The Observer 08-31-2023

Local Winner of Gift Card is >>>>>>> Band-O-Rama Photos — A8

Kevin Conway

Foundry Fosters Renewal, Revival

BY AUDREY KENT FOR THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA — Foundry, a new United Methodist church in Opelika, held its first service Sunday, Aug. 27.

The United Methodist Church is located at 200 N. 26th St., Opelika. The new home of Foundry was previously Pepperell United Methodist Church, which closed its doors in 2018.

According to the Rev. Patrick HitchmanCraig, Foundry has been working hard on transforming the sanctuary.

“If somebody had

Opelika City Attorney Recognized for 50 Years of Service

OPELIKA — Opelika City Attorney Guy Gunter was recently recognized by the Alabama State Bar for being a member 50 years and for his honorable, devoted and dedicated service to the Opelika community, state of Alabama and United States. Fortyeight of those years he has spent representing the city of Opelika.

Gunter completed his undergraduate degree at The University of Alabama in 1970. Following

GUNTER

that, he attended The University of Alabama Law School where he graduated and was admitted to the Bar in 1973. Gunter was in private practice with Melton, Gunter and Melton until 2013, prior to becoming the city attorney full time. He served as the city prosecutor from 1975 until 2019.

Gunter advises the mayor and city council, prepares resolutions, ordinances, contracts and other legal documents, attends city council and planning commission meetings.

See

page A2

Foundry, a new United Methodist Church located in the old Pepperell United Methodist Church building, held its first service last Sunday, Aug. 27.

GUY

Opelika Young Professionals is a new program, courtesy of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce, launching January 2024.

Community Foundation Awards Grant to Jesse Parkhurst Guzman Foundation

CONTRIBUTED BY CFEA

ALABAMA —

EAST

The Community Foundation of East Alabama recently awarded a $500 grant to the Jesse Parkhurst Guzman Foundation, a nonprofit organization that works with and provides services to the Macon County and Tuskegee communities. This grant will go on to help the organization execute its community service goals for the upcoming year.

The Jesse Parkhurst Guzman Foundation, whose namesake is that of a Civil Rights Activist who was employed at Tuskegee University, has deep roots in the Tuskegee and Macon County areas. This organization seeks to provide a multitude of community services in its region. This includes, but is not limited to, support and implementation of

educational programs, promoting cultural involvement, support or programs for families, youth and other organizational groups and fundraising from public, private, corporate and governmental sources for such purposes.

This grant of $500 will help the Jesse Parkhurst Guzman Foundation achieve its service goals for the remainder of 2023. These service goals include: providing five community service activities focusing on mental health, collaborating with three organizations to support and implement educational programs, implementing a partnership strategy to increase participation in cultural awareness actives four times each year and collaborating with the Beta Xi Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. to

implement programs that provide support to families, youth and other organizational community groups.

The Community Foundation of East Alabama works to promote philanthropy by connecting people who care with causes

that matter, to serve the charitable purposes of donors and meet the charitable needs of the community. Its reach includes Lee, Russell, Tallapoosa, Macon and Chambers counties. The community foundation provides grants and support to a wide

range of organizations and initiatives in the area, with a particular focus on education, health and community development.

“We look forward each year to investing in local organizations that seek to support and work with those in the

many communities of East Alabama,” said Clay Torbert with the Community Foundation of East Alabama. “We are excited to see the impact created by the Jesse Parkhurst Guzman Foundation in the weeks and months to come.”

This $500 grant from the Community Foundation of East Alabama will help the Jesse Parkhurst Guzman Foundation continue its work to support the communities of Tuskegee and Macon County. This grant, along with the work of the Jesse Parkhurst Guzman Foundation, will be instrumental in creating a positive impact in East Alabama.

To learn more about the Community Foundation of East Alabama, please visit www.cfeastalabama. org.

Opelika Chamber Announces 2023-2024 Class of Lee County Young Leaders

CONTRIBUTED BY THE OPELIKA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

OPELIKA —

The Opelika Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the 202324 class of Lee County Young Leaders. Lee County Young Leaders is a countywide program designed to nurture and develop positive leadership qualities in our high school students. The

Chamber wants to create successful leaders in Lee County and this program gives the students of our area the knowledge, tools and contacts to do so. The goal is that graduates of the Lee County Young Leaders program will possess a unique understanding and appreciation of the inner workings of their community and will return home as excellent future

East Alabama Health

candidates to serve on local boards, committees and task forces.

“This will be the 10th year the Opelika Chamber of Commerce has provided elite high school students with the Lee County Young Leaders experience," said President and CEO of the Opelika Chamber Ali Rauch. "More than 300 students have been through this program, and we hope we have

cultivated a sense of community, a pride in their home and a desire to return here after college to leave their own mark."

This year’s class members are:

• Will Bao – Auburn High School

• Ty Barnes – Auburn High School

• Mary Margaret Buck – Auburn High School

• JD Dallas – Auburn High School

– Cisco

• Emily Jiang –Auburn High School

• Harper Olsen –Auburn High School

• Suyeon Shin –Auburn High School

• Jakayla Luke –Beauregard High School

• Karlyn Mullins – Beauregard High School

• Clara Burke –Beulah High School

• Cassi Pagan –Beulah High School

• Anessia Brothers –

Glenwood School

• Emory NewlandHomeschool

• Trammell Shell –Lakeview Christian School

• Chloe Clinard –Lee-Scott Academy

• Jay Collins – LeeScott Academy

• Jake Cummings –Lee-Scott Academy

• Mallory Wheeles –Lee-Scott Academy

• Emily Yang – LeeSee LCYL, page A6

BOARD >> from A1

• Alyssa Foreman –Habitat for Humanity

• Anna Coxwell –Winkelmann Flowform Technology

• Anna Jones –Opelika Public Library

• Ashley Alcantara –QuikTrip

• Brian Perdomo –Synovus Bank

• Brooke Young –

• Caitlin Allen – City of Opelika

• Christopher Hope –East Alabama Health

• Drake Martin –Alfa Insurance

• Elizabeth BoyleCoLab

• Hope Nunnelley –Content Creator

• Hunter Lazenby – Tallapoosa River Electric Cooperative

• Jessica Schwiesow – Unity Wellness

Center

• Joshua Miller – The Coffee Shop

• Lakieshia Barnett –Southern Union State Community College

• Lenzi Womack –Opelika Chamber of Commerce

• Lexy Payne –Junior League of Lee County

• Paul Kirkpatrick –Baxter International

• Sam DiChiara –MAK Media and The Observer

• Savannah Burgess

– Bonnie Plants

• Shenice Smith –Unite Inc.

• Siobhan Patterson

• Thurman Dinkins Jr.– Keller Williams Realty

Ex-Officios:

• Griffin O’Connor

– Opelika Economic Development

• Billy Plummer –APEX Pest Solutions

• Mackenzie Poole – Opelika Chamber of Commerce

“We are thrilled to have this group of people leading the way for our young professionals program,” said

President and CEO of the Opelika Chamber, Ali Rauch. “They are an intelligent, diverse and fun group, and I cannot wait to see the amazing things they create through this program.”

GUNTER >> from A1 engagement. This year’s board members are:

For more information about the Young Professionals Program contact Poole at mackenzie@ opelikachamber. com or visit www. facebook.com/ opelikayp.

“Guy is one of the strongest assets that we have at the city,” said Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller. “We are thankful and honored that he has spent the bulk of his career representing Opelika, and we look forward to many more years.”

When he’s not working, Gunter said he enjoys spending time with his family, particularly his three granddaughters, reading and sports.

The Community Foundation of East Alabama gave a $500 grant to the Jesse Parkhurst Foundation, whose namesake is that of a civil rights activist who was employed at Tuskegee University.

Mother of Five Wins Life Changing Scholarship at SOW Conference

CONTRIBUTED BY CHURCH EMERGE

LAGRANGE, GA —

Church Emerge

Outreach Ministries and The Christian Social Group, Woman Emerge, wrapped up the third year of The Strength of a Woman Conference this past Saturday in LaGrange, Georgia.

Multiple people walked away with homeowner down payment assistance, scholarships and giveaways totaling close to $30,000 is cash resources. The empowerment event is most commonly known in local communities as The S.O.W Sista Gathering. Growing in popularity because of its wealth of information,

multifaceted panels and generous giveaways in cash prizes and resources, the conference was opened this year to not only women, but to the entire family. Men, women, boys, girls and families filled the room at the Great Wolf Lodge — over 200 strong.

One of the many highlights of the event was a mother of five who received one of the last tickets to the event because another attendee could not attend due to an unexpected obligation but didn’t want the ticket to go to waste. So, she reached out wanting to bless someone else to come in her place.

Local East Alabama resident Shae Patrick was the recipient of the

Alabama

DHR

Reopens Applications for Final Round of Child Care Bonuses

CONTRIBUTED BY

DHR ALABAMA

ALABAMA —

The Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) has reopened the application process for the final round of child care bonuses. Grant applications will be accepted through Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

Licensed child care providers may apply for the grants that pay for quarterly bonuses of $3,000 for full-time employees and $1,500 for part-time staff. Now in the eighth quarter, Child Care Workforce Stabilization grants aim to help child care providers recruit and retain workers as the industry recovers from the pandemic.

“Due to the

tremendous response with our final round of grants, we have decided to accept applications through Aug. 30,” said Alabama DHR Commissioner Nancy Buckner. “These grants have been a wonderful tool to help child care providers maintain a quality workforce to provide much needed child care for Alabama’s children.”

To qualify, providers must be licensed and operating in good standing with DHR when they apply and receive a grant. They must also remain in operation for at least one year after a grant is awarded. Applications, grant schedules and additional eligibility requirements are available at www.dhr. alabama.gov/childcare.

CHURCH >> from A1

been in the sanctuary before, it looks like a brand-new sanctuary,” Hitchman-Craig said. “So, we've had folks up here about every day for the last two months, sort of grinding away at this renovation project and seeing this crazy dream get across the finish lines.”

Foundry’s mission is to be a community of grace and peace rooted in Christ for the renewal of all things, Hitchman-Craig said.

“We think what we have to offer in a divided world, and oftentimes sort of angry world, is something special, and we are building a community of grace and peace,” Hitchman-Craig said. “One of the things we like to say is that no matter who you are, or the reasons that brought you here, whether you are a seeker or a skeptic, or an every Sunday regular, whether church is your thing, used to be your thing or has never been your thing, I trust you'll find a community of grace and peace here.”

According to Hitchman-Craig, Foundry welcomes everyone.

“We talk a lot about belonging,” he said. “A lot of churches will say that everyone's welcome, but we want to take that next step and say that everyone belongs. There's no asterisk on that. There's no bait and switch. There is a place for you at Foundry.” Foundry will launch small groups in September HitchmanCraig said.

Adult small groups, called ‘tables,’ will meet every other week, he said.

“They meet in homes, they share a meal together around the table and they're sort

ticket — and in less than four hours her life instantly changed forever. Just as she was walking out to leave, her name was called, announcing that she was one of the winners of the Real Estate Scholarships sponsored by The Grace Group, owned by Valrica Grace.

When Patrick was asked by conference host Denise Mosley how she felt about walking away from the event with the scholarship, she gave a peek into her life and why this was about more than her just winning a prize. In fact, she said, it was an answered prayer.

“I recently moved to Kentucky after my husband passed,” Patrick said. “I wanted to be a

broker, so I was taking accounting classes and started at MLS in Atlanta for my real estate license. My husband died in a car accident, and I stopped everything. I couldn’t go on. I have just been in a horrible place since then. I moved out of state to start a new life, but my father got really sick and it turned bad quickly, so I recently came back. I was out at the hospital with him scrolling on Facebook, and I saw a post about the upcoming SOW 3.0 Conference. I never thought I would win, but then I saw my sister comment on the post asking if there happened to be more tickets, so I decided

of discussion-based groups,” HitchmanCraig said.

According to Hitchman-Craig, Foundry will also provide a nursery for children aged three and younger on Sundays.

He said that with the growth of Opelika and Auburn, Foundry has “unlimited potential,” and a team of people who are “dreaming and discerning” what it looks like to love and be good neighbors to the Opelika community, Hitchman-Craig said.

Foundry gathers every Sunday for worship at 10 a.m.

“We have a huge

fellowship hall, so if somebody is visiting us for the first time, we would encourage them to come a little early, around 9:30,” Hitchman-Craig said. “We’ve got Mama Mocha’s coffee and snacks set up in the fellowship hall. So, especially if you're a first-time guest, I encourage you to come a little early. There’s a chance to get some coffee and some food and to meet some other folks who call Foundry home.”

For more information about Foundry, visit its website at www. foundryopelika.com.

Shae Patrick was the winner of the Real Estate Scholarship given out at the annual Strength of a Woman Conference in LaGrange, Georgia, Aug. 26.

See SOW, page A4

The Rev. Patrick Hitchman-Craig, of Foundry church in Opelika.

Award-Winning Women’s Boutique To Open in Auburn

CONTRIBUTED BY THE MIX

AUBURN —

A renowned and highly decorated Mobile, Alabama, women’s boutique is opening a second location in Auburn just in time for the new semester and football season.

The Mix, located at 152 N. College St. in Toomer’s Corner, will open Sept. 1 from the hours of 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and will bring “a Mix of styles, sizes and prices” as well as a personalized shopping experience for women of all ages to the Auburn/ Opelika area.

Owned and operated by Mobile native Caroline Ward, The Mix was named one of “The South’s Best Boutiques” by Southern Living Magazine in 2021 and the “Best Women’s Store in Mobile and Baldwin Counties” by Lagniappe Magazine recently through a vote of area residents.

The Mix first opened in Mobile in 2019

SOW >> from A3

to ask. My father was released the same day, and I was in the car on the highway when I got a message saying that I could come because I was the recipient of a ticket that was donated. But all the while I was trying to talk myself out of going. I said it is going to be out of the way for me to come back, but something told me don't decline.

“Two days before, my sister called and said it was time to come back home, and the next morning my father passed. I am a daddy’s girl so this broke me. And if that wasn’t enough — the next morning my husband's favorite cousin passed. The morning of the conference, I had nothing to wear. I was going through the few clothes I left here because, again, my life was in Kentucky, but nothing worked. Twenty minutes passed and I sat at the end of the bed and said, ‘God, if I'm supposed to go, make a way.’ I thought I had thrown a jumpsuit away thinking I would never have anywhere to wear it, but it was the only thing that did not make it in the trash. I picked it up off the floor and put it on and was surprised it fit because I got it years ago. I put on the only shoes I had (a pair of tennis shoes). And I came to the event and ran into this beautiful lady who gently coaxed me inside. She was wearing a green dress and people knew her, but I was about to turn around as she smiled in my direction, talked to me, got my confidence

and has evolved into a prominent fashion destination in the South with customers from all over the country. Ward is eager to open a second location in Auburn and expand on her experience from the New York fashion industry and her fastgrowing store in Mobile.

“Auburn has a thriving community, and we are thrilled to provide local women with an expanded selection of contemporary clothing and accessories, along with personalized styling

up and walked me in. Her table was the only vendor table that I went to during the 15 minute vendor break.

“I have prayed for so long for a chance to get my license but something always came up that would turn my world upside down. I have five boys that I am trying to raise and it is hard. I did not know my name was called until I was about to leave — but something told me to go back to the table with the information about scholarships and homeowner down payment assistance. That’s when I found out they were looking for me ... I was put in that room at that conference by God with all those amazing people for a reason. I have reached out and started conversations with people I did not know.

“I just finished 21 days of prayer and I called it my Jericho — I don't know why, I didn't know walls were more than physical. After I started that prayer, my pastor introduced us to a seven day fast and he called it a Jericho fast. When one of the speakers at the event mentioned Jericho and broke it down, the praise that went through me was so much that I went to the bathroom to get it out. You just don't know what you have done for me. I just can’t thank you enough.”

Denise Mosley, the conference host and overseer of Church Emerge Outreach Ministries, highlighted the success of the day as well.

“S.O.W. 3.0 is an inspirational and empowering event that seeks to bring people together for a greater

services to enhance their individuality and express their unique fashion sensibilities,” Ward said. “We are bringing New York and LA styles to Auburn so people don’t have to travel to those cities and can buy the same clothes in Toomer’s Corner.”

For more information on the Sept. 1, 2023, grand opening and to stay up to date on the latest trends and promotions, follow @ shopatthemix on social media or visit www. shopatthemix.com.

purpose,” she said. “Attendees had the opportunity to learn, grow and be inspired by the conference’s diverse and inclusive agenda. It was an event that everyone in the room benefited from. It was an amazing day of blessings, collaboration and connection.”

The main objective of this year's SOW conference was to offer a unique mix of topics, including: leadership, communication, entrepreneurship and personal development. It also featured a marketplace of vendors and resources to help attendees reach their professional and personal goals. The empowerment event was not only dedicated to creating an inclusive space that encouraged growth for everyone, but the larger mission is always to raise proceeds to contribute to single mothers raising special needs children, and proceeds for other resources for multiple communities. Funding for this mission is always given by generous sponsors like The Grace Group Financial Services, Blessed Realty Group, Woody and Associates, Statewide Mortgage, FNF Ministries, Bell Transport and Logistics, Rough Riches Apparel, My Daughters Corner and more.

