OPELIKA — “Less than 24 hours’ notice, and now what are we supposed to do?” asked 61-year-old Donald Preston, who along with more than a hundred other residents of the Springwood Hotel in Opelika were forced onto the street Tuesday morning.
With tears in her eyes, a young mother nearby stood with her four children while her husband thanked the front desk clerk, saying the family found a place to sleep tonight in nearby Valley.
“Thank the Lord we have a car to get there,” he said as he shuffled his family out of the office.
Some of the displaced residents sat on the sidewalk, surrounded by suitcases and baskets of clothes, waiting for a ride. Others just paced and shook their heads, saying they have nowhere else to go and no way of getting there.
“I’ve got four kids, ages 15, 14, 12 and 9, and I don’t know where we’re going to sleep tonight,” said Dorothy Pennyamon, who has been staying at the Springwood Hotel for the past seven or so months. She said she has no family that is willing to help her, and that she’s gone down the list of phone numbers the school gave her to call for assistance with no results.
“Nobody will answer, or they say they don’t have the resources to help us,” she said. “How can this be?”
See SPRINGWOOD, page A2
Donald Preston, standing, and Dorothy Pennyamon were among 120 people abruptly evicted
Opelika. They, like many others staying at the
Some Auburn streets to close for AU homecoming parade
The hotel was the topic of a public hearing at the Sept. 3 Opelika City Council meeting, where council members discussed a resolution to revoke the business license of BRP Hospitality LLC, doing business as Springwood Hotel, because of building code violations and reports of criminal activity. After a four hour public hearing, the council voted to table the matter and take it back up at its Oct. 1 meeting.
Springwood Hotel General Manager Dhruv (Dru) Shah said his family leased the property from the owner and has been managing the business, located on Columbus Parkway at I-85 Exit 62. He said some improvements have been made and more are planned.
Shah said he was told that by Wednesday, Sept. 11, the city would provide him with a list of repairs to be made at the hotel.
Instead, he said, at approximately 11 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 9, Opelika Building Inspector Jeff Kappelman came to the hotel with Special Agent Jay Brice of the Criminal Investigations Division of the Alabama State Fire Marshal’s office, who threatened to arrest the Shahs if they didn’t vacate the hotel within 24 hours.
“He [Brice] said, ‘Everybody has to leave, and you have to make sure the buildings are vacated, otherwise I’m coming back to put you in jail’,” Shah said.
The Observer reached out to the Alabama Fire Marshal’s office, and Public Information Officer Jennifer Bowen issued the following statement: “The hotel decided to voluntarily close based on the results of a recent inspection. There is no closure order in place at this time.”
“That’s not true,” said Shah. “He said he would put us in jail.” When asked by The Observer to clarify what took place, Brice said he “told him [Shah] if he didn’t comply with a voluntary shutdown and evacuate all the tenants then he would have been incarcerated.”
The Shahs took exception with Brice’s use of the word voluntary, saying they were coerced — that they did not “volunteer” to kick out their residents with less than 24 hours’ notice.
Brice said the removal of renters was “all due to life safety violations” but declined to provide examples of any violations. When asked to see paperwork regarding the violations, he
abruptly ended the interview. The Shahs said they received no written orders this week but were compelled to do what they were told.
“The city and state had us displace 120 people, 30 of them under the age of 14,” Shah said. “Most of the long-term tenants have kids. We have victims of domestic violence. It’s upsetting, and I cannot believe how they kicked them all out overnight.
“The city council tabled the issue, and I don’t know why they couldn’t wait until Oct. 1,” Shah said. “I’m upset about the city not following what they say. If they’re going to give us 30 days, then it’s not fair to shut us down before then.”
When asked about the situation, Kappelman referred The Observer to Leigh Krehling, the community relations officer with the Opelika Mayor’s office for comment. Krehling was able to verify that Kappelman did meet with the state fire marshal’s agent at the hotel on Monday, Sept. 9 and referred The Observer to the state fire marshal’s office for information pertaining to the results of the inspection by the fire marshal’s special agent.
Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller also released the following statement:
“We are aware of the situation. After last week’s city council meeting, we reviewed all evidence presented and based on liability due to safety concerns, Opelika Fire Chief Shane Boyd reached out to the State Fire Marshal for his expert opinion. As a result of that, we were notified yesterday afternoon that the Alabama State Fire Marshal would be shutting down the Springwood Hotel today due to safety concerns. Our Opelika Police Department’s social services team is out at the hotel and are attempting to assist long-term hotel residents with available resources in our community. We’ve spoken with the OPD team and there are around 10 families that have requested assistance.”
Capt. Tony Amerson of the Opelika Police Department was on site at the hotel Tuesday. He told The Observer he was there “to observe and assess the situation.” He and the OPD Social Worker Coordinator Yarbi Cound listened to displaced residents as they expressed their frustration.
Impriesha Roanokes said she and her two children, ages 8 and 2, were staying at the Springwood Hotel while awaiting housing assistance. She said they are on the waiting list at both the
CONTRIBUTED BY CITY OF AUBURN
AUBURN — The city of Auburn has announced that some downtown streets will close to accommodate Auburn University’s Homecoming Parade on Sept. 13. The city released the following statement:
“Downtown streets along the parade route will close at 5:30 p.m., and the parade will begin at 6 p.m.
The parade will start at the intersection of Thach Avenue and College Street, travel east on Thach, north on Gay Street, west on Magnolia Avenue and south on College ending back at Thach. A pep rally will follow on Samford Lawn. “Cars parked along the street will be unable to move until streets have r reopened. Heavy traffic is expected on surrounding streets near the parade route. Drivers are advised to take alternate routes to avoid delays.”
City of Auburn conducting Community Needs Survey
CONTRIBUTED BY CITY OF AUBURN
AUBURN — The city of Auburn is preparing a Consolidated Plan for the use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds in 2025-2029.
The plan will serve as a guide for using CDBG funds to address areas such as affordable housing, public services, infrastructure and economic development.
Auburn Housing Authority and the Housing Authority of Opelika.
“I’ve been on the waiting lists for more than a year,” she said. “I’m further up on the list in Auburn, but they can’t tell me when something will be available.”
“Where’s the help?” asked Preston. “I’ve donated to the Red Cross and the Salvation Army over the years, but now when I need help, where is it? Where are the churches?”
Preston said he lost a day’s wages because instead of working he had to spend his time packing up his belongings and finding somewhere else to live. He has no car, but since his job is only two blocks away from the Springwood Hotel, living there for the past five years has enabled him to walk to work.
Shah said the hotel on Monday refunded more than $3,000 to renters who had prepaid for the week. Even though there are other hotels and motels nearby, Preston said they are not affordable.
“They know all these people here are about to need a place to stay, so they all jacked up their prices,” Preston said. “Plus, they charge more right now because it’s football season. This is just wrong, how they’ve done people,” he said. “Where’s the help?”
As word spread of the situation, some individuals showed up to see if they could help, including Dr. Nate Dunlap of the PRF Teaching Ministry.
“I got a call asking about resources for 100 people who were going to be put out of the hotel today,” Dunlap said. “I wanted to find out more information about what was actually going on, because as a nonprofit ministry I know that we are called on to serve. Our organization does not typically do emergency-type situations — but this is an emergency.”
He said he intends to bring the matter to the attention of other ministers in the area in hopes they can all come together and help. He said he also wanted to be on site as a voice of calm and to bring a message of hope.
“My statement is this: Maybe this is that one situation that had to happen, unfortunately, to make us come together as a community in a way we have not before,” Dunlap said. “This is an ongoing situation. I was at the city council meeting. I was there. This is an ongoing problem. We talk about homelessness in the community, but now these people are homeless. We have to address it.”
To ensure the plan identifies the housing and community needs of lowand moderate-income residents, the
CONTRIBUTED BY CITY OF AUBURN
AUBURN — The Auburn City Council is accepting applications to fill a vacancy on the West Pace Village Improvement District Board of Directors. The term will begin immediately and end on Sept. 15, 2030.
The board of directors was established to acquire, construct, install and operate public improvements and infrastructure for property within the West
city is seeking public input through a Community Needs Survey. Community feedback is crucial in shaping the plan to ensure it reflects the priorities and needs of Auburn residents. The survey is available online at www.auburnalabama.org/community-services/housing-programs/ needs-survey and is available in print at the Boykin Community Center (400 Boykin St.). All Auburn residents are invited to participate in the survey, which will be open through Sept. 30.
Pace Village Improvement District. The directors carry out the powers of the district and conduct the district’s affairs and business. Members serve six-year terms, and the board meets as needed. Those interested in serving are invited to apply online using the link at auburnalabama.org/boards. Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Sept. 23. The City Council will make an appointment at its Oct. 1 meeting.
SPRINGWOOD
Chambers of Commerce celebrate ribbon-cuttings
On The Tracks wine trail returns to downtown Opelika Sept. 27
OPELIKA — The an -
nual On The Tracks Wine Trail will take place on Friday, Sept. 27, from 6 to 9 p.m. in downtown Ope -
lika. Hosted by Opelika Main Street, this event offers an evening filled with wine samples, live music and late-night shopping, all while supporting the revitalization and growth of downtown Opelika. Guests will enjoy a broad selection of wines provided by Pinnacle Imports, featuring crisp whites, bold reds, delightful rosés and sparkling wines. Attendees will
stroll through more than 20 participating businesses, each offering a different wine to sample, as they explore unique shops and enjoy exclusive deals from local retailers. Check in will be at the ticketing tent where volunteers will scan e-tickets, check IDs and
provide souvenir wine glasses along with a map to guide them through the wine trail. As guests make their way through the charming streets of downtown Opelika, they will be treated to live music and a festive atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience.
Though a ticket is required for wine sampling, On The Tracks invites everyone to enjoy the event’s lively atmosphere. Whether browsing shops, dining at local restaurants or simply strolling with friends, all are welcome to be part of the evening's festivities.
Tickets are available now at opelikamainstreet. org. Guests are encouraged to purchase early as this event sells out quickly. All proceeds will benefit Opelika Main Street, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the continued growth and revitalization of downtown Opelika.
Turning sweet and salty into kettle corn success
BY STEVEN STIEFEL FOR THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA — Doug Long of Opelika turned his love of carnivals into a business producing kettle corn in various sweet and salty flavors to treat kids of all ages. At 57, Long still cooks the old-fashioned way. He pours kernels into a large kettle, where sugar melts and caramelizes as the popcorn pops, creating a light, sweet coating that pairs with a salty bite. The result is a crunchy, slightly glazed treat that’s a step up from your usual butter-drenched movie popcorn.
Most people are more familiar with the movie popcorn, which consists mainly of butter and salt. In contrast, kettle corn doesn’t contain butter.
“You pop a little bit, and you get a lot,” Long said. “Say you buy an ice cream — you get one ice cream cone. You purchase a large bag of kettle corn, and it will provide you with an ample supply. You can take it home and enjoy it for a while. And it’s slightly addictive. You sit down to watch a movie or TV, and you’ve gone through half a bag before you realize it. So, it’s just, I think, the surprise of the sweet and salty. You get the best of both worlds.”
Kettle corn is typically found at fairs, festivals and farmers markets, where its unique aroma draws in crowds. In that environment, he befriended a couple operating as King’s Kettle Corn and helped them during his free time.
“I came from the fair and circus world. I sing, do ventriloquism and puppetry. I did a state and county puppet show in 2008. I only did three shows a day, so in my free time, I met a couple on the circuit and became really good friends with them. That was my introduction to kettle corn.”
Long said he’s “always had that entrepreneurial desire to do something, a little side hustle, side business and all.”
When his friends selling kettle corn retired, they sold their business and moved out of state. Years later, Long had the idea of making his own kettle corn.
“Why I waited years to try it
myself, I have no idea. I came off the road in 2014. I just did this and that until last year. I served as music minister at my church for a while, but then COVID hit, and things just kind of took a dive,” Long said.
Until recently, he worked as a school custodian.
“In the meantime, I had that entrepreneurial urge to do a little side hustle. I called my friend and asked him, ‘What does it take to make kettle corn?’ Then I started. I didn’t have one of the big kettles. And I thought, ‘Well, I’ll just do it with a burner and a big pot. I’ll just start that way.’ I learned quickly you cannot cook it in a flat-bottom pot. It has to be a kettle that’s curved.”
While working to acquire a proper kettle, he started cooking pork rinds.
“That actually ended up very well, doing the two foods. I pre-cook the pork rinds because it takes 400-degree grease to
make them. And even popcorn is about 400 or 500 degrees in your kettle. I pre-do all of it. If it’s a big event, I’ll do 30 or 50 bags. And when you sell them, when you’re out, you’re out. Usually, I’ll pre-pop the kettle corn to take it out,” he said. “Now, if I can, I’ll take the popper and do it at the event from my tent. That’s how I got into it, pretty much.”
He makes his products mostly from his home in Opelika and sets up at events with his red tent and signage.
“It has that circus feel to it, you know—just fun and family,” he said. His clients either book him for an event, where he encourages everyone to take a bag at no charge, or he sells bags individually.
Eventually, he wants to own a food truck.
With football returning and the holidays ahead, Long is entering his busiest season of the year.
“The biggest thing we do is fall festivals between now and Christmas — your little pop-up markets. I don’t do any circus or fair stuff because I don’t want to. I mean, I went as far north as upstate New York and as far west as Oklahoma. Now, I might go an hour away for an event, a Christmas thing or a festival.”
What makes his kettle corn special? “The novelty of the kettle corn,” he said. He rarely experiments beyond his basic formulas, although he occasionally gets requests for flavors like pumpkin spice. Most of his variety comes from coloring the kettle corn, which adds a distinctive touch — like Auburn or Alabama team colors — without affecting the taste. During Halloween, he may add the colors purple and green.
“Most people, especially my age, like the pork rinds. I do six different flavors. You’ve got what I call ‘naked,’ which
doesn’t have anything on them — just in the grease and out of the grease. Then you have barbecue, spicy barbecue, salt and vinegar, and ranch. You’ve got several flavors to choose from, but they do as well as the kettle corn. One of the top flavors is dill pickle. I know that may sound strange, but a lot of people love the dill pickle. Ranch is another good one. I also do caramel, which is more like a glaze, not like Cracker Jacks, which are completely coated. You put it in the pot, and it just glazes over — not getting every piece but covering a lot of it. One of the top sellers is caramel green apple.”
The real challenge with cooking kettle corn is regulating the fire.
“I have an 80-quart popper. So that’s about six cups of kernels, and 24-ounces of oil. Then you pop them. You just have to go by experience and know
Doug Long, considered the Kettle Corn King of Opelika, displays a couple of his businesses favorites.
See POPCORN, page B5
Final beam of hospital expansion put into place
POPCORN >> from A4
when it’s time to dump it out of the oil. Usually, when your mind says dump, don’t second-guess it because it doesn’t take long. It may scorch some pieces, but you won’t ruin the whole batch. If you do scorch a little section, you can just scoop those out. The frustration is getting it to pop right. Humidity or rain can make regulating the process challenging sometimes,” he said. “Bag it pretty quickly to contain the sweet scent. It’ll last longer than letting it sit.”
The other major challenge he faced when I started a year ago was not having a trailer.
“I started out borrowing
my nephew’s truck and taking the kettle inside.”
His advice to other entrepreneurs? Stick with it and expect to work hard.
“Don’t give up. Just keep going, even if you initially fail. No matter what happens or what kind of business it is, just keep at it,” he said.
Long said the real reward for his hard work comes when he sees a child light up with excitement upon receiving their bag of kettle corn.
“When you see a kid take a big bag and walk away from your stand, that’s why I’m doing it,” he said.
To place an order, contact Long by calling him at (334) 728-8308. Or visit his website at www. bigtopkettlecorn.com.
In building construction, topping out is a builders’ rite traditionally held when the last beam (or its equivalent) is placed atop a structure during its construction.
Auburn Opelika Habitat for Humanity accepts donation
Auburn Opelika Habitat for Humanity thanks Guild Mortgage for joining its Capital Campaign 2024-25 to build more homes. Pictured at a $2,900 check presentation are Aaron Folta, Ellis Frazier, Joseph Toles and Mark Grantham. Auburn Opelika Habitat for Humanity received this check from the "Mortgage on a Mission" campaign that Guild Mortgage hosted in August.
L labama Politics ee County & A
Inside the State House
Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024
Remembering 9/11
BY
OPINION —
It was 23 years ago on Sept. 11, 2001, when terrorists attacked our country. It was a day in infamy and a wakeup call for America. Allow me to share some memories from that day from famous Alabama political figures.
The legendary Alabama political icon, Bill Baxley, was and is now one of the state’s top lawyers. He was trying a case in Guntersville at the Marshall County Courthouse. The lawyers were making their opening arguments, and someone came into the courtroom to tell them that a plane had flown into the New York World Trade Center. They adjourned court and the lawyers went back to an office in the courthouse and to watch. the developments on television. Baxley and the other lawyers actually saw the second and most devastating plane hit the buildings. They could not believe it. However, they returned to the courtroom and continued trying the case for the afternoon.
