The Observer | Sept. 19, 2024

Command Sgt. Maj. Bennie G. Adkins Veterans

CONTRIBUTED

OPELIKA — Ten days after nearly 120 long-term residents of the Springwood Hotel were evacuated at the request of the office of the Alabama State Fire Marshal, there is still no plan in place for repairing and reopening the property. According to Dru Shah, manager of the Springwood on Columbus Parkway, the hotel is officially closed. Shah confirmed that the hotel owner, Pravinbhai Patel, received the official copy of the Alabama State Fire Marshal’s report late last week.

“We received paperwork from (the) state — the property is officially closed down by the state,” Shah said. “The state completed their inspection.” Shah did not share specifics about the findings on the inspection report. The hotel is now closed, and while some of the residents displaced have moved out of town, many are still in limbo due to a shortage of available rental units in Opelika and the surrounding area.

Last week the Opelika Police Department used its resources and provided hotel vouchers for several

See SPRINGWOOD, page A7

Circles of Opelika strives to reduce poverty

BY MICHELLE KEY

OPELIKA — Circles of Opelika, a local nonprofit, is working to changes lives in the local community. Led by the PRF Teaching Ministry and its founder, Dr. Nate Dunlap Jr., Circles and PRF hope to lead hundreds of people out of poverty and into financial stewardship.

Circles website states that it is uniquely designed to reduce poverty by helping low-income individuals expand their social capital while bringing the community together in solidarity to reduce

the barriers to keeping people in poverty.

It accomplishes this by aligning its participants — called Circle Leaders — with allies that provide both friendship and support throughout the program.

Circles hosted an informational meeting Monday, Sept. 16. Kevin Lunsford from Circles Opelika, stated that Opelika has a 17.4% poverty rate. The state average is 15%.

“We are very fortunate that Circles is in our community because it is an organization that directly helps people in poverty,” Lunsford

See CIRCLES, page A2

Loachapoka’s Thelma Jones celebrates 105th birthday, offers words of wisdom

Thelma Jones, pictured at right, was born in Loachapoka on Sept. 19, 1919, and has been a lifelong resident. She is the mother of two children and has more than 50 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her words of advice are, “Be thankful for all the storms in your life that have blown out, blown over, or passed you by and never touched you. Tomorrow will not fail you unless you choose to throw it away.” She also stated, “Make your suffering a passage, not a dead end — find a need to fill, find a hurt and heal it, find a problem and solve it.”

Local firefighters commemorate Sept. 11 by climbing

right, Auburn firefighters climbed the steps in Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Fall Invitational art exhibit on display

AUBURN — The city of Auburn’s Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center invites the public to the Fall Invitational: AU Connection Reception on Thursday, Sept. 19, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The event will showcase an eclectic collection of 23 works by 12 artists associated with Auburn University. The reception is free and open to all. Currently on display in the newly expanded Art Gallery at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, the exhibition highlights the diverse talents of Auburn University alumni, faculty and former faculty. The collection features a variety of media and styles, reflecting the rich artistic legacy of the university. The exhibition includes:

• Paintings by recently retired art and graphic design faculty members Ray Dugas, Jeff Lewis and Carlton Nell.

• An egg tempera painting by Dennis Harper, former curator at the Auburn University Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art.

• Two paintings and a pastel drawing by the late economist, artist and musician Bob Ekelund, honoring his contributions and involvement with the Arts Center.

• Two new landscape paintings by Elise Thomason, a prominent Atlanta graphic designer and Auburn University alumna.

• Two large pine landscape prints by Chuck Hemard, chair of the Department of Art and Art History.

• Two recent oil paintings by Lauren Woods, associate professor in the Department of Art and Art History.

• A photograph by Bill Gwin, retired architecture professor, from his Cambridge monolith study.

• Abstract paintings by Michael Robinson and Donna Young, reflecting their extensive work with the late Hugh Williams at his studio. The exhibition also features a “wire drawing” and a Taos painting by Williams. The exhibition will be on view through Oct. 19.

said. “Circles has a model that is very unique and to me — it is a model that is very extraordinary how it works.”

He explained there are three things that make it work:

• Finding people who are motivated in changing their lives. These are the Circle Leaders.

• Providing effective training. Everyone who goes through Circles program receives 12 weeks of classes to help them identify their goals and develop plans with real tools to help accomplish those goals.

• Pairing the participants with people in the community. These individuals are the Allies that will walk beside them through this journey out of poverty.

Statistics from the national Circles organization show that those who complete the program and stick with it show a 71% increase [on average] in their income after 18 months.

Valarie Canady, affectionally known as Grandma Val of Grandma Val’s Lemonade, spoke during the meeting about her experience with Circles.

“I am a graduate of Circles, the 2019 class — the very first one,” Canady said. “I think the most impactful moment for [me] was experiencing the ‘Cliff Effect’ in my own life.”

The Cliff Effect occurs when a pay raise at work triggers a disproportionate loss of government assistance. Even a small raise can “push people off the cliff” when it comes to benefits. Suddenly ineligible for subsidized food, housing, healthcare or childcare, the family is worse off than before receiving the raise.

Canady said it’s painful to let go of things you might be used to doing, but you have to take that

step.

“That’s when you let go of all the stuff that you thought you knew, but you didn’t know,” she said. “If you’re in the system and you feel this mindset… you have to decide, ‘I’m not gonna go there and

Barbara Griffin, another graduate of the program, also shared her thoughts on Circles.

“I’m the class of 2020,” Griffin said. “I was paired with Miss Linda Morris, who is my favorite person in my whole world. She

“There’s no shame in my game. I’m 64 years old, and now I’m squeezing lemons into a legacy for my grandbabies, and I’m enjoying life,” Valerie Canady

let them help pay for my utilities because I’m gonna have to do it myself.’ You have to deprogram your mindset. That was the most impactful part — to see and know that I was doing it. That’s how I lived, just in the moment. Most of the bills got paid; the kids were fed, they were okay, and that was the end of life. That was it.

“I’m transparent,” Canady said. “There’s no shame in my game. I’m 64 years old, and now I’m squeezing lemons into a legacy for my grandbabies, and I’m enjoying life.”

is not only my ally, but she’s a very good friend of mine. Her leadership has been immaculate — the things that she has shown me, the time she has taken with me to help me in all areas.

“When I joined circles, I was in a difficult space,” Griffin said. “In fact, it was hard for me to answer my phone, because there were so many people pounding me for money that I owed them. But I can say today I am actually debt free.”

Dunlap explained how he became involved in Circles Opelika.

“So I [was] in Virginia

probably about 2018, and Regina Meadows asked me to speak at the first gathering before they actually started their cohort or what we call cohorts now,” he said. “[Later], I decided to go to a meeting see what it was about. We knew that we offer services at PRF that would be beneficial to Circle Leaders. We knew that there was going to be budgeting to come up in the 12 weeks of training, so I said, ‘I’ll go and see how they do budgeting and then we can find out what we want to insert in there.’ It was at that meeting, Regina was teaching budgeting and then she had them doing an exercise at their tables. After the exercise she asked everybody to share.

“This woman [Canady] stood up and she started crying, tears started rolling down her face, and she said, ‘I’m just now realizing I am in poverty.’ But that’s the moment. There always is gonna be this ‘ah ha’ moment. And that was the moment for me.”

Dunlap said he has a goal for Circles Opelika to serve 175 families over the next three years. To learn more about the program, to volunteer or to complete an application to receive services, visit www.CirclesOpelika. org, call (334) 759-4884 or email Admin@circlesopelika.org.

Pictured above are off-duty Opelika Fire Department personnel who joined with firefighters nationwide in honoring the brave first responders of 9/11 by participating in the 110-Flight Stair Climb, symbolizing the 110 floors of the

Pictured left from right are Barbara Giffin, Linda Morris, Valerie Canady and Nate Dunlap Jr. The four served on a panel for a discussion on the Circles program Monday night.

This painting by Elise Thomason is included in the exhibit.

The Auburn Chamber celebrated a ribbon cutting with Christ Methodist Church of Auburn at its Greystone office and Ministry Center.

The Auburn Chamber celebrated a ribbon cutting at the opening of SmartBank’s new building, located at 1940 E. Samford Ave. in Auburn.

Hooked Martial Arts

Empowering special needs individuals through adaptive training

BY ELESE MCKINLEY FOR THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA — Hooked Martial Arts of Opelika offers an adaptive martial arts program specifically for children and adults with special needs. This adaptive program specializes in making martial arts accessible for everyone, offering personalized training that adapts to each participant’s abilities, all while fostering growth both mentally and physically. Led by experienced instructors, Hooked Martial Arts provides a supportive environment where participants can learn self-defense, build self-confidence and develop essential life skills.

Owners Andy and Jen Roberts have created a program that adapts martial arts techniques to accommodate a wide range of abilities, ensuring that each participant can thrive regardless of their physical or apprehensive challenges. The program fosters the development of

life skills such as discipline, respect and bodily autonomy. Everyone is celebrated for their unique strengths, while receiving support to address areas in need of improvement.

For Scott, a young man with special needs, Hooked Martial Art’s adaptive martial arts program has become apart of his weekly routine. His mother, Andrea Branch, said she has witnessed firsthand the profound impact the program has had on his confidence, discipline and overall well-being. She said that through this program, participants like Scott find strength, community and a sense of belonging that extends far beyond the dojo.

Scott has been participating in this program for about a year now, attending the adaptive martial arts classes every Friday. Scott also attends classes through the Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama, which serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabili-

ties by providing them with engagement opportunities.

Scott has Lennox-Gastaut

mental disabilities, along with seizures, since early child-

hood. The condition has led to mobility issues and drop seizures.

Andy Roberts began working with Scott on muscle memory through a technique called a "break fall," which teaches him how to fall properly. This training has helped Scott fall safely and avoid head injuries during seizures.

“Since joining the program, Scott’s mobility has significantly improved,” said his mother.

“They regularly discuss nutrition with him and assist in managing his weight. The program has also focused on building his strength, particularly in his core, and improving his coordination.

He’s been able to engage with others and become part of a community.

This program has truly helped him feel included and involved.” Roberts said for special needs adults, the ability to defend themselves is crucial. He

said Hooked Martial Art’s adaptive program allows individuals with disabilities to have a community where they can feel included and be accommodated. For Scott and others like him, the program provides more than just martial arts instruction — it creates a supportive community where personal growth and a sense of belonging can flourish.

“Fostering both independence and self-reliance is important for individuals with disabilities as they transition into adulthood,” he said. “Learning self-defense not only improves their physical safety but also builds confidence, helping them navigate the world with more assurance. Being in an inclusive, engaging environment like Hooked Martial Arts' adaptive martial arts class promotes personal growth and provides a deeper sense of security.”

Hooked Martial Arts is located in the USA Town Center, 1220 Fox Run Ave., Suite 110, Opelika. Learn more at hookedmartialarts. com.

AU scientists build robot to aid ornamental plant growers

BY ADAM CLETZER

AU COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE

AUBURN — Ornamental plant growers in Alabama who are feeling the squeeze of a competitive labor market may soon find help in an unexpected form. An AI-powered robot, currently in development at Auburn University, will be able to inventory thousands of plants while also collecting data on plant growth, pests and diseases.

A team of researchers from the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station was recently awarded $300,000 by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture to develop the robot. The project addresses a major issue faced by growers: the inefficiency of having humans manually count tens of thousands of plants each season.

“Right now, growers have to send a whole bunch of people down to physically count plants, and that’s not the best use of labor hours,” said Tanzeel Rehman, assistant professor and director of the grant project. “Inventory is one of growers’ main pain points.”

An ornamental nursery might have as many as 80,000 plants per acre, with larger nurseries covering more than 600 acres. Some growers estimate they spend more than $6.5 million in labor each year simply counting plants, according to Rehman’s research.

Growers need an accurate inventory before they can commit to fulfilling a major order, requiring workers to stop and take inventory. Growers also struggle with rising labor costs and immigration issues, which have threatened their profitability in recent years, according to Rehman. This is where the robot will help by speeding the sales process and making growers less reliant on labor for basic tasks like

inventory.

The robot, which somewhat resembles a Mars rover, straddles a row of plants as it moves. An array of cameras captures images of plants as they pass beneath.

The robot is being developed with the help of Alabama’s ornamental nurseries. Rehman and his team have spent days in the field gathering data to help the robot inventory and assess if a plant is ready for sale. The team interviewed nursery workers to learn just what makes a plant ready for sale — factors like shape, color, size and fullness.

“A robot can’t just say, ‘This plant looks good,’” said Rehman. “You have to teach it.”

To teach the robot, Rehman uses a kind of AI and machine learning called Deep Learning.

“Deep Learning is an end-to-end AI where you feed data in on one side, which is the image,” Rehman explained. “And you get whatever you want to get on the other end.”

This process, though technologically advanced, requires researchers to painstakingly label images. By manually coding images with information as basic as “plant” or “not plant,” researchers are providing the AI with the data it needs to begin learning.

However, the robot, with its Deep Learning capacity, can provide growers with more than just inventory numbers. As the robot learns, it will be able to determine the size, grade and species of a plant. Using geolocation, the robot will also be able to tell which parts of a nursery have pests or diseases, allowing growers to administer insecticide and fertilizers more strategically.

Over successive seasons of use, the data collected will even show how plants grow faster or slower

Letter to the editor

in different parts of the nursery and where diseases are most common. Meaning, the robot’s inventory data can be used for better, more efficient management of the nursery.

The research team opted to use an existing robot as well as existing sensors and cameras to keep the cost of the robot down. Rehman expects the robot will cost less than $20,000 when first commercially available to growers.

“It’s kind of the right time,” Rehman said, referring to the widespread availability of the technology. The team’s efforts focus more on adapting existing technology — robots, cameras and Deep Learning systems — to the ornamental horticulture industry,

rather than inventing new robots.

As an assistant professor of smart horticultural systems engineering, Rehman is well suited for this project, which he hatched while still in graduate school.

His position at Auburn is a joint appointment between the Department of Biosystems Engineering and the Department of Horticulture. This position was created in 2021 at the urging of Alabama’s ornamental horticulture industry, which recognized the role technology could play in advancing their industry.

The grant team also includes Jeremy Pickens of the Department of Horticulture.

The first commercially available version of the robot will likely be

available August 2026. Teaching a robot takes time. Rehman and his team must collect data continuously across a growing season so the robot can recognize the same type of plant at any age from one month old to 12 months old. This requires repeatedly collecting images of the plants as they grow. The current version is also limited to the two most popular and profitable types of ornamentals grown in Alabama: azaleas and hydrangeas. On a future grant, however, Rehman envisions the robot programmed with numerous species. He also expects it will be automated, able to run itself up and down the rows counting and collecting data without any human assistance.

Low wage work not just bad for employees — it hurts customers, too

OPINION —

When companies cut corners on wages and safety, executives cash in while putting workers and customers at risk. I saw it first hand at Dollar General.

I’ve always felt that working in customer-facing jobs is my calling. I’m passionate about making people feel comfortable when they enter a business, be it a retail store or a restaurant.

But it was hard to keep that passion when I worked at Dollar General. Like workers at many other big retailers, we were so shortstaffed and poorly trained that it was next to impossible to give good customer service.

My interview and first day on the job went well. Managers, co-workers, and customers all seemed pretty happy. The second day was a complete 180. All of a sudden I was thrown into my duties with zero training. They even scheduled me to close out the store that day without instructions.

Quickly I had shifts where I was the only worker for hours at a time, dealing with long lines of impatient customers, tons of merchandise to stock, and frustrated vendors subject to long wait times. I frequently had to get overstock items from unstable top shelves and constantly worried I’d fall. The back door also wouldn’t close correctly — and even though I brought it up to

management several times, it remained an easy way for anyone to sneak in.

I didn’t know it then, but Dollar General has repeatedly faced huge penalties for workplace safety violations.

Once I was called out to help with a truck delivery of refrigerated and frozen products. I went to grab a tote bag full and had to do a triple take because it was full of black mold. Another afternoon, I picked up a bag of potting soil to stock and realized it was covered with dead insects, which got all over the floor and other products.

When I had problems like these with merchandise, I was expected to contact the warehouse myself. But that was hard to do, given how understaffed

we were.

Dollar General isn’t the only tough place for retail employees. At many big stores, workers are short-handed and face difficult working conditions — even when their companies are highly profitable. Where is all the money going? Well, I can tell you not much went to me.

I made $14.75 an hour for part-time hours, even though I often wound up working full-time. After the first few weeks, my schedule became so unpredictable that I sometimes worked only a few hours a week. Eventually it just wasn’t worth all the hard work and stress, so I quit.

By contrast, Dollar General CEO Todd Vasos made nearly $10 million last year — 521 times as

much as a typical worker at his company, the Institute for Policy Studies reported recently.

Dollar General has also been taking profits that could go towards worker pay or fixing up their stores and spending it instead on stock buybacks. That’s when a company repurchases its own shares to inflate the value of its stock and make CEOs even richer. Between 2019 and 2023, the company spent $9 billion on this financial scam.

