WAR EAGLE! IT’S FOOTBALL SEASON
Opelika Chamber appoints new REACH Campaign chair
CONTRIBUTED BY THE OPELIKA CHAMBER
OPELIKA — The Opelika Chamber of Commerce recently named Shey Knight as the 2024 REACH Campaign chair. A long time Opelika native who said he whole heartedly believes in this town and is passionate to see the business community thrive, Knight, the current co-owner of Autosport Bodyworks and Tints and owner of Insurance Solutions Group, is exactly what this year’s REACH campaign needs.
The REACH campaign develops the leadership and financial resources of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce through a strategic business development program. Led by an all-volunteer group, REACH secures business sponsors for the Chamber’s comprehensive program of work while attracting new members. These programs support
our mission of promoting the business interests of members through building bridges, cultivating community, elevating business and achieving excellence.
“We are beyond excited to have Shey at the helm of our REACH Campaign and look forward to helping businesses optimize their marketing budget by
directing them to chamber programs that align with their specific business interests,” Opelika Chamber Vice President Mackenzie Poole said.
The REACH Campaign will kick-off in early September and is led by a powerhouse team and has been carefully curated See REACH, page A4
Iam a 9/11 survi-
vor. I was on the 49th floor of the North Tower of WTC when the plane crashed in the building. To remember the fallen and appreciate the ongoing wonderful work of "My Real Super Heroes" (the firefighters, police force, first responders and armed forces), we have organized a "We Remember 9/11." I will personally be there to meet and thank my heroes.
This year on Sept. 11, we are going to host the "We Remember 9/11" at Philly Connection, located at 2328 S. College St. in Auburn.
For the 19th year in a row, Philly connection will be honored to host "The Real Super Heroes" for complementary meal on 9/11.
The invitation is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
We all need to thank and appreciate "The Real Super Heroes".
I will appreciate this being shared with the community. Community awareness is important to the cause.
Thank you.
SHEY KNIGHT
& SONIA MERCHANT
Citizens seek ‘Justice for Tias’; march planned Sept.
BY THE OBSERVER STAFF
OPELIKA — A crowd of citizens gathered at Christ Temple Holiness Church in Opelika last week for a “Justice for Tias” rally. Participants expressed grievances around the fatal shooting of a citizen by an Opelika police officer at Century Park Apartments on Century Blvd. last month.
Several attendees said there is a high level of distrust toward the officer who fired the shot that killed Tias Desquan
CONTRIBUTED BY LEE RUSSELL
OPELIKA — Lee Russell Public Transit (LRPT) is providing a free shuttle service from eight designated Opelika hotels to Dick’s Sporting Goods in Tiger Town to connect with Tiger Transit for home football games again this year. LRPT will pick up
Cobb, 25, of Auburn in the early morning hours of Aug. 18. Some attendees also expressed displeasure regarding the way the media reported on the incident; namely, that media identified the person shot by the officer as being armed — but did not report that he had undergone a background check to legally obtain a firearm.
An attorney identified as Ryan Williams of the RCW Law Group spoke to the group by telephone. He said he has filed to
guests at their hotels, deliver them to Tiger Transit and return them to their hotels when they return to Tiger Town. Tiger Transit will then shuttle guests from Dick’s Sporting Goods to Tiger Way near the stadium and return to Dick’s Sporting Goods for all home games.
LRPT’s Hotel Shuttle and Tiger Transit’s Football Shuttle will run four nhours
have the footage from police dashcams and officers’ vests released to the public as soon as possible.
“It’s time for us to get together now and make sure that we get the answer that we deserve, that we need [transparency] from the law enforcement officers, and we hold everyone accountable,” Williams said. “We’re going to make sure that we get the videos. We’re going to investigate this to the fullest on our own
before kickoff, throughout the game and two hours after the game. The Tiger Town Hotel Shuttle includes pickups and deliveries at the following Opelika locations:
- Fairfield Inn
- Hampton Inn
- Holiday Inn;
- Home2Suites
- La Quinta
- Microtel Inn
- Best Western and
end. We’re going to put our resources behind it. There’s a video here. We want to see it all. We want to comb through every inch of that apartment complex. We want to talk to every person that can see this so that we can make sure that… justice comes.”
Others among those in attendance were Oscar Penn of Concerned Citizens of Opelika, Elder James Johnson of Racial Justice Network and Laticia Smith of the Lee County Chapter of the
- Studio 6. No reservation is necessary and there is no charge for the service. Call (334) 749-9092 for more information. The Tiger Town Hotel Shuttle services is provided in cooperation with the city of Opelika, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Lee-Russell Council of Governments and Tiger Transit.
NAACP. The Racial Justice Network announced it will hold a protest march in Opelika at noon on Sept. 7. Those wanting to participate in the march should meet at the corner of Toomer Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Opelika.
Opelika’s Chief of Police, Shane Healey, issued the following statement upon a request by The Observer for more information regarding this matter.
“We understand
the family’s desire for immediate justice along with the community’s desire for answers. As a department, we are committed to serving our community with fairness, and in doing so, we must adhere to strict guidelines and procedures to uphold due process.
“It is our hope that the Opelika community, whom we have spent countless years building relationships with, understands the need to follow established legal proceedings to ensure a fair and just outcome.”
CONTRIBUTED BY CITY OF AUBURN
AUBURN — Auburn Parks and Recreation is looking for qualified contract instructors to teach classes and programs in the community. The department is seeking passionate individuals with expertise in fitness, arts, sports and recreation to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with Auburn residents.
Auburn Parks and Recreation offers a diverse range of programs and activities for people of all ages and abilities. The department is looking for instructors to lead classes in areas such as:
Fitness: Aquatics, Low Impact, Teen Fitness and Preschool Fitness
• Wellness: Nutrition Education, Stress Management, Support Group Leaders and Mindfulness Workshops
• Senior Programs: Mahjong, Bunco, Fitness, Music, etc.
Special Needs Programs: Art, Writing, Finance, Dance, etc.
• Special Interests: Homeschool Leaders, CPR/First Aid, ACT Prep, etc.
Athletics: Youth League Coaches, Tennis Instructors, Special Olympics Coaches
Qualified candidates should possess strong communication and interpersonal skills as well as a proven ability to create engaging and effective learning environments. Experience in teaching group classes is preferred but not required. References, and in some cases certifications, will be required.
Interested individuals may email Community and Special Programs Administrator Gabby Filgo at gfilgo@auburnalabama.org.
For more information about Auburn Parks and Recreation, please call (334) 5012930, visit auburnalabama.org/parks and follow Auburn Parks and Recreation on Facebook and Instagram.
New Chick-fil-A location now open in Auburn
CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
AUBURN — A new Chick-fil-A restaurant is now open at 2124 E. University Drive, adjacent to the Auburn Mall.
Will Bowling is the independent franchised local owner-operator of Chick-fil-A Auburn, which will be open Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Designed for speed and efficiency, this drive-thru-focused location offers added convenience to serve guests through its drivethru and a walk-up window for carry-out.
Chick-fil-A’s local owneroperators are small business owners, not passive investors, who work in their restaurants side by side with their team members each day. Bowling will be responsible for all day-to-day activities of the business, including employing approximately 110 full- and parttime team members. Bowling began his career with Chick-fil-A over 18 years ago, starting as a team member at just
14 years old. Following college graduation, Bowling was inspired by his uncle, David Clark, a local owner-operator based in Macon, Georgia, to pursue the opportunity to own his own Chick-fil-A restaurant. In 2014, Bowling began serving as a leader at a Chick-fil-A in Woodstock, Georgia, and later joined the Chick-fil-A Leadership Development Program. During these years, he gained valuable experience leading and supporting the openings of several new restaurants across the country. In 2018, he was selected as the local owner-operator of Chick-fil-A Auburn Mall. Under his leadership, Bowling’s team has earned several company-wide awards in recognition of their exceptional service and hospitality.
“I’m so grateful for this new opportunity to deepen our relationship with our guests in Auburn,” said Bowling. “My wife and I have planted roots here. We’ve raised our family here, so it’s special to us to be able to continue serving in a community that is truly our home.”
In celebration of the opening,
Chick-fil-A Inc. has donated $25,000 to Feeding America in honor of the new restaurant. These funds will be distributed to local partners to aid in the fight against hunger.
The Chick-fil-A business is built to add positive impact beyond profit, including giving back to local communities. Chick-fil-A owner-operators live and work in the communities their restaurants serve, each supporting local efforts to address hunger, education and making a positive impact.
Bowling’s restaurant is participating in the Chick-fil-A Shared Table program, an initiative that redirects surplus food from the restaurant to local soup kitchens, shelters, food banks and nonprofits in need. To date, more than 25 million meals have been created from Chickfil-A Shared Table donations from over 2,000 Chick-fil-A restaurants throughout the U.S. and Canada.
In addition, at the grand opening, Chick-fil-A Auburn recognized 100 local heroes making an impact in the Auburn area by providing them with free Chick-fil-A entrées for a year.
The Chick-fil-A cow
About Chick-fil-A Inc.
Chick-fil-A Inc. is the third largest quick-service restaurant company in the United States. The family-owned and privately held
company was founded in 1967 by S. Truett Cathy. More information on Chick-fil-A is available at www.chick-fil-a.com and @ ChickfilANews.
Ledbetter joins Three-Sixty’s Lake Martin team
CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
LAKE MARTIN — Three Sixty Real Estate is pleased to welcome Realtor Keri Ledbetter to its Resort
Living at Lake Martin office.
“Helping my clients find exactly what they are looking for brings me so much joy,” said Ledbetter.
“I’m excited to join the team at Three Sixty Lake Martin, where they combine professionalism and fun to make it a great client experience from start to finish.”
“I have respected Keri and her professionalism for years,” said Tricia Young, owner/broker of
Three Sixty Lake Martin. “We are so happy to have her on the team, and we look forward to helping her grow her business.”
Originally from Reeltown, right down the road from Lake Martin, Ledbetter’s first job was at Chuck’s making pizzas when she was a teenager. She attended Southern Union State College, then started her property management career in Orange Beach in 2017. She earned her real estate license in 2018 and moved back home to Lake Martin in 2021, where she and her partner Justin live on 80 acres in the country with their three children,
Carson, Kylie and Ryker.
About Three Sixty
Three Sixty is a full-service real estate and development needs firm with a primary goal of taking a project from concept to closing, making the development, construction and sales process as smooth as possible by providing a consistent partner to maintain the integrity of projects as a whole. Three Sixty strives to make a positive impact on the communities that it serves. To learn more, visit www.concepttoclosing.com or call (334) 8873601.
Chambers of Commerce celebrate ribbon-cuttings
TRICIA YOUNG, KERI LEDBETTER
visited the new Auburn location to encourage passers-by to “Eat more chicken!”
Darden Class of 1969 celebrates 55th reunion
theme was “Many different journeys, but still
er
and growing
55
Dr. Patsy
Smith wins national Master Gardener award
BY MIKE CLARDY, ACES
AUBURN — The Extension Master Gardener program, with a presence in all 50 states, Canada and South Korea, named Kerry Smith of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System winner of its 2024 Distinguished Coordinator award.
Smith received the award at the program’s annual conference Aug. 27 in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
“It has been a tremendous honor to work on the Home Grounds team,” Smith said. “These agents are the most dedicated folks I know, and I lack words to fully thank them for this nomination.”
Smith has been a leader in home horticulture with Alabama Extension for more than 20 years. She has guided the development and successful launch of three noteworthy statewide programs. These include the Alabama Smart Yards series, the Harvest for Health Study and the Grow More, Give More project.
“Working with the Extension Master Gardener volunteer program
has given me many rewarding experiences,” Smith said. “In addition to three impactful research projects, collectively Harvest for Health, it’s been gratifying to watch this program evolve from a mini-horticulture training into full-fledged team of agents and volunteers who teach Alabamians about home horticulture.”
Smith has also been proactive in collaborating with regional and national partners to deliver innovative programming. She contributed to developing the first Advanced Master Gardener certification in Water Smart Landscape Design by engaging with her counterparts at Clemson University and North Carolina State University. In 2010, she was a leader in this multi-state team of specialists and agents. Collectively, the team delivered advanced training to volunteers in Alabama, Georgia and North Carolina.
“Kerry’s contributions go well beyond Alabama Extension,” said Mike Phillips, director of Alabama Extension. “She serves on committees of the National Initiative for Consumer
Horticulture, among others, and the impact of her work is felt in communities across the country. Her impactful work demonstrates her commitment to advancing horticulture on a national scale.”
At Auburn University, Smith has made a difference over the years as a leader of the Home Grounds team.
“Kerry is very deserving of this honor,” said Becky Barlow, Alabama Extension assistant director for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources programs. “Her dedication, innovation and leadership have significantly advanced our programs and positively impacted the communities we serve.”
Since 2020, Smith has initiated and executed the Strategic Assessment of the Alabama Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program, conducting numerous focus groups and surveys. This effort culminated in a comprehensive five-year strategic plan. Finalized in late 2023, this plan updated the mission, vision, guiding principles and objectives of the program.
Savings possible thanks to new prescription law
CONTRIBUTED BY AARP
ALABAMA — AARP
released a report that shows an estimated 61,000 Alabamians on Medicare prescription drug plans will see savings thanks to a new out-of-pocket cap that starts Jan. 1, 2025. The savings are made possible by a provision in the 2022 prescription drug law that AARP championed which caps out-of-pocket prescription drug costs every year, beginning at $2,000 next year, for America’s 56 million Medicare drug plan enrollees.
The AARP report analyzes the number of enrollees who will benefit from the cap by state, age, gender and race between
2025 and 2029. The findings indicate that Medicare drug plan enrollees nationwide who reach the new out-of-pocket cap will see average savings of roughly $1,500, or 56%, in 2025 for their prescription drugs.
“AARP fought hard for the prescription drug law of 2022 because we knew it would provide crucial relief for Medicare enrollees here in Alabama and across the country by lowering drug prices and out-of-pocket costs,” said Candi Williams, state director of AARP Alabama, which serves more than 400,000 members age 50 and older in the state
“Knowing they won’t pay a dime over $2,000 next year – maximum – for
prescription drugs they get at the pharmacy gives Alabama seniors on Medicare drug plans some peace of mind as they struggle to keep up with rising costs for other everyday essentials like housing, groceries and utilities.”
Other findings from the report include:
• Between 3 and 4 million
Part D plan enrollees nationwide are estimated to benefit from the new out-of-pocket cap every year between 2025 and 2029, including more than 61,000 here in Alabama.
• By 2029, the share of enrollees benefiting from the new out-ofpocket cap is estimated to be 10 percent or higher in 19 states, includ-
ing Alabama, plus the District of Columbia.
More than three-quarters of Medicare drug plan enrollees who will benefit in 2025 are between the ages of 65 and 84.
“Limiting how much seniors on Medicare drug plans pay for prescription drugs every year builds on other new and important cost-saving measures, such as capping insulin co-pays at $35 a month and making many vaccines, such as shingles and pneumonia, free,” said Williams.
About AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering
Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/ about-aarp/, www.aarp. org/español or follow @ AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.
REACH >> from A1
to provide a variety of platforms for advertising, branding and networking that will help your business reach new heights. The REACH campaign chair will be the leader of the campaign bringing validity of the initiative to both the community and volunteers. It is important that this individual be a strong business leader in the community, a strategic Chamber partner and willing to encourage the volunteers. The Chamber said it is excited to see what Knight will accomplish during this year’s REACH Campaign.
The J.W. Darden High School Class of 1969 celebrated its 55th class reunion on Aug. 24 at the Southern Room at Southern Union State Community College. Wilbert D. Payne, Jr. was the chairperson. There were 36 classmates who attended: Dock Johnson, Earnestine Brooks, Wilbert D. Payne Jr., Aniese Nunn, Robert Houston, Juanita Parham, Ruby Giles, Jill Ashford, Bobby Jackson, Arcernetta Bryant, James Dowdell, James Ellis, Juanita Penn, Vandy Wilson, Diane Preston, Bishop Charles Pink, Dorothy Pink, Patricia Bethel, Eloise Jackson, Alice Hall, William Kindred, Sylvia Stephens, Jenelle Williams, Linda Hayes, Mattie Maddox, Charles Reed, Lodene Core, Larry Gray, Patricia Jones, Harvey Jackson, Leanadous Summers, Linda Cole, Evelyn Wallace, Joyce Stewart, Donald Bulter and Sylvester Brooks. The
bonded
after
years.”
Boyd Parker, former teacher, was a special guest. The group finalized the reunion by attending a service togeth-
at Little Zion AME Church on Sunday morning, Aug. 25.
KERRY SMITH
Habitat for Humanity receives donation from Sam’s Club
The Sam’s Club Team at Bent Creek
Road in Auburn presented a $1,000 check to Auburn Opelika Habitat for Humanity to help support home #78 that will be completed this year.
Pictured are Habitat Executive Director Mark Grantham, Board Vice President M.C. McCarthy and Board
Member Dan Mason, who thanked Sam’s Club Manager Steven Finch and his team of associates for helping to build homes, community and hope.
Along with Sam’s Club, the local Walmart Supercenters in Auburn and Opelika have joined Habitat’s Capital Campaign 2024-25, cumulatively contributing $3,500 in support of nonprofit affordable housing.
Letter to the editor
Dear Editor,
It’s important for veterans to talk with their families about their benefits and to stay organized, as well as to plan for their financial futures. Many families really struggle to understand the benefits system and some are taken advantage of.
Dr. Paul Lawrence used to be in charge of overseeing benefits at the Department of Veterans Affairs. He’s written a book to help veterans get the benefits they have earned and has some tips to help them think ahead, and we are encouraging all veterans to have conversations with their families about their benefits. He has written the article below offering some tips. We appreciate your help in sharing this information.
Ami Neiberger
Veterans: Inform your family about your VA benefits
More than 6 million Americans receive earned benefits for military service — including disability compensation, education benefits, caregiver assistance, burial benefits and more. It is critical for spouses and caregivers to know how veterans benefits are accessed and what could happen when or if a veteran dies.
Consider this scenario.
A veteran has not told his spouse much about his veteran’s benefits. The veteran dies suddenly. His spouse grieves and plans a funeral, which she pays for out of pocket.
The $2,500 tax-free payment from the VA for her husband’s disability compensation has stopped being deposited into their bank account, which her spouse managed. Now she struggles to meet her expenses and is afraid she will have to sell their home.
Ultimately, she realizes she must connect with the VA to try to access survivor benefits. As she works her way through the bureaucracy, she
struggles to understand what she may be eligible for and knows little about what her husband was receiving. This can be overwhelming during the best of times, but during this period of loss, it adds more stress.
Surviving spouses facing this situation are often approached by agents who offer to help them with VA benefits in return for payment. Faced with what feels like an insurmountable situation, some agree, even though paying for help is not necessary as many free resources are available to assist them.
Here are some tips to help veterans prevent this types of scenario from befalling their loved ones.
- Organize veterans benefits paperwork and information in a binder, and/or in a special digital folder that you share with your family. Carefully organize all the documentation related to your military service, your application for benefits, and the decision letters describing service connection. Store paper copies in a fireproof cab-
inet or safe. It is ideal to scan or photograph paper documentation and to also store it digitally on a computer or thumb drive.
- Explain your current veterans benefits to your family. Schedule a day and time to talk one-onone with your family about the benefits you receive. Get out your binder and digital files and explain to them how the information is organized. Help them understand the situation as it is today.
- Discuss what happens to these benefits after you die and what additional benefits the family may receive. Disability compensation payments stop after a veteran dies. Additional survivor and burial benefits may be available after a veteran’s passing. You can learn more by checking online at VA.gov or with a veterans service officer (VSO).
- Plan ahead for possible financial shortfalls. Even if a survivor benefit is awarded to a widow or widower by the VA, the payment for this benefit will typically be lower than the disability compensation the veter-
an received while alive. One way to address this income shortfall before the veteran dies is to purchase life insurance that will provide additional income for the spouse.
- Give your family contact information for your VSO. Ideally, your spouse should be introduced to the VSO, so the spouse knows who can assist with applying for survivor and burial benefits after the veteran dies.
