The Observer | Oct. 10, 2024

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Pictured at the opening celebration for Opelika Free Little Art Galleries are, from left, OHS teach Adrianna Padgett; OHS students Carson Bass and Jayme Manning; J Stern
Art Haus;
Fuller; Ginger Stern of Art Haus, OPL Director and ArtHaus board member Rosanna McGinnis, OHS teacher and ArtHaus board member Jeff Conway, Opelika Schools Superintendent Farrell Seymore, PRF Institute Executive Director Dr. Nate Dunlap and OHS Principal Kelli Fischer.

Lee County Fair offers rides,

Stacy Faison joins SmartBank

CONTRIBUTED BY

EAST ALABAMA — SmartBank has announced the addition of Stacy Faison as area president for markets in central and east Alabama, who will be based out of the bank’s Auburn office.

Faison is a 27-year veteran in the banking industry, managing commercial and private banking across much of Alabama and Georgia. He received both a bachelor’s degree in accounting and an MBA from Troy University, where he was named Distinguished National Alumni of the Year in 2007. He is a graduate of Georgia Bankers Association, the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business banking school and the Alabama Bankers Association’s bank executive leadership program.

Business Executive Advisory Council at Troy University for more than 15 years and has served as chairman for Piedmont Columbus Regional Healthcare Foundation and as a board member for Alabama Trust Fund, Auburn Chamber of Commerce and Troy University Athletic Hall of Fame.

“Stacy is a key and vital addition to the bank’s senior leadership as he has the experience to build strong , motivated teams to be able to go above our clients’ expectations and rapidly grow in the bank’s key markets from Montgomery to West Georgia,” said Jeff Williams, SmartBank regional president.

Bond rating agencies affirm high scores for city of Auburn

CONTRIBUTED BY CITY OF AUBURN

AUBURN — S&P Global Ratings and Moody’s Investors Service have affirmed the city of Auburn’s bond ratings of AA+ and Aa2, respectively.

The majority of Faison’s career was spent in various leadership roles at Columbus Bank & Trust (Synovus Bank), Troy Bank & Trust and Bank of America. He joins the high performing teams at SmartBank with an exceptional background in commercial banking, treasury management and wealth management. He has experience working with the largest and most sought-after commercial, non-profit and government entities throughout Alabama and Georgia.

About SmartBank

Faison has a passion for giving back to the community, which he intends to continue in his new role. He has served on the Sorrell College of

Founded in 2007, SmartBank provides full-service banking, investment, insurance and mortgage financial services, with 42 branches spanning Alabama, Tennessee and Florida. For more information, visit www.smartbank.com.

The city requested a rating review in anticipation of the issuance of $45.6 million of general obligation warrants. This debt issuance will fund construction of the Lake Wilmore Community Center, the Lake Wilmore multi-purpose fields and the Boykin Donahue Campus project.

Both rating agencies cited

AL 147 (Shug Jordan Pkwy) resurfacing underway

CONTRIBUTED BY ALDOT

AUBURN — An Alabama Department of Transportation resurfacing project on State Road 147 in Auburn began Wednesday.

The project includes resurfacing of AL 147 from the I-85 Interchange to the intersection of North College Street in Auburn, which will incude the entirety of Shug Jordan Parkway on the west side of the city.

Motorists should expect lane closures and reduced speed limits throughout the project.

ALDOT urges drivers to plan accordingly for possible delays and to be mindful of people and equipment in the work zone.

Lane closures will not be permitted during Auburn University’s home football game weekends. The approximately $6 million project was awarded to East Alabama Paving Company, Inc., out of Opelika, who had the lowest bid that met the project requirements. The project is expected to be completed Spring 2025.

Auburn’s robust economic development across a variety of industries, strong local economy highlighted by Auburn University’s stabilizing presence and very strong management, financial policies and institutional framework. Also noted as support for these ratings include the city’s healthy financial position, stable revenue streams, strong reserves and liquidity levels and prudent fiscal management.

Auburn taxpayers benefit from these excellent ratings in the form of less interest paid on the city’s outstanding debt.

STACY FAISON

Opelika hosts National Night Out

There was a good turnout for Opelika’s National Night, a community event to foster relationships with law enforcement.

EMPLOYMENT

Quality Manager @Auburn, AL Req’d: Bach’s Deg. in Engr. or Engr. Technology & 2 yrs. of exp. in automotive parts mfg. industry. Mail Resume to Pyongsan America, Inc. 760 W Veterans Blvd. Auburn AL 36832

GARAGE SALE

AU-Bama memorabilia, collectible Barbies still in boxes, brand new luxury Christmas decor and much more! Saturday, Oct. 12, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 2100 Henderson Dr., Opelika.

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This complementary educational training will focus on providing you information on how to protect your business from cyber threats. We will use real world examples of how cyber attacks can impact you and your business and how to safeguard you from “hackers.”

This seminar is intended for any business that uses email or the Internet. The seminar will include tips on how to protect you from hackers getting into your email system and ways to help reduce your risk of having checks or electronic transactions counterfeited or altered.

Please register by emailing Lolly Steiner, Community Relations and Marketing Officer, at lsteiner@auburnbank.

Thursday, October 24, 2024 10:00 AM

AuburnBank Center 4th Floor Training Room 100 North Gay Street

PRESENTED BY WIPFLI

L labama Politics ee County & A

Inside the State House

Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024

SAMPLE

The 1964 Goldwater Landslide

OPINION —

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the 1964 Goldwater landslide, which was the tidal wave that swept the deep south into the Republican party. Alabama and the South had voted solidly Democratic in presidential elections for over 80 years prior to 1964. Every constitutional officeholder in Alabama and every congressman and senator representing Alabama ran under the Democratic banner.

Lyndon Johnson was the Democratic nominee for president. Johnson carried 44 states and won the presidency by a landslide. [His opponent] Republican Sen. Barry Goldwater of Arizona carried only his home state and the five deep south states, including Alabama.

Goldwater carried Alabama overwhelmingly, thus the label given to the Republican victory in the south was ironically the Goldwater Landslide.

The so called “Solid South” had been Democratic more out of tradition and protocol than philosophy. Both national parties took the south for granted in national elections. The Democrats ignored us because we were in the barn, and the Republicans ignored us for the same reason.

The 1964 election was the turning point, when the deep south states voted for Goldwater. The south has never looked back. It was the race issue that won them over. Goldwater and the Republican party captured the race

issue. George Wallace had ridden the race issue into the governor’s office in 1962.

Early in 1964, Johnson passed sweeping civil rights legislation, which white southerners detested. Johnson had used every ounce of muscle he could muster and brutally ran over the filibustering block of powerful southern senators, a group he was a leading member of less than three years earlier. The only nonsouthern senator to oppose civil rights legislation was Goldwater. When the Republican party met at the old Cow Palace in San Francisco, they nominated Goldwater as their 1964 presidential candidate. Goldwater’s southern landslide was monumental. Alabama had been totally Democratic from president to coroner for more than eight decades. There was no Republican party to speak of. There was no Republican Primary. Republicans chose their token candidates in backroom conventions.

A good many old-timers in Alabama had called their children and family around them on their deathbed and admonished their descendants, “Don’t ever sell the family farm, and don’t ever vote for a damn Republican.”

However, Goldwater and the Republicans had become identified with segregation, and the white southern voter fled the Democratic Party en masse.

As the Fall elections of 1964 approached, the talk in the old country stores around Alabama was that a good many good ol’ boys were going to vote straight Republican even if their daddies did turn over in their graves. There were a good many papas turning over in graves on that day.

Alabamians not only voted for Goldwater but also pulled the straight Republican lever out of anger toward Johnson’s civil rights agenda.

Alabama’s eight-member congressional delegation

with more than 100 years of seniority was wiped out by straight ticket Republican voting. If either of our two Sens. Lister Hill or John Sparkman had been on the ballot that day they would have also been thrashed. Hill had barely escaped a defeat in 1962 and would not run again in 1968.

Johnson annihilated Goldwater nationwide in 1964, but Goldwater gave the tough Texan a good old fashioned country whipping in the South. Johnson had bulldozed the Civil Rights Bill through the Senate over the southern senate cardinals.

The leader of the southern bloc was Sen. Richard Russell of Georgia, who had been Johnson’s mentor. Johnson worshiped Russell. All of Johnson’s former colleagues in the southern senate bloc knew that Johnson did not give a hoot about [Black people’s] civil rights — they knew he passed the Civil Rights Bill to enhance his race for president. Johnson, being a southerner, understood southern politics. Russell stared coldly at Johnson when he signed the Civil Rights Bill. Johnson looked back at Russell after he signed the bill, and with tears in his eyes he prophetically said, ‘I have just signed the South over to the Republican Party for at least the next 60 years.’

Johnson’s prophecy has proven true. There have been 15 presidential elections since that day in 1964 and Alabama has voted for the Republican nominee in 14 of the 15 elections. Trump will also carry Alabama this year, which will make it 15 out of 16.

It all began with the Goldwater Landslide of 1964.

See you next week.

Steve Flowers served 16 years in the state legislature. steve@steveflowers.us.

Tuberville, Britt announce NCAA championship events to return to Birmingham March

Madness in the Magic City scheduled for March 17-19, 2028

CONTRIBUTED BY THE OFFICES OF SENS. TOMMY

& KATIE BRITT

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt of Alabama announced that the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) first and second rounds of March Madness men’s and women’s basketball games will return to Birmingham March 17-19, 2028.

This announcement follows the letter Tuberville and Britt sent to NCAA President Charlie Baker advocating for future events to be held in Alabama.

“The State of Alabama has a long legacy of supporting intercollegiate athletics,” said Tuberville. “Birmingham has the facilities, businesses and infrastructure to make this a successful tournament. Our state is no stranger to the spotlight of big games and I’m confident fans from across the country will enjoy their time in Birmingham.”

“This is a slam dunk for Birmingham. I am thrilled the first two rounds of March Madness in 2028 will be held in our great state,” said Britt. “I was proud to join Sen. Tuberville and local officials in advocating for the NCAA to pick the Magic City. I look forward to the tournament, and wouldn’t be surprised if more than one of Alabama’s incredible teams end up kicking off their road to the Final Four in our home state.”

