Baby Box installed at Opelika Fire Station
Secure device aimed at preventing unsafe abandonment of infants
BY ANITA STIEFEL EDITOR@OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM
OPELIKA — Safe Haven
Baby Boxes held a blessing ceremony on Sept. 23 for the placement of a Baby Box at Fire Station No. 1, located at 604 Ave. B in Opelika.
A Baby Box is a designated location where parents can anonymously and safely leave a baby they are unable or unwill-
ing to care for, according to the company’s founder, Monica Kelsey, who was herself abandoned two days after being born to a 17-year-old rape victim in 1972.
Kelsey is on a mission to prevent unsafe abandonment and ensure that infants are placed in proper care, following legal protocols. Baby Boxes are located at fire stations throughout the country to “offer a secure
and compassionate option for parents in crisis and help ensure every infant has a chance for a safe and loving future,” she said.
“Does this come without pain? No, there’s pain involved,” she said. “When a mother basically says, ‘I want what’s best for my child, and that’s not me,’ there is pain involved there. But at the end of the day, everyone is safe.
The baby is safe. The mom is safe. And adoptive parents are getting the call that they’ve probably been waiting for for a very long time.”
She said the average time a baby stays inside is less than two minutes, because help is already on the scene.
“In Opelika, Alabama, if you decide you’re not able to raise your baby, you can bring it here, put it in the box, and once the
door is closed the alarms go off and the fire department is here… to get the baby to safety and hopefully lead to an adoption opportunity,” said Opelika City Council President Eddie Smith. “We hope we don’t ever have to use the box, but we’ve got it, and we’re one of the few that do.”
David Floyd, pastor of Marvin Parkway Baptist Church,
BY DIOSELIN CRUZ, AU NEWS
AUBURN/OPELIKA — Sean Forbes, founder and executive director of O Grows, has received the 2024 Dr. Royrickers Cook Endowed Engagement Award, presented annually to one Auburn University faculty or staff member who has shown an ongoing and purposeful commitment to outreach.
Forbes was honored for his exceptional support for “civic and community engagement, interpersonal relationships and serving the underserved.” His contributions to the community exceed his role as an associate professor of educational psychology, according to a press release from AU News.
Forbes’ Opelika Grows (O Grows) initiative has created a space for engagement that amplifies and honors the needs of local people by fostering sustainable relationships with those in need. O Grows is a community garden that encourages students and volunteers to connect with each other and nourish
the Auburn-Opelika family by cultivating food with a purpose.
“The O Grows program exemplifies the university’s commitment to community partnership and outreach by addressing issues of food insecurity in the Opelika area,” said College of Education Dean Jeffrey Fairbrother. “It is an honor for Sean Forbes to be recognized by University Outreach with this prestigious award, and it reinforces our commitment
On hand for the blessing of Opelika’s new Baby Box were, from left, City Council President Eddie Smith, City Administrator Joey Motley, Pastor David Floyd of Marvin Parkway Baptist Church, Safe Haven Baby Box founder Monica Kelsey and Opelika Fire Chief Shane Boyd.
Forbes, left, receives the 2024 Dr. Royrickers Cook Endowed Engagement Award from its namesake, right.
See FORBES, page A2
See BABY BOX, page A2
to continue this important work.”
The program uses produce to help curb food insecurity and inspire illuminating conversations between those who engage with O Grows. Forbes also extends his program’s impact to include opportunities to those serving time in the juvenile court system who need community service hours. This helps bridge gaps between community members from different walks of life.
The organization hosts the Opelika Grows Farmer’s Market every Tuesday at the Southside Center for the Arts. The market offers “fairly priced” fresh produce for the everyday person and assists local folk by offering space for farmers who accept food benefits like SNAP and the Senior Farmers
Market Nutrition Program. Forbes’ expert application of his research and education has created a resource for the people of Auburn-Opelika to grow in spirit and health.
The award is named in honor of the current vice president for University Outreach and associate provost. Cook, an internationally known leader in higher education, has led University Outreach since 2006. He oversees the division’s eight program units and provides university-wide leadership for engagement initiatives, which advance the university’s outreach mission of applying its educational resources to help people in the state and across the globe. The endowment for the award was created with gifts received from more than forty family members, friends, university and community colleagues.
SIXTY
AUBURN — Three Sixty Real Estate recently congratulated Ansley Hinson on passing her real estate licensing exam. She had previously served as the Director of First Impressions in Three Sixty’s East Alabama office and will now come on board as a realtor.
“Ansley has been a valuable member of the Three Sixty team for years now, and we are excited to watch her grow in the profession,” said Nonet Parmer Reese, broker/owner of Three Sixty Real Estate East Alabama.
“I am so excited to begin my career as a realtor, and I wouldn’t think of pursuing it anywhere but Three Sixty,” Hinson said. “The support, encouragement and incredi-
BABY BOX >> from A1
led a prayer of blessing for Opelika’s Baby Box, and Kelsey explained its significance.
“We are blessing today the ninth box in Alabama and the 267th Baby Box in the United States,” said Kelsey. “It never gets old getting a call from a fire chief saying, ‘Hey, Monica, we just got a baby in our box,’ and that just happened two weeks ago yesterday in the state of Indiana. It’s happening more and more and more — women are trusting us, bringing their children to us for safety.”
Since starting the ministry in 2017, Kelsey said 52 infants have been safely and legally sur-
rendered in a Baby Box.
Surrendered infants are adopted by families who have registered as foster to adopt. The Local Department of family services coordinates the adoption process.
“We have seen time and time again that preparation can save and change lives,” she said. “We never know when or where we will be needed, so it is crucial to have options for mothers in crisis. I am grateful for local advocates who take our mission to their community.”
Alabama’s first Baby Box was placed in January of this year in Madison.
“Nine days after we launched the box in Madison, it had its first baby. A couple of weeks later, it got its second baby.
A couple of weeks later it got a third baby,” she said. “There is no mistake that Alabama needs baby boxes in this state.”
“Isn’t it a good thing that we’re standing here today in a fire station blessing a box in the wall so we do not have to stand in a cemetery and bless a box being put in the ground,” she said. “This box is now available to women in this community and beyond. This box offers no shame, no blame and no names.”
In addition to baby boxes, Safe Haven provides a confidential national hotline, 1-866-99BABY1, which has assisted with more 150 handoff surrenders.
For more information, email monicakelsey@ safehavenbabyboxes.com.
ble team here have meant the world to me.”
From an early age, Hinson was captivated by home searching, HGTV and attending open houses for fun, knowing real estate was her true calling. Originally from Montgomery, she has developed a deep connection to the Auburn and Lake Martin areas, where her family frequently visited. In 2021, she moved to Auburn with her dad, embracing the city and its endless opportunities for adventure.
In 2022, Hinson officially entered the real estate industry. She holds an associate’s degree in business entrepreneurship from Southern Union State Community College.
Outside of work, she enjoys going to the gym, reading a good book, spending
The Auburn Chamber held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of the new Country’s Barbecue building, located at 1021 Opelika Road in Auburn. Since 1975, Country’s has been serving up smoked meats and hand-cut fries and homemade desserts.
County garbage collection service provider changes
CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
LEE COUNTY — The Lee County Commission was recently notified that as of Sept. 1, Meridian Waste has acquired Arrow Disposal Services Inc. (ADSI), the company contracted for garbage collection in Lee County.
According to a press release from the commission, citizens may begin to see re-branded trucks, however no other changes to the current Lee County contract are expected at this time. Citizens should know when contacting ADSI, phones are being answered as Meridian Waste.
According to a press release from Meridian Waste Acquisitions LLC, the company acquired the stock of ADSI as well as Evergreen Environmental Partners Holdings LLC (EEP), two holdings of BTG Pactual Strategic Capital. The acquisition expands Meridian Waste’s operational footprint within the Southeast, adding a municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill, a transfer station facility and additional third-party transfer station operations as well as hauling, administrative and maintenance facilities servicing commercial, industrial and residential contracts throughout Alabama and Mississippi. Specific assets comprised within the stock purchase include the Noble Hill MSW Landfill and EEP Transfer Station in the great-er Huntsville marketplace, 50+ municipal contracts (including exclusive residen-
tial collections and transfer station hauling operations) and commercial and industrial accounts.
“Meridian Waste is in full growth mode, as exhibited by the company’s announcement of its largest acquisition yet of these impressive Alabama and Mississippi assets,” said Walter “Wally” Hall, Meridian Waste’s CEO. “Our management team is very familiar with the Alabama and Mississippi marketplaces from previous roles in the industry. We are confident that we can grow the solid base of business already built by Darren and Anthony Rizzo alongside the many dedicated team members of EEP and ADSI and with the continued support of our private equity partner, Warren Equity Partners. Together, we look forward to integrating these assets into our Southeast footprint and having Meridian Waste become a major part of the Alabama and Mississippi solid waste services industry.”
About Meridian Waste
Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Meridian Waste is committed to servicing its customers, caring for and engaging its employees and generating financial value for its shareholders while delivering a clean and healthy community. The company’s core waste business is centered on residential, commercial and industrial non-hazardous waste collection and disposal. For more information, visit www.MeridianWaste.com.
Letter to the editor
Dear Editor:
all is finally here, and with it comes cooler days, delicious apples and cider, and, of course, leaves. Lots and lots of leaves. What’s a person to do? Leave the leaves! Fallen leaves help countless animals survive the winter: Bumble bee queens burrow into them; caterpillars make snug shelters out of them; birds forage for food through them; the list is as long as the days are short.
Plus, as the leaves decompose, they enrich the soil, creating a luscious spring garden. It’s a win-win.
Doing less groundskeeping doesn’t mean your yard has to look messy. Fallen leaves are a great source of free mulch. You can rake—without shredding—them into garden beds and arrange them around trees to create a fabulous fall landscape everyone loves.
McCrary Institute names two senior executives
CONTRIBUTED BY AU NEWS
AUBURN — Auburn University’s McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security strengthened its position as a leader among cybersecurity circles with the appointment of two veteran defense and policy executives.
Craig M. Whittinghill, Ph.D, a U.S. Navy veteran of 29 years, was named deputy director for applied research and services.
Kyle D. Klein, who served on Capitol Hill in a variety of senior policy roles for 12 years, was named deputy director for policy and partnerships.
“We are thrilled to add these two executives to our senior leadership,” said Frank Cilluffo, McCrary Institute director.
“Craig will lead a growing team of cyber experts as we expand cybersecurity services in support of government and industry. His deep experience and leadership on cyber and intelligence matters will be invaluable as we
advance our efforts to better support the national security community.
Kyle’s leadership as a former staff director of the United States House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security adds significant policy and legislative expertise as we further position the McCrary Institute as a hub and thought leader on all things cyber.”
A noted intelligence officer, Whittinghill most recently served as the director of information warfare at the U.S. Fleet Forces’ Command in Norfolk, Virginia, where he led a diverse team responsible for the information warfare disciplines of intelligence, cyber, cryptology, space, operations in the information environment and electronic warfare.
Other notable assignments include service as commander of the Joint Intelligence Operations Center at U.S. Cyber Command from 2019 to 2021 and information warfare commander for
the USS Abraham Lincoln Strike Group homeported in Bremerton, Washington, from 2021 to 2022.
In his new position, Whittinghill will be responsible for growing the McCrary Institute’s cyber focused applied research efforts at Auburn University and at AU’s Research and Innovation Campus in Huntsville. He will also lead the institute’s effort on student and faculty engagement in applied research and is responsible for expanding core competencies within the university and cyber professional services.
“I am extremely excited to be joining Auburn University and the McCrary Institute, because I believe in Auburn, its creed and the mission of the McCrary Institute,” Whittinghill said. “Since my wife is an alumna and my children are students at Auburn, I value what Auburn offers and bring with me a passion for Auburn and its service. As a veteran, I also have a passion to serve and to defend the
nation against all threats, to include cyber threats that continue to grow in complexity and severity. The McCrary Institute provides an excellent opportunity to do both. I am ready to start contributing to the groundbreaking work that Auburn and the McCrary Institute are developing and leading.” Klein, an accomplished results-focused senior government affairs professional, most recently served as a senior advisor at the Roosevelt Group, a bipartisan government relations consulting firm in Washington, D.C. There, he served in a variety of capacities, including developing and implementing appropriations and authorization strategies while building bipartisan, bicameral coalitions across Capitol Hill.
In new his role at the McCrary Institute, Klein will oversee the institute’s cybersecurity policy strategies, facilitate stakeholder consultations, produce policy publications and establish strategic part-
nerships to further the organization’s mission.
Klein was a fixture at the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security from 2011 to 2023. Beginning with positions within the Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security, he was elevated to deputy staff director and then staff director for the full committee in 2021. In these roles he advanced the committee’s policy and oversight agendas relevant to threats to national security.
“I could not be more thrilled to join the impressive team of the McCrary Institute and the Auburn University community,” Klein said. “Leveraging the resources and scholarship of such a renowned research institution, I am confident this team, under Frank’s leadership, will solidify the McCrary Institute’s place at the forefront of cybersecurity policy. The threats facing the United States’ critical infrastructure have never been more pronounced,
and I look forward to building strong partnerships to directly mitigate the cybersecurity dangers threatening Americans’ livelihoods and daily life.”
“These two leaders make a clear statement — the McCrary Institute at Auburn University is committed to building high value expertise in support of our nation’s critical infrastructure and national security interests,” said Nick Sellers, McCrary Institute chief operating officer. “Our mission is to help better safeguard America’s critical infrastructure from cyberattacks and we are passionate about our work”.
The McCrary Institute, based at Auburn University with additional centers in Washington, D.C., and Huntsville, seeks practical solutions to pressing challenges in the areas of cyber and critical infrastructure security. Through its three hubs, the institute offers end-to-end capability — policy, research and education — on all things cyber-related.
L labama Politics ee County & A
Inside the State House
Dr. Marnix Heersink — Physician/Philanthropist
OPINION —
The Wiregrass region of our state has been known as an agricultural area for over a century. However, in recent decades Dothan — the center and heart of the Wiregrass — has become a medical mecca for southeast Alabama, as well as the panhandle of Florida and a large area of southwest Georgia. Dothan is now a medical center city.
The healthcare industry is Houston County’s largest employer and most significant economic factor. The economic impact of medical care far eclipses agriculture dollars in the Peanut Capital of the World. Indeed, Dothan is second only to Birmingham in medical care in our state.
One of the primary reasons for Dothan’s preeminence in healthcare has been Dr. Marnix Heersink, the founder of Eye Center South. Heersink is generally considered one of, if not the most prominent physicians in Alabama. His expertise as an ophthalmologist has been primarily cataract surgery. He has more than likely completed more successful cataract surgeries than any physician in Alabama history.
Heersink began his ophthalmology practice in downtown Dothan in 1980 with ophthalmology partner Dr. John Fortin. They quickly outgrew their initial location and relocated to the intersection of Ross Clark
Circle and Fortner Street, where Eye Center South stands today.
Eye Center South is like a medical center hospital facility. It is one of the most impressive and encompassing medical facilities in Alabama. Eye Center South’s Surgery Center is the cornerstone of his medical tower, which towers over Dothan’s Circle. It also accommodates an optometric division.
In 1984, Eye Center South began with two operating rooms and has flourished into a state-of-the-art facility, boasting 12 fully equipped operating rooms.
The distinguished Dutchinspired architecture of the health center pays homage to Heersink’s Dutch heritage, earning it the affectionate moniker “The Castle” among locals and visitors traveling along Ross Clark Circle.
Heersink was born in The Netherlands and raised in Canada. He received the B.A. and M.D. degrees from the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario. While completing his residency in ophthalmology, he also completed a fellowship in cataract surgery and intraocular lens implantation, which was unique in that era.
Heersink and his beloved wife, Mary Parks Heersink, have been married for 45 years. Mary’s father was a renowned ophthalmologist. Heersink and his wife have six adult children, all of whom are in the medical field — five as physicians and one as a dentist. Two of Heersink’s sons, Sebastian and Marius, are practicing ophthalmologists with their father. The Heersinks also enjoy spending time with their 10 grandchildren. They have been committed to their children, their profession, their community and their state.
A few years ago,
See FLOWERS, page A10
Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024
Smith announces run for Opelika mayor
CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA — Opelika City Council President Eddie Smith announced today that he will run for Mayor of Opelika in 2025.
Smith was born and raised in Opelika. He said he believes in faith, family and service and has spent most of his adult life serving the Opelika community. Since 2004, he has been a member of the Opelika City Council and has served as council president for the past 16 years.
“Opelika is the place I have called home all my life,” said Smith. “It is the place that I chose to raise my kids. I love Opelika, and serving this community has been a privilege. After speaking with my family, I have decided to run for mayor. During my time on the City Council, Opelika has made significant progress, and I believe I have the experience and knowledge to keep that momentum going.”