This year’s theme was “Unlocking The Keys To Leading”.

Some of the topics that were covered are:

• How to be a Leader In Your Home, Community, Career and Business

• How to Create the Life You Want —

Scott Academy

• Jeremiah Darlington –Loachapoka High School

• Lorin White –Loachapoka High School

• Violett Alcorn –Opelika High School

• Anita Duncan –Opelika High School

• Lydia Hilyer –Opelika High School

• Hayley Ponds –Opelika High School

• Shirley Pugh –Opelika High School

• Joanne Smith T –

Opelika High School

• Tristan Tatum –Opelika High School

• Kayla Brownlee –Smiths Station High School

• Byrdie Ella

Coleman – Smiths Station High School

• Rena Long –

Smiths Station High School

• Libby-Kate Posey

– Smiths Station High School

• Nicolai Shomaker

– Smiths Station High School

• Stephen Shropshire

– Trinity Christian School

"Our current class

was selected from the largest applicant pool to date, more than 130 applicants,” said Vice President of the Opelika Chamber Mackenzie Poole. “We are excited to get to know this current class and watch them learn and grow over the course of the year.”

For more information about Lee County Young Leaders contact Poole at mackenzie@ opelikachamber. com or visit www. opelikachamber. com/leadershipdevelopment/lcyl/.

General Topics on LIFE issues

• How to Love Yourself and Others: How to Forgive Yourself and Others: General Topics on Relationships

• How to Let Go of the Past and Live in The Present

• How to Manifest Your Dreams: Entrepreneurial Topics

• How to Be Healthy, Wealthy and Wise in Mind, Body and Finances.

Pictured left is The Strength of a Woman Conference host Denise Moseley.

LCYL >> from A2

The 2023 Class of Lee County Young Leaders was selected from the largest applicant pool to date.

The Gift of Healing: Mothers Saves Lives

BY HANNAH GOLDFINGER HGOLDFINGER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

OPELIKA — East Alabama Health is celebrating mothers who donate birth tissue to those in need.

The hospital held a “Gift of Healing Celebration Ceremony” on Aug. 24 in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at East Alabama Medical Center.

This opportunity for mothers to donate tissue began in 2017 when EAH partnered with telaGen.

“telaGen provides support and education for donor mothers on the impact that birth tissue donation can have, as well as handles the screening, storage and distribution of the tissue,” said a press release from EAH.

More than 1,100 mothers have donated since 2017.

“I think it’s so important that we acknowledge that since 2017, [there have been] over 1,000 donations by moms,” said Laura Grill, president and CEO of EAH, at the ceremony. “ … I think it’s just awesome when we can see something like this and how that whole circle comes to fruition, and so now we can take advantage of that in our wound center and help those patients through this service and [these] products. And really just lastly, just want to acknowledge … all our obstetricians have really supported this program and our labor and delivery staff just tremendously. So, it takes a lot of teamwork and I’m very thankful that we have that here."

The tissue, the placenta, is taken from mothers who give birth by C-section and it is used for wound care patients — the donations can help up to 50 people.

“Over 1,000 donations in the course of six years here, [is] very exciting,” said David Hill, CEO of telaGen and Synergy Biologics, at the ceremony. “We started telaGen about a decade ago … and when we started, we just wanted to be the best birth tissue recovery organization out there. And really what we wanted to do is try to match the gift of donation that the moms were making … We need to honor that gift of donation, too, by giving back to the community and so that’s what we started to do. We have championed OBGYNs like Dr. Marino, Dr. Obiekwe, Dr. Fields, the rest of the OBGYNs are our champions. And we decided to make it programmatic to where everybody’s involved and to where every donation that’s supported by the OBGYN, and the staff, the administration, that we would match that back to a charitable organization in the community.

“So, fast forward 10 years and we’ve given back over $1.5 million to over a hundred different charities, so many different communities, we’re in 50 plus hospitals across the nation, we’re the largest birth tissue recovery organization in the nation and we couldn’t have done

it without the partnership that we have with hospitals like East Alabama Health.”

Synergy Biologics takes the placenta and turns it into amniotic tissue which can be used for skin grafts, treatment of burns, gum disease, surgical procedures and more.

“Essentially what you’re doing is your putting those regenerative proteins anywhere on the body and it’s going to regenerate health functional tissue,” Hill said in the press release.

Dr. Robert Marion,

OBGYN with EAH said that telaGen makes the process “seamless”.

One of the mothers who has participated in this program at EAH was actually a treated infant herself. She attended the ceremony and shared a bit more about her story.

Stacy Zehner was born without skin on her legs — epidermolysis bulls simplex — and her mother gave her tissue. Zehner, now a mother herself, donated her placenta at EAH.

“I wanted to be able to help people, especially if their kid is born with no skin or anything like that,” she said during the ceremony.

One of the themes of the event was that these donations are “full-circle”.

“We talk about a full circle of mom’s donation of the birth tissue and then it goes all the way back around into the community to help heal a non-healing wound, a burn, etc.,” Hill said at the ceremony. “So we’re very proud of what East Alabama Health has done … We’re trying to come in as a low-cost alternative for patients that wouldn’t normally have access to this regenerative tissue."

Hill also thanked Zehner for her donation, and her daughter Paisley.

Only a small percentage of mothers in the nation currently donate, though the need for the tissue is high.

Heather Bayles, manager of the Wound Treatment Center at EAH, said in the release, that part of the goal of using the tissue is pain management and faster healing.

“We are very blessed to have telaGen and Synergy here,” she said

at the ceremony. “What it means to our patients is that you have patients in our community, they have these wounds that they have had for years.

We have patients that they become our family because we see them every week for the same wound over and over again. And when I tell you these patients are

our family — they are. And so to hear that we have a product that can help these patients be able to get back out into the community, these patients who can get

out and get back to church and these patients who can go watch their grandkids play a sport, it’s huge and it means a lot to us.”

East Alabama Health is celebrating mothers who donate their birth tissue for others in need.

Left: Stacy Zehner and her baby, Paisley, celebrate with EAH staff. Zehner was one of the mothers who donated her birth tissue.

334-759-7039

Celebrate Library Card Sign-up Month with APL

CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF AUBURN / CYNTHIA L. LEDBETTER

AUBURN —

September is Library Card

Sign-up Month. 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, the Auburn Public Library (APL) will host Library Card Sign-up activities, including:

Library Card Sign-up Day at APL at the Boykin Community Center, located at 400 Boykin St., in Auburn,

Tuesday, Sept. 12, from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Attendees may sign up for a library card and register for the Tailgates & Turkeys Fall Learning Challenge, then enjoy free Kona Ice, games and activities. Auburn Mayor Ron Anders will present a “Library Card Sign-up Month” proclamation. The event will conclude with a performance by the Library’s Puppet Troupe. All Boykin Community Center visitors who register for a new APL card or who possess an existing APL card may enter a prize drawing for one of two tailgate packages. Those unable to attend the event, may stop by any help desk at the library (749 E. Thach

Ave.) during September to enter the drawing.

TAILGATES & TURKEYS FALL READING CHALLENGE

The challenge: Read 1,000 minutes from Sept. 1 through Oct. 31 to earn your choice of an APL T-shirt or hoodie (while supplies last). Register for the challenge by downloading the Beanstack Tracker app to any smartphone or tablet or by visiting auburnpl.beanstack. org.

The Auburn Public Library continues to adapt and expand services to meet the evolving 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.

Meet David Hedges

AUBURNBANK PRESIDENT & CEO

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

Member FDIC | AuburnBank.com

Bands, Bands and More Bands

Tuesday, Aug. 22, nine local high school bands and the Auburn University marching band gathered at Bulldog Stadium in Opelika for Band O Rama 2023. Beulah, Smiths Station, Horshoe Bend, Auburn, Lee-Scott Academy, Beauregard, Eufaula, Loachapoka and Opelika were the featured high school performers.

S Food ociety & News

Try Bisanzes’ Family Recipes For Entertaining Labor Day Weekend

Ann Cipperly

SHouthernospitality

Terri and Dennis Bisanz both grew up in families who enjoyed cooking, and their “love language” was passed on to them. The couple is sharing their favorite recipes for entertaining Labor Day weekend. While they have a love of cooking, the Bisanzes also share a passion for feeding needy children. This year is the 15th anniversary of the formation of Feeding God’s

Children in Opelika by the Bisanzes.

The organization delivered meals to 293 school children during summer and will continue to provide meals for some families during fall and assistance during the holidays with food and gifts.

When Terri was growing up in Ionia, Michigan, she learned a great deal about cooking from her mother and grandmother, she said.

Her mother later owned a restaurant, Duchess, that specialized in pies that people would drive many miles to purchase. Her mother also served fried chicken, Hawaiian ribs, omelets and other dishes, “We started cooking young in my family,” Terri said. “I did a lot of the cooking since Mom worked. There were six kids, but I enjoyed cooking more and found it relaxing

$7 Chicken Gyro Meals at Taziki’s for National Gyro Day

CONTRIBUTED BY TAZIKIS

ALABAMA —

Taziki’s Mediterranean

Café is wishing fans a happy National Gyro Day on Friday, Sept. 1, with a special $7 Chicken Gyro meal. The meal includes the fan favorite Grilled Chicken Gyro, chips and a side.

Taziki’s Grilled Chicken Gyro features a warm pita bread wrap filled with grilled chicken, tomatoes, lettuce, grilled onions and Taziki sauce. Taziki’s offers a variety of additional Gyro protein options including Spicy Harissa Chicken, Grilled Beef and Grilled Lamb.

"I’ve always believed that National Gyro Day is more than just a date on the calendar — it's a celebration of flavors, cultures and the joy of sharing a delicious meal,” said Taziki’s CEO Dan Simpson. “This day is an opportunity to bring

people together, to savor the taste of our beloved gyros, and to appreciate a meaningful meal with the simple pleasure of fresh, classic and vibrant Mediterranean flavors."

The $7 gyro meal offer is available in-store and online. The offer is only available on Sept. 1, while supplies last with no substitutions. This offer is not available through third-party delivery apps.

To learn more about this hyper-growth restaurant named “#1 Mediterranean Franchise in 2022” by “Entrepreneur Magazine”, visit TazikisFranchising. com. For more information about Taziki’s, visit tazikis. com.

ABOUT TAZIKI’S MEDITERRANEAN CAFÉ

Founded by Keith and Amy Richards in 1998, after a trip to Greece where they fell in love with the food and culture, Taziki’s Mediterranean

Café is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama. Taziki’s is a fresh celebration of the Mediterranean diet with a colorful menu that offers handcrafted, elevated, affordable fare the entire family enjoys.

For the sixth year in a row, the Mediterranean diet has been ranked best overall diet in the “U.S. News & World Report” annual rankings. Much of the original menu is still the same, with added efficiency in the process and technology to make the brand a systemsdriven, scalable operation. This year the brand is celebrating 25 years of success and now serves its modern Mediterranean fare to customers at almost 100 locations in 16 states. For more information, visit tazikis.com and follow Taziki’s on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Terri and Dennis Bisanz both enjoy cooking. On Labor Day, Dennis will grill entrees, while Terri prepares sides and dessert. The Bisanzes have a heart for children and are the founders of the Feeding God’s Children program. Along with volunteers, they deliver meals to children on the state-funded lunch program during summer, as well as some other times and assist families at the holidays.

to bake cookies. We always said grandmother loved people through their stomach.” Her grandmother was known for her Cherry Cheesecake that she tripled for special occasions with

family. It is now Terri’s favorite to make for family get-togethers and entertaining, she said, as it can be prepared ahead.

Dennis, who grew up in Belding, Michigan, said he enjoyed spending time with

his grandparents who lived on a 220 acre farm and had cows, pigs and chickens, as well as horses at one time. They always had a large garden, and his grandmother cooked meals from See CIPPERLY page A11

Sundilla Presents Peacock, Nicholls

CONTRIBUTED BY SUNDILLA

AUBURN — Sarah Peacock and special guest Danni Nicholls will make their Sundilla debuts on Friday, Sept. 8. Showtime at Pebble Hill (101 S. Debardeleben St. in Auburn) is 7:30 p.m., and $20

SARAH PEACOCK

advance tickets are available at Spicer’s Music, Ross House Coffee and online at sundillamusic.com.

Admission at the door will be $25. The Chill Spot food truck will be on hand with tacos, sausage dogs, frozen treats and more, and as always attendees are welcome to bring their

own food or drink. A touring musician since 2005, Peacock has a rabid fan base, a voice that could stop hearts and more than a few recordings that are must-haves for your collection. She’s also got more than her share of rave reviews, including See SUNDILLA, page A10

“Sean, when are you going to say something about America and the pitiful state we’re in … ? A lot of people are speaking out … Have you heard the song “Rich Men North of Richmond”? It’s about American oppression … But you have remained silent and are thus part of the problem.

“... The longer you turn a blind eye to our national troubles, the more respect I lose for you. When are you going to call out what’s

wrong with this country?

“Respectfully, —Jan”

Dear Jan, I’d like to tell you about a scene I saw about four years ago.

I was at a Piggly Wiggly in a no-name U.S. Southeastern state. I was traveling on business. I was almost to my hotel when I stopped to buy some Chili Cheese Fritos and, God willing, a six-pack.

As I was wheeling into the store parking lot, I noticed a young woman and her two kids standing

on the corner. They were begging.

I have a policy. I give to people who beg. Not because I am a good guy. I’m not. I am a selfish American who spends more money on streaming video services than I do helping the needy.

But I once had a cousin who was addicted to meth. This cousin commonly resorted to panhandling on street corners.

My cousin once told me the amount of cars that passed by when he begged was staggering. He once said, “You never feel more invisible than you do when you’re on that street corner holding that stupid sign.”

This mother was holding a cardboard sign. She had scabs all over her face and arms. I don’t know much, I know what the scabs are all about.

The sign read, “My kids are hungry.”

The woman’s kids were standing directly beside her. And she was dressed in

rags. I parked in the parking lot and I watched her for a while.

Finally, I bit the bullet and walked over to her. But I wasn’t the first. There was an old man who beat me there. The old man said he was with a local church. He was offering the woman a place to stay. No strings attached.

The woman began to cry. She told him she was in an abusive relationship. She admitted to the man that she was a drug user and she wanted help, but she didn’t know how to get it because her boyfriend wouldn’t let her leave.

The woman said she just wanted to feed her kids. And she also admitted that she was afraid of going through withdrawals, because she was addicted to meth. Do you know what happened next? The old man got on his phone. He called people. Within minutes several strangers were standing on the street

corner. One person brought sandwiches from Firehouse Subs. Another brought Gatorades.

There were others who arrived from a local homeless shelter. They were offering her a place to stay. Offering her safety from her abusive relationship. They were offering her a way out.

The woman was frightened, you could see it on her gaunt, scabbed-over face. But do you know what she did?

She got into the car with a bunch of strangers, with her kids, and she decided to give rehab a shot. I will never forget watching her step into that Subaru. And I will never forget seeing those kids wolf down those subs in the backseat. I will never forget the tears she shed. Neither will I forget mine.

Two years later, I got an email from a man at the shelter where she ended up.

The man said she died at age 49. And she died sober.

And during her last few years of life, she had helped approximately 32 young, addicted mothers leave abusive relationships. She helped one young woman with AIDS pass peacefully. She helped other people’s children find stable homes. She helped people get off methamphetamines.

I am not a smart man. I know nothing, admittedly, about how to save this country. But do you know what I keep thinking about?

I keep thinking about the thousands of cars that passed that woman by. I keep thinking about all the cars that daily pass all the young mothers in America, and young addicts, and homeless persons, and veterans and alcoholics.

And I can’t help but wonder if these aren’t the same cars with motorists that love to get on social media to talk about what’s wrong with this country.

Respectfully,

— Sean Dietrich

“Cracking, soulburning, remarkable!” from American Songwriter Magazine; “A mysterious, haunting, poetic,

evocative saga ... a folk pop diva with plenty to say ...” from Music Row Magazine; “At the core of her sound is cunning songwriting and the voice to deliver it.” from Pop Matters; and “Sarah Peacock's new album is a beacon

of hope for a better tomorrow.” from Riffs & Rhymes. Peacock will be bringing along Nicholls, who recently relocated to Nashville from her home in Bedfordshire, England. Before moving to our

side of the Atlantic, Danni garnered nominations in three consecutive Americana Music Association UK Awards (for Album of the Year, Artist of the Year and Song of the Year.). She has been compared to Linda

Ronstadt and has toured with Lucinda Williams, and Bob Harris of BBC Radio said “I absolutely love the elegance and beauty of her music.”

This is sure to be a concert that draws a lot of attention, and you’ll want to be there

A true mix of styles, sizes, and prices plus a personalized styling service so women of all ages can express their unique fashion sensibilities.

to see why. Or maybe you’re already a fan of Peacock and/or Nicholls, and you’re ready to get your tickets now while they last. For more information, go to www.sundillamusic. com.

SEAN DIETRICH

scratch.

His grandfather was the neighborhood butcher. When anyone wanted meat butchered, they would take it to his grandfather at the farm. His grandmother would make sausage from the leftovers. They also had a dairy farm, and his grandmother made cheese and butter.