From 1982 through 2008, Birmingham was a stop on the road to the Final Four 11 times, 10 for men’s basketball and once for women’s basketball.

After a nearly 15-year hiatus, Birmingham hosted the first and second-round games of March Mad -

TUBERVILLE
ness in 2023. It was a huge success with every game being sold out and both Auburn and Alabama playing in the tournament.
The City of Birmingham recently completed a $125 million renovation of the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center.
SEN. TOMMY TUBERVILLE
SEN. KATIE BRITT

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 Co-Executors 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

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

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 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

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

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 Town Plat Book 13, at Page 15, in the Office of the Judge

PUBLIC NOTICES

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

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, STATE OF ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of OPAL LEEANNE BRIMM BALLARD, a/k/a OPAL LEEANNE BALLARD, deceased

Case Number 2024-337

TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to ALEX JAMES BALLARD as Executor of the Estate of OPAL LEEANNE BRIMM BALLARD, deceased, on the 25th 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 OPAL LEEANNE BRIMM BALLARD

Legal Run 10/03/2024, 10/10/2024 & 10/17/2024

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of Roy W. Harrison, Deceased Case Number 2024-348 NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration have been granted to Kristy Toungett as Administrator of the Estate of Roy W. Harrison deceased, on the 23rd day of September, 2024 by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate.

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.

Kristy Toungett, Personal Representative of the Estate of Roy W. Harrison Legal Run 10/3/24, 10/10/24 & 10/17/24

NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION Mini Mall Storage – Opelika Mini Mall Storage Properties of Opelika, pursuant to the “SelfStorage Act” (1981 Alabama Acts, Number 81-769, Page 1324, and Section 1), Hereby Give Notice of Sale under said act to wit: We will be holding a public action online at SelfStorage-Auction.com, Dated October 16, 2024. The payment methods are cash, debit, Credit: Visa and Mastercard. ALL SALES ARE FINAL. The bidder must place a $100 cash deposit, make payment, and clear out the unit within 48 hours (about 2 days) from the time the auction closes. Once the unit has been inspected, you will receive the $100 deposit back.

Unit number: B11- V. Johson- Washer/dryer, fridge, living room furniture, plastic tubs/bags B15 -S. Breedlove –Rocking chair, mirror, plastic tubs F07 –J. Wilkes – Tread mill, weights, mirror dog kennel J06 –K. Alexander –Plastic tubs/bags, Wall pictures, mattress, TV hanger Legal Run 10-10-2024

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: 3951 Pepperell Pkwy Opelika, Al Thursday, 10/17/2024 at 10:00AM Unit A87

The auction will be listed and advertised on www. storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property. Legal Run 10-10-2024

CITY OF OPELIKA

NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARINGS TO: RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA AND ALL OTHER INTERESTED CITIZENS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City of Opelika, Alabama will hold a regular meeting and will be conducting public hearings on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. in the Meeting Chamber at Opelika Municipal Court located at 300 MLK Boulevard, Opelika, Alabama. A Planning Commission work session will be held at 2:45 pm before the regular meeting. The purpose of the public hearings is to receive public comment on the following:

I. Some items at the meeting will have a designated public hearing (noted below). Individuals are limited to 5-minute comment period per public hearing.

II. Approval of Minutes

III. Update on Previous PC Cases

IV. New Business

A. Plat (Preliminary)Public Hearing

1. A public hearing on a request by Brandon Hays, authorized representative for Whiteridge Opelika LLC/Wayne Gentry, property owner, for preliminary approval of Waverly Woods subdivision consisting of 117 lots accessed from 699 Waverly Place.

B. Final Plat

2. A public hearing on a request by David Slocum, authorized representative for Bryan Stone, property owner, for final approval of Southern Pines subdivision consisting of 46 lots accessed from Briarwood Lane extension.

3. A public hearing on a request by Michael Thomas (Sain Associates), authorized representative for Patrick Murphy, property owner, for final approval of Phase 3 of Champion Square subdivision consisting of 54 lots accessed from Plainsman Loop.

C. Conditional Use –Public Hearing

4. A public hearing on a request by John Randall Wilson, authorized representative for Trinity Presbyterian Church, property owner, for conditional use approval for a athletic field and gymnasium for Trinity Christian School in a R-2 zoning district accessed at Calhoun Drive, Mclure Avenue and Renfro Avenue.

5. A public hearing on a request by Brandon Hays, authorized representative for Southside Opelika LLC, property owner, for conditional use approval for four townhome units in a C-2 zoning district accessed at 410 Geneva Street.

6. A public hearing on a request by Lee Tharp (Kadre Engineering), authorized representative for Terry McCollum, property owner, for conditional use approval for 124 apartment units in a C-2 zoning district accessed at 20 Veterans Parkway.

7. A public hearing on a request by Blake Rice, Barrett-Simpson, Inc., authorized representative for Sun Self Storage, Inc., property owner, for conditional use approval for climate control self storage buildings in a C-2 zoning district at 1615 Thomason Drive.

8. A public hearing on a request by Jason Horne (Horne Brothers, LLC), property owner, for conditional use approval for an office-warehouse building in a C-3 zoning district at the 2000 block of Cunningham Drive.

D. Rezoning and Conditional Use – Public Hearing

9a. An agenda item related a rezoning request is an amendment to the Future Land Use Map for a 10,890 square foot lot at 1001 1st Avenue from a general commercial land use category to a light commercial land use category. If the Planning Commission votes to send a positive recommendation to the City Council to rezone the 10,890 square foot lot and Council approves the rezoning, then the said amendments to the Future Land Use map will be approved.

9b. A public hearing to consider a recommendation to the City Council on a request by Josh Oneal, authorized representative for Barnes & Horton, LLC, property owners, to rezone a 10,890 square foot lot at 1001 1st Avenue from a C-3, GC-S to a C-1 zoning district.

10. A public hearing on a request by Josh Oneal, authorized representative for Twin City Warehousing LLC, property owner, for conditional use approval for a lounge and event center in a C-1 zoning district (pending rezoning approval) at 1001 1st Avenue. E. Vacation of Right-of-Way

11. The following agenda item is included for review at the October 22nd Planning Commission meeting as a recommendation to the City Council. A petition to vacate a portion of right-of-way on 6th Street at the Chamber of Commerce building. The Planning Commission provides a recommendation to City Council. All interested persons are invited to attend the meeting/public hearings and be heard. Written comments concerning the above matters may be mailed to the Planning Director at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama 36801 at any time prior to the meeting/public hearings and may be further submitted to the Planning Commission at the meeting/public hearings. The Planning Commission reserves the right to modify or alter any of the proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and to make its recommendations accordingly to the City Council. Please contact the Planning department at 334-7055156 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability.

PLANNING DIRECTOR Legal Run 10/10/2024

NOTICE OF COURT PROCEEDING IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Notice of the filing of Petition for Summary Distribution In the Estate of CAROL UPSHUR SALMONS, deceased Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the LEE COUNTY Probate Office by ALBERT PAUL SALMONS on OCTOBER 1, 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 10/10/2024

Sample ballot for Nov. 5 general election released

CONTRIBUTED BY ALABAMA SECRETARY OF STATE

LEE COUNTY — Alabama

Secretary of State Wes Allen announced that official sample ballots for the Nov. 5 General Election are now available.

“Sample ballots for all 67 counties have been made publicly available on our website,

www.AlabamaVotes.gov,” Allen said via a press release. “I would encourage all Alabamians to review these sample ballots as they get ready to head to the polls on Nov. 5.”

The Secretary of State’s website has several features for Alabamians to use heading into the Presidential Election.

“At www.AlabamaVotes.gov,

Alabamians can register to vote with a valid Alabama driver license, verify their voter registration status, check their polling location and track their absentee ballot,” Allen said. “My team and I work very hard to ensure that our website is a functional tool for all Alabamians to utilize as they prepare to go vote on Nov. 5.”

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day.

Voters are required to present a valid form of photo identification before casting a ballot.

Secretary Allen expressed thanks to county election officials for their work preparing and approving these sample ballots.

“As a former probate judge, I know firsthand how much

preparation goes into running a fair, secure and transparent election,” he said. “I want to thank the county probate judges and election officials for working hard to create and review sample ballots for their counties, so that Alabama voters can be informed and prepared for Election Day.” Lee County’s sample ballot is printed below.

Opelika police seek help identifying theft suspects

Pair sought in connection with wallet theft

CONTRIBUTED BY OPD

OPELIKA — On Aug. 27, the Opelika Police Department began investigating a reported theft which occurred at Kroger, located at 2460 Enterprise Drive.

At approximately 2:30 p.m. when getting ready to pay, a customer noticed their wallet was missing. A short time later, two female suspects used stolen credit cards at Sam’s Club, located at 2335 Bent Creek Road in Auburn.

The first suspect, a white female with dark hair, can be seen on surveillance video wearing a white blouse and white pants. The second suspect, a black female with light brown hair, is wearing a

tan hat, a coral-colored top and pants.

Authorities ask anyone with any information on this incident or the identity of the suspects to contact the Opelika Police Department Detective Division at (334) 7055220 or the Secret Witness Hotline at (334) 745-8665. Tips can be also submitted through the Opelika Police Mobile App. You may wish to remain anonymous.

In addition, tips can be forwarded through Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at (334) 215STOP(7867), toll-free at 1-833-AL1-STOP, or via Facebook: www.Facebook.com/215stop or the website: www.215STOP. com.

Two suspected of theft at Ulta

CONTRIBUTED BY OPD

OPELIKA – On Sept.

30, the Opelika Police Department began investigating a reported theft which occurred at Ulta, located at 2690 Enterprise Drive. At approximately 10:30 a.m., the suspects, both black females, entered the store and began to conceal various items before leaving in an unknown vehicle.

The first suspect can be seen on surveillance video wearing a green sweat suit and black and white slides.

The second suspect is wearing a black graphic t-shirt, pink leggings, a

jean jacket, and red and green slides. If you have any information on this incident or the identity of the suspects, 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 our Opelika Police Mobile App. You may wish to remain anonymous. Tips can also be forwarded through Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at (334) 215-STOP(7867), toll-free at 1-833-AL1STOP, or via Facebook: www.Facebook. com/215stop or the website: www.215STOP.com.