During Smith’s tenure on the city council, Opelika added more than 5,000 new jobs, attracted more than $2 billion in capital investments,
and saw a 25% reduction in overall crime. Since 2006, the total value of housing construction has exceeded $1 billion, and the city has prioritized beautification efforts to improve citizens’ quality of life.
As mayor, Smith said he will continue focusing on improving economic development, infrastructure, public safety, housing growth
and community development. If elected, Smith said he will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the mayor’s office and provide a steady hand and leadership for the Opelika community.
Over the years, he has served as president of the United Way of Lee County, Leadership Lee County, Opelika Jaycees, Opelika Kiwanis, Main Street Inc. and Opelika Dixie Youth Baseball. He has served as chairman of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce, Envision Opelika, Camp ASSCA and the Achievement Center of Lee County. Smith also helped organize the East Alabama Miracle League and has played a significant role in various other organizations, including the Lee County Youth Development Center. He has been married to his lovely wife, Dawn, for 43 years. They have two children, Ashley and Edward, and five grandchildren. They attend Opelika First Baptist Church, where he has previously served as church treasurer.
To learn more about Smith and his campaign, please visit www. eddieforopelika.com.
Poll workers needed for Nov. 5 election
CONTRIBUTED BY ALABAMA SECRETARY OF STATE
ALABAMA — Secretary of State Wes Allen is encouraging qualified Alabamians to serve as poll workers for the Nov. 5 general election.
“Poll workers are essential members of the election administration team,” said Allen. “They work hard from sun up to sun down on election day ensuring our elections run smoothly and efficiently. Serving as a poll worker is a great way to get involved in the elections process, and I would encourage any eligible Alabama voter interested in participating to reach out to my office or their local probate judge to learn more.”
Alabama poll workers must be registered voters in the county where they wish to serve as a poll worker. Poll workers are appointed by an appointing board consisting of
their county probate judge, sheriff and circuit clerk. They must also attend training administered by
their county probate judge prior to each election.
Qualified individuals can apply to be a poll
worker at www.sos. alabama.gov/sites/default/ files/PollWorkerApplication.pdf.
BY STEVE FLOWERS
EDDIE SMITH
ORDINANCE NO. 023-24
AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF CERTAIN STANDARD TECHNICAL CODES RELATING TO RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL CONSTRUCTION; ADOPTING ELECTRICAL PERMIT AND INSPECTION FEES; AMENDING CHAPTERS
5 AND 9 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA; PROVIDING A REPEALER CLAUSE; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council City of Opelika as follows: Section 1. Technical codes adopted by reference.
Pursuant to Code of Alabama, §11-45-8(c), the following standard technical codes which have been printed in book or pamphlet form, copies of which are on file in the offices of the Building Official and the City Clerk, are hereby adopted by reference and the provisions thereof shall be controlling in the construction, alteration or repair of all buildings and other structures within the corporate limits of the City of Opelika:
(a) International Building Code, 2021 edition, with the additions, insertions and changes, if any, prescribed in Section 5-17(a) of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Opelika.
(b) International Residential Building Code, 2021 edition, with the additions, insertions and changes, if any, prescribed in Section 5-17(b) of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Opelika.
(c) National Electrical Code, NFPA70, 2020 edition, with the additions, insertions and changes, if any, prescribed in Section 5-66 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Opelika.
(d) International Fuel Gas Code, 2021 edition, with the additions, insertions and changes, if any, prescribed in Section 5-122 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Opelika.
(e) International Mechanical Code, 2024 edition, with the additions, insertions and changes, if any, prescribed in Section 5-136.1 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Opelika.
(f) International Plumbing Code, 2021 edition, with the additions, insertions and changes, if any, prescribed in Section 5-162 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Opelika.
(g) International Property Maintenance Code, 2021 edition, with the additions, insertions and changes, if any, prescribed in Section 5-207 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Opelika.
(h) International Fire Code, 2021 edition, with the additions, insertions and changes, if any, prescribed in Section 9-31.1 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Opelika.
(i) Life Safety Code, NFPA101, 2021 edition, with the additions, insertions and changes, if any, prescribed in Section 9-17 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Opelika. Section 2. That Section 5-16 of the Code of Ordinances of City of Opelika is hereby amended to read as follows: Sec. 5-16. Adopted: Responsibility For Enforcement:
(a) Pursuant to the authority granted to the cities and towns of Alabama by Section 11-45-8 of the Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, there is hereby adopted by the City of Opelika, for the purpose of prescribing regulations governing the design, construction, alterations, repair, use, occupancy, maintenance, removal and demolition of all buildings and structures all of that certain Code printed in booklet form known as “International Building Code” including all appendices published by the International Code Council, Inc., being particularly the 2021 Edition save and except such portions as are hereinafter deleted, modified or amended, of which Code not less than three (3) copies have been and are now filed in the offices of the Building Inspector and Fire Inspector of the City of Opelika and the same are hereby adopted and incorporated as fully as if set out at length herein and form the date on which this Ordinance shall take effect, the provisions thereof shall be controlling within the corporate limits of the City of Opelika, Alabama. (b) Pursuant to the authority granted to the cities and towns of Alabama by Section 11-45-8 of the Code of Alabama,1975, as amended, there is hereby adopted by the City of Opelika for the purpose of prescribing regulations governing the design, construction, alterations, repair, use, occupancy, maintenance, removal and demolition of one and two-family dwellings all of that certain Code printed in booklet form known as the “’International Residential Code” including all appendices published by the International Code Council Inc., being particularly the 2021 Edition save and except such portions as are hereinafter deleted, modified or amended, of which Code not less than three (3) copies have been and are now filed in the offices of the Building Inspector and Fire Inspector of the City of Opelika and the same are
hereby adopted and incorporated as fully as if set out at length herein and from the date on which this Ordinance shall take effect, the provisions thereof shall be controlling within the corporate limits of the City of Opelika, Alabama.
(c) The Building Official of the City of Opelika and his/her representatives shall be responsible for the enforcement of the provisions of the Codes hereby adopted. Section 3. That Section 5-17 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Opelika is hereby amended to read as follows: Sec. 5-17. Modifications and Amendments to Building Code:
(a) The International Building Code hereby adopted shall be modified and amended as follows:
(1) The words “City of Opelika” shall be inserted in the blank space in Section 101.1.
(2) Any reference within this code using the term “International Energy Efficiency Code” is replaced with “applicable sections of the Alabama Commercial or Residential Energy Code”.
(3) Sections 103, Section 104.10.1, and Section 1612 of the 2021 International Building Code shall be deleted.
(b) The International Residential Code hereby adopted shall be modified and amended as follows:
(1) The words “City of Opelika” shall be inserted in the blank space in Section R101.1
(2) The following sections shall be deleted from the International Residential Code: R103, R112, and R301.2.4.
(3) Section P2603.5.1 shall be amended to read as follows: P2603.5.1 - SEWER DEPTH. Building sewers that connect to private sewage disposal system shall not be less than twelve inches (12”) below finished grade at the point of septic tank connection. Building sewers shall be not less than twelve inches (12”) below grade.
(4) Section R506.2.3 shall be amended to read as follows: R506.2.3 Vapor retarder. A minimum 6-mil vapor retarder conforming to ASTM E1745 Class A requirements with joints lapped not less than 6 inches shall be placed between the concrete slab and base course or the prepared subgrade where a base course does not exist.
(5) Any reference within this code using the term “International Energy Efficiency Code” is replaced with “applicable sections of the Alabama Commercial or Residential Energy Code” with amendments.
(6) The 2021 International Residential Code with the Alabama Building and Energy Code amendments shall be adopted
(7) Table N1103.6.2 of the 2021 International Residential Code shall be adopted.
(8) Section M1505.4.1 shall be amended to read as follows: M1505.4.1 System Design The whole-house ventilation system shall consist of one or more supply or exhaust fans, or a combination of supply and exhaust fans, and associated ducts and controls. Local exhaust or supply fans are permitted to serve as such a system. Outdoor air ducts connected to the return side of an air handler shall be considered as providing supply ventilation.
(9) That Section M1505.5 be added to read as follows: M1505.5 Measure Exhaust and mechanical ventilation rates shall be measured. Measured airflows to be permanently posted with the Energy Code Compliance Certificate (required AL Energy Code 2015 R303.3) or the manufacturer’s operating and service instructions (required M1307.1 and AL Energy Code 2015 R303.3).
Section 4. That Chapter 5 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Opelika is hereby amended by adding a section to be numbered 5-20, which said section shall read as follows:
Sec. 5-20. – Liability
(a) The provisions of this chapter shall not be construed to relieve or to lessen the responsibility of any person owning, operating, installing or repairing any part of any building, system, or equipment for any injury to any person or property; nor shall the chapter be construed to impose on the city any liability whatever by reason of the examinations herein provided for or by reason of any certificate or license issued hereunder.
(b)This chapter shall not be construed as imposing upon the city any liability or responsibility for damages to any person injured by any defect in any building or system, or equipment mentioned herein, or by installation thereof; nor shall the city or any official or employee thereof be held as assuming any such liability or responsibility by reason of the inspection authorized hereunder or the certificate of occupancy issued by the building office.
Section 5. That Section 5-57 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Opelika is hereby amended to read as follows: .Sec. 5-57 Electrical Permit Fees: Before any permit is issued for the wiring of any building for electric lights, heat or power, or any electric installation, or before any permit is issued for the alteration in wiring of any building for the said purpose, the following fees shall be paid to the building inspection office by the person making application for said permit: Issuance fee
$15.00
PUBLIC NOTICES
In addition to issuance fee:
Electrical Services
$0.30 per ampere
Sub feed panels
$0.30 per ampere
Transformers
$150.00 per transformer
Generators
$0.30 per ampere
Automatic transfer switches
$0.36 per ampere
Motors
$10.00 per motor
Parking lot lights
$20.00 per pole
Lightning Protection Systems
$100.00 per system
Swimming pools
$100.00 per pool
Photovoltaic systems
$25 per PVKW
Battery charging systems
$1.00 per ampere
Electric range, dryer, dishwasher, disposal $ 5.00 per appliance
appliances including all Commercial appliances.
Fire alarm systems
$100.00 per system
Re-inspection fees $25.00 for second re-inspection & $100.00 for all additional inspections Section 6. That Section 5-66 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Opelika is hereby amended to read as follows:
Sec. 5-66. National Electrical Code:
(a) Pursuant to the authority granted to the cities and towns of Alabama by Section 11-45-8 of the Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, there is hereby adopted by the City of Opelika, for the purpose of prescribing regulations governing the installation of electrical wiring and construction and/or installation of electrical appliances all of that certain Code printed in booklet form known as “The National Electrical Code” NFPA 70 recommended by the National Fire Protection Association, being particularly the 2020 Edition, save and except such portions as are hereinafter deleted, modified or amended, of which Code not less than three
(3) copies have been and are now filed in the offices of the Building Inspector and Fire Inspector of the City of Opelika and the same are hereby adopted and incorporated as fully as if set out at length herein and from the date on which this Ordinance shall take effect, the provisions thereof shall be controlling within the corporate limits of the City of Opelika, Alabama.
(b) The National Electric Code is modified and amended as follows: Grounding of new structures shall comply with Article 250.52(c) of the National Electric Code.
(1)The connection shall be located in an accessible location.
(2)The grounding point shall be within 25 feet of the main disconnecting means.
(c) Conflicts. Should any provisions of the National Electrical Code conflict with any of the provisions of any other ordinance of the City, the more restrictive provision shall prevail.
(d) Responsibility for Enforcement. The Building Official of the City of Opelika and his/her representatives shall be responsible for the enforcement of the provisions of the Code hereby adopted.
(e) Violations. Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of the Code hereby adopted or fail to comply therewith or who shall violate or fail to comply with any order made thereunder, shall severally for each and every violation and noncompliance respectively, be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500.00) or by imprisonment for not more than one hundred eighty (180) days or by both such fines and imprisonment. The imposition of one penalty for the violation shall not excuse the violation or permit it to continue. The application of the penalty shall not be held to prevent enforced removal of prohibited conditions.
Section 7. That Section 5-119 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Opelika is hereby amended to read as follows: Sec. 5-119. Adopted: Responsibility For Enforcement:
(a) Pursuant to the authority granted to the cities and towns of Alabama by Section 11-45-8 of the Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, there is hereby adopted by the City of Opelika, for the purpose of prescribing regulations for the safe installation of gas piping and gas appliances all of that certain code printed in booklet form known as the International Fuel Gas Code published by the International Code Council, Inc., being particularly the 2021 Edition save and except such portions as are hereinafter deleted, modified or amended, of which Code not less than three
(3) copies have been and are now filed in the offices of the Building Inspector and Fire Inspector of the City or Opelika and the same are hereby adopted and incorporated as fully as if set out at length herein and from the date on which this Ordinance shall take effect, the provisions thereof shall be controlling within the corporate limits of the City of Opelika, Alabama. (b) The Building Official of the City and his/her representatives shall be responsible for the enforcement of the provisions of the Code hereby adopted.
Section 8. That Section 5-122 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Opelika is hereby amended to read as follows: Sec. 5-122. Modifications and
Amendments to the Code:
The 2021 International Fuel Gas Code hereby adopted shall be modified and amended as follows:
(1) The words “City of Opelika” shall be inserted in the blank space in Section 101.1.
(2) The following sections shall be deleted from the ICC Fuel Gas Code: 106.1.1, 106.1.2, 115.4, and 109.
(3) Section 503.4 shall be amended to read as follows:
503.4 Type of venting system to be used. The type of venting system to be used shall be in accordance with Table 503.4. PVC shall not be used. All plastic pipe venting materials shall be in accordance with UL 1738.
Section 9. That Section 5-136 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Opelika is hereby amended to read as follows: Sec. 5-136. Adopted:
Responsibility For Enforcement:
(a) Pursuant to the authority granted to the cities and towns of Alabama by Section 11-45-8 of the Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, there is hereby adopted by the City of Opelika. for the purpose of prescribing regulations governing mechanical installations all of that certain Code printed in booklet form known as “International Mechanical Code” including all appendices published by the International Code Council, being particularly the 2021 Edition save and except such portions as are hereinafter deleted, modified or amended, of which Code not less than three (3) copies have been and now are filed in the offices of the Building Inspector and Fire Inspector of the City of Opelika and the same are hereby adopted and incorporated as fully as if set out at length herein and from the date on which this Ordinance shall take effect, the provisions thereof shall be controlling within the corporate limits of the City of Opelika, Alabama.
(b) The Building Official of the City of Opelika and his/her representatives shall be responsible for the enforcement of the provisions of the Code hereby adopted.
Section 10. That Section 5-136.1 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Opelika is hereby amended to read as follows: Sec. 5-136.1. Modifications and Amendments to Mechanical Code: The 2021 International Mechanical Code hereby adopted shall be modified and amended as follows: (1) The words “City of Opelika” shall be inserted in the blank space in Section 101.1 (2) The following sections shall be deleted from the International Mechanical Code: 103,106.1.1, and 106.1.2.
Section 11. That Section 5-161 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Opelika is hereby amended to read as follows: Sec. 5-161. Adopted: Responsibility For Enforcement:
(a) Pursuant to the authority granted to the cities and towns of Alabama by Section 11-45-8 of the Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, there is hereby adopted by the City of Opelika, for the purpose of prescribing regulations governing plumbing installations all of that certain Code printed in booklet form known as ‘’’International Plumbing Code” including all appendices published by the International Code Council, being particularly the 2021 Edition save and except such portions as are hereinafter deleted, modified or amended, of which Code not less than three (3) copies have been and now are filed in the offices of the Building Inspector and Fire Inspector of the City of Opelika and the same are hereby adopted and incorporated as fully as if set out at length herein and from the date on which this Ordinance shall take effect, the provisions thereof shall be controlling within the corporate limits of the City of Opelika, Alabama.
(b) The Building Official of the City and his/her representatives shall be responsible for the enforcement of the provisions of the Code hereby adopted.
Section 12. That Section 5-162 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Opelika is hereby amended to read as follows: Sec. 5-162. – Amendments The 2021 International Plumbing Code hereby adopted shall be modified and amended as follows:
(1)The words “City of Opelika” shall be inserted in the blank space in Section 101.1.
(2)The following sections shall be deleted from the International Plumbing Code: 106.6.2, 106.6.3, 108.4 and 108.5.
(3)Section 305.6.1 shall be amended to read as follows: Sec. 305.6.1. Sewer Depth. Building sewers that connect to private sewage disposal systems shall be installed not less than a minimum of twelve inches (12”) below finish grade at the point of septic tank connection. Building sewers shall be installed not less than twelve inches (12”) below grade.
(4)Section 903.1.1 shall be amended to read as follows: Sec. 903.1.1 Roof Extensions Unprotected. Open vent pipes that extend through a roof shall be terminated not less than six inches (6”) above the roof.
(5)Section 903.1.2 shall be amended to read as follows: Sec. 903.1.2 Roof used for recreational or assembly purposes.