While these conversations can be tough for many, they can better inform and relieve stress for our families in the future. You want for the people you love to be taken care of after you are gone, so do not delay having these conversations.
Paul R. Lawrence Ph.D. served as Under Secretary for Benefits at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs from May 2018 to January 2021. He is the author of “Veterans Benefits for You: Get what You Deserve,” published in 2023.
East Alabama Health launches new LPN school
CONTRIBUTED BY EAH
OPELIKA — As students returned to classes earlier this month, school also rang into session for the first time at East Alabama Health’s (EAH) new LPN (licensed practical nurse) school. The first 14 students, who are also EAH employees, began their classes on Monday, Aug. 19, and are scheduled to graduate in August 2025. The new LPN school, with classes led by Chattahoochee Valley Community College (CVCC) instructors, was started to help address the need for more nurses in the east Alabama region. Students in the program get paid while enrolled and keep employment during school. After
finishing their degree, the students step into their new jobs at East Alabama Health as LPNs.
“There is a critical need for more nurses throughout the health care industry, and with the rapid growth of our community, it was vitally important for us to identify ways to address this need,” said Susan Johnston, East Alabama Health’s vice president of Human Resources. “By investing in our employees through on-site training, we can meet this need head-on and better serve the needs of our community.
“We are extremely thankful to Chattahoochee Valley Community College for partnering with us on this important endeavor and are excited to see this collaborative program come to fruition.”
The LPN school is being held at East Alabama Health’s new Education Center at 1805 Lakeside Circle in Auburn. The facility includes a lecture room, a simulation lab, a fundamentals lab, a pharmacology lab, and office/ meeting space. While the program is initially limited to East Alabama Health employees with at least one year of service, the plans are to one day expand the opportunity to non-employees.
The collaboration between East Alabama Health and CVCC to train LPNs on-site is the first of its kind in the region.
Dr. Bridgett Jackson, Health Sciences director at CVCC, expressed her enthusiasm for the program, stating, "This partnership with East Alabama Health is a significant step forward in addressing the critical need for practical nurses in our region. We are committed to providing our students with the best possible education and training, and this collaboration allows us to do just that. By working closely with East Alabama Health, we ensure that our graduates are well-prepared to pass the NCLEX-PN and ready to deliver exceptional care to the patients they will serve."
In addition to the LPN school, East Alabama Health offers a variety of educational programs for students and employees looking to further their education. High school students can participate in the organization’s “Earn-nLearn” program which allows them to gain practical experience and get paid while still in school. Also, students and employees interested in pursuing higher education may apply for numerous scholarships or participate in East Alabama Health’s scholarship loan program.
“By providing high-quality education and hands-on training, East Alabama Health seeks to provide our employees with the skills they need to excel in their careers and deliver exceptional care to our patients,” stated Jennifer Terry, East Alabama Health’s director of Education. “All of our education initiatives reflect our commitment to investing in the future of health care and ensuring that our region has the talented professionals it needs to thrive."
EAH Partners with Auburn Athletics, local Businesses; launches ‘Tiger Tots’ Program
OPELIKA — EAH announced its partnership with Auburn Athletics to offer every baby born at East Alabama Medical Center (EAMC) a keepsake “Tiger Tots” blanket that features both the Aubie logo and the East Alabama Health logo. The program started with Auburn’s first football game this past Saturday (Aug. 31).
The Tiger Tots blanket will be included in a gift bag that new moms receive when delivering at EAMC. It includes essentials provided by EAMC’s Childbirth Services that new moms and babies need in the days and weeks following delivery.
As the Tiger Tots program grows, the gift bag will include items provided by members of the Auburn Chamber of Commerce and/or the Opelika Chamber of Commerce. Parents will also receive a brochure from the College Counts 529 program so they can begin financial planning for college.
Chamber businesses interested in including items in the gift bag for moms and babies — such as promo items, gift cards, coupons, vouchers — should contact Mackenzie Poole with the Opelika Chamber of Commerce (mackenzie@opelikachamber.com), or Stephanie Calhoun (stephanie@auburnchamber.com) with the Auburn Chamber of Commerce. Items provided are subject to approval by East Alabama Health officials.
EAMC delivers about 2,200 babies each year and earned recognition on Newsweek’s 2024 list of America’s Best Maternity Hospitals. In addition, EAMC also received the 2024 Women’s Choice Best Hospitals Award for Obstetrics.
About East Alabama Health
East Alabama Health encompasses East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, EAMC-Lanier in Valley, the Spencer Cancer Center in Opelika, the Auburn Medical Pavilion and a host of other key medical clinics and practices that help provide a continuum of care to patients throughout an 11-county area. EAMC is a 314-bed regional referral hospital, while EAMC-Lanier provides emergency and outpatient services, as well as a nursing home and an ambulatory surgery center. East Alabama Health employs about 3,800 people and is the second largest employer in the region, trailing only Auburn University. For more information, visit www.eastalabamahealth.org.
L labama Politics ee County & A
Alabama politics has been affected by presidential assassination attempts
OPINION —
America has a long history of presidential assassinations and assassination attempts.
The two most notable, as well as history changing, were the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, our 16th president, and John F. Kennedy, our 35th president.
I remember vividly the sad and poignant saga of Kennedy’s assassination. It was a tragic event. The scenes are indelibly planted into the memories of those of us who are old enough to remember. A short time later his brother, Robert F. Kennedy, was assassinated while running for president. The 1960s were a tumultuous decade.
In recent decades, President Ronald Reagan was shot and recovered without any complications. Presidents Gerald Ford and George H.W. Bush were attacked. Closer to home, our own Gov. George C. Wallace was mortally shot during a presidential foray, but remarkably survived, although he was left paralyzed.
Wallace was in the middle of his third term as governor of our state. He was known as the most ardent segregationist in the nation. He had parlayed this notoriety into becoming a national presidential candidate.
He was garnering large and fervent fiery crowds on the campaign trail. He was speaking at a rally in a parking lot in Laurel, Maryland, in May of 1972, when a crazed gunman named Arthur Bremer shot him several times and pierced numerous vital organs. Most people would not have survived. He was hospitalized in Maryland for over a month with it being touch and go as to whether he would live or die. He barely survived, but it left him a paraplegic. He was confined to a wheelchair and in constant pain for the rest of his life.
This year’s July 13 assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump and the assassination attempt on Wallace were very similar. They both were helped immensely, politically, by the bullets. Trump was leading in the polls due to the obvious cognitive decline of Joe Biden. However, Trump’s resilience and quick defiant response was iconic. It has made him a martyr among Republicans.
The assassination attempt on Wallace also saved his political life, and politics was his life. Wallace was not going to become the Democratic nominee in 1972, much less win the presidency. He was on a Don Quixote endeavor. However, being governor of Alabama was his life and the bullets that riddled his body saved his political life.
Wallace had been elected governor for his first term in 1962. He had ridden the race issue to his lifelong dream. He had won with the race issue. Big Jim Folsom was soft on the race issue and would not demagogue or race bait. Wallace was at
See FLOWERS, page A9
Raven Harvis
announces
run for mayor Campaign to kickoff with OHS homecoming tailgate party
CONTRIBUTED BY HARVIS FOR MAYOR
OPELIKA — Raven Harvis has announced her candidacy for Mayor of Opelika.
To kick off her campaign, Harvis will host a public campaign launch tailgate on Friday, Sept. 20, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Opelika High School, before the Bulldogs take the field for their homecoming game.
All are welcome to attend and enjoy food, games and a chance to rally together in support of the Bulldogs.
This event will provide an opportunity for residents to engage with Harvis directly, share their concerns and learn more about her platform and plans for Opelika’s future.
“I believe that the heart of Opelika lies in its people, and I want to hear from every corner
of our community,” said Harvis. “This campaign is about connecting every neighborhood and every heart. I look forward to meeting with our residents, listening to their needs and working together to help Opelika become the “Gateway to Greatness.”
According to a press release from the Harvis for Mayor Campaign, “Harvis is running for mayor to bring positive change while maintaining Opelika’s core values as a city.” She “is committed to strengthening schools, fostering economic growth and expanding opportunities for civic engagement for all residents” and “is excited to bring her vision for the future to the people of Opelika.”
For more information about the candidate and her campaign, visit
www.harvisformayor.com. To contact the campaign, email admin@ harvisformayor.com.
Niagara Bottling to invest $20 million in a facility expansion
BY MICHELLE KEY PUBLISHER
OPELIKA — Niagara Bottling LLC announced a major expansion of its facility located at 2710 Andrews Road. The expansion project will involve the acquisition of new manufacturing machinery and other new personal property, and will require a total capital investment of approximately $20 million. The Opelika City council
approved certain tax abatements and exemptions for company during Tuesday night’s city council meeting.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
The council held nine public hearings on the adoption of standard technical codes relating to residential, commercial and industrial construction during the meeting. The ordinances should they be approved at the Sept. 17
meeting will update the building codes to the 2021 editions of the International Building Code, the International Fire Code, the International Fuel Gas Code, the International Plumbing Code, The International Property Maintenance Code, the International Residence Code and the 2021 edition of the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code. It will also update the existing ordinance to the 2020 edition
70 National Electric Code and the 2024 edition of the International Mechanical Code. The ordinance was introduced for its first reading after the public hearings. The council also held public hearings on a weed abatement assessment for 2102 S. Long St., an ordinance to amend the Zoning Ordinance & Map
Auburn City Council approves $150 million general fund budget
BY OBSERVER STAFF
AUBURN — The Auburn City Council approved a fiscal year 2025 general fund budget of just under $150 million during Tuesday night’s city council meeting. The total anticipated revenue for the general fund during FY 2025 includes nearly $76 million in locally levied taxes and another $19
million in property taxes and state-shared taxes. Licenses, permits and other fees make up another $38.3 million.
Mayor Ron Anders and the council recognized employees for their time in service to the city during the meeting. Those recognized for 20 years or more included Johnderick Zellers, Environmental Services, 20 years; Allison Edge, Finance
Department, 25 years; and John Lankford, Fire Department, 30 years
IN OTHER BUSINESS
- The council announced a board vacancy for the West Pace Village Improvement District Board for a term to begin immediately and end Sept. 15, 2030.
- The council approved the minutes from the Aug.
20 meeting.
- The council approved a request for a special event retail ABC alcohol license by Ithaka Hospitality Partners Auburn Beverage, LLC doing business as The Hotel at Auburn University located at 620 S. Donahue Drive.
- The council approved a
BY STEVE FLOWERS
RAVEN HARVIS
I N THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY,ALABAMA CASE NO. CV-24-900161
VICKIE RIGGINS, Plaintiff, vs. A PARCEL OF LAND LOCATED IN LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA, TO-WIT:
Start at the NW corner of Section 20; Township 18 North; Range 28 East, Lee County, Alabama; thence North 89 degrees 03 minutes 06 seconds East, 274.72 feet to a point on the Easterly ROW of a Lee County Road; thence South 15 degrees 00 minutes 00 seconds East along said ROW, 448.70 feet to a point; thence South 15 degrees, 55 minutes, 05 seconds East, 46.21 feet; thence South 14 degrees 55 minutes 05 seconds East along said ROW, 810.85 feet to point of beginning of parcel to be described; thence leaving said ROW North 89 degrees 03 minutes 26 seconds East, 1144.92 feet to a point; thence South 06 degrees 21 minutes 29 seconds Wet, 265.31 feet to a point; thence North 86 degrees 01 minute 28 seconds West, 718.46 feet to a point; thence South 75 degrees 00 minutes 00 seconds West, 335.00 feet to a point on the Easterly ROW of a Lee County Road; thence North 14 degrees 55 minutes 05 seconds West along said ROW, 291.56 feet to a point of beginning, containing 5.9559 acres; being parcel 6 of that certain plat of survey prepared by James W. Calhoun, reg L. S. No. 9426, entitled “Survey for Williams Estate” and dated April 12, 1988, and May 24, 1988, SHAWAN PARKER, CEDRIC PARKER, BRUYTTA PARKERBAILEY UNKNOWN HEIRS OF CONSTANCE PARKER AND TERRIE PARKER
McLEAN, UNKNOWN HEIRS OF WILLIE PARKER BELL, UNKNOWN HEIRS OF NELLIE PARKER, ANY UNKNOWN PERSONS Defendants. } NOTICE OF ACTION
To: All Defendants herein, whose whereabouts are unknown, and which cannot be ascertained after the exercise of reasonable diligence.
You are hereby notified that on the 8th day of April 2024 a Bill to Quiet Title and Complaint to Sell for Division was filed in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama, regarding the following described real property: Start at the NW corner of Section 20; Township 18 North; Range 28 East, Lee County, Alabama; thence North 89 degrees 03 minutes 06 seconds East, 274.72 feet to a point on the Easterly ROW of a Lee County Road; thence South 15 degrees 00 minutes 00 seconds East along said ROW, 448.70 feet to a point; thence South 15 degrees, 55 minutes, 05 seconds East, 46.21 feet; thence South 14 degrees 55 minutes 05 seconds East along said ROW, 810.85 feet to point of beginning of parcel to be described; thence leaving said ROW North 89 degrees 03 minutes 26 seconds East, 1144.92 feet to a point; thence South 06 degrees 21 minutes 29 seconds West, 265.31 feet to a point; thence North 86 degrees 01 minute 28 seconds West, 718.46 feet to a point; thence South 75 degrees 00 minutes 00 seconds West, 335.00 feet to a point on the Easterly ROW of a Lee County Road; thence North 14 degrees 55 minutes 05 seconds West along said ROW, 291.56 feet to a point of beginning, containing 5.9559 acres; being parcel 6 of that certain plat of survey prepared by James
W. Calhoun, reg L. S. No. 9426, entitled “Survey for Williams Estate” and dated April 12, 1988, and May 24, 1988.
All persons having an interest in said lands or any portion thereof, claiming any title thereto or any encumbrance or lien thereon, are hereby directed to plead, answer, or otherwise respond to the Complaint on or before the expiration of 30 days after the last publication of this notice, or thereafter suffer judgment by default to be rendered against them it being intended that this notice shall be used to perfect service against all parties who cannot be personally served with a copy of the Complaint
Done this the 29th day of July, 2024 Mary Roberson Circuit Court Clerk, Lee County Benjamin H. Parr 830 Avenue A, Suite A Opelika, Alabama 36801
Telephone Number: 334-749-6999 Fax: 334-203-1875 ben(a),benparrlaw.com Legal Run 08/15/24, 08/22/24, 08/29/24 & 09/05/24
INVITATION TO BID 24032
Sealed bids for the construction of the Grandberry Drive Extension shall be received at the Opelika City Hall Conference Room, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m., local time on September 10, 2024, and then publicly opened and read aloud. All interested parties are invited to attend. Only bids from competent general contractors will be considered. At the time of contract award, the successful bidder must be a properly licensed general contractor. The attention of all bidders is called to the provisions of State law governing “General Contractors” as set forth in the Ala. Code §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. Bidders are required to have a State of Alabama General Contractor’s License with a specialty of “Highways and Streets, Clearing and Grubbing, Earthwork, Erosion, Site Work, Grading or Municipal and Utility”. All bidders must submit with their proposal, contractor’s license number and a copy of the license. State law Ala. Code §34-8-8(b) requires all bids to be rejected which do not contain the contractor’s current license number. Evidence of this license shall be documented on the outside of the sealed bid.
All bidders shall possess all other licenses and/or permits required by applicable law, rule or regulation for the performance of the work.
Drawings and Specifications may be examined at the Office of the City Engineer located at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama, and phone number: 334-705-5450. Bid documents may be obtained from the Office of the City Engineer at no charge as an electronic file if the bidder supplies a storage drive or as an email attachment or electronic drop box. Bid documents may also be obtained on the City’s website at www.opelika-al.gov/bids.
aspx. The bidder’s proposal must be submitted on the complete original proposal furnished to him/her by the City of Opelika. All information in the proposal must be completed by the bidder for the proposal to be accepted.
A Bid Bond in the amount of five (5) percent of the
PUBLIC NOTICES
bid amount made payable to the City of Opelika must accompany each bid. Performance and Payment Bonds for the full contract sum will be required of the successful bidder. The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids and to waive irregularities. Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to Lillie Finley, Purchasing-Revenue Manager, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama, 36803-0390. Attn: Grandberry Drive
Extension
LILLIE FINLEYPURCHASING-REVENUE MANAGER CITY OF OPELIKA
204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET (36801)
POST OFFICE BOX 390 (36803-0390) OPELIKA, ALABAMA
PH: (334) 705-5120
Legal Run 08/22/24, 08/29/24 & 09/05/24
INVITATION TO BID
24031
Sealed bids for the construction of Spring Villa shall be received at the Opelika City Hall 2nd Floor Conference Room, 204 South Seventh Street Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m., local time on Thursday, September 12, 2024, and publicly opened and read aloud. All interested parties are invited to attend. Only bids from competent general contractors will be considered. At the time of contract award, the successful bidder must be a properly licensed general contractor. The attention of all bidders is called to the provisions of State law governing “General Contractors” as set forth in the Ala. Code §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 Non-Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Central Time, at the Opelika City Hall 2nd Floor Conference Room (204 S. 7th Street, Opelika, Alabama).
Bidders are required to have a State of Alabama General Contractor’s License. All bidders must submit with their proposal, contractor’s license number, and a copy of the license. State law Ala. Code §34-8-8(b) requires all bids to be rejected which do not contain the contractor’s current license number. Evidence of this license shall be documented on the outside of the sealed bid.
All General Contractors bidding on this project shall be required to visit the site and examine all existing conditions prior to submitting their proposal. All Bidders shall have general liability and workman’s compensation insurance. The project shall be bid excluding taxes. Bids must be submitted on proposal forms furnished by the City of Opelika. The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids and to waive irregularities if, in the Owner’s judgment, the best interests of the Owner will thereby be promoted. As a condition of award, the business entity and its subcontractors shall not knowingly employ or hire an unauthorized alien within the State of Alabama. The awarded business entity must provide documentation of enrollment in the E-Verify program. The business must participate in the E-Verify program for the length of the contract.
A certified check or Bid Bond payable to the City of Opelika, Alabama, in an amount not less than five percent (5%) of the amount
of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000.00 must accompany the bidder’s sealed proposal - refer also to Instructions to Bidders. Performance and statutory labor and material bonds will be required at the signing of the Contract. In addition, a payment bond to the awarding authority letting the contract shall be executed in an amount not less than 50 percent (50%) of the contract price, with the obligation that the contractor or contractors shall promptly make payments to all persons supplying labor, materials, or supplies for or in the prosecution of the work provided in the contract and for the payment of reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred by successful claimants or plaintiffs in civil actions on the bond. Drawings and specifications may be obtained at www.sslarchitecture.com/ bids/ or by contacting Nick Vansyoc, nvansyoc@ sslarch.com or (334) 7816029, at Seay, Seay & Litchfield, P.C., at no charge as an electronic file if the bidder supplies a storage drive or as an email attachment. Additionally, bid documents are available on the City of Opelika’s website at www.opelika-al.gov/ bids.aspx. Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to Lillie Finley, Purchasing-Revenue Manager, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Opeli¬ka, Alabama 36803-0390. Attn: Spring Villa LILLIE FINLEYPURCHASING-REVENUE MANAGER
CITY OF OPELIKA
204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET 36801
POST OFFICE BOX 390 36803-0390 OPELIKA, ALABAMA
PH: (334) 705-5120
Legal Run 08/22/24, 08/29/24 & 09/05/24
CASE NO. 2024 - 463
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The State of Alabama, Lee County Probate Court Estate of: BARBARA D. WILSON, Deceased. Letters Testamentary upon the estate of said decedent, having been granted to the undersigned on the 6th day of August, 2024, by the Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said Estate are required to file an itemized and verified statement of such claim in the office of the said Judge of Probate within six months from the above date, or said claim will be barred and payment prohibited.