University of South Alabama President and former Mobile/Baldwin Congressman Jo Bonner was in a meeting in Montgomery. As the congressman for the 1st District of Alabama, he was working with Alabama legislators on redistricting. He says, “It was a beautiful morning in Alabama’s Capital City. While meeting with the
Alabama lawmakers over breakfast, I noticed an airplane flying into the World Trade Center in New York City on the big television that was set up in the Embassy Suites lobby. At about the same time, it seemed like everyone else had seen what I saw. Not surprisingly, quite a chatter arose in the lobby hotel. I was thinking ‘What kind of idiot would fly a small plane into the World Trade Center?!’ It became obvious that this was not an accident, but a terrorist attack. Our meetings were soon scrapped. America had been attacked and Americans soon began plotting a response.”
State Treasurer Young Boozer was a high-ranking executive with Colonial Bank. He arrived early at the Montgomery bank on One Commerce Street. He was in the process of managing and transferring funds with a New Your banker, who was in the South Tower. Someone told Young and his counterpart of the first plane hitting the tower. The New Yorker saw it out his window. He quickly and adroitly fled the office tower just in time. Young found a television and as he saw the second plane hit and the towers crumble, he prayerfully hoped his New York partner had escaped safely, which he did. At that time, Young had a horrific sickening feeling as he knew that his daughter was on a plane from London to New York. He sat somberly for several hours until he found out that his daughter’s plane had been diverted back to Heathrow in London.
State Sen. Will Barfoot (R-Pike Road) had just begun his career as a young lawyer. He was practicing in the Beasley Law Firm in Montgomery. His wife called him when the first plane hit. When he hung up he could hear people congregating and talking
loudly in the hallway outside his office. They all went into a lawyer’s office which had a television. They all watched as the second plane hit the tower. They were all stunned and astonished, as was the entire world.
Former State Sen. Jimmy Holley of Elba was in Montgomery. The legislature was in session. He was in his hotel room in downtown Montgomery. He had his television on and saw the second plane hit the tower. He proceeded down to the Statehouse and the Senate went into session. They stayed in session determined to not let the terrorist attack deter them or change the way American government works or prevails.
State Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate was in the landscaping business in Montgomery on Sept. 11, 2001. He and his longtime associate, Jason Walker, were sitting in their small office planning their day of work. There was no television in their workplace. However, Jason’s wife, Montgomery County Commissioner Rhonda Walker, called to tell him about the first plane hitting the Trade Tower. They went on about their day’s business and worked a full 10-hour day in the field with their crew. It was that night before Rick realized the impactful horror that had occurred in New York, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C. and at the Pentagon. In looking over his personal journal that day, Rick was shocked to see that his then 9-year-old son had watched all of the events unfold on television at home all day. 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.
County Commission gets update on Integrea
BY MICHELLE KEY THE OBSERVER
COUNTY
LEE
— During Monday night’s Lee County Commission meeting,
Jimmie Dickey, executive director and CEO of Integrea, presented information pertaining to the name change of East Alabama Mental Health to Integrea Community Health System. The organization has been providing services to the community since 1960 and serves Lee, Chambers, Russell and Tallapoosa Counties.
valleyhavenschool.org.
Lee County Emergency Management Agency Director Rita Smith informed the commission about the National Information Officer’s Association Annual Conference, which she and other community public information officers recently attended.
IN OTHER BUSINESS
- The commission approved the minutes of the Aug.12 and Aug. 26 County Commission meetings. The commission voted to ratify and approve claims and procurement card transactions.
“We chose [the name] Integrea specifically in emphasize the importance of the integration of services in order to achieve the greatest outcomes possible,” Dickey said. “So, what we do is what makes us different from other providers. We are the center that provides and integrates a full range of mental health and substance abuse services. We serve the community where the community needs to be served.”
Jennifer Tidwell appeared before commissioners, thanking them for their support for Valley Haven School (VHS).
VHS provides services for individuals with disabilities in Valley, Alabama. For more information visit www.
- Several board vacancies were presented for first reading, including vacancies on the Beulah Utilities District Board, the Horseshoe Bend Regional Library Board, the Lee County Recreation Board – District 4 and five vacancies on the Lee County Cemetery Preservation Commission Board.
- Lee County Chief Administrative Officer Holly Leverette presented an amended award for the ARPA Funded Broadband Expansion Phase II Grant. Information from the e-packet follows. “At the June 24, 2024, commission meeting the ARPA Broadband Expansion
See COMMISSION, page B9
Reminder issued about absentee ballot deadlines
CONTRIBUTED BY ALABAMA
SECRETARY OF STATE
ALABAMA — Secretary of State Wes Allen wants to remind Alabama voters that county absentee election managers must receive mail-in absentee ballot applications by Tuesday, Oct. 2. The deadline to return an absentee ballot application in person is Thursday, Oct. 31.
Absentee ballots being returned in-person must be received by the county absentee election manager by close of business on the Monday, Nov. 4, the day
before the election. Absentee ballots returned by mail must be received no later than noon on Election Day, which is Nov. 5.
“Absentee voting is a vital component of the election process,” said Allen.
“That is why I advocated for legislation like SB1, which provides Alabama voters with strong protection against activists who profit from the absentee elections process.”
The United States Postal Service has recently announced a change in mail delivery times: https:// www.al.com/news/2024/08/
post-office-makes-majorannouncement-about-maildelivery-change.html. It is recommended to mail in your absentee ballot application and absentee ballots at least two weeks before the deadline for county Absentee Election Managers to receive them.
Voters are required to present a valid form of photo identification before voting at their polling place or by absentee ballot. For more information on absentee voting in Alabama or to request an absentee ballot application visit www. AlabamaVotes.gov.
STEVE FLOWERS
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-of-way North 53° 48’ 34” East, a distance of 284.61 feet to a distance of 393.40 feet to a found 1 inch flat iron; thence South 05° 45’ 23” West, a distance of 592.43 feet to a found ½ inch pipe located on the Western right-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.: CV2024-900393. 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-ofway North 01° 28’ 48” West, a distance of 164.28 feet to a found 2 inch pipe; thence North 00° 23’ 58” East, a distance of 261.89 feet to a found ¾ inch pipe; thence North 05° 29’ 04” West, a distance of 161.87 fee to a Found ¾ inch solid iron; thence North 00° 04’ 33” East, a distance of 25.12 feet to a found 1 Inch flat iron; thence North 21° 30’ 21” West, a distance of 257.52 feet to a set 5/8 inch rebar set along the Southeasterly rightof-way of Interstate Highway 85; thence along 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
Publication Notice to Creditors of Appointment IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO.: 2024-490 IN RE: THE ESTATE
PUBLIC NOTICES
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 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
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
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
SALE OF ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLE
In accordance with Alabama Abandoned Motor Vehicle Act, Alabama Code Sections 32-13-1 through 32-13-8 notice is hereby given to the owners, lienholders, and other interested parties. The following motor vehicles will be sold at public auction to the highest bidder at 9:00 a.m , October 4, 2024 at Opelika Ford , 801 Columbus Highway, Opelika, 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
IN THE PROBATE COURT
FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF MARK BERNARD SANDERS, Deceased CASE NO.: 2024-098 NOTICE TO CREDITOR Take Notice that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION of said deceased having been granted to TAWANDA FAULK-ELAM on the 21st day of August, 2024, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama. Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.
TAWANDA FAULK-ELAM Legal Run 08/29/24, 09/05/24 & 09/12/24
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THER MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF PATRICK LAMAR YARBROUGH, DECEASED CASE NO.: 2024-511 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of the Estate of Patrick Lamar Yarbrough, deceased having been granted to TABATHA YANCEY YARBROUGH, on September 3rd, 2024, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama. Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.
Tabatha Yancey Yarbrough Legal Run 09/12/24, 09/19/24 & 09/26/24
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Notice of the filing of Petition for Summary Distribution In the Estate of WILFRED SAMUEL BELL, Deceased Case No.: 2024-514 Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the Lee County Probate Office by John Webster Cochran on September 6, 2024 pursuant to Section 43-2-690, Code of Alabama and that 30 days after the notice of publication hereof and pursuant to law the Court shall be requested to enter an Order directing Summary Distribution of the estate of said decedent. BILL ENGLISH, PROBATE JUDGE Legal Run 09/12/2024
Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 1412 Opelika Rd Auburn, AL 36830 - Thursday, September 19th, 2024 @ 10:00 AM Unit E74 The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property. Legal Run 09/12/2024
See PUBLIC NOTICES, page A10
Chuck Beams announces candidacy for Opelika City Council, Ward 4
CONTRIBUTED BY CHUCK
BEAMS FOR CITY COUNCIL
OPELIKA — Chuck
Beams, a longtime Opelika resident and community leader, has announced his candidacy for Opelika City Council, Ward 4. A resident of Opelika for nearly 25 years, Beams has deep connections to the city. He has been married to his wife Kathy for 29 years, and they have three children. Son Walker works at Opelika Power Services and is married to Mae, a second-grade teacher at Jeter Primary School. Son Will is in his senior year at Auburn University, pursuing a career in medicine and daughter Maggie, 15, is a sophomore at Opelika High School and loves history. Both Walker and Will graduated from Opelika High School, continuing Beam's personal connection to Opelika’s public schools.
Beams attended Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy and is a licensed pharmacist in Alabama. He also earned an MBA from Auburn University at
Montgomery and holds a Certified Pharmacy Executive Leader (CPEL) credential with the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). Currently, he serves as the Chief Pharmacy Officer at East Alabama Health, where he leads the pharmacy and laboratory teams across the health system, ensuring high-quality healthcare services for the community.
In 2020, Beams served as the statewide president
CLASSIFIEDS
MOVING SALE
SATURDAY, OCT. 5, starting
7 a.m. at 4107 CHESHAM DRIVE, OPELIKA Home décor, furniture, fine rugs, wall art, outdoor/patio items, seasonal decorations, kitchen items, hunting & camping gear, men’s & women’s clothing.
HELP WANTED
HR Assistant Manager & Service Parts Operations Manager needed in Opelika, AL: Send resume to HL Logistics America Corporation, 4200 Northpark Dr., Opelika, AL 36801.
SERVICES
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EDUCATION
ATTENTION ACTIVE Duty &
of the Alabama Society of Health-System Pharmacists, representing more than 1,100 pharmacists across the state.
His dedication to advancing healthcare in Alabama is a reflection of his commitment to public service. He is also a prestigious Leadership Lee County graduate from 2017.
In addition to his professional work, he has been an active member of the Opelika community. He has served on the Ope -
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lika Schools Board of Education and the Opelika Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors since 2017, and he is an Elder at Trinity Presbyterian Church. He also serves on the Opelika Workforce Council, a multi-disciplinary team of leaders from all sectors working to improve workforce development in the city. He said his vision for Opelika is to continue to grow responsibly, with a focus on public safety, education, job growth and meeting the infrastructure demands that come with expansion. A strong advocate for expanding access to high-quality Pre-K education, Beams said he believes that it will not only set Opelika apart from surrounding communities but also help address workforce development challenges. He sees Pre-K as a key recruiting tool for industries looking to locate in Opelika, contributing to the city’s long-term success.
Beams said he looks forward to earning the trust and support of his community in the upcoming election.
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Letter to the editor
Sept. 11 and Donald Trump
OPINION —
One year after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, author and editor Hugh Downs asked a variety of individuals to contribute essays about America for his book “My America: What My Country Means to Me by 150 Americans from All Walks of Life.”
Among those 150 Americans were TV stars like Alan Alda, sports stars like Yogi Berra, former President George Bush, TV personality Art Linkletter, poet Maya Angelou and New York businessman Donald Trump. In 2002, Trump was 56 years old. He was one of the largest real estate developers in New York. He had not yet begun to produce and host TV’s The Apprentice. He was a businessman not a politician. He had not seriously decided to enter politics.
Some essayists titled their essay. For example, Steve Forbes, president, CEO and editor of Forbes magazine and a former U.S. presidential candidate, titled his essay “America’s New Sense of Destiny.” Trump did not title his one and one-quarter page contribution.
“I view this country as being intelligent and brave,” Trump wrote.
“To my mind, this is a fortuitous and unbeatable combination.
“I am not only proud to be an American, but extremely grateful to have had the good fortune of being born in this country. That alone is an enviable position
COMMISSION >> from B7
Phase II Grant was awarded to R.M. Green Inc., doing business as BEAM, in the amount of $2,975,702.73. Prior to execution of the subrecipient agreements, potential impediments such as county rights-ofway, vacated roads and concern over efficiencies with the projects initially contemplated were discussed in a meeting with all parties present. The outcome of that meeting resulted in a better course of action involving amending the routes and costs recommended as per below:
(1) The awarded broadband expansion grant for the “South Central’’ project was reduced from $722,627.29 to $594,863.41. This is for a total of 21 miles.
(2) The awarded broadband expansion grant for the Southeast project was reduced from $1,168,459.83 to $828,679.50. This is for a total of 25 miles.
to many peoples of the world, and I never lose sight of that fact.
“No matter how bad things might be, I will always feel lucky. This country is a no-lose situation. Being here is equal to being a winner,” Trump wrote.
About the attacks of Sept. 11, Trump wrote:
“It took an act of depravity and spiritual destitution to awaken us to our great good fortune as Americans. It also reminded us of how brave we can be and how adaptable we must be in the face of changing circumstances.”
About continued Al-Qaeda terror threats after the Sept. 11 attacks, Trump said:
“This country will not be stopped. I will not be stopped [from building tall buildings]. And I think our strength and pride have been made evident to the world without having to say a single word. And that is saying something.”
Trump’s non-controversial essay in “My America” is strongly patriotic. It is a call for American unity in a dangerous world. It is a call for Americans to stand tall and proud in difficult times.
After the terror attacks of Sept. 11, America was briefly united. That united spirit of America is what Downs captured in the essays that comprise “My America.” Given the extreme political divisions of 2024, it is important to read about a time of political unity in our country. Perhaps the 2024 presidential election will restore a much-needed sense of unity in our nation. James Patterson
(3) The broadband expansion grants for the East Central and Northeast projects were combined into one project, and the combined award of $1,083,615.61 was reduced to $771,989.33. This is for a total of 24 miles. The total amended ARPA Broadband Expansion grant amount for Phase II now totals $2,195,532.24.”
- The commission approved a special events retail license application from Ocie and Belles LLC, located in District 5, for an event on Friday, Sept. 20. - The commission approved educational reimbursement requests for employees of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
- The commission approved the final plat for the Parcel A Division on Lee Road 278. The proposed subdivision is located adjacent to Lee Road 278 - The commission approved the allocation of ARPA funds of up to $50,000 for administrative costs and authorized the chairman to sign the resolution.
- The commission decided to delay voting on a motion to authorize the chairman to sign a client consent for a Registered Investment Advisor Unification due to a consolidation of agencies until the next meeting.
- The commission voted for the chairman to sign the Safety Incentive Discount Program Verification Form for the current year.
CHUCK BEAMS
SYNOPSIS OF ZONING NOTICE
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, to consider the adoption of an ordinance to amend the Zoning Ordinance and the Zoning Map of the City of Opelika by rezoning or redistricting the parcel of land hereinafter described so as to change such parcel from one class of district to another class of district, as follows: From a 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 Right-ofWay 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
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.
Public Notice of this public hearing with insertion of the proposed ordinance was first published on September 5, 2024, in the Opelika Observer. This notice is given pursuant to Sections 11-52-78 and 11-52-85, Code of Alabama (1975).
At said public hearing, all who desire to be heard shall have the opportunity to speak for or in opposition to said ordinance. Written comments concerning the above matter may be mailed to the City Clerk at P.O. Box 390, Opelika, AL 36803 at any time prior to the public hearing and may be further submitted to the City Council at the meeting and the public hearing.
Please contact Brian Weiss, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334705-5134 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to any disability. THIS NOTICE is given under my hand this the 12th day of September, 2024. /s/ Russell A. Jones, MMC CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 09/12/2024
SYNOPSIS OF ZONING NOTICE
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, to consider the adoption of an ordinance to amend the Development Plan for The Ball Fields PUD. The applicant, Gateway at Opelika, LLC., has heretofore submitted to the City Council a proposed amended Development Plan for The Ball Fields PUD. The proposed amended Development Plan replaces a section consisting of 32 townhomes with 64 apartment units. The Ball Fields PUD, consisting of approximately 60.74 acres is located at the Southwest corner of the intersection of Pepperell Parkway and North 30th Street. Public Notice of this public hearing with insertion of the proposed ordinance was first published on September 5, 2024, in the Opelika Observer. This notice is given pursuant to Sections 11-52-78 and 11-52-85, Code of Alabama (1975). At said public hearing, all who desire to be heard shall have the opportunity to speak for or in
opposition to said ordinance. Written comments concerning the above matter may be mailed to the City Clerk at P.O. Box 390, Opelika, AL 36803 at any time prior to the public hearing and may be further submitted to the City Council at the meeting and the public hearing. Please contact Brian Weiss, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334705-5134 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to any disability. THIS NOTICE is given under my hand this the 12th day of September, 2024.