Where a roof is to be used as a promenade, restaurant, bar, or sunbathing deck, as an observation deck, or similar purposes, open vent pipes shall terminate not less than 7 feet (2134 mm) above the roof.
Section 13. That Section 5-207 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Opelika is hereby amended to read as follows: Sec. 5-207. Adopted for the maintenance of property: responsibility for enforcement.
(a)Pursuant to the authority granted to the cities and towns of Alabama by section 11-45-8 of the Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, there is hereby adopted by the city, for the purpose of prescribing regulations governing the conditions and maintenance of all property, buildings and structures all of that certain code on printed in pamphlet form known as “International Property Maintenance Code,” being particularly the 2021 Edition save and except such portions as are hereinafter deleted, modified or amended, of which code not less than three (3) copies have been and now are filed in the offices of the building inspector and fire inspector of the city and the same are hereby adopted and incorporated as fully as if set out at length herein and from the date on which this section shall take effect, the provisions thereof shall be controlling within the corporate limits of the city. (b)The chief building inspector of the city and his representatives shall be responsible for the enforcement of the provisions of the code hereby adopted.
Section 14. That Section 5-208 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Opelika is hereby amended to read as follows: Sec. 5-208. Modifications and amendments to property maintenance code.
The property maintenance code hereby adopted shall be revised, modified and amended as follows: Section 101.1. Title. These regulations shall be known as the International Property Maintenance Code of the City of Opelika hereinafter referred to as “this Code.”
Section 103.5. This section is deleted.
Section 112.4. This section is deleted.
Section 302.4. This section is deleted.
Section 304.14. This section is deleted.
Section 602.3 shall be amended to read as follows:
Section 602.3 Heat Supply. Every owner and operator of any building who rents, leases or lets one or more dwelling unit, rooming unit, dormitory or guestroom on terms, either expressed or implied, to furnish heat to the occupants thereof shall supply heat during the period from the first of November to the end of April to maintain a temperature of not less than 68°F (20°C) in all habitable rooms, bathrooms, and toilet rooms.
Exceptions:
(1)When the outdoor temperature is below the winter outdoor design temperature for the locality, maintenance of the minimum room temperature shall not be required provided that the heating system is operating at its full design capacity. The winter outdoor design temperature for the locality shall be as indicated in Appendix D of the International Plumbing Code.
(2)In areas where the average monthly temperature is above 30°F (-1°C) a minimum temperature of 65°F (18°C) shall be maintained.
Section 602.4 shall be amended to read as follows:
Section 602.4. Occupiable workspaces. Indoor Occupiable workspaces shall be supplied with heat during the period from the first of November to the end of April to maintain a temperature of not less than 65°F (18°C) during the period the spaces are occupied.
Exceptions: (1)Processing, storage and operation areas that require cooling or special temperature conditions.
(2)Areas in which persons are primarily engaged in vigorous physical activities.
Section 15. That Chapter 5 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Opelika is hereby amended by adding a section to be numbered 5-210, which said section shall read as follows:
Sec. 5-210. Violations.
Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of the International Property Maintenance Code hereby adopted or fail to comply with any order made thereunder, shall severally for each and every violation and noncompliance respectively, be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500.00) or by imprisonment for not more than one hundred eighty (180) days, or by both such fine and imprisonment. The imposition of one penalty for violation shall not excuse the violation or permit it to continue. The application of the penalty shall not be held to prevent enforced removal of prohibited Section 16. That Section 9-31 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Opelika is hereby amended to read as follows: Sec. 9-31. International Fire Code.
(a)Adopted. Pursuant to the authority granted to the cities and towns of Alabama by Section 11-45-8
of the Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, there is hereby adopted by the city, for the purpose of prescribing regulations governing conditions hazardous to life and property from fire hazards or explosions all of that certain code printed in pamphlet form known as the International Fire Code recommended by the International Code Council, Inc., being particularly the 2021 edition, of which code not less than three (3) copies have been and now are filed in the offices of the building inspector and fire inspector of the city and the same are hereby adopted and incorporated as fully as if set out at length herein and from the date on which this section shall take effect, the provisions thereof shall be controlling within the corporate limits of the city.
(b)Conflict. Should any of the provisions of the International Fire Code or the NFPA1 Fire Prevention Code conflict with any of the provisions of any other ordinance of the city, the more restrictive provision shall prevail.
(c)Responsibility for enforcement. The fire chief of the city and his representatives shall be responsible for the enforcement of the provisions of the codes hereby adopted. Section 17. That Section 9-31.1 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Opelika is hereby amended to read as follows: Sec. 9-31.1. Modifications and amendments to International Fire Code. The International Fire Code hereby adopted shall be revised, modified and amended as follows: Appendixes A, J, K, L and M are hereby deleted. Section 18. That Section 9-33 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Opelika is hereby amended to read as follows: Sec. 9-33. Life Safety Code.
(a)Adopted. Pursuant to the authority granted to the cities and towns of Alabama by Section 11-45-8 of the Code of Alabama, 1975 as amended, there is hereby adopted by the city for the purpose of prescribing regulations to provide public safety from fire all of that certain code printed in pamphlet form known as The Life Safety Code, NFPA101, recommended by the National Fire Protection Association, being particularly the 2021 edition, of which code not less than three (3) copies have been and now are filed in the office of the building and fire inspector of the city and the same are hereby adopted and incorporated as fully as if set out at length herein, and from the date on which this section shall take effect, the provision thereof shall be controlling within the corporate limits of the city.
(b)Exception. Section 24.3.5 is hereby deleted.
(c)Responsibility for enforcement. The fire chief and the building official of the city and their representatives shall be responsible for the enforcement of the provisions of the code hereby adopted. Section 19. Repealer Clause. All former ordinances or parts thereof conflicting or inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance are repealed.
Section 20. Severability. If any section, clause, provision or portion of this Ordinance shall be held to be invalid or unconstitutional by any Court of any competent jurisdiction, said decision shall not affect any other section, clause, provision or portion of this Ordinance which is not in or of itself invalid or unconstitutional.
Section 21. Construction. If any section, paragraph or sentence or word of this Ordinance or the section hereby adopted be declared for any reason to be invalid, it is the intent of the City Council that it would have passed all other portions of this Ordinance and the section hereby adopted independent of the elimination therefrom of such portion that may be declared invalid.
Section 22. Effective Date. This Ordinance and the codes hereby adopted shall take effect and be enforced immediately upon its adoption and publication as required by law.
Section 23. Publication. The City Clerk of the City of Opelika, Alabama is hereby authorized and directed to cause this Ordinance to be published one (1) time in a newspaper of general circulation published in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama.
ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 17th day of September, 2024./s/ Eddie Smith PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA ATTEST: /s/ Russell A. Jones, MMC CITY CLERK
TRANSMITTED TO MAYOR on this the 18th day of September, 2024. /s/Russell A. Jones, MMC CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR
APPROVED this the 18th day of September, 2024. /s/Gary Fuller MAYOR
ATTEST: /s/Russell A. Jones, MMC CITY CLERK Legal Run 09/26/2024
Sen. Katie Britt co-sponsors bill to ease cost of childcare
CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sens. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Katie Britt (R-Ala.) have introduced the Child Care Availability and Affordability Act and the Child Care Workforce Act — two pieces of legislation that together form a bold bipartisan proposal to make childcare more affordable and accessible by strengthening existing tax credits to lower childcare costs and increase the supply of childcare providers.
“I’ve heard from Virginians in every corner of the Commonwealth about how difficult it is to find affordable childcare, and how low wages are driving dedicated childcare workers out of a field they love,” said Kaine. “This crisis is holding our families, workers, and economy back, and I’m proud to be introducing a bold bipartisan proposal to tackle it head on.”
“Accessing and affording childcare is a costly challenge all too familiar to families across Alabama and our entire nation,” said Britt. “This growing crisis has resulted in more and more parents, especially mothers, being forced to leave the workforce. I’m proud to join Sen. Kaine in leading this bipartisan legislation to put parents back in the driver’s seat by empowering and equipping hardworking Americans to determine the best path for their family. Our common ground solutions will help strengthen America’s labor force participation, fueling local Main Street small businesses and growing the economy.
“If a woman or a man wants and has the opportunity to stay home, I want them to have that opportunity, but if they want to be a part of the workforce, if there is a dream that they are pursuing and a passion for
NOTICES >> from A8
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
their family, I don’t want childcare to be an impediment to them being able to reenter the workforce,” Britt said. “We’re trying to figure out how we could have some simple but practical solutions that put parents back in the driver’s seat and that encouraged businesses, both big and small, to actually be involved in helping their employees with this really incredible challenge.”
Britt and Kaine said across the country, too many families cannot find — or afford — the high-quality childcare they need so parents can go to work and children can thrive. Meanwhile, childcare workers are struggling to make ends meet on the poverty-level wages they are paid, and childcare providers are struggling to simply stay afloat, and this crisis costs our economy $122 billion each year.
Specifically, the Child Care Availability and Affordability Act would make childcare more affordable by:
• Increasing the size of the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC) and making it refundable, allowing lower income working families with out-of-pocket childcare expenses to benefit from the credit for the first time. The proposal substantially expands the maximum CDCTC to $2,500 for families with one child and $4,000 for families with two or more children.
• Strengthening the Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) to allow families to deduct 50% more in expenses (up to $7,500).
• Allowing eligible families to benefit from both the DCAP and the CDCTC when their childcare expenses exceed the DCAP threshold. This will have big benefits for middle income families who
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
currently do not access the CDCTC but have particularly high childcare costs.
• Radically bolstering the underutilized Employer-Provided Child Care Tax Credit — commonly referred to as 45F — to encourage businesses to provide childcare to their employees. The Kaine-Britt plan would increase the maximum credit from $150,000 to $500,000, and the percentage of expenses covered from 25% to 50%. The legislation also includes a larger incentive for small businesses (a maximum credit of $600,000) and allows for joint applications for groups of small businesses who want to pool resources.
Because many child care providers are forced out of the industry by low wages — which makes it even harder for families to find affordable child care — the Child Care Workforce Act would make it easier to access child care, by establishing a competitive grant program for states, localities, Tribes and Tribal organizations that are interested in adopting or expanding pay supplement programs for child care workers to increase supply and reduce turnover. Within that program:
• Grantees would provide supplements, paid out at least quarterly, directly to both home-based and center-based licensed childcare providers licensed by the state.
• There would be a required evaluation of impacts on turnover, quality of childcare, availability of affordable childcare and alleviating the financial burden on child care providers. Model programs exist in Virginia, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Maine and the District of Columbia, with evaluations demonstrating large effects on the supply of workers, educator turnover and worker well-being and satisfaction.
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
ORDINANCE NO. 024-24
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA (HIDDEN LAKES NORTHLOWE PROPERTY PUD) BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows: Section 1. FINDINGS. The Council has determined and hereby finds and declares that the following facts are true and correct: (a)Carole Lowe Raymer (“Raymer”) is the owner of record of that certain property consisting of 68.4
The proposal contains two bills because one proposes changes to existing tax credits, which best fits within the Senate Finance Committee’s jurisdiction, and the other authorizes a new pilot program, which fits the jurisdiction of the Senate HELP Committee.
“Inadequate compensation is the most pressing issue in early childhood education, impacting educators, children, families, businesses and the economy,” said Michelle Kang, CEO of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). “NAEYC is pleased to endorse the Child Care Workforce Act, which provides bipartisan support for a federal role in increasing wages for educators working in childcare centers and family childcare homes. We urge Congress to continue working together towards long-term solutions that increase compensation and supply, and to prioritize sustainable and substantial direct investments in early childhood education and educators.”
“The Bipartisan Kaine-Britt Child Care Proposal is an innovative package that strives to help address the unique challenges facing working parents, employers, and childcare providers. By updating our tax code and taking additional measures to increase childcare supply, this plan will provide meaningful support to hundreds of thousands of working families across the country,” said First Five Years Fund Executive Director Sarah Rittling. “We are so grateful for the bipartisan leadership of Sens. Kaine and Britt for reaching across the aisle to find common sense solutions for working families, and we look forward to working with them to get this package over the finish line.”
acres located on the north side of Sportsplex Parkway.
(b)Raymer, by and through her authorized representative, BarrettSimpson, Inc., heretofore submitted to the City a development plan for a planned unit development (“PUD”) consisting of approximately 68.4 acres, designated as “Hidden Lakes North-Lowe Property Planned Unit Development”.
(c)The proposed development is a residential development consisting of approximately 132 single-family home lots. The development plan shows planned open space areas, amenity areas, and on-site detention. The development plan shows two (2) entry points into the development from Sportsplex Parkway and one entry point from Andrews Road. The development plan also shows cross-access to the adjoining Hidden Lakes North development. The proposed density is less than 2 units per acre.
(d) On July 23, 2024, the Planning Commission heretofore conducted a public hearing of the proposed development and referred to the City Council its recommendation to approve the proposed development.
(e)It is advisable and in the interest of the City and the public interest that the proposed property described in Section 3 below should be developed as a residential planned unit development.
Section 2. APPROVAL OF THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN. The Development Plan as submitted for review is hereby approved and affirmed as required by Section 8.18(N) of the Zoning Ordinance of the City.
Section 3. DESIGNATION OF A PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT. The official Zoning Map is hereby amended and the zoning classification for the following parcel of land shall be changed from a R-1 District (LowDensity Residential District) to a Planned Unit Development (PUD) on the official zoning map of the City. A tract or parcel of land containing 68 acres more or less being all that part of the the N1/2 of the SW1/4 of Section 33, Township 20 North, Range 27 East, Lee County, Alabama lying east of Andrews Road and north of Sportsplex Parkway.
The above-described property, containing approximately 68.4 acres, is located on the north side of Sportsplex Parkway.
Section 4. RETENTION OF COPIES OF DEVELOPMENT
PLAN. Copies of the Development Plan shall be maintained in the office of the City Clerk, City Planner, City Engineer and Building Official and shall be open for public inspection.
Section 5. REPEALER. Any ordinance or part thereof in conflict with provisions of this Ordinance be and the same are hereby repealed.
Section 6. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall become effective upon its adoption, approval and publication as required by law.
Section 7. PUBLICATION. This Ordinance shall be published one (1) time in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama. ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 17th day of September, 2024./s/
“We applaud the bipartisan leadership of Sens. Kaine and Britt in their joint efforts to identify innovative and impactful policy solutions that will increase access to quality child care for America’s working families,” said Michele Stockwell, President of Bipartisan Policy Center Action. “Choosing where and with whom to leave your child while you are at work is among the most personal choices a parent can make and one that has resulted in parents opting to leave the workforce because of lack of access to quality care.”
In addition to NYEAC, First Five Years Fund and BPC Action, the legislation is endorsed by A+ Education Partnership, Alabama Arise, Alabama School Readiness Alliance, American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Business Council of Alabama, Care.com, Chamber of Progress, Chamber RVA, Child Care Aware of America (CCAoA), Child Care Aware of Virginia , Children’s Institute, Early Care & Education Consortium (ECEC), Educare Learning Network, Gingerbread Kids Academy, Hampton Roads Chamber, Healthy Kids AL, KinderCare Learning Companies, Manufacture Alabama, Metrix IQ, Mobile Area Education Foundation, National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), National Child Care Association (NCCA), Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce (NVC), Save the Children, Small Business Majority, Start Early, Third Way, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Virginia Chamber of Commerce, Virginia Early Childhood Foundation (VECF), VOICES for Alabama’s Children, Voices for Virginia’s Kids, the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) and ZERO TO THREE.
Eddie Smith PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA ATTEST: /s/ Russell A. Jones, MMC CITY CLERK TRANSMITTED TO MAYOR on this the 18th day of September, 2024. /s/Russell A. Jones, MMC CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR APPROVED this the 18th day of September, 2024. /s/Gary Fuller MAYOR ATTEST: /s/Russell A. Jones, MMC CITY CLERK Legal Run 09/26/2024
IN PROBATE COUNTY OF LEE COUNTY, STATE OF ALABAMA, IN RE: The Estate of BRENDA GRANT JOHNSON, Deceased Case Number: 2024-542 TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary b,aving been granted to GEORGE H. JOHNSON, III and LESLIE J. HARRIS as CoExecutors of the Estate of BRENDA GRANT JOHNSON, deceased, on the 19th day of September, 2024, by the Honorable BILL ENGLISH. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.
Bradley R. Coppedge, Attorney for the Estate of Brenda Grant Johnson Legal Run 09/26/24, 10/03/24 & 10/10/24
NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF MARY NAN MCCULLOUGH, Deceased PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY CASE NO.: 2024-283 LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION WITH THE WILL ANNEXED of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 19th day of September, 2024, by the Honorable Bill English, Probate Judge 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.
