage of fire because it was “unpredictable” and “hard to control.” Thus, we would have never discovered the wheel. We would have never learned agriculture. If our ancestors would have trusted algorithms, we’d still be stuck in a primitive world. There would be no art, no music, and right now we’d all be going around with hairy armpits. Wait.
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.
Auburn Theatre & Dance announces upcoming season
BY CHARLOTTE TUGGLE, AU COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS
AUBURN — The Auburn University Department of Theatre & Dance hopes to cultivate conversations about resiliency through elemental stories of strength and character in its upcoming season.
“As a university, community, state, nation and world, we are bombarded with new challenges daily,” said Chair Tessa Carr. “Making our way through the continual changes we face individually and collectively, we learn about ourselves and each other. Questions of how we continue through difficulty, how we can thrive together and what it means to be a community that leans on and supports one another are the focus of this season’s work.”
The season will open Sept. 26 with “Wellesley Girl.” Set in a future following environmental fallout, “Wellesley Girl” follows a small republic
of citizens who must decide what do to with the last source of clean drinking water.
Theatre & Dance partnered with the Auburn University Water Resources Center, which develops water solutions and promotes good stewardship of water sources, for the production. After seeing the “Wellesley Girl” characters struggle with consequences of earlier generations’ actions around water quality and availability, audiences will have an avenue to engage with protecting our water. Carr said the central themes of the season reflect the individual, community and nature.
“As theatrical makers, we are continually finding new ways to frame our storytelling mission and approach,” Carr said “This year, we thought about the words ‘resilience’ and ‘elemental.’ These qualities of toughness and elasticity are necessary to achieve sustainability...for ourselves — physically, mentally, emo-
tionally — and for our planet and our communities.”
If “Wellesley Girl” is water, then “Ordinary Days” is fire. The second show of the season is a musical set in New York City’s bustling metropolis as four individuals navigate love, loss and the search for connection. It explores how small acts of kindness can spark change in our everyday lives.
“Flying / Falling,” the annual dance concert, continues the elemental theme by exploring the sensation of atmosphere, air and breath. The Auburn University Dance Ensemble’s original performance will show how we rely upon and defy gravity.
“Orlando” and “Violet,” which will premiere in 2025, represent flora and earth.
“Orlando,” based on Virginia Woolf’s classic novel, explores themes of gender, identity and belonging.
“Violet” will take audiences on a journey of joy, heartache
and self-discovery through the Civil Rights Era. Carr said the framing of the season within nature will help audiences answer questions about surviving in the face of adversity.
“The cycles and interconnectedness of nature — at times stormy, stressful, violent, and at other times gentle, quiet, healing — are analogous to our human relationships and experiences,” Carr said. “We
hope our elemental stories of strength and character inspire you toward continued and steadfast resilience.”
To buy tickets, visit the website www.auliberalarts. universitytickets.com.
Lee County Sheriff’s Foundation launches Fundraiser
LEE COUNTY — Lee County Sheriff’s Foundation has launched its fall Cruiser Caffeine fundraiser, available exclusively at www.lcsofoundation.org/coffee. Cruiser Caffeine is a special medium roast coffee in collaboration with Mama Mocha’s Coffee Roastery, a locally owned business in downtown Opelika. Cruiser Caffeine is a medium roast, hand-selected by Mama Mocha herself that is approachable, chocolatey and clean. It is sourced from Brazil via direct trade and roasted in historic downtown Opelika. It is sold as whole beans or ground.
Each bag of Cruiser Caffeine coffee costs $16, of which $8 goes to Lee County Sheriff’s Foundation and $8 goes to Mama Mocha’s. It is available for pre-sale at lcsofoundation.org/ coffee through Oct. 3.
About Lee County Sheriff's Foundation
Lee County Sheriff's Foundation (LCSF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission of strengthening public safety through supporting law enforcement training, education, community programs, and outreach.
The most recent uses of LCSF funds have been to provide free water at community events throughout the summer, training instructors for our women’s self-defense classes, and spending $2,500 to buy items for local teachers’ wish lists at the beginning of the 2024 school year. LCSF looks forward to using future funds to help support the Lee County Sheriff’s Office’s community programs such as community CPR training, the fall coat drive, self-defense classes for women, and Santa to a Senior.
For more information about Lee County Sheriff’s Foundation or Cruiser Caffeine, visit www.lcsofoundation.org or e-mail hello@lcsofoundation.org.
AUG. 29 — THIRD THURSDAY POETRY SERIES
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
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 350-seat 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.