“I learned a lot of skills hanging out with my grandfather,” Dennis said. “He had his own smokehouse and made bacon and smoked meats. He taught me how to sharpen a knife properly, and how to butcher my first animal when I was 10 years old.”

When Dennis was 10, his father built their home. During construction, the family camped and cooked all their meals outdoors. Dennis learned how to cook on a wood fire. His father would cook enough meats on Sunday to last through the week, and they would always have a party.

Dennis still enjoys grilling, he said. He cooks on a gas grill and a wood Texas cowboy grill that he built. He can cook 20 steaks at once.

Together, Terri and Dennis have six children and nine grandchildren who live in various places, including Michigan and Kentucky. They enjoy having family visit and preparing delicious meals

together. With so many visitors, Dennis made a sign for the front yard that says, “Bisanz Bed and Breakfast.”

When entertaining family and friends, Dennis and Terri will both cook. He grills two or three kinds of meats while Terri will prepare all the sides. For everyday cooking, they take turns preparing meals.

The Bisanzes moved from Michigan to Opelika 20 years ago when the automobile company Dennis worked for in Grand Rapids decided to build its Mercedes frames here. The company had a contract for seven years, then it closed.

Dennis then became project manager for building Daewon America in Opelika. Once the building was complete, he was plant manager. After a few years, he resigned and started his own business, Belding Industrial Services, making specialized and refurbished tools.

His hobby is woodworking. He constructed the building that houses his business, as well as the deck on the back of their home.

After the Bisanzes had lived in Opelika a short time, Terri began to think of children not having enough food as she drove through different neighborhoods. She had always had a heart for children since she was in grammar school, she said, and saw students in the lunchroom

who couldn’t purchase their meal.

After she talked to Dennis, they began checking on programs during summer and weekends for children who receive state funded lunches during the school year. When they discovered a need, they came up with a plan.

The Bisanzes presented their dream to the mission board at Trinity Church of Opelika, who decided to support the mission and provide a space to assemble and pack food.

“We could not have the program without the financial support and volunteers from our Trinity family,” Terri said.

The Bisanzes purchase food at the Food Bank of East Alabama. Along with the funds, they collect a variety of non-perishable items from church members and the community.

In the beginning, they provided food for breakfast and lunch for over 200 children in one Opelika neighborhood. During the school year, they delivered weekend breakfasts and lunches for 90 children who attended Carver. Later, when sororities and others began delivering backpack meals for the weekends, the program dropped that service to focus on others.

While it is mainly a summer project, they do some meals during the school year and donate to families at Christmas. Over the years, the need

for assistance in feeding children has grown. While they now deliver meals to six neighborhoods, the Bisanzes see other neighborhoods who could use help with meals, but they don’t have the resources to help, they said.

Since Food Stamps can only be used for food, they began helping with personal items, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoos and soap. It is heartbreaking to see children so happy over an item that an average person never even thinks about not having, they said.

Food, paper products and hygiene items can be dropped off at Trinity throughout the year. Good condition bedding items and towels are needed. Canned goods, pudding cups and such items ready to eat are good for children. The church is located on the corner of 8th Street and Second Avenue in Opelika.

While Terri and Dennis are always planning ways to improve and increase the program for children in need, on Labor Day weekend they will be enjoying and feeding their own family, they said. Check the recipes for Dennis’ grilled dishes and Terri’s family recipes for sides and delectable desserts, including recipes for her mother’s popular Peanut Butter Pie and her grandmother’s Cherry Cheesecake.

CIPPERLY RECIPES >>

GRILLED STEAK TIPS

Dennis Bisanz

1½-2 lbs. beef tenderloin

16 oz. bottle teriyaki marinade

Garlic salt

Cut beef tenderloin into 1½ inch cubes, trimming fat as needed. Place cut tenderloin and marinade into plastic container with lid. Let sit in refrigerator for 4 hours.

Preheat grill to high temperature. Distribute beef tenderloin chunks evenly across grill surface in a single layer.

Sprinkle with garlic salt. Let beef sear for 2 minutes then flip over for 2 more minutes. Reduce heat to medium and cook additional 4 minutes per side.

Remove steak tips and wrap in foil to rest for 20 minutes. Makes 8 servings.

GRILLED CHICKEN

Dennis Bisanz

3 to 5 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast

Soy sauce

Lowery seasoning salt (to taste as soy sauce also contains sodium)

Sweet Baby Ray's Original Barbecue Sauce (or your favorite barbecue sauce)

Clean chicken breast and cut into 3/4 inch

slices across grain for approximately 6 pieces per breast section.

Sprinkle soy sauce over chicken to moisten thoroughly.

Place chicken on pre-heated grill and apply seasoning salt to one side.

Flip chicken frequently to avoid sticking to grill until it reaches 160 degrees internal temperature.

Apply barbecue sauce and reduce heat to lowest setting on grill.

Remove chicken after 5 minutes and wrap in foil to let rest before serving. Makes 10 to 12 servings.

GRILLED VEGETABLE

KABOBS

Dennis Bisanz

Serve as side dish with beef tips.

2 large sweet onions

2 large bell peppers

1 lb. button mushrooms

1 lb. baby red potato

Soy sauce

Reusable stainless steel skewers are preferred, but you can use bamboo if you are careful not to burn them.

Cut bell peppers and onions into wedges.

Clean mushrooms and potatoes.

Place each vegetable type on its own skewer.

Cover a cookie sheet with foil. Place all vegetable skewers on foil. Coat evenly with soy sauce.

Place each skewer on the grill on medium high heat. Turning vegetables as needed to prevent burning.

Mushrooms will complete

See CIPPERLY RECIPES, page A12

cooking in approximately 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from grill. Onions will be done cooking next, followed by peppers and then potatoes.

Total time to cook all vegetables is approximately 20 minutes.

Note: Vegetables are skewered separately to accommodate individual cooking times.

GRILLED ASPARAGUS

Dennis Bisanz

1 lb. fresh asparagus

Olive oil

Seasoning salt

Clean asparagus and trim stems.

Put asparagus in medium bowl, drizzle with 1/4 cup olive toss until evenly coated.

Lay asparagus in an even layer on aluminum foil.

Sprinkle with seasoning salt to taste.

Roll foil into a pouch and seal off ends.

Place on medium high heat grill. Flip pouch every two minutes for approximately 15 minutes. Remove from heat and serve.

BAKED BEANS

Terri Bisanz

48 oz. Randall Great

Northern beans, drained

1 cup brown sugar

3 drops cider vinegar

Small minced onion

½ Tbsp. yellow mustard

2 Tbsp. pineapple juice

3-4 pieces chopped bacon

Combine all ingredients in casserole dish and bake for 1 to 1/2 hours at 350 degrees.

MACARONI SALAD

Terri Bisanz

2 cups dry elbow macaroni

4 hardboiled eggs, chopped

½ cup diced celery

½ cup diced carrots

½ cup sliced olives

8 oz. cheese cubes

¼ cup chopped onion

1 cup Duke's mayonnaise

1 Tbsp. yellow mustard

1 tsp. celery salad

1 Tbsp. sugar

Add elbow macaroni to boiling salted water, boil for 10 minutes or according to package instructions. Drain and rinse macaroni with cold water.

Add macaroni, hard boiled eggs, celery, carrots, olives cheese cubes and chopped onion in a large mixing bowl and mix well.

In a small bowl combine the mayonnaise, mustard,

celery salt and sugar, stir well.

Add mayonnaise mixture to macaroni; stir well. Refrigerate for 4 hours or preferably overnight.

BROCCOLI SALAD

Terri Bisanz

6 cups broccoli florets

½ cup shredded carrots

¾ cup raisins and/or dried cranberries

½ cup croutons

¼ cup red sweet onion

¼ cup sunflower seeds

Marzetti's poppy seed dressing

Rinse broccoli; combine first 6 ingredients in bowl. Stir well, add dressing to taste.

GRANDMA HARTMAN'S CHERRY CHEESECAKE

Grandma Jacoba Hartman made this cheesecake for all the family parties.

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

1 cup sifted confectioner's sugar

1 tsp. vanilla (or almond) flavoring

1 frozen container Cool

Whip, thawed

1 graham cracker crust

1 can cherry pie filling

Beat together cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until smooth. Fold in Cool Whip.

Spoon mixture into graham cracker crust. Top with pie filling, Chill until set.

Grandma Jacoba Hartman made for all the family parties.

PEANUT BUTTER PIE

Dutch Dornbos

Popular pie served at Terri’s mother’s restaurant, Duchess.

1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers

¼ cup sugar

1/3 cup melted butter

1 cup peanut butter

½ cup sugar

4 oz. cream cheese, room temperature

½ cup milk

8 oz. Cool Whip

Garnishes: chocolate syrup and peanuts

In a small bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar and melted butter.

Press into ungreased 9 inch pie pan.

Bake at 375 degrees for 8 minutes. Allow to cool before filling.

Combine peanut butter, sugar, cream cheese and milk. Whip together.

Fold in Cool Whip.

Pour into cooled crust and freeze.

When serving, drizzle chocolate syrup over top, garnish with peanuts.

PUMPKIN SHAPED GREEN ONION AND CHIVE CHEESE BALL

Terri Bisanz

8 oz. extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

8 oz. chive and onion cream cheese

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

2 tsp. paprika

1/2 tsp. ground red pepper (optional)

1 stalk broccoli for stem

Red and green apple wedges

Combine cheddar cheese and next 4 ingredients in a bowl until blended.

Cover and chill 4 hours or until mixture is firm enough to be shaped.

Shape mixture into a ball to resemble a pumpkin. Smooth

entire outer surface with a frosting spatula or table knife.

Make vertical grooves in ball, if desired, using fingertips.

Cut florets from broccoli stalk, and reserve for another use.

Cut stalk to resemble a pumpkin stem and press into top of cheese ball.

Serve cheese ball with apple wedges.

To make ahead, wrap cheese ball in plastic wrap and store in refrigerator up to two days.

MANCATCHER BROWNIES

Terri Bisanz

30 caramels, unwrapped

2/3 cup evaporated milk

1 box German chocolate cake mix

½ cup butter, melted

¾ cup semisweet chocolate chips

½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Heat oven to 350 degrees and line the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.

Melt caramels with 1/3 cup of evaporated milk in a small saucepan, stirring mixture occasionally. Set aside.

Stir together cake mix, melted butter and remaining 1/3 cup evaporated milk to form a dough. Press 1 1/3 cups of dough into pan in an even layer. Bake until puffed but not cooked through, about 7 minutes.

Remove from oven and

pour caramel sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle chocolate chips over the caramel in an even layer.

Top with remaining dough, crumbled into bits and scattered across caramel/chocolate chip layer. Sprinkle with nuts and return to oven.

Bake until brownies are puffy and set, 10 to 11 minutes more. Cool completely and cut into squares. Makes 15 servings.

CREAM CHEESE FILLED CUPCAKES

Terri Bisanz

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

1/3 cup white sugar

1 egg

Dash salt

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1 pkg. chocolate cake mix

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In small mixer bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar on medium speed until fluffy.

Beat in egg and salt. Stir in chocolate chips and set aside.

Prepare cake mix according to package directions

Line muffin pan with paper cups. Fill 2/3 full with cake mix.

Add 1 tablespoon cream cheese mixture to the center and top with more cake batter.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Makes 18 servings.

BUTTERFINGER BARS

Terri Bisanz

1 cup margarine

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup white sugar

4 cups quick oatmeal

6 oz. package of chocolate chips

¾ cup peanut butter

Cream margarine and sugars together; beat in oatmeal. Press into 9 x 13 dish.

Bake at 350 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes. Melt chocolate chips and peanut butter together in the microwave; spread over warms bars. Cool and cut.

SEVEN LAYER LETTUCE SALAD

Terri Bisanz

Trifle bowl or bowl of choice

1 cup Duke’s mayonnaise

2 Tbsp. yellow mustard

2 Tbsp. sugar

Head iceberg lettuce

8 hardboiled eggs, sliced

1 cup chopped celery

16 oz. frozen peas

½ cup sweet red onion or green onion, thinly sliced

2 cups cheddar cheese, divided

12 oz. bacon, cooked and chopped Mix Duke’s, mustard and sugar in a small bowl set aside.

Core and tear lettuce into bite size pieces. Place lettuce in the bottom off trifle bowl. Lightly salt the lettuce. Add chopped celery starting around the outside of the bowl and filling in the center.

Place a few sliced eggs vertical along the side of the bowl then chop the rest and add to salad.

Add sliced onions. Spread chopped bacon around the bowl.

Sprinkle 1¾ cup of the cheese, reserving 1/4 cup for top.

Add frozen peas.

Pour dressing on top of salad and spread to edges of the bowl. Garnish with shredded cheese and any chopped egg and bacon you have left.

Cover with plastic and refrigerate for a few hours.

WALTER ALBRITTON

RELIGION —

Published in 1896, the book "In His Steps" by Charles M. Sheldon has sold more than 50 million copies. One of the best-selling books of all time, it is based entirely on the question “What Would Jesus Do?”

A Congregationalist pastor in Topeka, Kansas, Sheldon began writing the book chapter by chapter for his Sunday evening worship

A Better Question

services. Each chapter was published in a Chicago newspaper and when completed, the paperback edition was sold for 10 cents a copy. It sold 100,000 copies.

For more than 100 years the popularity and demand for Sheldon’s book has remained strong. Numerous study guides have been written for generations. Max Lucado’s study guide, “In the Footsteps of the Savior,” has been quite popular in recent years.

In 1989 a youth leader of Calvary Reformed Church in Holland, Michigan, read In His Steps. She began talking to her youth group about the question, “What Would Jesus Do?” Since friendship bracelets were popular, she got a local company to print 300 with the abbreviation WWJD

on them. Since then, tens of millions of the bracelets have been sold as others marketed the little bracelet.

In His Steps was the first Christian book to impact my life. I read it as a teenager and quickly embraced the idea that to live as an authentic disciple of Jesus, I had to ask about every situation in my life, “What would Jesus do?” That question was embedded in my brain and has never left me. Looking back, I am sure the question helped me to make the right decision as I struggled with moral issues.

I must confess, of course, that sometimes I erred by doing what I wanted to do.

Sheldon’s book and one other, a so-called Christian classic, "The Imitation of Christ" by Thomas a Kempis, led me to conclude that imitating Jesus was

THOMAS VICTOR O'CONNOR

Thomas Victor O'Connor Jr., age 92, of Opelika, died peacefully on Aug. 26, 2023, in Dadeville, Alabama. He is survived by Joan I O'Connor, his devoted wife of 71 years, daughters Susan O'Connor of Auburn and Jane Ann (Ben) Arcario of Slidell, Louisiana, sons Tom (Cammie) O'Connor of Opelika and Peter O'Connor of Queen Creek, Arizona. He has eight grandchildren: Rebecca, Meghan, Kelly, Tommy, Michael, Timothy (deceased), Christopher and Molly, along with five great-grandchildren.

Tom was born in Far Rockaway, New York, to Thomas and Florence O'Connor. He spent his childhood along with his brother Paul (deceased) in Valley Stream, New York. After attending Xaxier High School in Manhattan, New York, he graduated from Niagara University in 1952. He was commissioned in the U.S. Marine Corp as a 2nd Lieutenant. After serving his country, he started a long and distinguished career as a power company executive, initially with Con Edison in New York.

He retired from Green Mountain Power Company in Vermont, where he served as senior vice president.

In 1993, Tom and Joan retired to Arizona and took the opportunity to cruise the world on Crystal Cruise lines. For years, they spent extended time in their beloved Hawaii where they made many happy memories in Kuai. In 2013, they came to Opelika, to be closer to family.

The family would like to thank Ivy Creek Hospice, their wonderful nurses Terry and Tracy, and the incredible personnel at Dadeville Health Care Center, notably Ann, Rachel and James, for their kindness and for providing excellent care for Tom.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to St. Judes Children's Hospital (www.stjude.org), The Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama (www. efofea.org) or the charity of your choice..

A funeral mass will be held in September for immediate family.

KEITH WILLIAM PHILLIPS

Keith William Phillips, 63, went to his heavenly home on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023.

God’s plan Christian living, and thus His plan for me. That conclusion resulted in more than a dozen years of striving in vain to imitate Jesus. The struggle would end only when I changed my way of thinking about Jesus.

I had to give up admiring the historical Jesus and invite the living Jesus to take over my life. Since childhood I had believed Jesus was the greatest man who ever lived. I loved his example of servanthood, his great teaching and the amazing stories of his miracles. But Jesus remained an historical person, like Abraham, Moses, David, Paul, Peter, Saint Frances, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln or Albert Schweitzer.

Then I realized that is

OBITUARIES

At the time of his death, he was surrounded by his loving wife Donna of 41 years, his children, and family members. He was born on March 4, 1960, to Lawrence Phillips Sr. and Helen Poole Phillips Baines in Jefferson County, Alabama. He was a beloved husband, father and friend.

Surviving Keith are his and Donna’s three wonderful children John Phillips and James Phillips of Birmingham and Carla Phillips of Auburn; brother, Lawrence Phillips Jr.; brothers and sisters-in-law Steve and Pam Kirkley, Lisa and Mike Thompson, Emily Glass, Kay Phillips and Mary Louise Phillips; step-sisters Gayle Heiden (Rick) and Rhonda Elliot (Charlie); and nieces and nephews who loved their Uncle Keith with all their heart.