/s/ Russell A. Jones, MMC CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 09/12/2024
ORDINANCE NO. 022-24
AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING POLICIES TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE ALABAMA PUBLIC RECORDS ACT
WHEREAS, the City of Opelika (the “City”) is charged with ensuring compliance with Alabama’s Public Records Act codified at §§36-12-40 thru 36-12-46, Code of Alabama (1975); and WHEREAS, it is the policy of the City to promptly provide citizens with public records upon request, subject to their payment of reasonable fees, to applicable laws protecting sensitive information and to the interest of the general public in having the business of municipal government carried on efficiently and without undue interference; and WHEREAS, a municipality may set reasonable restrictions on the time and place of inspection and may charge a reasonable fee for providing requested public documents, including staff research, preparation and time in fulfilling the request; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds and determines that it is in the best public interest to establish policies and procedures to permit public records to be inspected and copied.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows: Section 1. Approval. The Public Records Policy, attached hereto as Exhibit “A”, which is incorporated herein and made a part hereof by this reference, is hereby approved.
Section 2. Implementation. The Mayor and City Clerk are hereby authorized and directed to take all appropriate steps to implement the Public Records Policy. Section 3. Effective date. This Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its adoption and publication as required by law.
Section 4. Publication. This Ordinance shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama. ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 3rd day of September, 2024.
/s/ Eddie Smith PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA
ATTEST: /s/ Russell A. Jones, MMC CITY CLERK TRANSMITTED TO MAYOR on this the 9th day of September, 2024. /s/ Russell A. Jones, MMC CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR
APPROVED this the 9th day of September, 2024.
/s/ Gary Fuller MAYOR
ATTEST: /s/ Russell A. Jones, MMC CITY CLERK Legal Ru 09/12/2024
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY STATE OF ALABAMA
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DOROTHY IDA BISHOP HOWARD a/k/a DOROTHY B. HOWARD, DECEASED further and also known as DOROTHY IDA BISHOP HOWARD a/k/a DOROTHY B. HOWARD
LETTERS TESTAMENT ARY for the estate of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned Personal Representative PATRICIA JANE BISHOP, on July 31st, 2024by 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 the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.
/s/ PATRICIA JANE BISHOP Legal Run 09/12/24, 09/19/24 & 09/26/24
STATE OF ALABAMA LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT CASE NO. 2024-504 ESTATE OF THOMAS PHILLIP STORY, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF ADMINISTRATOR
Letters of Administration of the Estate of Thomas Phillip Story, deceased having been granted to Daria Doster Story this 5th day of September 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.
Daria Doster Story, Personal Representative Jeffery A. Hilyer Attorney at Law P.O. Box 30 Opelika, AL 36803-0030
334-745-2564
Legal Run 09/12/24, 09/19/24 & 09/26/24
STORAGE TREASURES
AUCTION
Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 1242 N Dean Rd, Auburn, AL 36830 Thursday, 09/19/2024 at 10:00AM
Unit 41
Unit 261
Unit 503
The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property. Legal Run 09/12/2024
CITY OF OPELIKA
NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION WORKSESSION TO: RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA AND ALL OTHER INTERESTED CITIZENS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City of Opelika, Alabama will hold a worksession meeting on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. in the Conference Room at 204 S 7th Street, Opelika, Alabama. There is no public hearing at this meeting. The purpose of this meeting is education and to review the following:
1. Discuss dates for upcoming meetings
2. Discuss amending the by-laws of the Planning Commission
3. Review approval procedures and requirements.
4. Discuss development standards and zoning ordinance issues.
Please contact the Planning department at 334-705-5156 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability.
PLANNING DIRECTOR Legal Run 09/12/2024
CITY OF OPELIKA
NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARINGS
TO: RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA AND ALL OTHER INTERESTED CITIZENS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City of Opelika, Alabama will hold a regular meeting and will be conducting public hearings on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. in the Meeting Chamber at Opelika Municipal Court located at 300 MLK Boulevard, Opelika, Alabama. A Planning Commission work session will be held at 2:45 pm before the regular meeting. The purpose of the public hearings is to receive public comment on the following:
I.Some items at the meeting will have a designated public hearing (noted below). Individuals are limited to 5-minute comment period per public hearing.
II.Approval of Minutes
III. Update on Previous PC Cases
IV. New Business
A. Conditional Use and Plat (Preliminary) - Public Hearing
1. A public hearing on a request by Hayes Eiford, authorized representative for AUO Investments, LLC, property owners, for conditional use approval for 50 townhome units in a R-5M and C-3 zoning district accessed at 3417 Dale Avenue.
2.A public hearing on a request by Hayes Eiford, authorized representative for AUO Investments, LLC, property owners, for preliminary approval of the King Lake Estates subdivision consisting of 54 lots accessed at 3417 Dale Avenue.
B. Conditional Use – Public Hearing
3. A public hearing on a request by Blake Rice, Barrett-Simpson, Inc., authorized representative for Stephen and Shelby Ward, property owner, for conditional use approval for a 225-unit townhome rental development (Jim Chapman Communities) in a C-2 zoning district at the 2700 block of Society Hill Road.
C. Final Plat
4. A request by Blake Rice, Barrett-Simpson, Inc., authorized representative for Fire Rock Development Company, LLC, property owners, for final plat approval for Laurel Lakes 1B subdivision consisting of 69 lots (single family homes) accessed from Como Way, Ontario Road, and Great Bear Road.
V. Old Business
D.Conditional Use – Public Hearing
5.A public hearing on a request by Arthur R. Nettles, authorized representative for Dave King, King Automobiles, Inc., property owner, for conditional use approval for an automobile sales lot in a C-3, GC-P zoning district accessed at Pepperell Parkway and West Thompson Circle. This item was tabled by the applicant at the August 27, 2024 PC meeting.
6. A public hearing on a request by Arthur R. Nettles, authorized representative for Dave King, King Automobiles, Inc., property owner, for conditional use approval for a King Honda automobile paint shop and parking/display of vehicles for sale in a C-3, GC-P zoning district accessed at Dunlop Drive. This item was tabled by the applicant at the August 27, 2024 PC meeting.
E Other Business 7. Approve dates for November and December PC meetings. All interested persons are invited to attend the meeting/public hearings and be heard. Written comments concerning the above matters may be mailed to the Planning Director at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama 36801 at any time prior to the meeting/ public hearings and may be further submitted to the Planning Commission at the meeting/ public hearings. The Planning Commission reserves the right to modify or alter any of the proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and to make its recommendations accordingly to the City Council. Please contact the Planning department at 334-705-5156 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability.
PLANNING DIRECTOR Legal Run 09/12/2024
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Notice of the filing of Petition for Summary Distribution In the Estate of KENNETH DEWAYNE SMITH SULLIVANNE, Deceased Case no: 2024-524 Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the Lee County Probate Office by Susan Sullivanne Bailey on September 10, 2024 pursuant to Section 43-2-690, Code of Alabama and that 30 days after the notice of publication hereof and pursuant to law the Court shall be requested to enter an Order directing Summary Distribution of the estate of said decedent.
BILL ENGLISH, PROBATE JUDGE Legal Run 09/12/2024
STORAGE TREASURES AUCTION
Extra Space Storage, on behalf of itself or its affiliates, Life Storage or Storage Express, will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 2020 S. College St. Auburn, AL 36832 Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 10:00AM Unit C335 Unit C412 The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property. Legal Run 09/12/2024
STORAGE TREASURES AUCTION
Extra Space Storage, on behalf of itself or its affiliates, Life Storage or Storage Express, will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: Extraspace Storage 2357 E Glenn Ave Auburn, Al 36830 09/19/2024 at 10:00am Unit 2086 The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property. Legal Run 09/12/2024
Letter to the editor
Dear Editor,
Iam writing to call upon the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s State Bureau of Investigations, the Opelika Police Department and the Lee County District Attorney’s Office to quickly commence a thorough and transparent investigation of the shooting of Tias Dequan Cobb by an Opelika police officer on Sunday Aug. 18.
As has been said in a public event I have attended, there are significant differences in what the community and the Cobb family understands to have happened and what has been reported by the press.
Moms Demand Action joins the community in requesting immediate and complete transparency of the Opelika Police Department, Alabama
Law Enforcement Agency’s State Bureau of Investigations and the Lee County District Attorney’s office by transparently and fairly investigating this shooting. The police serve the public and it is our community’s civic responsibility to hold law enforcement accountable for their actions. We can’t do that without understanding the truth of shootings like this. Transparency by law enforcement is of vital importance for trusted relationships with our community. Please provide the evidence related to the shooting of Mr. Cobb to build that trust.
Dr. Paula Wilson
Deputy Chapter Leader
Moms Demand Action For Gun Sense In America-Alabama
Man arrested, charged with kidnapping, robbery
OPELIKA — On Sept.
7, at approximately 11:26 p.m. Opelika Police were dispatched to a possible robbery in the 2900 Block of Birmingham Highway. Upon arrival, officers spoke to a witness who stated they saw the suspect enter one of the apartments.
Officers made contact with the residents and located the suspect, identified as 28-yearold Dshawn Raymond Seawright from Auburn. While speaking to one of the victims they stated Seawright approached them outside of the apartments and pointed a firearm at their chest before taking money, a cellphone and a key fob. The next victim stated they observed Seawright looking in their vehicle and approached him to see what he was doing. Seawright then pointed
the firearm at the victim, forced them into their vehicle, and demanded they take him to Phenix City. The victim was eventually able to get away. Seawright was arrested for Robbery, First Degree, Kidnapping, First Degree, and attempted kidnapping on Sept. 7.
If you have any information, please contact the Opelika Police Department Detective Division at (334) 7055220 or the Secret Witness Hotline at (334) 745-8665. Tips can also be submitted through the Opelika Police Mobile App. You may wish to remain anonymous.
OPD investigates traffic fatality
CONTRIBUTED BY OPD
OPELIKA — On Sept.
7, at approximately 7:17 p.m., Opelika dispatch received a call about a multiple-vehicle crash on Interstate 85 at the Exit 62 Northbound exit ramp. Upon arrival, officers located two vehicles, a Tesla and a Toyota 4Runner, which appeared to have crashed head-on. The Tesla was on fire and the responding officer was able to extinguish the flames long enough to assist the occupants until Opelika Fire arrived on scene.
The driver of the 4Run -
ner and the passenger of the Tesla were transported by ambulance, and the driver of the Tesla via Life Flight, to Piedmont Columbus Regional Hospital in Columbus, Georgia. The driver of the Tesla, Dr. Malcolm Goodchild, a 50-year-old male from Fortson, Georgia, succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. The passenger of the Tesla remains at the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the 4Runner remains in the hospital at this time with serious injuries. After the initial investigation,
it appears that the driver of the 4Runner was traveling the wrong way on the exit ramp when they struck the Tesla head-on. The crash remains under investigation by the Opelika Police Traffic Homicide Investigation Unit. If you have any information on this incident, please contact the Opelika Police Department at (334) 705-5200 or the Secret Witness Hotline at (334) 745-8665. Tips can be submitted through the Opelika Police Mobile App. You may wish to remain anonymous.
Three arrested, charged with armed robbery
BY APD & OPD
CONTRIBUTED
AUBURN/OPELIKA
— The Auburn and Opelika police departments have been investigating several robberies which occurred between Aug. 31 and Sept. 2. The victims reported subjects with firearms forcibly took their cell phones and wallets. The subjects were described as black males, wearing black masks and possibly occupying a red passenger car.
Auburn Police received a report of a robbery on Sept. 2. Officers met with a victim who reported that three suspects threatened the victim with a firearm and demanded property. The incident occurred near the 1000 block of Old Mill Road.
Auburn Police communicated with Opelika Police Department officers in reference to similar crimes committed in Opelika. Detectives from both agencies collaborated in a joint investigation. Arqua-
vious O’Neal Finley, age 20, Khamani Martrez Key, age 19, both from Auburn, and a 16-year-old juvenile from Opelika were developed as suspects.
On Sept. 3, Opelika Police, responding to a robbery call in the 1800 block of Trimble Street, encountered a vehicle matching the description provided by witnesses. Officers conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and located three males matching the suspect descriptions along with evidence from the robberies.
Officers arrested Key, Finley and the juvenile suspect and charged them
with first degree robbery associated with the incidents that occurred in both Auburn and Opelika. The three were transported to the Lee County Jail and held without bond pending further judicial review. This case remains under investigation and additional charges are pending. To contribute information, contact the Opelika Police Department Detective Division at (334) 705-5220 or the Secret Witness Hotline at (334) 745-8665. Tips can also be submitted through our Opelika Police Mobile App. You may wish to remain anonymous.
Auburn Police investigating elderly deaths
CONTRIBUTED BY APD
AUBURN — On Sept. 5 at approximately 11:30 p.m., officers from the Auburn Police Department responded to call requesting a welfare check at a residence in the 200 block of Payne Street. Upon entering the residence, police discovered an 88-year-old female and a 92-year-old male who were both deceased. One gunshot wound was
observed on each of the decedents, and a handgun was located at the scene. Nothing indicates anyone else was in the home at the time the incident occurred.
Auburn Police Department detectives responded to initiate an investigation and process the scene. Preliminary evidence indicated that the decedents were married and residents in the home. The Auburn Police De-
partment has determined that there is no danger to the public related to this incident. This case remains under investigation, and anyone with pertinent information is encouraged to contact the Auburn Police Department at (334) 501-3140. Information can also be reported by calling/texting the tip line at (334) 246-1391 or by emailing police@auburnalabama.org.
Georgia woman arrested on multiple charges
CONTRIBUTED BY APD
AUBURN — On Sept. 6, Auburn Police, with assistance from the LaGrange Police Department in Georgia, arrested Varita Yvonne Johnson, age 28, from McDonough, Georgia, on warrants charging her with identity theft, theft of property first degree and possession of a forged instrument third degree.
The arrest stems from Auburn Police receiving a report involving identity theft on Aug. 1. Police met with a victim who reported that a suspect used the victim’s identity to cash
forged checks at multiple locations in multiple states, including a location in Auburn. The incidents of identity theft occurred throughout July.
Varita Yvonne John-
son was developed as a suspect, and after further investigation, arrest warrants were obtained. Johnson was incarcerated in Georgia for related charges when the victim was informed of the fraudulent activity by the LaGrange Police Department.
Johnson became eligible for extradition, and after waiving extradition, she was transported to the Auburn Police Department on Sept. 6, and the arrest warrants were executed. Johnson was then transported to the Lee County Jail and held on a $11,500 bond.
ARQUAVIOUS O’NEAL FINLEY KHAMANI MARTREZ KEY
VARITA YVONNE JOHNSON
DSHAWN RAYMOND SEAWRIGHT
Industries to invest $47 million at Opelika facilities
Niagara Bottling announces $35 million expansion
O PELIKA — Niagara Bottling, which opened its Opelika facility in early 2023 with an initial capital investment of over $114 million that created 65 new jobs, announced a $35 million expansion that is expected to create 18 additional new jobs.
“Expanding our operations is always a thrilling milestone for Niagara, and Opelika has proven to be a fantastic partner in this journey,” said Brian Hess, executive vice president of Niagara. “The support and opportunities we’ve found here have been instrumental in our growth. We’re excited about what the future
holds and look forward to a long-lasting and prosperous relation-ship with this remarkable community.”
“Niagara Bottling has exceeded our expectations as both a great community partner and an amazing company offering our citizens great career opportunities at very attractive wages,” said Opelika Economic Development Director John Sweatman. “The fact that they have decided to continue investing here in Opelika is a great testament to our highly skilled workforce and our positive business climate.”
“We are fortunate to have partners like Niagara here in Opelika,” said Mayor Gary Fuller. “They have embraced
our community and continue to give back, which means a great deal to us.”
“Good paying jobs and a great work atmosphere create long-lasting employees,” added Opelika City Council President Eddie Smith. “We know that Niagara is a great place to work, and they care deeply for Opelika. We are proud of the fact that they chose Opelika.”
Niagara Bottling, family-owned and operated since 1963, operates bottling facilities through-out the U.S. and Mexico. The Diamond Bar, California-based company works closely with some of the largest retailers, grocers, club and convenience stores throughout the country.
OPELIKA – Mayor Gary Fuller announced that Opelika manufacturing company Pharmavite will invest over $12 million in additional capital into its facility in Opelika to improve its operations.
With the Nature Made line of products, Pharmavite is one of the nation’s largest manufacturers of high-quality vitamins, minerals and other dietary supplements. Opelika is also home to Pharmavite’s gummies production. The company first began operations in its new Opelika facility in 2013 creating 280 new jobs, and since then have continued to invest more than $170 million with multiple expansions and
growing jobs numbers to over 600.
“We are fortunate to have world class partners like Pharmavite,” said Fuller. “They continue to provide good paying jobs to people in our community. They are a company built on strong values and beliefs. That’s the kind of workplace we want in Opelika.”
“We’re thrilled to continue building on our commitment to Opelika through this investment, which will help improve Pharmavite’s operations and further support our hundreds of employees in the area,” said Solanda Prather, director of plant operations at the Opelika facility. “For more than 10 years, Pharmavite has remained committed to the vitality of the
region and our efforts would not have been possible without the continued support from Mayor Fuller, the City Council and the Opelika Economic Development team.”
“This growth represents a significant investment in our city,” said Opelika City Council President Eddie Smith. ‘We look forward to the opportunities this expansion will bring for everyone in our community.”
“Pharmavite is a great community partner,” said Opelika Economic Development Director John Sweatman. “The fact that they continue to invest and grow here in Opelika is a great testament to our highly-skilled workforce and our positive business climate.”