Woman allegedly took truck from dealership

CONTRIBUTED BY OPD

OPELIKA — On Sept. 28, the Opelika Police Department began investigating a report of a theft which occurred at Glynn Smith Chevrolet GMC, located at 600 Columbus Parkway.

At approximately 7:15 a.m., the suspect, a white female with brown hair, entered the dealership asking to use a phone. As the female turned to leave, she grabbed a key fob from the sales desk. She then used the key fob to locate the vehicle, a Black 2024 GMC Sierra 2500 AT4 Crew Cab, in the parking lot. The suspect then left in the vehicle, turning right onto Columbus Parkway and heading west. She can be seen on surveillance video wearing a white hoodie, torn blue jeans, black

slippers with pink smiley faces and carrying a tan cross-body bag. The vehicle has since been located; however, Opelika Police need the public’s help in identifying the suspect. 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) 7458665. Tips can be submitted through the Opelika Police Mobile App. You may wish to remain anonymous. Tips can also be forwarded through Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at (334) 215-STOP(7867), toll-free at 1-833-AL1-STOP, or via the Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/215stop or their website: www.215STOP. com.

CONTRIBUTED BY OPD

OPELIKA — On Sept. 27, the Opelika Police Department began investigating a report of theft of property which occurred at Palmetto Moon, located at 2127 Tiger Town Parkway. At approximately 6 p.m., the suspect, a black female, entered the store and began concealing merchandise in a bag, before leaving in an unknown direction. The suspect can be seen on surveillance video wearing a reddish-brown dress and boots. 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 the Opelika Police Mobile App. You may wish to remain anonymous. Tips can also be forwarded through Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at (334) 215-STOP(7867), toll-free at 1-833-AL1STOP, or via the Facebook page: www. Facebook.com/215stop or the website: www.215STOP.com.

CONTRIBUTED BY APD

AUBURN — On Sept. 22, Auburn Police arrested Christopher Lamar Reese, age 31, of Montgomery on charges of receiving stolen property first degree and driving under the influence.

The arrest stems from Auburn Police locating a stolen vehicle on Sept. 22 near the intersection of North Gay Street and East Glenn Avenue. Christopher Lamar Reese was the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle.

Officers confirmed that the vehicle was stolen from another police jurisdiction. Reese was placed under arrest for receiving stolen property first degree and driving under the influence.

Reese was transported to the Lee County Jail and held on a $6,500 bond.

AUBURN — On Oct. 1, Auburn Police arrested Sammie Lee Taylor Jr., age

All persons are presumed innocent until convicted in a court of law.

NOTICES >> from A8

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF EVELYN J. SENN, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No: 2024-568 Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 3rd day of October, 2024, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

KENNETH L. SENN Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey, Attorney SAMFORD & DENSON, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 BILL ENGLISH, Judge of Probate 10/10/2024, 10/17/2024, 10/24/2024

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE

41, of Montgomery on felony warrants charging him with certain persons forbidden to possess a firearm and receiving stolen property second degree. The arrest stems from a traffic stop for a traffic violation that occurred near the intersection of Martin Luther King Drive and Shug Jordan Parkway. Officers made contact with Taylor, who was a passenger in the vehicle. During the stop, an investigation was initiated, and officers recovered a firearm from the vehicle.

Auburn Police confirmed that the firearm was stolen in another police jurisdiction. Officers additionally received information confirming that Taylor’s possession of a firearm was a felony according to Alabama law.

Taylor was arrested for the charges associated with the firearm and was transported to the Lee County jail and held on a $13,000 bond.

COUNTY, ALABAMA Notice of the filing of Petition for Summary Distribution In the Estate of SETH COOPER RAY, deceased, Case No: 2024-575 Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the Lee County Probate Office by Jennifer Dubose Ray on October 4, 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 10/10/2024

Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 1412 Opelika Rd Auburn, AL 36830 - Thursday, October 17th, 2024 @ 10:00 AM Unit # L 143 The auction will be listed and advertised on www. storagetreasures.com.

Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property. Legal Run 10/10/2024

NOTICE OF COURT PROCEEDIMG IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA In the Estate of CALLIE RENIA GREER, deceased Notice is herby given that t Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the LEE COUNTY Probate Office by MARY MAGBY HIGHTOWER on OCTOBER 8, 2024, pursuant to Section 432-690, 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 10/10/2024

USA Town Center hosting community carnival

The carnival is in town through Oct. 13 at USA Town Center in Opelika, featuring rides, games and food. Use the coupon below for a discount. USA Town Center is located at 1220 Fox

Opelika SportsPlex hosts Senior Health Fair

Religion

Altar call

OPINION —

MThursday, Oct. 10, 2024

He will restore hope for the future

y wife and I were guests of friends in Falls Church, Virginia. I was preaching in their church for a few days. About 4:30 on the morning of our second day there, I collapsed in the hallway. The noise of my fall awakened Dean and my friends, and they rushed to check on me.

I was so weak I could barely speak and had no idea what was happening. Other than fatigue, I had experienced no warning signs. Unable to find my pulse, our friends called 911. Two paramedics arrived soon, checked my blood pressure, placed me on a stretcher, and without discussing the matter with me, said, “We need to take him to the hospital.”

The home where we were staying was a split-level house, so to get me to the ambulance the paramedics had to carry me down several steep steps. Since I weighed 250 pounds, it was not an easy assignment. Though I was anxious about my unknown ailment, I could not help but be amused by the conversation of my two benefactors.

After carrying me out of the house, the paramedics struggled to lift me up into

A Taste of Grace

OPINION

When Napoleon Bonaparte and Josephine were engaged in 1796, he gave her a ring composed of two tear shaped stones — a diamond and a blue sapphire set in opposite directions on a slim gold band. Each

stone weighs slightly less than a carat. The ring is relatively modest considering the people involved but reflects the fact that at the time Napoleon was a young officer and that was likely all he could afford.

In 2013, the ring came into the hands of the French auction house Osenat. Interestingly, the auction house asked for the ring to be appraised independent of its provenance. Emily Villane, who oversaw the auction of the ring explained, “It’s not our job to tell bidders how much they should pay for the historical premium.” Based on the stones, the setting, and the gold band, the ring’s value was determined to be about $20,000. How much did the ring sell

CHURCH DIRECTORY

ANGLICAN

The Good Shepherd Anglican Church 3015 Opelika Road, Opelika

APOSTOLIC HOLINESS

God’s House of Prayers Holiness Church 301 Highland Ave., Opelika 334-749-9672

BAPTIST

Central Baptist Church 1611 2nd Ave., Opelika 334-745-2482

Beulah Baptist Church

5500 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-705-0538

AFB - Cooperative Baptist Fellowship

128 E. Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-8506

Friendship Missionary

Baptist Church 3089 Judge Brown Road, Valley 334-710-2117

the ambulance. My weight must have seemed like two pounds more than they could manage. Panting heavily, one called out to the other, “Are you lifting your end?” The other replied, “I’m doing all I can!”

Finally inside the ambulance, we sped away. The disturbing sound of the siren piercing the early morning air reminded me that I was in serious trouble. Suddenly fear gripped me. I must be having a heart attack. I thought I was dying. I cried out to the Lord, “Help me, Jesus!”

The ambulance bounced on, and I was soon in the hands of a caring doctor whose calming voice helped me relax.

The good doctor was candid: “We don’t know what your problem is, but we are going to check on

five possible problems, one at a time.” Soon afterward, he shared with me, “You are not having a heart attack.” I was relieved yet still puzzled. Hours later, the doctor assured me I was not dying. His diagnosis: “You are in shock as a result of the loss of blood from internal bleeding. You have a bleeding ulcer, the type with which there is usually little or no pain.”

Fortunately, surgery was not necessary. They treated me for a few days with a saline solution. Rest and medication were prescribed, along with exercise and a new attitude toward life. The doctor’s basic advice was simple: Learn how to handle your stress better or it may kill you.

I knew the doctor was right. I had been fretting about things over which

I had no control. I was preaching faith but practicing worry. In my drive to be all things to all people, I had forgotten to stop along the way and enjoy the birds and smell the roses.

When you’re down and out, the Bible is your best source for restoration. I had preached that for others; now it was time for me to practice what I was preaching. With the help of Jesus, I learned to worry less and trust Jesus more.

I was uncertain about my health, and the Lord was saying: “There is hope for

See ALBRITTON, page A15

I cried a lot during those five days in that Virginia hospital. On my second day there, I opened my Bible to the Book of Jeremiah, my eyes falling upon verses 31:16-17 — This is what the Lord says: “Restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for your work will be rewarded,” declares the Lord. “They will return from the land of the enemy. So there is hope for your future,” declares the Lord. “Your children will return to their own land.” I could hardly believe what I had read. It was so clearly a message to me from God that I wanted to shout! In my Bible I wrote boldly two words so the scripture now said: “This is what the Lord says: TO ME!” These verses were not just words written long ago by Jeremiah; this was almighty God speaking hope and peace to me! In my anxiety, shame and regret, I had been unable to keep back the tears. But now the Lord was saying to me: “Don’t cry, for I am with you.”

Gloriously more

for when it was auctioned? Forty-seven times that amount — close to a million dollars! The people bidding on the ring knew its story and bid accordingly. They understood that the ring’s value was so much more than just that of the materials it was composed of. It was part of something much bigger than itself! The world likes to measure people the same way the appraiser assessed the ring. People are looked at in terms of their physical features, education, occupation, bank account, their followers, their likes, and whatever else is currently considered important. All these parts are thrown on a scale and we’re told that’s what who we are. It’s an ugly little business

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

that’s made even worse when we accept it and allow it to shape our lives.

But it’s not true. We are much more than the sum of our parts! We belong to something much bigger than ourselves. In the words of the Hebrew writer, we are part of a kingdom that “cannot be shaken” (Hebrews 12:28). That’s important because the thing about establishing your identity based on your health, wealth, status, etc., is that all those things, sooner or later, will be shaken. But if you’re part of the glorious kingdom of God, not only will you not be shaken, you will realize everything you were created to be.