Benjamin H. Parr, Administrator Legal Run 09/26/24, 10/03/24 & 10/10/24
STORAGE TREASURES AUCTION
Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 2020 S. College St. Auburn, AL 36832 Thursday, October 3, 2024 at 10:00AM
Unit A22
Unit B78
Unit C276
The auction will be listed and
the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property. Run Date 09/26/2024
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF ELVEN RUDD, DECEASED COURT OF PROBATE LEE COUNTY Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 19th day of September, 2024, by the Hon. 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 law or the same will be barred. Witness our hands, and dated this the 19th day of September, 2024. BARABAR A. BREWER Legal Run 09/26/24, 10/03/24 & 10/10/24
NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION 2007 Blue Toyota Camry for Auction October 11, 2024. Held at 9:00 am at 2021 S. College St. in Auburn, AL at 10:00 am Legal Run 09/26/24, 10/03/24 IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Notice of the filing of Petition for Summary Distribution In the Estate of ANNIE PEARL PHILLIPS, Deceased, Case No. 2024-556 Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary distribution has been filed in the Lee County Probate Office by MOSED PHILLIPS, JR., on September 24, 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 09/26/2024
ORDINANCE NO. 025-24
AN ORDINANCE APPROVING FIRST AMENDMENT TO GROUND LEASE BETWEEN THE CITY OF OPELIKA AND SBA TOWERS IV, LLC
WHEREAS, the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) owns certain real property located south of West Ridge Park, adjacent to I-85; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Ordinance No. 107-00, the City, as Lessor, and Hemphill Corporation, as Lessee, entered into a certain Ground Lease dated January 25, 2000, for use of a portion of the real property containing approximately 0.22 acres (the “Premises”), located at 1051 Douglas Street, Opelika, Alabama; and WHEREAS, Hemphill Corporation constructed a communications antenna tower on the Premises; and WHEREAS, as evidenced by that certain Memorandum of Assignment dated August 9, 2012, Hemphill Corporation assigned its rights and obligations under the Lease to SBA Towers IV, LLC (the “Company”); and WHEREAS, the City and the Company desire and intend to amend and supplement the Lease to provide for five (5) additional successive renewal terms of five (5) years; and WHEREAS, the Company has prepared and submitted to the City Council for approval a document entitled “First Amendment to Ground Lease” (the “First Amendment”), and the City Council has determined that it is now in the best interest of the City and its citizens to approve said First Amendment.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “Council”) as the governing body of the City:
1. That the proposed First Amendment to Ground Lease between the City and the Company, a copy of which is attached hereto and marked as Exhibit “A”, is hereby approved, authorized, ratified and confirmed in the form substantially submitted to the City Council with such changes thereto (by addition, deletion or substitution) as the Mayor shall approve, which approval shall be evidenced by execution and delivery of said First Amendment.
2. That the Mayor is hereby authorized and directed to execute and deliver said First Amendment in the name and on behalf of the City.
3. That the officers of the City and any person or persons designated and authorized by any officers of the City to act in the name and on behalf of the City, or any one or more of them, are authorized to do or cause to be done or performed
in the name and on behalf of the City such other acts and to execute and deliver or cause to be executed and delivered in the name and on behalf of the City such other notices, certificates, assurances or other instruments or other communications under the seal of the City or otherwise, as they or any of them deem necessary or advisable or appropriate in order to carry into effect the intent of the provisions of this Ordinance and the First Amendment.
4. That upon completion of the execution of the First Amendment by all parties, a copy of such agreement shall be kept on file by the City.
5. That this ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its adoption and publication as required by law.
ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 17th day of September, 2024./s/ Eddie Smith PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA ATTEST:
/s/ Russell A. Jones, MMC CITY CLERK TRANSMITTED TO MAYOR on this the 18th day of September, 2024. /s/ Russell A. Jones, MMC CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR APPROVED this the 18th day of September, 2024.
/s/ Gary Fuller MAYOR ATTEST:
/s/Russell A. Jones, MMC CITY CLERK Legal Run 09/26/2024
IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of OLEN TERRY YATES, Deceased NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration have been granted to DONNA YATES as Administrator of the Estate of OLEN TERRY YATES, deceased, on the 30th day of July. 2024, by the Honorable Bill English. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Legal Run 09/26/24, 10/03/24 & 10/10/24
IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The estate of Frank P. Lawler, Deceased. Case No. 2024-480 TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration having been granted to Brenda Lawler as Administratrix of the Estate of Frank P. Lawler, deceased, on the
CLASSIFIEDS
HELP WANTED
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9th day of September, 2024.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same be barred. Brenda Lawler, as Administratrix of the Estate of Frank P. Lawler, Deceased
Marrell J. McNeal, Attorney at Law, PC PO Box 308 Opelika, AL 36803
334-745-7033
Legal Run 09/26/24, 10/03/24 & 10/10/24
IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE:The estate of Eric Montgomery Ford, Deceased. Case No.: 2024-225 TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration having been granted to Jody Lynn Boda Ford as Administratrix of the Estate of Eric Montgomery Ford, deceased, on the 12th day of September, 2024.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same be barred.
Jody Lynn Boda Ford, Administratrix of the Estate of Eric Montgomery Ford, Deceased
Marrell J. McNeal, Attorney at Law, PC PO Box 308 Opelika, AL 36803
334-745-7033
Legal Run 09/26/24, 10/03/24, 10/10/24
Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 1412 Opelika Rd Auburn, AL 36830 - Thursday, October 3rd, 2024 @ 10:00 AM Unit # 248 The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures. com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.
Run Date 09/26/2024
STORAGE TREASURES
AUCTION
Extra Space Storage (Life Storage) will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: (1231 Gatewood Dr. Auburn Al ) Thursday, 10-3-2024 at 10:00AM Unit 150 Unit 439
AUCTION
2007 Blue Toyota Camry for Auction October 11, 2024. Held at 9:00 am at 2021 S. College St. in Auburn, AL at 10:00 am
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Unit 445 The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures. com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.
Run Date 09/26/2024
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
ESTATE OF W.B. BANDY
DECEASED CASE NO. 2024-347
PROBATE COURT OF LEE
COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Take Notice that LETTERS
TESTAMENTARY of the Estate of W. B. BANDY, are hereby granted to John Douglas Bandy. on the 9th day of September, 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. John Douglas Bandy Legal Run 09/26/24, 10/03/24 & 10/10/24
ADVERTISEMENT OF SALE
Property described below will be sold per the The Self-Service Storage Facilities Act. Sale on Monday the 7th day of October, 2024 at 1:00 PM with bidding to take place on lockerfox.com. Payment and pickup at facility. Storage Rentals of America, 3806 Pepperell Pkwy, Opelika, AL, 36801-6024 ASKEW, BRENTONIA. Hooks, Qortez. martin, lauren. Daniels, Cindy. Scott, Shernetta. Legal Run 09/26/2024
ADVERTISEMENT OF SALE
Property described below will be sold per the The Self-Service Storage Facilities Act. Sale on Monday the 7th day of October, 2024 at 1:00 PM with bidding to take place on lockerfox.com. Payment and pickup at facility. Storage Rentals of America, 501 26th St, Opelika, AL, 36801 Jones, Henry. Lewis, Courtney. Williams, Calandra. Atkinson, Quadaryl. Dowdell Sullins, Montyannah. Brown, Hannah. Wright, Shalanda Legal Run 09/26/2024
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No.: CV-2024- 900311 SALTWATER TOURS LLC, Plaintiff, v. A tract or parcel of land designated as Lot 2, Atha McKnight Fowler Subdivision, according to and as shown on the map or plat record in
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Town Plat Book 13, at Page 15, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama. And ROSIE LEE WILSON, and/ or the unknown heirs of Rosie Lee Wilson, And BENJAMIN WILSON, and/or the unknown heirs of Benjamin Wilson, 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. MOTION FOR SERVICE BY PUBLICATION COMES NOW the Plaintiff, Saltwater Tours, LLC, by and through their undersigned counsel, and respectfully requests this Court enter an Order allowing the named Defendants herein, to be served by publication and as grounds for such would show as follows:
1. Plaintiff hereby requests that the Court allow it to serve a Notice of Publication, pursuant to the Code of Alabama, Sections 6-6-563 and 6-6-564.
2. Certain Defendants named in Plaintiff’s Complaint and Counsel’s Affidavit, attached hereto as “EXHIBIT A”, are fictitious parties, being persons or entities claiming an interest in the parcel of real property that is subject of this action, who can only be reasonably served by newspaper of general circulation in Lee County, Alabama.
3. As stated in the Complaint and attached Affidavit, certain of the named Defendants are believed to be deceased.
4. Additionally, after diligent search and inquiry, the whereabouts of the heirs of the deceased named Defendants are unable to be ascertained.
5. As stated in the Complaint and attached Affidavit, after diligent inquiry, Plaintiff has been unable to identify any persons or entities not named in the Complaint claiming interest in the subject property. WHEREFORE, these premises considered, the Plaintiff respectfully requests that this Honorable Court enter an Order allowing the Plaintiff to serve by publication any unknown Defendants, in accordance to Rule 4.3 of the Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure. Respectfully submitted this the 2nd day of July, 2024. /s/ Jarret A. Layson Jarret A. Layson (LAY-005) Ingrum & Layson, LLC 830 Avenue A, Suite B Opelika, AL 36801 334-745-3333 jarret@ilclawoffice.com Legal Run 09/26/24, 10/03/24, 10/10/24 & 10/17/24
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they made one of the most magnanimous and transformative gifts in state history. They donated $100 million to the University of Alabama at Birmingham Medical School. Last year, the University of Alabama Board of Trustees named the world famous UAB Medical School and Center — our state’s “crown jewel” — as the Marnix Heersink School of Medicine.
The good doctor is a tall, towering, lean, distinguished gentleman who still operates every day at 77. To visit with him, you would never know that he has used his brilliance in medicine and business to become one of the wealthiest and most successful entrepreneurs in our state. His quiet, humble and sincere persona exudes and exemplifies his caring and humility. After visiting with him, you feel that you are in the presence of a truly great man who is sincerely interested and cares for you. There are thousands of patients who have felt that caring and healing demeanor over the past 45 years. Heersink will go down in Alabama history as not only one of our great healers, but through his entrepreneurial skills, he is also one of the most profound philanthropists in our state. The Wire-grass and the state of Alabama will long remember the name of Marnix Heersink for generations. 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.
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Contractor arrested for defrauding local businesses
CONTRIBUTED BY OPD
OPELIKA — In July, Opelika Police began investigating reports of theft of services from local businesses, hired by a contractor, who had not received payment.
The contractor, identified as 61-year-old Andrew Charles Chambers from Longview, Washington, had hired subcontractors to work on a new residential development in Opelika. During the investigation, it was discovered that the landowners had provided Chambers with over $600,000 in funding to pay subcontractors to develop the project. Chambers provided checks to multiple subcontractors;
however, the funds were not in Chambers’ bank account to adequately cover the cost of their products and services. Chambers has previously been arrested on similar charges in other jurisdictions.
On Sept. 19, he was arrested on a warrant for aggravated theft by deception.
This case remains under investigation. Anyone with information on this case or the suspect is asked to contact the Opelika Police Department Detective Division at (334) 705-5220 or the Secret Witness Hotline at (334) 7458665. Tips can be submitted through our Opelika Police Mobile App. You may wish to remain anonymous.
Juvenile arrested for theft
CONTRIBUTED BY APD
AUBURN — On Sept. 19, Auburn Police arrested a 17-year-old juvenile from Auburn on four charges of unlawfully breaking and entering into a motor vehicle, four charges of theft of property second degree, theft of property first degree and receiving stolen property second degree. The arrest stems from Auburn Police receiving multiple reports involving vehicle burglaries and thefts that occurred
throughout the month of August and early September. The crimes occurred at various locations within the Auburn Police jurisdiction.
The 17-year-old juvenile was developed as a suspect, and after further investigation multiple juvenile complaints were signed. The juvenile was located on Sept. 19, and stolen items connected to the investigations were recovered.
The juvenile was released to an authorized adult at the request of the Lee County Juvenile Intake Office.
All persons arrested are considered innocent until convicted in a court of law.
Opelika police seeking help to identify suspect
CONTRIBUTED BY OPD
OPELIKA — On Sept. 17, the Opelika Police Department began investigating a report of theft of property which occurred at Ulta, located at 2690 Enterprise Drive. At approximately 1:30 p.m., the suspect entered the store and began to conceal various fragrances before leaving in an unknown vehicle. The male suspect can be seen on surveillance video wearing a black North Face hat, blue shirt, gray jogger pants, and black sneakers. If you have any information on this incident or the identity of the suspect, please contact the Opelika Police Department Detective Division at (334) 705-5220 or the Secret Witness Hotline at (334) 745-8665. Tips can be submitted through thew Opelika Police Mobile App. You may wish to remain anonymous. Tips can also be forwarded through Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at (334) 215STOP (7867), toll-free at 1-833-AL1-STOP, or via www.Facebook. com/215stop or www.215STOP.com.
Early morning raid ends in drug trafficking arrests
Smiths Station pair also face charges of chemical endangerment of baby
CONTRIBUTED BY LCSO
LEE COUNTY — On
Sept. 20 at approximately 6 a.m., the Lee County Sheriff’s Investigative Division, SWAT team and deputies, along with Muscogee County Sheriff’s Investigators, executed a drug search warrant in the 600 block of Lee Road 293 in the Smiths Station community.
The search warrant, led by Lee County Investigators FAST team, resulted
in the arrest of Kenneth Byron Halsey, 48, and Kacee Jo Pruitt, 30, both of Smiths Station.
During the search, approximately 869 grams of methamphetamine, a small amount of marijuana, drug paraphernalia and three firearms were recovered. A nine-monthold child present at the scene was immediately placed in the custody of the Alabama Department of Human Resources.
Halsey and Pruitt were both charged with
trafficking methamphetamine, chemical endangerment of a child, possession of marijuana second degree and possession of drug paraphernalia. They are being held in the Lee County Jail on a $56,000 bond each.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at (334) 749-5651 or Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at (334) 215STOP (7867).
Auburn police offering community training for emergencies
AUBURN — The Auburn Police Department offers several programs to help prepare and educate Auburn residents. The following training events will be offered at APD in October:
CRASE Training: Oct. 3, 6-9 p.m.
CRASE or Civilian Response to Active Attack Events is a free community training provided by Auburn Police Department for those who would like to learn how to best protect them-selves in the event of an active attack event. CRASE is delivered in a statistically informed
curriculum developed by Texas State University originally designed for businesses, religious organizations, schools and universities.
Trainings are conducted by Auburn Police officers who are certified CRASE instructors and will provide strategies, guidance and a proven plan for improving survivability in an active shooter event.
Topics included in CRASE:
• Disaster response including civilian response options
• Considerations for conducting drills
• How to assist law enforcement
• How to limit casualties and more
Parkinson's Disease Support Group
Mission
We
Our Meetings
We
Fall Meeting Dates
STOP THE BLEED: Oct. 8, 6-9 p.m.
The number one cause of preventable death after injury is bleeding. With STOP THE BLEED® training, you can learn three quick actions to save a life.
Prior registration is required for the training sessions. Parental consent is required for participants who are 18 years or younger. Each member of your party should sign up individually.
For groups larger than 10 or for additional questions regarding CRASE training opportunities, call (334) 501-3110 or email Lt. Darrell Downing at ddowning@ auburnalabama.org.
Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024
Altar call Welcome the touch of another hand
OPINION —
Need a job? A good way to get hired is to say to a foreman, who might need someone with your skills, “Can you use another hand?” If he accepts your offer, and you put in a good day’s work, you may have a steady job the next day.
There are few people who do not need another hand to help with their work. Most work is done by teams working together in supportive roles. Each team member contributes to the success of the group. Negative attitudes
BY WALTER ALBRITTON
diminish a team’s success. Jealousy creates friction that can ruin a team. Envy makes one miserable and never solves anything. It drains team members of energy and enthusiasm. Nobody enjoys being around a person who demands center stage and wants to hog the glory for
A Taste of Grace
OPINION —
One of my favorite borrowed sayings goes something like this: “Our goal isn’t to get through the Bible as much as it is for the Bible to get through us.” I like that because I know from personal experience how easy it is to get distracted as you work your way through Scripture. You’re busy trying to understand the context, working with challenging words and phrases and comparing what you’re reading with other texts. If you’re not
ANGLICAN
The Good Shepherd Anglican Church
what is done.
Success is usually achieved when a team believes the old adage, “It is amazing how much you can get done if you don’t care who gets the credit for it.” A team works best when all its members remember there is no “I” in the word team. Successful teams discover the harmony of using the word “we.”
The head coach of any team cannot succeed without the help of his staff. The skilled surgeon cannot perform surgery without the help of several assistants. This is true in every arena of life. Even the greatest golfer needs
the help of another hand called a caddy.
In his old age, the father of Sir Hubert von Herkomer was persuaded to spend his last days in the home of his son, a prominent sculptor and Oxford professor. Since the father was also a sculptor, he spent most evenings working with modeling clay. But, hampered by his age and failing eyesight, he was often frustrated at day’s end. Some nights he was almost in despair when he put aside his work and went to bed.