Keith graduated from Pinson Valley High School before attending Auburn University and earning a bachelor's degree in business administration in 1983; he was a true Auburn man and took the creed to heart. He had a gifted business mind and believed in hard work. He was passionate about NASCAR, most sports and being on the lake in his boat

surrounded by loved ones Keith was loved by many because he loved so freely. He was an inspiration to all by his outlook on life in the face of so many obstacles. He loved it when someone could see past those obstacles and see him. If you did, that is when you felt blessed. Make no mistake, his goal in life and in relationships was to show what a difference Jesus Christ could make in your life.

Keith came to know his Lord and Savior at a young age and never lost his love or faith throughout his life. Keith loved his church home and his church family. He was honored to be a deacon and serve in many different ministry capacities over the years at Parkway Baptist Church.

A service was held Aug. 29, at 11 a.m. at Parkway Baptist Church in Auburn.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home directed the service. www.FrederickDean.com

HOUSTON "HOOTIE" MORRIS JACKSON JR.

Houston "Hootie" Morris Jackson Jr., born Jan. 5, 1953, of Opelika, went to be with our Heavenly Father on Aug. 25, 2023.

not how Jesus is described in the New Testament. He died, like other great men, but God raised him from the dead, and He is alive. I could surrender to the living Jesus and let him make his home in my heart. I could talk to him and let him talk to me, not audibly but by his Inner Voice. I did that and He changed my life. It was, of course, a matter of faith — believing Jesus is alive and with me every moment. But it was moving from struggling imitation to the joy and peace of incarnation — which is best described by the Apostle Paul when he said, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I life in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). “He

Hootie is preceded in death by his parents, Capt. Houston Morris Jackson and Sara Pauline Meadows Jackson. He is survived by daughters, Ashley Butler (Heath) of Opelika, and Kristi Henderson (John) of Valley; grandchildren, Rylan and Ayden Butler and Cortney Henderson; brother William, Billy, Mac Jackson; nephew Jason Jackson (Valerie); someone he considered a brother, Buddy Wall; ex-wife but still close friend, Inez Williams; and many more close family and friends.

After graduating from Opelika High School, he went to work at West Point Pepperell until they shut down 16 years ago. He spent several years later at Chick-fil-A at Tigertown as a host. Hootie loved hunting, football, golf and airplanes. He spent many years on the sidelines at high school football games then went to help host “The John Rice Scoreboard Show”. He was a huge Alabama fan and watched recorded games all year long. He was a loving father and grandfather, there was nothing more important than family to him. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Opelika. Hootie will be

Lives” is not just a song; it is absolute truth. He lives in his disciples. I would not be so presumptuous as to say that Charles Sheldon asked the wrong question in his famous book. But I do believe a better question than “What would Jesus do? is this: “Jesus, what do you want to help me do?” The living Jesus is with me, in me, guiding me, always ready to use me as I obey his Inner Voice. And it is his living presence in me that provides me the power to serve him; I am free, praise God, of striving in my own strength to “do what he would do.”

So, in the spirit of Charles Sheldon, I suggest you continually ask the question as you face the issues of life, “Jesus, what do you want to help me do?”

truly missed because he was loved by so many. Visitation will be Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral. A celebration of live memorial service will be at First Baptist Church of Opelika Friday, Sept. 1 2023 at 3 p.m.

EMILY GAYLE SMITH MELTON

Emily Gayle Smith

Melton left this world on the evening of Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023.

Gayle was 82 years of age, having been born on Aug. 1, 1941. She was born to her parents, Henry Broughton Smith and Elma Jowers Smith and enjoyed her early life being raised on the beautiful Twin Lakes, of northern Opelika.

Gayle was deeply steeped in her Christian faith, instilled in her by father and mother and she treasured a very prayerful and devoted belief in God. Gayle grew-up in the First Baptist Church of Opelika, where she married her husband, Pep Melton, in 1970. The two were wedded in the church's chapel and were together for 53 years, until Gayle's See OBITUARIES, page A15

RELIGION —

The first chapter of James deals with trials and temptations (v. 2, 12, 13). This resonates with everyone because no one is immune from either of these things. They were a part of Jesus’

A Lesson for Life

life, and they are a part of ours. I’d like to build on this by talking about some tools in the text for dealing with trials and temptations.

The first tool is the ability to count. In the ESV, verse 2 says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds.”

James doesn’t say trials are a joy (he knows they are not), but we can look at them as a joy because we see beyond them.

How do we do that? We learn how to “count” — to see it from another perspective — a faith perspective. Our faith enables us to see another dimension. It’s like looking at a rainbow. From a human

perspective, it’s a beautiful thing but no more — just refraction of light by the sun’s rays.

By faith, we understand it is part of a promise from God to never again destroy the earth with water. The ability to count is an important tool to have.

The wisdom to navigate challenging situations is another important tool. When James brings up asking God for wisdom in v.

5, he’s not speaking about wisdom in general (though we all need more of that), but wisdom in dealing with life’s trials — those sticky situations we’re in and we don’t know how to get out of. At such times, that’s

what we need more than anything. This should be something that informs our prayer lives.

A rootedness in God rather than circumstances. A major move toward maturity occurs when we go from trying to micromanage circumstances to our satisfaction to giving them to God and simply focusing on how we can be useful to Him and to others. This is what James wants for his readers because it’s what God wants for His children. We learn to let go and let God.

Yet this is not a passive thing where we simply resign ourselves to whatever is going to happen. Resignation

BIBLE VERSE OF THE WEEK

isn’t the same thing as faith. Faith is where we are actively involved. Trials come, we count them as joy and with the wisdom God provides, we work hard to use them to glorify God and serve others. There’s nothing passive about that.

This rootedness is what we see in Jesus. He was never the victim of circumstances — He was human, so He was hurt by them — but He was never the victim because He understood His life was in the hands of His Father. That’s what James is after for us.

You can find more of Green’s writings at his website: www.a-taste-ofgrace-with-bruce-green. com.

CHURCH DIRECTORY

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

ANGLICAN

The Good Shepherd Anglican Church

3015 Opelika Road, Opelika

APOSTOLIC HOLINESS

God’s House of Prayers Holiness Church

301 Highland Ave., Opelika

334-749-9672

BAPTIST

Beulah Baptist Church

5500 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-705-0538

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

334-887-8506

Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 3089 Judge Brown Road Valley 334-710-2117

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EPISCOPAL- AME

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

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

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

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 334-707-3949

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

Living Waters Ministry Center 3005 Lafayette Parkway, Opelika

Southern Plains Cowboy Church 13099 U.S. Hwy. 280

Waverly 334-401-1014

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

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

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

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

BRUCE GREEN

Teaching Minister at 10th Street Church of Christ in Opelika

Like the coolness of snow at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the spirit of his masters.

— Proverbs 25:13

Auburn City Facilities Closed on Labor Day, Sept. 4

CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF AUBURN / DAVID DORTON

AUBURN —

Most Auburn city facilities will be closed on Monday, Sept. 4, in observance of Labor Day. Public Safety services including police, fire and communications will remain on their regular schedules. Garbage, trash and recycling collection will be

delayed by one day throughout the week. The Auburn Public Library's book drops will remain open, and the online collection of e-books, e-audiobooks and digital magazines is always available at auburnalabama.org/ library.

All Parks and Recreation facilities will be closed on Sept. 4 with the exception of Samford Pool and the Yarbrough Tennis Center. Samford Pool

What's Happening in Lee County

FARMER'S MARKETS

will be open for lap swim from 10 a.m. to noon and for recreation swim from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. The tennis center will be open for regular hours.

All city of Auburn parks, playgrounds and cemeteries will be open from sunrise to sunset.

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

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

LEE/RUSSELL COUNTY LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP

AUBURN/OPELIKA MOPS ANNOUNCE 2023-24 MEETING DATES

Auburn/Opelika MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and MOMSNext meet at Pepperell Baptist Church located at 2702 2nd Ave. in Opelika.

The next meetings scheduled are:

- Sept. 7, 21

- Oct. 5, 19

- Nov. 2, 16

- Dec. 7 - Jan. 18 - Feb. 1, 15

- March 7, 21

- April 4, 18

- May 2

Contact Rachel Elrod at 706244-5620 or Kaela Sexton at 719351-8093 for further information.

NAMI MEETING

NAMI East Alabama, the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), will meet Sept. 20, 2023, at 7 p.m. NAMI supports families dealing with mental illness through mutual support, education and advocacy. There will be a time for sharing. The public is invited. Meetings are held at 714 E. Glenn Ave. in Auburn.

OBITUARIES >>

FROM A13

Downtown parking will be free on Sept. 4 with the exception of the Wright Street Parking Deck. departure.

Gayle lived her life for her family. She was a devoted wife and homemaker who gratefully gave all of herself to her husband and most especially to her two children, Allyson and Spearman. Her strong belief in Jesus Christ and devotion to live by her faith enveloped the home that she created and came to positively transform the life of her two children and her grandson, Braison.

Gayle enjoyed many good times with her husband and children on Alabama's gulf coast and

beautiful Lake Martin. She loved the water. Gayle felt "safer and closer to God on the water," as she put it and credited this to memories she enjoyed of outings with her fatherwho was a deacon at First Baptist Church of Opelika — taking her onto the small boat from which he fished with her on Twin Lakes, when she was a young girl.

Gayle loved "antiquing," as she called it. Her passion for antique mall exploring and love for collecting and reselling the various little treasures from her weekend antique hunts extended from Angel's Antiques in Opelika to a small shop in Dadeville and all the way to the Rose Bowl of Pasadena, California.

The group meets every month on the third Wednesday from 1:30 to 3 p.m. The meeting will be held at the AIDB-Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind Opelika Regional Center on 355 Dunlop Drive in Opelika. Every month different topics are discussed to make life more manageable living with low vision. Contact Shiquita Fulton, M. ED/Vision Rehab therapist for additional details at 334-705-2024, or Melody Wilson, case manager for the blind, at 256-368-3258.

COFFEE & CONVERSATION WITH VFW POST 5404

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

The many wonderful trips taken with her husband and with her family were always captured on the hundreds and hundreds of photographs that Gayle took, especially those of her children and of grandson. Her love of photographs and capturing moments with her family brought her a great deal of joy.

In later years, Gayle helped her husband through his fight with cancer. And after his recovery, he was with her until the day she left this earth.

Gayle is survived by her husband, Pep Melton, her two children Allyson Pierce and Spearman Melton; she is also survived by her grandson, Braison Pierce

and by his father, Timothy Edward Pierce.

Gayle once told her husband Pep that, "with him, life is an adventure." It was a good adventure. She lived. She loved. And she cherished her family. And now she walks in peace beneath the loving gaze of Christ.

A graveside service was held Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, at Garden Hills Cemetery with Pastor Jeff Meyers officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home handled all arrangements.

Schools & S

MARK

BY D. MARK MITCHELL

Opelika Starts 0-1

OPINION —

Thompson (1-0) defeated Opelika (0-1) 44-13 last Friday in the AHSAA

“Kickoff Classic” at Montgomery's Cramton Bowl. The Warriors defense held the Dogs to 13 points, 86 rushing yards and 162 passing yards, while their offense rushed for 146 yards and passed for 246 yards.

Neither team scored in the first quarter. Thompson scored the first points of the game on a 29-yard field goal by John McGuire with 11:14 left in the first half to lead 3-0. The Warriors added a touchdown with six minutes left in the first half on a 5 yard run by AJ Green. Opelika's Calvin Hughley dashed 38-yards for the Dogs’ first TD with 4:17 left in the second quarter to make it 13-7 in favor of the Warriors (Will Carroll added PAT.).

Thompson then added two more scores within a span of 61 seconds. Warrior freshman QB Trent Seaborn threw two touchdown passes covering 12 and 15 yards, giving the Warriors a 23-7 halftime lead.

The two teams swapped scores in the third quarter, as Hughley added his second TD for the Bulldogs and Thompson scored on a 15 yard run by Michael Dujuan. The Warriors

Friday Night Lights Recap: Week 1

added two TD's in the fourth quarter on their way to a dominating win over the Dogs.

Individually for Opelika, Hughley rushed for 82 yards on 15 carries, including two scores, while QB Roman Gagliano was 18-of-30 for 162 yards with one interception. Jordan Tolbert caught 5 passes for 51 yards and Dru Gagliano caught four passes for 49 yards.

Defensively, Jmarvion Jenkins made seven tackles, Karson Moss made six tackles and Lelan Bell and Allen Jackson added five tackles each.

OPELIKA vs. J.A.G

Opelika head coach

Erik Speakman has one fewer day to prepare for this week's game against JAG High School (formerly Jeff Davis). Opelika plays J.A.G. Thursday at Cramton Bowl. The Jaguars lost their opener to Faith Academy, 43-24, last Friday night in Mobile.

Opelika lead the all-time series with J.A.G, 14-13. The Dogs have won the last four games which were played in 2022, 2013, 2012 and 2005. J.A.G’s last win over OHS was in 2004 at Bulldog Stadium.

I expect the Dogs to regroup and dominate the Jaguars at Cramton Bowl.

See ON THE MARK, page B2

Friday Night Lights - B2

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

LEE COUNTY —

Several area high school football teams began their seasons last weekend. Auburn, Beauregard, Beulah and Loachapoka each rolled to easy victories and a 1-0 start to the 2023 season.

Opelika and Smiths Station were less fortunate, and enter week two of the season aiming to erase the taste of defeat from their memories.

Glenwood continued its winning way to improve to 2-0, and Lee-Scott enjoyed the week off before its next matchup against Monroe Academy on Friday, Sept. 1.

Editor’s Note: Full recaps of the Opelika, Glenwood and Smiths Sta-

tion games can be found on pages B1 and B2, or online by clicking the “Sports” tab at opelikaobserver.com.

AUBURN 39 | HOOVER 14

The Auburn High Tigers, ranked No. 2 overall for Alabama 7A teams in the state according to maxpreps.com rankings, traveled to take on Hoover (7A) as they opened the season Friday, Aug. 25. The Tigers defeated the Buccaneers 39-14 behind a dominate defensive showing and well-rounded offensive explosion. The defense that was spearheaded by senior defensive lineman Akeem White, who finished with two sacks, seven total tackles and an interception.

Senior Jackson Mills added an interception of his own to help the Tigers win the turnover battle two to one.

The offense was led by firstyear starting quarterback, junior Jackson Kilgore, who finished the game completing 19-of-29 passes for 200 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Killgore added 23 yards and another touchdown on the ground to contribute to the Tigers’ 126 total yards rushing. Most of the contest’s action was crammed into the first quarter, where Hoover would register its two and only touchdowns; Conversely, Auburn posted 26 points in the first period. The Tigers capped a good team display with 13 more points in the fourth quarter as they dispatched the Buccaneers on the road. Auburn opens its home game account this Friday, Sept. 1, when it welcomes region foe Enterprise

to Duck-Samford Stadium at 7 p.m.

BEAUREGARD 29 | SELMA 6

Beauregard (5A) kicked off the weekend’s slate of games Thursday night against Selma (5A) at Montgomery’s Cramton Bowl. The Hornets jumped on the Saints in the first half, taking a 23-6 advantage into the locker room at the halftime break. Beauregard posted a second half shutout, and added a final score in the fourth quarter, to leave the Capitol city with a 29-6 win. The Hornets used the run game to much effect against Selma, as four rushers combined for 131 total yards on the ground. Senior running back Jayden Doolittle and junior running back ZJ Grady combined for 123

See WEEK 1, page B3

PHOTO BY MATT AUSTIN /THE OBSERVER

Glenwood head football coach Ryan Nelson (front left) leads his football team out of the tunnel for a home game against St. Anne-Pacelli Aug. 19.

Glenwood Continues Hot Start Roaring Past Brookstone Panther Pride Falls Shorts in Season Opener

BY NOAH GRIFFITH FOR THE OBSERVER

SMITHS STATION

––

Year two under head coach Ryan Nelson for Glenwood is off to a strong start with two season-opening defeats of Georgia opponents — most recently, a 38-17 win at Brookstone on Friday night.

“I’m proud of our guys, you know, two very tough contests for us — one at home, one on the road,” Nelson said. “Very, very happy with the way our guys prepared the last two weeks. Also, the effort we played with — it’s been two hot, physical ballgames, and we’ve responded the way I knew our kids would. Just happy with where we’re at right now.”

In year three at starting quarterback for the Gators, senior Dallas Crow has settled in nicely to begin this season. He led the Gators’ offensive effort against Brookstone by rushing for four touchdowns and leading scoring drives on five of seven of the Gators’ offensive possessions of the night. He broke off several long runs late in the game, including a 51-yard score to end the third quarter.

After Brookstone ran for a quick score on the opening drive of the night, Crow and Glenwood answered with scores on all four of its first-half drives to take a 24-10 lead to halftime. The first two TDs were Crow runs, but they were both set up by throws to senior wide receiver Camden White for big gains, getting the Gators down near the 5-yard line both times before scoring on subsequent runs.

As Nelson said before the season,

Crow found his stride late last season in year one in a new offense, and for the first time as the starter, he’s entering year two in the same system.