The disciples at Corinth hadn’t grown to the point of

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

seeing this bigger picture. They were confused about their identity and consequently they competed against each other. You follow Peter? Well, I’m better because I follow Apollos! (chapter 1). You have the gift of prophecy? Well, I’m better because I speak in tongues!(chapter 12-14). That’s why we find in chapter 13 Paul’s words on the centrality of love.

The disciples at Corinth had impoverished themselves by adopting isolationist identities. Paul wanted them to understand they were part of something much bigger than themselves because they belonged to Jesus. He told them, “All things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life

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

REACH OUT BY ADDING YOUR CHURCH

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.

or death or the present or the future—all are yours, and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God. (3:22-23). Their worldly understanding was blinding them to the glorious realities of Jesus’ reign. Their petty views were impoverishing them—all things belonged to them by virtue of their relationship to Jesus. As disciples, we must not allow the world to push us through its mold (see Romans 12:2) and see only the ring. By God’s grace, we need to understand we are part of something gloriously more.

Find more of Bruce’s writings at his website: a-taste-of-grace-with-brucegreen.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

Teaching Minister at 10th Street Church of Christ in Opelika

Upcoming Services

ANNETTE S. SIMMONS

Annette S. Simmons, 85 of Montgomery passed away Oct. 4, 2024 at Arbor Lakes in Auburn. Mrs. Simmons was born to Euel Augustus Screws Sr. and Elsie Victoria Wallace in Lee County on June 30, 1939.

Mrs. Simmons was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Euel Augustus Screws Jr. She is survived by her husband, Alex J. Simmons Sr.; sons, Alex J. Simmons Jr. and William Alan Simmons; grandsons, William Carlton Simmons and Alan Jackson Simmons; granddaughter, Julia Brown Simmons; great-granddaughter, Sadie V. Simmons; and greatgrandson: Cooper William Simmons.

A graveside service will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 12. at Memorial Park Cemetery, in Auburn.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

JOHN FRANKLIN NORTON

John Franklin Norton, 75, of Auburn died Sept. 29, 2024, at Arbor Springs in Opelika following a short illness.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 12, at 11 a.m. at Auburn United Methodist Chapel at the corner of Gay and Magnolia streets. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. at Hamill Court adjacent to the Chapel.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home of Opelika is assisting with arrangements.

WILLIAM P. “BILL” KEIDEL

William P. Keidel of Cleves, Ohio, died on Oct. 2, 2024, at Bethany House in Auburn.

Bill earned his Bachelor of Business and a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering degrees from University of Cincinnati. Bill worked for Cincinnati Bell Telephone for over 40 years. He was the beloved husband of Rose Marie Campagna Keidel; devoted father of Daniel L. (Anita) Keidel, Michel A. (Linda) Keidel and John W. (Sheila) Keidel; and loving grandfather of Lee & Mark, Cary & Ellie, Jackson & Anna Marie. Bill is also survived by a great grandson, Ryan Lee Keidel, son of Lee and Ashley Keidel. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gertrude & C. Lee Keidel M.D., and brother, Clifford Lee Keidel, Jr.

A Memorial gathering will be held Thursday, Oct. 10, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Dennis George Funeral Home, 44 S. Miami in Cleves, Ohio.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home of Opelika assisted the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Bethany House, a hospice facility in Auburn.

HAROLD DENNIS BRACKNELL

Harold Dennis Bracknell, born Oct. 4, 1948, passed away on Oct. 4, 2024.

OBITUARIES

He was preceded in death by his mother, Ethel Murtice Cason; father, J. B. Bracknell Sr.; son, Toby Bracknell; and brother, J.B. Bracknell Jr.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Cooper Bracknell; sister, Quilla Ledford; sisterin-law, Michelle Bracknell; numerous nieces and nephews and special military friends who have become his extended family.

Harold graduated Beauregard High School and served in the military. He was awarded the Purple Heart Medal, the Bronze Star Medal with a “V” device for heroism in ground combat and the Air Medal for meritorious achievement while participating in Arial Flight in Vietnam.

A visitation was held at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home on Oct. 7. His ashes will be laid to rest in the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to either the Wounded Warriors Project or St. Jude’s Hospital.

JEANETTE “JAN” BOUSQUINMELLISH

Jeanette “Jan” Evelyn Bousquin-Mellish, passed away Oct. 2, 2024, at the age of 88 in Auburn.

Jan was born on April 22, 1936, to Sylvio Leon and Josephine May Bousquin in Portland, Maine. She was the eldest of four children in a military family. She graduated from Pemberton, New Jersey, High School in 1954. She met and married Lt. Col. (Ret.) James “Jim” Richard Mellish, in Chinon, France.

Jan loved traveling and adventure. She lived all over the world and immersed herself in the cultures as much as possible. She thoroughly enjoyed music, theater and the visual arts. Much of her adult life was spent seeking out local

entertainment and venues to explore with her family and anyone else willing to tag along. She never shied away from doing new things and was typically the first one up for a challenge. Yearly, the family would come together with her for large holiday gatherings and at the beach for a summer getaway.

Before moving to Auburn, Jan spent 39 years in Enterprise, where she and our father settled after his military retirement. She took up bookkeeping while in Hawaii and worked at a flight school. Later, she used her bookkeeping skills to open Triangle Flower and Gift Shop and the Carousel of Flowers in Enterprise, which she operated for nearly 32 years. Jan was an active member of the Business Network Association (BNA) in Enterprise, where she supported the success of small business.

She was a longtime member of the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany in Enterprise and most recently was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Auburn. Along with volunteering at church, she was an active member of the Officer’s Wives Club and Pilot Club.

In addition to her parents and husband, Jan was preceded in death by her siblings, Sylvio, Richard and Theresa Bousquin, and her grandson, Christopher Kelley.

She is survived by her children, James Walter Mellish of West Lafayette, Indiana, Dianne (John) Leslie Register of Dothan, Elizabeth Ann Gregg of Auburn and Lynda (Darrell “Mark”) Lorraine Kelley of Clarksville, Tennessee; eight grandchildren, Jeaninne Logan, James E. Mellish, James Kelley, Jennifer Kelley, Happy Gregg III (Madison), Mathew Gregg (Morgan), John Kelley (Christina) and Rachel Kelle;

eight great-grandchildren, Brandon Logan, Calla Kelley, Christian James “C.J.” Logan, Teddy Grace Gregg, Wyatt Gregg, Jack Kelley, Maggie Gregg and Happy “Rowdy” Gregg IV; nieces and nephew Carla, Marilyn, Kim, Susie and Joe; two step-grandsons, John Register Jr. and Zack Register; and three stepgranddaughters Carlee, Campbell and Chloe. Every one of Jan’s family members will greatly miss her and her Ruby Red Lipstick kisses. Jan will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Jim, at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery. Arrangements will be announced at a later date. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

TAYLOR BRYCE MCCARLEY

Taylor Bryce McCarley was born Jan.16, 2008, and left this earth entirely too soon on Sept. 28, 2024.

Taylor Bryce is survived by his parents, Danny and Lorraine McCarley of Auburn; his sister, Cailin McCarley, and niece, AvaMae McCarley of Georgia; great-grandparents Charles and Julia Cargile of Opelika; grandparents, Leon and Ginger Fletcher of Auburn; uncle, Russell (Christy) Fletcher of California; grandparents, Clyde and Marilyn McCarley of Opelika; two aunts, Lisa Harrelson of Opelika and Ashley (Bryant) Layson of Florida; and a multitude of extended family members and wonderful friends.

Taylor Bryce had recently enrolled as a junior in Auburn High School and was enjoying the many electives and AP classes with both old and newfound friends, with plans to enroll in college and pursue a career in pharmacy in just a few short years after graduation.

Before attending Auburn High this fall, he was

a student at Lee-Scott Academy since the fall of 2012. He was a member of the Lee Scott Academy band, playing trumpet in both concert and jazz bands and marching band from 2020-2023. Taylor Bryce enjoyed art, drawing and sketching, playing the piano and listening to music of all genres, especially the jazz classics of Frank Sinatra. He was a fast-learned snowboarder and loved to board down the slopes of Breckenridge, Colorado, enjoying the cold breeze in his face and the freedom that the vast mountains provided.

Taylor Bryce McCarley was our son, our shining light. His heart was judgment free, and he gave his heart and love unconditionally to all of those he called friends and family. His absence has created a hole within our hearts, an eternal loss, that can never be filled.

“Fill my heart with song And let me sing forever more You are all I long for All I worship and adore In other words, please be true in other words, I love you.”

A graveside service was held Oct. 6 at Town Creek Cemetery, with JeffcoatTrant Fulneral Home assisting with arrangements.

TERRIE LYNN BROWN Terrie Lynn Brown, who resided in Opelika, passed away peacefully at her home on Sept. 30, 2024. Born on Sept. 25, 1961, Terrie was a cherished member of the community and a loving figure in her family.

She graduated from Beauregard High School and dedicated over 25 years of her career to K-Mart, working in various roles including assistant manager and domestics manager. Following her tenure at K-Mart, she continued her passion for retail at Publix as

St. Dun’s Buns September donations

OBITUARIES

>> from A14

an HBA manager until her retirement in 2021.

Terrie was known for her love of cooking and her opendoor policy on weekends, always having family over to celebrate birthdays, holidays or simply to enjoy good company and food. Her home was a hub of warmth and joy, filled with the laughter of her beloved grand-children and the chatter of her extended family.

Terrie was preceded in death by her parents, James and Clara Cook, and her husband, John “Mike” Brown Sr. She is survived by her loving family: brothers, Kenny (Donna) Cook and Doug (Tiffany) Cook; sister, Cindi (Robert) Bishop; daughters, April (David) Hughes and Gracie Brown; step-children, Crystal (Russell) Lackey and John Brown Jr.; grandchildren, Alyssa and Alyson Lee, Claire Hughes and J.T. and Ella Brown; and several adored nieces and nephews.

A memorial service to

ALBRITTON >> from A13

your future; just trust me.”

I was distressed about the wayward of my sons, but the Lord was reassuring me that my sons would return to the faith they had been taught as children.

I felt I had been a failure as a pastor, but the Lord was saying: “Stop crying; your work will be rewarded!”