I also learned from the Institute’s report that 88 percent of Dollar General workers who are eligible to participate in the company 401(k) plan don’t have one dime in their accounts. Low-wage workers like me just don’t earn enough

to be able to save for our retirement.

I saw up close how a business that’s focused on exploiting employees to make those at the top even richer isn’t just bad for workers like me, but for customers as well. And anyone who’s worked for one of these low-wage companies can tell you Dollar General is hardly unique.

If we want a strong economy, we need to do more to make sure all workers can make a decent living and feel safe and respected in their workplace.

Emily Guerra

Emily Guerra is a former Dollar General employee from Canton, Oklahoma.

AU Assistant Professor Tanzeel Rehman is leading a team of scientists developing an AI robot to more efficiently analyze hundreds of thousands of plants that would otherwise have to be hand-counted by field workers.

Alabama Trucking prepares to celebrate Truck Driver Appreciation Week

CONTRIBUTED BY ALABAMA

TRUCKING ASSOCIATION

MONTGOMERY —

From Sept. 15 to 21, the nation’s trucking industry will recognize National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (NTDAW), honoring the 3.5 million professional truck drivers whose vital contributions support the nation’s economy by ensuring the timely delivery of goods and supplies that uphold our standard of living and the American way of life.

From coast to coast, NTDAW serves as an important reminder to thank all professional truck drivers for their hard work and commitment to undertaking one of our economy's most demanding and important jobs. These professionals not only deliver our goods safely, securely, and on time, but they also keep our highways safe.

Through a coordinated effort, the Alabama Trucking Association

is leveraging various communication channels, including social media, earned media, paid advertising and community events, to highlight the dedication, skill and perseverance of truck drivers.

“Truck drivers are the backbone of our economy,” said ATA Chairman of the Board Joe Black.

“Their consistency and commitment to excellence inspire me and everyone else working in this industry. They are true American heroes who deserve to be honored and appreciated every single day of the year.”

A staggering 86% of Alabama communities rely entirely on trucking to provide essential goods, enabling citizens to flourish and a significant 81% of Alabama's manufactured goods are transported by truck, showcasing the industry's indispensable role.

With one in every thirteen

jobs in Alabama connected to trucking companies, it is clear that the trucking industry is not just vital but also essential for the state's economic prosperity and growth.

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey expressed her support for truck drivers by declaring Sept. 15-21 as National Truck Driver Appreciation

Week in the state.

“Over 85% of our communities depend exclusively on trucks to move our goods,” she said in a video message. “Whether we’re talking about fresh produce, everyday items, or our made-in-Alabama goods, truckers ensure we have what we need when we need it. That's why I have

Reminder: Don’t fumble on food safety at your football tailgate

BY JUSTIN MILLER, ACES

ALABAMA — Tailgating is a time-honored tradition in the world of sports. No tailgate is complete without an assortment of delectable food offerings. From burgers and wings to cheese dip and chips, there are many delicious options to chow down on while cheering on your team. However, there is something out there that could disrupt your tailgate with unsportsmanlike conduct: foodborne illness. Without proper food safety measures in place, foodborne illnesses can quickly take your tailgate guests out of the game.

Food safety starts at home

Rebecca Catalena, an Alabama Cooperative Extension System food safety and quality regional agent, said proper food safety starts before you arrive at your tailgate.

“Before heading to a tailgate, you must plan ahead to ensure that your food items are properly handled, prepared and stored,” Catalena said. “Make sure that you have the needed supplies to keep raw and ready-to-eat foods separate, keep food items at the right temperatures and keep your tailgate clean.”

Avoid cross contamination

If you plan to cook raw items are your tailgate, make sure they are kept separate from your other food items. Cross contamination will encourage the growth of harmful bacteria.

“Avoiding cross contamination starts when buying your food at the grocery store,” Catalena said. “Keep your raw food items, especially meat, away from other items in your

shopping cart and when bagging the groceries.”

Once you are at the tailgate, always use clean containers and cooking utensils. Never use a container that once held raw meat for foods that are ready to eat.

Hot and cold

When tailgating away from home, hauling the food and keeping it at the right temperatures can be tricky.

Known as the danger zone, refrigerated or heated food should never be between 41 F and 135 F, respectively.

One great way to transport food items to the tailgate is to have separate coolers for both hot and cold foods.

“For cold items, pack them directly from the refrigerator to the cooler,” Catalena said. “Keep cold foods –such as potato salad and dips – on ice until ready to use.”

To keep cold food items below 41 F, you may have to add additional ice to the cooler as the day goes on.

To keep hot food above 135 F, it is a good idea to have an electric device, such as a slow cooker, on hand.

When serving food, Catalena said to avoid leaving it out for more than two hours.

A clean tailgate

The best way to keep your tailgate free of harmful bacteria is to wash your hands. To do this properly, lather with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. Thoroughly rinse and dry your hands with a single-use paper towel.

“Accessing running water at a tailgate can be a challenge,” Catalena said. “You can create your own hand-washing station by using a

cooler with a spout. Fill the cooler with clean water and bring soap, paper towels, a bucket for wastewater and a trashcan or bag.”

Consider food allergies

In addition to foodborne illnesses, it is a good idea to consider food allergies when planning a tailgate. Both adults and children can have adverse reactions to certain food items. According to Catalena, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that food allergies in children increased by 50% between 1997 and 2011.

“Food allergens can really put a fumble on your tailgating fun,” Catalena said. “Depending on the person, reactions can be mild or severe. Have a playbook that includes informing guests of food ingredients.”

Label any homemade dishes that contain common allergens such as milk, eggs, wheat, sesame, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish and soy. For store-bought items, keep them in their original containers. This allows people to read the ingredient lists and make an informed decision. Catalena also recommends that people ask their guests to notify them of any known food allergies ahead of time.

“I have two children with egg, dairy and peanut allergies,” Catalena said. “I know reading food labels and asking questions are going to help guard my children from having an adverse reaction.”

More information

For more information on food safety, visit the Alabama Extension website at www.aces.edu.

proclaimed this week as National Truck Appreciation Week in the great state of Alabama.”

Ivey also emphasized the importance of this industry's workforce contributions and encouraged interested job seekers to explore Alabama Trucking’s new workforce training

website, MyTruckingFuture. com. This new platform offers valuable resources and information about the diverse career paths available in trucking.

“For anyone interested in getting in on the trucking fun, I encourage you to visit www.MyTruckingFuture. com,” Ivey said. “It’s a great resource to explore opportunities that are waiting in such a vital industry.”

Trucking serves as the backbone of our economy, with professional drivers representing its heart and soul. Their reliability and dedication to safety play a crucial role in maintaining our high quality of life.

During National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, we invite everyone in Alabama to express gratitude to the truckers they know or encounter on the road. A simple wave or thumbs up can go a long way in showing your appreciation.

September is suicide prevention month

CONTRIBUTED BY THE JASON FOUNDATION

ALABAMA — September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.

Suicide is one of the leading causes of preventable death. Many of those considering suicide will give some sign of their intentions, either verbally or behaviorally. By knowing the warning signs and knowing how to help, you could save a life.

For many, the subject of suicide is considered taboo and surrounded by stigma. One of the ways to reduce the stigma around mental health and suicide is by talking about suicide and suicidal ideation, which can spur meaningful conversations about mental health and potentially save lives.

Join the conversation about suicide awareness and prevention and reach out to those who have been personally affected by suicide. Raise awareness and connect those struggling with suicidal ideation to professional counselors and treatment services that can help them. If you know someone you love is struggling

with depression or thinking about suicide, get help now. The 988 Suicide Lifeline is a free resource, available 24 hours a day, for anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. There are trained counselors and mental health professionals available around the clock to assist anyone facing a mental health crisis. The Jason Foundation (JFI) is another available resource. Although September is the dedicated month for suicide prevention and awareness, JFI works toward suicide prevention all year long. JFI is dedicated to the awareness and prevention of youth suicide through educational programs that equip youth, parents, educators, and the community with the tools and resources to identify and assist at-risk youth. Visit The Jason Foundation’s website www.jasonfoundation.com to learn more about youth suicide, the warning signs and how you can help make a difference. JFI has never charged a school, community or individual for the use of its programs or resources.

Gov. Kay Ivey declared Sept. 15-21 as National Truck Driver Appreciation Week in Alabama.

Letter to the Editor

“It just don’t seem like the American way”

OPINION —

Ihave some comments about the people being evicted from the hotel.

Don’t the city or the fire department have to inspect the businesses on a regular basis?

Because I know these problems with this hotel did not happen overnight and I can’t understand why they went to the resort of evicting all these people that didn’t

have anywhere to go or transportation. There are a lot of places that are providing for immigrants and they are putting American citizens in the streets.

It was a thorn in my heart. The more I’ve thought about it, it just didn’t seem fair that they gave them 24 hours to get out.

I just don’t see how the city, the fire department or the fire marshal

has the authority to give someone 24 hours to move when the problem did not happen in 24 hours. It should have been corrected before this.

I think it is a bad look for the city really — or the officials or whoever is in charge of it. It just don’t seem like the American way.

Martha Lenord Lee County

as she waited to find out

Hotel due to safety issues with the facility.

housing assistance.

individuals. Dunlap and Ward

Two Councilwoman Erica Norris also helped insure no one from the hotel was left on the streets last Tuesday night and have continued to work with those individuals.

What’s next?

Some former residents have successfully transitioned into more permanent housing, many are still in hotels, and have had to move from one hotel to another as the ongoing football season has also caused a temporary shortage of hotel rooms.

Room prices go up during the weekend making it difficult to find a place to stay for more than a few days at time. A quick search on the Internet for a room at one hotel for Tuesday night showed a price of $85 a night plus tax while the price for Saturday night was $289 plus tax for the same room.

Various organizations, businesses and individuals from around the area are working to help those affected, but the lack of affordable short-term housing and rental units is making it difficult.

“This area is lacking in rental properties,” said Emily Key, a business owner who works in the rental housing field. “This has caused the price of rent to steadily increase over the past few years. Hardworking people who can afford a home at first, cannot find one [now.] Once they hit that road block, they end up paying $300-500 a week for hotels while continuing their housing search. By the time a property is found, their funds are depleted. At that point, now they don’t have the $2,500 [or more] they would need to get into a house that rents for $1,000 a month. Once this cycle begins, there is truly no way for them to break it alone.”

The Alabama Rural Coalititon for the Homeless (ARCH) is one organization that has been helping people break that cycle.

ARCH’s website states that its mission is to help bridge the gap between housing and homelessness. It can provide both emergency and rental

At least seven individuals or families with children who had been living at Springwood completed intake forms with ARCH and two families are currently being aided by the organization.

“At ARCH, our commitment is to serve as the Continuum of Care (CoC) for our region, dedicated to ending homelessness and enhancing community support,” said Susan Ezell from ARCH. “Our primary goal is to collaborate closely with local agencies to secure funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and other sources, ensuring these resources are effectively utilized to assist those experiencing homelessness.

“Since 2008, we have been diligently serving as the CoC, working to bridge any gaps in service and provide continuous support. Over the years, we have successfully secured and distributed a significant amount of funding to Lee County, enabling local agencies to implement comprehensive programs that address the complex needs of our community.

“Our role extends beyond funding; we also offer guidance and expertise to local agencies, helping them navigate the intricacies of homeless assistance programs and best practices. By fostering strong partnerships and sharing knowledge, we aim to create a cohesive and effective response to homelessness, ultimately improving the lives of those in need.”

Regarding additional housing assistance, ARCH has a process to follow that may include coordinated entry, case management and if eligible assistance with a security deposit assistance.

Anyone in need of assistance can reach out ARCH’s office at (334) 273-0668 or visit its website at www. archconnection.org. People can also submit a request online at www.statcrunch.com/s/42741.

Ray Uffre, who was one of the people displaced last week, expressed both his frustration with the situation and a gratefulnes for the help he has received from the community.

“The last week has been

Smiths Station begins storm shelter construction

BY HANNAH GOLDFINGER HGOLDFINGER @OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

SMITHS STATION

—Smiths Station broke ground Monday on its new storm shelter, which will be located right behind city hall.

“I appreciate all of you coming out,” said Smiths Station Mayor Richard Cooley. “… This project basically began back in March of 2019 when the tornado came through the communities of Beauregard and Smiths Station. We lost 23 lives in our sister community of Beauregard.”

From that point on, Smiths began working on a community storm shelter.

Back in December, 2023, the city made real progress toward the reality of its

storm shelter, including an agreement for funding and the project management and design.

“This facility, when complete, will hold a little more than 500 souls and protect them from the elements,” Cooley said. “In addition to serving as a safe place during the weather, we plan to utilize it throughout the year as a multi-function building.”

When the building is complete, the city will host an open house, Cooley said, to have another celebration.

“This day would not come to fruition without the hard work and endless hours and dedication of a number of individuals,” he said.

Eddie Culpepper, the city’s FEMA consultant, shared a few specifics on

the building itself.

“This particular building … [it’s] a little over 5,000 square foot in size and will be able to accommodate 515 people, he said. “One of the unique things about this particular building is if you had a tornado coming and it was right on top of you and you didn’t want to open the structure up to expose the people that are already in there, it’s got a little section that those late-comers can go into and its a safe room in itself.”

The building is rated for 250 mile per hour winds, Culpepper said. Cooley thanked each of the council members, plus many others who were involved in the project, before he and the council broke ground on the project.

hectic and we’ve been struggling with not knowing what’s going on or going to happen,” he said. “We had sort of established a sense of home and community at Springwood and now that has [all] disappeared and its been scary.

“We greatly appreciated everyone that has been helping us and we also want to continue to do anything we can to help anyone else in the situation with us.”

When asked about longterm goals and plans to get into more permanent housing he said the average income requirements have made it difficult.

“Even if we could afford rent in a house or apartment, we have not been given the chance because of all the requirements,” he said.

“Springwood was $1,200 a month and we have been stuck, barely able to pay that, instead of getting into more affordable housing.”

Local businesswoman Sarah Gill has stepped in to assist those in need.

“Every single displaced person I’ve been connected with to help has been extremely grateful and motivated to use this opportunity to get in a permanent housing situation and keep employment,” Gill said. “If we had waited on local organizations to rally and tell us what to do, nothing would have been done yet.

I’m so grateful to know the people on the ground doing this work on the streets — an underground network of texting and calling and getting things to the people who need them — directly to the people. Out of this tragic housing crisis I’ve seen some of our community’s best come out to use their cars, groceries, clothing, money, housing and time to alleviate these folks’ suffering for nothing in return.

According to Gill and others who have been helping, a new community and friendships are being formed through this crisis.

“The people who I’ve helped are rad,” Gill said. “I hope to stay friends with them. They’re loving, funny, ambitious and are ready to embark on a new journey in life.”

SPRINGWOOD >> from A1

A woman sits outside her hotel room with her belongings last week

where she was going to stay following the evacuation of the Springwood

Top photo, Smiths Station city officials broke ground on its community safe room Monday, Sept. 16. Bottom, an architectural drawing of the safe room.

L labama Politics ee County & A

Inside the State House

Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024

Jimmy Rane: An Alabama legend

OPINION —

Abbeville’s Jimmy Rane has been heralded as the richest man in Alabama. Indeed, his wealth status has been documented in the “Business Bible” — Forbes Magazine. He is a legitimate billionaire. Forbes estimates his net worth at $1.2 billion.

Rane is the only billionaire I have ever met. However, you would never know he was a mega-wealthy Forbes Magazine businessman. He is as down to earth as an old shoe. To talk with him is like visiting with your lifetime cousin, who lived down the road. He is as humble as the day he was born, 77 years ago. He not only remains humble but is one of the most benevolent and kind men in Alabama. His benevolence and philanthropic endeavors are incomparable in the annals of Alabama history.

Rane grew up and still lives in Abbeville. He is the founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Great Southern Wood Preserving Company. It is the largest pressure treated lumber producer in the world. Rane has elected to keep the company headquarters in his hometown of Abbeville, a city of 2,000 in Henry County.

There is no question that he loves his hometown. His father, Mr. Tony, was the son of Italian immigrants. Tony Rane was stationed at Fort Rucker as a military man in World War II. He met and married a beautiful Wiregrass girl, Libba, whose family had lived in Abbeville

for over 200 years. Jimmy’s parents settled in Abbeville and his father was successful owning several restaurants and a hotel. It is obvious that Jimmy adored his parents. Portraits of Mrs. Libba and Mr. Tony adorn his office walls.

Rane attended Marion Military Institute, where he starred in football. He then went to Auburn University, graduated from his beloved Auburn in 1968, and continued on to earn his law degree from Cumberland School of Law in 1971. Jimmy was practicing law in Birmingham when his wife’s parents were killed in an automobile accident leaving behind a small lumber treatment plant on the brink of bankruptcy. Unable to sell the plant, Rane returned home to Abbeville to manage it. Rane operated the plant and made it successful, while at the same time holding down a small town law practice. He would also later become a Henry County Judge. He held down three full time jobs/professions for 15 years until the mid-1980s. He decided to make Great Southern his objective. He quit his law career, borrowed a million dollars and jumped in with both feet. As they say, the rest is history. He invested heavily in advertising primarily through college football, but also using himself. He appeared in advertisements for the company portraying a fictional cowboy named the “Yella Fella.”