“I think you could see (Crow settling in) tonight,” Nelson said. “He was able to get the ball pumping early in the game, on the perimeter, through the air and then use his legs. He’s a dual-threat guy and can do it both, but he’s not the only one.”

In addition to two big catches to set up house calls on the first two drives, White accounted for the other TD in the game with a nine-yard rush in the second quarter. He also broke up a pass in the end zone late in the game and dove to down a punt on the Brookstone 1-yard line.

Kicker Griffin Montroy made the punt that White downed just before it rolled into the end zone and also hit a field goal in the second quarter. Senior receiver Brayden Gooden also made some big catches alongside White, helping open up the run game for Crow and sophomore running back Carter Judah.

“It’s kind of an offense by committee,” Nelson said. “We don’t want to have just one bullet, we want to have a lot of them. Just trying to stick to our system and our pace and have a lot of fun with the kids.”

Brookstone junior linebacker Mercer Hudson was a one-man wrecking crew, blowing up running plays and getting a sack, but otherwise, the Gators got just about whatever they wanted on offense. Friday night’s win marks two straight

VOTE For Your Favorite Athletes of the Month

BY ELI HUDSPETH FOR THE OBSERVER

SMITHS STATION —

The Bryant Garrison era is officially underway at Smiths Station.

Taking charge of a new program presents many challenges for a head coach, and things started off rocky for Garrison and the Panthers in their season opener last weekend.

Coming from 4A Slocomb over the offseason, Garrison’s first test at the helm of the varsity football Panthers was anything but an easy prospect on paper. Smiths Station and its hopeful on-looking fans played host to 5A powerhouse, Pleasant Grove, Friday night at Panther Stadium.

“There’s not really a change, football is football,” Garrison said of making the jump from 4A to 7A. “It’s just on a different level. Just a

lot more athletes, a lot more players. I coached in Gwinnett County for a while, so I’ve been on big boy football for a while.”

To begin the game, back to back false starts, a sack and an overthrow led to a Smiths Station punt on the opening drive. However, Pleasant Grove immediately gave Smiths Station another chance by roughing the kicker on the ensuing punt. Senior running back Quenton Brooks would make the most of this opportunity, scoring on a 39-yard touchdown run, giving the Panthers their first and only lead of the game at 6-0.

A fumble, pick-six, three and out and another pick six made up the next four Panther outings on offense. Making matter more difficult, the Panther defense struggled to slow the Pleasant Grove offense as well.

The Spartans kept their foot on the gas for the remainder of the first half, capitalizing on Smiths Station’s mistakes. Just as the halftime whistle was nearing, with the Spartans having opened up a secure, 41-6 lead, a fumble on the exchange between the Pleasant Grove quarterback and runner — which the Panthers fell on — gave Smiths Station a chance to score and build momentum before the break. However, the team failed to capitalize, and the Panthers ultimately limped to the locker room, looking for answers, trailing 48-6. Coming out of the break refreshed, the woes would continue for the Panthers in the third quarter. The offense went ice cold, and the defense failed at stopping Pleasant Grove’s run-pass option offense.

This team is not on the same level as Thompson or Opelika right now. Over the past several years, most high school football teams in Montgomery public schools have had trouble winning on a consistent basis.

Opelika will host its first home game Friday, Sept. 8, against Percy Julian High School (formally Robert E. Lee) at Bulldog Stadium. Fans can purchase tickets online at gofan.co, at Bubbas Medicine Shop, Victory Design and at the stadium ticket office on game day beginning at 5:30 p.m. Children must have an adult with them when entering the stadium and are not allowed to roam around.

Fans can listen to the games each week on iHeartRadio's WKKR 97.7 Kicker FM, online at kickerfm.com or on the NFHS Network.

NFHS NETWORK

You can watch the live stream of all Opelika football games and home games for the following sports: volleyball matches, flag football, basketball games, baseball and zoccer. You may be able to watch road games if the opponent uses the NFHS Network. You can set up a free account online and pay for games you wish to watch.

ON THE MARK RADIO on FOX SPORTS the GAME

Keep up with local sports each weekday morning (6 to 9 a.m.) by tuning in to "On the Mark" radio show on iHeartRadio's FOX Sports

the Game, 910-1310, on the free iHeartRadio app or online at foxsportsthegame.com.

The three-hour morning show is guests-driven and features local and statewide guests including: coach Gene Stallings, coach Joe Wilson, coach Dan Washburn, coach Doug Barfield, Sen. Tommy Tuberville (once a month) and all local high school coaches. Jeff Sasser and myself have hosted the show for almost 17 years.

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.

The 2023 varsity Smiths Station football team captains before a game against Pleasant Grove Friday, Aug. 25.

Glenwood senior quarterback Dallas Crow.

Smiths Station football inducted seven new members into its Hall of Fame at its season-opening home game Friday, Aug. 26. Pictured left to right, parents of Henry Morales and Nigel Lawrence (Morales and Lawrence were not in attendance), Colby Miller, Deondrae Williams, Adam Johnson, Randy Daniels and Mark Rose.

Introducing: WarEagle+ 24/7

Original Auburn Streaming Content at Your Fingertips

ATHLETICS

CONTRIBUTED BY AU

AUBURN —

Auburn fans, get ready for more premium video content and original storytelling.

Launching this fall, WarEagle+ is a new streaming video and content platform for Auburn Athletics, offering fans an insider’s look into the student-athletes and coaches on The Plains. Think of it as the chance to sit on your couch, turn on your TV or grab your phone or tablet and open a dedicated app to stream exclusive Auburn videos, shows and vault and feature content — as opposed to that next great rom-com you might be about to watch.

WarEagle+ content will be produced in partnership with Sport & Story, the leading provider of storytelling video in college athletics and the agency behind the Emmy award winning series, “The Journey: Auburn Football”.

WarEagle+ will add to the incredible content already being created by the War Eagle Productions and Creative teams, to provide Tiger fans with even more original content covering all of Auburn’s sports programs. This will include behind-the-scenes access, captivating interviews, never-before-seen archival material and historical documentary films, as well as news and information.

On To Victory has partnered with Auburn Sports Properties and Sport & Story to provide WarEagle+ for FREE to each of their existing and new monthly subscribers through the in-

troduction of the new On To Victory Bundle available for only $14.99 per month. This bundle provides Auburn fans with the opportunity to both support Auburn student athletes and enjoy a complimentary WarEagle+ subscription.

Not an On To Victory member? You can register today at ontovictory.com/ wareagleplus to take advantage of this new opportunity.

On To Victory has multiple subscription levels with a variety of additional membership benefits. Learn more about its different offerings at ontovictory.com.

The new platform is expected to officially launch soon after kick-off of the 2023 Auburn Football season and will feature an inside look at Hugh Freeze’s first training camp with the Auburn Tigers and will give you a look inside each game week throughout the 2023 season.

Fans not interested in becoming an On To Victory member will be able to choose between monthly or annual subscription offerings for WarEagle+ directly at WarEaglePlus.com. Those interested in this option may register at WarEaglePlus. com to be the first-to-know when subscription registration launches. Those packages will start at $14.99 per month.

“We are thrilled to announce the launch of WarEagle+ to expand on the incredible content already being produced by our War Eagle Creative team,” said Rhett Hobart, Auburn deputy athletics director for External Affairs. “This partnership will provide Auburn

Auburn Football Introduces More Than 20 Gameday Enhancements

CONTRIBUTED BY AU ATHLETICS

fans with even more original storytelling, interviews and behind-the-scenes content to take our fans inside our programs and allow them to get to know our athletes and coaches even better.”

WarEagle+ will be consumable anywhere Auburn fans typically watch video content, including web and mobile upon launch and soon to be on all major OTT (“over-the-top”) streaming apps like AppleTV, Amazon FireTV, Roku and Android.

In addition to the exclusive video content, Auburn fans can sign up to receive The Bodda Getta Brew — presented by On To Victory — a daily email newsletter keeping fans up to date with new content, events, and everything you need to know about Auburn Athletics. Sign up for free by clicking here.

“We are beyond excited to partner with Auburn and work together to launch a new and innovative content platform for Tiger fans,” said Sport & Story President Victor Vitarelli. “Auburn has amazing stories to tell, and fans will now be able to get even closer to the student-athletes, coaches and athletic programs they love.”

Additionally, industry-leading design and engineering firm WMT Digital led the build for the new platform and user experience.

Fans interested in purchasing memberships in bulk for a group can learn more at auburntigers.com/ wareagleplus. Group pricing is available for groups of

AUBURN —

The nation’s premier collegiate gameday experience is getting even better for the 2023 season with the implementation of more than 20 gameday enhancements. Auburn Athletics is continually working to make the gameday experience in and around Jordan-Hare Stadium the best possible for patrons. This season, Auburn has made several enhancements and improvements in food service, wifi and game presentation.

Some of the 2023 gameday enhancements and adjustments include:

STADIUM CAPACITY INCREASED

Off the heels of recordsetting season ticket sales, and through the introduction of several new premium seating options and experiences within JordanHare Stadium, seating capacity for the 2023 season has been increased to 88,043.

NEW CONCESSIONS EXPERIENCES ADDED

The concessions experience at Jordan-Hare Stadium is taking a big step forward in speed and efficiency through the introduction of new grab-ngo and market style shopping concepts. These six new experiences will be spread throughout Jordan-Hare Stadium and will provide a new type of simplified concessions option to get fans back to their seat as quickly as possible.

FAST FLIGHT GRAB-N-GO

CONCESSIONS

The four new “Fast Flight Grab-N-Go” experiences are designed specifically with

speed and efficiency in mind. These spaces will provide streamlined concessions offerings and will provide fans the opportunity to walk through an intentionally designed concession line, grab the items they want to purchase as they progress, and proceed to the checkouts at the end of the line.

These stands will be located in the following locations:

• Lower West Concourse

– Near Section 10

• Lower East Concourse –

Near Section 24

• Upper West Concourse –

Near Section 53

• Upper East Concourse –

Near Section 114

BODDA GETTA GRAB-N-GO

EXPRESS MARKETPLACES

The two new “Bodda Getta Grab-N-Go Express Marketplaces” will operate like a C-Store and are designed with variety and shop-at-your-own-pace in mind. These experiences will provide an open shopping experience, allowing fans to browse from a larger variety of concessions options — including all traditional concessions-fare, as well as new health-conscious options such as Amsterdam Café wraps — before moving to the check-out line. These marketplaces will feature standard check-out lines, as well as new camera based Mashgin instant selfcheckout lanes to increase speed and efficiency at the point of sale.

These marketplaces will be located in the following locations:

• Lower Northwest Concourse – Near Section 44

• Lower Northeast Concourse – Near Section 35 STADIUM-WIDE WIFI

UPGRADED AND EXPANDED

Fans can expect speed and reliability during the 2023 football season. Along with industry-leading cellular (Verizon and AT&T) service and Verizon 5G, Auburn has upgraded its in-venue WiFi system. This upgrade includes the latest WiFi6 technology, covering all stadium entrances, concourses, clubs and general seating. Any fans in attendance may now connect at no charge to the AU Guest network with no password required on gameday while in the stadium and various public spaces around the Auburn campus.

CLOSED CAPTIONING ADDED TO VIDEO BOARDS

In order to provide improved accessibility within Jordan-Hare Stadium, closed captioning has been added to the ribbon boards found on the both the east and west sides of the stadium. This service will be available on the northeast and southwest ends of the ribbon boards throughout the entirety of each game and will provide captions for all public address announcements and videos. Additionally, fans may visit AuburnTigers.com/CC to view the captioning service directly on their mobile device while inside JordanHare Stadium.

WEST SIDE SEATING BOWL

REFURBISHED

Continuing a multi-year effort, the entire lower west bowl of JordanHare Stadium has been refurbished — to include new paint and concrete surfacing, new bleachers and new slip-resistant step

Auburn Athletics Launches Brand New, Redesigned Mobile App Through WMT

CONTRIBUTED BY AU ATHLETICS

AUBURN — Auburn Athletics is launching a brand-new mobile app, designed in partnership with WMT, providing fans with a mobile experience that is more customizable, easier to use and offers exciting new features.

“We are thrilled to partner with WMT to bring the Auburn Family a mobile app experience like never before,” said Auburn Senior Associate AD of Marketing & Reve-

GLENWOOD >> FROM B2

Defensively, the Gators got the game’s sole turnover on a first-half interception, and they forced turnovers on downs on the Cougars’ final two drives. However, Brookstone had some success running the football, and Glenwood had some self-inflicted penalties which it will look to clean up before

nue Generation, Daniel Watkins. “The customization and personalization for the user is truly a first-class experience. As exciting as this launch is, it represents only the beginning of what’s to come as we will constantly add more features during this partnership.”

With the aim to personalize the Auburn App experience, there will be a new “My Auburn” tab, giving fans the option to favorite the Auburn sports they follow the most. They

heading into road matchups with Fort Dale and Bessemer the next two weeks, before returning home to face Lee-Scott.

“Kind of disappointing that we didn’t get it out of the locker room,” Nelson said, referring to Brookstone touchdowns to open each half. “But I’m proud of the way they played. We’ve faced two different styles of offense, so, [it was a] good challenge for us. But I’m happy with how our guys responded.”

can also sign up for team-specific notifications to get the latest updates delivered right to their phone or tablet.

The main app homepage will have a new look and feel designed to showcase upcoming events with an all-new live scoring feature on gamedays. There will also be live audio available for some events, and a new video feature where you can watch press conferences, features and game recaps all within the new app — gearing the user

WEEK 1 >>

FROM B1

yards and three touchdowns on the ground as Beauregard’s lead one-two punch.

Doolittle added a receiving touchdown from senior quarterback Trent Moulton, who finished the game 3-of4 passing with 72 yards and one score. Defensively, senior Brandon Dixon led the Hornets with 12 tackles and a sack, while junior Calib Piner followed closely with nine tackles and freshman JJ

toward a mobile-first experience.

The menu at the bottom of the app makes it easy for the user to navigate to specific sports, view schedules and access their ticket account where they will have the ability to download, transfer or sell tickets for upcoming games.

Be sure to open the Auburn App on football gamedays this fall as Gameday Mode will be initiated, and a full app takeover will provide fans with a one-stop

Jones secured the defense’s only interception. Beauregard returns to the field for a home game Friday, Sept. 1, against non-region foe Central of Hayneville (1A).

BEULAH 35 | ABBEVILLE 12

The varsity Beulah Bobcats (3A) are 2-0 to start the football season for the first time since 2019. The Bobcats went on the road last weekend and dispatched Abbeville (2A) 35-12. Dual threat junior quarterback led the offense, posting 146 yards and four touchdowns

shop with everything they need on gameday.

The new-look Auburn mobile app can be accessed by updating the current application if already installed for iOS or by downloading the app from the Apple Store. Android users will have to redownload the app from Google Play. Fans can expect ever-changing upgrades to the app with continued evaluation and fine-tuning to provide the best possible user experience.

ABOUT WMT:

on the ground and adding 69 yards through the year.

WMT is a bespoke technology & engineering firm that is obsessed with solving problems & delivering results. The full-service agency consists of a team of engineers, designers and developers committed to using technology to solve complex problems. WMT crafts custom solutions that meaningfully impact fan engagement, ticket sales, fundraising and more. For more information, visit www.wmt.digital. weeks they’ve put 38 points on the board.

Overall, the defense recorded a sack, two fumble recoveries and one interception courtesy of senior linebacker Hunter Brown. Next, Beulah faces local foe Loachapoka (1-0, 1A) Friday, Sept. 1, at home.

LOACHAPOKA 32 | LAFAYETTE 12

Loachapoka (1A) moved to 1-0 on the 2023 season when it defeated LaFayette (2A) on the road Saturday, Aug. 26, by a score of 32-12.

A commitment to the run

game led six “Poka” rushers to combine for 211 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the ground. High profile senior defensive lineman Jamari Payne led the team in tackles, recorded a sack and ran back an interception return for a touchdown early in the fourth quarter to round out the dominant defensive showing from Loachapoka. Loachapoka will travel to Beulah Friday, Sept. 2, in a clash of two local teams aiming to improve to 2-0.

See AU EXPERIENCE, page B7

See WAR EAGLE+, page B5

Hornets Sting Selma in Montgomery

The City of Opelika is proud to sponsor the Opelika High School Player of the Week. We applaud you for your HARD WORK and DEDICATION on and off the football field.

Junior RB Calvin Hughley — 15 carries, 82 yards, 2 TD's

Glenwood: Senior QB Dallas Crow — 9-of-11 passing for 211 yards; 120 rush yards; 4 TD's

Smiths Station: Senior RB Quenton Brooks — 9 carries for 90 yards, 2 TD's

Loachapoka: Senior DE Jamari Payne — led team in tackles, sack, interception returned for TD

County Sheriff’s Office is proud to support our local athletes!

The varsity Beauregard High School football team (5A, Region 4) began its season Thursday, Aug. 24, in the AHSAA Kickoff Classic game at Montgomery's Cramton Bowl. The Hornets defeated the Selma Saints (5A, Region 3), 29-6, to improve to 1-0 on the 2023 season. Beauregard returns home Friday, Sept. 1, to play host to 1A Central (0-0) of Hayneville, Alabama.