I brushed back the tears and began thanking the Lord for His great mercy to me, a weak, broken and miserable servant. Then the tears started flowing again as I lay in that hospital bed realizing that my Loving Father had met my needs in an hour of brokenness and discouragement. Though that encounter with

honor and celebrate her life was held Oct. 5 at FrederickDean Funeral Home in Opelika.

Her presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her spirit and legacy will live on through the many lives she touched.

GEORGE S. KING JR.

Our beloved father George S. King Jr. passed away peacefully in hospice on Sept. 26, 2024, at the age of 84. He was born in Birmingham on Dec. 12, 1939. He lived a life of service to his family, his country and any organization he joined. He met his wife, Sue H. King, while at Auburn University, where they each learned they shared a love to build a family and the adventures that life together would provide.

He was a proud member of the U.S. Air Force and served in the Vietnam War. He continued to serve in the reserves for years afterward while working to provide for his family.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sue H. King. He leaves behind his

God occurred 47 years ago, it remains fresh in my aging memory. And now and then, on a quiet day, I pause to celebrate how great is the love of God!

He is not off somewhere in the vast universe creating other galaxies; He is Emmanuel, here with us, caring about every problem we face, and ready to restore the joy of our salvation.

The Apostle Peter never cried in a hospital like I did. But he cried his heart out, a broken, helpless man following his cowardly denial of knowing Jesus. Then our loving Father came to him and told him to restrain his voice from weeping. He told him there was hope for his future and Peter believed him. In the years that followed, Peter’s dynamic leadership helped

children, George-Ann Smith and Michael King, and grandchildren. Austin Smith and Ivy Barber.

Friends and family are welcome to attend a brief graveside service on Monday, Oct. 14, at 11 a.m. at the memorial wall where his ashes will be placed at Town Creek Cemetery in Auburn. A reception with refreshments will follow at Amsterdam Cafe. Parking is available at the cafe and the Trinity Lutheran Church next door.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home of Opelika is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Parkinson’s Foundation: On the website www. parkinsons.org, click “How You Can Help,” then click “Make a tribute gift.”

BARBARA JUNE MCCARTY

Barbara McCarty, 84, of Loachapoka passed away peacefully on Sept. 29, 2024, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

Barbara was born in Hornell, New York, the second of three children to the late Orian and Clara Sherman.

the young church spread the good news across the world. And when we read what Peter wrote in his New Testament letters, we know that he had himself experienced the Lord’s redemptive power that he recommends to us: “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 5:1011).

God restored Peter. He restored me. And if you will stop crying and trust Him, He will restore you. His redemptive love is greater than any problem that may have you in tears.

In 1973 she married the love of her life, Hugh, and the family moved to Alabama. Barbara learned the art of cooking and baking alongside her mother at a young age and passed that gift down to generations after her. She had a cookie cutter for every holiday. She spent countless hours baking cookies to sell locally both in New York and here in Alabama just to make sure their children had Christmas gifts every year. After her retirement from Auburn University in 2002, she spent most of her time shopping at Walmart and Kroger. We believe she and dad just went every day to socialize.

Barbara enjoyed spending time with her family. Her love for music was never ending, and she never missed the opportunity to listen to Gospel music at the local churches.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 51 years, Hugh McCarty; three daughters, Clara (Earl) Baker of Dadeville, Kelley (David) Tidwell of Opelika and Linda (Arnold) Pattillo of Notasulga; son, Paul (Kathy) McCarty of Auburn;

grandchildren, Micheal (Laura) Pattillo, April Pattillo, Amanda (Shane) Sanspree, Jessica Baker, Edward (Julie) Baker, Jermie (Alex) White, John (Kady) White, Arin (Courtney) McCarty, Charles “Alex” McCarty, Anita Marshall, Shannon Marshall, Sherri Marshall and Donald Marshall; many greatgrandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren; a brother, John (Donna) Sherman of Whitney Point, New York, and many loving nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Elaine Boyle; and son, Donald J. Marshall.

Pallbearers were Arnold Pattillo, Micheal Pattillo, Arin McCarty, John White, Austin Pattillo, Thomas Pattillo and Alex McCarty (honorary).

A funeral service was held Oct. 3 at Fredrick-Dean Funeral Home, with burial following at the Loachapoka Cemetery.

The family would like to give special thanks to Kristie Bassett for always being there for mom and Southeast Hospice.

EVELYN LEWIS SMITH

Ms. Evelyn Lewis Smith of Opelika unexpectedly passed away Sept. 30, 2024, at the age of 73. She was born in Milledgeville, Georgia, on June 20, 1951, to parents Carribel and Walter Lewis. Evelyn proudly served our country in the United States Army and the Air National Guard Reserve for several years. While in Opelika, she worked at Uniroyal for some years, but most would know her for her role as a homemaker, as she was always ready to lend a helping hand with her children and grandchildren whom she loved so dearly.

Evelyn is survived by her loving children, Robert Smith, Jeff Smith (Shelly) and Tina Belvin (David); nine grandchildren and 10 greatgrandchildren, all of whom she loved deeply.

A funeral service was held Oct. 4 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. Evelyn was laid to rest in Garden Hills Cemetery. Her pallbearers were Carl Smith, Toby Boyd, Justin Smith, Dalton Nabors, Chandler Hicks and Tyler Manning.

Auburn basketball hosts 2024 Hoops for Hope

Auburn University Coach Bruce Pearl, the AU basketball team and cheerleaders hosted dozens of special needs individuals for a day of fun and fellowship at Hoopes for Hope.

On the Mark Recreation

Thursday, Oct. 10,

2024

Opelika sports round-up

OPINION —

Opelika (6-1, R 3-1) defeated Dothan 28-7 last Friday night at Ripp Hewes Stadium in Dothan. The Dogs held Wolves to 205 total yards and only 7 points, which is 25 fewer points than they average. DHS recovered a OHS fumble at their own 22-yard line, resulting in Dothan’s only points of the game with 5:06 left in the first quarter.

The Dogs scored backto-back TD’s: Jamari Miller scored the first touchdown on a 64-yard reverse to open the second quarter, Colby Key threw a 44-yard pass to Calvin Hughley at the Wolves 3-yard line. Fullback Blake Johnson bulled his way to the end zone for the second OHS score.

Reese Beasley added both PATs, giving OHS a 14-7 lead at halftime.

Opelika’s special teams contributed in a big way, blocking Dothan’s 36yard field goal attempt in the second half. The Dogs scored their third TD on a one-yard run by Johnson, his second TD in the game. Tommy Jackson took the handoff and follwed center Jackson Lee for a two-yard TD run. Beasley made his fourth PAT in the game.

Statistically for Opelika, the offense piled up 324 yards: 126 passing, 200 rushing yards and four TDs. Quez Johnson rushed for 80-yards on six carries and scored a TD, Hughley and Johnson added 28 and 33 rushing yards respectively. Key finished 4 of 8 for 126-passing yards including 83 receiving yards by Calvin Hughley. As a team, OHS converted 7 of 9 third down conversions, one of two in the red zone, did not punt and committed only two penalties.

Coach Moore’s team host Enterprise (4-2, R 2-2) Friday at Bulldog Stadium on Senior night. The Dogs have won 15 of the 23 meetings despite losing two straight games, 22-14 in 2022 and 28-14 last season. Prior to the Wildcats win over the Dogs in 2022, they lost 11 straight to OHS since 2004.

Enterprise head coach Ben Blackmon holds a 21-9 record over the past two and half seasons, including 13-7 in the region and 2-2 in the AHSAA class 7A state playoffs.

EHS’s four wins were over: Andalusia (35-7), Pike Road (24-6), Dothan (28-21) and Carver of Montgomery (17-14), lost to Auburn 53-22 and Central 34-21. The See ON THE MARK page B4

Auburn High topples top-ranked Central 38-33, takes region lead

PHENIX CITY — The matchup between the top two teams in 7-A did not disappoint, as the Auburn High Tigers traveled to Phenix City and took down the No.1-ranked Red Devils of Central High by a score of 38-33. The two heavyweights exchanged blows during the first half, answering every touchdown with one of their own.

Auburn took advantage of a holding penalty against Central on its first play from scrimmage and forced the Red Devils to punt from their own 7-yard line. Senior signal caller Jackson Kilgore found Peyton Plott for a 20-yard gain on first down, and two plays later Omar Mabson took the ball 10 yards to the end zone to give Auburn the early 7-0 lead.

Central wasted no time answering, covering 80 yards in eight plays. The Red Devils scored on fourth down and five from 20 yards out, but Auburn maintained a slim 7-6 lead thanks to a blocked PAT.

The Tigers responded with their own long drive, going 70 yards in just five plays. Kilgore connected

with Joshua Askew twice, the latter resulting in a 17-yard gain. The Red Devils were guilty of a late hit on that play, giving the Tigers a first down at the Central 24-yard line.

Kilgore found Plott for the second time to put Auburn up 14-6 late in the first quarter. Central then put togeth-

er their longest drive of the night in terms of time consumed as they chewed up nearly six minutes. With 9:14 remaining in the second quarter, Auburn’s lead was once again a single point at 14-13. The Tigers had good field position to start their

Glenwood defends home turf against Randolph County

PHENIX CITY —

The Glenwood Gators are riding high at 6-0.

In the Swamp of Phenix City, Alabama, Glenwood won its second consecutive shootout on Friday. It defeated Randolph County (5-1) by a score of 68-40.

The Gators are still yet to lose a game in its first year in the AHSAA, and now they are 4-0 in 3A Region 4 play. The squad continues to gain confidence with each touchdown they score, and lately, that has happened a lot.

Glenwood seems

to have found a new strategy – shoot the lights out and get more possessions than the other team.

Behind senior quarterback Levi Pinder, the Glenwood offense has been as explosive as it gets. It has scored a combined 130 points over the last two weeks, but the defense has also allowed 78 points in those games. The Gators defeated Beulah, 62-38, in their last contest before handing the Tigers their first loss in another high-scoring affair this week.

Senior running back Jermaine Brown ran the ball 17 times for 213

The Auburn High School Tigers won a back-and-forth scoring battle with Central of Phenix City. Auburn is now undefeated and leads in region play.
See AUBURN, page B4
See GLENWOOD, page B4 Glenwood defeated Randolph County 68-40.