CONTRIBUTED BY CITY OF OPELIKA
The Niagara Bottling facility is located in the Northeast Opelika Industrial Park.
Pharmavite is located at 4701 Northpark Drive in Opelika.
Religion
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. — 2
Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024
A Taste of Grace
Are your feet touching the bottom?
BY BRUCE GREEN
OPINION —
Our grandsons (7, 9, and 11) were watching
BY WALTER ALBRITTON
OPINION —
As a young pastor
I was taught, when serving the Sacrament, to say to each recipient, “The body and blood of Jesus.” I did that for many years. Then one Sunday I felt led to say simply, “He died for you.”
It is one of the most profound truths any of us can ever embrace: that God died on a cross to save me
a water polo match during the Olympics. The players were jostling for position, splashing up a storm, all while trying to either throw a ball into the net or prevent the other team from doing so. The boys thought it looked like a great time. But there was one small question they had (I think they had been discussing it before I came into the room). They wanted me to confirm that the players were standing on the bottom of the pool while doing these things. I broke the news to them that this wasn’t the case
— they were treading water. They looked at me incredulously and I could tell that water polo now looked much less like fun and much more like work. They correctly realized that in the water, everything changes when your feet don’t touch the bottom. Everything becomes more difficult, daunting and even potentially dangerous. But it’s more than worth it because there is absolutely nothing like the experience of swimming — but you can’t do that with your
feet on the ground. That’s the way it is in following Jesus. You can’t do it with your feet touching the bottom. We’re meant to be in the deep water that comes when we live by a higher power, pursue a holy purpose, and journey toward a heavenly place. Living this way is distinctive. It is exactly the kind of thing that makes the world scratch its head and wonder if they’re missing out on something. As Bonhoeffer said, “Your life as a Christian should make non-believers
He died for you
question their disbelief in God.” And yes, this makes living for Jesus more difficult, daunting, and for people in some places, even dangerous. But it is the only thing that brings what Peter referred to as “inexpressible and glorious joy” (1 Peter 1:8). It is where true freedom and fulfillment are found. Though he was not speaking of discipleship, I believe that David Brooks was spot on when he wrote: “What most people want in life, especially when young, is not happiness, but an intensity that reaches to the core. We want to be involved in some important pursuit that involves hardship and is worthy of that hardship . . . there is something inside us that longs for some calling that requires dedication and sacrifice.” This is what it looks like to live for Jesus and that is the business of disciples!
Find more of Bruce’s writings at his website: a-taste-of-grace-withbruce-green.com.
from my sins.
The idea came from three of Charles Wesley’s hymns that I love. One is well known; the other two less known.
The refrain of Wesley’s hymn, “I Do Believe,” is succinct and beautiful: “I do believe, I now believe, that Jesus died for me, and that He shed His precious blood from sin to set me free.”
I felt I had discovered a gold mine when I came across Wesley’s awesome hymn, O Love Divine. Oh, how I love these precious words: “O Love Divine, What Hast Thou Done, Th’imortal God hath died for me! The Father’s coeternal Son bore all my sins upon the tree.”
Wesley could have written that he “died for us,” but the Spirit guided
CHURCH DIRECTORY
ANGLICAN
The Good Shepherd Anglican Church 3015 Opelika Road, Opelika
APOSTOLIC HOLINESS
God’s House of Prayers Holiness Church
301 Highland Ave., Opelika 334-749-9672
BAPTIST
Central Baptist Church 1611 2nd Ave., Opelika 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
him to allow us to say and sing, “God hath died for me!”
Observe how beautifully he uses the personal word “me” in one of his best loved hymns:
“And Can It Be That I Should Gain an interest in the Savior’s blood? Died He for me who caused His pain? For me who Him to death pursued? Amazing love! How can it be that Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?”
As we sing this inspiring hymn, Wesley gives us in the final verse this marvelous, personal conclusion: “No condemnation now I dread; Jesus, and all in Him, is mine. Alive in Him, my living Head, and clothed in righteousness divine; bold I approach the eternal
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
throne, and claim the crown, through Christ my own.”
Many other songs capture this profound truth, as Ray Overholt does in his winsome song, “Ten Thousand Angels” – “He could have called ten thousand angels, but he died alone, for you and me.”
Our family was having lunch one Sunday after church when the phone rang. When I answered the call, my dear friend Austin, an awesome leader in our church, was crying. This is what he said, “Pastor, I am shedding tears of joy! I just realized that Jesus died on the cross for me! He bought me with his blood! I am his and he is mine! I just had to call and tell you!”
My friend had been raised in the church. Now,
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
sixty years old, the words “He died for me” had impacted his soul with life-changing power. Saint Paul describes this power in First Corinthians 1:18: “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
John Bunyan paints a beautiful picture of the power of the cross in Pilgrim’s Progress. Christian is walking toward the Holy City, struggling with a heavy burden on his back. Then he sees the Cross and the burden fell off his back and rolled away, and was never seen again! That is what happens to us when it finally sinks in that Jesus “died for me.”
I love what Paul says in Colossians 2:13-15 – that
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
when Jesus died for me, he nailed my sins to the cross! Paul’s words sum up so beautifully what God did when Jesus died for you and me: “You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.”
The next time you look at a cross, say the words out loud, “He died for me.” Then rejoice and remember that he died for you so you could live for him.
Glory!
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
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
RONALD “RONNIE” SHELL COON
It is with a heavy heart to announce the passing of Mr. Ronald Shell Coon, 77, on Sept. 6, 2024, at East Alabama Medical Center.
Ronnie was born March 11, 1947, in Selma. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Coon Sr., and his beloved mother, Josephene Coon; two brothers, Charles Coon Jr. and Homer George Coon; and two sisters, Johnie Mae Brown and Gaynell Schlabach.
In the last several years of his life, he met the “love of his life,” Sue Cole, and they were “over the moon” happy. It was wonderful to witness the love that they shared together.
Although he never had children of his own, he was “Uncle Ronnie” to a whole host of other people’s children.
When he was a younger man, he worked as a technician for the Coca-Cola Bottling Co. He knew everybody and the locations of every Coca-Cola machine he ever serviced or filled.
He will be missed by more people than he could have ever imagined and has left empty holes in more hearts that he could have realized.
A memorial service was held Sept. 8, with JeffcoatTrant Funeral Home assisting the family with arrangements.
JAMES “JIM” STEPHEN KAMINSKY
James “Jim” Stephen Kaminsky passed away Sept. 4, 2024, at age 79. Jim was born in Minne-apolis, Minnesota, on Aug. 23, 1945. After spending a happy childhood there, he attended the University of Minnesota, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1967. He contin-ued his education at Michigan State University, where he earned a Master of Arts in 1969 and a Ph.D. in 1973.
After teaching in elementary school for a few years, Jim moved to Australia, where he met and married his first wife,
Bonnie. During his time “down under” Jim was a professor at the University of New England, as well as associate dean. He wrote a textbook and served as ex-ecutive editor of “Educational Philosophy and Theory,” a journal of the Philosophy of Edu-cation Society of Australasia.
After the birth of their daughter, Jessica, Jim and Bonnie returned to the United States. They moved to Auburn in the late 1980s, intending to be here only a few years, with Jim teaching at Auburn University. He served as department head from 1992 through 2001 and was actively involved in the Southeast Philosophy of Education Society. Professional honors included AU’s Authors Cup and the 2005 SGA Outstanding College of Education Professor award. After Bonnie’s untimely death in 2005, Jim married Julie Boggan in 2007. In 2009, he was awarded the Mildred Cheshire Fraley Distinguished Professorship. Upon his retirement, he was granted the status of Professor Emeritus in the Department of Educational Founda-tions, Leadership, and Technology. Jim was predeceased by his parents, sister Mary and his first wife, Bonnie. He is survived by his current wife, Julie, and her children, Anella Nicole DiVito, John Michael Schutta (Brittany) and Regina Michelle Schutta; his daughter, Jessica and her husband, John, and their chil-dren, James Atticus Glassmire and Jantzen Finch Glassmire. A memorial service was held Sept. 6 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home of Opelika. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to one’s favorite charity.
NANCY L. BORDEAUX
Nancy L. Bordeaux (Dennison) was born Sept. 20, 1950, and passed away Sept. 4, 2024, at the age of 73. Funeral services were held Sept. 9 at Jeffcoat-Trant
OBITUARIES
Funeral Home of Opelika, followed by a short graveside service at Morris Chappell Church.
Nancy is survived by her husband, Michael Haynes Bordeaux; daughter, Shondila Hearn; and son, Andrew James Howard. She also has seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. She was a loving mother and grandmother. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
DONALD WAYNE DYE JR.
Donald Wayne Dye Jr., 62, of Phenix City was born Oct. 28, 1961, and passed away on Sept. 4, 2024.
Donald is survived by his two daughters and grandchildren, as well as other family and friends. He will be missed dearly by his loved ones.
Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home of Opelika assisted the family with arrangements.
GLENDA BRADLEY
Glenda Ree Grantham
Bradley went to meet her Savior on Sept. 5, 2024, surrounded by her family at Bethany House.
She was born Oct. 14, 1924, in Red Level, the second of six children of Grohner F. and Nettie Merrell Grantham. She grew up during the Depression, the daughter of a farmer/ Primitive Baptist Preacher. She graduated valedictorian of her class in 1942 and went to work at Eglin Field during World War II. After the war, she attended API (now AU), graduating Phi Kappa Phi in 1948 with a degree in Home Economics. Along the way, she met William Warner Bradley, and they wed in June of 1948. They were both slated to become teachers. Glenda taught briefly at Auburn High School, then they both moved for teaching jobs in Pleasant Home, Alabama. They taught there for about 18 months, had their first child and returned to Au-burn to farm the family
land in 1952. In Auburn, they completed their family with four more children. Then, as a single mom, Glenda went to work at Auburn University’s Poultry Sci-ence Department. She obtained her master’s degree in microbiology in 1966 and was cho-sen to oversee and operate Auburn’s first and only electron microscope. She retired from AU after 27 years. She was always active in her church and community and was a positive influ-ence on all who knew her. She placed her trust in our Heavenly Father, who made her, re-deemed her, sustained her and carried her through almost 100 years of life.
She was preceded in death by her parents, four siblings, her youngest son Frank, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She is survived by her sister, Anne Hugghins; daughters, Beth (Pete) Landreth and Joan (Sonny) Moreman; son, Bill (Susan) Bradley and daughter, Glen Jones; grandchildren, Sasha (Bill) Shallock, Kate (Caleb) Petty, Richard (Missy) Landreth, Hank (Susan) Moreman, Brad (Gina) Moreman, Sarah Elizabeth Moreman, Josie (Luke) Stamps, Warner (Andrea Johnson) Bradley, Anna (Dan Facklam) Bradley, Stephanie (Stacey) Shirey, Susan (Jamie) East, Jessica (Carlos) Talavera, Dianna Bradley and Danika Bradley; 23 greatgrandchildren and two greatgreat grandchildren. She was looking forward to welcoming twin great-grandchildren and a great-great grandson in December.
“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on… that they may rest from their labors for their deeds follow them.” Revelation 14:13
A funeral was held Sept. 9 at Lakeview Baptist Church in Auburn, with Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home of Opelika assisting the family with arrangements.
Instead of flowers, donations
to Lakeview Baptist Church’s Lottie Moon fund or Benevolence Fund would be greatly appreciated and would honor her commitment to God’s work on earth.
GENE M. MILLER
Gene Meredith Miller, age 95, of Auburn died Sept. 2, 2024. Born Jan. 5, 1929, in Effingham, Illinois and raised in Springfield, Illinois, Gene lived 35 years in Atlanta and had been a resi-dent of Auburn since 2003.
He retired from Equifax Corporate Headquarters in 1990 after 33 years of service.
He was a member of the Associated Credit Bureaus of America National Education Committee and an instructor of credit bureau management at the Credit Bureau and Merchant Association Management Institutes at The University of North Carolina, The University of Georgia and Florida State University.
He was a Certified Associate of MDOR, The Institute for Managerial Development and Organizational Research, Los Angeles.
He was a United States Navy veteran of nine years, Petty Officer First Class serving from 1948 to 1957 in various roles including plane captain on PBM and P5M Flying Boats, flight engineer with the first “hurricane hunters,” testing air to air radar, and serving aboard the aircraft carrier USS Tarawa.
Gene and Doris Elaine Rankin first met in Orlando, Florida, at the home of Doris’ sister Joyce. It was truly “love at first sight,” and then “in love forever.” They were married just seven months later, in February 1958, by Doris’ father, Rev. H.P. Rankin. Gene and Doris moved fre-quently to several cities where he served as branch manager of Equifax offices, including Orlando, Miami, West Palm Beach and Anniston before he became regional manager and later assistant vice president at
Equifax corporate headquarters in Atlanta.
Gene and Doris were tennis enthusiasts and enjoyed traveling as a couple, visiting most of the states in the US, including Alaska and Hawaii, as well as the Bahamas, Bermuda, Cana-dian Provinces, Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Cruises, England, Italy, Switzerland, Eastern Europe and the Balkans. In addition to his loving wife of 66 years, he is survived by a son, Markham C. Miller and wife Kirsten and their children Sylvan, Kelly, and AnnElise of Eden Prairie, Minnesota; daughter Laura L. Miller and husband Peter Lerwill of Auburn and their daughter Alexis Nguyen of Houston, Texas; daughter Dara L. Miller and her children Madelaine Duggan and Connor Duggan of Auburn; sister-in-law, Charlotte Harris; three nieces, two nephews and special caregiver, Amy Creamer. Gene was a member of The American Legion and a member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. A service was held at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Auburn on Sept. 11, followed by a private graveside service at Town Creek Cemetery. Frederick-Dean Funeral Home of Opelika assisted the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the East Alabama Food Bank or to Disabled American Veterans.
ABIGAIL MORGAN WALLS
Abigail’s testimony:
“When I look back at my life before Christ, pain is the first thing that comes to mind. My life was marked with self-hatred that motivated most of my decisions. I considered suicide many times. My world revolved around me and what I was feeling, how I would cover it up, and constantly trying to figure out how to make it
Opelika’s Oscar L. Penn III named state VP of Racial Justice Network
better in my own strength. I spent a lot of time punishing myself, numbing the pain, and choosing the worst relationships. The only real dream I had was of motherhood. The moment it all changed was when I thought of bringing a child into the life I was living and it broke me. The Lord used the children I didn’t have at the time to save my life. I made the decision to turn to Jesus and go all in on Him. I laid down my mess of a life at the foot of the cross. Since that day my life has never been the same. I’m no longer the center of my tory. The Lord is. His love is restoring me. He has covered me with grace and mercy. I’ve witnessed many miracles — two of them being my children I now have that He used just the thought of to save my life years ago. I’m married to a man of God by the loving grace of God.
My life has not gotten easier since that day, but it is better. Even as I walk out a cancer diagnosis my greatest heart’s desire is to let this story be written by God and for God. He is the only one who can heal me and that alone makes Him so worthy. The Lord is increasing my faith.
I’m learning more and more about his nature. This has been one of the most challenging seasons of my life, but I believe it’s a healing journey; not just physically, but also spiritually, mentally and generationally. All of this is for more people to see him, know him and experience the life changing love of laying it all at his feet, at the foot of the cross. Jesus Wins is truly the headline of this story.” ~ Abigail
Abigail, aged 33, was healed on Sept. 4, 2024, at her home in Auburn. Her family was the most important thing to her and she is survived by
CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA — Oscar L. Penn III of Opelika has been named vice president of the Alabama chapter of the Racial Justice Network. According to its website, the National Racial Justice Network “is a civil rights organization designed to combat the racial disparities across America. We
her loving husband, Jason Walls and her two beautiful children who were the joys of her life, her daughter, Willow and her son, Luca, her mother, Rebecca Griffith; father, Brad Williams; sister, Amber Jordan; and brother, Aaron Williams.
Born on April 21, 1991, Abigail’s life was characterized by her devotion to her family and her faith. Her favorite thing in life was people. Abigail truly loved to just be in constant community with others. If you knew her, you’d agree. Here’s what a few close to her had to say:
“Abigail was the type of friend that saw you through the eyes of Jesus, not others. She was non-judgmental and compassionate which allowed you to be your full transparent self around her. She had the ability to lift you up when you were feeling down. She loved others and loved them well.”
“Abigail’s authenticity and vulnerability naturally drew people to her, and if you were blessed to be her close friend, you would experience a fierce love. Her calm, easy presence and encouraging, honest words over my life have been like Jesus speaking truth over me.”
“She loved with every ounce of her being and she had such compassion for all people, alway believing in the good for those around her.”
“Abigail had a way of finding a joke out of any situation to make people laugh. She didn’t eve have to try, she was just unapologetically herself and that’s what I loved about her.”
“Abigail exuded joy and laughter. Her laugh will always echo in my head as contagious. She loved a joke and never met a stray.”
Her compassion for others overflowed into every area of her life including her choice of career in becoming a hairstylist. She cared deeply about those who had the privilege over the years to sit
believe that confronting issues that directly impact our communities, we will expose and abolish the systematic practices that are in place.”