Jimmy Rane’s benevolence and generosity has been bestowed on primarily three things: the preservation of his hometown of Abbeville, Auburn University and his Jimmy Rane Foundation, which provides college scholarships for deserving Alabama students.

Jimmy’s parents, loved Abbeville as does Jimmy. He has revitalized his hometown. It started early when he restored the Henry County Livestock Company

stockyard. His father, was one of the founders. Huggin Molly’s, a restaurant in downtown Abbeville, came about as a tribute to his dad’s years in the restaurant business. The renovation of the Archie Theatre is a reminder of Jimmy’s childhood of going to the movies.

Rane has been an influential and dedicated leader, supporter and promoter of Auburn University for more than 50 years. He has served as a member of the Auburn University Board of Trustees since 1999. He provided the funds to construct the Anthony Rane Reception Center located in the Auburn University Athletics Complex. In recent years, Jimmy has given Auburn University a state-of-the-art culinary building. It is called the Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center.

Rane has a long history of supporting education. He established the Jimmy Rane Foundation in 2000 to provide college scholarships for deserving students. His goal was to help “the kids in the middle,” he said, “If you’re really poor, foundations and colleges have money for you. If you’re rich, you don’t need help. The people in the middle families who make too much money to get aid, but don’t make enough money to pay for college are the ones who need help.” By 2024, the foundation has awarded 680 college scholarships to outstanding and deserving students for a total of $7.2 million dollars in awards.

Jimmy Rane is not only an Alabama legend, he is an Alabama treasure.

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.

Opelika council approves PUD near Sportsplex Parkway

BY MICHELLE KEY EDITOR@OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

OPELIKA — The Opelika City Council approved an ordinance to amend the Zoning Ordinance and Map to rezone 68.4 acres of land located on the north side of Sportsplex Parkway, from R-1 to a Planned Unit Development (PUD). The development plan for Hidden LakesNorth - Lowe Property PUD submitted by Barrett-Simpson Inc. on behalf of the owner, consists of 132 single-family home lots, open space areas, amenity areas and on-site detention. The Opelika Planning Commission gave a positive recommendation for this development.

The development is expected to offer a variety of home sizes to meet the needs of prospective home owners.

Recognitions

The council and Mayor Gary Fuller recognized Judy Eldred as a 2024 Green Runner-up Award

Recipient during Tuesday night’s city council meeting.

The council and mayor also recognized Cornelius Pink with an Attaboy Award. Pink was nominated for the award by Matt Battles the municipal area superviser from Opelika Parks and Recreation for his service and dedication in maintaining the parks in the city of Opelika. Battles said Pink consistently goes above and beyond his required duties but especially put in extra effort over the recent Labor Day weekend.

In other business

The council approved a request for a retail wine and beer on premise and retail wine and beer off premise alcohol license from Sante Opelika LLC doing business as Sante.

The council approved a request for the annual Life Chain Event on Oct. 6.

The council approved a downtown street closure request from First Baptist Church of Opelika for its Fall Festival

on Oct. 27.

The council approved a bid for pest control services to Bug Busters.

The council approved a bid to JLD Enterprises LLC, in the total amount of $335,145 for the Grandberry Drive Extension.

The council approved a bid from Hall’s Tree Service for the removal of dead, dying or dangerous trees and stumps with tree pruning.

The council approved expense reports from various departments.

The council approved the purchase of a 2024 Ford F150 Responder SuperCrew 4x4 Pickup Truck using state of Alabama contract No. T191L from Stivers Ford Lincoln in the total amount of $48,137 for the Opelika Police Department.

The council approved the purchase of two 2024 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4x4 Pickup Trucks using the state of Alabama contract No. T191 from Stivers Ford Lincoln in the total

See OPELIKA, page A10

Auburn council postpones vote on Boykin-Donahue Campus project

BY ANITA STIEFEL EDITOR@OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

AUBURN — At its regularly scheduled meeting on Sept. 17, the Auburn City Council postponed a vote to move forward with the planned $18.2 million Boykin-Donahue Campus pending further discussion of the $1.13 Cultural Center portion of the project. The council postponed the vote until its Oct. 1 meeting and will announce a work session.

The Boykin-Donahue project will consist of the following: demolition of the existing Public Works, Environmental Services and Fleet Services facilities; construction of a new library, parking lot, play field, multi-purpose

trail, splash pad, new recycling center and widening of Donahue Drive to accommodate left and right turn lanes into these new facilities. The Cultural Center portion of the project will be built at a cost of $1.13 million.

In other business

The council approved annexation of Mitchell Farms property, consisting of approximately 127.32 acres located on Lee Road 146 (Moores Mill Road) approximately half a mile east of Society Hill Road, as unanimously recommended by the Planning Commission at its Aug. 8 meeting. The owner plans to convert the property into a conventional residential subdivision with 31 single-family residential lots and two open space lots. By a vote of 5-3, the council passed ordinances to allow for the following four annexations:

• Hemard Annexation, approximately 4.45 acres located at 315 Lee Road 025 (Hillandale Drive);

• Jaramillo Annexation, approximately 14.84 acres located at 660 Lee Rd 25 (Hillandale Drive);

• Simonton Annexation, approximately 5.21 acres located at 812 Lee Road 415 (Winterhawk Drive); and • Sheppard Annexation, approximately 3.7 acres located at 261 Lee Road 415 (Winterhawk Drive).

See AUBURN, page A10

BY STEVE FLOWERS

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

nated as: A

the

of New Wrights Mill Road; thence along said right-of-way South 30°

43” West, a distance of 44.94 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING. Containing 2.04 acres, being further described On that certain Boundary Survey for Melmer Smith prepared on 10/20/10 by J. Keith Maxwell, Ala. Reg. Land Surveyor No. 17262, A copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit “A.” AndJohn Bowen, Jr., and/or the unknown heirs Of John Bowen, Jr. And Rebecca Bowen, and/or the unknown heirs Of Rebecca Bowen, And Fictitious Defendants

A, B, C, D, E, F & G, Being Persons, Individuals, Firms, Associations, Partnerships, Corporations or other Entities, Whose names are otherwise unknown to the Plaintiff, but who claim interest in and to the above-captioned parcel of land, and whose correct names and legal identities will be added by Amendment when ascertained, Defendants.

PUBLICATION NOTICE

John Bowen, Jr., Rebecca Bowens, and any other persons who may claim an interest in the real property more particularly described herein below (“Defendants”), must answer the Complaint to Quiet Title, filed by the Estate of Cecil Day, deceased, by and through its Personal Representative, June Barnes, on or before November 1, 2024, or a Judgment by Default may be rendered against them in Lee County Case No.: CV-2024-900393. The real property situated in Lee County, Alabama, is more particularly described as: A parcel of land lying in Sections 4 &5 Township 18 North, Range 26 East, Lee County, Alabama, and being more particularly described as follows: Commending at the locally accepted Southwest corner of Section 5 Township 18 North, Range 26 East, Lee County, Alabama; thence North 00° 40’ 49” West 2,130.08 feet to a found ½ pipe located on the

Westerly right-of-way of New Wright’s Mill Road and the POINT OF BEGINNING of parcel described herein described; thence leaving said right-of-way North 01° 28’ 48” West, a distance of 164.28 feet to a found 2 inch pipe; thence North 00° 23’ 58” East, a distance of 261.89 feet to a found ¾ inch pipe; thence North 05° 29’ 04” West, a distance of 161.87 fee to a Found ¾ inch solid iron; thence North 00° 04’ 33” East, a distance of 25.12 feet to a found 1 Inch flat iron; thence North 21° 30’ 21” West, a distance of 257.52 feet to a set 5/8 inch rebar set along the Southeasterly right-of-way of Interstate Highway 85; thence along said right-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.” 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

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

PUBLIC NOTICES

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

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 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

NOTICE OF COURT PROCEEDING IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

Notice of the filing of Petition for Summary Distribution In the Estate of GLADYS EILEEN HILLYER, deceased Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the LEE COUNTY Probate Office by RONALD W. HILLYER of SEPTEMBER 11, 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 09/19/2024

Notice of Public Auction Mini Mall Storage – Opelika Mini Mall Storage Properties of Opelika, pursuant to the “SelfStorage Act” (1981 Alabama Acts, Number 81-769, Page 1324, and Section 1), Hereby Give Notice of Sale under said act to wit: We will be holding a public action online at SelfStorage-Auction. com, Dated September 20, 2024, at 10:00 AM. The payment methods are cash, debit, Credit: Visa and Mastercard. ALL SALES ARE FINAL. The bidder must place a $100 cash deposit, make payment, and clear out the unit within 48 hours from the time the auction closes. Once the unit has been inspected, you will receive the $100 deposit back. We have 2 units: Unit number AA05 – M. Eutsey: Wall Pictures, boxes and bags, microwave, tv, shoes.

Unit number B09 – L. Holloway : TV, chairs, window unit, dog kennel, bird cage, rug, yellow outside light. Legal Run 09/19/2024

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of EDWARD J. LOFTUS, JR., Deceased CASE NO.: 2024-519

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to SUSAN JOHNSTON, as Personal Representative of the Estate of EDWARD J. LOFTUS, JR., deceased on the 12th day of September, 2024, by Bill English, Lee County Probate Judge. 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.

SUSAN JOHNSTON Personal Representative of the Estate of EDWARD J. LOFTUS, JR. Legal Run 09/19/24, 09/26/24 & 10/03/2024

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF PEGGY BAGGETT, DECEASED ESTATE NO.: 2024-431 NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS

Letters of Administration on the Estate of Peggy Baggett, 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 09/19/24, 09/26/24 & 10/03/24

IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CLASSIE MAE HUNTLY, DECEASED ESTATE NO.: 2024-525 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Letters of Administration of said deceased having been granted to

BENJAMIN H. PARR, Personal Representative on the 12th day of September 2024, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate of Lee County, 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.

BENJAMIN H. PARR Legal Run 09/19/24, 09/26/24 & 10/03/24

STATE OF ALABAMA LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT CASE NO. 2024-505 ESTATE OF THOMAS C. HUGHES, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Letters Testamentary of said Thomas C. Hughes, deceased, having been granted to Tommy D. Hughes this 11th 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.

Tommy D. Hughes, Personal Representative Jeffery A. Hilyer Attorney at Law 334-745-2564 P.O. Box 30 Opelika, Alabama 36803-0030. Legal Run 09/19/24, 09/26/24 & 10/03/24

STATE OF ALABAMA LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT ESTATE OF SAM ROBERT HULING, JR., DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE

Letters Testamentary of said Sam Robert Huling, Jr., deceased, having been granted to Sam Robert Huling, III this 11th 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.

Sam Robert Huling, III, Personal Representative

Jeffery A. Hilyer Attorney at Law 334-745-2564 P.O. Box 30 Opelika, Alabama 36803-0030 Legal Run 09/19/24, 09/26/24, & 10/03/24

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE:THE ESTATE OF CARL ALLEN HAND, DECEASED. CASE NO. 2022-4 TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Lynn Hand Story, as Executrix of the Estate of Carl Allen Hand, deceased, on the 24th day of January, 2022, 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. Lynn Hand Story, Executrix Of the Estate of Carl Allen Hand, Deceased Marrell J. McNeal, Attorney at Law, PC PO Box 308 Opelika, AL 36803 334-745-7033 Legal Run 09/19/24, 09/26/24 & 10/03/24

amount of $95,243 for the Opelika Environmental Services department.

The council approved a resolution accepting the dedication of the extension of the right-of-way of Grandberry Drive.

The council approved a resolution amending the Organizational Chart of various departments

The council approved the annual excess loss insurance contract with Granular Insurance Company. Cobbs Allen & Hall Inc., the city’s insurance broker, will be compensated a monthly commission fee of $2,500.

The council approved the general liability insurance agreement with Marsh & McLennan Agency for an amount not to exceed $976,403.

The council approved a contract for employee vision care with MetLife VSP Vision Care.

The council approved a local consent agreement with the State Cybersecurity Grant Program.

The council approved an engagement letter with Himmelwright, Huguley & Boles LLC for annual auditing services for the accounting department.

The council approved an engagement letter with Samford & Denson LLP.

The council approved a resolution to waive all building and construction permit fees for Habitat of Humanity for the construction of a dwelling located at 205 Brannon Ave.

The council authorized a grant application with the Alabama State

CLASSIFIEDS

MOVING SALE

SATURDAY, OCT. 5, starting 7 a.m. at 4107

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Industrial Development Authority

SEEDS Grant Program. The total cost of the Project is estimated to be $1,527,250. With the one-to-one grant, the city is committed to funding the match of $763,625.

The council authorized refunds for cemetery monument sitting fees. The mayor and city staff have recommended the refund of all amounts collected from cemetery monument sitting fees during the period from April 4, 2023, to July 2, 2024 which total $12,300.

The council approved a request for a refund of occupational taxes paid in error by Cookout Opelika.

The council held a public hearing and then approved a weed abatement assessment for property located at 4 Avenue A.

The council approved a resolution to transfer current year city council discretionary fund balances to the upcoming fiscal year as follows:

Ward I - $ 918

Ward II - $ 2,898

Ward III - $ 4,176

Ward IV - $ 10,000

Ward V - $ 7,448

- The council approved an ordinance to amend Chapters 5 and 9 of the City Code of Ordinances: Adoption of Standard Technical Codes Relating to Residential, Commercial and Industrial Construction

The council approved an ordinance for the First Amendment to the ground lease with SBA Towers IV LLC.

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Send your news to: editor@opelikaobserver.com

AUBURN >> from

A8

Voting in favor of these annexations were council members Connie Fitch Taylor (Ward 1), Kelley Griswold (Ward 2), Tyler Adams (Ward 4), Max Coblentz (Ward 7), Tommy Dawson (Ward 8) and Mayor Ron Anders.

Council member Beth Whitten (Ward 3) went on the record to say that because of the technicality of the property being below the city’s Optimal Boundary, she would vote no on the Hemard, Jaramillo, Simonton and Sheppard Annexations. Joining her in dissenting were council members Sonny Moreman (Ward 5) and Bob Parsons (Ward 6).

The council unanimously approved the Kimball Annexation, which includes approximately 6.03 acres located at 3743 Lee Road 146 (Moores Mill Road).

The council voted to accept a sanitary sewer easement at property located at 1065 Annalue Drive and to accept public right‐of‐way and easements at property located at the intersection of Cox and Wire roads.

Following recommendations of the Planning Commission, the council approved the following conditional uses:

• Gamelink — commercial support use (manufacturing) at 2230 Pumphrey Ave, Unit E.

• KC Sol Tech. — industrial use (metal fabrication) at 2117 McMillan Street.

• Ogletree Village Shopping Center — community shopping center located south of Moores Mill Road and west of Ogletree Road.

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• West Veterans Warehouse RV Storage — commercial support use (warehouse RV storage) at 419 W. Veterans Blvd. Also as recommended by the Planning Commission, the council approved by a vote of 7-1 to an amendment to section 507.02 of the city’s zoning ordinance to expand ground floor commercial requirements for developments in the urban core on South College Street and South Gay Street. Council member Moreman voted no in response to a property owner who spoke out during the pre-vote public hearing to ask the council to delay the vote so it could more carefully consider the matter. City Manager Megan Crouch told the council the Planning Commission had considered the matter in depth and had been in contact with the majority of the property owners, who were in favor of the amendment. She said locating retail businesses on the ground floor of any future multi-unit housing developments would be necessary to meet the needs of additional residents.

The council approved an agreement with ADARE Development Group LLC to develop the land along Lee Road 146 (Moores Mill Rd). The developer proposes to construct a 31-lot single-family residential development located on Moores Mill Road west of its intersection with Society Hill Road. In cooperation with the city of Auburn and Lee County, the developer agrees to build no more than 10 houses per year (up to 20 in two years) prior to the construction of a new roundabout at the Moores Mill/Society Hill Intersection or the end of calendar

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year 2026.

The council passed a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Cleaning Solutions LLC, to provide janitorial services at eleven (11) City of Auburn facilities at a cost of $1,150.00. The one-year may be renewed for two additional one-year terms.

The council approved a contract with JLD Enterprises LLC for $36,782 for paving work at the APD Firing Range. It also approved an additional $45,500 to Skipper Consulting Inc. for additional services needed for the Renew Opelika Road - Phase 3 Access Management Study. The original agreement, in the amount of $67,000, was for the study area that includes the portion of Opelika Road from Temple Street to Gentry Drive and Dean Road from Opelika Road to Annalue Drive. The additional services expand to include the portion of Opelika Road from Ronald Lane to Commerce Drive and additional curb cut recommendations for the Gentry Drive to Saugahatchee Road segments.