Auburn High 38, Central of Phenix City 33

Auburn took the regional lead with the victory over Central of Phenix City.
The Glenwood Gators easily handled the visiting Tigers of Randolph County. Congrats to Mr. and Miss Glenwood, Tyler Sykes and Jenna Grace Humphrey.

next drive, and they had two productive plays before a holding penalty backed them up to their own 20-yard line. Facing a first and 35 situation, the Kilgore to Plott combination worked again for an 80-yard touchdown.

The Tigers extended their lead to 21-13, but Central would not back down.

The Red Devils found success running and passing, and they converted on a key fourth down at the Tiger 38-yard line. The impressive 14-play drive covered 80 yards and again cut the Auburn lead to one point, at 2120.

Auburn managed just four yards on its opening drive of the second half. Following a punt, Central took over at its own 30-yard line. Less than two minutes later, Tristan Williams scored from 30 yards out and the Red Devils took their first lead of the night at 27-21.

The Tigers failed to pick up a first down on their ensuing drive, but neither could the Red Devils following the Auburn punt. Jackson Lovvorn stuffed the Central run on fourth and one at midfield, giving the Tigers great field position. Kilgore took to the air on first down, connecting with Mabson on a wheel route that resulted in a touchdown for Auburn.

With 6:46 to go in the third quarter, the Tigers regained the lead at 2827.

Central could not pick a first down as the Auburn defense stiffened. Alex Gamston nearly intercept-

ed the Red Devils’ pass attempt on third down, but Central had to punt nonetheless. The Tigers’ drive stalled, but Joseph Daniel connected on a 41yard field goal to extend the lead to 31-27. The Red Devils would threaten on their next drive, benefiting greatly from a pass interference call. After three consecutive incompletions, however, the Tigers took over on downs. Starting from their own 18-yard line, Auburn looked to burn time off the clock. Mabson ultimately found the end zone from 14 yards out, but the combination of Kilgore to Joshua Askew was key on Auburn’s final scoring drive of the night. Their first connection was good for 13 yards, but the second time was good for 34 yards on a play that will surely be on the Auburn highlight reel for some time to come.

Facing a 38-27 deficit, the Red Devils refused to go away quietly. Central needed less than two minutes to score, converting on a critical fourth and one play near midfield. Williams gained 36 yards following that conversion, and then scored on the next play from 18 yards out. Looking to cut the lead to three, Central elected to go for the twopoint conversion. La’Mychael Gunn came up big for the Tigers, denying the Red Devils’ attempt. With 4:17 remaining in the game, Auburn took over at its own 26-yard line. Looking to preserve their 38-33 lead, the Tigers faced fourth and less than a yard to go from their own 36-yard line.

Kilgore sneaked for the first down, then Mabson picked up positive yardage on the next three plays. The Tigers could finally line up in victory formation and celebrate their hard-fought 38-33 win over the top-ranked Red Devils.

“Huge win, a great team win,” Kilgore said. “The defense made plays that set us up in good field position, and we took advantage of that. I hope that this is a statement to teams all around to not underestimate us. Beating Central is pretty fun!”

Auburn’s Head Coach, Keith Etheredge, added, “Central is a great football team. They are well coached. They have athletes all over the place, and our kids were amazing tonight. We talked to them at halftime about making one more play than them.”

Auburn now stands alone atop the region 2 standings at 6-0 (4-0 in region play). Carver Montgomery suffered its first loss, dropping a 17-14 game to Enterprise. Carver, Central and Opelika are deadlocked at 3-1 in region play.

Auburn faces a struggling Smiths Station team next week before traveling to Carver. The Tigers close out regular season play on Oct. 25 at home versus Dothan. The road to a region championship is now clear for the Tigers following their big win at Central.

When asked about taking over as the new number one ranked team in 7-A, Coach Etheredge said, “That sounds good, but I want to be there at the end of the season!”

GLENWOOD >> from B1

yards and two touchdowns, while senior Makai Simpson scored four times for his second game in a row – three times on the ground and once through the air. Meanwhile, Pinder completed 12-of-15 passes for 246 yards, two TDs and no interceptions.

Along with scoring 10 total TDs, the Gators capitalized on a blocked punt, a fumble recovery and a forced turnover on downs. Despite allowing 461 yards of total offense, Glenwood held Randolph to 3-for-9 on third down conversions along with those turnovers.

Even in a 28-point win, Glenwood displayed resilience by punching back when it was tested. Although Glenwood

ON THE MARK >> from B1

Wildcats were blown out by Auburn (53--21) and lost to Central (34-21). This is a huge region game for both teams. Opelika will earn their first trip to the AHSAA Class 7A state football playoffs with a win Friday night. Enterprise keeps its playoffs hopes alive with a win over the Dogs.

I’ve known Enterprise head football coach Ben Blackmon since he was in his early 20’s as an assistant coach at Opelika. I look for Blackmon to

took a 41-21 lead to halftime and led for the entire second half, the Tigers put up a fight early on. Randolph went ahead, 21-20, with 7:14 remaining in the second quarter. However, Brown answered with an 8-yard TD run less than a minute later, allowing Glenwood to take the lead for good. After Randolph took that second-quarter lead, Glenwood answered with four straight TDs to take control of the game at 48-21. It took a score with 2:45 left in the fourth quarter for Randolph to notch 40 points.

Nelson’s squad also displayed its consistency by winning each quarter.

Glenwood logged its most points in the second quarter with 28, but it also reached the end zone twice in every other quarter to take the advantage in each

throw the “kitchen sink” at the Dogs, utilizing every ounce of talent from each of his players. Blackmon regulary moves his “best athletete” to quarterback, allowing him to make plays. Enterprise has several talented with D1 offers, including defensive player Eric Winters, a two sport athlete, playing basketball after football season. Look for Winters to be everywhere friday night, this is a big game! Fans can buy tickets at Bulldog Stadium ticket office, beginning at 5:30p Friday. You can listen to Opelika/Enterprise on the radio on WKKR

frame. Glenwood is also establishing a consistent rushing attack, as this is the second game in a row in which the combination of Brown and Simpson have rumbled into the end zone at least five times.

The Gators are setting new standards of explosiveness, resilience and consistency this year in their quest to avenge last season’s AISA state title loss to Lee-Scott Academy. This is their second 6-0 start in a row, and they’re looking for their first state championship since 1992 and the fourth in program history.

On Friday, Oct. 11, Glenwood will look to stay hot in another region matchup on the road at Dadeville (1-5), who is coming off its first win of the season last week at Lee-Scott.

97.7 Kicker FM, online at kickerfm.com and on the free iheartradio app. Van Riggs starts things off at 6p with the Bulldog Tailgate Show presented by Opelika Enviromental Services, 6:30 Bryan Moore show and kickoff at 7p.

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.

Under the lights — Week 7

EAST ALABAMA

—The following are scores from last week and this week’s games for our local teams. Auburn (6-0) beat Central 38-33 last week and will host SSHS this week; Beauregard (5-2) beat Holtville 21-0, will be open this week; Lee-Scott (4-2) lost to Dadeville 10-13, will host Wadley at Judd Scott field; Benjamin Russell (34) lost to Helena 55-14,

will be open this week: Bealuh (5-2) beat BB Comer 43-40, will be open this week; Chambers Academy (6-1) beat Evangel Alabaster 39-0, will be open this week; Glenwood (7-0) beat Randolph County, will play at Dadeville Friday; LaFayette (3-3) open last week, will play at Reeltown Friday; Lanett (4-3) lost 40-0 to Reeltown, will play at Central Coosa; Loachapoka beat Coosa Central 58-14, will host Horsehoe

Bend Friday; Notasulga lost 12-28 to Verbena, will play at Ellwood Christian; Russell County (6-1) beat Stanhope 42-28, open this week; SSHS (0-7) lost to JAG 28-14, will play at AHS Friday; Southern Prep beat Lakeside 40-13, will play at North River Christian; Springwood (52) beat Evangel 88-58, will play at Meadowview; Valley (3-3) beat Sylacauga 26-7, will host Elmore County.

Auburn Tigers fall to Georgia Bulldogs in Athens

AUBURN —Auburn

entered the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry on Saturday, having not won in Athens since 2005. Despite being outmanned at practically every position on the field, the Tigers’ defense continued its solid play while the offense would put up its most yards (337) and points in Athens since 2009.

But none of it was enough as Auburn (2-4, 0-3) fell to Georgia (4-1, 2-1) 31-13.

The Tigers head into the bye week with its worst start (2-4) since 2012 and opened conference play 0-3 for the second consecutive season.

“Obviously, a disappointing season and today is another step not in the direction that we had hoped,” said Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze after the game. “We’re not playing winning football. We’ve got to, as coaches, figure out how to coach them harder and make sure we don’t make critical errors at critical times that cost us a chance to win a football game.”

Auburn opened the game on offense but mustered only 14 yards on the drive. The Tiger defense forced a three-and-out on Georgia’s opening possession, but an illegal substitution penalty gave the Bulldogs a first down—they would capitalize on the defense’s blunder.

Georgia’s Trevor Etienne would open the scoring with a two-yard plunge to put the host Bulldogs on top 7-0.

Freeze was asked about the drive-extending penalty after the game. “Those are the things that I’m talking about,” he said. “Heck, that’s a three-and-out to start the game. That’s reason to get jacked up and excited.”

The Tiger offense would find its footing on the following drive and got as deep as the Georgia 8-yard line, where it stalled. Towns McGhough sailed a 27-yard kick through the uprights for Auburn’s first points of the game.

Poised to go into halftime down only 7-3, Auburn began its drive at their 3-yard line with 1:52 remaining in the second quarter.

Following a five-yard rush by Jarquez Hunter, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart chose not to call a timeout, signaling that he was satisfied with taking the slim lead into halftime. However, Auburn was flagged for a false start penalty on second down, stopping the clock and moving the offense back to the 4-yard line.

At that point, strategies changed. Smart used his timeouts and got the ball back with 1:02 on the clock. Five plays later, Georgia’s Carson Beck completed an 11-yard touchdown pass to Dominic Lovett with 17

seconds remaining, giving the Bulldogs a 14-3 halftime advantage.