The network’s goals are to close the educational race gap, to advocate for human rights, to end mass incarceration and promote prison reform, to fight against voter suppression
in her chair, always wanting them to leave feeling better about themselves than when they first came in. She didn’t only see the best in people, she also had a deep affection for animals and always took the chance to be surrounded by them. Every inch of her being exuded tender heartedness for all of God’s creation and those closest to her never doubted the love she had for them as she made sure to remind them of it often.
Although, Abigail, as she mentioned above in her testimony, battled a hard season of self doub in earlier years of her life one thing is clear after watching her walk out this last season before going Home…she did NOT let her past define her and instead wanted nothing more than for everyone around her to witness that despite her sickness, she finally knew who God created her to be and the love He has for her and all of his children. If there is one thing she wanted to make sure that everyone remembers about her life, it’s this…
“Jesus Wins is truly the headline of this story.”Abigail Walls
A time of celebration and worship in Abigail’s honor will take place on Saturday, Sept. 14 at Auburn Community Church (323 Airport Road, Auburn, AL) beginning at 10 a.m. CT.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” - John 1:5
MARGARET RUNELL DOBBSBELCHER
Margaret Runell DobbsBelcher passed away September 6, 2024. Ms. Margaret was born March 13,1934 to the late William Oliver Dobbs and Arlene ( Bill) Ingram. For over 50 years of her life, Margaret served the Lord by teaching Sunday school to 3 and 4 yr olds. First at Northside Baptist and then at Providence Baptist. She
and increase voter registration, to expose police brutality and demand police accountability and to advocate for an end to health disparities among minorities.
To get involved, call the national hotline at 800694-1981 or email nationalracialjusticenetwork@ gmail.com.
truly loved the little children and was never prouder than when they could all sing Jesus Loves Me.
Margaret married Gordon Belcher and together they had 7 children. Wanda, Mike, Larry, Randy, Sandy, Kathy and Paula. She instilled in us the Love of God, the Love of Music and the Love for our brothers and sisters. Work ethic was also a very important part of our lives. She wanted her children to be self-reliant, strong and ready to face the world. She was very successful at achieving her goals because she led by example. She was truly one of the strongest, most independent and most determined women of the world. I am most proud of my mother and her accomplishments.
Margaret leaves behind a host of children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, Nieces and Nephews. It is her most heartfelt desire that they would come to Love the Lord Jesus so she will see them again in Heaven.
In
loving memory of Donald E. Williams
CONTRIBUTED BY THE FAMILY OF DON WILLIAMS
On the night of Monday, Sept. 9, 2002, the lives of each member of the Williams family were changed forever. Don Williams’ life was taken from him. We lost a dad, a husband, a son, a brother, uncle, grandfather, future great grandfather ... In thinking on that time over the years, one thing that always strikes me is how we never knew until it was “too late”, until there was nothing any of us could do to change it. In truth, it never was in our control but I think we go through life feeling that if we just know about something, have a heads up, then we can make adjustments, prepare, [or] do something to change the outcome of situations we wouldn’t choose.
Here we are 22 years later on another Monday, Sept. 9. We are no more in control of our lives today than we were that night when we felt the ability to change the situation slip through our hands like water. None of us knows what today will bring. Joy or pain.
None of us can hold onto our lives a second longer than the time God has allotted from eternity past — or the lives of our loved ones.
Our lives will one day be required of us. We never know when until it’s already over, until there’s not the ability to do anything about it. Are we ready? What if it is demanded
of someone we love? What will our response be? I can’t help but think of my dad’s favorite hymn, “Rock of Ages Cleft for Me”, that he loved to belt out. One of my favorite lines, “nothing in my hand I bring, only to thy cross I cling”, says it best.
I am absolutely certain that if he could say anything to us now, any “wisdom from beyond the grave,” my dad would continue belting out that hymn — even louder than in life — “NOTHING in my hand I bring, ONLY TO THY CROSS I CLING!”
And though he was a missionary in his lifetime, I know he would desire even more to be a missionary in his death, so in the words of Hebrews, “Today, if you hear [God’s] voice, do not harden your hearts”…for “no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give an account.” This warning, this plea, is the only “heads up” we get — and the only one we need — as long as we actually heed it. … Naked go to Him for dress, helpless, look to Him for grace. … Not the labors of our hands can fulfill his laws demands…all for sin could not atone; He must save and He alone…While we draw this fleeting breath, when our eyelids close in death, when we soar to worlds unknown, see Him on His judgement throne, Rock of Ages, cleft for ME (for YOU!), let us hide ourselves in Him!
OSCAR PENN
YOUR HEALTH YOUR STATUS YOUR BEST LIFE
On the Mark Recreation
Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024
Auburn edges Opelika to remain unbeaten
Auburn, Opelika face off for 99th time
BY D. MARK MITCHELL
OPINION — The 99th football game beween Opelika (2-1, R 0-1) and Auburn (3-0, R 1-0) was played last Friday in Auburn’s Duck Samford Stadium in front of a sellout crowd, estimated at 7000. The Tigers beat the Bulldogs in a back and forth game, 28-21 after scoring the game winning TD with 5:45 left in the fourth quarter.
The two class 7A powers gave the fans all they wanted, a close hard fought game with few penalities and mistakes, although each team had one turnover.
Bulldog senior wide receiver Brody Jones caught a 10-yard pass from QB Colby Key in the back of the endzone for a touchdown, giving the Dogs a 21-14 lead in the fourth quater. The Tigers scored 14-points with less than 6-minutes in the game and intercepted a pass at their own 20 yard line to seal the 28-21 win.
The Dogs used a solid running game behind Calvin Hughley and crisp passing from QB Colby Key to score 21-points, but AHS countered with offensive fire power from RB Omar Mabson and QB Jackson Kilgore to score 28 points.
Hughly piled up 187 yards of offense, 159 rushing yards and scored
2-TD’S, Reese Beasley made all 3 PAT’s. The Bulldogs had the ball at the Tigers 30 yard line with less than 2-minutes left in the game, down 28-21. Key’s pass was batted in the air at the line of scrimmage and intercepted by a Tiger defensive player to seal the win.
A tough loss for Opelika and coach Bryan Moore. Unfortunately, I have seen some bad behavior during a few Auburn/ Opelika football games years ago, that was NOT the case last Friday night! I had the pleasure of watching last Friday’s game between Opelika and Auburn from the sidelines, as a member of the media.
As an Opelika graduate that lives, works and worships here, I was extremely proud of both teams.
Auburn’s coach Keith Etheredge and Opelika’s coach Bryan Moore displayed a tremendous amount of class and respect last Friday night. Many eyes were on the two programs , the game was one of the marquee match-ups in the AHSAA.
The student-athletes and coaches from both schools schould be commended for how they played and acted, neither team took cheap shots, taunted each other or displayed any unruly acts during the game. This is a reflection on the See ON THE MARK page B7
BY DAVID YOHN FOR THE OBSERVER
AUBURN — A standing-room only crowd at Duck Samford Stadium watched the 99th edition of Auburn High versus Opelika go down to the wire. Auburn linebacker Alex Gamston tipped and intercepted an Opelika pass with just 1:42 remaining in the game to seal a 28-21 victory for the Tigers. Auburn now leads the all-
time series with the Bulldogs, 49-47-3, in a matchup that has history dating all the way back to 1930. From start to finish, missed opportunities costed Opelika as Auburn came from behind to steal the rivalry matchup for the eighth year in a row.
Auburn took the opening kickoff and managed one first down before rolling the dice early by going for it on 4th-and-1 from their own 47-yard line. Star running
back Omar Mabson fumbled, and Opelika started their first drive in Tiger territory. The Bulldogs could only manage to advance to the Tigers’ 30yard line before punting.
Getting on the board first, Auburn then struck quickly, going 80 yards in just five plays. Mabson ran the ball on three of those plays with the last rush going for 58 yards and the first touchdown of the game. The Tigers jumped out to a 7-0 lead with 2:59
remaining in the first quarter. The Bulldogs needed just one 29-yard rush by Calvin Hughley to get out of the shadow of their own goalpost. Opelika could not overcome a high snap on the ensuing play and ended up punting very late in the first quarter.
The Tigers looked to be in good shape after converting a 3rd-and-11 when quarterback Jackson Kilgore connected with Josh Askew for a gain of 21 yards. Mabson rambled for 15 yards on the next third down, while Kilgore scrambled for 19 yards on 4th-and-4 later in the drive.
Senior DB Kevian King stepped up big for the Bulldogs, intercepting a Kilgore pass.
Opelika pounded the Auburn defense with a steady rushing attack led by Hughley, Blake Johnson and Jordan Waits.
Sophomore QB Colby Key found Bennett Young for a gain of 10 yards on 3rdand-4, followed by Johnson bulldozing his way 15 yards
See AHS, page A9
Central prolongs dominance of Smiths Station with blowout win
BY NOAH GRIFFITH FOR THE OBSERVER
SMITHS STATION
— Last Thursday, Central-Phenix City extended its winning streak against the Smiths Station Panthers to 16 with a 69-15 win.
The Central Red Devils now lead the all-time series 28-5, and they have a scoring margin of plus-611 over its current 16-game win streak. Not having lost the head-to-head matchup since 2008, Central has now won by 30 points or more in four consecutive games against Smiths Station.
Despite scoring 15, its most points in a single game against the Red Devils since 2014, the Panthers turned it over five times in the first
three quarters and allowed the most points in a game in the history of the rivalry. Central’s senior quarterback, Andrew Alford, went off for four passing touchdowns,
while senior running back Tristan Williams added a pair of scores to his resume. The Panthers got off to a promising start, forcing the Red Devil offense to a
three-and-out, but it went downhill from there. After two big offensive plays, Smiths Station punted on its first offensive drive, to
See SSHS, page A3
Smiths Station fell to Central by a score of 69-15.
The Tigers outscored the Bulldogs 28-21.
Ninety-nine games and counting
Under the Lights — Week Three
BY D MARK MITCHELL FOR THE OBSERVER
LEE COUNTY — The following is a wrap-up of our local high school football teams:
• Bearegard (2-1, R 1-0) beat Marbury 57-7, and will travel to Marbury on Sept. 13;
• Benjamin Russell (12, R 1-0) beat Calera 5528, and will host Chilton County on Sept. 13;
• Beulah (3-0, R 1-0) beat Dadeville 28-14, The Bobcats will play LSA on Friday, Sept. 13;
• BT Washington (2-0, R 1-0) beat Talledega 3212, and will host Tallassee
on Friday, Sept. 13;
• Chambers Academy (3-0, R 1-0) downed Valliant Cross Academy 48-16, and will host Edgewood on Friday, Sept. 13;
• Glenwood (3-0 R 1-0) beat BB Comer 37-14, and will host Childersburg on Sept. 13;
• Lafayette (2-1, R01) lost a close game to Ranburne 14-19, and will travel to Loachapoka Friday;
• Lanett (2-1, R 1-0) beat Lochapoka 13-0, and will host Greenville (Georgia) on Friday night;
• Notasulga (1-1 R 0-1) lost to Autaugaville 14-37,
and will host Maplesville Friday.
• Reeltown (2-1, R 1-0) beat Horseshoe Bend 61-0, and will travel to Ranburne;
• Russell County (2-1, R 1-0) beat Wetumpka 21-17. It will play against Park Crossings at Crampton Bowl;
• Smiths Station (0-3, R 0-1) lost to Central 69-15, and will host Carver of Montgomery Friday;
• Southern Prep (1-2, R 0-1) lost to Springwood Academy 24-44, and will host Evengel Christian and
• Valley (1-2 R 0-1) is open this week.
to score the Bulldogs first touchdown. The drive covered 68 yards in eight plays and consumed 3:40. With 4 minutes remaining in the first half, the teams were tied at seven. Auburn was not content to go to the locker room with the score knotted, as they found the end zone in just six plays. Mabson ran it three times, but the big play was Kilgore finding Cash Reif for 25 yards on the second play of the drive. Charlie Ward answered when his number was called by running 15 yards for the Tigers second touchdown with 1:35 remaining in the first half. The home crowd enjoyed a 14-7 lead at the half. The buzz was heard early in the second half on the visitors’ sideline as Hughley rambled for 49 yards on the first play of the third quarter. On the very next play, Hughley capped the 80-yard drive by finding the end zone from 31 yards out. Just two plays into the second half, the teams were tied at 14 a piece.
Both defenses stepped up for the remainder of the third quarter, and the stage was set for an epic fourth quarter. Hughley and Johnson found success on the ground, setting up the Bulldogs deep in the Tigers’ territory early in the final stanza. Key found Brodie Jones for a four-yard touchdown strike, and Opelika enjoyed its first lead of the game, 21-14.
That lead, however, was not safe. Auburn’s Kilgore connected with Josh Askew for 79 yards to set the Tigers up at the Bulldogs 1-yard line. It took Mabson two tries, but he pounded across the goal line to tie the game for the third time. Auburn covered 80 yards in three plays in just over one minute.
Opelika could not pick up one first down, so Auburn found themselves with possession of the ball at their own 43-yard line just two minutes after surrendering the Mabson touchdown.
The Tigers went 57 yards in just six plays to score the go-ahead touchdown. Kilgore had two short completions to
start the drive, and Mabson smashed his way for three yards to move the chains on third-and-three. Another Mabson run was followed by a 14-yard pickup by Peyton Plott on a reverse. Kilgore then stunned the Bulldogs with the eventual game-winning toss to Askew from 29 yards out. Trailing by seven with 5:15 to play, the Bulldogs found success in the air. Key found Hughley for gains of 10 and 22 yards. Hughley, Waits and Johnson all ran for positive yardage before Gamston sealed the victory for Auburn with the interception at the Tigers’ 28-yard line. Auburn ran out the final 1:57, sending the Bulldogs home with their first loss of the season.
“Really, really frustrated with the finish right there,” said Opelika head coach Bryan Moore. “There is no way to sugar coat this. We’ve got to go back to work and get better.”
The Bulldogs (2-1) will host J.A.G. and then Smiths
weeks, while the Tigers (3-0) travel to Enterprise and then host J.A.G.
The AHS Tigers hosted the OHS Bulldogs at Duck Samford Stadium. It was the teams’ 99th meeting.
Red Devils best Smiths Station Panthers
which Central responded with five straight quick offensive drives for TDs. Three Panther fumbles made their deficit go from a little to a lot in a flash.
Before the half, Smiths Station seized what little momentum it could grasp. Sophomore QB Cohen Thomas dove in behind his blockers for a two-yard TD on a QB sneak with 44 seconds on the clock. The Panthers capitalized on their first score against Central in four years by running it in for a two-point conversion to make it a 35-8 game going to halftime.
But that momentum only lasted the duration of halftime.
On its first play of the second half, Thomas threw an interception that was returned near the Panthers’ 10-yard line by Central. The ensuing play was a TD pass to senior receiver Daylyn Upshaw – his second on the day, giving him a team-high five scoring grabs on the year.
After another interception returned to the goal line by Central senior defensive back, Cameron Westberry, on the next drive, Alford threw his fourth and final TD pass of the night. He now has nine TDs through the air on the year. The highlight of the night came on the next Central possession. With sophomore Bobby Coleman subbed in at QB, sophomore WR Mychal Bass went up and snagged a 50-50 ball one-handed in the corner of the end zone and dragged his toes in bounds to give the Red Devils a 55-8 lead.
Two Coleman passing TDs and a rushing score from sophomore RB Jayshaun Woodhouse capped off an explosive offensive performance for the Red Devils. Coleman now has four TDs on the season in addition to Alford’s nine, Woodhouse notched his second score on the ground, junior RB Donovan Crow scored his third of the season, Williams has three TDs on the year, sophomore WR Barion Brown hauled in his third
scoring grab and Bass scored his second.
Smiths Station did answer, however, and the Panther’s student section was still hyped as ever. Senior WR Devan Parham outran the Red Devils to the end zone on a kickoff return with the clock winding under two minutes in the game. Even that was answered by Central, once again stealing the Panthers’ spotlight hastily, on a long passing TD to sophomore WR Tjay Ware to cap off the scoring with 1:04 remaining in the game.
Prolonging its reign upon winning their third 7A State Championship in 2023, the Red Devils’ win streak now sits at 16 dating back to the end of the 2022 season. Central improved to 3-0, while Smiths Station is 0-3 and still searching for its first win of the season.
On Friday, Sept. 13, Smiths Station will stay home and look to reverse its fortunes against Carver Montgomery (3-0). Oppositely, Central will look to extend its win streak to 17 at Dothan (2-1).
The Smiths Station Panthers fell to Central-Phenix City under the Friday night lights.
Auburn hosted Smiths Station in JV flag football
Beulah Bobcats undefeated
student’s parent, the two head coaches, assistant coaches and schools administration. One thing is for sure, Opelika can compete in class 7A, as the football team showed last Friday night. I know Coach Moore was not happy with the loss, I do not expect him to be happy after a loss, but his football team is very close to learning how to “finish and win” the big game. Opelika Superintendent Farrell Seymore hired the right football coach. Bryan Moore will continue to build the Opelika program and compete in every game, no matter the opponent. Opelika host J.A.G. High School (0-2, R 0-1) Friday at Bulldog Stadium in their second region game. The Jaguars (Formerly Jeff Davis High School) are 0-2 after losses to Hewitt-Trussville (50-6) and last week Carver (46-0). The Dogs should have an easy time beating the Jaguars if they continue to improve. This is the type of game where Opelika should dominate, scoring many points early while shutting down there offense. Moore should get a chance to substitute early and often. we are a better football team.