The council approved reappointments of AU President Dr. Chris Roberts and former AU President Dr. Jay Gouge to the Industrial Development Board for terms beginning Oct. 10 and ending Oct. 3, 2030, and Sheriff Jay Jones to the Lee County Youth Development Center Board of Directors to serve a term beginning Oct. 1 and ending Sept. 30, 2028. The council announced applications are being accepted to fill three vacancies on the city’s Tree Commission, with terms that begin Nov. 8 and end Nov. 7, 2027. Appointments will be made at the Oct. 15 meeting.

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Auburn, Opelika firefighters receive readiness training at airport

Last month, a comprehensive three-day airport rescue and firefighting training was held at the Auburn University Regional Airport (AUO). The training was led by Niko Stavros, a firefighter for the City of Auburn and a professional flight student at Auburn University. The event brought together multiple agencies, including Auburn and Opelika Fire Departments, Auburn’s airport management team, flight safety personnel and aviation maintenance technicians. The training included both an academic briefing and hands-on exercises at the airport to familiarize first responders with aircraft and airfield orientation, enhancing their readiness to respond to potential aircraft incidents. Both the Auburn Airport and Auburn University School of Aviation provided essential support by offering their facilities and staff, demonstrating their commitment to enhancing aviation safety in our community.

CONTRIBUTED BY

CITY OF AUBURN

AUBURN — On game days at Jordan-Hare Stadium, an elite team of Auburn Police officers can smell you coming from a mile away.

Game days require hundreds of law enforcement officers to keep our community and visitors safe, both on campus and around the community. Among those ranks is a team of trained sniffers that are key to ensuring kickoff goes off without a hitch. Ikia, Jet, Kenzie, Leon, Max, Mia, Spectrum and Underdog report to work just like their handlers. And, just like their handlers, they go through intensive training before they can report for duty. Ranging from nine years of service to just a few months on the job, the Auburn Police Department’s K9s are one of the most valuable tools our officers have.

“There's no technology out there right now that will replicate a dog's nose,” said Lt. James Perry, the department’s senior K9 handler.

If you want to understand the ability of a dog’s nose, Perry has two words for you: beef stew.

While you might be able to identify your grandma’s stew simply by the smell, a K9 can tell you how much salt is in it, what kind of beef was used, whether it includes carrots or potatoes — they’re true experts. While they have a keen natural ability, training is an essential and ongoing requirement for K9s and their handlers.

Training, training and more training Most of our K9s come to the job with their innate smelling-skills honed to detect and react a certain way to certain odors. The department’s four

narcotics K9s are trained to locate about eight odors — such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin and fentanyl — and double as search and rescue dogs that help locate missing people or suspects on the run. The other four K9s are trained to identify around 15 different odors related to explosives.

While our narcotics K9s came from different kennels across the Southeast, the department’s explosives K9s were all bred and trained through Auburn University’s Canine Performance Sciences program.

That relationship also opened the door for the Auburn Police Department and Canine Performance Sciences to partner on research, training and certification efforts. A few years ago, that included training the narcotics K9s to detect fentanyl when the drug became more prevalent. On the explosives side, our K9s have participated in research to increase their

Beauregard firefighters put new equipment into service

ability to recognize odors that are harder to detect, such as explosives in airtight containers or trace amounts of substances that might usually go undetected.

Regardless of the K9’s specialty, training is a constant. While they never lose their sense of smell, they need practice to keep their skills up.

They train as a unit at least every other week, and most handlers do additional one-on-one training with their K9s — all to ensure they’re prepared when they’re called upon. Sgt. Webb Sistrunk, the lead K9 narcotics handler, has worked with his K9 Leon, a Belgian Malinois, for five years. The pair haven’t stopped training since day one.

Building a bond

When a K9 and their handler are first paired up, they can quickly form a bond, but it takes six months to a year to “polish” their ability to work

as a team, Sistrunk said.

“For the first few months, you question whether your dog is going to get things right,” Sistrunk remembered. “Sometimes that’s on the K9, and sometimes that’s because of the handler’s behavior. But now, after years together, we know what each other are thinking.”

“While the dogs come with training, detecting odors is just the bare basics,” said Perry, who has worked with his K9 Ikia, a Deutsch Drahthaar and Labrador mix, for nine years. “There’s so much more to learn about working with another living, breathing animal. It takes time to really build that relationship and understanding.”

That relationship is built 24/7 — handlers and their K9s are together around the clock. The dog becomes a part of its handler’s family, but they don’t get treated as pets.

“I’ve always tried to make the work more fun than home because I want Leon to be excited about going to work,” Sistrunk said. “I have to be careful about saying the ‘w’ word at home, because as soon as I say it, Leon lights up and is ready to go.” Perry has two non-working dogs at home, but there’s a strong distinction between his relationship with Ikia and his pets. Ikia isn’t part of their pack.

“She understands that her place is with dad,” he said, adding that Ikia isn’t allowed on furniture and doesn’t get table scraps, either.

Focused on the mission

This level of discipline and delineation keeps K9s focused on the task at hand. On a recent call, Leon was searching for narcotics in a cluttered house with food everywhere. Because of the years of work he’s put in, he

Pictured above left is Sgt. Webb Sistrunk and K9 Leon. Pictured right is Auburn High School Resource Officer Michael Veasey and K9 Jet.

The Beauregard Volunteer Fire Department has officially put its

‘Rally for the Cure’ tennis mixer scheduled for Oct. 5

Community event raises funding for mammograms for uninsured women

CONTRIBUTED BY CITY OF AUBURN

AUBURN — The Yarbrough Tennis Center will host Rally for the Cure, a community tennis mixer, on Saturday, Oct. 5, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. This event is open to all ages and skill levels, providing a fun and relaxed atmosphere for participants to enjoy tennis while supporting an important cause. Registration requires a minimum donation of $25 that will go to East Alabama Medical Center’s Breast Health Division.

Donations are tax-deductible and will help provide free mammograms for uninsured women, ensuring access to vital healthcare services for those in need.

Players of all levels are encouraged to participate, whether they are experienced or new to the sport. Rally for the Cure offers a great opportunity to engage in a meaningful event that brings together tennis and charitable giving. For more information or to register, visit auburnal.myrec.com or contact Yarbrough Tennis Center at 334-501-2920.

Parkinson's Disease Support Group

“just didn’t care about it,” Sistrunk said. “He knew what the mission was.”

Columbus man charged with sexual abuse, kidnapping

CONTRIBUTED BY APD

AUBURN — On Sept.12, Auburn Police arrested 49-year-old Israel Aracen Blancurte of Columbus, Georgia, charging him with sexual abuse first degree and kidnapping first degree.

The arrest comes after a police investigation into an allegation that a man, later determined to be Blancurte, offered a ride to a woman he encountered in downtown Auburn on Sept. 6. The woman stated that the sus-

pect drove her to a secluded location near East Samford Avenue and touched her in a sexual manner. The woman fled from the vehicle on foot

before filing a police report with the Auburn Police Department.

Blancurte was developed as a suspect and was located by Police on Sept. 12. After further investigation, Blancurte was arrested and is currently being held without bond at the Lee County Jail. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call the Auburn Police Department at (334) 5013140 or on the tip line at (334) 246-1391.

That drive equips our K9s to serve when they’re most needed, regardless of their surroundings. On a typical day, a narcotics K9 may assist with searching a vehicle during a traffic stop or be sent on a search for a robbery suspect. They’ve helped find elderly people with dementia and even located a child that went missing at school and was hiding in the bushes

The department’s explosives K9s regularly work large-scale events and respond to bomb threats, sweeping venues and buildings to search for potential threats. They’ve assisted with inaugurations of governors, presidential visits, City events, parades and of course, Auburn University sporting events.

clear the venue. Along with the department’s eight K9s, we bring in other agencies to support game day public safety efforts. This year, K9s with the Lee County Sherrif’s Office, Enterprise Police Department and Global K9 Solutions out of Opelika will be among those protecting Jordan-Hare Stadium.

The same goes for downtown parades and community events. While these events are opportunities to connect and educate, the K9 unit is there to work. Their number one priority is always ensuring the safety of everyone at an event.

Around 15 K9s work each Auburn University home football game, arriving at least five hours before kickoff to

The dogs screen every contractor and vehicle that enters the stadium and conduct constant sweeps to make sure nothing is awry. K9s also patrol outside of the stadium, sniffing for any person-borne or vehicle-borne threats.

Just like football games, K9s arrive at the event long before it begins, allowing them to sweep the streets and the event area to secure it before crowds arrive.

Thanks to generous gifts from the community, the Auburn Police Department has been able to expand the K9 unit in recent years. In 2022,

we stationed two K9s at Auburn High School and Auburn Junior High School full time. When the students are there, so are Jet and Underdog protecting them from potential risks. Along with keeping us safe at home, our K9s have gained a good reputation across the region and are called on by state, federal and local law enforcement agencies and partners to assist with public safety efforts. Our K9 unit has also served as a resource for other agencies looking to establish K9 programs. But first and foremost, our eight K9s are dedicating to serving the Auburn community just like their human partners. So, next time you see one of our K9s out and about, thank them for their service. Make sure to ask the handler before reaching out to pet one of the dogs, though. Some K9s may not be up for a pat between the ears, but you can always ask handlers for their K9’s trading card that features the dog’s photo and info about its age, breed, favorite toy and more.

K9 >> from A11

Ask an officer for an APD K9 trading card.

ISRAEL ARACEN BLANCURTE

Religion

And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers,you did it to me.’ Matthew 25:40

Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024

A Taste of Grace

After dinner conversation

BY

In Luke 22:24-32, Jesus had an afterdinner conversation

BY WALTER ALBRITTON

Were You There” is a haunting phrase in the old spiritual, “Were you there when they crucified my Lord?”

The refrain stirs my soul every time I sing it: “Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble ….” The song reminds us that contemplating the crucifixion of our Lord does

with His disciples that continues to speak to His followers today. In that conversation: Jesus taught about true greatness. As He instituted the Lord’s Supper at the conclusion of the Passover meal, Jesus spoke of His betrayer and the disciples naturally “began to question among themselves which of them it might be” (v. 23). The next thing you know Luke is telling us, “A dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be the greatest” (v. 24). The transition is sudden, but it shouldn’t be hard to

follow — no one wanted to think they would betray Jesus, so they strengthened their case by pointing to whatever great things they thought they had done. They simply went from defense to offense, and it was quite offensive!

Christ told them that was the way the pagans approached power. While by the world’s standard, the one at the table was greater than the one who served, Jesus was among them “as One who serves” (v. 27) or as Paul quoted Him saying, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). In

God’s kingdom, greatness is measured by your ability to serve and bless others.

He gave gracious recognition. After generously teaching the disciples (rather than harshly rebuking them for their selfishness in the face of His impending suffering), Jesus went on to tell them, “You are those who have stood by me during Me trials” (v. 28). It’s the counterpart to His earlier words, “I am among you as the One who serves.”

Don’t you love that?

This was a long way from the disciples’ finest

moment, yet Jesus refused to pile on or see them solely in light of their shortcomings. He looked past the obvious to find something commendable.

That can be a challenging thing when someone is busy patting themselves on the back as the disciples were here. Nonetheless, Jesus did it.

It reminds me of how

Joseph Holt, Abraham Lincoln’s chief advisor on military trials noted that he “always leaned on the side of mercy. His constant desire was to save life.”

John Hay, the president’s personal secretary and

That trembling in my soul

indeed cause us to tremble. Each verse is a penetrating question. It is really difficult not to tremble when you are asked, “Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree?” Or “when they pierced Him in the side?” Rocks and trees do not tremble. But we can be thankful that God created us with the capacity to tremble inside and in some small way “feel the pain” that our Lord endured when He was crucified. It is good that we can tremble inside. There are times when I do not enjoy trembling. Fear of an angry, barking dog can cause me to start shaking. I shake a little when a bad driver scares me on the highway, or when I hear bad news about a friend or loved one. And

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

I don’t enjoy the shivering that occurs when I get wet and cold on a winter day. But there are moments when trembling inside is blessed evidence of the power and presence of God. I store the memories of these moments in my heart and recall them now and then to bolster my faith when God seems distant. I trembled inside the night I surrendered my life to God for the ministry. I wept and prayed. I felt God near. Time seemed to stop for a moment as I sensed God saying, “Follow my Son Jesus. He will help you discover my gracious plan for your life.” I did that, and He has guided me far beyond my expectations at age 18.

On a Sunday afternoon I trembled inside when I

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

stood at that same church altar and entered the covenant of marriage with my childhood sweetheart, Dean. I was a brash, cocky young man, but inside I was fearful and uncertain, with little self-confidence.

My brashness, I learned later, was a futile attempt to hide my meager selfesteem. Inside I was overwhelmed that this beautiful young woman actually loved me enough to commit her life to me, a poor country boy with little to offer her. The two hundred dollars in my pocket provided us a very short honeymoon.

I trembled inside when the doctor came out of the delivery room and said, “You have a fine, healthy son!” Two years later I would tremble again when

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

another said, with a sad and heavy heart, “Your son has leukemia and has probably less than a year to live.” I trembled inside when this precious son, David, died in my arms one morning in May the next year.

For more than 70 years I have trembled inside as I have talked and prayed with people who were getting “connected” to Jesus. A good friend, dying in a hospital bed, was too weak to get out of bed. Tears filled his eyes as he asked me if I thought God would forgive him for his sins. I assured him God was more than willing to forgive him.

His words linger in my memory: “Brother Walter, please let my wife kneel on my behalf as you pray for me.” His wife and I knelt beside his bed, and I called

UNITED METHODIST

Auburn United Methodist Church 137 South Gay St., Auburn 334-826-8800

Beulah United Methodist Church 5165 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-745-4755

Grace United Methodist Church 915 E. Glenn Avenue Auburn, AL 36831 334-887-7003

GLOBAL METHODIST

Christ Methodist Church of Auburn 434 E. Magnolia, Auburn Worship at Lee-Scott Academy 334-209-0074

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

Bridge Church of AL 315 2nd Ave., Opelika 334-363-0552

Church At Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy., Opelika 334-524-9148

Connect Church 2015 West Point Pkwy., Opelika

Add your church to the directory for only $100 a year, or consider a display ad like the one at right for only $20 per week. Email michelle@opelikaobserver.com or call (334) 749-8003.

assistant mentioned “the eagerness with which the President caught at any fact which would justify him in saving the life” of a condemned man. Whatever else could be said about the disciples, they had hung in there with Him (see John 6:60-70 for an example), and Jesus noted that. In return He promised them a place of authority in His kingdom, and we see this fulfilled in the book of Acts. He had encouraging words for Peter. Jesus said that Satan wanted to sift the disciples

upon our loving Father to forgive his sins and fill his heart with peace. When we stood up and looked at him, I knew the Lord had released him from his guilt. The peace of Jesus filled the room like a perfume. Inside I was trembling with joy unspeakable. Often, I have trembled inside when parents presented their infants for holy baptism, when teenagers asked me to pray for them to find God’s will for their lives, when couples have knelt at the altar with me and said, “Please pray for our marriage.”

I always trembled inside when people walked the aisle and met me at the altar to say, “We want to serve Christ in this church.” So many times, I have

See ALBRITTON, page A15

334-707-3949

Living Waters Ministry Center 3005 Lafayette Pkwy., Opelika Oak Hill Church 2506 Marvyn Pkwy., Opelika, www.Oakhillopelika.com

Southern Plains Cowboy Church 13099 U.S. Hwy. 280, Waverly 334-401-1014

PENTECOSTAL

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

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

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

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST Opelika Outreach

S.D.A. Church P.O. Box 386, Opelika 334-749-3151

BRUCE GREEN Teaching Minister at 10th Street Church of Christ in Opelika

Altar call

DEBRA HANSON MCCLAIN

Debra Hanson McClain of Opelika passed away peacefully, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, at home with her husband and daughter at her side. She was born Feb. 18, 1955, in Opelika. She was the daughter of the late Luther G. Hanson and Bernice Hanson of Opelika.

She is survived by her husband of 50 years James G. McClain Jr. (Jim); a daughter Karen M. Bambas (Forrest Bambas); a grandson Ian Bambas; and a brother Luther Steven “Steve” Hanson.

Debra grew up in Opelika and graduated Opelika High School in 1973. She and Jim married June 8, 1974. She graduated Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in piano pedagogy and began a career as a piano teacher in the local area. She touched many lives through teaching her love of music. She eventually opened her music shop and tirelessly helped many students with their band supplies. Debra was always wanting to help others in any way she could. She was one of a kind and will be dearly missed.

The family will have visitation on Friday, Sept. 20, at 10 a.m. followed by her funeral service at 11 a.m. at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and then laid to rest at Garden Hills Cemetery.

The family respectfully declines gifts of flowers. In lieu of flowers gifts may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital (www. stjude.org) or to the Women’s Hope Clinic (www.womenshope.org)

RODDY “ROD” W. BETTIS

Roddy Woodrow Bettis, age 77, passed away on Sept. 12, 2024, in Opelika. He was born on Nov. 22, 1946, in Columbus, Georgia, to Nathan

Woodrow Bettis and Evelyn Money Bettis, who preceded him in death.