After the old man had gone to bed, his son would work secretly at the
clay his father had been shaping. In the morning the old man, not knowing that another hand had improved his work, would exclaim with delight, “Why it isn’t as bad as I thought!”
God often works like another hand in our lives. He takes our feeble efforts and touches them, making them more than we ever dreamed they could be. More than once the Lord has taken sermons I felt were failures and used them to touch the heart of someone who needed to hear what He said through my feeble words.
Look for ways that you can be another hand for
Meditating on God’s Word
BY BRUCE
mindful, Bible study becomes an end in itself, and you forget all about addressing the most
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
CHURCH DIRECTORY REACH
important questions, “What is God trying to tell me through this text?” and “How does this help me to know and serve Him better?”
Jesus took the religious leaders of His time to task for this. He told them, “You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life, yet you refuse to come to Me to have life” (John 5:39-40). Their Bible study became an end in itself rather than a means of coming to God through Jesus. How tragic! It’s the doctor failing to
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
take of himself, the auto mechanic’s car not running or the grocer not having any food for his table. And this brings us to meditation. The psalmist tells us:
• “I meditate on Your precepts and consider Your ways” (119:15),
• “ . . . your servant will meditate on Your decrees” (119:23),
• “Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long” (119:97),
Earl Lavender said, “Meditation is taking the words of God to heart and letting them ask questions of us.”
someone. Let someone who is struggling lean on you and regain the strength to move on. And be thankful for any other hand that touches your own in a helpful way. Tell your teammates how grateful you are for the ways they contribute to your success. Those in supportive roles need to hear the Big Guy say, “I couldn’t do it without you!” Wear the garment of gratitude today and welcome any other hand that the Lord sends your way. This just might be what Jesus had in mind when he said, “Love one another.”
• “My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on Your promises” (119:148). You get the idea. He uses the word 16 times. Now, he already knew what the word of God said. He understood what it taught. Meditation was the act of opening his life to God’s word.
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
In meditation, we are allowing God to engage His will with our lives. We are hearing with our heart at the deepest level.
The fruit of meditation
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.
is we know not just the teaching, but the Teacher. We hear His voice in our lives. We are filled with the Spirit (compare Ephesians 5:18-19 with Colossians 3:16). Through His word, “God is making His presence known and felt” (McGuiggan). Who doesn’t need that?
Bruce has a new book out called This Is The Day, available through Spiritbuilding Publishers. Find more of his writings at his website: a-taste-ofgrace-with-bruce-green. com.
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
GREEN Teaching Minister at 10th Street Church of Christ in Opelika
RICHARD D. MOODY
Richard D. Moody was born May 1, 1966, and passed away Sept. 22, 2024, at the age of 58. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mildred Moody. He is survived by his father, Lowell Moody; sister, Debra (James) Thornton; brother, Kenny Moody; nephews, Levi, Anthony, Jona and Timmy; and nieces, Bridgett and Jessie.
A graveside service was held Sept. 25 at Garden Hills Cemetery. Frederick-Dean Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
JOAN EVANS HINKLE
Joan Evans Hinkle passed away on Sept. 21, 2024, at age 90. Joan was born on July 5, 1934, to Dwight and Clara Evans and lived most of her childhood in Melrose Park, Illinois. She attended Proviso Township High School, where she played in the band and was the drum major. She went on to attend Elmhurst College with her identical twin sister Janet as her roommate.
Joan married her high school sweetheart, James Elmer Hinkle, who received his commission as an Air Force pilot two months later. Joan traveled in support of Jim’s career and together they raised four children: Michelle (Chuck) Hammock, Cheryll (Randy) Ross, Sandra (William) Taylor and James (Kristie) Hinkle. Joan remained the anchor as the family was stationed all over the United States. She was a scout leader, PTA volunteer and homemaker whose crafts and baking won ribbons at several Alabama State Fairs. Joan loved hosting family gatherings and volunteering.
The family settled in Montgomery in 1973 when Jim retired. They saw each of their children become an Auburn graduate, making them a house of War Eagles. Joan loved watching any kind of sports on television. She also enjoyed the daily crossword puzzle, trivia, brain teasers and Sodoku. Joan would do anything for
you as long as it wasn’t during Jeopardy.
After retirement, Jim began a second career as an Industrial Arts teacher at Georgia Washington Junior High School. Joan soon followed, starting first as a long-term substitute and then full-time as the in-school suspension supervisor. She was a regular at school football games, where Jim announced the plays and Joan kept the scoreboard.
After their second retirement, Jim and Joan traveled around the world and took multiple trips to Disney World. They were both involved in Sunday school and church activities at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, and Joan volunteered with the American Red Cross during hurricane evacuations.
Joan and Jim shared 64 years of marriage before Jim died on Jan. 13, 2020. She was predeceased by her parents and a sister, Janet Wendel. In addition to their four children, Joan leaves behind six grandchildren: Sarah Taylor (Charlie) Vaughan, Erin Hammock (Liam) Kelly, Rachel Taylor, Charles James (Kim Belanger-Giguere) Hammock, James Eric Hinkle and Joshua Hinkle; and great-grandchildren Leah, Robert and Robin Jeanette Vaughan. Joan also leaves behind the continued love and support of Jim’s brothers, sisters and their families.
Joan was buried during a private ceremony at the Alabama National Cemetery, with Frederick-Dean Funeral Home assisting with arrangements.
EDDIE W. RUDD
Eddie W Rudd was born Aug. 14, 1933, and passed away Sept. 19, 2024, at the age of 91. A funeral service was held Sept. 22 at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home, with Thad Endicott officiating.
LILLIAN L. WILT
Lillian L Wilt was born Jan. 27, 1931, and passed away on Sept. 17, 2024, at the age of 93.
OBITUARIES
A graveside service was held Sept. 20 at Auburn Memorial Park, with Lamar Hood officiating.
Frederick-Dean Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
ROBERT “BOB” DEVALL
Robert “Bob” Devall was born Feb. 5, 1953, in England and passed away Sept. 16, 2024, at Magnolia Manor Nursing Home at the age of 71.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Alice Devall; mother, Barbara Devall; father, Charles Devall; brothers, Mark and Wayne Devall; sisters, Shirley Devall and Laurie Devall; and niece, Heather Watkins.
He is survived by his brother, Ken (Brenda) Devall; sister, Terry (Joe) Watkins; stepchildren, Sharon Blair, Morris (Deborah) Haywood, Marcia (Mickey) McClelland and Darrell (Jeanette) Haywood; 12 grandchildren; 35 greatgrandchildren; eight great-greatgrandchildren and many nieces, nephews and friends.
As an Army brat, Robert’s childhood was a well-travelled one, born in England and growing up at Army bases in California, Missouri, France and Germany. Columbus, Georgia, was always “home” between assignments, and Robert spent the rest of his life in the Columbus area.
Robert loved his family and his motorcycles. He can now ride the streets of Heaven on his Harley.
GRADY “KIM” BIRCHFIELD
Grady Kim “Bebo”
Birchfield, age 70, passed away Sept. 18, 2024, at Bethany House in Auburn.
Kim was born Dec. 25,1953, in Wichita, Kansas. He was a 1972 Opelika High School graduate. He was retired from Adams Beverage and most recently Auburn City Schools as a bus driver. He was an avid golfer and fisherman. He had many dear friends, and he cherished their friendships. Kim loved life and always loved
having a good time.
Kim was preceded in death by his parents, William and Carleen Birchfield.
He is survived by his wife, Marla Birchfield; bonus son Dustin (Kristen) Carlisle; granddaughter, Kaitlin Carlisle; brothers, Larry and Ricky Birchfield; and special niece and nephew Keri (Shane) McDonald and Mitchell (Bethany) Birchfield.
Services were held Sept. 20 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home, with Rev. Johnny Coker officiating.
JOHN R. STRONG
John R. Strong, 68, passed away at the Bethany House on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. As an educator, a member of the National Guard, a radiology technician and a carpenter, John had the heart of a servant.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Claire Strong, and a brother, Michael Strong.
He is survived by his wife, Vickie Ford Strong; sons, Jordan Russell Strong and Johnathan Chase Strong; nieces, Laura Elizabeth Strong, Ashlei Babauta and Aleisha Baker; sister-in-law, Susan Gorham; great nieces, Kelsea Orrick and Claire Babauta; and great nephews, Connor Babauta, Jaxon and Jaidon Orrick.
A funeral service was held Sept. 19 at Providence Baptist Church (East Campus) with Dr. Rusty Sowell officiating. Interment followed at SalemMacon Baptist Church Cemetery.
Frederick-Dean Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
JULIE STEVENSON KEIRN
Julie Stevenson Keirn, 75, met her Savior face-to-face on Sept. 23, 2024, after a long battle with vascular dementia.
Born on March 10, 1949, to Billy and Rachel Stevenson, Julie grew up in Daleville, Alabama, along with a sister and two brothers. She was always known as a kind and loving soul
and was just as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside.
Her childhood friends called her “an encourager” to all of her classmates and friends, a role she carried out her whole life. She served as head cheerleader for Daleville High School and was crowned Miss Daleville in 1967.
Julie’s father, Billy, was a helicopter mechanic and living so close to Fort Rucker Army aviation base (now Fort Novosel), helicopters were always a part of her life. So, after high school graduation, she attended Wallace Community College and followed in her Daddy’s footsteps becoming a records analyst, tracking helicopter paths and working side-by-side with their pilots.
Julie married Mark Keirn on Dec. 26, 1980, and the couple moved to Ozark, Alabama. They had one daughter, Shannon, who was the pride of their lives. Shannon was very involved in school and community organizations, activities, and teams and Julie never missed a game, a competition or a performance. She once scaled a fence so fast when Shannon fell face-first from a cheerleader pyramid, that she was the first one to reach her daughter.
In Ozark, Julie was an active member of various social clubs and loved to host get-togethers with friends. She taught Sunday School for high school girls at Ozark Baptist Church and poured into the lives of “her girls,” always being there for them. They could often be found at Julie and Mark’s house confiding in her or seeking advice. She was also an avid runner and created Julie’s Jocks who met her in her driveway every afternoon to run three miles. The group even had Julie’s Jocks T-shirts, so they were visible all around town.
But it was when Shannon married and had children that Julie found her real purpose in life: being “JuJu” to her three grandchildren Raley, Paxton and Landon — and their friends. Following the
death of her beloved husband in 2010, Julie moved to Opelika and became the community chauffeur, ballgame cheerleader and dress-up queen. She was the fun grandmother whose favorite thing to do was to take the grandchildren and their friends to do whatever they wanted to do. She was always available to them and never turned down the opportunity to have a good time.
Julie had many talents, but two “crowd” favorites were her ability to speak pig Latin like it was her first language, and being able to touch her tongue to her nose, a “trick” she was asked to perform regularly.
Julie’s warm, sweet, contagious smile could light up a room. She was generous, joyful, selfless and a loving servant with a fun-loving spirit. She leaves a legacy of a strong faith and a constant and unconditional love.
On Monday, Julie was reunited with the love of her life, with her first grandchild, Raley, who she was not aware had gone before her, and with her parents. What incredible and joyous reunions those were. She is survived by her daughter,Shannon DeLamar and her husband, Jamie, of Opelika; grandson Paxton (Jane) DeLamar and granddaughter Landon, of Opelika; sister Debra (Don) Knippers of Ozark; brothers Michael (Jackie) Stevenson of Eufaula, Alabama, and Paul (Jennifer) Stevenson of Morgantown, North Carolina; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Sunday, Sept. 29, at 1 p.m. at Holman Funeral Home, located at 995 S Union Ave. in Ozark.
A Celebration of Life service will begin at 2 p.m. in the chapel, with burial following in Woodlawn Memory Gardens. For memorial contributions the family suggests the Alzheimer’s Association (225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or www.act. alz.org.
Holman Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
AU Psychological Service Center expands group therapy offerings
BY CHARLOTTE TUGGLE, AU COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS
AUBURN — The Auburn University Psychological Services Center (AUPSC) now offers more group therapy programs for adolescents and adults in east Alabama and surrounding areas.
The AUPSC is a training clinic that provides therapy and assessment services for children, adolescents, adults and families in east Alabama and surrounding areas. Services at AUPSC are open to anyone and patients do not need to be affiliated with Auburn University to seek services.
1. Body Project Group
The Auburn Eating Disorders Clinic (AEDC) is accepting participants for the Body Project Group, a group-based body acceptance program.
The program is designed to help people resist societal pressures to look a certain way and feel more confident in their body through learning and reflection.
The group is open to all individuals over the age of 18 and will be led
by graduate clinicians. For more information and to apply, contact the AEDC or visit the website.
2. Coping skills for adolescents, adults
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) treatment helps improve problematic patterns in emotion regulation, impulse control, interpersonal relationships and self-image.
The AUPSC offers a 20-week DBT Skills Group for ages 13 to 18 and a 15-week DBT Skills Group for adults. The groups focus on mindfulness, walking the middle path, emotion regulation, distress tolerance and interpersonal effectiveness.
The group is designed to help individuals address existing behavioral, emotional and interpersonal problems and begin living a life worth living.
To join the waitlist or learn more, contact the clinic at 334-844-4889.
To be contacted by a clinician, please complete the information survey.
3. CARTT Club
The Center for Autism Research, Treatment and Training (CARTT) Club
is a social skills group for 11- to 13-year-olds that utilizes applied behavior analysis treatment to help improve emotion regulation, impulse control, interpersonal relationships and communication.
CARTT Club offers skill development through skill modeling and practice and discussion and facilitated play, paired with expressive communication, development of an expanded leisure skill repertoire, distress tolerance and interpersonal effectiveness.
These skills are aimed at helping group participants engage with their peers in social, academic and community settings.
Groups are led by graduate and undergraduate clinicians in the Department of Psychological Sciences under the supervision of a board-certified behavior analyst and licensed independent clinical social worker.
Groups are conducted for six- to eight-week sessions each fall and spring.
For more information, contact CARTT at 334844-6691.
YOUR HEALTH YOUR STATUS YOUR BEST LIFE
On the Mark Recreation
Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024
Opelika sports round-up
BY D. MARK MITCHELL
OPINION —
Opelika (4-1, R 2-1) beat Smiths Station (0-5) 50-0, last Friday night at Bulldog Stadium on Homecoming.
The Dogs piled up the points and yards; gaining 398 total yards, 154 passing yards and 224 yards rushing while the defense kept the Panthers off the scoreboard.
Calvin Hughley continues to dominate the running game, scoring two TD’s on runs of 12 and 22 yards.
Jordan Waits rushed for 54 yards while Tommy Johnson and CJ Pink scored rushing TD’s.
Quarterback Colby Key was 10 of 14 for 154 yards, two TD’s and one interception. CJ Sankey was one-of-one for 15 yards.
Receiving, Qyez Johnson caught three passes for 51 yards, Jamari Miller caught three passes for 58-yards, Brodie Jones caught two passes for 27 yards, Jalynn Wahington had 18 yards receiving and Dru Gaglian gained 14 yards on one catch.
The Dogs scored on every possession in the first, except for one interception.
Opelika travels to Pike Road for a non-region game Friday night at 7 p.m. This is the first meeting between PRHS and OHS. The Patriots, coached by Granger Shook, has an Opelika connection with staff; former Opelika QB, assistant coach and offensive coordinator
Jonathan Chandler for PRHS. Pike Road (3-2) lost their first two games to 7A opponents; Prattville (4137) and Enterprise (24-6). The Patriots have won the last three games in a row: Rehobeth (49-19), Wetumpka (17-12) and Percy Julian (39-35).
The two teams put points on the board: PHS has scored 139 points, and Opelika has scored 199 points, but Opelika has only allowed 61 points compared to Pike Road’s 131 points allowed.
I look for OHS to continue winning Friday night. Pike Road is a good team, program and coach Shook does well with his team, but Opelika is too good, the offensive and defensive lines are as big as I’ve seen at Opelika, in my 45 plus years of watching Opelika football. The skill players are improving, special teams are making progress along with the defense.
This is the last non region game on the schedule.
Opelika’s final four regular season games will determine the Bulldogs playoff fate. It is worth noting, Opelika has not made the Class 7A football playoffs since moving into 7A in 2022. Oct. 4 at Dothan, Oct. 11 vs Enterprise (home), Oct. 18 at Central and Thursday, Oct. 24 against Carver in the Crampton Bowl.
Fans attending the OHS/ Pike Road football game are encouraged to buy tickets at See ON THE MARK page B7
Glenwood wins slugfest with Beulah to remain
BY NOAH GRIFFITH FOR THE OBSERVER
VALLEY — The Glen-
wood Gators are out to a 5-0 start for the second year in a row after a 62-38 win in a shootout over the Beulah Bobcats on Friday night.