Fans can buy tickets at the ticket office outside Bulldog Stadium or
online at gofan.co. You can listen to the Opelika vs JAG football game on WKKR 97.7 Kicker FM, online at kickerfm. com or on the free iheartradio app on your smartphone.
Auburn JV team beat Opelika’s JV team 20-0 at Bulldog Stadium Monday night, no details were available as of press time. Opelika’s ninth grade plays at Tallassee High School Monday at 5 p.m. The JV travels to Smiths Station Monday at 6:30 p.m.
VOLLEYBALL
OHS JV Volleyball team plays SSHS Tuesday at 4:30 followed by the varsity volleyball teams. The OHS Flag football team plays at Vestavia Hills Tuesday, Sept. 17, at 6:30 p.m., followed by a game with Mountain Brook at 7 p.m. The JV Flag football team plays AHS Wednesday 5:30 p.m. at Duck Samford Stadium.
OHS volleyball team is 6-4, and will travel to Enterprise Saturday to play in the Enterprise Invitational.
D Mark Mitchell is the sports director at iHeartMedia, host of “On the Mark” Fox Sports the Game 910-1319, co-chair of the Auburn-Opelika Sports Council, chairman of the Super 7 and Dixie Boys Baseball state director.
Auburn and Smiths Stations junior varsity girls flag football teams faced off last week on Sept. 5. Auburn won 25-6.
The Beulah Bobcats won their game against Dadeville (28-14) for the first time since 2018. Beulah is currently undefeated. The team will play Lee-Scott on Sept. 13.
Offensive woes doom Tigers in loss to Golden Bears
BY BRANDON HUGHES FOR THE OBSERVER
AUBURN — In Saturday afternoon’s SEC/ACC battle, the visiting University of California Golden Bears (2-0) avenged their home loss from a year ago by defeating the Auburn Tigers (1-1) 21-14.
Saturday’s rematch from last season’s clash in Berkley, California, began eerily similar to the 2023 matchup between these two teams. On the game’s second play from scrimmage on Saturday afternoon, Auburn QB Payton Thorne got flushed from the pocket and attempted to flip the ball forward to Jarquez Hunter only to see the ball bobbled,
kicked up in the air and grabbed by a Cal defender who then raced to the endzone for an apparent pick-six. A year ago, on the game’s third play, Thorne fumbled the football, which was picked up by a Cal defender and returned for an apparent touchdown. And just as in last year’s game, replay review wiped away the defensive score. Although officials ultimately ruled the pass incomplete, and even though the Tigers would go on to score on the drive — converting a third down and ten from the Cal 15 with a touchdown pass from Thorne to KeAndre Lambert-Smith, who made an exceptional
toe-dragging catch on the play—that play would portend not just a difficult offensive day for the host Auburn Tigers, but a bad day for Thorne in particular.
Coming off an offensive explosion in their last game, the Tigers looked to continue its offensive resurgence and prove that the 73-point outburst from a week ago was no fluke. Taking on its first Power Four opponent of the 2024 season with a new offensive coordinator, new weapons on the perimeter, an improved offensive line and newfound confidence, the offense remained stuck in neutral for large swaths of the game and even found
itself in reverse on more than one occasion.
After the game, Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze did not sugarcoat things as he opened his postgame press conference. He said, “Disappointed. I hoped we were further along …you cannot turn the ball over five times and expect to beat really anybody. We never got in any kind of sync offensively, and that’s very disappointing and frustrating to me, and I’ve got to figure that out for us.”
Auburn’s Luke Deal did not mince words either.
“It’s just embarrassing offensively when you work so hard, and your defense works so hard, and your culture works so
hard to remain together, and you just put a product out like that,” The senior tight end said. “That’s just something we’ve got to flip very quickly because we’re getting into SEC ball very soon.”
Cal answered the Tigers’ opening-drive score with a touchdown of their own. Golden Bear QB Fernando Mendoza went a perfect 6-6 throwing the football, including a 19-yard touchdown pass to Nyziah Hunter, evening the score 7-7.
Auburn’s second drive of the game ended when they failed to convert on fourth and two from the Cal 48-yard line. However, Cal failed to capitalize on the great field position
when the drive ended with Ryan Coe’s 25-yard field goal attempt clanging off the right upright.
The celebration of the defensive stand was short-lived as Thorne threw his first interception of the game on the ensuing drive’s first play, giving Cal the ball on the Auburn 21-yard line. This time, the Golden Bears would capitalize as Mendoza connected once again with Hunter — for 13 yards this time — giving the visiting team its first lead of the day, 14-7. The Cal defense forced a three-and-out on the Tigers’ next drive, which began an exchange of punts by both teams until
The Auburn Tigers had a sloppy showing against California.
AUBURN — Auburn women’s basketball will host six regular-season games along with an exhibition as part of their non-conference schedule, released today by head coach Johnnie Harris.
The Tigers will be road-tested throughout their nonconference slate with seven games away from home, including a stretch of six straight in late November and early December.
Fans can get their first look at the Tigers when they take on LaGrange College in an exhibition game Thursday, Oct. 31.
The regular season begins with three straight home games as Auburn hosts Southern Illinois (Nov. 4), Virginia University-Lynchburg (Nov. 8) and Little Rock (Nov. 14).
From there, the Tigers begin a sixgame road swing with five of those six
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contests against Power Four conference opponents. First up is a trip to the West Coast where Auburn will face the Oregon Ducks in Eugene on Nov. 20. Two days later, they will head south to the Bay Area for a return game against Cal on Nov. 22 in Berkeley.
After a quick trip back home, the Tigers will then travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands for the Paradise Jam, where they will take on Northern Iowa, Pittsburgh and Kansas over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
The sixth and final road contest of that swing comes Dec. 5 in Charlottesville, Virginia, when Auburn takes on Virginia in the SEC/ACC Challenge.
The rest of December sees Auburn at home for three contests, taking on UAB (Dec. 8), Alabama State (Dec. 21) and Norfolk State (Dec. 29), with a trip to Louisiana-Lafayette included on Dec. 18.
Auburn’s SEC schedule was an -
the final play of the half.
Auburn kicker Towns McGough missed a 61yard field goal try as time expired, sending the game to halftime.
The Cal signal caller finished the first half a sizzling 19/21 for 205 yards throwing the ball. But after halftime, the Tiger defense, led by coordinator DJ Durkin, made crucial adjustments. They held Mendoza to a mere 6/15 for just 28 yards in the second half. The defense, which gave up 222 yards and over six yards per play before the break, cut those numbers
Golden Bears’ offense, it wasn’t enough, as Auburn’s offense struggled to find any rhythm.
Auburn forced a punt on the second half’s opening drive, but Cal punter Lachlan Wilson executed a perfect punt, pinning the Tigers on their twoyard line. The following offensive drives for the Tigers would see some head-scratching play calls.
Auburn opened the drive with 5 consecutive runs for 36 yards. Despite averaging over seven yards per carry and the offensive line blowing the Cal defensive line off the ball, Freeze called a pass play on first and 10,
nounced last month; in all, the Tigers will play 14 regular-season games at Neville Arena in 2024-25. Game times, broadcast information and a season ticket on-sale date will be announced soon.
2024-25 Auburn Women’s Basketball
Schedule
Oct. 31 – LAGRANGE COLLEGE (exh.)
Nov. 4 – SOUTHERN ILLINOIS
Nov. 8 – VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY-LYNCHBURG
Nov. 14 – LITTLE ROCK
Nov. 20 – at Oregon
Nov. 22 – at California
Nov. 28 – vs. Northern Iowa (St. Thomas, USVI)
Nov. 29 – vs. Pittsburgh (St. Thomas, USVI)
Nov. 30 – vs. Kansas (St. Thomas, USVI)
again starting a drive on its two-yard line. Auburn again found traction with the run game, rushing for 18 yards on three carries, and Freeze once again called a pass play, which, yet again, resulted in a sack and a loss of 12 yards, killing another drive.
The Tiger defense forced another punt, but Thorne threw his second pick of the day on the drive’s first play, giving Cal the ball on the Auburn 47. The Tiger defense held strong again, forcing a 55-yard field goal try, which sailed wide right.
Just two plays into Auburn’s next possession, Cal ripped the ball from Hunter on a run play, taking over on the Auburn 36. The dam finally burst for the Auburn defense as Cal runningback Jaivian
Dec. 5 – at Virginia (SEC/ACC Challenge)
Dec. 8 – UAB
Dec. 18 – at Louisiana-Lafayette
Dec. 21 – ALABAMA STATE
Dec. 29 – NORFOLK STATE
Jan. 2 – OLE MISS
Jan. 5 – at LSU
Jan. 9 – ARKANSAS
Jan. 12 – at Kentucky
Jan. 16 – TEXAS
Jan. 19 – MISSOURI
Jan. 23 – at Mississippi State
Jan. 26 – FLORIDA
Feb. 2 – at South Carolina
Feb. 6 – TEXAS A&M
Feb. 10 – at Oklahoma
Feb. 13 – at Tennessee
Feb. 16 – VANDERBILT
Feb. 23 – at Alabama
Feb. 27 – at Georgia
March 2 – MISSISSIPPI STATE March 5-9 – SEC Tournament (Greenville, S.C.)
Thomas scampered 36 yards to put Cal up 21-14.
Auburn responded with a 12-play, 75-yard touchdown drive aided by a targeting penalty against Cal and two defensive pass interference calls — one of which negated an interception in the endzone. Thorne’s two-yard run made it a one-score game at 21-14.
The Tiger defense got another stop, getting the offense the ball back down by 7 with 2:40 left to play. On the drive’s second play, however, Thorne threw his third pick of the game.
Auburn had one final opportunity. They had 28 seconds to go 80 yards for the game-tying score, but any hope of a memorable finish was extinguished when Thorne threw his 4th interception of the
game on the opening play.
By the numbers:
• In the second quarter, Auburn defensive end Keldric Faulk recorded sacks on back-to-back plays. The last Auburn player with sacks on consecutive plays was Reggie Torbor in 2003 against Ole Miss’ Eli Manning.
• Payton Thorne is the first Auburn QB to throw four interceptions in a game since Brandon Cox in 2007 against Georgia.
• Auburn is now 3-7 in its last 10 home games against Power Four teams. The Tigers are 6-14 against Power Four teams overall since the 2022 season.
Next up Home versus the New Mexico Lobos. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. on ESPN2.
Education
Opelika mayor joins inaugural Early Learning Nation Fellows
CITY OF OPELIKA
CONTRIBUTED BY
OPELIKA — Mayor Gary Fuller has been selected to participate in the inaugural cohort of The Hunt Institute’s Early Learning Nation Fellowship (ELN). The ELN Fellowship is a prestigious, invitation-only program designed to support locally elected officials who are committed to establishing their communities as national leaders in early childhood education. This Fellowship program was founded on the belief that all young children deserve a great start in life, and this critical goal can be met only if local leaders are at the center of the work. This
inaugural cohort of Fellows will include more than 100 mayors, school board members, city and county council members, and
other elected stakeholders from across the country.
“I am honored to have been selected as an inaugural cohort of The Hunt Institute’s ELN,” said Mayor Gary Fuller. “I believe that early childhood education is vital for success for our children. All children deserve access to a great education and that begins with early childhood.”
The Hunt Institute, a national nonpartisan nonprofit, was founded by four-term North Carolina Governor Jim Hunt in 2001 and brings together people and resources to inspire and in-form elected officials and policymakers about key issues in education, resulting in visionary leaders
who are prepared to take strategic action for greater educational outcomes and student success.
The ELN Fellows’ first meeting, held on Aug. 22, was conducted virtually and included review of the program’s structure and goals and time to share initial thoughts on the kinds of local action that will make a difference in the early childhood landscape in their communities.
The cohort’s second meeting was in person in Las Vegas on Sept. 4, where ELN Fellows en-gaged with one another to learn more about how to navigate local policies that impact early childhood issues.
ELN Fellows then joined
colleagues including senior-level state elected officials, gubernatorial staff, and key early childhood system leaders from their home states to attend The Hunt Institute’s Early Childhood Leadership Summit.
“The early childhood landscape can be complex, especially at the local level, and I’m pleased to see so many locally elected officials from across the country come together to focus on investing time in this area,” said Hunt Institute president & CEO Dr. Javaid Siddiqi. “Equipping policymakers with access to research and national experts is an essential step in building stronger early childhood systems.”
CONTRIBUTED BY IRS
ALABAMA — As Alabama educators gear up for the new school year, the IRS reminds schoolteachers that the maximum deduction for classroom expenses in 2024 remains at $300.
This deduction allows educators to offset the cost of supplies, materials and other class-room essentials, providing some financial relief for those who spend their own money to improve their students’ learning experience.
Under federal law, this $300 cap is unchanged from 2023, continuing the adjustment for inflation that began in 2022 when the limit was raised from $250.
Who qualifies for educator expense deductions?
This deduction is available for teachers, instructors, counselors, principals and aides who work at least 900 hours a school year in a school providing elementary or secondary education. Educators filing jointly can claim up to $600 if both spouses are eligible, but no more than $300 per person. Educators can claim this deduction even if they take the standard deduction, and both public and private school educators qualify.
What’s deductible?
Educators can claim deductions for out-of-pocket expenses on classroom items like books, supplies, equipment (including computers and software) and COVID-19 safety measures such as masks, disinfectants
and air purifiers. They may also deduct costs for professional development courses relevant to their teaching, though it could be more advantageous to use other educational tax benefits like the lifetime learning credit (refer to Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education, Chapter 3).
Expenses for homeschooling or nonathletic supplies for health or physical education are not eligible. The IRS recommends educators maintain detailed records, such as receipts and canceled checks, to substantiate their deductions.
Use E-file to claim educator expenses
For educators who have been granted a tax filing extension or qualify for a disaster extension, or for any other pertinent reason are still in the process of completing their 2023 tax return, the rules for claiming deductions remain consistent for the 2024 tax year. The filing extension deadline is Oct. 15, 2024. However, submitting a return before this date can aid in averting processing delays.
The IRS advises taxpayers to file electronically for a smoother process, whether they use tax software or a professional. Choose direct deposit for faster refunds. For more details, vis-it E-file options to file your return. Individuals who owe taxes should consider using IRS Direct Pay or other electronic payment options available at IRS’ Make a payment page for convenience.
MAYOR GARY FULLER
Opelika Middle School students participate in Career Quest 2024
more about each.
First the group visited The Art Haus followed by a tour the murals on N. Railroad and first Avenue, and the murals on Ninth Street and Avenue A; Mak Media; Eloise Design Co.; The Observer; Courthouse Square followed by lunch at The Chill Spot.
Local students participate in Boys State
honors.
CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA — Jay Collins was a delegate at the 87th American Legion Alabama Boys State. He was a credit to his community and to Lee-Scott Academy where he is a student. Collins was involved in the House of Representatives. After being elected to the House, he learned the process of writing, debating and passing legislation for Boys State.
He is the child of Jennifer and Jim Collins of Opelika.
About Boys State American Legion
Alabama Boys State is a leadership program for young men who have completed their junior year of high school and are leaders in their schools and communities. It provides delegates with a working knowledge of how governments function on the city, county, and state levels. By teaching youth to understand and appreciate the basic principles involved in successfully managing a democratic
society, the American Legion believes we can keep America strong for future generations. Acceptance to Alabama Boys State is a privilege granted by invitation only. Their school faculty and community leaders select delegates from across the state based on their demonstration of leadership, hard work, strong morals, and motivation. Boys State is a full and active week held on the campus of Troy University in Troy, and an invitation to attend is one of the state's highest
At Boys State, students build new friendships, participate in a mock government, and hear from an array of Alabama leaders. These include members of Congress, state elected officials, business leaders, civic leaders, and more. Delegates join interest groups that focus on their individual career goals. In these educational breakout sessions, delegates learn from lectures and develop skill sets through field trips and hands-on exercises. Delegates will also have
activity time during which they can participate in recreational activities such as sports, music, drama, and news media.
About the American Legion
The American Legion believes there is no better way to assure the survival of our republic than to train our young people in the ideals and objectives of the American government. By teaching youth to understand and appreciate the basic principles involved in the successful
management of a democratic society, we can keep America strong and ensure freedom for future generations. These are the distinguished, long-standing objectives of the American Legion Boys State. Alabama Boys State is sponsored by the American Legion and is directed by the retired Judge Pete Johnson of Birmingham. The Assistant Director is Ret. Col. Mark Valentine, and the Chief of Staff
Judge
ton.
is
Joel Laird of Annis-
Eighth graders from Opelika Middle School visited The Observer office Tuesday, as part of Career Quest 2024 hosted by the Opelika Chamber. During the day students visited the following businesses or locations and learned
Will Rhodes, pictured left, and Jay Collins, right recently participated as delegates with the 87th American Legion Alabama Boys State.
BY BETH PINYERD
The school year is well underway. As teachers and parents, we are beginning to assess our children with a signal I have used before which is SOS: S-Safe, O-Open, S-Sensitive.
1. Safe — Do the children in my class feel secure and safe? Is there any anxiety being shown from the student?
2. Open — Are the children open to learning? Do they seem enthusiastic about learning by paying attention and engaging in the learning process?