Rod’s family moved to Atlanta where he attended Southwest DeKalb High School. He then served his country as a proud member of the Air Force during the Vietnam War. Honored for his bravery and dedication, he received the esteemed Air Metal award for his exceptional service. Rod graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in business. He became an officer with the Atlanta Police Department, rising to the rank of detective, and he later worked as an agent for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement in Miami. He then transitioned to working in sales for Firearms Training Systems (now InVeris Training Solutions) where he worked with police departments around the country and the Caribbean until his retirement in 2018. He married Terry Lynn Girardeau on April 19, 1980, in Atlanta, and they raised their family in the suburb of Roswell. Rod was a devoted fan of UGA football and enjoyed cheering on the Dawgs. He loved traveling for both work and pleasure, seeing the sights and exploring other countries (he ate his way around the world). Panama City Beach was his home away from home, and he made many memories with family and friends while spending time there. Rod enjoyed doo-wop music, good ribs and a cozy pair of pajama pants. Rod is survived by his wife, Terry Girardeau Bettis of Auburn; his children, Robby Bettis of Lanett, Steffani Bettis Bowman of Lanett, Keightley Bettis Garnett (Dusty) of Auburn and Melanie Bettis Pappalardo (Domenico)

OBITUARIES

of Atlanta; and many grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, Oct. 4 at 2 p.m. at Embrace Church, 2142 N. College St. in Auburn. JeffcoatTrant Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

WILLIAM “BILL” MCLAIN

William “Bill” Batson McLain was born on July 15, 1940, and died Sept. 14, 2024, at Bethany House at the age of 84. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Robert and Estelle Batson McLain, and a son, Paul Thomas Lott.

He was loved and adored by his wife and family. He is survived by his wife, Sandra McLain; daughter, Melinda Kirby (Kerry); sons, Joe McLain (Marlana), Mike Lott (Jackie); daughter-in-love, April Lott; grandchildren, Emma Rosenfield, Kera Kirby, Chris Lott, Katherine Bradley (Nate), Kaitlin Lott and Andrew Lott; greatgrandchild, Liam Bradley; and brother, Robert Lott (Gail).

Bill graduated from Valley High School and then studied electronics at Georgia Southwestern University in Americus. After graduation, he went to work at Ampex Corp. and remained there until his retirement in 2005.

He was an avid golfer beginning as a child until his illness with cancer. His other hobby since childhood talking to people all over the world as a ham radio operator.

Bill was looking forward to the homecoming game of Auburn on the day of his death, but instead he made his homecoming to Heaven to walk on streets of gold and see the gates of pearl. He was a Christian man and

walked the walk and talked the talk and lived for Christ. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Opelika. In the past he helped build churches on three different mission trips to Central America. He loved gospel music and for many years he and his wife went to Pigeon Forge to attend the National Quartet Convention.

A family graveside service will be held Sept. 28 at 11 a.m., officiated by Rev. Cade Farris and Rev. Jeff Meyers of First Baptist Church Opelika. JeffcoatTrant Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

JAMES D. FORD

James D. Ford, 85, passed away Sept. 11, 2024.

A graveside service was held Sept.16 at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.

SHIRLEY PARKER WATKINS

Shirley Parker Watkins was joyfully reunited with her husband of 60 years, William C. “Wick” Watkins, in Heaven on Sept. 7, 2024. She passed away peacefully at her home in Auburn.

She was born Nov. 28, 1934, and lovingly adopted by Erma and Tom Parker of Abbeville, Georgia. Shirley was an active member of Abbeville Baptist Church and graduated from Abbeville High School.

She graduated from Huntington College in 1956 with a major in history and a minor in English. In her senior year, she was honored as the May Queen of the College and, in 2009, received the Huntington College Alumni Loyalty Award.

Shortly following graduation, she and Wick married. Together they had two daughters, Sharon

Watkins Lofton (Richard “Dickey,” predeceased) and Jana Jordan Muschamp (Mike).

Shirley and Wick lived in various cities throughout the Southeast, where she pursued her passion for teaching and enriching the lives of others. The last 50 years of her life were spent in Auburn and Lake Martin. Her time teaching high school English at Lee Academy brought her great joy and impacted many.

After retiring, she joined the Women’s Club of Auburn and served one term as president. She was an active Auburn United Methodist Church member and enjoyed all things Auburn.

Her greatest joy was her relationship with Christ, her husband, and her family. With 12 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, she was abundantly loved by all who knew her.

Her family would like to thank Meyata Marshall, Debbie Stanley and many others who cared for her over the years. The care she received was out of deep love for her.

A funeral service was held Sept. 11 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home, officiated by Dr. George Mathison. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Shirley Parker Watkins Endowed Scholarship. The address is Huntingdon College,1500 East Fairview Ave., Montgomery, AL 361062148.

DANNY RAY PORTERFIELD

Danny Ray Porterfield, 76, of Opelika passed away on Sept. 7, 2024.

Dr. Porterfield served in the United States Army with a tour in the 4th Infantry in the Vietnam War. He also served in the 11th Group Reserve Special Forces

then later served in the 20th Special Forces (Green Beret and Paratrooper) of the Army National Guard for a total service time of 16 years. He was a lifetime educator, holding a Doctorate of Education focused in agriculture from Auburn University. Upon the completion of his doctorate, he provided international consultant service in agriculture for a few years in Jamaica and Belize. He then devoted his life to teaching vocational agriculture at the junior high and high school levels until his retirement. His love of agriculture was also a hobby as he raised various farm animals and enjoyed his many plants and flowers. In his later years he became a published author, loved researching, studying and teaching the Bible. Spreading and teaching God’s Word came natural to him as a lifelong educator. Dr. Porterfield was preceded in death by his father, Dennis Porterfield, and his grandparents. He is survived by wife, Susan Porterfield; mother, Shirley Porterfield; sister, Shelia Porterfield; and three children, Ray (Jill) Porterfield, Jennifer (Shawn) Daley and Scott Parker. He was blessed by seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A service was held Sept. 10 at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home, with Rev, Craig Lee officiating. Interment followed at Hopewell Methodist Church Cemetery. From his book, End Times: “The important point to be made is that one way to walk closer to God is to study him. To know Jesus and not know the Father makes us incomplete.”

Recor awarded grant from Duke Divinity’s Leadership Education

CONTRIBUTED BY ST. DUNSTAN’S

AUBURN — Rev. Thomas Joyner, rector of St. Dunstan’s in Auburn, has been awarded the 2024 Reflective Leadership Grant by Leadership Education at Duke Divinity. This prestigious grant recognizes and supports the faithful and innovative work of Christian leaders, both lay and ordained, who find themselves at pivotal moments in their ministry.

The grant aims to empower leaders by offering them up to $15,000, allowing them to step away from their current responsibilities to reflect on their accomplishments, broaden their perspectives and discern their future direction.

Joyner is among 50 Christian leaders chosen this year, acknowledging his work in ministry and his commitment to the growth and future of St. Dunstan’s. This grant comes at a significant growth point for St. Dunstan’s, coinciding with a period of growth in both attendance and stewardship as well as strengthened relationships within the local community.

“I feel very honored to have the work we’re doing at St. Dunstan’s recognized,” Joyner said. “The ideas and insights for what we’ve been doing at St. Dunstan’s come from someone else, the work of implementing the vision is from the many parishioners who live into that vision, and the community is the one who benefits. It’s not the work of one person, but a true gift found when you trust God and work with your assets. I’m excited to be part of an amazing church community that lives this out.”

Joyner has led St. Dunstan’s through a time of substantial growth, and as the church approaches its centennial, this grant offers a unique opportunity to reflect and remember the what and why of its mission and ministry.

In a public statement, Mycal Brickhouse, director of programs and grants at Leadership Education, highlighted the importance of the Reflective Leadership Grant.

ALBRITTON >> from A13

trembled inside when I stood with a family at an open grave and realized that God was keeping His promise to comfort those who were mourning, and to kindle in their hearts the hope that “because He lives,” we too shall live. In worship I tremble when I sense that God is using the power of the Living Word to stir hearts and motivate people to

GREEN >> from A13

like wheat to break them down. He would and he did. But Jesus didn’t stop there. He also told Simon He had prayed for him— that his faith wouldn’t fail. “And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers” (v. 31).

Jesus recognized that the great failure for Peter wouldn’t be his failure

REV. THOMAS JOYNER

“Using Harvard professor Ron Heifetz’s language, we want to help leaders experience ‘balcony time,’ which allows them to move from the dance floor to the balcony to gain a broader picture of the work, organization, community and trends,” Brickhouse said. “We want to encourage grantees to continue developing their leadership capacities in ways specific to their work and context.”

For Joyner, this “balcony time” offers a much-needed opportunity to create a blueprint which can assist St. Dunstan’s going forward and any parish in the diocese looking for a similar model. As St. Dunstan’s enters its next phase, Joyner’s project will focus on discerning how the church can continue to serve its community faithfully, while also exploring ways to translate these insights for broader use within the Diocese of Alabama.

ABOUT LEADERSHIP EDUCATION

Leadership Education at Duke Divinity is a non-degree-granting initiative funded by Lilly Endowment Inc., based in Durham, North Carolina. Its mission is to create lasting change in congregations by developing Christian leaders and the institutions they serve. The initiative designs educational services, produces intellectual resources and fosters networks that cultivate a coherent vision of Christian institutional leadership.

repent of their sins and get right with God. Few things in church have thrilled me more than hearing someone say, “I need to surrender my life to Jesus.”

During those sacred moments when God causes me to tremble, I realize that He is more than our Creator and the Great Architect of the universe. He is our loving Father, the living God, present with us, loving us, and causing our hearts to pound and inspiring us to humble ourselves before Him.

to acknowledge Him, it would have been his failure to get back on his feet after that. Think about it. Cain’s great failure wasn’t having his sacrifice rejected by God; it was how he mishandled that by allowing his anger to build which led to him killing his brother (see Genesis 4:6-7). So often our failure isn’t the initial one — it’s our failure to get out of the ditch we fall into that

Because God is with us, His Body the Church, quivers with life. He invites us to wake up, feel His caring presence, yield to His Spirit, and receive the grace to serve Jesus. When we do, we tremble inside.

Thanks be to God for that trembling in my soul, the inner evidence that He is with me, with all of us, and through faith in Christ we are sons and daughters of the living God — trembling servants of the Savior who suffered for our sins.

leads to our real problems. Jesus knew all of this and encouraged Peter not to give in —and he didn’t! I think through this text He is doing the same thing for us.

There’s much to learn and practice in Jesus’ words here!

Find more of Bruce’s writings at his website: a-taste-of-grace-withbruce-green.com.

YOUR HEALTH YOUR STATUS YOUR BEST LIFE

On the Mark Recreation

Opelika sports round-up

BY D. MARK MITCHELL

OPINION —

Opelika (3-1, R 1-1) beat J.A.G. (0-4, R 0-2)

52-6 last Friday night at Bulldog Stadium. The Bulldogs did exactly as I predicted last week: They dominated the Jaguars in all three phases of the game for four quarters in front of a partisan crowd.

OHS rolled up 464 total yards of offense while scoring on nine of 10 possessions. The nine scores included a 37-yard field goal by sophomore kicker Reese Beasley, two rushing TDs (four and 12 yards) from Calvin Hughley, a one-yard TD run from Jordan Waites and a 34-yard TD run by Jalen Nelson, plus Jamari Miller scored on an 83yard reception, Jalynn Washington caught a 32-yard pass for a TD and Tommy Johnson caught a 17-yard pass for a score. Beasley made all eight PATs.

OHS played two quarterbacks: sophomore QB C.J. Sankey was two of three for 23 yards and a TD and sophomore Colby Key was six of seven for 187 yards and two TDs. The pair threw for a combined total of 242 passing yards. The Dogs rushed 34 times for 220 yards and five scores.

Opelika hosts Smiths Station (0-4, R 0-2) Friday night at Bulldog Stadium for Homecoming. This will be the 26th meeting.

OHS holds a 23-2 record including a 42-14 win last year. The Panthers were beaten by Shaw (Georgia) 15-6, Valley 36-9, Central 15-69 and Carver 7-26.

The Dogs should win this game, play many players and continue to improve against the Panthers. Coach Moore’s team appears to be improving each week, playing a good brand of football with poise.

OHS ATHLETICS

Opelika Flag football team lost to Central 0-39 after the JV lost 13-26 in Phenix City.

The OHS Volleyball team lost a tough match 0-3 to Central.

OHS FALL SPORTS SCHEDULE

September 23: JV football @ Central 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 24: Volleyball @ Auburn, JV at 5 p.m., Varsity at 6 p.m. Sept. 26: JV Volleyball @ LSA 4 p.m., JV Flag Football @ Loachapoka 5 p.m., Varsity @ LSA 5 p.m.

TIDBITS

Opelika City Schools Board of Education

See ON THE MARK page B4

Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024

Lee-Scott stays undefeated while handing Beulah first loss of season

BY DAVID YOHN FOR THE OBSERVER

AUBURN — LeeScott Academy ran their record to 4-0 (2-0; 3A Region 4) with a hardfought, 24-7 win over the previously undefeated Beulah Bobcats (3-1).

The Warriors scored 10 unanswered points after Beulah scored late in the first half to cut the LeeScott lead to 14-7 to seal the win at Beulah’s home field. The loss ended Beulah’s longest winning streak to begin a season since 2018, while it extended Lee-Scott’s win streak to 12, including winning the AISA 3A state championship last year.

“They’re all running to the football so well,” said Lee-Scott head

coach Buster Daniel on his team’s effort. “It’s hard to pick any one guy on the defense because they’re all running to the ball. At any time, you’re

going to see 11 jerseys in the picture on film.”

Starting hot, Lee-Scott took advantage of a big play on special teams when they recovered a

Beulah fumble on the opening kickoff. The Warriors needed just four plays to cover 22 See LSA,

Patriots win at home

BY JASON SCOTT FOR THE OBSERVER

LEE COUNTY —

The Patriots of Southern Christian won again at home with a 50-6 victory over the Royal Knights of Stewart County, Georgia. This pushes the Pats to a 3-0 record going into ACSC conference play this week with the other Patriot squad from Pinson, Alabama. The East Central Patriots are also undefeated sitting at 4-0, and like SCA, they have not played a conference team yet this season.

As far as the contest with Stewart County this past Friday, Junior full back Jagger Scott led the Patriots with a stellar performance on

both sides of the ball despite the misty cold rain. Scott hauled the rock three times for 60 yards and a touchdown, catching two passes for 59 yards with a score, throwing a pass to his twin brother Jedd to tack on two more points, and lastly scooping up a fumble and running another 55 yards to score. No. 15 also led the good guys in tackles with 14 tackles, and two sacks. Not far behind Jagger was fellow junior Lawton Curran, gobbling up 12 tackles, and a fumble recovery which he also scooped up and ran back for six more to fire up the hometown crowd on senior night for the Patriots. Elijah Bailey and Jedd added nine

tackles each to keep the Royal Knights stunted from ever getting their offense into high gear.

This coming Friday the Patriots of SCA will travel to Pinson to face the Patriots of East Central and will go to war and settle who will still be undefeated this time next week.

Junior Varsity

The younger guys at Southern Christian are also off to an incredible start with a junior varsity 3-0 record after defeating Evangel Christian and Ezekiel Academy of Montgomery, and also the Rangers of Southern Prep Academy. The Patriots JV squad, offensively, is led by its QB, lucky number 21,

William Dooley. “Dooley has a real maturity for such a young guy,” said Jason Scott, varsity head coach. “He really seems to have some ice running through those skinny veins of his.” Defensively, the Patriots are led by Henry Sirmon and Owen Vaughan, headhunters for the Pats, that present a real tough obstacle for any “would be” full backs seeking glory through the middle of the defense. JV head coach Shaun Sirmon and his young pack of Patriots will stay home this week and face Springwood's Wildcats on Tuesday for what looks to be a tough contest for both teams.

The final score was Lee-Scott 24, Beulah 7.

Warriors topple Bobcats

line. Another miscue by Foreman gave Lee-Scott the ball near midfield.

yards, scoring the first touchdown of the game on Tyler Kennedy’s 7-yard run. With 10:23 still on the clock, LeeScott took a 7-0 lead.

The Bobcats had a promising start on offense, but it led to more momentum for the Warriors.

Beulah managed two quick first downs as quarterback Demarion Foreman found success on the ground and also completed two passes. However, then a fumbled snap on third down led to the Bobcats electing to go for it on 4th-and-3 at the Warriors’ 35-yard

Lee-Scott then seized control of the game by marching 56 yards in 10 plays while taking 4:24 off of the clock. Reaves connected with Banks Sims for a 15-yard gain to keep the drive alive on 3rd-and-10, and Sims was instrumental in converting another third down, as he rambled for 21 yards on a wellexecuted draw play. QB Pelzer Reaves capped the drive off by running it in from just outside the 1-yard line, and the Warriors extended their lead to 14-0.