THROUGH 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 350-seat Edgar B. Carter Educational Amphitheater.
AUG. 31 & SEPT. 1 — “NOT THE FAIR” MARKET
The Not the Fair vendor market will be held on three consecutive weekends, Aug. 31 & Sept. 1, Sept. 7 & 8 and Sept. 14 & 15, at the Lee County Fairgrounds and Event Center, located on Lafayette Parkway in Opelika. There will be giveaways, door prizes, food trucks and both indoor and outdoor vendors. Open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays.
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. 13 — AU HOMECOMING PARADE Information TBA.
SEPT. 13 — 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 350-seat Edgar B. Carter Educational Amphitheater.
SEPT. 13 — 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. 15 — HOMECOMING BRUNCH & BROWSE
Join the downtown merchants for Brunch and Browse to cap off Auburn’s homecoming weekend. Enjoy extended shopping hours, merchant specials, sips and more
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.
SEPT. 20 — 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 350-seat Edgar B. Carter Educational Amphitheater.
SEPT. 20 — 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. 26 — VALOR AWARDS DINNER
The Opelika Chamber will host the VALOR Public Safety Awards Dinner on Thursday, Sept. 26, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Southerly Warehouse (1007 Avenue B). The event will feature military hero and Dancing with the Stars alum Noah Galloway as guest speaker, and first responders will be presented with annual awards like Firefighter and Police Officer of the Year. Register at opelikachamber.com.
SEPT. 27 — DAN NAVARRO AT SUNDILLA
Songwriter Dan Navarro will perform at the Sundilla Concert Series on Friday, Sept. 27. Showtime at the AUUF (450 E. Thach Avenue 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.
SEPT. 28 — 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 350-seat Edgar B. Carter Educational Amphitheater.
SEPT. 28 — 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.
THROUGH 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 — OPELIKA NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
The city of Opelika will host 2024 National Night Out, a community-building event, on Tuesday, Oct. 1, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Courthouse Square. The event will feature food, drinks and resources about public safety, crime prevention, health, education and youth programs.
OCT. 1 – SMITHS STATION NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
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 — East Alabama Area Youth for Christ (EAYFC) will host its 39th Annual Golf Classic fundraiser at Auburn University Club on Oct. 7. Registration includes a goody bag, golf cart rental and lunch. There will be a variety of contests, including a Hole-in-One Contest and a Golf Ball Drop. For more information about sponsorship levels or to register, visit eastalabamayfc.org/ golfclassic or email golf@eastalabamayfc.org.
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. 11 — STUDENT VETERANS GALA
Tickets are available now for the Auburn Student Veterans Association (ASVA) annual gala, set for Friday, Oct. 11, at the Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa at Grand National. Cocktail hour will begin at 6 p.m., followed by the gala at 7 p.m. Dress code is black-tie or senior dress uniform. This year’s keynote speaker will be Jeff Struecker, former U.S. Army Ranger and “Black Hawk Down” survivor. Individual tickets are available for $180, with tables of 10 available for $1,800. Gala tick-ets may be gifted to current student veterans or active-duty military. Tickets are available online at https://asvastore.com/gala.
Club News from around Lee County Kiwanis Club of Opelika
Rotary Club of Auburn
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.
MomCO
Auburn Opelika MomCo meets at Pepperell Baptist Church (2702 2nd Ave., Opelika) on the first and third Thursdays of each month. The group meets mornings at 9 a.m. and evenings at 5:30 p.m. Upcoming meeting dates: Sept. 5 & 19, Oct. 3 & 17, Nov. 7 & 21 and Dec. 5. Contact Rachel Elrod at (706) 244-5620 or Pastor Zac Gardner at (334) 745-3108 for more 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 (National Alliance on Mental Illness) of Alabama is providing a virtual family education program beginning Saturday, Sept. 7, starting at 9 a.m. The NAMI Family-to-Family Program is a free 8-week educational program for families and significant others of people with a mental health condition. The program is peer lead by individuals who have been through similar situations, provides information and strategies for taking care of the person you love. Registration is required. Call NAMI Baldwin at (251) 279-0573 or email NAMIBaldwinCounty.org
Rotarian and award-winning professional clown, Linda Triemer, taught members of the Opelika Rotary Club how to make balloon figures, including a hummingbird, a dog and a sword. Rotary of Opelika meets weekly for lunch at Saugahatchee Country Club.
Jason Caldwell with Auburn Undercover was the guest speaker at the Kiwanis meeting. He presented a preview of the upcoming season.