MICHAEL STANLEY WILSON, Executor. NOTICE TO CREDITORS
BILLING INFORMATION: HARRIS H. ANTHONY, ESQ. MAYNARD NEXSEN PC 1901 Sixth Avenue North, Suite 1700 Birmingham, AL 35203 Tel: 205-254-1000
Executors:
Dated: Aug. 6, 2024
MICHAEL STANLEY WILSON
Legal Run 08/22/2024, 08/29/2024 & 09/05/2024
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA
IN RE: The Estate of Mildred Q. Moncrief
Also Known As Mildred Bellflower Davis, Deceased Case No. 2024-315
TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration with Will Annexed having been granted to WILLIAM (BILL) P. DAVIS, as Administrator of the Estate of MILDRED Q. MONCRIEF, ALSO KNOWN AS, MILDRED BELLFLOWER DAVIS, deceased, on the 15th day of
August, 2024, by Honorable Bill English, Lee County Probate Judge. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.
WILLIAM (BILL) P. DAVIS Administrator of the Estate of MILDRED Q. MONCRIEF also known as MILDRED BELLFLOWER DAVIS Legal Run 08/22/2024, 08/29/2024 & 09/05/2024
IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF JOSEPH J. CANNON, DECEASED Case No. 2024-439 NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration have been granted to Joanne LaBuda as Administratrix for the Estate of Joseph J. Cannon, deceased on August 15, 2024, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Done this the 15th day of August 2024.
BILL ENGLISH, Probate Judge, Lee County, Alabama Legal Run 08/29/2024, 09/05/2024 & 09/12/2024
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No.: CV-2024-900393 JUNE BARNES, as Personal Representative of the Estate of Cecil Day, deceased, Plaintiff, v. A tract or parcel of land designated as: A parcel of land lying in Sections 4 &5, Township 18 North, Range 26 East, Lee County, Alabama, and being more particularly described as follows: Commending at the locally accepted Southwest corner of Section 5, Township 18 North, Range 26 East, Lee County, Alabama; thence North 00° 40’ 49” West 2,130.08 feet to a found ½ pipe located on the Westerly right-of-way of New Wright’s Mill Road and the POINT OF BEGINNING of parcel described herein described; thence leaving said right-of-way North 01° 28’ 48” West, a distance of 164.28 feet to a found 2 inch pipe; thence North 00° 23’ 58” East, a distance of 261.89 feet to a found ¾ inch pipe; thence North 05° 29’ 04” West, a distance of 161.87 fee to a Found ¾ inch solid iron; thence North 00° 04’ 33” East, a distance of 25.12 feet to a found 1 Inch flat iron; thence North 21° 30’ 21” West, a distance of 257.52 feet to a set 5/8 inch rebar set along the Southeasterly right-of-way of Interstate Highway 85; thence along said right-ofway North 53° 48’ 34” East, a distance of 284.61 feet to a distance of 393.40 feet to a found 1 inch flat iron; thence South 05° 45’ 23” West, a distance of 592.43 feet to a found ½ inch pipe located on the Western right-of-way of New Wrights Mill Road; thence along said right-of-way South 30° 26’ 43” West, a distance of 44.94 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING. Containing 2.04 acres, being further described On that certain Boundary Survey for Melmer Smith prepared on 10/20/10 by J. Keith Maxwell, Ala. Reg. Land
Surveyor No. 17262, A copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit “A.” AndJohn Bowen, Jr., and/or the unknown heirs Of John Bowen, Jr. And Rebecca Bowen, and/ or the unknown heirs Of Rebecca Bowen, And Fictitious Defendants A, B, C, D, E, F & G, Being Persons, Individuals, Firms, Associations, Partnerships, Corporations or other Entities, Whose names are otherwise unknown to the Plaintiff, but who claim interest in and to the above-captioned parcel of land, and whose correct names and legal identities will be added by Amendment when ascertained, Defendants. PUBLICATION NOTICE John Bowen, Jr., Rebecca Bowens, and any other persons who may claim an interest in the real property more particularly described herein below (“Defendants”), must answer the Complaint to Quiet Title, filed by the Estate of Cecil Day, deceased, by and through its Personal Representative, June Barnes, on or before November 1, 2024, or a Judgment by Default may be rendered against them in Lee County Case No.: CV-2024-900393. The real property situated in Lee County, Alabama, is more particularly described as: A parcel of land lying in Sections 4 &5 Township 18 North, Range 26 East, Lee County, Alabama, and being more particularly described as follows: Commending at the locally accepted Southwest corner of Section 5 Township 18 North, Range 26 East, Lee County, Alabama; thence North 00° 40’ 49” West 2,130.08 feet to a found ½ pipe located on the Westerly right-of-way of New Wright’s Mill Road and the POINT OF BEGINNING of parcel described herein described; thence leaving said right-of-way North 01° 28’ 48” West, a distance of 164.28 feet to a found 2 inch pipe; thence North 00° 23’ 58” East, a distance of 261.89 feet to a found ¾ inch pipe; thence North 05° 29’ 04” West, a distance of 161.87 fee to a Found ¾ inch solid iron; thence North 00° 04’ 33” East, a distance of 25.12 feet to a found 1 Inch flat iron; thence North 21° 30’ 21” West, a distance of 257.52 feet to a set 5/8 inch rebar set along the Southeasterly right-of-way of Interstate Highway 85; thence along said right-ofway North 53° 48’ 34” East, a distance of 284.61 feet to a distance of 393.40 feet to a found 1 inch flat iron; thence South 05° 45’ 23” West, a distance of 592.43 feet to a found ½ inch pipe located on the Western right-of-way of New Wrights Mill Road; thence along said right-of-way South 30° 26’ 43” West, a distance of 44.94 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING. Containing 2.04 acres, being further described on that certain Boundary Survey for Melmer Smith prepared on 10/20/10 by J. Keith Maxwell, Ala. Reg. Land Surveyor No. 17262, A copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit “A.” This notice is Ordered by Lee County Circuit Judge Christopher J. Hughes on August 19, 2024, a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
/s/ Jonathan K. Corley Attorney for June Barnes, as Personal Representative of the Estate of Cecil Day, deceased Mary B. Roberson, Lee County Circuit Clerk Legal Run 08/29/24, 09/05/24, 09/12/24 & 09/19/24
from R1 to a planned unit development (PUD) for Sportsplex Parkway and a hearing for the revocation of business license at 1002 Columbus Parkway. The ordinance to amend the zoning ordinance and map was later introduced for its first reading.
IN OTHER BUSINESS
- The council voted to approve a bid from SDAC for nearly $875,000 for the North 7th Street Storm Drainage project.
- The council approved a request for a downtown street closure for the City of Opelika National Night Out event on Oct. 1
- The council approved a request for a downtown street closure for an AIDB 5K event schedule for Oct. 19.
- The council approved expense reports from various departments.
- The council voted to accept the dedication of a public right-of-way at Intersection of Frederick Road and Cunningham Drive.
- The council voted to approve the amending the Organizational Chart of the Opelika Fire Department.
- The council approved a professional services agreement with CDG Engineering & Associates Inc., for construction, engineering and inspection services for Pepperell Parkway MPO Project.
FLOWERS >> from A7
the height of his popularity in 1966 and wanted a second term. However, the Alabama Constitution prohibited him from succeeding himself, so he ran his wife, Lurleen, in his stead. She won overwhelmingly. Wallace was actually governor. Lurleen succumbed to cancer in 1968, and Lt. Gov. Albert Brewer ascended to governor for two years.
Wallace and Brewer clashed in the most titanic and bitter governor’s race in Alabama political history in 1970. In that
CLASSIFIEDS
SERVICES
- The council approved a professional services agreement with Sain Associates for the Gateway Drive Traffic Signal study and Signal Warrant Analysis at 2nd Avenue and N. 3rd Street. The estimated compensation due to Sain Associations is $36,000.
- Following a nearly four hour public hearing, the council voted to table the resolution for the revocation of the business license of BRP Hospitality LLC doing business as Springwood Hotel located at 1002 Columbus Parkway. Alleged reasons for the revocation included
• The licensee allegedly has allowed the hotel premises to be the scene of ongoing criminal activity. Between Jan. 1, 2021, and July 14, 2024, the hotel has had 769 responses by the Opelika Police Department to the Springwood Hotel.
• The licensee has allegedly allowed persons to gather on the premises of the hotel for purposes of engaging in drug-related activities.
• The licensee has allegedly permitted or allowed to exist, acts of prostitution upon the premises of the hotel.
• The licensee has allegedly failed to take reasonable measures to provide adequate security to make the hotel premises reasonably safe for its guests and visitors. The city presented two witnesses during the due
race, Brewer led Wallace in the first primary, largely due to a gigantic Black voter turnout. Black Alabamians had just been given the right to vote by the 1965 Voting Rights Act and they were taking advantage of that right. Wallace came back with the most overt, racist campaign ads in American history and edged Brewer out and captured the governor’s office for a third time. Wallace had been bitten by the presidential bug and ran in 1968. He was constantly out of state and not tending to being governor. Brewer had wounded him with a
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process public hearing. Attorney Algert Agricola Jr., representing the licensee, also presented information during the hearing, questioned the city’s witnesses and called upon four individuals to speak on the issues.
The council will vote on the resolution at the Oct. 1 meeting, and the licensee will have until that time to provide a report from a structural engineer and plans for the buildings.
- The council approved a temporary construction easement with Hamilton Gables Homeowners Association.
- The council approved the weed abatement assessment for 2102 S. Long St.
- The council approved an ordinance to establish public records policies to comply with the Alabama Public Records Act.
- The council introduced an ordinance that would approve the first amendment to the Ground Lease with SBA Towers IV LLC for its first reading. SBA Towers IV LLC leases nearly a quarter acre of land located at 1051 Douglas St. and maintains a communications antenna on the property. The original lease with Hemphill Corporation and later assigned to SBA Towers IV LLC was entered into January 2000. The ordnance will amend and supplement the lease to provide for five additional successive renewal terms of five years.
slogan, “Alabama needs a full-time governor.”
Wallace had pleaded with Alabamians in the 1970 runoff. He went to every city and hamlet in the state and swore that, “if you elect me governor, I will never again leave the state and will stay home and be a full-time governor.”
After his razor thin, comefrom-behind, race baiting, “full-time governor” promising win, the next day he was on a plane to Wisconsin running for president.
Alabamians did not like this overt demagogic lie. He was not going to win the governor’s race in 1974. Brewer and two
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Mgr LLC doing business as Proof of the Pudding at Plainsman Park located at 349 S. Donahue Drive.
request for a speial event retail ABC alcohol licenses by Ithaka Hospitality Partners Auburn Beverage, LLC doing business as The Hotel at Auburn University located at 901 S. College St.
- The council approved a request by MMM24, LLC doing business as Ponko Chicken for a restaurant retail liquor license. The restaurant is located 2111 S. College St., Suite C, in Auburn.
- The council approved a special retail — more than 30 days ABC license for Proof of the Pudding by Mgr LLC doing business as Proof of the Pudding at Neville Arena located at 250 Beard Eaves Court.
- The council approved a special retail — more than 30 days ABC license for Proof of the Pudding by
newcomers, Attorney General Bill Baxley and Lt. Gov. Jere Beasley, were all planning to run in 1974. One of them would have beaten Wallace. However, after the bullet wounds in Maryland, sympathy for Wallace was too great. The three Bs had to wait until 1978. The assassin’s bullets severely ruined and limited Wallace’s life but saved his political life.
See you next week.
Steve Flowers’ weekly column appears in more than 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. steve@ steveflowers.us.
- The council approved a restaurant retail liquor license for Tacorita LLC doing business as Tacorita located at 155 N. College St.
- The council approved an agreement with C Spire Business for the VMWare license renewal for eight Dell VXRail E560F nodes for an amount of nearly $67,000.
- The council approved a master standard agreement for professional engineering and related services with JACOBS.
- The council approved public sanitary sewer and sidewalk easements located on site of The Graduate as shown on the plat: Anders Bookstore Subdivision, First Addition and Revision of Lot 1 (Case AS-2024066), located at 212 W. Magnolia Ave. The owner
of the property is GAAL Owner LLC Graduate Hotel).
- The council approved and ordinance to Amend the mid-biennial budget for fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, 2023, and ending Sept. 30, 2024.
- The council approved a development agreement with CoBek Development LLC for The Vintage Expansion on East University Drive. According to work papers in the council agenda packet, “The Vintage Expansion (Development) is a proposed mixed-use, multi-unit development on approximately 6.08 acres on the northeast corner of East University Drive and a private street which extends north across from Stoker Street. This development is a continuation of the initial development, The Vintage, which sits adjacent to the site on the northwestern corner of the same intersection.”
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AUBURN >> from A7
Publication Notice to Creditors of Appointment IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA
CASE NO.: 2024-490
IN RE: THE ESTATE OF SUSAN T. BECK, DECEASED.
TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Darren Thomas Beck, as Executor of the Estate of Susan T. Beck, deceased, on the 21st day of August, 2024, by the Honorable Bill English. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same be barred.
Darren Thomas Beck, Executor of the Estate of Susan T. Beck, Deceased
Michael W. Kelley, II Kelley Legacy Law, LLC
3320 Skyway Drive, Suite 711
Opelika, AL 3680 l
334-801-9797
Legal Run 08/29/24, 09/05/24 & 09/12/24
IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JOSEPH SINGLETON YORK, JR, Deceased Case No.: 2024- 496
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Rose Lynn Bliss York, Personal Representative on the 26th day of August, 2024, by Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.
Rose Lynn Bliss York Legal Run 08/29/24, 09/05/24 & 09/12/24
STATE OF ALABAMA
LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT CASE NO. 2024-489
ESTATE OF DEBORAH
GAMMON FORD, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE
Letters Testamentary of said Deborah Gammon Ford, deceased, having been granted to Don Rogers this 26th day of August 2024, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by the law or the same will be barred.
Don Rogers, Personal Representative
Jeffery A. Hilyer Attorney at Law 334-745-2564
P.O. Box 30 Opelika, Alabama
36803-0030. Legal Run 08/28/24, 09/05/24, 09/12/24
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of GLADYS DOWDELL
DUMAS, Deceased CASE NO.: 2024-350 NOTICE TO CREDITORS
TAKE NOTICE that on the 30th day of July, 2024, Letters of Administration were granted by the Honorable Bill English to Vivian Banks, as Administrator of the Estate of Gladys Dowdell Dumas, who was deceased on the 28th day of February of 2023.
NOTICE IS HEREBY
GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.
/s/ Vivian Banks
Vivian Banks, Administrator Legal Run 08/22/2024, 08/29/2024 & 09/05/2024
THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT
EARL SULLIVAN, JR., DECEASED. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No: 2024-229 Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 16th day of August, 2024, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.
TRACY E. SULLIVAN Personal Representative
Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 08/22/24, 08/29/24 & 09/05/24
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF PEGGY BARNETT
DECEASED ESTATE NO.: 2024-431 NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS Letters of Administration on the Estate of Peggy Barnett, deceased, having been granted to Donald Bledsoe on the 15th day of August 2024, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.
BILL ENGLISH Legal Run 08/29/24, 09/05/24 & 09/12/24
CITY OF OPELIKA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Opelika will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in the Courtroom of the Opelika Municipal Court Building, 300 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama.
PURPOSE
The purpose of said Public Hearing will be to consider the adoption of an ordinance to amend Ordinance Number 12491 (entitled “Zoning Ordinance of the City of Opelika”) adopted on September 17, 1991. At said Public Hearing all who desire to be heard shall have the opportunity to speak for or in opposition to the adoption of the following ordinance: ORDINANCE NO. ______ AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA
BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “City Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows: Section 1. That Ordinance 12491 entitled “Zoning Ordinance City of Opelika, Alabama”, adopted on September 17, 1991, and the Zoning Map of the City of Opelika provided for and referred to therein, as previously amended and/or modified, be and the same is hereby amended by rezoning or redistricting the parcel of land hereinafter in this section described, so as to change such parcel from one class of district to another class of district as follows, to-wit: From a M-2 District (Industrial District) to a C-2 District (Office/Retail District), the parcel of land hereinafter described: ALL THAT TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND lying and being located in Section 9 and Section 10, Township 19 North, Range 26 East, City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama. Commencing from a point at the Southeast corner of Section 10, Township 19 North, Range 26 East, City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama; Thence South 89 degrees 08 minutes 07 seconds West, a distance of 1744.30 feet to a point; Thence North 00 degrees 51 minutes 53 seconds West, a distance of 2695.40 feet to a point on the Northerly Right-ofWay of Veterans Parkway (150’ Right-of-Way); Thence leaving said Rightof-Way North 23 degrees 39 minutes 27 seconds West, a
distance of 59.61 feet to a point;
Thence North 35 degrees 17 minutes 53 seconds West, a distance of 410.00 feet to a point;
Thence North 47 degrees 53 minutes 53 seconds West, a distance of 289.20 feet to a point;
Thence North 54 degrees 48 minutes 53 seconds West, a distance of 181.20 feet to a point;
Thence North 51 degrees 42 minutes 04 seconds West, a distance of 405.18 feet to a point on the Southerly Right-ofWay of Waverly Parkway (80’ Right-of-Way);
Thence along said Right-of-Way
South 61 degrees 55 minutes 43 seconds West, a distance of 68.80 feet to a concrete monument found;
Thence along a curve to the right, an arc length of 1657.17 feet, having a radius of 5740.85 feet, and being subtended by a chord bearing South 70 degrees 11 minutes 14 seconds West, a chord distance of 1651.42 feet to a point;
Thence South 78 degrees 26 minutes 38 seconds West, a distance of 330.58 feet to a concrete monument found;
Thence along a curve to the right, an arc length of 243.81 feet, having a radius of 7734.92 feet, and being subtended by a chord bearing South 79 degrees 06 minutes 59 seconds West, a chord distance of 243.801 feet to an iron pin set (1/2” rebar w/ cap – GRAY), said pin being the POINT OF BEGINNING.
From said POINT OF BEGINNING, leaving said Right-of-Way South 63 degrees 23 minutes 48 seconds East, a distance of 951.28 feet to an iron pin set (1/2” rebar w/ cap –GRAY) on the North Boundary Line of Creekline Trails
Easement; Thence along the North Boundary Line of Creekline Trails Easement the following chords and distances:
South 58 degrees 33 minutes 54 seconds West, a distance of 44.88 feet to a point;
North 64 degrees 13 minutes
48 seconds West, a distance of 128.88 feet to a point;
North 84 degrees 33 minutes 24 seconds West, a distance of 230.81 feet to a point;
South 81 degrees 28 minutes 15 seconds West, a distance of 129.08 feet to a point;
South 78 degrees 28 minutes
19 seconds West, a distance of 101.10 feet to a point;
South 89 degrees 01 minutes 54 seconds West, a distance of 48.28 feet to a point;
South 60 degrees 52 minutes 17 seconds West, a distance of 35.38 feet to a point;
North 81 degrees 53 minutes
25 seconds West, a distance of 165.63 feet to a point;
North 63 degrees 55 minutes 10 seconds West, a distance of 191.21 feet to a point;
North 24 degrees 19 minutes
34 seconds West, a distance of 108.32 feet to a point;
North 51 degrees 20 minutes
02 seconds West, a distance of 246.79 feet to a point;
North 06 degrees 58 minutes
07 seconds West, a distance of 7.31 feet to an iron pin set (1/2” rebar w/ cap – GRAY) on the Southerly Right-of-Way of Waverly Parkway; Thence along said Right-ofWay, along a curve to the left, an arc length of 417.93 feet, having a radius of 7734.92 feet, and being subtended by a chord bearing North 81 degrees 34 minutes 03 seconds East, a chord distance of 417.88 feet to an iron pin set (1/2” rebar w/ cap – GRAY), said pin being the POINT OF BEGINNING. The above-described property contains 5.766 acres, more or less, and is located in the 3900 block of Waverly Parkway, Opelika, Alabama.
Section 2. Any ordinance or part thereof in conflict with provisions of this Ordinance be and the same are hereby repealed. Section 3. This Ordinance shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama.