Beulah again had trouble hanging on to the ball, this time bobbling

the snap on 4th-andlong deep in their own territory. Lee-Scott took over after pouncing on the punter and looked to take total control of the game late in the first quarter. However, a chop block penalty pushed the Warriors back and, with senior Max Hammer subbed in at QB, could not connect with intended targets on second or third down. Hammer did find Sims on a screen pass on 4th-and-20, but Sims could only fight for a gain of 15 yards. Looking to get back in the game, Beulah took over at their own 10-yard line, and the Bobcats picked up four quick first downs. A defensive pass interference penalty

against Lee-Scott gave Beulah another first down at the Warriors’ 25-yard line. Lee-Scott’s Easton Gregory came up big on 4th-and-13, intercepting Foreman’s pass and returning it almost 40 yards.

The Warriors could not overcome two penalties, however, and had to punt with 5:53 remaining in the second quarter. Taking over at their own 6-yard line, the Bobcats marched 94 yards in 13 plays to cut the LeeScott lead to 14-7. The Warriors’ defense gave up four plays that resulted in gains of 10-20 yards each.

Following the kickoff, the Warriors took over at their own 32-yard

line with just 1:46 remaining on the clock before halftime. Reaves connected with Preston Hughley, Brooks Zachry and Brady Cegielski, setting up the Warriors at the Bobcats’ 25-yard line. As the clock expired, Parker Ortbals drilled a 42-yard field goal to extend Lee-Scott’s lead to 17-7. The Warriors took the second half kickoff and drove 65 yards in just eight plays. Reaves had two productive runs, but the big damage came on his two completions to Gregory and his 17yard touchdown pass to Cegielski. With 7:30 remaining in the 3rd quarter, Lee-Scott went up 24-7.

Beulah’s three drives in the latter part of the third quarter resulted in just two first downs, one of which came via a pass interference penalty on Lee-Scott. Beulah did have one impressive drive early in the final stanza, picking up five first downs and moving all the way down to LeeScott’s 2-yard line. On 4th-and-goal from the 2-yard line, the Warriors defense stiffened and stopped the Bobcats at the 1-yard line. Lee-Scott then picked up four first downs and ran out the final 4:35 of the game.

Lee-Scott’s next matchup will be a battle of undefeated teams, as they travel to Randolph County on Sept. 20.

The Warriors of Lee-Scott Academy dominated the Beulah Bobcats under the Friday night lights.

LSA >> from B1

Opelika Bulldogs trounce JAG Jaguars 52-6

Opelika handed JAG its 13th straight loss. For more information about the Opelika game, read D. Mark Mitchell’s column on B1.

Players are Adalynn Heard, Addie Stecenko, Adyson Tharpe, AJ Ufere, Allyssa Brown, Amber Booker, Ashlan Chomo, Ashlyn Sellers, Autumn Bonner, Bristol Ward, Brooklyn Couch, Carlee Cooper, Destiny Howard, Elizabeth Brooks, Hayden Whale, Jada Armstrong, Jersey Bigham, Kaliyah Davis, Kianna Mendez, Libby Parkman, Makayla Bolling, Marissa Mailhot, McKenzie Lester, Myleigh, Crane, Paisley Bailey, Rebecca Cooper, Sky Bass, Sophia Schrage and Zeraya Dudley. Coaches are Amber Manderson and Beth Parkman Managers: Kynlee Hoover, Heidi Spaude, Nelee Luettcher

Bulldogs fall to Central in volleyball action

Auburn High nabs ‘really big’ win at Enterprise

BY NOAH GRIFFITH FOR THE OBSERVER

AUBURN — The Auburn High Tigers washed a sour taste out of their mouths with a 53-22 win at Enterprise on Friday.

That taste lingered from week two of last season, when Enterprise marched into Duck Samford stadium and upset the Tigers with a 17-16 win. That was one of Auburn’s three losses last season, while the others both came to Central-Phenix City — first in the regular season and then again in the second round of the playoffs.

The win not only avenges last season’s disappointment versus Enterprise, it helped them maintain pace with Central and CarverMontgomery who are also 4-0 and 2-0 in 7A Region 2 play. Auburn is rolling after consecutive region wins over Opelika and Enterprise.

“This win was really big for us,” said head coach Keith Etheridge in a phone interview. “I still had a bad taste in my mouth from dropping that game to them last year, but the way we played Friday really helped us overall and in region play.”

Last year, Auburn’s starting quarterback, Jackson Kilgore, suffered a season-ending shoulder

injury in game two of his junior season. The offense had trouble responding to his absence and didn’t truly return to full strength with Henry Allen and Ean Nation rotating snaps at QB.

This time around, Kilgore is leading an Auburn offense that’s averaging 45 points per game four games into his senior year. He completed 20 of his 29 passes for 234 yards and a touchdown on Friday against Enterprise. His passing attack helps balance the offense that has one of the game’s top scoring threats in junior running back Omar Mabson. Mabson waltzed into the end zone five time on Friday — four rushing TDs and one receiving — nearly matching his total of 16 from his sophomore year.

In addition to five scores by Mabson, senior athlete Charlie Ward tacked on with six rushes for 112 yards and two TDs. Though five of the six TDs came on the ground, the passing game was a huge threat as well, led by senior receiver Peyton Plott who racked up six catches for 75 yards.

“Our balance on offense is making it harder for opponents to key in on Omar like most would want to,” Etheridge said. “Our o-line is creating some

good running lanes, and Omar and Charlie [Ward] are doing a great job of getting north and south and finding the end zone. Jackson Kilgore is doing a great job of spreading the ball to our playmakers and making things tough on defenses.”

Auburn’s biggest scoring night of the season was also aided by three interceptions from the defense. After his game-sealing interception versus Opelika, junior linebacker Alex Gamston hauled in two more picks versus Enterprise, and junior cornerback BJ McGhee swiped another. The first two, both in the first half, set up the Tigers in enemy territory and all three turnovers led to a score.

The final results show dominance on both sides of the ball for Auburn, but it had to push past an early threat from Enterprise.

The Tigers only led 22-15 late in the second quarter, but Mabson punched it in with under a minute to go in the half to go to the break leading 29-15. Keeping its foot on the gas, Auburn busted things open with a 22-7 advantage in the second half.

The 21-point win pushes Auburn’s scoring differential to plus-112 on the season. It has won three games by 20 or more, with last week’s

Under the Lights — Week Four

BY D MARK MITCHELL FOR THE OBSERVER

LEE COUNTY — The following is a wrap-up of local high school football teams from last week.

Auburn (4-0) beat Enterprise 53-22 and will host JAG Friday; Beauregard (3-1) beat Sylacauga 420-10. The Hornets will host Elmore County this week.

Benjamin Russell beat Chilton Co 55-2. The Wildcats play at Spain Park Friday night.

Beulah (3-1) lost to LSA 24-7 and will host the Glenwood Gators on Sept. 20.

Booker T. Washington (3-0) beat Tallassee 26-21 and will host Clebourne County; Chambers Academy (3-1) beat Edgewood 377, will play at Bessemer Friday; Glenwood (4-0) beat Childersburg 36-14, will play at Beulah Friday night.

Lafayette(2-2) lost to Loachapoka 24-6, will play at Red Level Friday; Lanett (3-1) won via forfeit, will host Lafayette; Lee-Scott (4-0) beat Beulah 24-7, will travel to Randolph County; Loachapoka (1-3) beat

Lafayette 24-6, will host Reeltown; Notasulga (1-2) lost to Maplesville 50-21; The Blue Devils will play at Keith on Sept. 20. Reeltown beat Randurne 48-0. The Rebels will take on the Indians at Loachapoka; Southern Prep (1-3) lost to Evangel 50-22 on Thursday, Sept. 12 and will play at Cornerstone Friday night.

Springwood (2-2) lost to Cornerstone 60-12, and will play at Heritage Christian this week; and Valley (1-2) was open last week and will host Marbury Friday night.

awarded Whatley Construction the bid ($1,252,603.00) to renovate the basketball arena inside OHS.

Mayor Gary Fuller, a longtime supporter of OCS, and the city council agreed to pay to have the arena renovated. Part of the

28-21 defeat of Opelika the outlier.

“I love the chemistry with this group of young men and how hard they come in and work every day,” Etheridge said. “Our success is definitely an overall team effort, but when you have playmakers on the offensive side of the ball like we do and a defense

renovations include new seats, floor, scoreboard and paint. There are two gymnasiums inside OHS, Mainstreet Gym and the Arena. Both are small and not able to adequately house a class 7A program. Mayor Fuller has been a huge advocate for building new athletic venues and/ or renovating existing venues. Under Fuller’s administration, OCS has

that gets a lot of threeand-outs, there are a lot of opportunities to put points on the board.”

With Enterprise now in the past, Auburn’s matchup with Central looms now just three weeks away. As was the case last year, the matchup between the Tigers and Red Devils looks primed to decide

seen more upgrades and built more facilities than any administration in Opelika history.

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.

who comes out on top in the region standings and gets the higher seed in the playoffs.

After narrowly escaping Dothan with a 42-35 win last week, Central will host Enterprise next week. Meanwhile, Auburn will return home to face JAG (0-3) in its next action on Friday, Sept. 20.

Central High shut out Opelika High in varsity volleyball by a score of 3 to 0.

AU defeats New Mexico 45-19 on homecoming

BY BRANDON HUGHES FOR THE OBSERVER

AUBURN — Auburn welcomed the University of New Mexico into Jordan-Hare Stadium Saturday night for the first-ever meeting between the Tigers and the Lobos. After a workman-like performance, the Tigers delivered a convincing 45-19 homecoming victory to the rain-soaked crowd of more than 80,000.

The story heading into the game was redshirt freshman Hank Brown getting his first start at quarterback after Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze decided a change was in order following Payton

Thorne’s four-interception performance last week versus Cal.

The young QB acquitted himself well with his poise in the pocket as he went through his progressions and was decisive with the football. He had an efficient opening quarter, which saw him go 7-9 for 107 yards and a TD, including a beautiful 50-yard toss to KeAndre LambertSmith, giving the Auburn faithful a glimpse into the skillset he brings to the field. He would come out of halftime and complete his first nine pass attempts and finish 17-25 235 4 TDs. On his performance and preparation, Brown leaned

into his faith.

“I wasn't that nervous pregame," Brown said. “I'm a man of faith, so being able to sit and pray this morning. I have a large family and an awesome family that keeps me grounded in my faith, sends me scripture throughout my day that I'm able to rehearse, and just stay grounded through that. My identity is in Christ and not in this game.”

He went on further to say, “I think it was a good debut, but there's a lot of things I need to clean up. Me and coach obviously talked throughout the game. There's definitely a lot of things I need to clean up and not allow

those mistakes to happen next week.”

Freeze spoke about Brown’s performance after the game.

“I thought he was solid. ...Right before half, he had a couple of incompletions that were iffy,” he said. “But other than that, he missed a few throwing into blitzes that I'd like to see him get. That comes with experience, but I thought it was a very solid night. The decision-making was pretty good other than, I think, there were two throws that kind of stand out in my mind that I wish he would have thrown into blitzes. I thought he got us into the right checks early in the game.

It was good to see him take the RPOs when he had them. I thought he had a solid, solid first game. Hank will be the starter next week. I think the next couple weeks I think will show us exactly where we are with that ...

Let’s see what he does as we step up another level of competition against SEC play. If [he doesn’t play well], maybe it wakes everybody else up and spurs them to be better prepared and make better decisions.”

New Mexico received the opening kickoff and seemed to have studied the tape of how Cal attacked the Auburn defense the previous week because its offensive

game plan looked almost identical. Using short passes and quick-hitting runs, the Lobos drove as deep as the Auburn 15yard line, facing only one third down on the drive. The Tiger defense held the visitors to a 33-yard field goal, giving the Lobos an early 3-0 lead. The lead would be short-lived as Auburn’s Jeremiah Cobb would return the ensuing kickoff 66 yards — the longest by an Auburn player since a 72-yard return by Nehemiah Pritchett in 2021 vs. Georgia State — setting up the Auburn offense at the opposing 32-yard line. From there, it took nine

See TIGERS, page B6

Although it was rainy, spirits weren’t dampened as Auburn won a convincing victory over New Mexico on Sept. 14.

V P M V P

plays for Brown to find wideout Camden Brown on a slant for a 10-yard touchdown pass, putting Auburn up 7-3.

The Lobos would answer with a 10-play, 75-yard drive that ended in a three-yard rushing touchdown. The Lobos would run a play out of the swing gate formation on its extra point try and scored a two-point conversion. However, the quarterback was flagged for getting an early start on the play, so they kicked the extra point instead and retook the lead 10-7. Auburn responded with a 75yard touchdown drive of its own, aided by Brown’s 50-yard pass to Lambert-Smith. Running back Jarquez Hunter punched it in from two yards out putting the Tigers back on top 1410.

The second quarter would see both teams get a bit sloppy as the skies opened up. While both teams managed a field goal apiece, New Mexico would also miss a 37-yard attempt, and Auburn’s Damari Alston would cough up the slick pigskin at the Lobos’ 18-yard line, spoiling a scoring opportunity.

Auburn Linebacker Dorian Mausi Jr. spoke about his experience in the torrent of rain before halftime.

“I’m sitting there

second quarter going into halftime, and it starts raining,” he said. “I'm sitting in the little shed, and Austin Keys makes a comment. He said, ‘Man, they love this.’ I looked around; I hear the fans get louder when it starts raining hard. I said, ‘Wow, this is it.’ When I tell you it's a family around here at Auburn — I'm so appreciative of the fans. Running out there everyday and to see all the people out there cheering us on, standing out there for the rain and getting louder in that environment? It's special. It's second to none.”

Opening the second half with the ball, Brown found tight end Micah Riley streaking across the back of the endzone for a three-yard score, capping Auburn’s second 10-play, 75-yard scoring drive of the game. Riley’s secondcareer touchdown gave the Tigers a 24-13 lead.

New Mexico’s first drive of the second half ended with an Antonio Kite interception — Auburn’s second of the game — on a 4th down and five deep in Auburn territory. The Tigers, who took over at the Lobo 49-yard line, would score two plays later on Hunter’s fourth career touchdown catch as he caught a short pass and raced to the endzone for a 14-yard score, extending the Tiger lead to 31-13.

www.opelikaobserver.com

New Mexico would answer with a touchdown of its own just over a minute into the fourth quarter on a four-yard pass and catch. The following two-point conversion would fail, leaving the score at 3119. Four plays, 42 yards, and 1:32 later, the Tigers would put the game out of reach with a 26-yard Rivaldo Fairweather catch and run for the big tight end’s first touchdown reception of the season. Leading 38-19, Tiger running back Damari Alston concluded the scoring when he ran untouched through the left side of the line 22 yards to paydirt.

By the Numbers:

• This was Jarquez Hunter’s first career game with at least 20 carries.

• This game marked the first-ever meeting between Auburn and the University of New Mexico, leaving 42 out of the 134 FBS programs Auburn has yet to face.

• The Tigers have scored 132 points in the first three games of the season, the ninth-most points scored in the first three games of a season, and the most since 2021 (142).

Up Next Tigers play at home versus the Arkansas Razorbacks. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. on ESPN.

Pictured left are photos from the Auburn University homecoming parade held Friday, Sept. 13. For more photos, visit

School boards hold budget hearings for fiscal year

ACS board passes $190.1 million budget

BY ANITA STIEFEL EDITOR@OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

AUBURN — At the Auburn City Schools Board of Education’s regularly scheduled meeting on Sept. 10, Superintendent Dr. Cristen Herring congratulated board members Sharon Tolbert and Blake Prestridge for School Board Academy

Achievements, Level 1, and board members Melanie Chambless, Kathy Powell and David Warren, along with Tolbert and Prestridge, for Compliance Achievements.

Herring introduced special guests, the 2024-2025 Auburn High School Ambassadors, to the board and commended the students for

their achievements.

The board held the second of two public hearings regarding the system’s fiscal year 2024-2025 budget.

The board approved minutes from its regular meeting on Aug. 13 and from a special session on Sept. 3.

The board voted to approve the school system’s FY 2024-2025 proposed

budget of $190.1 million.

While local school boards are required by law to maintain a minimum reserve fund equal to one month’s operating expenses, ACS has 3.92 months of operations on reserve, which exceeds the board’s goal of 3 months.

recruit more applicants.

The board approved the job description for a custodian supervisor, a position the board is seeking to fill.

The board approved an increase in pay for part-time bus drivers in an effort to

The board approved adding to the 2024-2025 Parent and Student Handbook a policy on distribution of explicit images, as well as a revision handbook regarding due process procedures.

The board announced it will tour city schools on Oct. 1 and will hold a work session on Nov. 5 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at the central office.

The next meeting of the board will be at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 8, at Auburn Junior High School’s multi-media room.