Garrison Era Starts Slowly for Smiths Station

PANTHERS >>

FROM B2

“We just didn’t play well tonight,” Garrison said. “Couldn’t execute, and shot ourselves in the foot. That’s on me. We’ve gotta fix those things, and we as coaches have to put our kids in better positions to be successful. We couldn’t get off the field on third down tonight, and we really couldn’t get anything offensively. Credit to them, though. They’re a really good football team, with really, really good coaches. They’ll probably go deep in the playoffs again. They’ve got a really good chance and they’re doing a really good job over there.”

With the game far

out of reach, the fourth quarter was a bright spot for the Panthers. A blocked punt recovered by Smiths Station led to a second rushing touchdown for Brooks — the final Panther score of the contest. Pleasant Grove had control from start to finish and did not let up, resulting in an opening-season, 54-14 loss for Smiths Station.

“Well, it’s one game; One game can’t define your season,” Garrison said. “The team that showed up tonight wasn’t the team we’re trying to build here — in all aspects of it, it’s not just on the scoreboard, it’s the way that we competed or really played sloppy at times. That’s not us.

That’s not who we’re go-

ing to be. We’re going to strap it up and we’re going to come back to work on Sunday. Most of your improvements come from week 1 to week 2. Obviously, we didn’t have a jamboree to prepare and get some of those mistakes out of the way, but kids gotta understand you gotta be ready to play every single night.”

Things won’t get easier for Garrison and Smiths Station going forward. The Panthers take on Central-Phenix City (1-0) in a 7A Region 2 road matchup Friday, Sept. 1. “There’s no ‘gimmes’ on the schedule, and you have to bring your A-game every single night,” Garrison said.

FROM

100, 500 and 1,000 or more.

For information regarding WarEagle+ sponsorship opportunities, contact Ben Harling with Auburn Sports Properties at ben. harling@playfly.com.

ABOUT SPORT & STORY:

Sport & Story is a leading provider of content platforms and content production services, producing award-winning storytelling content that offers unparalleled access to teams, both on and off the field. With a portfolio that includes subscription platforms, podcasts, email newsletters and other content production services for esteemed institutions and collaborations with prom-

inent media outlets, Sport & Story is committed to fueling fan engagement in sports.

ABOUT AUBURN SPORTS PROPERTIES:

Auburn Sports Properties is the locally based, exclusive multimedia rightsholder for Auburn Athletics. As a part of the Playfly Sports Properties portfolio of nearly 40 collegiate and high school state association properties, the Auburn Sports Properties team connects brands to Auburn’s passionate and deeply rooted fanbase. Through broadcast, in-arena, experiential and technology-based marketing and media solutions, Playfly Sports Properties’ fully scalable platform provides marketers unparalleled access to the most highly engaged audiences on a local and

national level. Playfly Sports Properties is a division of Playfly Sports.

ABOUT ON TO VICTORY

On To Victory is the official name, image and likeness collective of Auburn Athletics. On To Victory enables the entire Auburn Family to support Auburn student-athletes by cultivating and expanding NIL opportunities. This collective exists solely to benefit Auburn student-athletes. OTV’s founders have pledged never to receive compensation or profit from the collective.

On To Victory is committed to efficient fiscal operations and rigorous compliance with all institutional, conference and NCAA regulations.

Auburn: Junior QB Jackson Kilgore — 19-of-29 passing, 200 yards, 2 TD's; 6 carries, 23 yards, TD

Beauregard: Senior Jayden Doolittle — 17 carries, 65 yards; 1 rec, 45 yards; 2 total TD's

Beulah: Junior QB Demarion Foreman — 146 rushing yards, 69 passing yards, 4 TD's

The varsity Smiths Station football team (7A, Region 2) was defeated, 54-14, by Pleasant Grove (5A, Region 5) in its home game season opener Friday, Aug. 25. The Panthers (0-1) will travel to face Central Phenix City (1-0) in a road, region game, Friday, Sept. 1.

WAR EAGLE+ >>

B3

Thompson Too Much for Opelika

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

The varsity Opelika High School football team (7A, Region 2) lost to the reigning four-time state champion Thompson High School (7A, Region 3), 44-13, in the AHSAA's annual Kickoff Classic game at the Cramton Bowl in Montgomery Thursday, Aug. 24. The Bulldogs (0-1) travel to face J.A.G. (formerly known as Jefferson Davis) High School in Montgomery Thursday, Aug. 31.

coating.

NEW PLAY CLOCKS INSTALLED

ATOP LOWER BOWL

The play clocks at JordanHare Stadium now have a new home atop the lower bowl in each end zone. These new play clocks are larger in size and provide a more visible sight line for our Auburn Tigers on the field and all fans inside Jordan-Hare Stadium.

TEAM TUNNEL AND FIELD

ENTRANCE ENHANCED

The team entrance tunnel located adjacent to the Davis Family Locker Room at Jordan-Hare Stadium now has a new look — featuring all new LED lighting and uniquely-Auburn branding. This new tunnel experience, along with new pyro and smoke effects, will enhance the exciting moment when our Auburn Tigers take Pat Dye Field through the tunnels of the Auburn Tigers Marching Band.

ALL NEW LIGHTING EFFECTS

ADDED

Stadium lighting will reach an entirely new level this season through the introduction of expanded choreographed lighting effects for videos and music,

Poka Powers its Way to 1-0

as well as the addition of a new motion-based spotlight system allowing for neverbefore-seen experiences inside Jordan-Hare Stadium.

DJ Booth Moved to the Student Section

The center of the energy of atmosphere in JordanHare Stadium just got more exciting with the introduction of the official stadium DJ into the middle of the student section.

SPECIAL NEEDS ASSISTANCE STATION FOR YOU (SNASY) INTRODUCED

In partnership with Jackson Services and Carrier — official partners of Auburn Athletics — a new concept is being added for gameday on the Auburn University campus designed to create a comfortable and inclusive environment for individuals and families with special needs. This partnership includes the addition of a dedicated tent on Nicholls Lawn near the ADA bus drop off location, while also introducing special needs supplies to all in-stadium first aid stations for families who need assistance on gamedays. The accessible tents and spaces will offer private spaces for individuals who need a quiet and secluded environment and are designed to ensure easy entry

and exit for all attendees, including those with mobility challenges. Learn more at SNASY.vip.

CARRIER COOLING STATIONS

ADDED

New dedicated cooling tents — featuring Carrier HVAC units — have been added around the JordanHare Stadium concourse to service fans who need a place to cool down during games. These locations can be found adjacent to each first aid station inside the station, as well as a 20x40 tent located on Nicholls Lawn. Tents are open to parents, children, elderly individuals and anyone seeking a moment of rest and relaxation.

NEW TOUCHDOWN EFFECTS SET FOR JORDAN-HARE STADIUM

Touchdown moments are getting even more exciting inside Jordan-Hare Stadium this season with the addition of new special effects — including pyro and field-level CO2 effects.

AU VIP PROGRAM

INTRODUCED

Auburn Athletics has introduced Auburn VIP, an all-new program that will provide Auburn fans with the opportunity to experience a gameday like never before. This new program will allow fans the opportunity to purchase exclusive gameday experi-

ences and behind-the-scenes access for a variety of athletic events and venues throughout the upcoming season. Auburn VIP experiences will range in price from $25 to $500+ and will go on sale each Monday at 9 a.m. CT of home game week. More information can be found at AuburnTigers. com/AUVIP.

NEW FLAGSHIP RADIO STATION

ANNOUNCED

A new flagship station in Auburn-Opelika has been introduced for Auburn Football through WINGS 94.3. This includes gameday coverage beginning threehours prior to kickoff with the Tiger Tailgate Show presented by Conecuh Sausage and concludes with the Regions Bank Locker Room Report. Fans who are interested in listening to the live broadcast while inside Jordan-Hare Stadium may do so with no delay with the purchase of a Live Sports Radio device. These are available via cash only stands on the concourse for $25 at gates one, 12 or 15 or by cards at the AU Team Shops. Previously purchased devices may be reprogrammed for only $10.

NEW ATHLETICS APP INTRODUCED

Auburn Athletics has launched a brand-new mobile app, designed in partnership

with WMT. This new app will provide fans with a mobile experience that is more customizable, easier to use and offers exciting new features to enhance the overall gameday experience at Jordan-Hare Stadium — including: mobile concessions ordering, interactive stadium maps, live scores, stats and more.

FIELD LEVEL PREMIUM

EXPERIENCES EXPANDED

The field level premium experience at Jordan-Hare Stadium has been reimagined for the 2023 season to include six new and improved suite experiences. Originally introduced in 2021 with one suite in the southeast corner of Jordan-Hare Stadium, this season will feature two field-level suites in each of the southwest and southeast corners of the stadium and one each in the northwest and northeast corners. These new suites, in partnership with RevelXP, will each feature televisions, fans, high-top seating, drink rails, along with premium food and beverage offerings. Suites will range in capacity from 16 to 24 guests with prices ranging per game from $200 to $1250 per person. Full-season sales have already surpassed 90% of total capacity — purchasing information can be found here.

NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH SEATGEEK INTRODUCED

Auburn Athletics announced that SeatGeek will be the new Official Ticket Marketplace of Auburn University Athletics beginning with the 2023-24 academic year. All tickets listed on SeatGeek are fully verified and delivered seamlessly. This new partnership, introduced in coordination with Paciolan at schools across the country, replaces prior secondary market partnerships and will now be the sole fully integrated, secondary-market partner for Auburn Athletics.

Auburn football will open the 2023 season with a sold-out Kickoff on The Plains on Saturday, Sept. 2 at 2:30 p.m. against UMass in Jordan-Hare Stadium. While season tickets, Four-Packs and games against UMASS, Samford, Georgia, Ole Miss and Alabama are already sold out, single-game tickets remain available for home matchups versus Mississippi State and New Mexico State and may be purchased by visiting AubTix.com while supplies last. Inventory for other sold-out matchups is available for purchase through SeatGeek — the Official Ticket Marketplace of Auburn Athletics.

The varsity Loachapoka High School football (1-0) team began its season Saturday, Aug. 28, with an away, non-region, 32-12 win over the LaFayette Bulldogs (2A, 0-1). Loachapoka (1A) plays an away, non-region game against Beulah (3A) on Friday, Sept. 1.

PHOTOS BY JERRY BALLAS/ FOR THE OBSERVER

PINYERD

Before August goes out with summer fun and heat, I want to remind the readers that August is National Dog Month. Right here in the middle of what we call “The Dog Days of Summer,” I wanted to share the benefits of having a sweet pet. My precious little dog Cookie blesses me day every day. She wakes me up early to take her for a morning walk. Cookie has truly helped me to make friends with others because she pulls me

her way to greet folks. It is hard to not pet my little friend because she is so very loving. She loves to meet other dogs. Too, when I laugh and express happiness, she runs around me with joy. When I cry and express sorrow, she comes near me and kisses my tears away. When I am sick, she is the very best little nurse I could ever have because she cuddles right up to me to be sure that I am doing well. I want to thank Dr. Buddy Bruce’s Animal Health Clinic for making

Our Furever Friends

us both a part of their staff family. The receptionists keep her with them when I go in to teach young children. They just open the door to their reception area and Cookie walks right on in. Cookie has provided many physical, mental and emotional benefits for me.

We all like to pet a dog, stroke a cat or take time with a cute little puppy or kitten. From cute, furry little animals, to looking at an aquarium with fish gracefully swimming around, pets are just fun.

I wanted to review and share some of the benefits pets have for the young and elderly.

1. Taking care of pets boosts energy and vitality. I love to watch my senior friends and families engage in playfulness, exercise and happiness with their pets. This increases energy especially for the elderly person, even if they are sitting down or in a wheelchair. The simple acts of pet petting, cleaning, brushing and feeding provide mild activity which leads to more energy and a better

mood. If a senior adult is mobile, walking a dog provides immeasurable benefits of cardiovascular exercise.

2. Having a pet decreases anxiety and provides sensory and stress relief. Touch and movement are natural ways to manage stress. In early childhood education, we teachers learn that young children need movement, hugs and pats on the back for encouragement in order to feel secure and stay calm. The same is true as we age. Stroking a dog, cat or other pets helps us to feel calmer and less stressed. Being less stressed lowers blood pressure.

3. Taking care of a pet adds schedule, routine and structure to a day. Pets do require regular feedings. Health requirements of pets need to be met too. Dogs require a consistent schedule of exercise. Having a consistent routine of exercise not only keeps your dog calm and balanced, but keeps us calm, balanced and less anxious. This is important for us as we age.

4. Pets help us interact

with other people. Walking and carrying a pet is a natural conversation starter. As I know personally, pets help you to make friends. I love it when senior living villages bring petting zoos for special events.

5. Pets provide companionship and company. Man was not meant or made to live alone. Companionship prevents sickness, while isolation can cause loneliness, leading to depression in many cases. Taking care of a living animal, whether it be dogs, cats, fish, etc., encourages one to emotionally feel needed and wanted. It gives us a purpose. We senior adults, as well as children, can benefit so much from taking care of a pet.

6. Having a pet can increase confidence and self-esteem. The elderly years can be a lonely time of life. The unconditional love of a dog, cat, parrot and other pets can stimulate us mentally and renew an interest in living life to the fullest in our elderly years.

Happy Labor Day to all. Labor Day is this coming Monday, Sept.

4. I know the Greatest Generation and Baby Boomers remember that we did not start school until after Labor Day when we were growing up. This day celebrates what community helpers do as we approach this day off for many of us. We deeply appreciate all our workers who make our community function. September is also “Better Breakfast Month”. As parents and teachers, we recognize that a good breakfast provides energy for our children’s bodies to not only perform better, but behave better. It is a great way to start off the school day.

Beth Pinyerd has taught young children in the early childhood classroom for many years. She holds a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Auburn University. The column is provided to enrich the education of our children, youth and families in our community.

Southern Union’s Aviation Maintenance Program Taking Flight

CONTRIBUTED BY SUSCC

BY KATIE JACKSON

OPELIKA —

The sky’s the limit for 22 students who began coursework this fall in Aviation Maintenance Technology, a brandnew certification and degree program offered by Southern Union State Community College (SUSCC).

The six-semester program, based at SUSCC’s Opelika campus, is designed to take students and the aviation industry to new heights in Alabama and beyond.

“Alabama is tenth in the United States as far as employing aircraft professionals such as maintenance technicians and mechanics,” said Richard Belk, SUSCC’s director of aviation technology.

Among those employers are 13 flight schools, including a nationally ranked program at Auburn University, Airbus’ U.S. Manufacturing Facility in Mobile and numerous other aviation-based businesses located here in Alabama and throughout the Southeast, nation and world.

Though the industry is soaring, it is also struggling to maintain and expand the skilled workforce so vital to keeping the wind beneath its wings.

“People continue to operate older aircraft and continue to make new aircraft every day,” Belk said.

As the number and complexity of aircraft has increased, the pool of experienced mechanics, many of whom are reaching retirement age, has dwindled creating a

severe deficit in the field.

“We’re 35,000 mechanics short in the industry today,” Belk said.

This shortage poses a challenge for the industry but also an opportunity for a new generation of skilled workers to enter a high-paying vocation with lots of room for advancement. In fact, the average starting salary for an Alabama aviation mechanic in 2022 was $81,000; regionally and nationally salaries often top $100,000.

Seeing a potential to simultaneous meet the needs of the aviation industry and local citizens in search of quality jobs, SUSCC’s Technical Education Division set to work developing the AMT program, which is designed to help students quickly but effectively obtain the Federal Aviation Administration certifications needed to land those jobs.

To do this, SU provides instruction in two areas of concentration — airframe and powerplant mechanics. The airframe concentration teaches students how to build, maintain and repair airplanes’ structural and systems components while the powerplant concentration focuses on

the repair, service and maintenance of aircraft engines and related systems.

As students progress through the program’s curriculum, they receive completion certificates that qualify them to sit for the tests required by the FAA. Once they’ve passed both the coursework and the FAA tests, students can go straight to work in the industry or they can take additional core academic courses, such as math and English, and earn associate of applied science degrees in one or both concentrations, which opens additional career routes for students interested in pursuing four-year degrees in aviation-related programs.

“Our hope is that our students will have their airframe and powerplant certification and two associate degrees and in two years,” Belk said.

It’s a rigorous program with a strict attendance policy, but it is suited for all kinds of learning styles, from those who thrive in hands-on settings to those who do well in academics.

Regardless of which route they take, students leave the program ready to launch themselves into a high-paying

career, one that has given Belk almost 40 years of globe-trotting work for the military, FAA, international companies such as FedEx Express and major airports and airlines.

When Belk retired from the FAA in January 2022 after a decade as a trainer and safety inspector, he was not quite ready to spend his days fishing — “I’d have had to learn to fish,” he said — Belk saw a job announcement for director of SUSCC’s aviation technology program. Intrigued with the opportunity to build a brand-new program from the ground up, Belk applied for and got the position, starting work in February 2022 and immediately setting to work creating the program.

Eighteen months later, SUSCC’s AMT program was FAA-certified and ready to recruit its first class. To establish a program that quickly was a remarkable feat that Belk said was made possible thanks to the cooperative efforts of SUSCC’s administration and staff, including the entire SU Technical Division, and the help of community leaders. Among them were state legislators Debbie

high school graduates to adults pursuing new career paths.