All interested persons are invited to attend the public hearing and be heard. Written comments concerning the above matter may be mailed to the City Clerk at P.O. Box 390, Opelika, AL 36803 at any time prior to the public hearing and may be further submitted to the City Council at the meeting and the public hearing.
Please contact Brian Weiss, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334-705-5134 at least two (2) working days prior to the
meeting if you require special accommodations due to any disability. WITNESS my hand this the 5th day of September, 2024. /s/ Russell A. Jones, MMC CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA
Legal Run 09/05/2024
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Opelika will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in the Courtroom of the Opelika Municipal Court Building, 300 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama.
PURPOSE
The purpose of said Public Hearing will be to consider the adoption of an ordinance to amend the Development Plan for The Ball Fields PUD. The Development Plan for The Ball Fields PUD was approved by the City Council as required by Section 8.18(n) of the Zoning Ordinance of the City. At said Public Hearing all who desire to be heard shall have the opportunity to speak for or in opposition to the adoption of the following ordinance:
ORDINANCE NO.__________ ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE BALL FIELDS PUD BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “City Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows: Section 1. FINDINGS. The City Council has determined and hereby finds and declares that the following facts are true and correct:
(a) Gateway Equities, LLC, heretofore submitted to the City a Development Plan for a planned unit development (“PUD”) entitled “The Ball Fields PUD” consisting of approximately 60.74 acres.
(b) Pursuant to Ordinance No. 006-19, the City Council approved said Development Plan for The Ball Fields PUD and amended the Official Zoning Map of the City to designate the zoning classification of Planned Unit Development (“PUD”) for approximately 60.74 acres located at the Southwest corner of the intersection of Pepperell Parkway and North 30th Street.
(c) Gateway at Opelika, LLC, the owner of certain property located within The Ball Fields PUD, has heretofore submitted to the City a proposed amended Development Plan for The Ball Fields PUD.
(d) The current Development Plan for The Ball Fields PUD includes a section with 32 townhomes located along the Southwest boundary of the development.
(e) The proposed amended Development Plan replaces the approved 32 townhomes with 64 apartment units. The approved Development Plan had a density of 4.04 units per acre. The amended Plan will have a density of 4.34 units per acre.
(f) The Planning Commission of the City of Opelika heretofore conducted a public hearing on the proposed amended Development Plan.
(g) The Planning Commission recommended approval of the amended Development Plan for The Ball Fields PUD.
(h) It is advisable and in interest of the City and the public interest that the amended Development Plan be approved.
Section 2. Approval of Amended Development Plan.
The amended Development Plan for The Ball Fields PUD as submitted for review, subject to modification of the former stub street to the townhouse section as approved by the Engineering Department, is hereby approved and confirmed as required by Section 8.18(n) of the Zoning Ordinance of the City.
Section 3. Retention of Copies of the Amended Development Plan. Copies of the amended Development Plan shall be maintained in the office of the City Clerk, City Planner, City Engineer, and Building Official and shall be open for public inspection.
Section 4. Repealer. That any ordinance or part thereof in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance be and the same are hereby repealed.
Section 5. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall become effective upon its adoption, approval and publication as required by law.
Section 6. Publication. This Ordinance shall be published one (1) time in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama. WITNESS my hand this the ___ day of _______, 2024. CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA END All interested persons are invited to attend the Public Hearing and be heard. Written comments concerning the above matter may be mailed to the City Clerk at City Hall, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, AL 36803 at any time prior to the Public Hearing and may be further submitted to the City Council at the meeting and Public Hearing. Please contact Brian Weiss, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334-705-5134 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability. WITNESS my hand this the 5th day of September, 2024. /s/ Russell A. Jones, MMC CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 09/05/2024
NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF JIMMIE V. SHARPE, JR. DECEASED PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY CASE NO. 2024-508 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of the Estate of JIMMIE V. SHARPE, JR., are hereby granted to Linda S. Stoutenburgh. on the 30th day of August, 2024, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama. Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time 14th allowed by law or the same will be barred. Linda S. Stoutenburgh Legal Run 09/05/24, 09/12/24 & 09/19/24
Public Release Child and Adult Care Food Program
Public News Release for NonPricing Programs The Alabama Council on Human Relations Inc, announces the sponsorship of the Alabama State Department of Education Child Nutrition Programs. In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity* and sexual orientation*), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
1.Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 202509410; or 2.Fax: (202) 690-7442; or 3.Email: program.intake@ usda.gov. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Legal Run 09/05/2024
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
Sealed bids for the LR 249 and LR 318 Water Transmission Main Rebid CMGM230058(R ) will be received at the Smiths Water and Sewer Authority, located at 2848 Lee Road 243, Smiths Station, AL 36877, until Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. EST (local time) at which time the Bids received will be publicly opened and read aloud. The Project includes the following Work: Approximately 40,000 LF of 12” water
transmission main and all related appurtenances. Information for the Project can be found at the following designated website: www.gmcnetwork.com/bids . The Issuing Office for the Bidding Documents is Goodwyn Mills Cawood LLC, 11 N. Water St., Suite 15250, Mobile, AL 36602, Ashley Morris ashley.morris@gmcnetwork.com. Prospective Bidders may examine the Bidding Documents at the Issuing Office on Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and may obtain copies of the Bidding Documents from the Issuing Office as described below. Copies of the Bidding Documents may be obtained from the Issuing Office, during the hours indicated above, upon payment of a deposit of $20.00 for a one-time administrative fee for digital access/ file sharing and/or $150.00 for each printed set. Said cost represents the cost of printing, reproduction, handling, and distribution, therefore no refund will be granted. Checks for Bidding Documents shall be payable to “GMC.” Partial sets of Bidding Documents will not be available from the Issuing Office. Neither Owner nor Engineer will be responsible for full or partial sets of Bidding Documents, including Addenda if any, obtained from sources other than the Issuing Office. Bid security shall be furnished in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders. The Owner reserves the right to waive any informalities, or to reject any or all bids, to award the contract to the lowest, responsive, and responsible bidder and reissue the bid if needed. All bidders shall submit, upon request, a list of projects “successfully completed” in the last 2 years, having the same scope of work and approximate construction cost as specified in this project. All bidders must comply with requirements of the Contractor’s Licensing Law of the State of Alabama and be certified for the type of work on which the proposal is submitted. Each bidder must deposit with his bid, security in the amount, form and subject to the conditions provided in the Instructions to Bidders. All Bidders bidding in amounts exceeding that established by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors must be licensed under the provisions of Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama, 1975, and must show evidence of license before bidding or bid will not be received or considered by the Engineer; the Bidder shall show such evidence by clearly displaying the license number on the outside of the envelope in which the Proposal is delivered. No bidder may withdraw his bid within 60 days after the opening thereof. All bidders must comply with the President’s Executive Order Number 11246 which prohibits discrimination in employment regarding race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. The Smiths Water and Sewer Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All or part of this project is to be funded through a subaward from Lee County’s American Rescue Plan Act State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (“ARPA Funds”) and will require DBE documentation from the low, responsive, responsible bidder no later than 10 days after the bid opening. All participants must comply with all federal requirements applicable to the Loan (including those imposed by the 2014 Appropriations Act and related SRF Policy Guidelines) which the Participant understands includes, among other, requirements that all of the iron and steel products used in the Project are to be produced in the United States (“American Iron and Steel Requirement”). Bidders must be compliant with the terms and conditions of the ARPA award as set forth in the bid documents. Bidders will be fully responsible for the delivery of their bids in a timely manner. Reliance upon the U.S. Mail or other carriers is the bidder’s risk.
Owner: Smiths Water and Sewer Authority
By: Mr. Joe Walden
Title: Chairman Legal Run 09/05/2024, 09/12/2024 & 09/19/2024
Opelika man dies in APD officer-involved shooting
BY ANITA STIEFEL EDITOR@OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM
AUBURN — A man was shot and killed by an Auburn Police officer during an incident at an apartment complex on the night of Monday, Sept. 2.
Amari Justin Young, 21, of Opelika was pronounced dead at 10:21 p.m. at The Magnolia at Auburn, an apartment complex located at 211 W. Longleaf Drive. The officer involved reportedly was not injured.
According to a statement from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) on Tuesday, Sept. 3:
“At the request of the Auburn Police Department, special agents with ALEA’s
State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) launched an investigation into an officer-involved shooting involving an officer with the Auburn Police Department.
“The Auburn Police Department responded to a call for service in the 200 Block of West Longleaf Drive in Auburn within Lee County. During the course of the incident, a suspect armed with a handgun made forcible entry into the residence occupied by an officer with the Auburn Police Department.”
Authorities are not releasing any additional information at this time, as the investigation is ongoing. Once complete, the SBI’s findings will be turned over to the Lee County District Attorney’s Office.
OFD Chief Boyd named president of association
Fire Chief Shane Boyd has been named president of the Alabama Association of Fire
a fellowship of fire chiefs and senior chief officers from across the state dedicated to the free exchange of
and information to advance the delivery of emergency services throughout the state. The association fosters career development, education and legislation and provides representation to enhance the professionalism and service delivery capabilities of fire and emergency medical services providers. Additionally, the association functions in a vigilant, innovative and proactive manner focusing on the objective of reducing the loss of life and property from fire, trauma, acute illness and hazardous conditions within the state.
Police seek help with armed robbery, residential burglary investigations
CONTRIBUTED BY APD
AUBURN — The Auburn Police Department is seeking assistance from the public to identify suspects from an Aug. 23 armed robbery and an Aug. 29 residential burglary.
On Aug. 23, at approximately 7:30 p.m., APD responded to a call of an armed robbery which occurred in the 900 block of Gentry Drive. The victims reported that while they were outside of the residence, they were approached and robbed by two masked black males. The suspects then fled on foot.
On Aug. 29, at approximately 3:15 p.m., APD responded to a call of an interrupted burglary in the 1100 block of Rustic
Ridge Road. The victim stated the suspect was inside the residence when they returned home. Upon arrival, the suspect fled the scene on foot. The suspect was described as a tall Hispanic or light-skinned black male wearing dark clothing and a black hat.
The Auburn Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance. Anyone with information on either of these cases is encouraged to contact APD detectives at (334) 501-3140 or call the tip line at (334) 246-1391. You may remain anonymous. Anonymous tips may also be submitted using the Auburn Public Safety App. Download it at https:// apps.myocv.com/share/ a67336830. Report any suspicious activity to the 24-
hour non-emergency number at (334) 501-3100. Always call 911 for emergencies.
In addition, APD encourages homeowners and business owners to register their security cameras with the Eagle Watch Program. This will allow detectives to quickly reach you in the event video footage retrieval may be helpful in solving a crime in your area. Camera registration does not give APD remote access to your cameras. In the event video evidence is available, camera owners will be provided with a secure link via a registered email address to upload relevant footage to APD’s evidence system. Learn more about Eagle Watch at www.auburnalabama.org/police/eaglewatch/ today.
Howard graduates academy
Representing Opelika at the recent National Information Officers Association conference in Clearwater, Florida, were, from left, Opelika Police PIO Allison Duke, city of Opelika Community Relations Officer Leigh Krehling, Lee County EMA director Rita Smith and Lee County Sheriff PIO Jessica Henderson. They spent several days enhancing their crisis response skills and networking with over 500 public information officers nationwide. Krehling and Smith spoke to a group of more than 500 PIO professionals about their response to the devastating 2019 tornadoes in Lee County. Also, Duke was recognized as the winner of the NIOA 2024 Award for Best Use of Video.
The Auburn Police Department announces the graduation of its newest police officer, Jaden Howard, from the 192nd Session of the Northeast Alabama Law Enforcement Academy. Officer Howard is now working to complete a 16-week field training program and will be assigned to APD’s patrol section.
The Gulf States Distributors Law Enforcement Appreciation Range Day was held recently at the Opelika Police Department’s training facility. Lee County, Alabama Emergency Management Agency assisted the police department in hosting this event. Twenty agencies participated in the event, which featured vendors and a shooting competition.
Opelika
Chiefs,
SALE OF ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLE
In accordance with Alabama Abandoned Motor Vehicle Act,
PUBLIC NOTICE FOR CUSTOMERS OF OPELIKA
WATER The Board of Directors of the Water Board of the City of Opelika (“Opelika Water”) approved on Aug. 26, 2024, a water rate increase of 5%. The change will take effect Oct. 1, 2024. Residential customers can expect about a $2.00-$4.00 increase per month, depending on consumption and meter size. The increases will help cover the rising costs of materials, operations and
Alabama Code Sections 32-13-1 through 32-13-8 notice is hereby given to the owners, lienholders, and other interested parties. The following motor vehicles will be sold at public auction to the highest bidder at 9:00 a.m , October 4, 2024 at Opelika Ford , 801 Columbus Highway, Opelika,
maintenance, including water quality improvements, replacement of aging equipment and pipelines, projects to limit system water loss, and investments to meet regulatory requirements. In addition, Opelika Water service deposits and selected fees will increase beginning Oct. 1, 2024. This includes fees for originations, transfers, late payments, disconnects, and cut/lock. Opelika Water rates and fee details are available at owwb.com.
Alabama. Seller reserves the right to reject any bid and the right to bid.
2009 Ford Expedition VIN# 1FMFK20559EB26894
LEGAL RUN 09/05/24 & 09/12/24
RESOLUTION NO. 24-20
RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE WATER BOARD OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA ADJUSTING RATES, FEES AND CHARGES ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROVISION OF WATER SERVICE
WHEREAS, The Water Board of the City of Opelika, Alaba¬ma (the “Board”) now exists as a public corporation under Article 9 of Chapter 50 of Title 11 of the Code of Alabama
2. That the amendments to the Schedule of Charges adopted herein shall become effective for consumption as of September 1, 2024, and billed to the Board’s customers on October 1, 2024. 3. All prior resolutions, policies, rates, fees or charges in-
consistent with this Resolution are hereby repealed but only to the extent that they conflict with this Resolution.
4. The Secretary is hereby authorized, directed and empowered to cause this Resolution to published no later than September 5, 2024,
IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF MARK BERNARD SANDERS , Deceased CASE NO.: 2024-098 NOTICE TO CREDITOR Take Notice that LETTERS
of 1975; and WHEREAS, the Board is charged with the responsibility for the construction, operation and maintenance of all water facilities of the City of Opelika and for the collection of all charges for water services; and WHEREAS, pursuant to §11-50314(9), Code of Alabama 1975, the Board is authorized to adopt a schedule of rates and charges for services furnished by the Board; and WHEREAS, on August 28, 2023, pursuant to Resolution
in the Opelika Observer, a newspaper published in and of general circulation within the City of Opelika and Lee County. ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 26th day ofAugust, 2024. THE WATER BOARD OF
OF ADMINISTRATION of said deceased having been granted to TAWANDA FAULK-ELAM on the 21st day of August, 2024, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama. Notice is hereby given that
No. 20-24, the Board adopted a schedule of rates and charges that went into effect on October 1, 2023; and WHEREAS, the costs of delivering potable water to customers, as well as the costs for operation and maintenance, have and continue to increase; and WHEREAS, the Board will require an overall increase of five percent (5%) for water services above the current rates to meet the fiscal obligations of the Board; and WHEREAS, the Board finds and
THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA BY:JEFFERY A. HILYER, CHAIRMAN ATTEST: ERIC CANADA, SECRETARY CERTIFICATE I, ERIC CANADA, Secretary of The Water Board of
all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.
TAWANDA FAULK-ELAM
Legal Run 08/29/24, 09/05/24 & 09/12/24
determines that the rate structure adopted below will produce no serious inequalities between categories of users. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Directors of The Water Board of the City of Opelika, Alabama, as follows:
1. That Article VII of the Schedule of Charges adopted by resolution of the Board on August 28, 2023, be and the same is hereby amended to read as follows:
the City of Opelika, a public corporation, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the Resolution duly adopted by the Board of Directors of The Water Board of the City of Opelika at a regular meeting thereof held on Aug. 26, 2024, which meeting was attended by a quorum of the said Board of Directors and that said Resolution was duly adopted and is still in full force and effect. GIVEN under my hand and the seal of said Board on this the 26th day of August, 2024. ERIC CANADA, AS ITS SECRETARY Legal Run 09/05/2024
Religion
A Taste of Grace
BY BRUCE GREEN
OPINION —
Iwent to play disc golf at the Tumble Tree course at our
BY WALTER ALBRITTON
OPINION —
In this last chapter of my earthly life,
I have moved from struggling with grief to struggling with cancer. It has been a new experience to sit in a large waiting room with 30 other patients, all of us waiting for our name to be called for lab work. Sitting there, I realize that some of them are in a stage far worse than my own.
ANGLICAN
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on thos e living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. — Isaiah 9:2
Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024
First things first
sportsplex. Due to the heat and humidity, I was out there early — about 6:45 in the morning. I applied sunscreen, put an extra shirt in my cart, got my rosin bag, range finder, a pear to eat, my camera (just in case I came across some geese or a fox) and my cap with the dropdown neck protection, and I was ready to go. As I closed the lid on my truck bed, I realized what I had forgotten to bring. I had all the peripherals but had somehow forgotten the main thing you need on a hot, humid day. I had forgotten to bring any water. Yikes!
How did that happen? I’d like to say that’s the first time something like that has happened to me, but of course it isn’t. And my guess is that you’ve have had the same experience. We live in a consumer culture that majors in accessorizing us for whatever our needs/ wants might be. That being so, it’s easy to get lost in the accessorizing and forget the real purpose of whatever it is we’re preparing to do.
Haven’t we all known fisherman who had all the gear in the world but somehow rarely got a hook in the water? Or how
about this one: people who have lots of books, but they mostly just sit there and collect dust. The point of fishing gear is to catch fish, the purpose of a book is to be read. Yet somehow that’s not always what happens. When it comes to following Jesus, it’s no different. Disciples can get caught up in the peripherals. At Corinth, some had gotten caught up in following the people teaching them about Jesus (Paul, Apollos, Peter), rather than following Jesus (see chapter 1). That still happens today. Then, hard as it is to imagine,
some got caught up in issues about food (see Romans 14-15). The New Testament (like the Old) is straight up in pointing out to us the different ways the people of God can get sidetracked.
As someone succinctly noted, “The main thing disciples have to do is make sure we keep the main thing the main thing.” And what is the main thing? Jesus said it is to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). We do that by loving God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and loving our
Leaning on Jesus
Family and friends ask the same question: “How are you doing?” So I have asked Jesus to help me offer an answer that is positive and hopeful. First, I want everyone to know that I do not feel sorry for myself and I am not angry with God for allowing me to have cancer. After all, my heavenly Father let me live 90 years without cancer, and that I celebrate with gratitude. My simple answer contains the three words of a song I love: “Leaning on Jesus.“ It is not a great hymn, just a sweet chorus I have enjoyed singing for years: “Learning to Lean On Jesus.”
Singing these few words has often opened my heart to the peace Jesus delights in giving us in times of trouble: Learning to lean,
CHURCH DIRECTORY
The Good Shepherd Anglican Church 3015 Opelika Road, Opelika
APOSTOLIC HOLINESS
God’s House of Prayers Holiness Church
301 Highland Ave., Opelika 334-749-9672
BAPTIST
Central Baptist Church 1611 2nd Ave., Opelika 334-745-2482
Beulah Baptist Church 5500 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-705-0538
AFB - Cooperative Baptist Fellowship
128 E. Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-8506
Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 3089 Judge Brown Road, Valley 334-710-2117
Learning to lean
I’m learning to lean on
Jesus
Finding more power than I’ve ever dreamed
I’m learning to lean on
Jesus
Sad, broken-hearted, at an altar I knelt
I found peace that was so serene
And all that He asks is a childlike trust
And a heart that is learning to lean
As my physical strength weakened, I turned to a “Moses” staff, then later a strong walking stick. Finally, I am at the mercy of a walker that I call “Wally.” Wally enables me to continue living by myself. I have had to learn to do ordinary tasks with one hand because the other hand has to have a good grip on Wally.
Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church 650 Jeter Ave., Opelika 334-749-9487
Green Chapel Missionary Baptist 390 Lee Road 106, Auburn (334) 749-4184
Providence Baptist Church 2807 Lee Road 166, Opelika 334-745-4608
Purpose Baptist Church 3211 Waverly Pkwy., Opelika 334-750-5338
Shady Grove Baptist Church 2194 Lee Road 177, Opelika 334-476-1531
Union Grove Baptist Church 4009 Lee Road 391, Opelika 334-749-0461
CHURCH OF CHRIST 10th Street Church of Christ
What does it mean to lean on Jesus? Basically, it means to trust him, abide in him, live in him, and obey him. Though physically I am weak and unsteady, I can receive power, spiritual power, by staying connected to Jesus. To lean on Jesus is affirm that he is the Lord of my life, the face of God, the Helper I have needed for the entire journey of my life.
I can celebrate what God said to Isaiah by recognizing that Jesus is the right hand of God:
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). I rejoice that the right hand that upholds me is the hand of my Lord Jesus.
The word “lean” conveys
500 N. 10th St., Opelika 334-745-5181
The Opelika Church 2660 Cunninghan Dr., Opelika
University Church of Christ 449 N. Gay St., Auburn www.auchurch.com
Southside Church of Christ 405 Carver Ave., Opelika 334-745-6015
CHURCH OF GOD
Lakeside Church of God 3295 Lee Rd 54, Opelika 334-749-6432
CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS 510 Groce St. Opelika, AL 36830 706-610-0547
EPISCOPAL- AME
Saint Luke AME Church 1308 Auburn St., Opelika 334-749-1690
EPISCOPAL
Emmanuel Episcopal Church 800 1st Ave., Opelika 334-745-2054
beautiful symbolism. A husband and wife lean on each other for strength when hardships occur. A friend can lean on a friend for support in difficult situations. John Paton was a missionary to the New Hebrides, islands off the coast of Scotland in the South Pacific. There he discovered that while the natives had words for house, tree, stone, and the like, they had no words for love, joy or peace. Worst of all, they had no word for “believe.”
John was frustrated, helpless to explain to the natives how to believe in Jesus. One day as he sat in his hut, an old man entered and slumped down in a chair. Exhausted from a long journey, the man said, “I’m leaning my whole weight on this chair.”
Immediately, John Paton
UNITED METHODIST
Auburn United Methodist Church 137 South Gay St., Auburn 334-826-8800
Beulah United Methodist Church 5165 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-745-4755
Grace United Methodist Church 915 E. Glenn Avenue Auburn, AL 36831 334-887-7003
GLOBAL METHODIST
Christ Methodist Church of Auburn 434 E. Magnolia, Auburn Worship at Lee-Scott Academy 334-209-0074
NON-DENOMINATIONAL
Bridge Church of AL 315 2nd Ave., Opelika 334-363-0552
Church At Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy., Opelika 334-524-9148
Connect Church 2015 West Point Pkwy., Opelika
Add your church to the directory for only $100 a year, or consider a display ad like the one at right for only $20 per week. Email michelle@opelikaobserver.com or call (334)
neighbor as ourselves. Fortunately, there was a water fountain outside the sportsplex, so I drank plenty of water there before I started my round. I ate my pear about halfway through and finished playing before the hot part of the day began. But I learned my lesson. From now on, water will be at the top of my list of things I take with me. First things first, right?
Find more of Bruce’s writings at his website: a-taste-of-grace-withbruce-green.com.
cried: “That’s it!” And from that day, for the primitive tribe, “Believe in Jesus” became “Lean your whole weight on Jesus.” So leaning my whole weight on Jesus is trusting Jesus with the here and now. It is affirming that Jesus has me, and he has my predicament in his hands. Leaning on Jesus is obeying him, loving God and loving one another. It is taking seriously the idea that God has put us together in the Body of Christ so we can love and care for each other. It is rejoicing that my brothers and sisters are standing by me, cheering me on through whatever must be faced. In recent months the love, prayers and support of my family and friends have been an
See ALBRITTON, page A15
334-707-3949
Living Waters Ministry Center 3005 Lafayette Pkwy., Opelika
Oak Hill Church
2506 Marvyn Pkwy., Opelika, www.Oakhillopelika.com
Southern Plains Cowboy Church 13099 U.S. Hwy. 280, Waverly 334-401-1014
PENTECOSTAL
Gateway Pentecostal Sanctuary 1221 Commerce Drive, Auburn 334-745-6926
PRESBYTERIAN Providence Presbyterian Church 1103 Glenn St., Opelika 256-405-8697
Trinity Presbyterian Church 1010 India Road, Opelika 334-745-4889
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST Opelika Outreach
S.D.A. Church P.O. Box 386, Opelika 334-749-3151
Teaching Minister at 10th Street Church of Christ in Opelika
Altar call
MADELINE WIX
A memorial service for Madeline Aprile Wix, 62, of Opelika was held Aug. 31, 2024, at Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home.
Madeline was born in Connecticut on Aug. 23, 1962, to Joseph and Rose Aprile. She graduated from Leto High School in Tampa, Florida, and then moved to Ft. Lauderdale, where she married Robert Wix Jr. Madeline became a resident of Alabama in 1985. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Richard.
She is survived by two sons, Robert Wix III and William Wix; a sister, Roseanna Kelly (Ron) of Tampa; a brother, Mike Aprile; five grandchildren that she loved dearly: Destanii Leona Foxworth Wix, Benjamin Wayne Wix, James Willard Wix, Kayson Wyatt Hinson and Hazeliegh; and seven nieces and nephews.
Madeline will be dearly missed by both her family and friends.
TELLIS D. (TED) HUDSON
Tellis D. (Ted) Hudson, age 90, died Sept. 1, 2024, at his home in Auburn. Tellis was born in Coffee County, one of eight children born to Randall and Etta Hudson. He graduated from Elba High School and enrolled at Auburn University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural education and a master’s degree in poultry husbandry. He was employed in scientific jobs and completed his working career at the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences, where he worked for 23 years until his retirement in 1995.
Tellis is survived by his wife of 70 years, Kate Farris; three children, Gregory Tellis (Marie) and Jeffrey Scott, both of Auburn, and Michael Gordon (Casey) of Equality; grandchildren Steven, Crystal, Mary, Emily and Samuel; and greatgrandchildren Evelyn, Ezra, Sarah, Collin, Lucian and
Tempest.
A memorial service was held at Lakeview Baptist Church on Sept. 4, with burial following at Memorial Park Cemetery in Auburn.
NOUCHANH SILAVANH
Nouchanh Silavanh, 85, born Jan. 28, 1939, passed peacefully on Aug. 26, 2024.
She was born in Vientiane, Laos, and moved with her family to Opelika in 1985.
Nouchanh was the cherished wife of her beloved husband of 65 years, Khamphath, with whom she shared 11 children and a lifetime of love and companionship. She was a devout Christian for 39 years and a member of Northside Baptist Church.
Nouchanh was a devoted mother to her children, Somsagath (Syamphone), Manilath (Syphanthong), Anonglak (Praseut), Aloune (David), Kongkeo (Monekham), Manivanh (Phouthalom), Manivone, Amphone (Vantha), Bangone (Bounthanh), Saysamone (Noy) and Nipakhone. Her unwavering love and guidance shaped their lives in countless ways.
She was a proud grandmother to Nitda, Anna, Tony, Phillip, Nina, Darla, Brenda, Kevin, Lena, Palina, Andra, Joseph, Alex, Allen, Julie, Catherine, Lexa, Leo, Belle, Cloud, Cristian, Brayleigh and Sky, and a loving great¬-grandmother to Sebastian, Naudia, Malynna, Preston, Madilynn, Kayden, Emerson, Camden, Mace, Ezra, Harper, Olive, Haven, Silas and Callum. Nouchanh’s legacy of love and kindness will live on through each of them.
Nouchanh will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her dedication to her family, and the deep love she had for all those around her. Her memory will be cherished by her family and friends, who will forever hold her in their hearts.
A funeral service was held at Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home on Sept. 1. May she rest in eternal peace.
BOBBY JACKSON JOHNSON
Bobby Jackson Johnson passed away on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. He was 88 years old.
Bobby was a lifelong businessman who started out selling seeds and cards and delivering groceries on a bicycle as a child. He later served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1956, during which he attained the rank of corporal and received both the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal for Service in Germany.
After returning from service, he opened his first store, Johnson Electronics. He ran BJ’s Clothing Store and founded Coy’s Pawn Shop on South Railroad Avenue in historic downtown Opelika. He then founded B&G Septic Service with Gene Gilbert to serve the Beulah area. With his experience, he built a community in Magic Rock Mobile Home Park. He was a beloved member of the historic Pepperell, Opelika and Beulah communities. He left his mark on the lives of many.
Bobby was predeceased by his parents John Luther and Katie Bell Johnson; his brothers Tommy Clem and Winford Ray Johnson; his sister Ellen Hixon; his son Kenneth Johnson; and his grandson Thomas Horne. He is survived by his beautiful wife of 51 years Dr. N. Melinda Johnson; four daughters Sandra Horne, Dianne “DeeDee” Brenneman (B. Ryan), Rachel Allgood (Christopher), and Joyce “Jackie” Johnson; his sister Glenda Adcock; 12 grandchildren Jamey Pratt, Felicia and Bradley Horne, Belle and Blythe Brenneman, Jackson and Quinlan Allgood, Kayla Haga (Andrew), Blake Fitzgerald, and Adam Johnson; 14 greatgrandchildren; and two greatgreat-grandchildren, along with amazing friends who were like family, including Gilbert Ransom. A funeral service was held
at Frederick Dean Funeral home Sunday, Sept. 1. Interment followed at Garden Hills Cemetery in Opelika. Frederick-Dean Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
WILLIAM H. “BILL” SMITH
William Henry “Bill” Smith, 84, passed away on Aug. 25, 2024, in Auburn.
Born on Sept. 7, 1939, in Hopewell, Virginia, Bill was a beloved husband and revered father, grandfather and greatgrandfather.
Bill dedicated a decade of his life to the US Air Force, serving as a pilot from 1959 to 1969. Following his military career, Bill pursued his academic passions, achieving a Ph.D. in Economics from Kansas State University.
Professionally, Bill was a respected member of academia; he was a professor emeritus at Troy University. His contributions to the field of economics were significant and left a lasting impact on his students and colleagues.
Beyond his professional life, Bill was an avid photographer and woodworker, skills that he honed with great patience and precision. He also enjoyed puzzles, which reflected his love for problem-solving and intellectual challenges.
Bill’s quiet and reserved demeanor was a hallmark of his personality. He cherished his family deeply, a love that extended to his dog, Dottie, who was a constant and loyal companion. He is survived by his wife, Anna Matkin Smith; brother, Walter; sons, Glen and Jeff; daughters-in-law, Suzi and Kristi; grandchildren, Drew and Katy; and greatgrandchildren, Corley, Alden, and newborn Nora. His life will be celebrated and remembered by all who knew him.
EVELYN JOHNSON SENN
Evelyn Johnson Senn, 84, passed away at Bethany House on Aug. 28, 2024. She was born on Feb. 21, 1940,
in Opelika to the late B.H. Johnson and Lillian (Bob) Cunningham.
Evelyn graduated from Opelika High School in 1958. She was a beautiful and talented majorette for OHS. She worked for many years for the Opelika School System as an aide in different schools. The most recent was Northside Intermediate School in the computer lab.
Evelyn was a member of Providence Baptist Church, where she taught different Sunday School classes for many years. She loved her church and her church family very much. Her friends loved her and checked on her every day. She worked and managed the church library for many years. Although we are thankful she has been reunited with so many that she loved, she will be missed by so many here, too. She loved her pets and was a big fan of Florida State Football and the New York Yankees. These things will remind us of her and will cause a smile in our hearts.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Cary Lamar Senn Jr. of Auburn, and brother, B.H. (Bubber) Johnson Jr. She is survived by her children, Kenneth (Melanie) Senn , Tim (Tammy) Senn and Jeff (Rachel) Senn; grandchildren, Maggie (Thomas) Ingram, Kenslei (Drake) Sasser, Abbey (Will) Abner, Casey Senn, Heath (Taylor) Senn, Cullen (Morgan Emerson-Fiance) Senn, Jeffrey Senn, Kate Senn, Aliyah Broach and Alexa (Trent Clark-Fiance) Broach; great-grandchildren, Claire Ingram, Cade Ingram, Gentry Senn, Deuce Sasser, Lettie Anne Sasser and Molly Senn; sister-in-law, Lei Johnson, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Hank and Jane Elliott; niece, Laura Lee (Zack) Bumpus; nephew, Scott (Donna) Elliott; greatniece, Christina (Michael) Riva and great-nephew, John (Mollie, fiance) Bumpus.
A service was held Aug. 30 at Providence Baptist Church
East Campus with Dr. Rusty Sowell officiating. FrederickDean Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. If you would like to make a donation to the Lee County Humane Society in her honor, that would be appreciated.
MARTHA CHRISTINE HOYT SANCHEZ
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our mom, Martha Christine Hoyt Sanchez, 77, of Opelika, who left us peacefully on Aug. 29, 2024, at Emory St. Joseph Hospital in Atlanta. She was surrounded by her loving family after a short but courageous battle with an aortal tear.
Christine was born to William and Martha Hoyt in South Bend, Indiana, on March 3, 1947. She graduated from James Whitcomb Riley High School in 1964 and worked as a secretary and mother her entire life.
Christine was married for 34 years to her soulmate, John Sanchez, who preceded her in death on Sept. 12, 2014.
Mom was absolutely the heart of our home and family. She raised the three of us: Emi (36), John (42) and Don (51), and you could always count on her to brag about one or more of us, or maybe all of us at the same time. She was the quintessential caregiver, always taking care of those around her. We are all blessed to have been raised in a loving home and become the adults we are today in her likeness. As a grandmother to Kanan (2) and Hugh (7), she was the “fun gamma,” always playing and spoiling them rotten.
Obviously, her departure comes as a great shock and a deep wound. It is gravely felt by her entire family and countless others who loved her deeply.
Goodspeed Mom! We will see you in heaven and once again rejoice together.
A funeral service was held Sept. 4 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home.
St. Dun’s Buns marks 100th donation
In August, St. Dun’s Buns reached a milestone, marking its 100th donation in three years to local nonprofits. Receiving donations in August were (top photo): David and Chanoah Orr of Orr Farm Rescue; (middle photo): Wanda Lewis and Rotary Club Board representatives of the Babies Love Books program; and (bottom photo): Amanda Simmons and representatives of the Nurse Honor Guard of East Central Alabama. St. Dun’s Buns is a ministry of St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church of Auburn. St. Dun’s Buns donates proceeds from sales of fresh baked goods to local nonprofit organizations. To keep up with what’s baking this month and to order, visit the St. Dun’s Buns Facebook page. For more information, email stdunsbuns2@gmail.com.
ALBRITTON >> from A13
awesome blessing.
Jesus reminded his disciples that they would have problems, and the Word of God affirms that for us as well. Jesus did promise his disciples peace, and that same peace he offers us when we lean on him. He also promised the comfort, guidance and help of the Holy Spirit, and that, praise God, we have as believers.
My doctors can only guess at my future, so leaning on Jesus is putting my future in his hands. I
am open to his healing my body here, or to his ultimate healing in the life that awaits me on the other side.
Leaning on Jesus is not to fret and worry but to be at peace, and by his grace, I am at peace.
If, reading this, you find yourself deeply troubled about your life and your future, then turn everything over to Jesus. Lean on him and trust him. Ask for his mercy. Soon you will find more power than you’ve ever dreamed.
If you are already leaning on Jesus, keep leaning on him. It is the key to living fully and dying well.
Glory!
OBITUARIES >> from A14
JAMES A. “JAY” BARNES JR.
James A. “Jay” Barnes Jr., 74, of Opelika passed away on Aug. 25, 2024.
Born Nov. 30, 1949, in Opelika, Jay was a beloved figure in his community, known for his loving nature and jovial spirit. Jay’s life and legacy will be celebrated by all those he touched with his generosity and warmth. His presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit will continue to live on through the memories cherished by his loved ones.
Jay proudly served in the U.S. Army as a Vietnam Veteran, a period during which he demonstrated immense
Christian Women’s Job Corps hosts ‘Building Hope’ fundraiser
Christian Women’s Job Corps (CWJC) hosted the Building Hope Tailgate Party on Aug. 21 at the Epworth Center of Auburn United Methodist Church. Guests, dressed in orange and blue, celebrated with both the AU cheerleaders and everyone’s favorite Auburn cheerleader, Susan “The Nun” Nunnelly. While enjoying a meal from Bryon’s BBQ, everyone was treated to an entertaining and informative Q & A between sportswriter Jason Caldwell and AU’s co-defensive coordinator, Charles Kelly, who generated a lot of excitement about the 2024 Auburn Football Season. CWJC of Lee County, a non-profit, faith-based agency recognized as a nationally certified site by the Baptist WMU, has provided free services for women in Lee County for more than 20 years. Yearly sessions offer an array of classes to aid in job and life skill training, language skills, Bible study and opportunities for women to renew their confidence and achieve a lifestyle of self-sufficiency.To learn more about classes or volunteer opportunities with CWJC, call (334) 821-0591.
courage and dedication to his country. Following his military service, Jay enjoyed his career at Auburn University, where he was well-respected by his colleagues and students alike.
A man of many interests, Jay relished the simple pleasures of life. He loved Alabama Crimson Tide football. He was an avid fisherman, often found on Lake Martin or Lee County Lake. Music filled his home and heart, often with a cold beer in hand surrounded by people he loved, sharing stories and laughter. He cherished the times spent at Orange Beach with his family, looking for seashells or simply enjoying the views. Jay was particularly fond of the holiday season, a time he spent baking with his wife and grandson and
shopping for the perfect gifts for his family and friends.
Jay was a loving husband to Barbara, a devoted father to his daughter, Beth Sargent (Chris), and a doting Pawpaw to his grandson, Joel Davidson. He is also survived by his siblings, Steven Barnes (Pam) and Tammy Blue.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Clinnie Mae Arwood, and his grandfather, George “Paw” Arwood Sr.
A visitation was held Aug. 30 at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home.
STEVEN CHARLES MOSIER
Steven Charles Mosier slipped into the arms of his Savior on Aug. 27, 2024, at Bethany House in Auburn.
Mr. Mosier was a
communication tech for AT&T for almost 35 years. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Opelika. He is survived by his wife, Loretta Raker Mosier; children, Mark Steven Mosier (Debbie) of Covington, Georgia, John Cameron Mosier (Hannah) of Syracuse, Utah, and Melodie Joy Wood (Chris) of Opelika; and grandchildren, Leah Mosier, Estler Mosier, Cameron Mosier, Kenna Wood and Jacob Wood. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles VanBuren Mosier and Evelyn Schlegel Mosier.
A funeral service was held Aug. 30, with burial following in Garden Hills Cemetery. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
YOUR HEALTH YOUR STATUS YOUR BEST LIFE
On the Mark Recreation
OHS Football season now underway
BY D. MARK MITCHELL
OPINION —
The Opelika Bulldogs (2-0) opened their home schedule, thumping Calloway [Georgia} (0-2)
48-13 at Bulldog Stadium last Friday night. Bulldog head coach Bryan Moore wanted his team to start fast, score early and often while playing good defense. That’s exactly what his team did against CHS, scoring 28 points while holding Calloway scoreless in the first quarter.
Jamari Hughley led the Bulldogs in rushing with 101-yards on five rushes and scored a TD, quarterback Colby Key was 11 of 12 for 143-yards and three TD passes and Jamari Miller rushed for 47-yards and scored two TDs.
The Dogs were four of four on third down and scored all four times they were in the redzone.