3. Sensitive — As a child’s teacher, am I being sensitive to a child’s learning needs as well as emotional needs?
Even though this article is focused more on early childhood, many of the ideas can be adopted for our elementary and high school age children.
As children adjust to their new home away from home in the classrooms, parents can help facilitate bonding and security for their child with teachers. Teachers and parents work as a team to provide a wonderful learning experience for their child during a school year.
Take time to talk to your child about their school day. Keep a positive focus as they talk to you about what they learn, what they do, and the friends they have made. As a parent, you can discern if your child doesn’t seem settled in school yet.
Here at the beginning of the year, contact your child’s teacher immediately if you sense your child is anxious or doesn’t feel good about school. Teachers will spend extra time and attention, and by giving your child a special classroom job so they feel special and connected with the classroom.
When children receive love notes in their lunch boxes or back packs it brings such a smile to their faces. Giving your child a little token of encouragement to put in their backpacks or pockets enables them to feel connected. You can let your child’s teacher know what you are doing by writing them a note or speaking to them. These tokens of encouragement enable your child to feel connected to the parents as they are in the classroom.
Settling into school
Humor and laughing is one tip I recommend to cut down on a child’s anxiety, especially on the way to school. Children absolutely love “Knock, Knock” jokes. An openness to learning requires optimism and encouragement from adults. I love to see and hear parents encourage children to do the best they can with subjects. It’s fun and challenging to break down hard subjects into parts — a child can do well with each part.
Having success in small steps encourages children to know they can do it. For instance, when memorizing a week’s spelling word list, break each word down in syllables and spell each part of the word then put the syllables together to spell the whole word. Use the spelling words in sentences, sing songs with the spelling words, make up jingles with the spelling words, etc. With math facts or in counting, use objects to relate one on one correspondence as you count. This can be done with blocks, dominoes, crayons, setting the table, etc. We need to encourage
children not to fear rejection or failure. This is all a part of learning. Giving children hope by praising them when they have worked so hard on their assignments builds their confidence.
Sensitivity is where teachers and parents focus on the learning needs of their child. Children love to help. They want to feel significant and to be needed.
At the beginning of the year is when teachers and parents can assess each child’s gifts and talents. Let’s look at some of the are-as that talents and gifts are expressed in a child’s life.
1. Language — children love to express themselves with words and storytelling. They love to express themselves through creative writing stories and poems with pictures they draw. Too, they love to role play stories through acting it out or using puppets. The main focus is to encourage your child to express themselves.
2. Math — Some children have the natural inclination to-ward reasoning, counting, quick computation and
quick logical reasoning of math problems and systems.
3. Music — Young children love to hum as they play or do their work. Children who are attracted to and fascinated by sounds and musical instruments usually have a natural tendency to perform music by singing or playing instruments.
4. Physical — Children love to run and play freely. Play is a child’s work. Some children seem to be prone to participate and truly enjoy organized sports.
5. Artistic — As teachers we love to see our young students draw, color and paint. Children are attracted to activities including painting, drawing, making things out of objects like Play-Doh, etc.
I hope with these few suggestions that you continue to have a good beginning of the school year.
Beth Pinyerd has taught in the early childhood classroom for many years. She holds a master’s degree in early childhood education.
Fulbright exchange brings global education to Loachapoka High
BY
AUBURN — History
alumna and English-Language Arts teacher Laura West Ramkorun sees the world getting smaller every day. To prepare her students to succeed in a multicultural workforce, she spent the summer studying education in India.
Ramkorun applied and was accepted to the Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms Program, which trains teachers to create internationally informed learning environments so that their students stand out in the workforce.
Loachapoka High School is a rural school that primarily serves minority and low-income students.
Ramkorun applied for the program to bring them more opportunities for a well-rounded education.
“My students are growing up in a world that’s different than the one that I grew up in. It’s increasingly globalized, to a large part, thanks
to social media,” Ramkorun said. “The likelihood that my students will work with someone who doesn’t look like them, who maybe even doesn’t speak the same native tongue as them, is really, really high.”
After taking an online course on globalized education, Ramkorun connected to a teacher in Ann Arbor, Michigan, for a small cultural exchange and attended a global education symposium in Washington, D.C., to prepare for her field experience.
Ramkorun was placed at St. Joseph’s School in Trivandrum, a coastal city in southwest India. She partnered with the St. Joseph’s teacher to exchange instructional best practices and learn how each were leveraging culture in the classroom.
“They were doing a lot to empower students in an intellectual way, teaching them to appreciate the beauty of different cultures, but not in a way that diminishes their own culture, but accentuates the strengths of
each, which I want to do as a teacher,” Ramkorun said.
“If one of those students got a job with a bunch of Americans and Brits and Kenyans, they would be well-equipped to navigate relationships with coworkers who are nothing like them.”
Ramkorun shared how she uses skills from the study of history, including critical thinking, researching multiple sources and recognizing connections, to teach her students skills that will benefit them beyond their English-Language Arts class.
She learned from her partner teacher in India that using examples from other parts of the world and engaging the community can help push students to a higher academic level.
“How can I look at the culture that exists at Loachapoka High School in Auburn, Alabama, and leverage that for my students’ academic success?”
Ramkorun asked. “How can I push them to look
at the world around them and help them realize how it would benefit them to engage in the world beyond Loachapoka, beyond Alabama, beyond the United States, and how that’s beneficial for their education, and for their development as young humans?”
Fulbright teachers are also cultural ambassadors during their abroad trip. So before leaving for India, Ramkorun requested Auburn University merchandise from the College of Liberal Arts to give to teachers and facili- tators.
Ramkorun said sharing
Auburn felt like sharing a part of herself, and she hopes those she met in India feel more connected to the Auburn Family every time they see an AU logo.
“I love Auburn, and I’m very proud to be an Auburn alum, and I want to share that with people,” she said.
Loachapoka teacher Laura West Ramkorun was assigned to St. Joseph’s School in Trivandrum, a coastal city in southwest India.
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
Southern Hospitality
Love of baking leads to customized confection business
BY ANN CIPPERLY
After having interesting careers around the country, Jan and Joel Martin moved to Opelika two years ago to be near family. Jan changed careers, using her love of baking to create specialty, customized confections for her business, Signature Sweets, for large events in Lee County. She is sharing a variety of family recipes from over the years, with Joel’s mother’s Caramel Cake her most treasured.
Jan was born outside Detroit, Michigan, and her family moved frequently when she was growing up. Over the years, they lived in New Jersey, Connecticut and in upstate New York outside Rochester where she attended high school.
While Jan’s mother prepared meals using convenience foods, both of her grandmothers would cook delicious homemade meals. Jan remembers going to a friend’s house in 10th grade and seeing her mother making mac and cheese from scratch. Jan was surprised to see all the ingredients, as she had only had mac and cheese from a box. When Jan visited her grandmothers, she would bake with them. Her paternal grandfather, who came from Hungary, lived outside Philadelphia in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Her grandmother learned to make a special cookie called Pugashlich that Jan wanted to learn how to make since her father especially enjoyed them.
Jan watched as her grandmother threw ingre-
dients in a bowl without measuring. In order to learn how to make the cookies, she had her grandmother set aside each ingredient, and Jan measured the amount. She was able to assemble the recipe and still makes the cookies.
“I learned from my grandmothers that cooking is an expression of love,” Jan said. “I have always called baking ‘my love language.’”
After high school, she attended the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Jan then received a master’s degree in science education. She became a science teacher and taught school for a number of years.
Jan was interested in Native Americans and took a correspondence course. She quit her job and became a volunteer working with the elderly in Arizona on the Navajo reservation. She lived with a Navajo family and worked with a code talker from World War II.
While working there, she met her first husband. They moved back east, and Jan taught at all levels from grammar school to college, as well as instructing how to teach science. After she had three children, Jan took a few years off and then went back to teaching when she became a single mom.
As a mom, she prepared healthy, homemade meals for her children. “I was always cooking and baking,” she said. “Since I grew up on convenience foods, I was determined that my children were going to eat fresh foods, and everything would be homemade.”
After the children were grown, Jan was teaching in western Massachusetts when she met Joel, a Native American history scholar and author, who was vice provost at the University of Massachusetts. Joel, who grew up in Opelika, graduated from Birmingham Southern, Harvard and Duke where he received his Ph.D.
“The richness of history here in Alabama inspired my scholarship on Native Americans, and the high
quality of education I received in Opelika public schools gave me a great foundation for college and graduate school and beyond,” Joel said. “I was fortunate to bring to light a neglected aspect of Alabama history with the book Sacred Revolt: The Muskogees’ Struggle for a New World and then to further contribute to the understanding of Native American religions with additional books and writings. Along the way, I worked directly with tribes revitalizing their cultures. It’s been an amazing and rewarding journey to say the least.”
After Jan and Joel married, he became the provost at Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Jan went to work at a nearby town as a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) coordinator working for Penn State and also for a school in York City, one of the poorest districts in the state. Later, the school received a grant and opened the STEAM Academy. Jan was instrumental in forming the program.
Joel became the president of Wagner College in Staten Island, New York City, where they lived for a few years until he retired two years ago. They decided to
move to Opelika to be with his 93-year-old mother, Patty Martin, and other family members. Patty is now 95 years old and doing well.
“It’s wonderful to return full circle to where my intellectual journey began and to live again near family and friends and especially to share it all with Jan,” said Joel.
After living in Opelika a few months, Jan took a course called Jump Start that was offered through Auburn University. The course was offered to those who wanted to start their own business.
Once Jan started her business, Signature Sweets, she was hired by The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center to create 225 small boxes with treats for each room for a football weekend. She was also hired to create holiday treats for the rooms.
When Jan’s son suddenly passed away, she felt she could not continue her business. She went to work at AU’s Office of International Programs. After a while, friends encouraged her to start her business back.
Jan knew her son had wanted her to have the business, as it had been her dream. She was also encouraged by her two
daughters, Alyssa and Liz, who both live in Manhattan and work in the financial industry.
Jan reconnected with her mentors and reopened her business in May this year.
Her first catering job was at The Hotel at AU, for which she prepared 250 treats, including 125 pretzel rods and 125 chocolate covered homemade rice cereal treats in a beautiful box, adorned with elaborate decorations. She taught herself how to design and decorate all of the confections.
She made 575 treats decorated in Auburn colors as desserts and favors at this year’s College of Business graduation luncheon and has also catered large birthday parties and baby showers.
Jan started Signature Sweets as a cottage business, and now she has a level two commercial kitchen at their family farm in Beauregard. It provides more space for all of her custom desserts.
Jan creates customized, homemade treats to celebrate and elevate special occasions. She does custom colors and creates beautiful confection designs, such as butterflies on coated Oreo cookies.
Joel is a partner in the
business. While he doesn’t cook, he folds boxes to hold pretzel rods and other items, and he is helping with the business side. Jan caters large events, not small individual parties. The smallest amount of sweets she makes is four dozen.
“I love the idea of helping someone celebrate and elevate their occasion,” Jan said. “A big part of the joy for me is working with people and determining what they are trying to achieve and helping them get there. I feel excited about their event.”
Patty Martin’s Famous Caramel Cake
• 1 box Duncan Hines Butter Golden ¾ cup milk
• 4 large eggs
• 7 Tbsp. melted butter ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup sugar
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line two 9-inch pans with parchment paper and spray with Pam. Blend all ingredients in a large mixer bowl on low speed for 30 seconds. Then beat at medium speed for 4 minutes. Pour batter into pans and bake immediately. Bake for about 22-27
Jan Martin’s business, Signature Sweets, creates customized desserts for large events. She is pictured at right with her mother-inlaw, Patty Martin, and her special Caramel Cake that they made together. The recipe for the cake along with other family recipes are featured in this week’s column.
minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool cakes in pans for 15 minutes and then remove from the pans and cool completely.
When you are ready to frost, cut the cakes in half using a serrated knife, creating four layers.
Frosting:
3 ½ cups granulated sugar, divided
• 2 sticks butter, melted
• 1⅛ cup evaporated milk
½ cup sifted powdered sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
Brown ½ cup granulated sugar in a heavy boiler over high heat and then add melted butter and evaporated milk; bring to a boil.
Add remaining granulated sugar and be sure it is all dissolved. Bring to a boil and boil until it reaches soft boil stage. Remove from the heat and let cool. You can put the pot in a pan of cold water to cool it down faster. Beat for a few minutes. Beat in powdered sugar and vanilla.
Begin frosting the cake before the frosting gets too thick.
Mom-mom’s Mint
Surprise Cookies
On the recipe that my grandmother shared and mailed to my mom, she wrote, “I am enclosing a mold for you to use to make the cookies in doggie shapes. The children like to eat them in that shape. So, when you make the doggie cookies, please tell them that Mom-mom sent them doggies!” Now, this recipe is carried on by my sister, Sue.
3 cups sifted all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. salt
• 1 cup salted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, firmly packed
• 2 large eggs
2 Tbsp. water
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 pkg. Andes mints
Walnut halves
Preheat oven to 375 degrees and grease cookie sheets with a little butter. Sift together flour, baking soda and salt. Cream the butter and then gradually add in the two sugars. Blend in eggs, then water and finally vanilla. Beat well. Add the dry ingredients and mix well. Then chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least two hours.
Enclose each mint in about 1 tablespoon of chilled batter. Place each cookie on the prepared cookie sheet, about two inches apart.
Top each cookie with a walnut half and press in gently. Bake the cookies for
about 10 minutes. Allow cookies to cool on cookie sheets.Then, remove and enjoy!
Jesse’s Earl Grey Shortbread
Jesse, my beloved son-in-law married to my daughter Liz, is an excellent chef!
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
⅔ cup sugar
• ¾ tsp. salt
2 sticks cold unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch chunks
2 Tbsp. Earl Grey tea leaves
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Pulse together the flour, sugar, salt and tea leaves in a food processor.
Add butter and pulse until you have fine crumbs.
Pulse a few more times until some of the crumbs start to come together, but don’t over-process; the dough should be somewhat crumbly.
Press the dough into an even layer in an 8-inch square baking pan. Prick dough all over with a fork.
Bake until light golden brown, about 40-45 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
Cut into squares, bars or wedges while still warm.
Charred Asparagus
This recipe is a favorite from all the years we lived in Hadley, Massachusetts, the “Asparagus capital of America.”
• 3 red radishes, trimmed and thinly sliced
• 1 lemon, zest and juice
• ¾ tsp. salt
• 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil (+ a little more), divided 1lb. plus more asparagus
1 tsp. freshly grounded black pepper
• ¼ tsp. crushed red pepper
• 8 Medjool dates, pitted and cut in half
• 3 oz. crumbled goat or feta cheese
2 Tbsp. chopped mint
Toss radishes, lemon zest and juice and salt in a small bowl; set aside.
Heat 1 Tbsp. of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, cook asparagus in a single layer, until slightly charred underneath, about two minutes. Shake pan to turn asparagus and cook until it is crisp-tender and charred in spots, about four minutes. Sprinkle black pepper, red pepper flakes and a little salt over asparagus. Transfer asparagus to a platter.
Wipe out the skillet. Heat remaining olive oil over medium heat. Cook dates, stirring occasionally, until charred in spots and beginning to stick to the pan, about
one minute.
Scatter the dates over the asparagus. Then crumble the cheese over top. Then, top with mint and reserved radishes and drizzle with oil and any juices from the radish bowl.
No-Knead Cranberry Nut Bread
This easy recipe makes a delicious crusty, yummy bread. It goes great with soups and salads and any meal.
3 cups and 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour, plus a little more
2 tsp. coarse sea salt
• ½ tsp. instant yeast
¾ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
¾ cup dried cranberries
• 1 Tbsp. honey
1 ½ cups warm water (95 F)
6-quart Dutch oven with a lid
Stir the first 6 ingredients together in a large bowl. Stir in warm water. The dough will be pretty sticky, don’t be tempted to add more flour as you want a sticky dough. Gently shape into a ball as best you can. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Set on the counter at room temperature and allow to rise for 12 to 18 hours. The dough will double in size, stick to the sides of the bowl and be covered in air bubbles.
Turn dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and, using lightly floured hands, shape into a ball, it doesn’t have to be perfect. Transfer dough to a large sheet of parchment paper.
Using a sharp knife, gently score an “X” into the top. Cover dough lightly with plastic wrap and leave alone for 30 minutes.
During this time, preheat oven to 475 degrees and place a Dutch oven with the lid in oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove pan from oven and carefully place the dough on parchment paper into the pot. Cover with the lid.
Bake for 25 minutes with the lid on. Carefully remove the lid and continue baking for 8-10 more minutes until the bread is golden brown.
Remove the pot from the oven and carefully remove bread from the pot and allow it to cool on the counter for 30 minutes.
Jan’s Southern Style Collard Greens
I am not a collards fan, but love these, as do most southerners!
• 12 hickory-smoked bacon slices, finely chopped
• 2 medium-size sweet onions, finely chopped
¾ lb. smoked ham,
chopped
• 6 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 3 (32-oz.) containers chicken broth
• 3 (1-lb.) pkg. fresh collard greens, washed and trimmed
• ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 Tbsp. sugar
• 1 tsp. salt
¾ tsp. pepper
Cook bacon over medium heat in a 10-qt. stockpot for 10 to 12 minutes or until almost crisp.