Wood, Jay

and Joe

and Gov. Kay Ivey, all of whom Belk said have been “incredibly supportive.”

SUSCC’s AMT program, which is one of four offered within Alabama’s community college system, is laserfocused on providing crucial real-world training. Much of that learning will take place in a specially designed teaching facility on the Opelika campus where students will work on a wide array of aircraft equipment and components, some of which was repurposed from an old singleengine Piper Cherokee airplane. In addition, students will have access to an intact 1969 Bellanca Viking and a 1962 Piper Cherokee, donated by Rick Seymore of Roanoke, that they can “take apart and put back together again,” Belk said.

This cohort of students, which was intentionally limited to 25 to ensure Belk and Aviation Maintenance A&P Instructor Mark Williams can provide them with lots of support and attention. Members of the class, all of whom are from SUSCC’s coverage area, range in age from recent

According to Belk, the program isn’t easy and has a strict attendance policy to ensure students don’t miss a moment of training. But the rewards are great. And Belk said he believes the program will not only launch these students’ careers but also help attract new aviation-based jobs to the area, which could provide a significant economic boost to the area.

“If we bring even a small 145 repair station (a type of FAA-certified maintenance facility) in here, it may hire only 20 people, but boom, that’s 20 people making up to $100,000 a year,” he said, not to mention the salaries attached to leadership and staff positions in such a facility. “But to do that, we have to first prove that we are viable and successful. I’m determined to do it!”

He is also working to help this fledgling program take wing by increasing awareness of it among potential new students, including women (there are three in the current class) and high school students, who can hopefully soon start early on the AMT path through SUSCC’s dual enrollment program. In addition, Belk is always eager to share information about the AMT program with local organizations, businesses and schools.

To learn more about the program, contact Belk at rbelk@suscc. edu or 1-334-745-6437 ext. 5486, or visit the AMT webpage at www. suscc.edu/programs/ avprogram.cms.

BETH

Hovey

Lovvorn

Students at Southern Union State Community College began a six-semester Aviation Maintenance Technology program this fall.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY ABRA CAMP

L labama Politics ee County & A

Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023

Inside the Statehouse

Summer Political Happenings

Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth. PSC member Jeremy Oden came from Cullman and State Board of Education President Wayne Reynolds came from Athens.

STEVE FLOWERS

OPINION —

As the long hot summer ends and Labor Day approaches, let’s take a look back at what occurred over the last three summer months, politically.

First of all, it was one of the hottest summers on record. Temperatures soared into the hundreds as early as late June.

On one of those late June days, one of the hottest political events of the year occurred. The annual Tomato Sandwich Lunch event hosted by Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate was the biggest, yet.

The 20th annual Tomato Sandwich Lunch held at the Ed Teague Arena near the Garrett Coliseum was a mustbe-at event for Alabama political elite.

The Tomato Sandwich Lunch promotes produce from local farmers and encourages people to eat Alabama grown products. Alabama based vendors donate all of the food for the event. Pate was a master host to over 500 attendees.

In attendance were

U.S. Senator Katie Britt, State Treasurer Young Boozer and

State judges in attendance were Supreme Court Judge Greg Cook, Criminal Appeals Court Judge Bill Cole and Civil Appeals Court Judges Matt Friday and Bill Thompson.

Legislators spotted were State Senators Josh Carnley and Will Barfoot, as well as Representatives Jerry Starnes, Margie Wilcox, Van Smith and Ed Oliver.

There were dozens of local county commissioners from all over the state.

Many of the state’s most prominent lobbyists were there along with many of the governor’s Cabinet members.

Alabama Power Government Affairs guru Houston Smith, as well as Alfa Executive Director Paul Pinyan were prominent. In fact, most of Alfa’s governmental affairs folks were at this very fun and political event.

During the summer, everybody and their brother, or at least everyone who won a 4-H speaking contest, entered the race for the Republican nomination for president. There must be 20 people running against Donald Trump for the GOP nomination. This is just what Trump was hoping for. It splinters the anti-Trump vote to

such a degree that it virtually assures him the nomination.

During the summer, the U.S. Supreme Court decided that Alabama’s Congressional districts were gerrymandered to keep Black voters from being able to elect a second Black Democrat to Congress.

Alabama currently has six white Republican Congressmen and one Black Democratic Congresswoman, Terri Sewell.

In July, former Alabama Supreme Court Justice Mike Bolin won a special election to fill a seat on the five member Jefferson County Commission. His election was like manna from Heaven for the Jefferson County Republican Party. The commissioner, who departed this important seat, was a Republican. The commission had a three to two Republican majority. Therefore, it was an important election for the state’s largest and most important county.

Mike Bolin had just retired from the Alabama Supreme Court after 18 years on the state’s high tribunal. He had been probate judge of Jefferson County for 16 years prior to his service on the Supreme Court. He only retired from the Supreme Court due to a state law that prevents judges from running for reelection after age 70.

Bolin is Jefferson County through and through and one of the most respected

See FLOWERS, page B10

CORRECTION: In the article titled "Lee County Sends Delinquent Notices On Trash Contracts" dated Aug.17, we erroneously stated that the deliquent notices stated that failure to appear could result in a warrant for ones arrest. That information was incorrect. The reference to arrest was referring to an outdated policy.

Commission Hears Bid Results For Loachapoka Community Park

BY HANNAH GOLDFINGER HGOLDFINGER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

LEE COUNTY —

The wanted and anticipated Loachapoka Community Park is one step closer to completion.

The Lee County Commission approved the results of the bids for the park — which opened on Aug. 24. — during Monday night’s meeting.

“We received two bids, one from Beasley Construction Services; the base bid for that one came back to be $143,000, even, the other from Hudmon Construction came back to be $618,308,” said Ryan Norris, parks manager.

“With the low bid being, you know, about $118,000

over our budget, I did a little bit of research, got in touch with our recreation board and they do have a clause in their bylaws where they’re able to share their allocations amongst each other if everybody agrees on it, so we did a lot of communication Friday, over the weekend, all of the attending representatives did agree on that so they were able to kind of step in the gap and cover, with their allocated funds, the additional $118,308. So, my recommendation to you is to award the low bid contract of $618,308, knowing that we can pay for it.”

The commission approved the request from Norris. The approved vote was met with applause from the audience.

COUNTY TRANSPORTATION

PLAN

The commission approved the Rebuild Alabama Act and the County Transportation Plan during Monday night’s meeting.

“This plan is part of the transparency and accountability requirements of the Rebuild Alabama Act passed in 2019,” the county’s agenda packet said.

The act requires that governments publish their transportation plan once a year.

“This plan outlines the projects Lee County plans to construct utilizing the additional revenue from the Rebuild Alabama Act 10 cent gasoline and diesel fuel tax increase, as well as the Federal Aid Exchange

See COMMISSION, page B11

Smiths Station Appoints New Interim City Clerk

BY HANNAH GOLDFINGER HGOLDFINGER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

SMITHS STATION — Smiths Station City Clerk Morgan Bryce is stepping down from his role and welcoming in the new City Clerk Cyndi Farmer. Farmer will enter the position in an interim role for two months before being asked to take the role permanently.

Bryce worked for the city for more than three years, first as the city’s administrative assistant and assistant communications director, before assuming the city clerk-secretary-treasurer position.

Bryce announced before the council meeting that he was leaving

to pursue a position in communications elsewhere. He will now be working as the business’ communications manager for a business in Georgia.

“I’ve accepted a job, corporate communica-

Auburn Opelika Elks Lodge Community y Day

Saturday, Sept 9, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 3 p m

tions role with a company in Columbus, Georgia, so I’ll be getting back to my roots in writing so tonight will be my last meeting,” Bryce said. “And

See COUNCIL, page B11

Held: USA Town Center, 1220 Fox Run Ave., Opelika

• Free event for the Community

• Free lunch – Hot dogs/hamburgers

• Drawings for prizes – Must be present to win

• Fun activities for all

• Come out and learn about the different nonprofits and organizations in the area to get involved with or that may offer a service you need or just come out and have fun.

• There is going to be something for everyone.

• If you would like to set up and be part of this event it is not to late.

Text Julie at 334-524-0574

CYNDI FARMER

Iranian Hostage Crisis Showed the Weakness of Carter, U.S.

matic pressure yielded no major changes. The Man from Plains lost by a landslide, as the deadly duo of a poor economy with chaos abroad was too much.

“I am committed as a matter of fundamental policy to continue real increases in defense,” Carter said.

OPINION —

As a 23-year-old with enthusiasm for politics and history, I was at Ronald Reagan’s presidential inauguration on Jan. 20, 1981, just as I had been at Jimmy Carter’s in _____. People used transistor radios (declining by 1980) to find out when the 52 hostages departed Iran. It was surreal: garbled and messages were all we heard. Two hours after Reagan’s Inaugural Address, he spoke with Congressional leaders at the Capitol.

“Some 30 minutes ago,

the planes bearing our prisoners left Iranian air space, and they’re now free of Iran,” he said.

Applause came like thunder and when the radios announced “They are free!” All of us on Pennsylvania Avenue cheered our hardest. Carter had found a winning formula, but by then he was a defeated candidate. He was 52 years old, and out of a job.

The hostage crisis, lasting 444 days, began with wide patriotic support. Yet as the months continued with no apparent progress, Carter’s use of economic and diplo -

That was a turnaround from his 1976 campaign three years before, in which he called for $5 to $7 billion in cuts in military spending. Now he realized Russia was a strong antagonist. He noted, “Our forces must be increased to contain Soviet aggression.”

In his first full day as president, Carter pardoned people who evaded the draft in the Vietnam War by violating the Selective Service Act from Aug. 4, 1964, to March 28, 1973. Many Vietnam veterans were insulted by the pardon of draft evaders but pleased that amnesty was not offered to deserters.

In the 1960s and 1970s I lived in a suburban blue-collar neighborhood where several streets were named for Vietnam War heroes killed in

battle. They played the popular song with the refrain, “Born Free, and life is worth living, But only worth living ‘Cause you’re born free.” My brother Tom served in Vietnam (1966-67), so my view was why would people resisting their rightful duty be pardoned? And only hours into a presidency?

Carter’s Proclamation 4483 was unpopular among war veterans. For me, the earlier end of the draft in January 1973 was good news. My 17th birthday was May 31, 1973, so I would not be drafted. Seven years later, it was peacetime and I was able to choose my Army job (journalist) and first duty station (Fort Bliss, Texas.)

Carter, as president, is rated by professional historians to be at between 28 and 36 of 45 presidents analyzed. After he dies, he will likely jump four to five points. That happens when a president dies say scholars, as reevaluations occur. For example, the Camp David accords signed by Israeli and Egyptian leaders and directed by Carter led to a “framework for peace” lasted

for 40 years. A remarkable development for the Middle East.

David Harsanyi, of The Federalist, wrote a column in 2019 titled, “Reminder: Jimmy Carter is Our Worst Ex-President.” He challenges the conventional wisdom that Carter’s post-presidency is commendable. Why then, would the former president visit Cuba under Fidel Castro, who was still imprisoning and torturing his political opponents?

“’Great men’ do not use freelance diplomacy abroad to undermine elected American governments,” Harsanyi said. “They do not coddle and legitimize tyrants and murderers. They do not undercut liberalism by allowing despots to use them as props. It is one thing to meet with detestable characters as president — diplomacy and American interests often dictate it — but it is another to ally yourself with them as a free man. Yet, that’s what Carter has done for 40 years.”

People who voted for Carter in 1980 likely figured that Carter would do a better job in do -

mestic and international roles because he is highly intelligent and learned from his errors. But the charismatic conservative Reagan won easily and is rated as a top-ten president, according to historians and political scientists.

In January 1975, Carter was forced to leave office because Georgia did not allow governors to run for successive terms. He tested the presidential waters at the 1976 Iowa Caucus. Carter later won the Democratic nod and astoundingly, the presidency. I was delighted as a college student to write about him first in October 1975 and as his life is ending. I voted against him twice but agree with millions that he has made many achievements for our country.

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

Ivey Objects to Promoting Students Under Literacy Act

Ensuring students are ready is the mission of the day

CONTRIBUTED BY ALABAMA GOV. KAY IVEY

OPINION —

As Alabama students are beginning the new school year, there is already discussion on the promotion policy included in the Alabama Literacy Act that takes effect this year. There is no life skill more vital than reading, and there is nothing more transformational we can do for Alabama than to ensure all our students can read proficiently. So, we must press on with this mission.

Passing our students along when they are not

reading at grade-level is doing them a major disservice. Recently, we have seen some discussion that if this promotion portion of the Literacy Act had been in effect last school year, more than

12,000 students would be subject to being held back. That has, once again, brought back chatter about potentially delaying the full implementation of the Literacy Act. I have had reporters ask me about it,

too, on multiple occasions. My answer has been clear: Further delaying the promotion policy cannot happen, and I will very firmly veto a delay if a bill reached my desk.

It frustrates me to see a few folks in Montgomery not have the same faith in our students that I see out on the road when I visit our schools. The full implementation of the Literacy Act is simply vital to our students’ success.

Last year, I launched the Governor’s Turnaround Schools Initiative that aims to transform low performing schools, as well as the surrounding communities. Fifteen

schools were chosen from all areas of the state to participate, where they are receiving additional funding and targeted support.

Two of the Turnaround schools are in my home of Wilcox County. I had the opportunity to visit J.E. Hobbs Elementary and ABC Elementary to kick off the new school year in Alabama, and I left encouraged. From the caring teachers to the supportive school board members to the engaged students — I am extremely hopeful we are headed in the right direction in Alabama. Our students are excited to read and to learn. I saw that in the hundreds and hundreds of letters I received this summer in response to my Summer Reading Challenge.

Instead of focusing on just getting by, we need to focus on success. Our students, teachers and parents have the tools and are more than up to the

FLOWERS >>

FROM B9

gentleman and public servants in Jefferson County and Alabama.

The imperial county of Jefferson is fortunate that Bolin was available and ready to serve.

His swearing in ceremony occurred on a sweltering hot July 31. The large Jefferson County Courthouse commission chambers was overflowing. It was a congregation of who’s

task.

Alabama’s students should take full advantage of our tutoring, afterschool and summer programs. Last summer, less than half of all eligible students attended summer literacy programs. We need that to be 100% — not 50 — especially for those who are reading below grade-level.

While we are making progress with sound policy like the Literacy Act, we must also ensure our students and teachers are focused on the reading science and phonics, rather than discredited theories like threecueing. Three-cueing has the students guess the meaning of words. That does not seem to make a lick of sense, especially to someone who was a teacher.

Of course, as a former teacher, I know full well that our parents are our first teachers. Learning to read begins at home.

See IVEY, page B13

who of Jefferson County politics.

Hope you had a good summer. Happy football season and happy Labor Day.

See you next week.

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

GREG MARKLEY

Gov. Kay Ivey visited elementary schools to kick off the new school year in Alabama.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY GOV. IVEY'S OFFICE

Opelika Kiwanis Given State Law Lesson

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Questions for the Commission

OPINION —

I’ve raised questions with the Lee County Commission in person, as well as via email, and have yet to receive any responses. The people elected seem to be comfortable with not speaking with the public as shown by their lack of communication with their constituents. Maybe they can respond to us by making the issues public in print.

What is our county commission trying to hide by continuing to not air public comments? Shortly before removing the public comments, the county received funds

COMMISSION >> FROM B9

CATFISH H

program funds,” the packet said. “… We have used the same prioritization process for our local funds in selecting roads for resurfacing while also following requirements of the Rebuild Alabama Act for expenditure of the Federal Aid Exchange Funds.”

The projects are outlined in the transportation plan, found here: http://www.leeco. us/government/county_ commission/agenda.php.

OTHER BUSINESS:

- The commission heard a presentation from the Alabama Forestry Commission.

- The Lee County Sheriff’s

from the American Rescue Plan. The district two commissioner at the time (Sarah Brown) stated in a meeting she would put together a document people could fill out requesting funds connected with the ARP.

What ever happened to the list Ms. Brown was compiling for people requesting funds from the American Rescue Plan? Previous district four commissioner (Robert Ham) stated they had no immediate plans to use the funds, yet plans to improve water infrastructure were being made at that time.

The commissioners also

Office recognized Capt. Chris Wallace and Civil Process Server Duane Blackwell for their service.

- The commission recognized Ward 2

Commissioner Ross Morris and Ward 3 Commissioner Tony Langley for their ALGTI Certificates, as well as Keywonnia Atkins for her ALGTI Certificate.

- The commission completed the first reading for three openings on the Lee County Department of Human Resources Board.

- The commission completed the first reading for three openings on the Lee County Youth Development Center Board.

- The commission approved the final

approved a $5 million project to upgrade the judge's suites at the courthouse along with the HVAC during this time.

These are just two questions I’m still asking nearly three years later. Others I know of have been waiting longer for a response. Lee County is considered one of the top counties in the state of Alabama. Why can’t we have top level representation from commissioners who at least answer questions brought up by their voters?

Rudy McCumsey Lee County

subdivision plat for Zachary Howard S/D.

- The commission heard the second reading of two openings and approved two members for the Lee County Planning Commission D2 and D4.