First quarter stats
OHS - Calvin Hughley Jr. four run (PAT good), 9:49
OHS - Jamari Miller 18 pass from Colby Key (PAT good), 9:08
OHS - Javari Johnson one run (PAT good), 6:11
The score at the end of the first quarter was 21 -0 (OHS)
Second quarter stats
OHS - Brodie Jones 17 pass from Key (PAT good), 10:01
CHS - Blake Harrington
nine runs (PAT good), 4:28
The score at the end of the second quarter 28-7 (OHS)
Third quarter stats
OHS - Miller 83 kick return (PAT failed), 11:50
OHS - Miller 26 pass from Key (PAT good), 5:48
The score at the end of the third quarter was 41-7 (OHS)
Fourth quarter stats
OHS - Kaden Pierce 27 pass from Fuller Young (PAT good), 9:46
The score at the end of the fourth quarter was 48-13.
UP NEXT - OPELIKA at AUBURN
Opelika travels to Auburn’s Duck Samford Stadium to play rival AHS in a huge Area 2 Region game. Both teams enter the game with 2-0 records after beating two non-region teams.
Auburn beat North Miami (49-0) and Vestavia Hills (52-17) in easy wins at Duck Samford Stadium. This is the 99th meeting between Opelika and Auburn in football, the Tigers lead 48-47-3 including winning four in a row and six out of the last seven games. Auburn head coach Keith Etheredge is 4-0 against Opelika while Bryan Moore will be coaching his first Auburn/ Opelika game.
Note: Opelika coach Sam Mason is the only coach in the history of Opelika football to win his See ON THE MARK page B7
Thursday,
Sept. 5, 2024
Loachapoka honors memory of Javion Gary
BY NOAH GRIFFITH FOR THE OBSERVER
LOACHAPOKA — Just moments before Loachapoka High School football star Javion Gary left practice on Aug. 8, he was running up and down the sidelines shouting to his teammates to help the team elevate their energy. Little did they know, that was his last time on the field.
Not long after he left practice that day, Gary was shot and killed in an incident near a basketball court on Union Camp Road in Notasulga. Gary, 16, was preparing for his junior year playing middle linebacker, but now the
team has to forge a path forward without its defensive captain.
“A lot of our guys want to lead by action because
they’re afraid to speak out and hold guys accountable, like they’re afraid people will look at them different, but Gary didn’t care,”
said defensive coordinator Tellis Stone. “He would hold everybody to a higher standard. He was the vocal guy, you know, and we just — haven’t been able to replace him. I don’t think he will be replaceable.” Gary was a leader, but his coaches also described him as a “class clown.” He was a guy who knew how to make anyone laugh and could light up any room. First-year head coach Branden Hall said he got onto Gary for being late to practice one day, to which the linebacker replied that his teacher held him late. The next day, he came sprinting in
See GARY, page B7
Lee-Scott beats Loachapoka in early-season matchup
BY NOAH GRIFFITH FOR THE OBSERVER
LOACHAPOKA — It was a game full of mistakes and missed opportunities between the Lee-Scott Warriors and the Loachapoka Indians on Friday night, but somebody had to come out on top. Lee-Scott was the fortunate one.
The Warriors went to
Loachapoka and took home their first road win of the season, 21-12. Lee-Scott improved to 2-0 to start its first season in the AHSAA, while Loachapoka dropped its season opener to start out 0-1.
“It’s like I told [Loachapoka head coach Branden Hall], we both played about as bad as we could play in that game. We were lucky to come out
with a win,” said Lee-Scott head coach Buster Daniel.
“2-0 is good. I told the guys I’m proud of them, but I’m gonna tell them the truth.
That’s my job. We’re going to fix our mistakes and move on.”
Hall echoed the same displeasure with the way his team played. The Indians highly anticipated getting back to the field after their week one matchup with
Notasulga was cancelled, but they left feeling dissatisfied.
“Horrible play everywhere — offense and defense,” Hall said. “No excuses for playing sloppy, man; turnovers, not getting lined up, jumping offside... The bright side of it is that was our first game. We’ll go back to the drawing board in the morning.”
See LSA, page B3
The Lee-Scott Academy Warriors came out victorious over the Loachapoka Indians after a mistake-filled matchup Friday night.
Loachapoka players are wearing the No. 18 on their helmets this year out of remembrance of Javion Gray.
Beulah continues hot start with win over Lanett
Under the Lights — Week Two
BY D MARK MITCHELL FOR THE OBSERVER
LEE COUNTY — Lee-Scott Academy (LSA) (2-0) beat Loachapoka 21-12 last Friday night. For a more in-depth look at this game, read Noah Griffith’s article on B1.
Beauregard won its first game of the season, 8-6 over Anniston. The Hornets will hold their first home game on Sept 6 when it hosts Marbury. Benjamin Russell lost 28-35 to Clay Central
and will host Calera on Sept. 6.
Beulah (2-0) beat Lanett 38-21 and will host Dadeville Friday night. For more information on the Beulah v. Lanett game, see the article by David Yohn on B2.
Chambers Academy beat Fort Dale Academy 36-7. It will play Valiant Cross in Montgomery on Sept 6
Dadeville lost to Handley 44-21 and will travel to Beulah Sept 6. The Glenwood Gators
beat Elba 49-22 and will go up against B.B. Comer Friday night.
Lafayette beat Central Hayneville 41-14 and will host Ranburne on Sept. 6.
Notasulga beat Barbour County 43-6 and will host Autaugaville this week.
Reeltown beat Trinty 20-3. The Rebels will play at Horseshoe Bend Sept. 6
Smiths Station fell to Valley 36-9 and will host the Central Red Devils Friday night.
BY DAVID YOHN FOR THE OBSERVER
BEULAH — The Lanett Panthers were just 39 seconds from going to the locker room with a 14-10 lead, but it was the Beulah Bobcats who got the last laugh with a 38-21 win. Beulah improved to 2-0 for the first time since 2019.
Aided by a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty following their go-ahead touchdown, the Panthers forced the Bobcats to start at their own 20-yard line. Even with 33 seconds remaining in the half, it seemed that the Panthers would enjoy the halftime lead. That’s when Beulah’s fireworks show began. They took to the air and found senior wide receiver Drew Duvall for a gain of nearly 40 yards. The Panthers were guilty of a facemask infraction, so Beulah suddenly was in position to score. With just five seconds on the clock, they found the end zone and took a 17-10 lead.
Beulah’s senior wide receiver and kick returner changed the complexion of the game on the second half kickoff. Reed Maloof found no room along the visitor’s sideline, so he reversed course and took it 85 yards to the house for another Bobcat touchdown. Lanett never fully recovered after falling behind 24-14, and Beulah went on to win 38-21.
“That’s perseverance, just not giving up, not quitting,” Johnson said. “I’m just so proud for
these young men. They’ve been through a lot and we’ve been through some tough times. But these past couple of years have been good to us. We’ve got to keep fighting.”
Beulah held Lanett to a three and out on the opening possession of the game, and then efficiently drove 62 yards in just over three minutes for the first touchdown of the game.
Freshman WR Asher Arnett hauled in the 28-yard pass from QB Kason Kalla after RB Khamoni Lindsey rushed for twenty-four yards on four carries earlier in the drive.
Lanett’s second possession resulted in just one first down before stalling. A high snap to the punter resulted in the Bobcats tackling him at the Panther’s 13-yard line.
Lanett’s defense stiffened, however, and only yielded a field goal. Nonetheless, Beulah was off to a 10-0 lead with 4:03 still remaining in the first quarter.
Lanett managed a first down on a third-and-16 scramble, but just four plays later Duvall picked off the Panther’s pass. Again, the Lanett defense held Beulah on a fourth-and-five play that ended up a yard short of the first down marker.
The Panthers started their fourth drive inauspiciously, when JoJo Wilson blew up Lanett’s first down play. A dropped pass on second-and-15 made it seem inevitable that Lanett would end up punting. After picking up exactly 15 yards, Lanett
was in trouble again until QB Fredrick Broughton rambled for 35 yards on third and long. Beulah was guilty of an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty a play later, and that’s when RB Tyron Brooks bulldozed his way to the end zone from nine yards out. Beulah controlled the ball for nearly five minutes but were stifled on a fourth-and-three rush. Lanett then quickly capitalized with a 45-yard strike to Terrell Staples. Lanett had its first lead at 14-7, but the aforementioned fireworks were about to start for Beulah. The Bobcats’ 80-yard drive in just 34 seconds gave them the 17-14 lead at the half.
The two teams exchanged punts after Beulah returned the second half kickoff to take a 24-14 lead. Lanett daringly went for it on 4th-and-1 from their own 21-yard line, and the dare paid off. Just two plays later, however, another Beulah senior, Demarion Foreman, intercepted the errant Lanett pass and returned it 20 yards to the Lanett 20-yard line. Barely one minute later, RB Lindsey found the end zone from three yards out. Beulah enjoyed their largest lead of the game at 31-14. Lanett fought back, quickly going 80 yards to cut the deficit to then with 9:45 remaining in the game. Beulah then looked to run out the clock with the ground game. Lindsey’s 27-yard burst seemed to seal the deal, and six
The Beulah Bobcats got the best of the Lanett Panthers, winning 38-21.
Loachapoka renames football facility Jones-Tate Field
Lee-Scott defeats Loachapoka
Daniel said.
Along with more than three turnovers by each squad, Loachapoka also had a late rally halted when a fourth quarter touchdown run was called back on a holding penalty. Instead of scoring to make it 2118 (before an extra point attempt) with under six minutes remaining, LeeScott forced a turnover on downs on fourth down to reclaim possession.
The Warriors’ bruising rushing attack had milked the clock on lengthy drives all game long, but the Indians stood up on defense and forced two more punts for a chance to get the ball back after the turnover on downs in the final minutes. However, both of the attempted punt returns were muffed and recovered by Lee-Scott – an unfortunate but appropriate finish to a sloppy game.
“I think we had six turnovers. You are not going to win many games like that,”
The momentum was all in Lee-Scott’s favor early on in a high-action first half, but there was no scoring in the entire second half.
Junior Easton Gregory got the party started quickly by blocking a punt and falling on it in the end zone for a score on the first drive of the game. Lee-Scott kept its foot on the gas early, as senior quarterback Pelzer Reeves rumbled into the end zone on a read option run on the Warriors’ first offensive possession to make it 14-0.
That’s where Loachapoka began to fight.
After two three-and-out drives to begin the game, the Indians turned to junior QB K.J. Carter to spark the offense. That’s exactly what he did, as he led two consecutive scoring drives on his first two possessions to make it 14-12. First, he hit senior Jacarri Stone on a screen pass before Stone made a man miss and outran the entire defense for a TD. Then, Carter showed
off his wheels for a 23-yard stroll into the end zone.
Although Carter was visibly upset after Loachapoka turned it over on downs on the goal line late in the fourth quarter, his effort and skill was obvious in his first game for the Indians. Turnovers and penalties bit Loachapoka in a scoreless second half, but the Indians have a lot to build on with Carter behind center.
“He is a tough dude,” Hall said of his quarterback. “He gave it everything he got. Man, I’m proud of him.”
On the other side, LeeScott has a lot to improve on as well, from explosive offensive plays to key defensive stands.
Senior running back Tyler Kennedy proved crucial for the Warriors, quickly providing an answer to Loachapoka’s consecutive scores by taking a screen pass 50 yards to the house to make it 21-12 – a score that stood to the final tick.
A two-quarterback system has also emerged
for the Warriors, as Reeves shared snaps with senior Auburn High transfer Max Hammer for the second week in a row. Reeves, who is a returning starter from last year’s state championship team, has started each game but has given way for several drives to Hammer, although neither guy has taken over clear-cut starting reps in practice, according to a Lee-Scott coach.
In the end, the Warriors’ got gutsy stops on defensive when it needed them to decide a tight battle. Still, it was clear that both teams are going to be forces to reckon with as the season goes on, though there’s plenty to clean up going into their respective matchups this week.
On Friday, Sep. 6, Lee-Scott will travel to Childersburg (1-1) for its first game in 3A Region 4. Loachapoka will hit the road for a matchup with Lannett (1-1).
Lee-Scott outscored Loachapoka 21-12 on Aug. 30.
LSA >> from B1
Prior to Friday night’s game, Loachapoka Football Field was renamed and dedicated as Jones-Tate Field in honor of two former football coaches of distinction. Pictured center is the son of Thomas Jones, who was coach from 1974 to 1987, and at right is Jerome Tate, LHS football coach from 1995 to 2016.
Opelika Bulldogs bite Callaway
Opelika High School had a strong showing against Callaway under the Friday night lights last week, winning the game by a score of 48-13.
The Opelika High School girls volleyball team played Beauregard High on Aug. 27. OHS took the match, winning 3 games to 2.
Band-O-Rama features area musicians
Band-O-Rama 2024, featuring performances by nine area high school marching bands, was held at Opelika High Schools’ Bulldog Stadium on Aug. 29.
Tigers score early and often
BY BRANDON HUGHES FOR THE OBSERVER
AUBURN — The Auburn Tigers recorded the 800th win in program history in grand fashion Saturday night at Jordan-Hare Stadium, defeating the Alabama A&M Bulldogs 73-3. It was the most points scored in a season opener in 109 years and the largest margin of victory in 92 years.
Jordan-Hare Stadium buzzed with electric energy as fans packed the stands, brimming with the optimism of opening day — their team undefeated, every goal still within reach and the promise and hope of a thrilling season ahead. This particular opener comes after an offseason highlighted by a top-10 recruiting class, which included the “Freeze Four,” a quartet of highly rated wide receivers led by top-five overall player Cam Coleman. Although it would not take long for these highly rated and highly anticipated freshmen receivers to make an impact, it was the Tigers’ senior stalwart running back Jarquez Hunter who put Auburn’s first points on the board. On the game’s fourth play and Hunter’s first carry, he burst through the line and outran the Bulldog defense to the end zone for the 34-yard score. The quick score — 47 seconds
into the game — was the fastest offensive score to begin an Auburn game since 2010 against Chattanooga.
After forcing a threeand-out, Auburn would waste no time — 12 seconds to be exact — extending its lead as quarterback Payton Thorne connected with Penn State transfer KeAndre Lambert-Smith for a 67-yard touchdown. Hunter’s and Lambert-Smith’s scores are the fastest two touchdowns to begin an Auburn season since at least 1996 when such records started being tracked.
After holding the Alabama A&M offense to a second three-and-out in as many possessions, the crowd finally got what it was hoping for. Once again, on the drive’s first play, the Tigers struck pay dirt. Freshman phenom Cam Coleman made a double move, left his defender flat-footed, and caught a 44-yard pass from Thorne for his first touchdown as a collegian.
After the game, a smiling Coleman said of his touchdown catch: “I saw that they [Alabama A&M] had no safety, so I was like, ‘Oh yeah, that’s bingo,’ and they called it. Coach Heath [Dedeaux] and I made eye contact, and I was like, ‘It’s go time.’ Then me and Payton [Thorne] made eye contact, ‘It’s go time,’ and
then I saw it, and I stood there, and I saw him fall. I was like, ‘Oh yeah, it’s coming,’ and I looked up at the ball, and I was wide open. I was like, ‘Don’t drop it. Don’t drop it.’ And then I caught it.”
To recap, Auburn’s first three offensive drives resulted in three touchdowns and amassed 166 yards while taking only one minute and nine seconds.
Alabama A&M moved the ball on the ensuing possession, aided by a wild play that went from a sure Auburn interception to a 56-yard completion by the Bulldog receiver down to the Auburn one-yard line. The visitors would fail to capitalize as the offense moved backward and ended the drive by missing a 29-yard field goal attempt.
Auburn failed to do anything on its next possession. After the teams traded punts, the Tigers put together a six-play 65yard drive that culminated in Lambert-Smith’s second touchdown reception of the game — a four-yard pass from Thorne — and extending Auburn’s lead to 28-0.
The senior signal caller’s three TD passes in the first quarter was the first time an Auburn QB has thrown three TD passes in a quarter since 2010 when Cam Newton did so against Chattanooga. The 28 first-quarter points
were also the most since they scored 28 against Purdue in the 2018 Music City Bowl and only the fourth time the Tigers have done it in program history.
The Tiger defense held the Bulldogs to yet another three-and-out, which led to an apparent punt return touchdown by Keionte Scott. However, after replay review, it was ruled that Scott stepped out of bounds at the Bulldogs 21 yard line. The Tiger offense was unable to get a first down and settled for a 32-yard field goal by freshman Towns McGough, an Auburn native, to push the lead to 31-0.
“It hit me yesterday in the hotel that I would be playing in front of the stands and on the field that I grew up as a fan coming to,” McGough said about kicking in Jordan-Hare Stadium. “It’s all glory to God. After that first field goal, there was so much excitement in my heart. I almost had tears of joy running out on the field for the first time. It was a surreal moment and a full circle, taking it all in. I’m so blessed to have this opportunity.”
Getting a fourth down stop on Alabama A&M’s next drive, the Tiger defense watched from the sidelines as the Auburn offense once again didn’t waste any time. It wasn’t a one-play drive this time … it was two. Another mem-
b er of the heralded “Freeze Four,” Perry Thompson, got in on the action with a 12-yard reception on the first play, followed by a 70-yard touchdown catch and run on the drive’s second play, making the score 38-0.
The Bulldogs finally dented the scoreboard with a 43-yard field goal, but Auburn answered with a four-yard rushing touchdown by Thorne.
After another three-andout forced by the Tiger defense, the Auburn offense once more found pay dirt by way of a two-yard run by Damari Alston, giving the home team a 52-3 halftime lead.
Thorne’s first-half passing yards (322), 52 firsthalf points, and 49-point halftime lead are all the most in their respective categories since the aforementioned 2018 Music City Bowl.
The decision was made by agreement between officials of both schools to play the second half with 10-minute quarters. Despite the visitors’ efforts to hasten the end of the game, the second half would begin as rudely as the first half ended as Auburn’s Micah Riley blocked the A&M punt, which was recovered by “Freeze Four” freshman Malcolm Simmons in the end zone for a touchdown pushing the lead to 59-3. It was the first punt blocked by Auburn for a score since
Caylin Newton blocked a punt recovered by Barton Lester vs. Georgia State in 2021 Hank Brown would take over for Thorne in the second half and, on his first drive, found Simmons for a 57-yard touchdown pass and catch, stretching the lead to 66-3. The scoring finally concluded on the third play of the fourth quarter when Cal Transfer Sam Jackson V caught a 37-yard touchdown pass from Brown.
By the Numbers:
• Auburn wide receivers accounted for six receiving touchdowns Saturday night. In 2023, Auburn’s wide receivers had seven receiving touchdowns all season.
• Auburn QBs threw six touchdown passes Saturday night. In 2023, Auburn QBs threw 18 TD passes all season. They did not throw their sixth touchdown pass until the sixth game of the season.
• Auburn had five different players with receiving touchdowns — the most in a single game in Auburn history.
Of Note: Auburn WR Sam Jackson V was Cal’s starting QB when Auburn played in Berkley last season.
Next Up: At home versus the Cal Golden Bears. Kickoff is set for 2:30 on ESPN2.
A sold-out crowd gathered at Jordan-Hare Stadium Aug. 31 for the Tigers’ first game of the season. Auburn pounded Alabama A&M by 70 points.
>> from B1
to practice minutes early. Hall asked him why he was running — after all, he was three minutes early. Gary said, “Yeah coach, I ain’t gonna be late no more, but I gotta poop.”
“He was just a funny guy,” Hall added. “I miss that joker, man, but he’s in a better place now.”
As hard as the sudden loss of their beloved teammate has been, it has brought the guys closer with one another but also with the community. A few days after the loss of Gary, the Church of the Highlands reached out and invited the team to their “Men’s Night.”
The Dadeville football team also stopped by and signed a card for Loachapoka, and Lee-Scott brought their neighboring team a meal the day before playing them on Friday.
That’s how Loachapoka is making it through this tragedy. They are leaning on each other, those around them and fighting adversity with faith.
“It’s a tough situation, but they’ve found a way to come together, through our faith, and lean on one another,” Hall said. “They’re not taking things for granted like they were previously.”