Opelika School Board approves $76.8 million budget

BY ANITA STIEFEL EDITOR@OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

OPELIKA — The Opelika City Schools Board of Education met Thursday, Sept. 12, for a second public hearing regarding the fiscal year 2024-2025 budget. Following the hearing, the board voted to approve the $76.8 million budget, as presented by Chief School Finance Officer Chris Harrison.

“The FY2025 projected ending fund balance in the General Fund (Fund 11) is $28.4 million, resulting in a 5.67-month reserve,” Harrison said, explaining is is well above the state requirement for schools to have one month’s reserve.

In other business, the board voted to renew a contract for system-wide lawn care services with Total Landscaping, which submitted the low bid of $101,091.68.

The board awarded a contract for renovations to the Opelika High School Sports Arena to Whatley Construction, which

submitted the low bid of $1.25 million. The renovations will include new flooring, bleachers, paint and lighting.

“This is a refresh of the whole building,” explained Superintendent Farrell Seymore, who said the work will hopefully be completed by January, in time for basketball season.

Lee County Schools board approves

BY JANIE CANTEY FOR THE OBSERVER

LEE COUNTY — At its regularly scheduled meeting on Sept. 10, the Lee County Schools Board of Education approved the proposed Fiscal Year 2025 budget in the amount of $164,765,100. The system has reserves amounting to 3.24 months of operating costs, which exceeds the state’s requirement of one month’s reserves.

The board approved a bid of $98,778.62 from BSN Sports LLC for track equipment for Beulah and Loachapoka high schools.

Board members awarded the system’s ice cream and frozen novelties contract to Ice Cream Warehouse, which submitted the low bid.

The board awarded the supplemental grocery contract to Osborn Foodservice, which submitted the low bid.

The board approved the following out of state and overnight field trips: Beauregard High School HOSA to Mobile Oct. 7-8 for the Joint Leadership Development Conference; Beauregard Elementary field trip to the River Center in Columbus,

Georgia on Oct. 22, 2024; and South Smiths Station Elementary School field trip to Callaway Gardens on Oct. 11.

The board voted to move forward with Phase One of the Smiths Station Multipurpose Athletic Complex; with auxiliary gyms at Beauregard Elementary School, Loachapoka Elementary and South Smiths Station Junior High schools; with track improvements at Beauregard High School; and with band room expansion at Beaulah High School.

Ken Roberts, chief school financial officer,

reported to the board that while expenses are up by 10%, the system’s finances are right on target.

The board approved personnel recommendations, including the suspension of Shavia Evans-Alexander, whose legal counsel addressed the board.

Evans-Alexander was suspended for five days without pay.

The board approved a request for an out-of-state field trip by the Fox Run Band for the sixth-graders to experience a performance at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta. Before adjourning, the board set its next meeting for Tuesday, Oct. 22, at 4:30 p.m. at the Central Office, located at 300 Simmons St. in Opelika.

Amanda Meadows, a Lee County School System employee, addressed the board regarding the need for the same training for special needs aids as is required for special needs school bus drivers, and encouraged the board to “raise the bar.”

Bridget Rybacki, a parent of a student in the Lee County School System, of-

fering strong support of the new policy on the use of cell phones during school hours. She said the policy allows students to be more engaging during class and also decreases the amount of stress on teachers and administrators. The next regularly scheduled board meeting will be held Oct. 8 at 6 p.m.

The 2024-2025 Auburn High School Ambassadors were introduced to the school board.

Smiths Station High School’s JROTC team shows strong at Raider Challenge

Sanford promoted to ROTC battalion commander at JSU

AUBURN — Xavier Sanford, a 2021 graduate of Auburn High School, was recently promoted to Cadet Battalion Commander at Jacksonville State University ROTC program. A Cadet Battalion Commander in the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) is responsible for the overall command and operation of their battalion. Some of the duties include planning and execution, mentorship and staff supervision.

Three years ago, Sanford was awarded a National Army Scholarship and since that time he has worked hard by obtaining leadership roles as officer in charge (OIC) of color guard, participating on the push-up team and in the Ranger challenge, and recently graduating from Advance Camp in Fort Knox, Tennessee.

He is projected to graduate from JSU in May 2025 with a degree in forensics, and he commission as a 2nd Lieutenant active duty in the U.S. Army.

Opelika Power, AMEA announce four scholarships to be awarded to local high school students

CONTRIBUTED BY AMEA

OPELIKA — Will you be graduating from high school in the spring of 2025? Do you receive your electricity from Opelika Power Services? If your answer to these questions is yes, you could be eligible to receive a scholarship from Opelika Power Services and the Alabama Municipal Electric Authority (AMEA).

OPS and AMEA will make available four scholarships to local high school students in 2025. Since 1992, AMEA has awarded over $3.5 million in scholarship monies to graduating high school seniors who receive their electric services from AMEA Members.

“It’s my hope that all qualifying students apply! This opportunity could help ease some financial pressure on students and parents, and be an added incentive for students to continue their hard work

in furthering their education,” said Mayor Gary Fuller.

To be eligible for an AMEA scholarship, a student’s parent and/or legal guardian must receive electric service from Opelika Power Services, and the student must attend a four-year college/university, community college and/or vocational/trade school within the state of Alabama.

Applications are currently available from school counselors at Opelika High School, Trinity School and Lee Scott Academy, or you can go online to the OPS website at https://www.opelika-al. gov/954/AMEA-Partnership. Application deadline is Monday, February 10, 2025.

For more information on the program, contact your school counselor or Pamela Poole, AMEA Scholarship Coordinator, (334) 387-3504, (800) 239-2632, Ext. 1110, or pam@amea.com.

Education briefs

LINCOLN, Nebraska — Dracen Pedersen of Auburn, a freshman who graduated from Auburn High School, is among 40 students who have been selected to join the latest cohort of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Johnny Carson Center for Emerging Media Arts, part of the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film in the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Per-forming Arts. A crucial part of the program curriculum focuses on equipping students to navigate the transformative impacts of artificial intelligence and virtual production that have changed the face of several industries, including film. Pedersen plays baritone with the 300-member Cornhusker Marching Band.

AMERICUS, Georgia — Deana Berger of Salem made the Summer 2024 Academic Achievement List at Georgia Southwestern State University. To be eligible, a student must previously earn at least 12 credit hours at GSW, be enrolled in 3 to 11 hours of courses and earn a 3.5 or higher GPA.

TUSCALOOSA — The University of Alabama recently announced the Dean’s List for Summer Semester 2024, which recognizes full-time students with an academic record of 3.5 or above. The following students are included on the list: Cassondra Holk, Sydney Lowe and Orah Preston, all of Opelika; Sarah Webber of Salem; and Destiny Epley of Smiths Station.

TUSCALOOSA — Several local students attending the University of Alabama’s Early College program were named to the Director’s List for achieving an academic record of 3.6 or higher. UA Early College allows high school students to get a head start on their college courses. Included on the list for Summer 2024 are: Nico Lupo of Opelika, who attends Everest Academy; Walker Lane of Auburn, who attends Lee-Scott Academy; Kori Key of Auburn, who attends Opelika High School; and Mahalie Davis of Phenix City, who attends Smiths Station High School.

ATLANTA — Carolyn Hardin of Auburn was named to the Summer 2024 President’s List at Georgia State University. To be eligible for the President’s List during the summer semester, degree-seeking students must have earned a GPA of at least 4.0 for a minimum of six semester hours of academic credit taken at Georgia State with no incompletes for the semester. Eligible students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 for all classes taken at Georgia State.

The Smiths Station High School Raider Team competed in the Colquitt County Packer Raider Challenge. SSHS took 1st place in the team run, 1st place in the Raider Fitness Course and second place overall.

CADET CMDR. XAVIER SANFORD

Local Authors in the Library series begins Sept. 28

AUBURN — The Auburn Public Library will host several local authors on select Saturdays this fall. Each event is open to the public, and books will be available for purchase and signing.

James Webster

Saturday, Sept. 28

2 p.m.

Audience: Adults

In “Siri: An Alternative Epic,” James Webster weaves a thrilling tale that follows a young boy who grows up in the isolation of a mountain kingdom, haunted by questions about his past. Joined by an unlikely band of companions, he embarks on a perilous journey northward, unaware that his every move is being watched and manipulated.

Jeff Barry

Saturday, Oct. 19

2 p.m.

Audience: Adults Set in the Mississippi hill country in the early 1970s, “Go to Hell Ole Miss” tells the story of a father’s willingness to do almost anything to save his daughter from the Southern gentleman he had pressured her to marry. Almost. Barry's book “Go to Hell Ole Miss” has been named a Top 20 National Bestseller, Barnes and Noble Bestseller and Amazon Bestseller since its May 7 publication date.

Brandy Anderson Saturday, Oct. 26 2 p.m.

Audience: Adults In “Through the Veil: A Glimpse into the Afterlife,” Brandy Anderson shares her miraculous story about her contact with those on the other

side of the veil and the insight that it brought concerning what happens when we die and how that should impact how we live now. Anderson is a spiritual coach, Jungian coach and author.

Tammie Barnett Hughley

Saturday, Nov. 2, 2 p.m.

All ages welcome Local children’s book author Tammie Barnett Hughley will share her children’s books at a special story time event. Hughley is an Alabama native inspired to write children’s and family books from the stories that she has created for her daughter. Hughley enjoys writing humorous children’s stories that enhance the imagination of a child. Writing has been her passion since childhood. Hughley strives to write inspirational stories that will encourage others as they travel through the unpredictable journey of life.

CONTRIBUTED BY OPL

OPELIKA — The Opelika Public Library will host a visit by Alabama fiction writer Terah Shelton Harris on Thursday, Sept. 26, at 6 p.m.

Harris’ debut novel, One Summer in Savannah, examines the question: Can you ever truly forgive if you can’t forget? Her second book, Long After We Are Gone, is a searing portrait on the power of family and letting go of things that no longer serve you, exploring the burden of familial expectations, the detriment of

miscommunication and the lessons and legacies we pass on to our children. Originally from Illinois, she now lives in Alabama with her husband, Jamel. Terah is a lover of life and spends most of her time reading or traveling. A world traveler, she has visited more than 40 countries across six continents. She has watched the sunrise at the beginning of America, trekked through the jungles in the Bokeo Nature Reserve, searched for William Clark’s grave in St. Louis and much more.

Auburn elementary students make their mark on International Dot Day

in

a

through in confidence and courage, igniting a journey of self-discovery and sharing, inspiring countless

West Forest Intermediate students celebrate grandparents

Students at West Forest Intermediate School hosted their grandparents for lunch in celebration of Grandparents Day.

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

BY STACEY PATTON WALLACE

As I have mentioned numerous times in this column, I love to eat, but I really dislike cooking.

My attitude about cooking is: What if I spent hours cooking a meal and then dropped dead at the end of that day? I would have wasted the last day of my life on earth.

Also, even though I can cook, bad things happen to me in the kitchen, and some catastrophes I have mentioned in this column:

1. I had a grease fire on my stove in my apartment in LaGrange;

2. I didn’t know that black skillets retain heat much longer than aluminum ones; therefore, when I grabbed my small black iron skillet to cook a second pone of cornbread, I let go really fast;

3. The first and last time I fried a chicken breast in the aforementioned black iron skillet, the popping grease targeted my arm;

4. I have put several

Making

the Grade

At home with Chef Jim Sikes

items too close to a stillhot stove eye and melted said items;

5. I accidentally blackened fried green tomatoes when I cooked them for the first time because I took advice from my dear friend Shelly, who is a great cook. However, Shelly, who is originally from Indiana, had never cooked fried green tomatoes.

Thankfully, I have friends who take pity on me. One of those brave souls is Jim Sikes, who is an outstanding chef. Years ago, Chef Jim also owned and operated Jimmy’s, a restaurant in Opelika, which my friends loved. I surely wish I had gotten to eat at Jimmy’s; I know I would have been a big fan, too.

Chef Jim teaches cooking classes in his home kitchen where he is assisted by his sweet and lovely wife, Miss Aimee. Recently, Chef Jim invited me to attend one of his cooking classes. This would be my third cooking class, and he assured me that I needed to attend this one.

The title of the class, “Dishes with Unexpected Names,” intrigued me, so I signed up for a new cooking experience.

When I arrived at Chef Jim’s home, I met five other would-be chefs. To my amazement, they all said that they loved to cook. I

don’t, of course, but I love when family and friends are willing to cook for me.

Chef Jim demonstrated how to cook five different dishes, and the best part was, Miss Aimee served up a portion of each dish to us.

The first dish was called, “Funeral Potatoes,” and it was slap your Grandma two times good.

Chef Jim said, “This dish is great for tailgates, funerals, parties or for two or three frat boys.”

The second dish was “Marry Me Chicken.” This dish could also have pasta, chicken and pasta or artichoke and pasta. It was fabulous. In fact, my sweet husband Mike almost had to worry, but I love him dearly and would never leave him for a chicken dish.

Chef Jim’s “Cowboy Cornbread Casserole,” was oh, my three times good. I would have licked the plate, but my parents taught me better manners. I loved the “John Wayne Casserole.” Chef Jim said that this recipe allegedly came from John Wayne himself.

The last dish, “Strawberry Sonker,” was a delectable dessert, and it’s good for breakfast, too.

Again, it was slap your Grandma twice good.

As always, all the dishes were superb because Chef Jim is a trained

expert, and his love of cooking is quite evident. And believe it or not, I think that I can cook these dishes and plan to try soon.

If you want to learn how to cook new dishes in a really fun environment, email Chef Jim Sikes at jimsikes1@gmail.com to sign up for future classes.

AU Theatre presents ‘Wellesley Girl’

CONTRIBUTED BY AU COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS

AUBURN — Auburn University’s Department of Theatre and Dance will present “Wellesley Girl” by Brendan Pelsue and directed by Scott Phillips, Sept. 26 through Oct. 5 at the Telfair B. Peet Mainstage Theatre on campus.

The year is 2465 and the United States is struggling with the ecological fallout from a massive and toxic algal bloom. An

enclave of four communities in Massachusetts has what is believed to be the only remaining source of pure drinking water. A mysterious army threatens the protective walls of the citadel.

Every citizen’s vote and voice have power in this miniature republic, as together they must decide what is best for the good of the community.

Bitingly sharp and witty, Wellesley Girl explores themes of environmental

destruction, collective action, and the power that our decisions have over future generations.

Performance dates and times are: Thursday, Sept. 26, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29, 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 1, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 3, 7:30 p.m.* Friday, Oct. 4, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, 7:30 p.m.

*Talkback after the show

Tickets

General Admission

tickets are $18; $14 for seniors and AU faculty and staff; free for AU students with ID. For tickets visit www.auliberalarts.universitytickets. com/?cid=169.

Believe me, you will be glad you did.

Chef Jim and Miss Aimee, this review was for you. Thank you again for inviting me into your lovely home.

In the Kitchen with Chef Jim makes the grade with an A+ from this retired English teacher.

Remember, “Pooh-

sized” people NEVER lie about food. Enjoy! Stacey Patton Wallace, who retired from teach

ing language arts for 30 years, is a professional diner. Her column, “Making the Grade,” appears every other week in The Observer. Stacey may be reached at retiredlangartsteacher2020@gmail.com

Ignite the Night Therapeutics Prom scheduled for Oct. 12

CONTRIBUTED BY CITY OF AUBURN

AUBURN — Auburn Parks and Recreation is excited to host the Ignite the Night Therapeutics Prom tailored for individuals ages 15 and up with disabilities and special needs. The event will be held on Saturday, Oct. 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Wire Road Soccer Complex.

This special event will be a night of music, dancing and celebration in a welcoming environment. There will be appetizers and sweet treats along

with games and prizes. Attendees may dress up or come in casual attire. Registration is $5 per person and is open online at www.auburnal. myrec.com.

Chef Jim Sikes offers cooking classes in his home.

Tipoff at Toomer’s to feature hoops and tunes

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

AUBURN — Auburn Athletics and the City of Auburn will together usher in the 2024-25 college basketball season with a new-look Tipoff at Toomer’s built by YellaWood on the evening of Thursday, Oct. 17, at Toomer’s Corner.

This fan-favorite event is back for the third time at Toomer’s Corner and this year will expand to a full evening festival, to include local live music, shopping, vendors, and a headlining concert by multiple award-winning country music superstar Cole Swindell to conclude the night.

Downtown Auburn will be open throughout the entire day for shopping and dining, with the Tipoff Market featuring downtown merchants, presented by Nelson Brothers, officially opening at 5:30 p.m. Local live music will also begin to fill the air at that time, and

kids and families will have the opportunity to enjoy the Coca Cola Fan Zone located on Samford Lawn.

Beginning at 6:30 p.m. and thanks to the generous support of AuburnBank, the Auburn Family will have the opportunity to surround a basketball court at the historic intersection of Magnolia and South College to get a first look at both the men’s and women’s basketball teams led by head coaches Bruce Pearl and Johnnie Harris respectively.

The basketball portion of the night will conclude with a post-hoops autograph session with coaches and student athletes along South College Street, presented by Momma Goldberg’s Deli and in partnership with On To Victory, Auburn’s official NIL collective.