- The commission discussed updating their communication methods by email and phone.

- The commission approved a tax abatement for Kraem USA Inc.

- The commission approved educational reimbursement requests for the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

- The commission heard an update on property that the county purchased for the Highway Department.

Opelika Kiwanis Club's guest speaker this weak was State Representative Ed Oliver. He came and spoke on his efforts for bills across the state as well as the Dadeville and Lake Martin area. For more information on Oliver, visit his Facebook page — Ed Oliver State Representative Alabama House District 81. Next week's Opelika Kiwanis Club speaker is slated to be Jason Caldwell with Iniside the Auburn Tigers. The Opelika Kiwanis Club meets weekly at the Saugahatchee Country Club.

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LEGAL NOTICE

– NOTICE OF COMPLETION

In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, notice is hereby given that Matthes Parker LLC

Contractor, has completed the Contract for (Alteration) OF Auburn University

Project: 22-348 SportsPles

Baseball Field Markings at Auburn University SportsPlex. 811 Lem Morris Dr. for the State of Alabama and the COUNTY OF LEE, CITY OF AUBURN

Owner(s), and have made request for final settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify Barge Design Solutions. 2839 Paces Ferry Road Suite 850. Atlanta, GA 30339 (770)

628-7631

Matthes Parker LLC (Contractor)

2044 S College St. Auburn, AL 36832

NOTE: This notice must be run once a week for four successive weeks for projects exceeding $50,000.00. For projects of $50,000.00 or less, run one time only. A copy of the publisher's affidavit of publication (including a copy of the advertisement) shall be submitted by the Contractor to the Design Professional for inclusion with DCM Form

B-13: Final Payment Checklist for state agencies, PSCAfunded and other bond-funded projects.

Legal Run 08/10/2023, 08/17/2023, 08/24/2023 & 08/31/2023

STATE OF ALABAMA

LEE COUNTY PROBATE

COURT

CASE NO. 2023-421

ESTATE OF REBECCA

JOYCE RENFROE,

DECEASED

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF ADMINISTRATOR

Letters of Administration of the Estate of Rebecca Joyce

Renfroe, deceased having been granted to Jeffery A. Hilyer this 14th day of August 2023, 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.

Jeffery A. Hilyer, Personal Representative Jeffery A. Hilyer Attorney at Law

334-745-2564

P.O. Box 30 Opelika, AL 36803-0030

Legal Run 08/17/2023, 08/24/2023 & 08/31/2023

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IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CHARLIE D. REESE, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE

COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

CASE NUMBER 2023-419

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary on the Estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 14th day of August, 2023 by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate of said county in said State, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Glenda Jean Reese, Personal Representative of the Estate of Charlie D. Reese, Deceased

Legal Run 08/17/2023, 08/24/2023 & 08/31/2023

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF DONNA LYNN EASLICK, DECEASED CASENO: 2023-393 PROBATE COURT, LEE COUNTY

NOTICE TO CREDITOR Take Notice that LETTERS TESTMENTARY of Donna Lynn Easlick deceased having been granted to Daryl Anthony Easlick on the 27th day of July 2023, 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.

Daryl Anthony Easlick James M. Ivins, Attorney for Daryl Anthony Easlick 1408 Broad Street Phenix City, AL 36867 Phone: 334-298-0607 Legal Run 08/17/2023, 08/24/2023 & 08/31/2023 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF

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PUBLIC NOTICES

disability. in ability to carry out and enjov the usual and normal activities of life; past medical bills: futuree medical bills; and Plaintiff 'has otherwise been injured or damaged the total amount. on March 27, 2021, for Negligence, Wantonness and Vicarious Liability, as a result of the following:

"On March 27, 2021 Eun Jung Song was attempting to make a left tum from Frederick Road onto Gateway Drive when Defendant Woods, who was working for On the Run Trucking, LLC, who was driving an 18Wheeler (2014 FRHT V.1.N. 3AKJGLDR6ESFU2501), which was owned by Defendant Steven Freeman, and or Defendant On the Run Trucking, LLC, negligently and/or wantonly caused or allowed the vehicle that he was operating, that was owned, leased, or otherwise controlled by him and/or fictitious defendants(s) A through Z, to suddenly and improperly collide with the rear end of the Plaintiffs vehicle. As a proximate consequence of the Defendants negligence and/or wantonness the Plaintiff was injured" which was filed against you in the Court Lee County. Alabama, and that by reason of an order for service of summons by publication entered by the Court, you are hereby commanded and required to file with the clerk of the court and to serve upon Plaintiffs attorney, Attorney Muhammad Abdullah with the law firm Wettermark Keith, 100 Grandview Place, Suite 530 Birmingham, AL 35243, an answer to the Complaint, within thirty (30) days after the last publication, Sept. 7, 2023,. or default judgment will be entered against you.

Done this the 27th day of July, 2023

Mary Roberson

Clerk, Circuit Court LEE County, Alabama

Wettermark Keith

Attn: Muhammad Abdullah 100 Grandview Place, Suite 530 Birmingham, AL 35243

Legal Run 08/17/2023, 08/24/2023, 08/31/2023 & 09/07/2023

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

IN RE: THE MATTER OF THOMAS E. POLLARD

CASE NO: 2014-B-16

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electronically via "ZOOM".

Please contact the Lee County Probate Court at 334-737-3670 for access to the electronic hearing should you intend to take part in the said hearing. Bill English, Judge of Probate, Lee County, Alabama Legal Run 08/17/2023, 08/24/2023 & 08/31/2023

INVITATION TO BID

23041

Sealed bids for the Opelika Police Department Landscaping Project shall be received at the Opelika City Hall 2nd Floor Conference Room, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m., local time on Monday, September 18, 2023, and then publicly opened and read aloud. Only bids from competent general contractors will be considered. The successful bidder must be a properly licensed general contractor. The attention of all bidders is called to the provisions of State law governing “General Contractors” as set forth in the Ala. Code §34-8-1, et. seq. (1975) and rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto. Bidders must be licensed by the Licensing Board for General Contractors when bids are submitted.

A Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held on Wednesday, September 7, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. Central Time, Opelika City Hall 2nd Floor Conference Room, at, 204 South 7th Street, Opelika, AL 36801 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. The other requirements include:

1. State of Alabama Ornamental and Turf Pest Control Supervisor License

2. State of Alabama Plant Setting and Maintenance

License

accepted.

A certified check or Bid

Bond payable to the City of Opelika, Alabama in an amount not less than five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000.00 must accompany the bidder's sealed proposal - refer also to Instructions to Bidders. Performance and statutory labor and material payment bonds for the full contract sum will be required of the successful bidder at the signing of the Contract. The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids and to waive irregularities. Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to: Lillie Finley, Purchasing/Revenue & Codes Director, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama, 36803-0390. Attn: Opelika Police Department Landscaping Project LILLIE FINLEYPURCHASING/REVENUE & CODES DIRECTOR CITY OF OPELIKA 204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET (36801) POST OFFICE BOX 390 (36803-0390) OPELIKA, ALABAMA PH: (334) 705-5121 Legal Run 08/31/2023, 09/07/2023 & 09/14/2023

NOTICE OF MORTGAGE

FORECLOSURE SALE

TO: Reginald Bernard Woods; Natasha Badger and On the Run

NOTICE OF HEARING

Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Partial Accounting of Conservator was filed by Guardian and Conservator, Birdie P. Peterson requesting approval of a partial accounting. A hearing has been set for the 4th day of October 2023 at I0:00 a.m. central time,

Specifications may be obtained from the Purchasing Department located at 204 S 7th Street, Opelika, Alabama, and phone number: 334-7055120. Bid documents may also be downloaded from the City’s website at www.opelika-al.gov/bids.aspx. The bidder’s proposal must be submitted on the complete original proposal furnished to him by the City of Opelika. All information in the proposal must be completed by the bidder for the proposal to be

Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain Mortgage (the “Mortgage”) dated August 12, 2019, executed by Sherry L. Hadaway (the “Mortgagor”) in favor of Famers and Merchants Bank, said Mortgage being recorded in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama in Mortgage Book 4494, at Page 382; and WHEREAS, Farmers and Merchants Bank, as Mortgagee and holder of the Mortgage, by reason of such default having declared all of the indebtedness secured by the Mortgage due and payable, and such default continuing, notice is hereby given that, acting under the power of sale contained in the Mortgage, holder will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Lee County Courthouse located at 215 South 9th Street, Alabama 36801 on Thursday, September 7th, 2023 between the hours of 11:00 am and 4:00 pm, the following described property, commonly known as 800 Lee Road 174, Opelika, Alabama 36801, situated in Lee County, Alabama, to wit: Lot 10 Somerset Subdivision, according to and as shown by that certain map or plat thereof of record in Town

Plat Book 14 at Page 4 in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama. This conveyance is subject to easements and building setback lines as shown on recorded subdivision plat and to Declaration of Restrictive Covenants dated September 18, 1989 of record Deed Book 1463 at Page 159 all in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama as amended by Instrument recorded in Deed Book 2568 at Page 860 in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama. Also including a 1997 Palm Harbor Double Wide Home. This is a purchase money mortgage. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS-IS”, “WHERE IS” BASIS AND WITH ALL FAULTS. THIS PROPERTY WILL ALSO BE SOLD SUBJECT TO ANY EASEMENTS, LEASES, ENCUMBRANCES, RESERVATIONS AND EXCEPTIONS REFLECTED IN THE MORTGAGE AND ALL MATTERS CONTAINED IN THE RECORDS OF THE OFFICE OF THE JUDGE OF PROBATE OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AS TO TITLE, USE AND/OR ENJOYMENT AND WILL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO.

Payment terms are cash or cashier’s check (United States Dollars in immediately available funds) made payable to Mortgagee on the date of the public sale.

Mortgagee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the aforementioned property and to credit its bid against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the Mortgage.

The public sale is subject to postponement or cancellation; contact Benjamin H. Meade at (334) 749-6999 prior to attendance.

This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by the Mortgage as well as the expenses of collection and foreclosure.

FARMERS AND MERCHANTS BANK Mortgagee ATTORNEY FOR MORTGAGEE: Benjamin H. Meade, Esq. Benjamin H. Parr, P.C. 830 Avenue A, Suite A Opelika, Alabama 36801 (334) 749-6999 Legal Run 08/17/2023, 08/24/2023 & 08/31/2023

PUBLIC NOTICES, page B13

Local Lions Informed on Village Friends

I just want to thank you all for taking the chance on a 28-year-old kid with a journalism degree from Auburn University to do this position. It’s been a lot of fun.

“I didn’t know anything about fence permits or zoning ordinances or anything before I came here and I’ve learned an awful lot, not just about government but how to treat people and how to interact with people … And I believe that even though the state and federal government gets a bad rap, I think if people spent a day with us and saw what y’all do in our meetings and all that, they’d have a lot better appreciation for municipal government. As a whole, I think municipal government has an amazing ability to make a difference in people’s lives.

of Smiths Station,” he said. “I appreciate your heart, I appreciate your kindness, I appreciate what you’ve done. You’ve gone above and beyond as the city clerk and [you’re] probably one of the smartest people I’ve ever met.”

He wished Bryce well for his future.

“I’d like to personally thank Morgan Bryce for his years of serving the city of Smiths Station,” Copeland said. “I’d like to thank you for being my friend, my mentor, my partner in crime, my headache, but I thank you so very much.”

Place 2 Council Member Morris Jackson said that Bryce was a great help.

“He was always able to work and get the job done, that’s what it’s all about,” he said. “… His attitude toward the job — I pick up on stuff like that real quick — it’s been superb and we couldn’t ask for any other that would come in and do this as well.”

watch and see your next adventure, I think it will be great for you and your family. We do miss you though.”

The council unanimously appointed Farmer during the Aug. 22 Smiths Station City Council meeting.

Bryce trained Farmer to step into the position.

“She has soaked up everything like a sponge and I think she’ll be able to help,” he said.

Farmer said she has lived in the area for close to 30 years. She is married and a mother of four who has been in real estate for 17 years. “Kind of had this opportunity and kind been praying on something different to come along and it came and I feel like it’s something that I need to do, I want to do and I can do,” she said. “I feel like I’ll do well.”

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

Legal Run 08/31/2023, 09/07/2023 & 09/14/2023

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.

JERRI LYNN ASKEW

KONECNY

NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION OF ABANDONED VEHICLES:

GATEWAY TIRE AND AUTOMOTIVE gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on October 3, 2023, at 8:15 a.m. at Gateway Tire located at 2023 PEPPERELL PKWY, OPELIKA, AL 36801-5441, pursuant to subsection 32-133 of the Alabama Statutes.

GATEWAY TIRE AND AUTOMOTIVE reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.

1999 Ford F150 Lariat Pickup truck – VIN NO. 1FTRX17W9XNB52777.

GATEWAY TIRE AND AUTOMOTIVE 2023 PEPPERELL PKWY OPELIKA, AL 36801-5441

Legal Run 08/31/2023 & 09/07/2023

IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTEROF THE ESTATE OF JAMES RICHARD WATSON, DECEASED

CASE NO.: 2023-436

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Benjamin H. Parr, Personal Representative on the 23rd day of August, 2023, by Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons

IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DOROTHY ANN WOODARD WESSON, DECEASED CASE NO.: 2023-391

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Eric N. Weldon, Personal Representative on the 23rd day of August, 2023, 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. Eric N. Weldon Legal Run 08/31/2023, 09/07/2023 & 09/14/2023

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM JERRELL ASKEW, DECEASED. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

Case No: 2023-428

Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 22nd day of August, 2023, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is

Personal Representative

Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP

P.O. Box 2345

Opelika, AL 36803-2345

(334) 745-3504

Legal Run 08/31/2023, 09/07/2023 & 09/14/2023

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MAE DELL DOWELL, DECEASED.

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

Case No: 2023-427

Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 22nd day of August, 2023, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

MICHAEL WILSON and ROSIE TORBERT

Co-Personal Representatives

Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP

P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345

Legal Run 08/31/2023, 09/07/2023 & 09/14/2023

“And I feel that as in my time here I’ve made a difference and that’s helped me go to sleep every night. So I’m proud of what we’ve been able to do and I think Ms. Farmer here will have a chance to continue that into the future.”

Smiths Station Mayor F.L. “Bubba” Copeland spoke highly of Bryce during the meeting.

“I’d like to say, as the mayor, I can’t think of a better person [to have served] as our third city clerk for the city

IVEY >> FROM B10

That is why we are supporting the Dolly Parton Imagination Library book gifting program to be available statewide. When parents are reading to their kids at home, they will be ready by the time they come to school. Wise investments in our children and in our families will lead to a better Alabama.

When I visited Dozier Elementary in Montgomery, one of the students asked me how I liked being governor. It

Place 1 Council Member George Stringer said he thinks Bryce would make a mentor for those in the younger generation.

Place 4 Council Member Richard “Rick” Cooley said Bryce was an asset to the council and community.

“We thank you for all your hard work,” he said.

Place 5 Council Member Victoria Green said to Bryce that she “can’t wait to

is certainly an awesome and busy job, but I told him that out of all my responsibilities, my number one priority is them — our students — and making sure that each of them has the opportunity to receive a quality education.

Ensuring our students are ready is the mission of the day, and I am more optimistic than ever before that Alabama students, teachers and parents will help us meet our goal of ranking in the top thirty states on student achievement. I tell our students I believe

Farmer said she is looking forward to the new job with the city of Smiths Station.

“We’re looking forward to Ms. Farmer to come in and not even skip a beat, just keep this thing rolling,” Jackson said.

OTHER BUSINESS

- The council approved a one-time lump sum payment to retired members and beneficiaries of the city of Smiths Station - The council approved the Rebuild Alabama Transportation Plan FY 2023-2024.

they can be anything they want to be, but that they first have to be good students.

Let’s tackle this challenge head on and not waste another moment. Delaying student success will keep Alabama at the bottom. I want every child to be ready to be promoted from third to fourth grade and so on, and we are committed to making that a reality. The future of Alabama’s children depends on our work today.

After all, strong students will lead to a strong Alabama.

Members representing “Village Friends”, a non-profit organization serving the Auburn-Opelika community which provides a network of services and support to help seniors age independently in their homes, were recent guests of the Opelika Lions Club. The group provides a variety of services, including transportation, grocery and medical deliveries. As the Auburn-Opelika area continues its growth as a retirement destination, the demand for services and organizations to support seniors will expand. Representatives of the organization were local President Mical Traynor, right, and volunteer Betty Corbin,middle. Introduction was made by Lion Jim Allen, left. Further information about “Village Friends” may be found at www.village-friends.org.

The Georgia Isles: Jekyll & St. Simons Islands

October 19 – 22, 2023

DELUXE CHARTER BUS TOUR

Explore the Isles’ Unique History & Natural Wonders!

•3 nights’ stay at Jekyll Hampton- Oceanside

•Private boat tour, marshlands, Maritime forest

•Fort Frederica and Battle of Bloody Marsh

•Gullah-Geechee culture, and much more!

$995/double $1395/single

Organizing top-quality historic tours since 2015

Tour Departs from Auburn/Opelika area

Contact Tour Organizer at (706)773-7961 for more info

Don’t delay, registration closes Sept. 1st!

This Week's Puzzle Answers