The loss has been especially hard on Loachapoka quarterback K.J. Carter, who grew up as a close friend of Gary’s as a well as his teammate at the Opelika Dawg Pound Youth League. Carter, also a junior, was gearing up for his first high school season as his best
BEULAH >> from B2
plays later the Bobcats called his number again. His 5-yard TD run capped off an impressive 67-yard drive that took nearly six minutes off the clock.
The Bobcats hope for another fast start when Dadeville comes to visit on Sep. 6 for the region opener for both teams. Beulah is riding high at 2-0, while the Tigers of Dadeville have started out 0-2 versus 5A Elmore County and 4A Handley. Beulah will be looking to avenge their largest regu-
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friend’s teammate, as he spent the past few years at Powhatan High School in Virginia while living with his mom.
Although he didn’t get to play alongside Gary, Carter provided a spark with two touchdowns for the Indians in their season opener against LeeScott Academy. Despite a 21-12 loss to the Warriors, Loachapoaka felt relieved to play under the lights again after its week one matchup with Notasulga was cancelled because of the shooting that resulted in the arrest of two Notasulga football players corresponding to Gary’s murder and an injury to another Loachapoka student.
Like the rest of the team, Carter realizes there’s nothing left to do but honor his best friend’s legacy by continuing to play with passion. He said the best way to do that would be to win the state championship for him.
Hall and his new-look staff want to help the team win for Gary, but they also have the task of helping the players recover emotionally. That’s a task that Hall labeled as “uncharted waters” — it’s something that there’s simply no manual for. However, guest speakers and helping hands from local churches and community members have helped the new staff navigate those tough emotions.
“The mark of a man is: how do you respond to negative things?” Stone responded when asked what the coaches are telling the team to get them ready to play after a tragedy. “You can sit
lar season defeat of 2023 versus the Tigers who have won nine of the last 10 head-to-head matchups with the Bobcats. Johnson recognizes Dadeville as a tough
there and wallow in it all day and not move forward, or you can look at the situation and let it be a learning lesson because that could’ve been any one of you guys.
“You never know when it’s your last day to be a part of this team. Only one person knows that, and that’s the guy up above. So come in here every single day like it’s your last.”
No matter what happens on the field, though, one thing is certain.
Loachapoka is dedicating this season to Gary and the No. 18 he wore.
Offensive coordinator Daniel Byrd helped craft the hashtag #chopfor18, and the team breaks it down on “18” and “family” each day at practice. The players also have “#18” engraved on the back of their helmets this year.
Anthony Bryant, Loachapoka linebackers coach and founder of the Opelika Dawg Pound where Gary and Carter grew up playing, was a key figure in raising Gary and is also the father of his best friend, the quarterback. Bryant echoed the sentiment that Gary will fill the hearts of the Loachapoka team, but the tragedy of his loss will give the team a higher purpose to fight — or chop — this season.
This one is for 18.
“It’s hard because you miss his presence. You miss his life and his energy,” Bryant said. “This season is dedicated to him, so we’ve just gotta keep his memory alive… It’s going to be hard, but hey, God doesn’t make mistakes.”
region opponent, noting their athleticism.
“We’ve got to play our ball,” he said. “These guys come to practice to work every day. It’s our job to get them ready.”
ON THE MARK >> from B1
first game against rival Auburn. Former coaches Larry Gore, Kyle Gantt, Joe Wilson, Doug Barfield, Spence McCracken, Brian Blackmon, Caleb Ross and Erik Speakman lost their first game against AHS. Hopefully history will change Friday night at Duck Samford Stadium.
Although the series is only separated by one win, both schools have had win streaks. From 1960 to 1982 Auburn only lost five times to OHS: from 1983 to 2007 Auburn beat OHS only four times: Since 2008, Opelika has won only five games including the last win in 2019.
Auburn has gained the upper hand over the past 8-10 years. Auburn City School Superintendent Dr. Cristen Herrin puts value in having one of the best athletics departments in the state of Alabama and hiring the best people and coaches possible.
Opelika’s Bryan Moore is no stranger to the Auburn/Opelika rivalry, spending many years at OHS as an assistant and as offensive coordinator
under Brian Blackmon. The team that is able to handle the intensity and pressure of playing in front of several thousand people against its rival is likely to end up on top at the end of the game. In most of these games the score changes hands as the game progresses, each play is important, and teams will have good and bad things happen. The team that responds the best will win.
Auburn has a senior QB, top notch running back and a solid offensive line and they play strong defense. Opelika can win the game by playing its best and not turning the ball over.
This is the first region game for both teams
Fans can listen to the Opelika vs Auburn football game on WKKR 97.7 Kicker fm, kickerfm.com and on the iHeartRadio app. Pre-game coverage begins at 6 p.m. with the Bulldog Tailgate show presented by Opelika Environmental Services with kickoff set for 7 p.m. Van Riggs, the Voice of the Bulldogs, and his crew will bring you all of the action.
JUNIOR VARSITY
Opelika JV Football
5,
team will play Auburn at Duck Samford Monday Sept. 9 at 5 p.m.
LOACHAPOKA
JONES-TATE FIELD
Loachapoka High School Principal Albert Weeden held a ceremony last Friday prior to the LHS vs Lee-Scott football game, naming the football field Jones-Tate Field after former football head coaches Terry Jones and Jerome Tate. Jones started the Poka football program, Jerome Tate won more games than any head football coach in Lee County schools history. On a personal note: I have known coach Tate more than 30 years, watching him grow as a coach from assistant to head coach while at Lanett and Loachapoka. The ceremony was attended by many supporters including Jay Jones and the families of coaches Tate and Jones.
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.
GARY
Bison Bistro opens at SUSCC, offers fresh dining options
BY ELESE MCKINLEY FOR THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA — On July 8, Bison Bistro by FRANKY JUNES opened its doors at Southern Union State Community College, offering a new dining option on campus. The restaurant is operated by Rick Lanier, a seasoned cook with years of experience, and his wife, Karen Lanier, a retired Navy veteran who cooked during her service.
Bison Bistro evolved from Lanier's successful food truck, FRANKY JUNES, into a full-service establishment.
On Aug. 19, Bison Bistro celebrated its grand opening as students returned to campus for the new semester.
Lanier, who previously studied at Southern Union,
reflected on his time at the college.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my two years studying at Southern Union," Lanier said. "While it was different since I was 50 at the time, I enjoyed my experiences and time here. Being able to be on campus again, but this time managing and operating Bison Bistro, has been enjoyable.”
Bison Bistro offers a wide variety of menu options, including chicken fingers, salads, sandwiches, vegetarian dishes, desserts, and more.
Lanier emphasizes a customer-first approach, saying, “One of our non-negotiables here at Bison Bistro is if someone wants something that they don’t see on the menu, we try to make it happen for
them.”
Committed to serving both the campus and the broader community, Bison Bistro is open to the public from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. While serving students is
OHS career tech instructor receives sustainability award
CONTRIBUTED BY UNITED
SOYBEAN BOARD
OPELIKA — Judy Eldred, a career tech instructor at Opelika High School, has been recognized for her effort to increase the school’s sustainability and food waste management programs.
Eldred received the 2024 Green Runner-up Award recognizing her commitment to teaching sustainability and its importance in culinary education. The national award is sponsored by the United Soybean Board and the Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education (CAFÉ).
Eldred addressed sustainability and food waste management in a hands-on way through a mutually beneficial partnership with the school’s agriculture program. The agriculture program provided the culinary program with farm-to-table ingredients, including an aquaponics setup that grew herbs, lettuce and market-size tilapia. They also provided seasonal produce and eggs. In return, the culinary students gave the ag program items for composting.
The goal was to foster a culture of environmental stewardship and corporate social responsibility among students while increasing awareness about the origin of
food. Various school events provided the program with a platform to demonstrate their collaborative endeavors with local community members and industry leaders. As a result, the culinary program received donations and job opportunities for students.
Eldred received a commemorative plaque from the United Soybean Board and was presented with a complimentary registration to attend CAFÉ’s 2024 Leadership Conference in San Antonio, Texas.
About United Soybean Board
United Soybean Board’s 77 volunteer farmer-leaders create value by investing in research, education and
promotion with the vision to deliver sustainable soy solutions to every life, every day. The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB. For more information, visit unitedsoybean.org.
About CAFÉ
Founded in 2002, the mission of the Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education is to link culinary educators with the foodservice industry. The organization provides up-todate resources to foodservice educators who are training students for careers in the ever-evolving hospitality industry. For more information, visit CafeMeetingPlace. com.
a primary focus, the Bistro also aims to attract customers from outside the college, strengthening ties between Southern Union and the local community. Open to the public, the
Bistro currently employs five staff members who prepare and serve breakfast and lunch. The restaurant also caters to various departments at Southern Union State Community
College and crafts meals for the college’s sports teams.
Lanier has ambitious plans for Bison Bistro, including offering seasonal meals for holiday celebrations. He is also working on introducing an optional meal plan for students, which would include a special ID card. Unlike traditional meal plans, this one would allow unused funds to roll over from one semester to the next, giving students more flexibility in managing their dining expenses. Opened on July 8, Bison Bistro is set to become a staple at Southern Union State Community College. As the restaurant continues to grow, Lanier is actively hiring and looking to expand its involvement in the community.
Auburn Junior High named Apple Distinguished School
CONTRIBUTED BY DANIEL CHESSER, ACS
AUBURN — Auburn Junior High School has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for the 2024–2027 program term. Schools apply and are selected for this distinction based on their commitment to continuous innovation in education and using Apple prod -
ucts to inspire, imagine, and impact teaching and learning.
Apple Distinguished Schools are centers of leadership and educational excellence, with a clear vision for how technology-rich environments support learning goals. In Apple Distinguished Schools, forward-thinking leaders and their communities work to inspire, imagine, and impact teaching and
BY ANITA STIEFEL EDITOR@OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM
OPELIKA — At its regularly scheduled meeting on Aug. 27, the Opelika City Schools Board of Education announced it will hold two public budget meetings on Tuesday, Sept. 10, and on Thursday, Sept. 12, both at 4:30 p.m.
Among items of business, the board approved renewal of the system’s liability insurance, approved several personnel recommendations and approved two out-of-state field trip requests, one for the yearend middle school band trip to Orlando and another for a choir trip to Atlanta. The board approved appointment of several textbook committees, which are made
learning, and they have documented results of academic accomplishments. Schools all over the world are using iPad and Mac to transform learning. As teachers incorporate technology into their lessons, they empower students to lead, learn, and thrive, to discover new opportunities, and to make their world a better place.
up of parents alongside school officials.
The board approved annual renewal agreements with Lee County Youth Development Center and East Alabama Academy/EAMC to coordinate student services.
The board discussed the school system’s Five Year Capital Plan, which is required by the state Department of Education. The plan includes projected expenditures for new construction and ongoing repairs and renovation projects, such as HVAC and lighting upgrades, new carpet and paint and improved telephone and intercom systems.
The board’s next meeting is set for Thursday, Sept. 12, immediately following the 4:30 budget hearing.
Bison Bistro by FRANKY JUNES celebrated its grand opening as SUSCC students returned to campus this fall.
Opelika High School Career Tech Instructor Judy Eldred, right, received the 2024 Green Runner-up Award from the United Soybean Board’s Wendy Brannen (left), senior director of marketing and communications.
Lee County Schools Superintendent Dr. Mike Howard accepted a donation of $47,000 from state Rep. Chris Blackshear (R-Smiths Station) to enhance students' educational experiences.
From left to right, Auburn City Schools Superintendent Dr. Cristen Herring celebrates with staff members from Auburn Junior High School: Assistant Principal Chris Daniel, Assistant Principal Brittney Luckie, Principal Ross Reed, Assistant Principal Dr. Melissa Baker, Librarian and Media Specialist Katie Rainer and Instructional Technology Specialist Kristen Ferrell.
Auburn music educators attend workshop
Princeton Review ranks Auburn University
as No. 1 for happiest students in the nation
CONTRIBUTED BY AU NEWS
AUBURN — Auburn
University, located in the “Loveliest Village on the Plains,” is also home to the happiest students in the nation, according to The Princeton Review’s 2025 rankings released this week.
Auburn ranked No. 1 nationally in the “happiest students” category as part of The Princeton Review’s annual “Best 390 Colleges” rankings list. Criteria for the rankings was based on data from surveys of 168,000
students at the 390 schools featured in the review. The student survey included 89 questions, asking students about their life at their university, their fellow students and themselves.
“At Auburn, we are firmly committed to an exceptional student experience. We want our campus to be a place where all students can thrive, and this ranking affirms that we are on the right track,” said Bobby Woodard, Auburn’s senior vice president for student affairs. “The student experience
goes beyond academics. Our students benefit tremendously from opportunities to make meaningful connections, hone leadership skills and grow personally and professionally.”
Princeton Review also ranked Auburn second nationally for “Best Athletic Facilities,” fourth in the category of “Town-Gown Relations Are Great,” sixth for “Friendliest Students” and eighth for “Best Quality of Life.”
In addition to the Princeton Review rankings, the
2024 U.S. News and World Report rankings listed Auburn as the No. 1 university in Alabama and among the top 50 public universities in the nation. An annual list by Money noted Auburn as among the Best Colleges in America, and a 2024 Niche. com ranking named Auburn in the top 25 of colleges with the best student life in America. The Higher Education Research and Development Survey has listed Auburn among the nation’s top 11% of research institutions.
Letter to the Editor – Racial justice essay contest
Lee County Remembrance Project (LCRP), in partnership with Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), invites all 9th-12th grade public school students in Lee County, AL, to participate in 2024’s Racial Justice Essay Contest. This includes students attending all public high schools in the Auburn City, Opelika City, and Lee County School Districts. Students are asked to write an 800 - 1,000-word essay about racial injustice in the past and its impact today. The contest will begin on Tuesday, September 3rd. All essay submissions are due by Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at 11:59pm central time. Prizes totaling up to $5,000 will be awarded to winning participants! Students interested in participating in this contest should visit www.leecountyremembrance.org/essay and complete the interest form to get started. LCRP will host two kick-off events to explore the essay prompt and help students access resources for their essays. Students can attend either kick-off event and can request a recording of the online event. Kick-off events will be held:
· Thursday, September 5th at 7pm (central) on Zoom
· Saturday, September 14 at 11am (central) at the Opelika Public Library
LCRP will support students by providing historical resources and help with editing their essays throughout the contest. Winners will be announced at LCRP’s Day of Remembrance Ceremony on Sunday, November 17th. Past essay contest winners include Mary Lancaster of Beauregard High School and JaNiah Hoskins of Smiths Station High School.
To learn more about the Racial Justice Essay Contest, please visit www.leecountyremembrance.org/essay.
Joe Davis
Co-Executive Director Lee County Remembrance Project
Notice:
Lee County Schools will hold a special called board meeting and first public hearing for the proposed FY 2025 Budget on Monday, Sept. 9, at 10 a.m. at the Central Office (2410 Society Hill Road, Opelika)
There will be a work session on Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 5 p.m. prior to the regularly scheduled board meeting at 6 p.m.
AU enrollment includes more Alabamians
In-state undergraduates reach all-time high of 62%
AUBURN — Auburn University’s total enrollment increased 2.6% over last year, with a record percentage of in-state students beginning the fall 2024 semester. Pre-census semester data — which will be confirmed officially on the Sept. 9 census date — revealed the land-grant institution’s full-time undergraduate enrollment is 24,953, with Alabama residents constituting a record 62% of full-time enrolled undergraduates. That is a 4% increase of in-state students over 2023 and the largest percentage of Alabama residents enrolled in the university’s nearly 170-year history.
This fall’s first-year class is the largest to date, with more than 3,400 Alabama residents enrolled. Additionally, more than 750 new first-year students were accepted through the Auburn First dual enrollment program, which aims to provide greater access to high school students across the state. Auburn expanded its recruiting efforts to the state’s 67 counties, including those that traditionally have been underrepresented.
All totaled, Auburn’s head count is 33,885 this year, including undergraduate and graduate students, up from 33,015 last fall. AU’s Office of Institutional Research reports that enrollment has grown steadily each year over the past decade. The university has added 110 new faculty members this semester, a net gain of 20 new educators, to help serve the growing number of students.
“Demand for an Auburn education and our transformational student experiences has never been greater,” Auburn University President Christopher B. Roberts said. “I am impressed that much of our enrollment growth is from in-state students. This highlights the university’s continued commitment to recruit and educate the brightest minds from every corner of our state.”
“We are excited to see this type of growth in our enrollment, and it is a testament to the allure of an Auburn degree and the administration’s efforts to increase access to students throughout the state,” said Joffery Gaymon, Auburn’s vice president for Enrollment Management. “By expanding our reach throughout Alabama and beyond, we can continue to offer opportunities for the change-makers of tomorrow to pursue their dreams on the Plains.”
A group of music educators from Auburn City Schools attended a workshop hosted in partnership with the East Alabama Regional Inservice Center. Dr. Shane Colquhoun, an Assistant Professor of Music Technology and Contemporary Musical Styles at Alabama State University, led the professional development opportunity. For the past decade, ACS teachers have supported the East Alabama General Music Workshops, which provide quality training for music teachers across Alabama and West Georgia.
P U Z Z L E S , P U Z Z L E S & M O R E P U Z Z L E S — W W W . O P E L I K A O B S E R V E R . C O M
Food &E ntertainment Community Calendar
BY STACEY PATTON WALLACE
OPINION —
As Mike and I have entered our fifth year of retirement, how we look at the week has certainly changed. For example, when we taught at Long Cane Middle School in LaGrange, Georgia, Mondays were tough because we were coming off the weekend. It was especially rough during the four years, three months and two weeks we commuted from Auburn to LaGrange. Back then, the alarm clock went off at 3:42 a.m. Central, a vicious time of day. As I’ve probably said before in this column, only Dracula and we were awake at this time in our neighborhood.
By Wednesday, or “hump day,” Mike and I were getting excited because our work week was more than half over already.
As Thursday dawned, our excitement grew. By the way, I once read that Thursday was to the best day to ask for a raise. Why? Because your boss is grumpy on Monday since the weekend is over, and he or she doesn’t want
Making
the Grade
to be bothered on Friday because departure for the weekend is near. Therefore, ask your boss for a raise on Thursday because he or she is in a better mood since the weekend is near.
As teachers, Mike and I couldn’t ask for a raise. However, I hope this tip can help you. But I digress.
Friday, of course, brought us much joy. We loved our kids, but after five days with them, we needed a break.
However, as retired teachers, our perspective of the week has changed dramatically. In fact, ALL days are the weekend, so our advice to everyone is to retire as soon as you can afford to do so. But on to my review.
Recently, Mike and I joined our good friends Jack and William at Yaki Bowl at 1716 Opelika Road in Auburn. As an Auburn grad and football season ticket holder, I love the 1716 address. I wonder why?
Yaki Bowl, which serves Mongolian stir-fry and ramen, opened this past July.
The restaurant’s interior was bright and inviting. Also, Anna, our server, wasgreat, being sweet, helpful and kind.
Yaki Bowl is a unique restaurant. Diners may order at the table as Mike, William and I did. However, diners may also go up to the counter and point out what foods they want to have cooked for them; Jack chose this option.
Yaki Bowl
As an appetizer, I ordered an egg roll, while Mike selected crab Rangoon, which he kindly shared with me.
For our entrees, Mike, William and I all ordered the Super Yummy teriyaki chicken with chicken, cabbage, onion, pineapple, green pepper, teriyaki sauce, dragon sauce and fried rice. Again, all Southerners know that anything fried just tastes better. Everything was really tasty.
Lee, who ordered what’s known as the dinner bowl, picked out chicken, beef, cabbage, egg, onions, broccoli, spices and sauces. Lee said that his meal was delicious.
Besides our amazing appetizers, Yaki Bowl also offers diners spring rolls, fried or steamed dumplings, corn nuggets, fried scallops and French fries, among others.
Yaki Bowl serves other Super Yummy classic stir-fry dishes, some of which include Warriors chicken with Udon, Mongolian Empire, teriyaki beef. shrimp & veggies and Asian beef.
Yaki Bowl is open seven days a week. The restaurant is open on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Monday through Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; on Friday and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Yaki Bowl makes the grade with an A+ from this retired English teacher. Remember, “Poohsized” people NEVER lie about food. Enjoy!