Coming out of the half, the Auburn defense forced a three-and-out, and the Tiger offense took over at its 32-yard line. Six plays later, Hunter found a seam and raced through the right side of the line 38 yards for a touchdown making the score 14-10. Hunter’s run was his longest of the season and the longest gain given up by the Bulldog defense on the ground this season.

Georgia would answer the Auburn score, however, with a 12-play, 75-yard drive capped with a one-yard run by Etienne. An Auburn penalty on the ensuing kick return pinned the Tiger offense at its five-yard line to begin the drive. The Tigers got off to a solid start, getting itself out of the shadow of the goalposts with a 16-yard reception by Hunter. After converting a second first down and putting together a promising drive, the offense faced a 4th down and one at its own 44 to open the 4th quarter. In a play doomed from the snap, quarterback Payton Thorne kept the ball and tried to run around the right end but was met by a Bulldog defender and tackled for a four-yard loss. The play left Hunter holding his arms out in confusion and Freeze asking, “What is he doing?” on the sideline.

“The call was a dive left to Jarquez, and we didn’t execute that play,” Freeze responded when asked about the play call. A reporter followed up asking if it were a read play, meaning that Thorne had an option on what to run, and Freeze said, “No.”

Thorne was asked about the play call after the game. “We’re running a run play—I had an option to throw it, too,” said the senior quarterback. “And the look that I got, you know, we had a guy that I needed to handle. Moved the back out of his original position and ran the play. And I think it was No. 11, came off the edge hard, and that’s the guy I was reading. And I don’t want to get into too much detail on that, I guess. I could tell you the whole thing, but I don’t think so. Probably shouldn’t.”

The cameras caught a heated but one-sided conversation on the sideline between Freeze and Thorne after the play, and when asked about it, Freeze said, “Yeah, he absolutely didn’t go with what we had called. Payton’s a thinker. He knows football. He decided to try to run some type of zone read there. I think everybody was a little confused. But we definitely weren’t on the same page there. I should have used one of our timeouts there when I saw things were going awry.”

The Bulldogs made quick work of the good field position and extended its lead to 28-10 on a three-yard touchdown pass. Auburn would once again stall an offensive drive inside the Georgia 10 and settle for another McGhough field goal. Georgia would answer that field goal with one of its own to complete the scoring for the game.

By the Numbers:

• Georgia QB Carson Beck was 20-20 for 175 yards and two TDs on pass attempts of less than 15 yards.

• Auburn has not beaten a power-conference opponent that finished its season with a winning record since Ole Miss in 2021.

• If Auburn finishes below .500 this year, it will be the first time the program has had four straight losing seasons since 1946-50, when the Tigers had five straight.

Up Next: Auburn is off next week before playing at Missouri on Oct. 19.

The final score was Georgia 38, Auburn 13.

Local youth win during Alabama National Fair

The show was Oct. 5 at Teague Arena in Montgomery and was sponsored by the Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance

Mary Elliott Martin of Lee County exhibited the Overall Reserve Grand Champion during the Alabama National Fair Youth Beef Cattle Breeding Heifer Show. It was also the Grand Champion Hereford. The show was Oct. 5 at Teague Arena in Montgomery. Fair livestock shows are sponsored by the Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance. From left are Grace Gullatt; Dr. Chris and Carrie Ann Martin with Shepherd and Stone; show judge Lydell Meier of 3 Aces Cattle Company in Clinton, Tennessee; Mary Elliott Martin; and Federation and Alfa President Jimmy Parnell.
Jessi Maples of Lee County exhibited the Youth Beef Show 5th Overall Market Animal during the Alabama National Fair Youth Beef Cattle Market Show. It was also the 4th Place Crossbred. The show was Oct. 5 at Teague Arena in Montgomery. Fair livestock shows are sponsored by the Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance. From left are Jewel Thompson; Victoria Thompson; show judge Lydell Meier of 3 Aces Cattle Company in Clinton, Tennessee; Maples; and Federation and Alfa President Jimmy Parnell.
Rylie Maples of Lee County exhibited the Light Weight Champion Commercial Doe at Alabama National Fair Youth Goat Show Oct. 5 at Teague Arena in Montgomery. Youth livestock events at the fair were sponsored by the Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance. Rylie is shown with brother Boone Maples, judge Chris Shaffett of Hammond, La., and Federation Executive Director Paul Pinyan.
Brooklyn Price of Lee County exhibited the Bred and Owned Hereford Grand Champion during the Alabama National Fair Youth Beef Cattle Breeding Heifer Show on Oct. 5 at Teague Arena in Montgomery. Fair livestock shows are sponsored by the Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance. From left are show judge Lydell Meier of 3 Aces Cattle Company in Clinton, Tennessee; Price; and Federation and Alfa President Jimmy Parnell.
Jessi Maples of Lee County exhibited the Overall Reserve Champion Commercial Doe at Alabama National Fair Youth Goat Show Oct. 5 at Teague Arena in Montgomery. Her doe was also Medium Weight Champion. Youth livestock events at the fair were sponsored by the Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance. Jessi is shown with brother Boone, judge Chris Shaffett of Hammond, La., and Federation Executive Director Paul Pinyan.

OHS students help build Free Little Art Galleries

OPELIKA — The offi-

cial opening of the Free Little Art Galleries, sponsored by the Art Haus, was celebrated Oct. 2 at the site of the third Free Little Art Gallery (FLAG) installation at the Opelika Public Library, 1100 Glenn St. FLAGs are also on display Covington Rec Center and downtown at the corner of S. Railroad and 9th Street.

The goal of the Free

Little Art Galleries is to provide a creative space for the community to share the love of art. The galleries were built by Opelika High School Engineering students for the Art Haus through a grant from the Henry J. Stern Family Foundation. Artwork in the gallery will be curated by the Opelika High School Art Club. As the signs posted on each gallery state, “Have a look around one of the smallest art galleries in town. We hope you will take a piece of art, leave

a piece of art or both. The gallery is for everyone, so help spread the word and the love of art!”

It all started when J. Stern and Ginger Stern, founders of the Art Haus in downtown Opelika, were inspired to start the Free Little Art Galleries here after hearing about and seeing pictures of a similar project in New Orleans.

A volunteer-run, ad-free website, www.freelittleartgalleries.art, reports there is no formal organization for Free Little Art Galler-

ies: “Seattle-based artist Stacy Milrany is generally credited with creating the first one in late 2020, and the idea has caught on. Most are built by individuals and set up in front of their homes. Some are in public libraries, schools, art supply stores, on the grounds of art museums. They number in the hundreds — that we know of.”

So far, the website has mapped the locations of 574 FLAGs, with more popping up.

J. and Ginger Stern’s

idea for Opelika’s FLAGs was to make three miniature versions of the Art Haus (located at 500 N. Railroad Ave.) and display them in various sections of town. Architect Behzad Nakhjavan of BBN Designs scaled down the plans of the Art Haus to provide engineering students at Opelika High School with dimensions and guidelines to build the miniature versions. The project was completed over the summer. Thanks to the following for making this project

happen: Ginger Stern, J. Stern, The Art Haus, Henry J. Stern Family Foundation, Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller, Rosanna McGinnis of the Opelika Public Library, Sam Bailey of Covington Rec Center, John Swin of the city of Opelika Public Works Department, OHS engineering students Carson Bass and Jayme Manning and teacher Adrianna Padgett. For more information on the Art Haus, visit opelikaarthaus.com.

Ogletree Elementary students complete service projects

Pictured above are three Free Little Art Galleries located in Opelika. Pictured with FLAG III at right are OHS engineering students Carson Bass and Jayme Manning, who helped build the project.

As a teacher, I really look forward to Fire Prevention Week, which is Oct. 7 through 11 this year. I know students will enjoy and learn so much, and I want to thank our local fire departments for taking the time to teach us about fire safety.

Firefighters visit our schools and do a wonderful job teaching young children to “stop, drop and roll.” Firefighters wear their uniforms so children will know what they look like and will recognize them as friends. They instruct the children to have a fire escape plan for their families.

The firefighters are very

patient, letting children climb through the fire trucks, learn about equipment and hear the siren.

Trips to the fire station provide good learning opportunities. Local fire departments are so good in passing wonderful resources for the students and teachers to use.

There are rules and lessons about fire safety that we as families also need to teach our young children. The most important one is teaching them how and when to call 911 to report an emergency. Teach your youngster to clearly say his/her name and address. Have them practice on a play phone or on a real phone that has been disconnected.

Teach your child at home about what to do when they see or smell smoke. Repeat the “stop, drop and roll” safety rule and teach the “smoke crawl.” Go over your household fire plan with

October is Alpha Kappa Delta Month

your child until they fully comprehend. Draw it out for them. At school we practice with fire drills, and they can be done at home as well.

Role play with your young child to practice crawling and to “stop, drop and roll,” as though there was real fire and smoke.

Fire Prevention Week’s Theme in 2024 is “Smoke Alarm Safety.” Check to see if your home smoke alarm is installed and working properly. It is important for your child to be familiar with the sound of the smoke alarm, so turn them on for your young child to hear and recognize what they sound like. Also explain the purpose of the fire extinquisher. Be sure to explain how this is properly used to put out a fire.

From youngest to oldest, discuss fire escape routes for your family beforehand so they will not be scared or confused if an emergency

arises.

Stress to your children that they should definitely not play with matches or around fires. Also, stress to them not to play around a hot stove or any area in which a possible fire might break out. Always have anything you might consider unsafe out of the reach of the young hands of a child.

The libraries have some wonderful books about fire safey that you might want to check out and read to your child.

Use a firefighting theme in teaching your young child about math and language arts. A simple fire truck can be made out of construction paper shapes such as a rectangle for the fire truck body, circles for the wheels and triangles for cones they may carry on their trucks. As you can see, a lesson on shapes has been taught.

Counting and physical

coordination can be taught by playing with a ladder laid flat on the floor. Stress to your child that ladders are used to reach people up high. As you play with the ladder flat on the floor; count the rungs and have your child safely walk between them.