Last year in the AISA, being unbeaten was nothing surprising for a Glenwood team that was eventual runners up in the state championship. This year, the Gators have taken 3A Region 4 by storm — the latest wave being its biggest scoring performance since 2022 on Beulah’s home turf.
Although Glenwood and head coach Ryan Nelson are on a roll, it enters week five with plenty to clean up on the defensive side of the ball. 38 points was the most the Gators have allowed since the tail end of the 2021 season, and they hadn’t allowed more than three scores in a
game yet this season.
“I couldn’t be more happy to be 5-0,” Nelson said. “It’s like I just told the kids, it doesn’t matter what it looks like, sometimes it ain’t pretty. But you know, we’re striving to be undefeated and we are right now. As long as we keep winning, we’ll be happy around here.”
On the other hand,
Beulah has now dropped two straight to the league’s newcomers, Glenwood and Lee-Scott, after its first 3-0 start since 2018. It gave Glenwood a fight in the first half, including holding a 17-14 lead toward the beginning of the second quarter, but Glenwood was quick to strike all night long.
The scoring started on
defense with senior Kham Cooper jumping out in front of a screen pass and taking it back for a 52yard pick six. After that, Glenwood struck with big plays through the air in the first half before wearing down the Bobcats on the ground to run away with the victory in the latter
See GATORS, page B7
Opelika strolls past Smiths Station
BY DAVID YOHN FOR THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA — The Opelika Bulldogs celebrated their homecoming game with a dominant win over the visiting Panthers from Smiths Station. The 50-0 win was as dominant as the score suggests.
“I am really proud of how we played, how we dominated every phase of the game,” said head coach Bryan Moore.
Senior defensive back Kevian King set the tone early, picking off the Smiths Station pass on the very first play from scrimmage and returning the ball nearly 40 yards to the Panthers’ 28-yard line. The Bulldogs rushed for 11, six and 10 yards on their
first three plays, and senior fullback Tommie Johnson capped the short drive with a one-yard plunge for a touchdown. Reese Beasley
connected on the PAT, his first of six on the night, and Opelika took the very early 7-0 lead.
Smiths Station picked up two first downs, driving from their own 14-yard line before facing fourth-and-7 near midfield. Senior wide
See DAWGS, page B7
The Glenwood Gators burst onto the field ready for action. They defeated the Beulah Bobcats 62-38.
OHS dominated Smiths Station, shutting out the Panthers 50-0.
OHS community pep rally fires up the Bulldogs
Friends, family and other fans of the Opelika Bulldogs gathered for a community pep rally prior to the homecoming game on Sept. 20.
Pictured left, Kamyra Jackson, escorted by her uncle, was crowned Homecoming Queen during Friday night’s half-time festivities. Pictured right is the entire homecoming court.
The Opelika Bulldogs gave their fans a homecoming victory on Friday, defeating Smiths Station by a score of 50-0.
Gators chomp Bobcats in high-scoring game
Glenwood's record improves to 5-0 following its victory over Beulah.
Turnovers again plague Tigers in loss to Arkansas
BY BRANDON HUGHES
FOR THE OBSERVER
AUBURN — Turnovers continue to plague the Auburn Tigers (2-2, 0-1), who fell 24-14 at home to the Arkansas Razorbacks (3-1, 1-0) in the conference opener for both teams. Arkansas has won the last two matchups in Jordan-Hare — something they have not done since the 2006 and 2008 seasons. Before the season began, the Tigers’ schedule looked to be its most promising in recent history, opening with five home games. Four games in, however, Auburn has only two wins — both against lower-tier schools.
It’s early, and there is a lot of football left to play, but the schedule only gets more challenging, so the path to six wins and a bowl berth is looking grim. The defense played solidly and stood up time and again as the offense turned the ball over with alarming regularity, three of which came inside the Arkansas 30-yard line. Auburn entered the game among the nation’s worst in interceptions thrown, and Arkansas had intercepted at least one pass in 50 of its last 52 games, so perhaps the turnovers shouldn’t have been all that surprising.
Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze called the
offensive performance “miserable to watch.”
Arkansas opened the game with an 11-play drive to the Auburn 23 when they missed a 41yard field goal. The Tigers took over and moved the ball well across seven plays before quarterback Hank Brown threw his first of three interceptions on the day. Razorback defender TJ Metcalf tipped the pass intended for tight end Rivaldo Fairweather, which Doneiko Slaughter corralled at the Arkansas 19-yard line. Metcalf would go on to intercept two passes and force a fumble in the game.
The Tiger defense appeared to hold the Razorbacks to a three-and-
out, but Austin Keys was flagged for roughing the passer, giving the offense a first down. The visiting Hogs would capitalize on this second chance, taking a 7-0 lead with a one-yard run on the first play of the second quarter.
The teams exchanged punts on the following three drives. On the fourth drive in the sequence, the Auburn defense came up big with a sack on 4th down, giving the Tigers the ball at the 50-yard line.
Auburn appeared to be on the way to tying the ball game when Damari Alston burst through the left side of the line and raced 36 yards for the score, only to have the football knocked out at the goal line.
Arkansas recovered the ball in the endzone.
Auburn’s defense would hold Arkansas to a threeand-out, but two plays into the ensuing drive, Brown threw his second pick of the game at the Auburn 27-yard line.
Auburn would return the favor one play later with an interception of their own and a 33-yard return, setting the Tigers up near midfield. After opening the drive with a 25-yard completion to Fairweather and Auburn making a push to score before halftime, Brown threw his third interception of the day at the Razorback 8-yard line, sending the game to halftime.
Heading into the locker
room, Freeze told sideline reporter Ronnie Brown, “I gotta find a QB that doesn’t turn the freaking ball over. We got receivers running open, and we’re throwing it to the other team.”
Brown would be benched in favor of previous starter Payton Thorne as Auburn opened the half with the ball. Even though the Tigers ran for 101 yards in the first half on 12 carries, averaging 8.4 yards per rush, and struggling in the passing game, Auburn threw the ball on five of six plays and was forced to punt. Freeze dialed up a fake punt, and punter Oscar Chapman was
See TIGERS, page B6
The Auburn Tigers, plagued by costly mistakes, fell to 2-2 on the season with Saturday’s 24-14 loss to the SEC rival Arkansas Razorbacks.
stopped well short of the first down as he tried to tuck the ball and run for it. Arkansas took over in Auburn territory.
Three plays later, though, the Tigers’ Kayin Lee intercepted the Arkansas pass at the Auburn 27-yard line. Auburn promptly went three-and-out. After Auburn held Arkansas on three plays and forced a punt, the Tigers would finally put together a scoring drive. Aided by a 54-yard pass from Thorne to KeAndre LambertSmith to get the ball to
the Razorback 10-yard line, Thorne and LambertSmith would connect two plays later for a 10-yard touchdown, knotting the game at 7-7.
With a new ball game and the home crowd reenergized, the Auburn defense took the field, looking to get the ball back to the offense with an opportunity to take its first lead of the day. Unfortunately, the defense gave up first downs on a 3rd and 13, third and 10, and a backbreaking third and 19, which resulted in a 58-yard touchdown pass that gave the Razorbacks the lead right back at 14-7. The following Auburn drive ended after only
four plays, with a Thorne interception setting up the Razorbacks at the Auburn 45. The Tiger defense held Arkansas to a field goal, extending the lead to 17-7.
Auburn would claw back to within a single score when, on 4th and 2, Thorne would find his favorite target, LambertSmith, for a seven-yard completion that LambertSmith would take untouched 67 yards to the endzone.
Arkansas got the ball up 17-14, and the Auburn defense appeared to get the ball back to its offense when a pass interference call on third down gave the Hogs a first down. The Tiger defense finally
began to show the effects of the time of possession being so heavily skewed in Arkansas’ favor as the Razorbacks ran the ball ten straight plays, punching it in from a yard out. The runner appeared to be short of the goal line, but replay review upheld the call, giving the Hogs a 24-14 lead.
Asked about his message to the players after the game, Freeze said, “That life is full of tests and we’re being tested. And we’re either going to pass the next test or fail it. There’s no running from that. There’s no hiding from it as coaches and players. How we handle those
moments, the good and the bad, really speaks to who we are. You can decide to fight and understand that we’ve got an opportunity to play a top-20 team at home next week. There’s signs that we can do some good things. But we cannot play as inconsistent as we are. That’s getting really frustrating and old. I’m sure it is to a lot of people.”
When asked who would get the start next week against Oklahoma, he said, “I have no idea, sitting here right now. But I’ll go back to work tomorrow, and I’ll be as locked in as I’ve ever been to try and get it fixed.”
By the Numbers
• KeAndre LambertSmith is 4th nationally with five touchdown receptions on the season. He had four all of last season.
• Auburn has 17 turnovers in its previous four games against power conference opponents. They are 0-4 in those games.
• Auburn’s turnover margin for the season is -10, which ranks 131/134 nationally. The Tigers have turned the ball over 14 times while forcing only four turnovers on defense. Up Next Home versus the Oklahoma Sooners at 2:30 p.m. on ABC.
Under the lights —Week 5
BY D. MARK MITCHELL FOR THE OBSERVER
EAST ALABAMA —
Here are the scores of week five of high school play.
• Lee-Scott (4-1) lost its first game in AHSAA to Randolph County 21-44, and will be open this week; Auburn (5-0) blewout JAG 47-0, and will play at Moody on Friday, Sept. 27;
• Beauregard (4-1) beat Sylacauga 42-10, and will host Andalusia Friday night;
• Benjamin Russell High School (2-3) lost to Spain Park 42-15 and will be hosting Charles Henderson this week;
• Beulah Bobcats (32) lost to the Glenwood
Gators 62-38, and will host the Loachapoka Indiains on Friday. For more on this game, read the recap by Noah Griffith on B1.
• Booker T. Washington (4-0) beat Clebourne County (4114). It will host Bowdon Georgia this week;
• Chambers Academy (4-1) beat Bessemer 386, and will host Morgan on Friday;
• The Glennwood Gators (5-0) will travel to Wadley on Friday;
• Lafayette (2-3) lost to Lanett 52-12, and will be at Red Level on Friday;
• Lanett (4-1) will host Handley Friday night;
• Loachapoka (1-4)
lost to Reeltown 27-13 last week and will be at Beulah Friday night;
• Notasulga (1-3) lost to Keith 22-0, and will take on Pike Liberal Arts on Sept. 27.
• Reeltown (4-1) will host Dadeville Friday night;
• Russell Co (4-1) will host Valley;
• Smiths Station (0-5) lost to OHS and will host Stanhope Elmore this week.
• Southern Prep (1-4) will host Macon-East;
• Springwood (32) beat Coosa Valley 58-14, and will be at Lakeside Friday;
• Valley (2-3) beat Marbury 28-7. The Rams will be in Russell County in this week.
ON THE MARK >> from B1
gofan.co and arrive early due to the small seating capacity at Pike Road Stadium.
Opelika fans should be prepared to stand around the fence or sit in lawn chairs. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
Fans can listen to the game on WKKR 97.7 KICKER FM, online at kickerfm.com and on the free
GATORS >> from B1
half.
Once Beulah got a 17-14 lead on two TD passes by senior quarterback Demarion Foreman and a 56-yard field goal by Reed Maloof, Glenwood QB Levi Pinder hit Mason McCraine for an 80-yard TD strike to regain the lead for good. McCraine, who caught five passes for 154 yards, hauled in another score to end the half with a 34-24 lead.
Once Pinder and the passing game opened up the running lanes with three scores through the air, senior Makai Simpson took over to run for all four of Glenwood’s scores in the second half. Simpson ran nine times for 64 yards with four scores, while senior RB Jermaine Brown carried it 16 times for 161 yards and a TD.
“I really can’t say enough about Levi Pinder,
receiver and kick returner
Jamari Miller then took the Panthers’ punt from his own 18 all the way to the Smiths Station 41-yard line. The Bulldogs needed just 1:38 to find the end zone, and again they only needed four plays. Jordan Waits rushed for nine yards, then hauled in a Colby Key pass to pick up 13 more. Waits picked up another seven yards on the ground before Key connected with Drue Gagliano for the final 12 yards. After a successful two-point conversion, Opelika was up 15-0 with 3:28 still remaining in the first quarter.
Xavier Thomas absolutely stuffed the Smiths Station returner on the ensuing kickoff, and the Panthers were forced to start their drive at their own eight-yard line. Emauri Smiley had a big tackle for loss after Smiths Station had picked up one first down. A short punt by the Panthers left the Bulldogs with a short field to start the second quarter.
The quick-strike Bulldog offense scored their third touchdown in as many drives, covering 48 yards in just four plays in less than a minute and a half. Brodie Jones started the drive with a 16-yard reception, followed by Calvin Hughley
iHeartRadio app presented by the Orthopaedic Clinic. Coverage begins with the Opelika Environmental Services tailgate Show at 6 p.m., followed by a pre-game show from Pike Road with Van Riggs and his crew.
FALL OHS TIDBITS
OHS flag varsity football team lost 25-0 to Vestavia Hills but beat Mountain Brook 42-0 last week. The
but the way we ran the ball in the second half just compliments our offensive line,” Nelson said. “I though Makai Simpson and Jermaine Brown both ran the ball extremely tough, and we were able to wear them down and control the game in the second half.”
Other than an early interception by Pinder, Glenwood got whatever it wanted on offense. The Bobcat offense, however, made some splashes of its own.
After being held to seven points last week at LeeScott, Beulah’s Foreman aired it out for 254 passing yards and a pair of scores. Beulah’s offense notched 306 yards of total offense, though it was snake bitten by three interceptions.
Despite forcing four turnovers, Nelson was particularly disappointed that Glenwood allowed Beulah to convert three out of four fourth down attempts.
and Jamari Miller rushing for seven and 13 yards, respectively. Hughley covered the final 12 yards to put Opelika up 22-0 very early in the second quarter.
Smiths Station would put together a time-consuming drive that took nearly six and a half minutes off of the clock, but the Opelika defense stiffened and forced the Panthers to punt. The Bulldogs electrified the crowd on first-and-10 at their 20-yard line when Key connected with Miller for an apparent touchdown. A block in the back penalty negated the score, but only prolonged the inevitable. Hughley had the longest play on the drive, picking up 14 yards on the ground.
Johnson scored his second rushing touchdown of the night, this time from six yards out. Opelika extended their lead to 29-0 with just 2:11 remaining before halftime.
Another impressive stop by the Opelika defense left the Panthers with no choice but to punt the ball back to the Bulldogs. Hughley, not to be outdone by his running-mate Johnson, scored his second rushing touchdown on an impressive 21-yard rumble where the final five yards looked more like a rugby scrum. Opelika was in complete control and went to the locker room up
JV flag team beat AHS 12-6. The OHS JV Volleyball team lost to Benjamin Russell 2-0, but the varsity won 3-1.
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.
Those conversions allowed the Bobcats to prolong drives and dominate time of possession by nearly 10 minutes. In the end, though, it didn’t matter as the Gators averaged 9.4 yards per play with 497 yards of total offense.
Glenwood also missed an extra point and committed six penalties for 70 yards, so there will be plenty for the Gators to clean up going forward.
“They hurt us through the air a bit, but it was a good challenge for us to play in a game like that,” Nelson explained. “Offensively, couldn’t ask for much better, but there are things we need to work on defensively and on special teams for sure.”
Next, on Sept. 2, Glenwood will hit the road to face 1A Wadley in a battle of undefeated teams. Looking to get back in the win column, Beulah will stay home for a matchup with 2A Loachapoka (1-3).
36-0.
The Bulldogs took the third quarter kickoff back to their 30-yard line, and Waits did the majority of the damage on the way to a 43-0 lead. Key again found Gagliano from eight yards out to cap the five-minute drive.
CJ Pink rounded out the scoring for Opelika after his 10-yard run late in the third quarter. The Bulldogs hit the 50-point mark for the second time in as many weeks, but the Bulldogs’ coach knows what the second half of the schedule holds.
“Truthfully, the real season starts now,” Moore said. “Our back five (games) is as tough, if not tougher than, anybody in the state of Alabama.”
To begin that stretch, the Bulldogs travel for a non-region tilt at Pike Road and then to Dothan before coming home to face Enterprise and Central-Phenix City. The final regular season game will be at Carver-Montgomery.
Opelika can all but eliminate Enterprise and Dothan from playoff contention if they can pick up wins. Currently 2-1 in the region, the Bulldogs find themselves in fourth place in 7A Region 2. They control their own destiny, however, and could finish as high as second.
DAWGS >> from B1
Making social connections... Start
Southern Union to host Preview Day for prospective students
CONTRIBUTED BY SUSCC
LEE COUNTY — Southern Union State Community College hosts Preview Day for prospective students
Southern Union State Community College (SUSCC) invites prospective students and their families to Preview Day, an event designed to showcase the diverse opportunities avail-
able at SUSCC. Preview Day will take place Monday, Oct. 1, at 9 a.m. on the Opelika campus, located at 301 Lake Condy Road.