Stacey Patton Wallace, who retired from teaching language arts for 30 years, is
professional diner. Her column, “Making the Grade,” appears every other week in The Observer. Stacey may be reached at retiredlangartsteacher2020@gmail.com
The Gogue to host a Look & Learn open House Sept. 15
AUBURN — Celebrate Auburn Homecoming and Fall Family Weekend with the Gogue Center, which will host a Look & Learn open house on Sunday, Sept. 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Drop in to meet the team, learn more about the 2024–25 season and get some inside information on the new studio theatre and renovated Ham Amphitheatre — both coming soon to Auburn. Guests will enjoy behind-the-scenes tours and plenty of delicious brunch bites. This event is free and open to all; no registration required. The Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center at Auburn University is located at 910 S. College St. in Auburn. Parking is available in the Woodfield Drive lot.
Yaki Bowl is new open seven days a week at 1716 Opelika Road in Auburn.
AACT stages Beauty & the Beast
BY SEAN DIETRICH
OPINION —
The unofficial last day of summer is here. And here, on the last day of summer, I start remembering things. The memories get so thick you have to swat them away like gnats.
My favorite thing about summer is tomato sandwiches. I can still remember
Sean of the South
my first tomato sandwich. I was young, just out of diapers, maybe 14 years old. No, I’m only kidding. I think I was three or four. I remember my mother used to buy her tomatoes at a farm stand on the county line. Way out in the sticks. The farmstand was in a barnyard that smelled of mud and dirt and horses. There were bales of hay everywhere. Goats walking around, unknowingly dropping pellets from their backends.
There were vegetables of every kind. Bright colors galore. Collards, yellow squash, ginormous zucchinis, piles of corn, onions the size of regulation volleyballs. And there was a huge
The Sandwich
vat of tomatoes. I was drawn to the tomatoes first. I can’t explain why. Some things are just meant to be.
Maybe it was their brilliant red color. Or maybe it was their R-rated shapes. Or maybe it was that the tomatoes came in all dimensions, all shades, all varieties. A vivid palette of reds, pinks, yellows, oranges, purples, and zebra-striped greens. Misshapen, exploded-looking things, with prickly stems, and blemished skin.
There was the marvelous smell of tomato vines.
Grassy and green, like fresh lawn clippings. Sweet and peppery.
My mother bought several pounds of heirlooms in a
brown paper bag. Then, she walked to the station wagon, carrying the bag in one arm and me in the other. There were groceries in the car, cooking in the backseat of the old Ford. The ice cream had melted. The butter had gone to be with Jesus. And right then, right there, she prepared a tomato sandwich. Wonderbread. Duke’s Mayonnaise. Salt and pepper. The finished sandwich was lopsided, topheavy, and about the size of an average preschooler.
I took my first bite.
One of the tomato slices, lubricated by a slathering of mayo, slipped from between my bread slices and fell to the earth. My
EAA presents ‘Some Enchanted Evening’ on Oct. 7
CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
EAST ALABAMA — East Alabama Arts will present “Some Enchanted Evening” at the Opelika Center for the Performing Arts for one performance on Monday, Oct. 7.
Some Enchanted Evening, produced and managed by IGM Artists, brings together music and dance in a way that resonates with audiences of all ages. The show stars a trio of fast-rising gifted artists, all veterans of the popular musical collective Postmodern Jukebox.
Emmy nominated trumpeter Benny Benack III and internet sensation vocalist Stella Cole share top-billing in Some Enchanted Evening, a jazz-steeped sojourn exploring some of The Great American Songbook’s most enduring hits from the Golden Age of Broadway to today. The two exceptionally talented artists will be joined by tap dance phenom Jabu Graybeal, as well as a five-piece band.
The concert program includes selections from many shows from Broadway and the Silver Screen including The Wizard of Oz, The Sound of Music, Guys & Dolls, Hamilton, Oliver! and South Pacific. Some Enchanted Evening celebrates a century of music, seamlessly blending timeless music and dance, with jazzy takes on beloved classics (“Over the Rainbow”) to contemporary hits (“My Shot”).
“Our concert is the perfect marriage between the majesty of musical theatre with the spontaneity of Swing,” Benack said. “Stella Cole is a modern-day starlet of stage and screen, and Jabu is the most exciting and show-stopping tap dancer in the world right now. Combining all of these talents together feels like we just assembled the Avengers of showbiz — get your popcorn ready!”
The stop in Opelika is part of a nation-wide tour. For more information, visit www.someenchantedconcert.com. Tickets are on sale now at www.eastalabamaarts.org/tickets.
About IMG Artists:
The Performing Arts are essential part of the human experience. IMG Artists is dedicated to connecting artists, creators and organizations with new, emerging and loyal audiences. For forty years, IMG Artists’ team across three continents has provided the expertise, direction and support needed to develop artistically, commercially and strategically successful careers for an illustrious roster of artists and projects.
mother simply picked up the tomato slice, dusted it off, and placed it back on my sandwich. “A little dirt never hurt anyone,” she clarified.
When I was finished with the sandwich, I was wearing most of it. Tiny seeds clung to my shirt, blood-red juice stains ran down my chest, mayonnaise globs covered my chin, my neck, and hands.
Whereupon my mother took me to the nearest hosepipe, jutting from beneath the nearby farmhouse. She rinsed me off in the yard while the farmer, an old man in overalls, just watched. Periodically spitting. My mother stripped me and gave me a bath,
right there.
And when I was finally clean, my red hair, curly and damp. My chubby white torso, bulging from the waistband of my miniature Levi’s. The farmer looked at me and said something I’ll never forget: “Tomato sandwiches are supposed to be eaten over the sink.”
And on the eve of Labor Day, the unofficial last day of summer, I am trying to live my life by that rule.
Sean Dietrich is a columnist, novelist and stand-up storyteller known for his commentary on life in the American South. His column appears in newspapers throughout the U.S. He has authored 15 books.
Benny Benack III is a fiery trumpet player and a singer in the post-Sinatra mold. His dual talents were recognized by the 2022 Downbeat Critics Poll, where he appeared as both the #2 Rising Star Male Vocalist and a top Rising Star Trumpeter.
Beginning with an impromptu 30-second a cappella clip of “Over the Rainbow,” Stella Cole has become a global viral sensation. With a combined social media following of over 1.6 million, Stella has performed in venues like Madison Square Garden, Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center.
Award-winning artist Jabu Graybeal was a member of the world-renowned North Carolina Youth Tap Ensemble and has perfored with prestigious dance companies such as Riverdance. He is featured in Apple TV’s movie musical Spirited with Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds.
AUG. 29 — THIRD THURSDAY POETRY SERIES
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Auburn University’s Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities will host the Third Thursday Poetry Series on Aug. 29 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Pebble Hill (101 S. Debardeleben St., Auburn) featuring local readers Ken Autrey, Ernest Gibson and Maria Kuznetzova. Refreshments will be available. Admission is free.
AUG. 30 — FOOTBALL, FANS & FEATHERS
The Auburn University Raptor Center’s Football, Fans and Feathers — offers fans the opportunity to see a raptor show where they will experience birds of prey eye-to-eye and watch as they swoop overhead. Shows are held at 4 p.m. on Fridays before Auburn home games. Tickets can be purchased in advance; there is no charge for children age three and under. The hour-long program is presented at the center’s the 350-seat Edgar B. Carter Educational Amphitheater.
AUG. 30 — COME HOME TO THE CORNER
Join the Auburn Downtown Merchants Association for Come Home to the Corner every Friday night before a home football game from 5 to 10 p.m. There will be live music from 6-9 p.m., extending shopping hours and more.
THROUGH AUGUST — ITTY BITTY SCAVENGER HUNT
The city of Auburn’s Itty Bitty Auburn Scavenger Hunt is underway now through the end of August. To participate, pick up a worksheet at any Auburn Parks and Recreation facility, visit the City of Auburn website or check out the details on Facebook. The worksheet features 20 itty-bitty sites located in various spots around Auburn. Participants will need to visit the sites and find a clue hidden at each location. Successfully finding all the clues will reveal a special phrase that participants will need to log their win. register before midnight on Aug. 31, at auburnal.myrec.com. Those who compile all 20 clues and discover the phrase will be entered into the grand prize drawing. Winners will be announced and contacted on Sept. 6.
SEPT. 6 — FOOTBALL, FANS & FEATHERS
The Auburn University Raptor Center’s Football, Fans and Feathers — offers fans the opportunity to see a raptor show where they will experience birds of prey eye-to-eye and watch as they swoop overhead. Shows are held at 4 p.m. on Fridays before Auburn home games. Tickets can be purchased in advance; there is no charge for children age three and under. The hour-long program is presented at the center’s the 350-seat Edgar B. Carter Educational Amphitheater.
AUG. 31 & SEPT. 1 — “NOT THE FAIR” MARKET
The Not the Fair vendor market will be held on three consecutive weekends, Aug. 31 & Sept. 1, Sept. 7 & 8 and Sept. 14 & 15, at the Lee County Fairgrounds and Event Center, located on Lafayette Parkway in Opelika. There will be giveaways, door prizes, food trucks and both indoor and outdoor vendors. Open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays.
SEPT. 6 — COME HOME TO THE CORNER
Join the Auburn Downtown Merchants Association for Come Home to the Corner every Friday night before a home football game. There will be live music from 6-9 p.m., extending shopping hours and more. Entertainment district from 5-10 p.m.
SEPT. 13 — AUBURN UNIVERSITY HOMECOMING PARADE
The Auburn University Homecoming Parade will step off in downtown Auburn at 6 p.m., followed by a pep rally on Samford Lawn.
SEPT. 13 — STEVE FORBERT @ SUNDILLA
Americana songwriter Steve Forbert will perform at Sundilla on Friday, Sept. 13. Showtime at the AUUF (450 E. Thach Avenue in Auburn) is 7:30. Advance tickets are $25 and can be found at Spicer’s Music, Ross House Coffee, Foodie’s and online at www.sundillamusic.com; admission at the door will be $30.
SEPT. 13 — FOOTBALL, FANS & FEATHERS
The Auburn University Raptor Center’s Football, Fans and Feathers — offers fans the opportunity to see a raptor show where they will experience birds of prey eye-to-eye and watch as they swoop overhead. Shows are held at 4 p.m. on Fridays before Auburn home games. Tickets can be purchased in advance; there is no charge for children age three and under. The hour-long program is presented at the center’s the 350-seat Edgar B. Carter Educational Amphitheater.
SEPT. 13 — COME HOME TO THE CORNER
Join the Auburn Downtown Merchants Association for Come Home to the Corner every Friday night before a home football game. There will be live music from 6-9 p.m., extending shopping hours and more. Entertainment district from 5-10 p.m.
SEPT. 14 — OPELIKA FALL FESTIVAL
A Fall Festival is planned for Saturday, Sept. 14, beginning at 10 a.m. at Courthouse Square in downtown Opelika. There will be a bounce house, treats, games, vendors and more.
SEPT. 14 — SECOND SATURDAY AT PIONEER PARK
On the second Saturday of every month, the Lee County Historical Society hosts a lively event at Pioneer Park. History re-enactors don period attire, showcasing their arts and crafts.
Blacksmiths forge, spinners and weavers bring the textile room to life, and gardeners tend to the historical gardens. Crafts and seasonal activities are scheduled throughout the day. A meal is prepared in the fireplace or outdoors. The Whistle Stop Pickers gather at the Museum at 1 p.m. for live music. For more information, visit www.leecountyhistoricalsociety.org.
SEPT. 15 — HOMECOMING BRUNCH & BROWSE
Join the downtown merchants for Brunch and Browse to cap off Auburn’s homecoming weekend. Enjoy extended shopping hours, merchant specials, sips and more.
SEPT. 19 — BLUES ON THE PLAINS GALA
The Lee County Democratic Party will host its annual gala, Blues on the Plains, on Thursday, Sept. 19, at 6 p.m. at Fig & Ivy, located at 2290 Moores Mill Road in Auburn. The Lee County Democratic Party is committed to fostering a healthier democracy and creating a future filled with hope and progress, and this cocktail event will feature keynote presentations from speakers, interactive networking and show-stopping live music. Tickets start at $65 and are available at https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bluesontheplains.
SEPT. 19 — THIRD THURSDAY POETRY SERIES
Auburn University’s Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities will host the Third Thursday Poetry Series on Sept. 19 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Pebble Hill (101 S. Debardeleben St., Auburn) featuring professors Catherine Carter and Brian Gastle of Western Carolina University. Refreshments will be available. Admission is free.
SEPT. 20 — FOOTBALL, FANS & FEATHERS
The Auburn University Raptor Center’s Football, Fans and Feathers — offers fans the opportunity to see a raptor show where they will experience birds of prey eye-to-eye and watch as they swoop overhead. Shows are held at 4 p.m. on Fridays before Auburn home games. Tickets can be purchased in advance; there is no charge for children age three and under. The hour-long program is presented at the center’s the 350-seat Edgar B. Carter Educational Amphitheater.
SEPT. 20 — COME HOME TO THE CORNER
Join the Auburn Downtown Merchants Association for Come Home to the Corner every Friday night before a home football game. There will be live music from 6-9 p.m., extending shopping hours and more. Entertainment district from 5-10 p.m.
SEPT. 26 — VALOR AWARDS DINNER
The Opelika Chamber will host the VALOR Public Safety Awards Dinner on Thursday, Sept. 26, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Southerly Warehouse (1007 Avenue B). The event will feature military hero and Dancing with the Stars alum Noah Galloway as guest speaker, and first responders will be presented with annual awards like Firefighter and Police Officer of the Year. Register at opelikachamber.com.
SEPT. 27 — DAN NAVARRO AT SUNDILLA
Songwriter Dan Navarro will perform at the Sundilla Concert Series on Friday, Sept. 27. Showtime at the AUUF (450 E. Thach Avenue in Auburn) is 7:30 p.m. Advance tickets are available for $20 from Spicer’s Music, Ross House Coffee, Foodie’s, and online at sundillamusic.com. Admission at the door will be $25, $15 for students. Free coffee, tea, water and food will be available, and the audience is invited to bring their own favorite food or beverage.
SEPT. 28 — FOOTBALL, FANS & FEATHERS
The Auburn University Raptor Center’s Football, Fans and Feathers — offers fans the opportunity to see a raptor show where they will experience birds of prey eye-to-eye and watch as they swoop overhead. Shows are held at 4 p.m. on Fridays before Auburn home games. Tickets can be purchased in advance; there is no charge for children age three and under. The hour-long program is presented at the center’s the 350-seat Edgar B. Carter Educational Amphitheater.
SEPT. 28 — COME HOME TO THE CORNER
Join the Auburn Downtown Merchants Association for Come Home to the Corner every Friday night before a home football game. There will be live music from 6-9 p.m., extending shopping hours and more. Entertainment district from 5-10 p.m.
THROUGH SEPT. 28 — CAMP HILL FARMERS MARKET
The Camp Hill Marketplace Farmers Market is held each Saturday through Sept. 28 from 8 to 11 a.m. at Mt. Lovely Church Grounds, 21900 Sen. Claude Pepper Drive. Senior benefit cards are welcome. Vendors contact market manager Joanne Finley at (334) 332-5970.
OCT. 1 — OPELIKA NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
The city of Opelika will host 2024 National Night Out, a community-building event, on Tuesday, Oct. 1, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Courthouse Square. The event will feature food, drinks and resources about public safety, crime prevention, health, education and youth programs.
OCT. 1 – SMITHS STATION NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
Lee County Sheriff’s Office & the City of Smiths Station are partnering for National Night Out 2024. National Night Out is a yearly, nation-wide event to build relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Stop by the Smiths Station Govt. Center (2336 Lee Rd 430) 5-7:30pm CT to meet deputies, see helicopters and first responder vehicles and learn about programs offered by community partners.
OCT. 5 – RIDE AND SEEK @ CHEWACLA
Registration is now open for the second annual Ride and Seek: A Bike Safety Adventure. The event, for children in grades K-8, will be held at Chewacla State Park on Saturday, Oct. 5, at 8 a.m., with bike rides beginning at 9 a.m. At Ride and Seek, riders and their parents will get safety tips from experts and test their skills on mountain bike and paved trails. There will be free prizes, a raffle for some great bike equipment and food and drink for purchase. Registration is $15 per person. Register by Sept. 18 to be guaranteed a T-shirt. Visit http://bit. ly/rideseek2024 to register.
OCT. 7 — East Alabama Area Youth for Christ (EAYFC) will host its 39th Annual Golf Classic fundraiser at Auburn University Club on Oct. 7. Registration includes a goody bag, golf cart rental and lunch. There will be a variety of contests, including a Hole-in-One Contest and a Golf Ball Drop. For more information about sponsorship levels or to register, visit eastalabamayfc.org/golfclassic or email golf@eastalabamayfc.org
OCT. 7 — ‘SOME ENCHANTED EVENING’ CONCERT
Some Enchanted Evening, a jazz-steeped sojourn exploring a bevy of The Great American Songbook’s most enduring hits from the Golden Age of Broadway to today, will be presented at the Opelika Center for the Performing Arts on Monday, Oct. 7, at 7:30 p.m. For ticket information visit the website SomeEnchantedConcert.com.
OCT. 11 — STUDENT VETERANS GALA
Tickets are available now for the Auburn Student Veterans Association (ASVA) annual gala, set for Friday, Oct. 11, at the Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa at Grand National. Cocktail hour will begin at 6 p.m., followed by the gala at 7 p.m. Dress code is black-tie or senior dress uniform.This year’s keynote speaker will be Jeff Struecker, former U.S. Army Ranger and “Black Hawk Down” survivor. Individual tickets are available for $180, with tables of 10 available for $1,800. Gala tick-ets may be gifted to current student veterans or active-duty military. Tickets are available online at https://asvastore.com/gala.
Club News from around Lee County Kiwanis Club of Opelika
Opelika Lions Club
Auburn Rotary Club
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.
LEE/RUSSELL COUNTY LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP
The group meets every month on the third Wednesday from 1:30 to 3 p.m. The meeting will be held at the AIDB-Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind Opelika Regional Center on 355 Dunlop Drive in Opelika. Every month different topics are discussed to make life more manageable living with low vision.
Contact Shiquita Fulton, M.ED/Vision Rehab therapist for additional details at 334-705-2024, or Melody Wilson, case manager for the blind, at 256-3683258.
NAMI TO MEET SEPT. 17
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) East Alabama will meet at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 17, at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, 714 East Glenn Ave. in Auburn.
Laura Cooper, Executive Director of the Lee County Youth Development Center and key staff members will speak on the mental health services provided to young people while they are served at the Center. The public is invited. There will be time for sharing after the program.
MomCO
Auburn Opelika
MomCo meets at Pepperell Baptist Church (2702 2nd Ave., Opelika) on the first and third Thursdays of each month. The group meets mornings at 9 a.m. and evenings at 5:30 p.m.
Upcoming meeting dates: Sept. 5 & 19, Oct. 3 & 17, Nov. 7 & 21 and Dec. 5. Contact Rachel Elrod at (706) 244-5620 or Pastor Zac Gardner at (334) 745-3108 for more information.
Martha Henk, Executive Director of the Food Bank of East Alabama was a recent guest of the Opelika Lions Club. The Food Bank has purchased a lot at 1600 First Ave. in response to increased demand from those in need of their services, and to provide a dignified process for those seeking a helping hand. Funds are being raised to construct a facility at this location to replace the one currently in use at 3810C Pepperell Parkway. Over 23,000 individuals live in food-insecure households in the Opelika/Auburn area. The Food Bank attempts to address this concerning statistic in our state. Henk was presented by Lion Gayron Davis.
VFW POST 5404 COFFEE & CONVERSATION
The speaker at the Opelika Kiwanis Club meeting last week was Richard Tomasello who spoke about his business Well Red.
The Auburn Rotary recently hosted Reta Clanton and Sara Gascoine from the USA Wheelchair Team Handball which is based in Auburn.