Then at 8:15 p.m., Swindell will take the Capstone Building Corp. stage at Toomer’s Corner. The multi-Platinum-selling artist and four-time ACM Award winner, best known for his three

Platinum-certified, multi-week singles: “Never Say Never” featuring Lainey Wilson, “Single Saturday Night” and 3x Platinum “She Had Me At Heads Carolina” will cap the event with a 75-minute performance.

While the full event is free and open to the public, a variety of enhanced offerings are available through reserved ticket packages, including concert pit access, reserved basketball seating, and more. A limited number of exclusive VIP packages are available, which will provide access to a stage-side VIP space, presented by Adams Beverages and Aramark to include all-inclusive food and beverage, meet and greet access, and more.

VIP and experience packages will be on sale in a priority purchasing window for Tigers Unlimited members beginning today, Sept. 13 at 1 p.m. Should availability remain after the TUF priority window, packages may

be purchased by the general public at AuburnTigers.com/tipoff beginning Monday, Sept. 16 at 9 a.m.

Tipoff at Toomer’s Schedule Thursday, Oct. 17

• 5:30 p.m. – Tipoff at Toomer’s festival begins with live music, shopping, Coca Cola Fan Zone and the Tipoff Market, presented by Nelson Brothers.

6:30 p.m. – Tipoff at Toomer’s begins on the AuburnBank court

• 7:30 p.m. – Autograph sessions presented by Momma Goldberg’s Deli begins on South College with men’s and women’s basketball teams 8:15 p.m. – Cole Swindell concert begins on the Capstone Building Corp. Stage

• 9:45 p.m. – Event concludes

BY SEAN DIETRICH

OPINION —

The news is in. Less than one third of Americans have ever written a physical letter in their lifetime.

Which isn’t surprising inasmuch as studies find that 76% of American students lack basic writing skills such as grammar, spelling, and knowing what to call those three little dot thingies at the end of sentences…

Two thirds of American

Sean of the South

students are not proficient in math. Only one out of every 15 students scores above average in algebra. Twelve out of every five Americans still cannot comprehend fractions.

And there’s more.

Less than one third of American young people are able to write in cursive. The rest don’t write at all. Many Generation Z adults say they have gone months, even years without using a pencil.

In other news, 54% of college students admit to using AI to accomplish academic writing.

According to the Center for Academic Integrity, 80% of college students have cheated at least once. Seventy-five percent of undergraduates admit to cheating more than once. Over 50% say they cheat frequently.

The good ol’ days

But then, what’s the big deal? After all, the US ranks only 16th in education. We are 10th in science, 34th in math, 60th in life expectancy. We are 38th in literacy, ranking below countries like Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and many other goat intensive nations.

Almost 80% of school children cannot name more than three US presidents. The most commonly named presidents among those under age 12 are: George Washington, John F. Kennedy, and Samuel L. Jackson. In a recent survey, 70% of American students were unable to name a single American war.

Although, as it happens, it doesn’t matter. Namely, because a study conducted by the Pentagon shows that 77% of young Ameri-

cans would not qualify for military service without a waiver due to being overweight or using drugs.

Two out of three American students admit to not knowing the lyrics to the national anthem. And over one quarter of survey participants did not know the Pledge of Allegiance.

Maybe it’s because everyone is spending so much time on their phones. God knows, we’ve got phones.

There are 310 million smartphones in America.

Over 95% of American teenagers own smartphones, regardless of socioeconomic circumstances.

Seventy-two percent of teens admit that texting is their preferred means of communication, ranking above vocalization, hand gestures, and various gastro-

intestinal noises.

The average teen receives 237 phone notifications per day; or four notifications every minute. An average teen will send, on average, 100 texts per day.

And if that doesn’t convince you the good old days are over, each day the American teen will spend eight hours looking at a screen. Except on weekends, when they will spend 12 hours.

The average American will spend 11 years of their life on their phone.

Only 18% of American school kids ride bikes. Only 27% of children say they go outside their homes to play. Only 24% of American children have ever played baseball.

Upwards of 44 %of school children suffer

symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Forty-five percent of children report symptoms of loneliness “often.” According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 49.5% of adolescents have at least one mental health disorder. So if you ever find yourself with some free time, consider investing in a child. They need us now more than ever.

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.

AACT to present ‘101 Dalmations - KIDS’ in October

Auditions set for December staged reading of ‘Over the River and Through the Woods’

CONTRIBUTED BY AACT

AUBURN — As part of Auburn Area Community Theatre’s (AACT) 20th anniversary celebration, the Jr. Performers, ages 5-12, are bringing back a show from 2012. On Oct. 3-12, audiences of all ages are invited to enjoy, “Disney’s 101 Dalmatians KIDS.” The classic animated tale of kidnapping villains and courageous puppies has been adapted into a “fur-tastic” musical adventure that is fun for the whole family.

Pet owners, Roger and Anita, live happily in London with their Dalmatians, Pongo and Perdita, stalwart dogs devoted to raising their puppies. Everything is quiet until Anita’s former classmate, the monstrous Cruella De Vil, plots to steal the puppies for her new fur coat. The Dalmatians rally all the dogs of London for a daring rescue of the puppies from Cruella and her bumbling henchmen. With a high-spirited score and lovable characters, this stage adaptation is certain to

charm and delight.

Performances will take place at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center on 222 E Drake Ave., Auburn, Alabama on October 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, and 11 at 6:30 p.m. with an additional 4 p.m. shows on October 5 & 12, and a 2 p.m. matinee on October 12. Runtime is approximately 45 minutes. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children, students, and seniors. Call 334-246-1084 or visit www.auburnact.org for ticket purchases and more information. Email info@auburnact.org for group rate information.

Staged Reading Auditions

After the Jr. Performers have exited the stage, AACT will hold Open Auditions on Oct. 21 & 22 for the next piece in their 20th season — a staged reading of “Over the River and Through the Woods.”

“Over the River and Through the Woods” is a warm-hearted, boisterously funny and touching story about intergenerational relationships, deep familial love

and the inevitable little heartbreaks that occur as time passes and children grow. Nick Cristano may be living the life of a modern young professional in New York City, but his loving grandparents never let him forget where he belongs: in New Jersey! Faithfully, Nick goes “over the river” to Grandma’s house every week for Sunday dinner, with his tenacious, tender-hearted, loud, loving, and well-fed Italian-American grandparents. When he is offered an important promotion in Seattle, Washington, Frank, Aida, Emma, and Nunzio are heartbroken at the prospect of their beloved grandson raising a family all the way across the country – or worse, not raising a family at all! These wily elders cook up a matchmaking scheme, inviting lovely Caitlin O-Hare over for Sunday dinner. Will the prospect of true love keep Nick from moving across the country? This intimate family comedy featuring a mature cast is a beloved staple of theatres across the United States.

(Rated PG due to occasional swear language.)

A staged reading (from scripts in hand) requires fewer rehearsals because memorization is not required. Actors 18 years old and up are invited to audition on either date from 6 to 8 p.m. for the roles of Nick, the 30-something grandson, his 30-something blind date Caitlyn, grandmothers Aida and Emma, and grandfathers

Gramps and Nunzio. Auditioners will read from provided scripts. Rehearsal attendance will be important, as there will only be 8-10 rehearsals between auditions and opening night. No rehearsals are scheduled on Halloween or during Thanksgiving week. Performances will be Dec. 13, 14, and 15. Please visit auburnact.org for more information.

Uptown Columbus Announces Beer and Wine Festival

CONTRIBUTED BY UPTOWN COLUMBUS INC.

COLUMBUS, Georgia — Uptown Columbus is excited to announce the return of the popular Uptown Beer & Wine Festival presented by Publix, on Sept. 28, from 1 to 4 P.M. The event will offer guests the chance to taste more than 100 different craft beers and wines, and new to the festival this year, Spirit samples. The event will be held in the Rankin Courtyard space behind The Tap and Salt Cellar.

“Uptown Columbus prides itself on promoting a vibrant and diverse Uptown that is prosperous, inviting, livable, and perpetually active,” said Tracey Green, Director of Communications and Marketing for Uptown Columbus. “In addition to meeting these goals, this event also raises funds for our nonprofit organization to continue its community-building work,” she said.

The Uptown Beer & Wine Festival has been an annual fundraiser for Uptown Columbus, Inc., for over 10

years. The event boasts music, food and, of course, a chance to sample beer, wine and spirits from across the world. The money raised by this ticketed event helps to underwrite many of Uptown’s free events throughout the year.

Tickets for the event are available now for early-bird pricing. Early-bird tickets for the festival are $50 if purchased by Sept. 27. Day of, tickets are $60 at the door for card purchase only.

Tickets include unlimited samplings of beer, wine, and spirits. Food is excluded from the ticket price but will be available for purchase.

Those that are designated drivers will have a $10 entry free and will be given a specific wristband upon entry. Those under the age of 21 will not be allowed to enter the event unless they are a designated driver. Tickets are on sale now here. Visit the Uptown Columbus website at www.AlwaysUptown.com for more information.

MOVING WITH PURPOSE

SEPT. 19 — FALL SUNDOWN CONCERT

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. Performing on Sept. 19 is Soul Co. Visit auburnalabama.org/parks for more details.

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. 20 — FOOTBALL, FANS & FEATHERS

The Auburn University Raptor Center’s Football, Fans and Feathers — offers fans the opportunity to see a raptor show where they will experience birds of prey eye-to-eye and watch as they swoop overhead. Shows are held at 4 p.m. on Fridays before Auburn home games. Tickets can be purchased in advance; there is no charge for children age three and under. The hour-long program is presented at the center’s the 350-seat Edgar B. Carter Educational Amphitheater.

SEPT. 20 — COME HOME TO THE CORNER

Join the Auburn Downtown Merchants Association for Come Home to the Corner every Friday night before a home football game. There will be live music from 6-9 p.m., extending shopping hours and more. Entertainment district from 5-10 p.m.

SEPT. 20 — FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY

The Opelika Chamber will host Food Truck Friday on Sept. 20, featuring food trucks, live music and vendors. The event starts at 5 p.m., with some trucks remaining until 10 p.m. Trucks will be parked along N. Railroad Avenue and 1st Avenue.

SEPT. 21 — ROOTIN’ TOOTIN’ RODEO

Choctafaula’s “Rootin Tootin Rodeo” will be held Saturday, Sept. 21 at 9 a.m. at 929 Lee County Road 14 in Auburn. This Youth Rodeo will include ages 2-15, arts and crafts vendors and live music. General Admission is $5 at the gate (cash only). Under age one admitted free with paying adult.

SEPT. 23 — BORROMEO STRING QUARTET

The award-winning Borromeo String Quartet with Henry Kramer will perform at the Gouge Performing Arts Center on Monday, Sept. 23, at 7 p.m.

SEPT. 26 — VALOR AWARDS DINNER

The Opelika Chamber will host the VALOR Public Safety Awards Dinner on Thursday, Sept. 26, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Southerly Warehouse (1007 Avenue B). The event will feature military hero and Dancing with the Stars alum Noah Galloway as guest speaker, and first responders will be presented with annual awards like Firefighter and Police Officer of the Year. Register at opelikachamber.com.

SEPT. 26 — FALL SUNDOWN CONCERT 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.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Performing on Sept. 26 is the Sally Brown Band. Visit auburnalabama.org/parks for more details.

SEPT. 26 — THE PIANO GUYS

The Piano Guys are coming to the Gouge

Performing Arts Center on Thursday, Sept. 26, at 7 p.m. Since their serendipitous inception in a Southern Utah piano shop, The Piano Guys have established themselves as an unstoppable musical force. Consisting of Jon Schmidt (pianist, songwriter), Steven Sharp Nelson (cellist, songwriter), Paul Anderson (producer, videographer) and Al van der Beek (music producer, songwriter), the quartet delivers audacious compositions that effortlessly transcend the confines of style and genre. For more information and tickets email gpac@auburn.edu or call (334)844-8497.

SEPT. 27 — ON THE TRACKS WINE TRAIL

Opelika Main Street will present the annual “On the Tracks” wine trail event on Friday, Sept. 27. The streets of downtown Opelika will be filled with live music, a photo booth, caricature drawings and wine trail stops featuring a diverse array of wine samples. Food trucks will be featured at the event, as well as late night shopping at local retail spots. Must be 21 or older to attend. Stay tuned for ticket information.

SEPT. 27 — DAN NAVARRO AT SUNDILLA

Songwriter Dan Navarro will perform at the Sundilla Concert Series on Friday, Sept. 27. Showtime at the AUUF (450 E. Thach Avenue in Auburn) is 7:30 p.m. Advance tickets are available for $20 from Spicer’s Music, Ross House Coffee, Foodie’s, and online at sundillamusic.com. Admission at the door will be $25, $15 for students. Free coffee, tea, water and food will be available, and the audience is invited to bring their own favorite food or beverage.

SEPT. 28 — 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 Opelika 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.

SEPT. 28 — AUTHORS AT THE LIBRARY

The Auburn Public Library will host local author James Webster on Saturday, Sept. 28, at 2 p.m. to discuss his book, “Siri: An Alternative Epic,” a tale that follows a young boy who grows up in the isolation of a mountain kingdom, haunted by questions about his past, who embarks on a perilous journey northward, unaware that his every move is being watched and manipulated. Audience: Adults.

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 gym.

OCT. 1 — OPELIKA NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

The city of Opelika will host 2024 National Night Out, a community-building event, on Tuesday, Oct. 1, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Courthouse Square. The event will feature food, drinks and resources about public safety, crime prevention, health, education and youth programs.

OCT. 1 – SMITHS STATION NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

Lee County Sheriff’s Office & the City of Smiths Station are partnering for National Night Out

2024. National Night Out is a yearly, nationwide 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. — FALL SUNDOWN CONCERT

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. Performing on Oct. 10 is Jeff Gaither & Co. Visit auburnalabama.org/parks for more details.

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 audiences 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., Opelika. There will be swag bags, gift card giveaways, t-shirts, raffles, food and fun. Register via Eventbright.com for $20. For more info, 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 — GOLF TOURNAMENT

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. 3 — FALL SUNDOWN CONCERT

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. Performing on Oct. 3 is Tony Brook Band. Visit auburnalabama.org/parks for more details.

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 beverage.

OCT. 12 — 2ND SATURDAYS AT PIONEER

PARK

On the second Saturday of every month, the Lee County Historical Society hosts a lively event at Pioneer Park. History re-enactors don period attire, showcasing their arts and crafts. Blacksmiths forge, spinners and weavers bring the textile room to life, and gardeners tend to the historical gardens. Crafts and seasonal activities are scheduled throughout the day. A meal is prepared in the fireplace or outdoors. The Whistle Stop Pickers gather at the Museum at 1 p.m. for live music. For more information, visit www. leecountyhistoricalsociety.org.

OCT. 17 — BOOK TALK

AU’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. Dr. Kathryn H. Braund, Hollifield Professor of Southern History Emerita, will discuss her new book, Mapping Conquest: The Battle Maps of Horseshoe Bend, which provides a revealing look at the many aspects of war and how battle maps shape our collective memory.

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.

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 — AUTHORS AT THE LIBRARY

The Auburn Public Library will host local author Jeff Barry on Saturday, Oct. 19, at 2 p.m. to discuss his book, “Go to Hell Ole Miss.” Set in Mississippi in the early 1970s, it’s the story of a father’s willingness to do almost anything to save his daughter from the Southern gentleman he had pressured her to marry. Almost. Barry’s book “Go to Hell Ole Miss” has been named a Top 20 National Bestseller, Barnes and Noble Bestseller and Amazon Bestseller since its May 7 publication date. Audience: Adults.

OCT. 21 – LCSO TRUNK OR TREAT

Join the Lee County Sheriff’s Office on Monday, Oct. 21, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for a festive and fun Trunk-or-Treat with deputies, members of the Lee County District Attorney’s Office and other community partners. Enjoy getting up close to law enforcement vehicles while showing off your Halloween costumes. Toys will be available for children with food sensitivities. There is no cost for this event. Interested in helping purchase treats for this event? Visit lcsofoundation.org/donate.

ONGOING - TUESDAYS – Grief Share meets on Tuesdays from noon to 1 p.m. or 1:30 p.m. if needed. The Community Grief Share is held at Trinity Church on 800 2nd Ave., in Opelika. It is held in room 205. There is an evening Grief Share meeting also on Tuesdays from 6 to 7:15 p.m. at the church

Club News from around Lee County Opelika Kiwanis Club

Auburn Opelika Elks Lodge

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, Oct. 15, at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, 714 East Glenn Ave. in Auburn. 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.

The Kiwanis of Opelika welcomed speaker Jessica Henderson, center, of the Lee County Sheriff’s Foundation, who spoke on the different events and fundraisers coming up, as well as the plans they have of expanding into other events around the area.

The Auburn Opelika Elks Lodge donated a DeWALT tool set to each of the Lee County Volunteer Fire Departments. The Elks help their community with scholarships, community service, helping other nonprofits, disaster relief and much more. Check out elks.org for more information.