Preview Day at the Wadley Campus (750 Roberts Street Wadley, AL 36276) will be held on Thursday, Oct. 24, at 9 a.m.
During Preview Day, participants will be guided through Southern Union’s
programs, student services and campus resources. Information sessions will cover a variety of topics, including admissions, financial aid, scholarships, student life and academic pathways. Attendees will also have the chance to meet faculty and staff and to learn about support services designed to help students succeed both academically and personally.
CONTRIBUTED BY AU NEWS
AUBURN — Following the release of its official census data, Auburn University marked a historic year with record-breaking retention and graduation rates, reinforcing its reputation for student success and highlighting the exceptional programs that continue to position the university as a national leader in higher education. Auburn achieved a record high first-year
student retention rate of 95%, up from 93% in fall 2023, and the institution’s six-year graduation rate increased to 82% from 80%, rates that far exceed the national average.
The university’s milestones coincide with the release of recent annual rankings by several news outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, The Princeton Review, and U.S. News & World Report. Published each fall, the outlets highlight various institution -
al factors such as overall value, enrollment, percentage of faculty, affordability and average student debt, among others — all of which frequently place Auburn as the top institution in Alabama. Last month, The Princeton Review ranked the university No. 1 nationally for happiest students, followed by the Wall Street Journal’s ranking of Auburn as No. 174 in its annual “Best Colleges in the U.S.” edition.
Smiths Station Junior High students, staff and Mayor Richard Cooley remind everyone to make the world
to-action week dedicated to making new social connections and creating
socially inclusive and connected to each other, empowering them to end social isolation.
Smiths Station High School Marine Corps JROTC and fire science students held a one mile ruck walk on campus
County Sheriffs Office in remembrance of the tragic events on 9/11.
BY BETH PINYERD
We are so blessed to have a community that celebrates all the Fall activities. This is truly a very busy and active time of year. Fall has been creeping in with its soft coolness and beautiful colors. This is a wonderful time of year to take nature field trips as leaves begin to turn colors, squirrels bustle around for acorns and nuts and just observing the changing season. Even though it is a busy time of year, this time of seasonal change offers many teachable moments. The landscape with leaves changing to beautiful colors, sunflowers are celebrating this season with their bright yellow petals turning toward
the sun, the rivers, lakes and streams and ponds in our community reflect the change and beauty of this season like a mirror. Observing the beauty of Fall takes time to enjoy and learn. It doesn’t take a lot of money or going far to observe changes in this season in order to teach your child life lessons and do family projects with what Fall has to offer.
Children can take nature walks around their home or neighborhoods. Point out nature items that they can put in a simple bag such as Fall leaves of many different colors, nuts, acorns, pine straw, etc. Children can glue the items they find on a piece of paper and discuss what they have found. Nature items present a wonderful art
Classroom Observer
The sweet fruits of Fall
project opportunity. Classification can be taught by sorting leaves of same color, different shapes, largest to smallest, leaves versus seeds. One thing children like to do is to help the family rake up leaves. Mountains of leaves and straw offer many teachable moments as well as playing moments. Let their little imaginations express themselves as well as maintaining a safe environment by checking the leaves pile and straw.
As families drive, walk, hike with your children point out the birds, ducks, geese gathering in flight as they migrate to other places. You can see the flocks of birds flying in a V-Shape to their warmer winter destinations. This is a teachable moment of explaining migration to your children of moving to a warmer environment in preparation for winter. One project that children can help with is throwing bread crumbs and seeds to the birds. As the birds fly in families can point out the different birds that fly in according to color. They can use their counting skills to count the number of birds. Another amazing nature phenomenon is the flight of the Monarch butterfies. Monarch butterflies have beautiful orange wings and black veins edged with a
Local author reads ‘Monkey Tales’
Children’s book tells about adventures of spider monkeys formerly housed at Opelika
CONTRIBUTED BY ARTS ASSOCIATION OF EAST ALABAMA
black border and white dots. They live in North, Central, South America, Australia, some Pacific Islands, India and Western Europe. The most fascinating thing about Monarch Butterflies is the very large migration of North American Monarchs every year. Every Fall, as cold weather approaches, millions of these fragile insects undertake a journey from the United States and Canada and begin flying south. They continue to fly approximately 2,500 to 3,000 miles until they reach Southern California or central Mexico. These travelers go to the forests in the mountains and land on different trees, plants, bushes. When early childhood classes are studying this one fascinating fact they learn is that Monarch Butterflies migrate south not due to parent characteristics or traits but due to a natural compass that is within their body. What a wonderful opportunity to teach your children about compasses with north, south, east and west. A wonderful intergenerational activity that the young and old enjoy is to view the many different films which have been published on “The Flight of The Monarch.” Ask your local library for resources. Point out to your child how the bushy tail squirrel
rushes about to gather acorns and nuts. We can sit back and relax as we observe the many different places the squirrel runs to. This can incorporate drawing a simple map of the different places the squirrel runs to as a family project. Observe and talk about the different kinds of nuts and acorns the squirrel is gathering. Your child can use their counting skills as they add up how many nuts the squirrel is gathering.
When we think of Fall we always think of apples. We think of yummy treats such as apple sauce, apple butter or apple pie. Johnny Appleseed Day is on Thursday, Sept. 26. Johnny Appleseed, whose real name is John Chapman, was an American Missionary nurseryman who is famous for planting many apple trees across the American Midwest. In preschool we love to celebrate this day by doing an apple tasting party. As a teacher I love to cut a big juicy red apple horizontally and show them the star in the middle. I see fascination on young faces as we scrape the apple seeds, look and observe the seeds, then talk about planting them as Johnny Appleseed did.
Lee County displays the real meaning of Harvest we citizens view and enjoy. Point out to your child that harvest is a time of bringing
crops in from the fields. As you ride along county roads you can point out bales of cotton, hay and grain. You can pretend harvest at home by tying up little piles of pine straw, nuts, fruits, etc. As a teacher I have always enjoyed taking my classes on Fall field trips to different farms. As a family you can check in with local farmers to see it they would allow you to come out on a family field trip.
Another fun, simple excursion is to take a blanket and enjoy fall picnics in the seasonable weather as you talk about what fall means to your children. The skies usually appear rich blue and the sunsets are beautiful during the Fall. Truly nature sings out to us about the beauty of fall and God’s love as we enjoy and teach our children about life and the world they live in. During the bustle of the season, please spend time with your child and point out the beauty of the Fall season. The time you spend with your young child spells L-O-V-E.
Beth Pinyerd has taught in the early childhood classroom for many years. She holds a master’s degree in early childhood education.
new
OPELIKA — “Monkey Tales,” a children’s book by Angela George, was featured by The Book Club, the literary section of the Arts Association of East Alabama. The book is subtitled, “An Adventure in O Town” and follows the antics of the spider monkeys once caged in Municipal Park through the streets of Opelika. George owns and operates O Town Ice Cream with her husband Chris. Although a native of Rhode Island, she has become an active member of the Opelika community, serving on several boards and non-profits. Her love for the community and its people sparked her to write her first children’s book. Madison Brooks, an Auburn University graduate, illustrated the book. Copies of the book can be purchased at O Town Ice Cream. The Book
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
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Southern Hospitality
Remembering stadium history on tailgating Saturdays
BY ANN CIPPERLY
During the fall months, life in East Alabama revolves around football with plenty of good food on game days. For a fun, relaxing tailgate party, rely on delectable dishes that can be prepared ahead. Under the eye of the tiger, decorate the serving area with the Auburn team’s colors of orange and blue. Enjoy a relaxing time with family and friends before the first roar of War Eagle in the stadium.
While Auburn has seen changes in the town over the years, the name of the stadium and size has also changed. Originally named Auburn Stadium, the first game was held in the 7,290seat stadium Nov. 10, 1939, between Auburn and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football freshmen teams. The stadium was dedicated Nov. 30, 1939, at the game against the University of Florida.
The stadium was renamed Cliff Hare Stadium in 1949. The resolution adopted by the Board of Trustees at API on Dec. 30, 1948, states, “That his life-long championship of competitive athletics and clean sportsmanship have contributed much to the building of the Auburn Spirit.
“That in recognition of his great services we hereby authorize and direct that the name of the Auburn Stadium be changed to the Cliff Hare Stadium as a memorial to one who throughout his active life supported interscholastic athletics at Auburn and who consistently stood out for clean and competitive sports among the colleges of the South.”
Professor Clifford LeRoy
Hare, known as “Fesser” to his friends, became one of the most admired and honored men in Auburn’s history. Born in 1869 in the Oak Bowery community outside Opelika, Cliff graduated from Alabama Polytechnic Institute, later named Auburn University, in 1891 and received a master’s degree. In 1892, Cliff was recruited by Dean George Petrie to play on Auburn’s first football team. The team traveled to Atlanta to play Georgia, Feb. 20, in the South’s first intercollegiate football game at Piedmont Park before a crowd of 3,000. Cliff was the backup quarterback, and Auburn won 10-0.
Cliff received a graduate degree from the University of Michigan in 1902. He married Dabney Bondurant on Sept. 15, 1903, a decade after meeting, in the lavishly decorated parlor at Variety Shade, Virginia, where tobacco fields spread for miles. They lived on Gay Street.
The professor taught chemistry at Auburn. In 1930 he became Dean of the School of Chemistry and Pharmacy while also serving as Alabama’s state chemist. He served on the Auburn City Council and as mayor.
The dean’s impact was felt at Auburn and around the southeast. He was active in organizing sports events. He worked on the establishment of regulations for eligibility requirements for student athletes at API as well as the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association.
He served as the first president of the Southern Athletic Conference (predecessor to the SEC) in 1932 and helped organize the Southeastern Conference. When the stadium was renamed Cliff Hare on Nov. 5, 1949, it had grown to a capacity of 21,500. Dean Hare passed away Oct. 27, 1948, at age 79. Established in his memory, the Cliff Hare Award is given annually to Auburn University’s outstanding senior athlete, one who has distinguished himself athletically and scholastically and excels in qualities of leadership, integrity and courage.
The stadium changed names again in 1973 when it became Jordan-Hare. Shug Jordan was still coaching when the stadium was renamed to honor him, making it the first stadium in the country to be named for an active coach.
On November 19, 2005, the playing field at the stadium was named Pat Dye Field in honor of the former Auburn coach and athletic director. The stadium reached its current seating capacity of 87,451 with the 2004 expansion.
Next time you are tailgating at the stadium, remember the heritage of how Auburn’s history of football began and unfolded over the years. To add new dishes to your tailgating, check out the recipes. If you are taking meat dishes for tailgating, be sure to use insulated food-grade containers that will maintain the temperature.
Cliff Hare’s family history was gathered from Robert Hare of Opelika, Joseph Hare’s writings, dairies of Dabney Bondurant and her mother and from Auburn Football Illustrated by David Housel.
Cheddar Rolls with Olives and Chilies Cathy McGehee Jones, granddaughter of Cliff Hare
• 6 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
• 6 oz. cheddar cheese, grated
• 2 Tbsp. chopped black olives
3 Tbsp. chopped green chilies
1 Tbsp. grated onion
• 9 dashes or to taste hot sauce
• 2 tubes crescent rolls
Combine first six ingredients. Separate crescent rolls and shape into eight rectangles. Pinch triangles together to form rectangles. Flatten slightly with a rolling pin. Spread 1/8 of the cheese mixture on each rectangle. Roll up jelly-roll style and slice into 1/2 inch slices. Place slices on a slightly greased cookie sheet. Bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees. Makes two dozen rolls.
Banana Bread
Robert Hare, grandson of Cliff Hare
• 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• ½ tsp. salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) butter, room temperature
• 1 cup sugar 2 eggs
• 1 cup mashed very ripe bananas
• 1/3 cup milk
1 tsp. lemon juice or vinegar
• ½ cup chopped nuts
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sift flour with soda and salt; set aside.
Cream butter with sugar, mixing well. Add eggs and bananas and blend thoroughly. Slowly and alternately fold in flour mixture with milk mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Blend well after each addition. Stir in the nuts. Pour batter into a well buttered 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan. Bake for one hour or until the bread springs back when lightly touched in the center.
Ham and Cheese Crescent Sandwiches
Lucinda S. Cannon
8 oz. can crescent dinner rolls
• 1/3 cup Dijon mustard
1 tsp. instant minced onion
1/2 tsp. poppy seed
• 4 oz. pkg. sliced ham
• 6 oz. pkg. Swiss cheese slices
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Separate dough into eight triangles. Place two triangles next to each other and pinch together to make a large triangle.
Put filling into triangle and roll up.
Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Makes four sandwiches.
Easy Cheese Ball
Ashley Herring, wife of former Auburn football player
Will Herring
• Two 8-oz pkg. cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
For tailgating at the stadium or at home, choose a variety of tasty foods that are easy to serve and eat. Pictured are Pralines, Easy Fig Turnovers, Pesto, Ham and Pepper Roll-Ups and salsa with chips.
Family Magic coming to Gouge Center
brown,
Goat Cheese Balls with Pecans
• 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 cup sliced almonds, chopped Crackers, for serving
Combine cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth. Add Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder. Stir together until combined.
Pour chopped almonds onto plastic wrap and then roll cheese ball in almonds. Roll up into plastic wrap and refrigerate. Unwrap and place on plate. Serve with crackers.
Bleu Cheese Bites
Sarah Strawn
• 6 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 cup margarine or butter
• 3 oz. bleu cheese
1½ tsp. seasoned salt
• 2¾ cup flour
1/8 tsp. cayenne
• 1 cup chopped pecans
Cream together cheddar cheese, margarine and bleu cheese until well mixed.
Combine flour, seasoned salt, cayenne and pecans in a separate mixing bowl. Add flour/pecan mixture to creamed cheeses and mix gently to form a soft dough. Form dough into three long rolls, about 1 inch thick. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate several hours. Slice each roll into thin slices (approximately 12 slices/roll). Bake at 375 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes or until slightly
• 4 oz. goat cheese, room temperature
8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
½ cup finely chopped pecans
Mix cream cheese and goat cheese until well combined.
Form small balls: roll in chopped pecans. Keep in refrigerator until ready to serve.
Oven Fried Chicken Fingers
1½ lb. chicken breast tenders
• Salt ¾ cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup coarsely crushed cornflakes
• 1/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
1 tsp. paprika
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper
Vegetable oil
Salt chicken and place in a bowl. Pour buttermilk over chicken, cover and refrigerate overnight or at least for 2 hours.
Combine cornflakes, breadcrumbs, paprika and pepper. Dip chicken into cornflake mixture to coat.
Spread small amount of oil evenly in a shallow baking pan. Arrange chicken in a single layer. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes or each side or until done.
Mason Jar Salads
Place dressing in bottom of mason jars. Top with lettuce, chopped tomatoes, chopped cucumber and other salad ingredients of choice. Place lids on jars and pack in coolers. When
The awe-inspiring, interactive spectacle of Bill Blagg: “Family Magic” is coming to the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center at Auburn University on Sunday, Oct. 6 at 3 p.m. Fun, engaging and absolutely dazzling, Bill Blagg: “Family Magic” is an hour of mesmerizing prestidigitation on a grand scale: ordinary objects come to life, others vanish and select audience members may even be chosen to float in mid-air! Tickets for this performance are general admission and available for $10, plus $5 for fees, at goguecentertickets. auburn.edu. The performance is presented as part of the 2024–25 Family Series and is sponsored by Walt & Ginger Woltosz.
ready to serve, shake jars.
Mixed Nut Bars
Libba Herring
1½ cups all-purpose
flour
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 cup butter
12 oz. can Planter’s
Salted Mixed Nuts
Topping
• 6 oz. bag butterscotch chips
• 1/2 cup white corn
syrup
2 Tbsp. butter
• 1 tsp. vanilla
Grease and flour a 9
x 13 dish. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix together flour, sugar, salt and butter. Pat into bottom of dish. Bake for 10 minutes. Spread nuts over this.
Combine topping ingredients and warm on stovetop until chips are melted, stirring constantly. Pour over nuts and crust. Bake for 10 more minutes. Slice and serve when cool.
Ham Spread Ellen Canada
My sister, Susan Hall, introduced us to this. It is a favorite now on beach trips or as a tailgating food.
• 2 cups ham, chopped in food processor
• 2 cups grated Swiss cheese
• ¼ cup chopped green pepper
¼ cup chopped green onion
1 tsp Worcestershire
• ½ cup mayonnaise Mix all ingredients together. Spread on halved English muffins and bake at 300 degrees or broil until hot and
Auburn Area Community Theatre (AACT) will present “Disney’s 101 Dalmatians KIDS,” the classic animated tale of kidnapping villains and courageous puppies adapted into a “furtastic” musical adventure. Performances will take place at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center on 222 E Drake Ave. in Auburn on Oct. 3, 4, 5, 7, 10 & 11 at 6:30 p.m. with additional 4 p.m. shows on Oct. 5 & 12 and a 2 p.m. matinee on Oct. 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.
bubbly. May also be served cold on crackers.
Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats
Dinah Motley
• ¾ cup light corn syrup
½ cup sugar
• ¾ cup peanut butter
6 cups Rice Krispies
Heat syrup and sugar to boiling in heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly. Immediately remove from heat; stir in peanut butter until melted. Mix in Rice Krispies. Pour mixture into greased pan and let cool. Cut into squares.
Easy Fig Turnovers
1 box refrigerated rolled piecrusts
Fig jam or preserves
Roll each piecrusts out slightly on a floured surface. Use a biscuit cutter to cut our circles. Place a little jam in the center of each and fold over, using a small amount of water on the edges to close. Seal edges with a fork. Bake at 375 degrees for about 12 minutes or until lightly brown.
Amy’s Pralines
• 1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
• 2 Tbsp. Karo white syrup
• ½ cup Pet evaporated milk
• 2 Tbsp. butter
• 1 Tbsp. vanilla
2 cups pecans
Combine first four ingredients and cook until softball stage. Remove from burner; add butter and vanilla. Beat mixture until thick; add 2 cups pecans. Drop by tablespoons onto wax
paper. Let harden before serving.
Pesto, Ham and Pepper Roll-Ups
• 10 oz. pkg. Pillsbury refrigerated parmesan breadsticks
• 2 Tbsp. pesto
8 thin slices Genoa salami or ham 1/4 cup chive and onion cream cheese spread, softened
• 4-6 strips roasted red peppers Unroll dough and divide into 2 equal sections along perforation. Press each section to form 8x16 inch rectangles; spread pesto onto both. Top with salami and carefully spread cream cheese over top. Place roasted red pepper strips on long side of each rectangle. Starting with the red pepper side, roll up loosely and pinch edges to seal. Place seam side down on cookie sheet Spread each roll with parmesan spread from each container. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool and slice.
Mediterranean Turkey Wraps
¼ cup mayonnaise
• Four 12-inch wraps or tortillas
• 4 large romaine lettuce leaves
• 8 oz. turkey, thinly sliced
20 kalamata olives, pitted and chopped 1/4 cup finely chopped roasted red peppers, optional
• ¼ cup stemmed and chopped fresh basil, optional
• 4 oz. feta cheese,
crumbled
Spread mayonnaise over 1 side of each wrap. Place a lettuce leave on the lower third of each wrap. Layer turkey, olives, red peppers, basil and feta cheese over lettuce.
Fold in sides of wrap and roll tightly to enclose filling.
Cut on the diagonal to serve. May prepare several hours ahead. Store in refrigerator. Makes four.
Lower Alabama Caviar
Melody Hilyer
Dressing:
• ¾ cup balsamic vinegar
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup sugar 2 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. black pepper Caviar mixture:
• 4 (15-oz.) cans blackeyed peas, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1 cup chopped yellow bell pepper
• 1 cup chopped red pepper
1 cup chopped red onion
• 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
Combine all dressing ingredients in a jar; cover tightly and shake vigorously to dissolve sugar. Set aside.
Rinse and drain peas well. Place in a large glass or aluminum bowl. Add remaining ingredients and dressing. Toss well. Transfer to plastic container, cover and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving.
Serve with tortilla scoops or crackers of choice.
BY SEAN DIETRICH
OPINION —
I’m in the airport.
There is a tiny robot cruising around, delivering food to customers. Kids are following the robot, laughing. People are taking pictures. It seems like everyone is talking about AI. It’s on the news. It’s in every newspaper. “AI is taking over the world,” the media headlines declare. “AI replaces 12 million jobs.” “AI wins Miss America
Sean of the South
Pageant.” AI might be writing this right now. There’s no way to know. It’s gotten to the point where you don’t even notice artificial intelligence in everyday life anymore.
It’s in your phone, your car, it ships Amazon packages, manages warehouses, cleans households, and correcks grammer.
And recently, Simone Giertz, a female Swedish inventor even designed a robot specifically developed to wipe your hindquarters. I’m not joking.
When I first heard about this cavity-sanitizing robot, I didn’t believe it was true, but then I Googled “AI wipe butt.”
There it was on YouTube. A demonstration of a robot helpfully participating in the Morning
Back to the future
Ritual. Giertz was posing with her robot. Arms crossed, proudly, wearing the same expression you might expect to see on the portrait of a bank president, except that she was positioned next to a mannequin on a toilet with its pants around its ankles.
The AI developments continue. In Atlanta a new service called Waymo is about to offer robotaxi service. “Robotaxi” means self-driving cab. These vehicles are capable of great distances and are driverless.
Robotaxis are still new, but they already operate in cities like Phoenix, San Francisco, and L.A., where AI taxis currently give upwards of 100,000 rides per week.
I actually tried one of
these driverless cabs when I was in Arizona. It was nerve wracking inasmuch as the car was full of screaming passengers. And I was the only human being in the vehicle.
We were speeding down the highway, the steering wheel spinning on its own, car weaving through town, pedestrians staring at my helpless face behind the windows. Some were pointing at me, others were smirking, some made the Sign of the Cross.
I get it. I understand why robotaxiing is the wave of the future. It is convenient, fast, and cheap. But on the “cons” side, when you arrive at your destination you will need to change your trousers.
There are also robot
vacuums. A lot of people have them. There are over 14.2 million robot-vacuums in the U.S. We actually owned a robot vacuum once. It worked fine until my dog had a lower-intestinal emergency while I was away. When I arrived home, I could hear my robot-vacuum happily buzzing through the rooms. The motor was gurgling. Our entire floor, come to find out, was covered in a substance that will remain unnamed since this is a family column. I will, however, say that the incident left us with no choice but to burn our house down. Call me old-fashioned, but I do miss an era when robots weren’t in our daily lives. It’s not that I dislike
AI altogether, it’s that AI is making things too easy for us. It’s making us lazy. Once upon a time we didn’t need AI to do our work. We corrected our own grammatical errors, drove our own cabs, and vacuumed our own houses. I’m worried about younger generations. I am afraid there will come a day when we, as a human race, won’t even remember how to wipe our own…
Well, you get the idea.
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.
Springer Theatre introduces new ticket discount programs
COLUMBUS, Georgia — The historic Springer Opera House Theatre is launching two new ticket discount programs designed to make theatre more accessible and affordable for everyone in the community. These initiatives, the Gateway Program and the Curtain Call Rush Ticket Program, are part of the Springer’s ongoing commitment to broadening community engagement and ensuring that the magic of live theatre is available to all.
Gateway Program: Expanding Access to Underserved Audiences
Recognizing that financial barriers often prevent community members from enjoying cultural experiences, the Springer has developed programs that welcome and encourage new audiences. The Gateway Program is designed for low-income and underserved audiences. It reflects the belief that theatre should be an inclusive art form, accessible to everyone regardless of economic background. The program provides substantial discounts on tickets to Springer productions, making it easier for individuals and families who may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience live theatre. The program will be limited to the first 40 households to enroll in the first year.
Springer Director of Marketing and Audience Development, Allie Kent, began researching potential discount programs before the outbreak of COVID-19. “Our community has one of the highest poverty rates in the state, which prevents people
from participating in the arts,” Kent said. “Our goal with this specific program is to create a supportive environment where everyone who desires can enjoy live theatre without impacting their household budget.”
Patrons who meet specific eligibility requirements, as detailed on the theatre’s website, can purchase up to four tickets to see select shows for $7. Patrons must be 18 or older and enrolled in one or more federal assistance programs.
Curtain Call Rush Ticket Program: Affordable Last-Minute Tickets for All In addition to the Gateway Program, the Springer is introducing the Curtain Call Rush Ticket Program, offering deeply discounted tickets for select performances. This program is essentially a ticket lottery that allows patrons to “win” an opportunity to purchase tickets for select performances at a discounted rate. Tickets through the Curtain Call Program are subject to availability. They will not
be offered for Springer special events or as part of subscriber perks.
Springer CEO and Executive Producer Danielle Patterson-Varner anticipates that this program will be successful with younger audiences. “Curtain Call is perfect for those who love the spontaneity of last-minute plans or for anyone looking to enjoy high-quality theatre at an affordable price. We aim to make it easier for more people to enjoy our productions, even on a tight budget.”
“Curtain Call is almost tailor-made for a generation used to doing things on their phones and online,” Kent added. “The entire process is completely done online except picking up tickets at the box office.”
There is no guarantee that these discounted tickets will be available for every Springer production. Ticket prices are set at $25 for Springer Main Stage productions and $20 for Studio II Series productions. Sign-up for Curtain Call begins Tuesday, September, 17 via the Springer
website.
A Commitment to Inclusivity and Community Engagement
The Springer Opera House has a long-standing tradition of enriching the cultural landscape of Columbus and the surrounding region. Introducing these new discount programs is an important step that ensures our theatre remains a place where all community members can experience the joy and inspiration of live performance.
“We believe that theatre has the power to bring people together and create lasting connections,” said Patterson-Varner. “These new programs are designed to remove financial barriers and welcome a broader audience into our theatre family. We’re excited to see the positive impact this will have on our community.”
For more information about the Gateway Program and the Curtain Call Rush Ticket Program, including eligibility requirements and how to participate, please visit www.springeroperahouse.org/ ticket-discounts or contact the box office at (706) 327-3688.
About the Springer Opera House
The Springer Opera House, a National Historic Landmark, has been at the heart of Columbus’ cultural life since 1871. Known as the “State Theatre of Georgia,” the Springer offers a diverse range of productions, educational programs, and community events that celebrate the performing arts and contribute to the vibrant cultural fabric of the region.
Opelika to host 400-plus pickleballers for October Paddles at the Plex
CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA — The Opelika Pickleball Club will host more than 400 competitors from 10 states who preregistered for Paddles at the Plex, a four-day tournament to be held Oct. 3-6 at the Sportsplex. The club, a community organization that promotes the sport of pickleball to individuals and groups of all ages, invites the public to attend as spectators. Admission is free. Volunteers are needed for the event, presented in partnership with Auburn Opelika Tourism. For more information about the event schedule or to find out how to volunteer, visit opelikapickleball. com, visit @pickleballopelika on Instagram or Opelika Pickleball Club on Facebook.
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 SERIES
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. 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. 27 — 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. 27 — 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. 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.
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)
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
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, nation-wide event to build relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Stop by the Smiths Station Govt. Center (2336 Lee Rd 430) 5-7:30pm CT to meet deputies, see helicopters and first responder vehicles and learn about programs offered by community partners.
OCT. 3 — FALL SUNDOWN CONCERT SERIES
Auburn Parks and Recreation invites the community to enjoy the Fall Sundown Concert Series at Kiesel Park. The free, familyfriendly 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 the Tony Brook Band. 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/101dalmatians.
OCT. 5 — BREAST CANCER FUN RUN
The Knee High Foundation and 100 Black Men of Greater Auburn/Opelika will present the 2nd annual Breast Cancer Fun Run on Saturday, Oct. 5, with check in beginning at 8 a.m. at Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church, 650 Jeter Ave. in Opelika. There will be swag bags, gift card giveaways, t-shirts, raffles, food and fun. Register via Eventbright.com for $20. For more information, contact Anthony Bryant at (912) 220-7818.
OCT. 5 – RIDE AND SEEK @ CHEWACLA
Registration is now open for the second annual Ride and Seek: A Bike Safety Adventure. The event, for children in grades K-8, will be held at Chewacla State Park on Saturday, Oct. 5, at 8 a.m., with bike rides beginning at 9 a.m. At Ride and Seek, riders and their parents will get safety tips from experts and test their skills on mountain bike and paved trails. There will be free prizes, a raffle for some great bike equipment and food and drink for purchase. Registration is $15 per person. Register by Sept. 18 to be guaranteed a T-shirt. Visit http://bit.ly/rideseek2024 to register.
OCT. 7 — YOUTH FOR CHRIST GOLF CLASSIC
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 Holein-One Contest and a Golf Ball Drop. For more information about sponsorship levels or to register, visit eastalabamayfc.org/ golfclassic or email golf@eastalabamayfc.org.
OCT. 7 — ‘SOME ENCHANTED EVENING’ CONCERT
Some Enchanted Evening, a jazz-steeped sojourn exploring a bevy of The Great American Songbook’s most enduring hits from the Golden Age of Broadway to today, will be presented at the Opelika Center for the Performing Arts on Monday, Oct. 7, at 7:30 p.m. For ticket information visit the website SomeEnchantedConcert.com.
OCT. 8 — SECOND SATURDAY AT PIONEER PARK
On the second Saturday of every month, the Lee County Historical Society hosts a lively event at Pioneer Park. History re-enactors don period attire, showcasing their arts and crafts. Blacksmiths forge, spinners and weavers bring the textile room to life, and gardeners tend to the historical gardens. Crafts and seasonal activities are scheduled throughout the day. A meal is prepared in the fireplace or outdoors. The Whistle Stop Pickers gather at the Museum at 1 p.m. for live music. For more information, visit www. leecountyhistoricalsociety.org.
OCT.10 — FALL SUNDOWN CONCERT SERIES
Auburn Parks and Recreation invites the community to enjoy the Fall Sundown Concert Series at Kiesel Park this September and October. The free, familyfriendly 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. 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 — SECOND 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 BY KATHRYN BRAUND
Auburn University’s Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities will host a book talk on Thursday, Oct. 17, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Pebble Hill, 101 S. Debardeleben St., Auburn. Dr. Kathryn H. Braund, Hollifield Professor of Southern History Emerita at AU, will discuss her new book, Mapping Conquest: The Battle Maps of Horseshoe Bend. Mapping Conquest provides a revealing look at the many aspects of war and how battle maps shape our collective memory.
OCT. 19 — AUBURN OKTOBERFEST
Auburn’s Oktoberfest: The South’s Favorite Craft Beer Festival will return on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 3 to 7 p.m.at Ag Heritage Park, located at 620 S. Donahue Drive. The event will feature live music from Kidd Blue and The War Damn Polka Band, tastings from more than 70 breweries, wineries and homebrewers, educational tents from Auburn University’s AU BREW and a HOP presentation by Auburn’s Horticulture Department. Activities will include naming of Mr. & Mrs. Oktoberfest, stein hoisting contest, weiner dog races, barrel racing, a Chicken Dance competition and more. There will be food trucks, along with several large TV’s highlighting the day’s football games. Tickets are on sale now at Eventbrite.com.
OCT. 19 — STANDING ROCK FISH FRY
The Standing Rock Fish Fry & Bake Sale is set for Oct. 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the old Standing Rock Community Center on Chambers County Road 278. Tickets are $15 for a plate of fried catfish fillets, French fries, hush puppies, coleslaw, lemons, pickles and onions. Plates are available for dine in or carry out, rain or shine. For tickets call (706) 333-8559 or (334) 234-1095. Proceeds benefit the Standing Rock Community Center Building Project.
OCT. 19 — LOCAL 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.
OCT. 26 — LOCAL AUTHORS AT THE LIBRARY
The Auburn Public Library will host Brandy Anderson on Saturday, Oct. 26, at 2 p.m. to discuss her book, “Through the Veil: A Glimpse into the Afterlife,” 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. Audience: Adults
OCT. 27 — FALL FESTIVAL ON THE SQUARE
First Baptist Church Opelika will host the 4th Annual Fall Festival on the Square on Sunday, Oct. 27, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. The event will be held on the Courthouse Square in historic downtown Opelika and will feature candy for the kids, inflatables, live entertainment, food trucks, fireworks and more. Admission is free.
NOV. 2 — LOCAL AUTHORS AT THE LIBRARY
The Auburn Public Library will host local children’s book author Tammie Barnett Hughley on Saturday, Nov. 2, at 2 p.m. for a special story time event. Hughley’s children’s and family books come from the stories that she has created for her daughter. Hughley enjoys writing humorous children’s stories that enhance the imagination of a child — inspirational stories that will encourage others as they travel through the unpredictable journey of life.
NOV. 9 — LIVE ON THE PLAINS
The inaugural Live on the Plains music festival is set for Saturday, Nov. 9, at Sistrunk Farms, featuring Tyler Childers, Mountain Grass Unit, Braxton Keith, Bayker Blankenship and Hudson Westbrook. More information and tickets are available at www. liveontheplains.com.
Club News from around Lee County Opelika Kiwanis Club
Opelika Rotary
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 meets every month
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: 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 recently met and welcomed guest speaker Stewart Mills with Global K9 Protection Group, who talked about the training the dogs go through and their efficiencies with sniffing out bombs and weaponry.
Opelika Rotary Club welcomed Mark Grantham, executive director of Habitat for Humanity, and Andrew Faircloth as guest speakers at a recent meeting. Pictured, from left, are program sponsor Janie Corlee, Grantham, Faircloth and Opelika Rotary President Brooke Kastner.