Add onion to stockpot and sauté eight minutes. Add garlic and ham and sauté 1 minute. Stir in broth, collard greens, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper. Cook for two hours or until desired degree of tenderness.
Alyssa’s Lemon Bars
My oldest daughter, Alyssa, is an amazing cook, baker and entertainer. Everyone loves an invitation to her house.
Stir together flour and ½ cup powdered sugar. Cut in chunks of butter. Mix into dry ingredients until you have clumpy dough. Press into a 13 x 9-inch pan.
Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes or until lightly browned. In medium bowl, beat eggs, sugar and lemon peel/zest Combine flour, baking powder and stir into egg mixture. Pour over baked crust.
Bake for about 25 more minutes. When completely cooled, sprinkle (sift) powdered sugar on top. Cut into bars.
Michael’s
Snickerdoodle Bars
My son Michael loved these bars!
2 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
• 1¼ tsp. baking powder
• ½ tsp. salt
¾ cup butter, softened
• 1¼ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp. vanilla
Icing:
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 Tbsp. milk
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray or grease bottom only of a
13 x 9-inch baking pan with cooking spray. In a small bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt; set aside. In a large bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer on high speed until creamy. Beat in sugars. Gradually beat in eggs and vanilla into sugar mixture until combined. On low speed, beat in dry ingredients until combined.
Spoon half the butter into pan; spread evenly. Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over batter.
Dollop teaspoon size amounts of remaining batter evenly over cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown and toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely, about 1 hour.
Mix milk and powdered sugar and drizzle over bars.
Julia’s Marinated
Shrimp
My sister-in-law, Julia, is an excellent cook and this appetizer always disappears quickly!
2 ½ lbs. cooked jumbo shrimp, frozen
• 6 Tbsp. olive oil
1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped finely
• 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp. pepper
• Pimentos: use twothirds of smallest 4 oz. jar, drained Capers: smallest oz. jar, drained ½ red onion, sliced into slivers
• 1½ Tbsp. parsley, chopped Defrost shrimp on wire racks over sink. Take off tail shells and discard.
In a separate bowl, mix all of the remaining ingredients. Pour over shrimp in Tupperware and mix up. Let marinate in the refrigerator. Serve on a platter with lemon slices as garnishes.
Cinnamon Apple
Dutch Baby Pancake
The recipe makes an easy breakfast dish to whip up if you have overnight guests. Serve with real maple syrup and seasonal fresh fruit.
• 12-inch cast iron skillet
• 4 Tbsp. butter
• 3 medium size Gala apples, sliced thinly
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup milk
• ½ tsp. salt ¼ tsp. baking powder
• 1 Tbsp. sugar 4 eggs
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place butter into a 12-inch cast iron frying pan and place in oven to melt. In a bowl, combine
flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, milk and eggs. Place sliced apples into the bottom of pan on top of melted butter. Pour egg mixture over apples. Combine sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over the top of egg mixture evenly.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown. Serve hot!
Cheesy Bacon Potato Chip Crack
This is probably my most requested appetizer, ever! Kids of all ages love it.
10 slices thick cut bacon, chopped 1 bag Cape Cod Sea Salt potato chips
• 1+ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup brown sugar ¼ cup maple syrup
• ½-1 tsp. cayenne pepper
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Crisp bacon in a large skillet over high heat until the fat renders and bacon just begin to crisp, about 5 to 6 minutes. Or bake bacon on a cookie sheet in a 375 degree oven. Slide the bacon out onto a paper towel lined plate to drain.
Arrange potato chips on prepared baking sheet and sprinkle brown sugar, cayenne pepper and maple syrup over the chips. Top with bacon and shredded cheese. Transfer to oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until bacon is crisp and cheese is melted. Remove and serve on a platter. Eat like “nachos.” Serve warm or at room temperature. Keep any leftovers stored in refrigerator.
Saucy Brisket
The recipe has a very odd mixture of ingredient, but cooks together beautifully and is delicious. Another recipe from my sister-inlaw, Julia 1 (4-5 lb.) beef brisket
• 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
8 oz. pkg. sliced mushrooms
• ½ cup firmly packed brown sugar
• ½ cup barbecue sauce ½ cup ketchup
• ½ cup duck sauce
1 oz. envelope dry onion soup mix
• 1 cup water
4 bay leaves Brown brisket on both sides in hot oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Place in a large roasting pan. Stir together mushrooms and next five ingredients; spread over brisket.
Bake, covered at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Add 1 cup water and bay leaves and bake covered for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Then, bake uncovered for 30 minutes. Let brisket rest a few minutes before slicing. Cut brisket diagonally across the grain into thin slices. Serve with sauce.
BY SEAN DIETRICH
OPINION —
Dear American School
Kid, I don’t know what your name is, but I’m sorry. I am deeply, wholeheartedly, and emphatically sorry.
As I write this, at least four were killed and nine were injured in Barrow County, Georgia this morning. Apalachee High School was having a normal
Sean of the South
Today in Winder, Georgia
day when a person with a gun stalked the halls, taking lives. Although to call the suspect a gunman is inaccurate. It was a gun-kid. The suspected shooter was 14 years old.
But this occurrence isn’t anything terribly shocking to you. You’ve seen shootings on TV before. Robb Elementary, Sandy Hook, Uvalde. The shooters, I can only assume, want their name in print. They want to be on TV. Why else would they do it?
Consequently, school kids now practice lockdown drills. Sometimes on the same days they do fire drills, or tornado drills. I wish you knew how
much times have changed, kid. When I was a child, sometime after the close of the Civil War, we didn’t have lockdown drills. Namely, because we didn’t have school shootings.
We were, after all, just kids. When at school, we did kid things. We had kid interests. Our biggest problem of the day was whether we were going to be served chicken-like nuggets or whether the meatloaf was made of actual meat.
We passed notes in class. We cared deeply about who was “going out” with whom. The worst thing our teachers had to contend with was whether the boys were passing around the latest edition of M.A.D. Magazine during
homeroom.
But now you worry about bullets.
We failed you. Therefore I am sorry you have to grow up in an age where you must face the real possibility that an unstable person will harm you while in a classroom.
I’m also sorry that a recent study said that most school kids worry about shootings happening to them. Elementary school students worry about it. High school kids are aware of the possibility. Teachers are trained to respond. Officers roam the hallways.
So help me, I wish for a simpler time. A time when kids still rode bikes to school, and carried book bags with actual books in
them.
Moreover, I wish your world was different. I wish the most violent video game you had was “Pong.” I wish the most offensive images you were exposed to came from the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition. I wish that nearly 50 percent of teachers didn’t report feeling symptoms of burnout, and depression.
Even so, every time something like this happens, my main question is: Why schools?
Why do violent people decide to attack schools? Not that any other public place would be any less acceptable. But innocent students? Babies. Sons and daughters? Brothers and sisters? Why?
I wish we had a better earth to offer you. I wish I didn’t have to write a letter like this. I wish that today, in Winder, Georgia, a person with a gun hadn’t harmed beautiful young lives. As I say, after such a ridiculous and offensive crime, I can only be led to believe that the suspect would want us to mention their name… Well. Instead, we’re saying yours.
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.
Gouge kicks off season with ‘Sensational September’
CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
AUBURN — A trio of concerts awaits patrons this September at the Gogue Performing Arts Center.
The 2024–25 season opens with an appearance by legendary jazz pianist and musical innovator Herbie Hancock (Tuesday, Sept. 17); followed by the Borromeo String Quartet with Henry Kramer, piano (Monday, Sept. 23); cappedoff by The Piano Guys (Thurs-day, Sept. 26).
Hancock, now in the seventh decade of his successful career, has thrived at the van-guard of musical culture and technology. In the 1960s, as a member of the Miles Davis Quintet, Hancock pioneered a groundbreaking sound in jazz. As a solo artist in the 1970s, he combined electric jazz with funk and rock to conjure a new style that continues to influence music to this day. In the 1980s, the music video for his synth-hit “Rockit”
landed him in heavy rotation on MTV during the iconic network’s fledgling years. Han-cock is the recipient of 14 Grammy Awards, an Academy Award for his Round Mid-night film score, and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. And this year, along with his vigorous touring schedule, the 84-year-old Hancock is hard at work in the studio, crafting yet another original album.
Hancock’s electrified, futuristic piano playing will be followed by keystrokes of a more classical nature when the widely acclaimed Borromeo String Quartet (BSQ) takes the stage with masterful pianist Henry Kramer. The award-winning BSQ has long held a reputation as one of the most visionary and acclaimed chamber arts ensembles of the day, with the Boston Globe dubbing it “simply the best.” The BSQ’s Gogue Center performance will be heightened further by the
thrilling, confident musicianship of Henry Kramer, a pianist of rare sensitivity and insight. A versatile performer, Kramer has been featured as a soloist with orchestras around the world and has collaborated with conductors such as Marin Alsop, Gerard Schwarz and Hans Graf.
The piano-themed month receives a fitting finale courtesy of the endlessly inventive and entertaining quartet, The Piano Guys. Since their serendipitous inception in a Southern Utah piano shop, The Piano Guys have established themselves as an
Americana
unstoppable musical force. Monumental success has followed The Piano Guys since their official debut in 2011. They have released 13 albums, secured six No. 1 debuts on Billboard’s Top Classical Albums chart and amassed more than two billion global streams.
Steve Forbert
CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
AUBURN — Steve Forbert will perform at the Sundilla Music Series on Friday, Sept. 13. Showtime at the AUUF (450 E. Thach Avenue in Auburn) is 7:30 p.m. 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. It was back in 1979 when people were humming a song called “Romeo’s Tune,” thanks to the heavy airplay it was getting, airplay that helped push the song all the way to #11 on the Billboard charts. You know it, even if you think you don’t: “Meet me in the middle of the day, let me hear you say everything’s OK…” That one. And while some might consider him deserving of the label “one-hit wonder,” such a distinction would be selling Steve Forbert short. Not long after, when New Wave bands began to dominate the FM airwaves and the best way to have a hit song was to create a great video, Forbert stuck to his guns, continuing to fly the flag for organic roots music
Tickets for all three performances can be purchased online at goguecentertickets. auburn.edu, by telephone at (334) 844-TIXS (8497) or in person at the Gogue Center box office, located at 910 South College Street in Auburn, Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
that proudly blurred the lines between genres.
With 20 album releases in twice as many years, he has remained prolific well into the 21st century, serving as an elder statesman of Americana music while still writing music that’s spry and steadfast.
He’s also a member of the Mississippi Music Hall of Fame and is a Grammy nominee for his tribute to Jimmie Rodgers, “Any Old Time.”
“I’m not trying to refine or reimagine what I do,” said Forbert, a longtime
road warrior who continues to spend the bulk of each year onstage, on the road and in the writing room.
“This is a continuation. I’m telling new stories, but my focus has always been the same. It’s always been about the songs.” Meanwhile, his older songs continue to resonate in today’s world, with Keith Urban recording his own version of “Romeo’s Tune” on one of his platinum-certified albums. For more information, go to www.sundillamusic. com.
Mary Richburg of Lee County won third place in the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Heritage Cooking Contest, which featured non congealed fruit salad recipes from competitors across the state. Richburg submitted her winning recipe for Mango Avocado Salad
SEPT. 13 — AU HOMECOMING PARADE
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
The annual Auburn University Homecoming Parade will step off in downtown Auburn on Friday, Sept. 13, at 6 p.m., followed by a pep rally on Samford Lawn.
SEPT. 13 — AU HOMECOMING SOCIAL
Immediately following the Homecoming Pep Rally on Friday, Sept. 13, the Auburn community (students, alumni, & community members) will transition into the Homecoming Social where country/southern rock band Trotline will take the stage. Attendees can enjoy light snacks and live music under string lights until 9:30 p.m.
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 ages 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 from 5-10 p.m.
SEPT. 13 — SUNDILLA: STEVE FORBERT
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 p.m. 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. 14 — ODK CAKE RACE
Omicron Delta Kappa will host the annual Homecoming 5K Cake Race on Saturday, Sept. 14,
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 & 15 — NOT THE FAIR MARKET
The Not the Fair vendor market will be held Saturday, Sept. 14, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 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 vendor booths.
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 — 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. 15 — LOOK & LEARN
Auburn University’s Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center will host a very special Look & Learn open house on Sunday, Sept. 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Drop in to learn more about the 2024–25 season, get inside information on the new studio theatre and renovated Ham Amphitheatre, experience behind-thescenes tours and enjoy plenty of delicious brunch bites. This event is free and open to all; no registration required. The Gouge Center is ocated at 910 S. College St. Parking is available in the Woodfield Drive lot.
SEPT. 19 — FALL SUNDOWN CONCERTS
Auburn Parks and Recreation invites the community to enjoy the Fall Sundown Concert Series at Kiesel Park this September and October. The free, family-friendly concerts will take place Thursday evenings from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. Bring a picnic dinner or visit the Chill Spot food truck for a variety of food options. Well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome. The lineup for this year’s Fall Sundown Concert Series includes: Sept. 19: Soul Co.; Sept. 26: The Sally Brown Band; Oct. 3: Tony Brook Band; and Oct. 10: Jeff Gaither & Co. Visit auburnalabama. org/parks for more details.
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
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. 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 — SUNDILLA: DAN NAVARRO
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 — HOLIDAY YARD SALE
Do you have a bunch of new or gently used holiday items that you no longer use? Rent a booth at the city of Ope-lika Parks & Rec Department’s Holiday Yard Sale on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Opelika SportsPlex. Booths are $10. Register by emailing mjohnson@opelika-al.gov.
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 — HEALTH & RESOURCE FAIR
The city of Opelika Parks & Rec presents its annual Health & Resource Fair on Tuesday, Oct. 1, from 8 a.m. to noon at the SportsPlex.
OCT. 1 — OPELIKA NAT’L 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 NAT’L 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. 3-13 — 101 DALMATIONS KIDS
Auburn Area Community Theatre will present Disney’s 101 Dalmatians KIDS Oct. 3-13 at 222 E. Drake Ave. in Auburn. The production is a fur-raising adventure featuring Cruella De Vil, Disney’s most outrageous villain, and 101 of the most adorable heroes to set their paws onstage. This stage adaptation is certain to charm and delight au-diences of all ages. For show dates and times and to purchase tickets, visit https://auburnact.ticketspice.com/101-dalmatians.
OCT. 5 — BREAST CANCER FUN RUN
The Knee High Foundation and 100 Black Men of Greater Auburn/Opelika will present the 2nd annual Breast Cancer Fun Run on Saturday, Oct. 5, with check in beginning at 8 a.m. at Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church, 650 Jeter Ave. in Opelika. There will be swag bags, gift card giveaways, t-shirts, raffles, food and fun. Register via Eventbright.com for $20. For more information, contact Anthony Bryant at (912) 220-7818.
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 — YOUTH FOR CHRIST GOLF
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
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 — JOY CLARK @ SUNDILLA
Songwriter-guitarist Joy Clark will make her debut at the Sundilla Music Series on Friday, Oct. 11. Showtime at the AUUF (450 E. Thach Ave. in Auburn) is 7:30 p.m. Advance tickets are $20 and can be found at Spicer’s Music, Ross House Coffee, Foodie’s and online at Sundillamusic.com. Admission at the door is $25. Free coffee, tea, water and food will be available, and the audience is welcome to bring their own favorite food or bever-age.
OCT. 17 — BOOK TALK
Auburn University’s Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities will host a book talk on Thursday, Oct. 17, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Pebble Hill, 101 S. Debardeleben St., Auburn. Dr. Kathryn H. Braund, Hollifield Professor of Southern History Emerita at AU, will discuss her new book, Mapping Conquest: The Battle Maps of Horseshoe Bend. Mapping Conquest provides a revealing look at the many aspects of war and how battle maps shape our collective memory.
OCT. 19 — AUBURN OKTOBERFEST
Auburn’s Oktoberfest: The South’s Favorite Craft Beer Festival will return on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 3 to 7 p.m.at Ag Heritage Park, located at 620 S. Donahue Drive. The event will feature live music from Kidd Blue and The War Damn Polka Band, tastings from more than 70 breweries, wineries and homebrewers, educational tents from Auburn University’s AU BREW and a HOP presentation by Auburn’s Horticulture Department. Activities will include naming of Mr. & Mrs. Oktoberfest, stein hoisting contest, weiner dog races, barrel racing, a Chicken Dance competition and more. There will be food trucks, along with several large TV’s highlighting the day’s football games. Tickets are on sale now at Eventbrite.com.
OCT. 19 — STANDING ROCK FISH FRY
The Standing Rock Fish Fry & Bake Sale is set for Oct. 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the old Standing Rock Community Center on Chambers County Road 278. Tickets are $15 for a plate of fried catfish fillets, French fries, hush puppies, coleslaw, lemons, pickles and onions. Plates are available for dine in or carry out, rain or shine. For tickets call (706) 333-8559 or (334) 234-1095. Proceeds benefit the Standing Rock Community Center Building Project.
Club News from around Lee County Opelika Kiwanis Club
VFW POST 5404 COFFEE & CONVERSATION
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 256-368-3258.
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. 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.
Drew Speakman and Samantha Bradshaw with the Exceptional Foundation were the guest speakers at a recent Kiwanis of Opelika meeting.