In the physical area of play, your child can pretend to squirt a hose to put out a fire. Let them tell you the steps they will take in putting out a fire.

Also write thank you notes with your child, even drawing pictures to give to your local fire departments. This will give your child a good sense of community spirit and how people come together to help each other. Our local firefighters will appreciate this so much.

Beth Pinyerd has taught many years in the classroom. She holds a master’s degree in early childhood education.

ShannonLeeADK@gmail.com

Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller, seated center, signed a proclamation naming October as Alpha Delta Kappa Month. He was joined by Alabama Beta Xi chapter members, from left, Nancy Weatherman, Claire Plott, Shannon Lee (president), Kay Spriggs and Ginny Adams. Alpha Delta Kappa is an international organization of women educators that promotes educational excellence, altruism and world understanding through fellowship, networking opportunities and personal and professional development. For more information, contact Shannon Lee, President @

P U Z Z L E S , P U Z Z L E S & M O R E P U Z Z L E S — W W W . O P E L I K A O B S E R V E R . C O M

Food &E ntertainment Community Calendar

Southern Hospitality

Cattlemen celebrate 50 years of October Beef Month

This year is the 60th anniversary of the Lee County Cattlemen’s Association (LCCA) celebrating October as Beef Month in Alabama. Throughout the state, beef is promoted with special events, and cattlemen are honored. Holli Thompson, a director of the LCCA, is sharing a variety of recipes using beef, including cook off winners.

Holli has been on the board of LCCA since 2013. She is also the Lee County Junior Cattlemen’s advisor and serves as vice president for the Alabama Cattlewomen’s Association. Both of her daughters have been active in 4H, FFA (Future Farmers of America) and Junior Cattlemen through high school.

Beef is big business in Alabama. In January this year, there were 1,170,000 head of cattle and calves on Alabama farms, ranking Alabama as 17th in beef cattle numbers nationwide. Cattle are produced in every county, and cattle production represents a $2.5 billion industry in Alabama.

LCCA’s mission is to promote, protect, develop, expand, encourage and enhance the common interests and business climate of the beef cattle community/industry in Lee County. Their mission also includes to expand consumer demand for beef by promoting a positive image and educating others that beef is safe, wholesome, nutritious and a convenient food product choice. Membership is open to anyone from cattle producers to consumers who have an appreciation for beef.

One of the recipes being shared is the National Cham-

pion Cast Away Tacos from the Alabama Junior Shorthorn Cook Off team, led by Jewel Thompson of the Lee County Junior Cattlemen.

This past summer, members from across the nation met in Timonium, Maryland, for the national show and conference.

“At this event juniors not only show cattle, they also compete in leadership and life skill contests,” said Holli.

“One of those events is the beef cook off. All teams are given the same cut of beef to prepare. They must also act out a skit that is entertaining and educational about the cut of beef assigned and cooking methods.

“Alabama’s theme was Cast Away Tacos loosely based on the movie Cast Away,” Holli added. “These tacos won the Champion Recipe Contest, and the team won Champion Showmanship for the skit, making them the Overall Champion Team.”

Another recipe is from Sam Hayden, an Auburn High School student, who won the Lee County Beef Cook Off in March this year. He then received first place in the South District in the Alabama Cattlemen’s state high school cooking contest. Sam used a 77-day dry-aged New York strip steak in his recipe.

“A three-ounce cooked serving of lean beef provides ten essential nutrients and about half of the daily value for protein in about 170 calories,” said Holli. “Some of the lean choices include top sirloin steak, strip steak (top loin steaks), tenderloin and 93% lean ground beef.”

Following are highlights of the LCCA events for October Beef Month:

Auburn Football Family Dinner — LCCA helped the Auburn Tigers football team kick off the season with beef. Lee County Cattlemen’s Association joined forces with Elmore and Montgomery counties to grill and serve steaks at the annual Auburn football family dinner.

Families Feeding Families campaign — Consumer demand for farm to table beef is at an all-time high. To link consumers with local producers, LCCA developed

Families Feed Families. Consumers can scan a QR code found on the LCCA Facebook page and be linked to a list of farms who sell beef directly to the consumer.

Cowboys in the Classroom — During the month of October, members will be visiting classrooms reading books about cattle and beef production to students. If you would like a visit to your classroom, please email Holli Thompson at hdm0004@ auburn.edu. Time slots are limited.

Beef Raffle — This is LCCA’s annual fundraiser, with proceeds used to support the youth scholarship fund. Tickets are $5 each and are good for two chances to win a $200 beef gift certificate to the Auburn University Meats Shop. Tickets are on sale now. Drawing will be at the LCCA booth at Syrup Sopping Day in Loachapoka on Oct. 26.

T-shirt sales — LCCA currently has t–shirts for sale at $25 each (Bella canvas brand) in three colors: blue, orange and red. T-shirts and raffle tickets can be purchased in person at Animal Health Center in Opelika, at one of LCCA’s community

events, or by messaging LCCA’s Facebook page.

Lee County Fair — LCCA had an information booth at the fair and gave away recipe cards, as well as distributed coloring books for kids. They also held lamb, cattle and goat shows.

Food bank contribution — LCCA makes an annual monetary contribution to the East Abama Food Bank in honor of October Beef Month.

Facebook — During the month of October, LCCA will post daily cattle and beef facts. Throughout the year, the Facebook page is used to promote the association and educational events across the state: www.facebook.com/ LCCAbeef.

LCCA officers are Blaine Bruce, president; Robert Britton, vice president; Jenny Britton, secretary; and Mitch Lazenby, past president. In addition to Holli, directors are Garrett Dixon, Bubba Dowdell, Tilman Dudley, Grace Gullatt, Mahlon Richburg, Cameron Price, Chance Armstrong, Mike Gardner, Andy Bennett, Chad Beasley and Daniel Mullenix.

Alabama’s National Champion Cast Away Tacos

This summer Jewel Thompson of the Lee County Junior Cattlemen led the Alabama Junior Shorthorn Cook Off team to a multi-title National Championship. All teams are given the same cut of beef to prepare. This recipe features mock tender steak, aka the chuck tender. It looks very much like a tenderloin steak but is much tougher and comes at a cheaper price.

1 lb. or 4 to 5 mock tender steaks or Chuck Tender

Marinade:

• 1/3 cup soy sauce 1/4 cup pineapple juice

• Juice from one lime

2 tsp. sesame oil

• 2 Tbsp. honey

• 2 tsp. Sriracha

4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled & minced

• For assembly: 5-6 radishes, diced

• 1/2 cup of pineapple chunks grilled in butter

Cilantro leaves

• Shredded cheese of your choice

• Tortillas, warmed In a large bowl toss together Mock tenderloin, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, pineapple juice, honey and sriracha. Cover with plastic and marinade for at least 1 hour. Heat electric skillet on medium high heat. Sear marinated steak for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Then cover and broil for 5 minutes. Be sure to let your steak rest 5 minutes before cutting to ensure none of the juices run out too quickly.

Once steaks are removed from pan add 1 Tbsp. butter to juices. Grill pineapple chunks until golden brown. Add steak, pineapple, radish, cilantro and cheese to warmed tortillas and enjoy.

Sam Hayden, an Auburn High School student, won the Lee County Beef Cook Off in March this year. He then received first place in South District in the Alabama Cattlemen’s state high school cooking contest. Sam is sharing his winning strip steak recipe. A variety of other beef recipes are featured including the Alabama National Champion recipe.

Register now for 2024 Great Pumpkin Splash

Opelika Parks & Rec will host the 2024 Great Pumpkin Splash on Friday, Oct. 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the SportsPlex Pool. This event is open to children ages 6-12. The cost is $5 per person. Pre-registration is required by Oct. 11.

CIPPERLY RECIPES >> from B11

Strip Steak

Sam Hayden, AHS student who won the Lee County Beef cook-off in March this year. He then went on to win first place in the South District in the Alabama Cattlemen’s state high school cook-off. He used a 77 day dry aged New York strip steak served with pureed potatoes and rainbow chard, topped with herb butter.

• 1 strip steak

• ½ tsp. smoked salt

½ tsp. pepper

• 1 tsp. canola oil

Put oil in cast iron pan and turn on heat.

Wait until pan starts to smoke. Put steak into the pan searing for 2 minutes each side. Pull steak from pan and let rest for 5 minutes. Then cut and plate.

Nacho Beef Dip

Holli Thompson

This is an easy favorite game day recipe. Add some non-fat Greek yogurt to boost the protein and make it creamy.

• 1 lb. ground beef (93% lean or leaner)

• 1 jar (15 to 16 oz.) cheese dip with salsa (salsa con queso) or other cheese dip 1/2 cup thick-andchunky mild or medium salsa

Blue, yellow and/or white corn tortilla chips (optional topping)

Diced red bell pepper, thinly sliced green onions, sliced ripe olives (optional topping)

Heat non-stick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add ground beef; cook 8 to 10 minutes, breaking into 3/4-inch crumbles and stirring occasionally. Add cheese dip and salsa; cook and stir about 3 minutes or until mixture is heated through.

Cook’s tip: Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed ground beef. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees. Color is not a reliable indicator of ground beef doneness.

Pour beef mixture into shallow serving dish. Serve with tortilla chips for dipping. Garnish with toppings, if desired.

Fruit and Nut Burgers

Holli Thompson

A favorite burger that sounds odd, but it is so

good! t has won many cook-off contests

• 1 lb. ground beef (93% lean or leaner)

• 2 Tbsp. chopped walnuts

• 1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

• 1 Granny Smith apple, cored, cut into 8 rounds

• 4 Tbsp. Brie cheese, softened

• 4 tsp. marionberry or blackberry preserves

• 4 whole-grain artisanal rolls

Combine ground beef, walnuts, salt and pepper in a medium bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Lightly shape into four 1/2-inch thick patties. Place patties on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, covered, 8 to 10 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, covered, 7 to 9 minutes) until instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160°F, turning occasionally.

Place two apple rounds on bottom of each roll; top with burger. Evenly spread cheese and preserves over burgers. Close sandwiches.

Cook’s Tip: Apple rounds may be grilled for 3 to 4 minutes, if desired.

Yummy Mummy Beef Pizzas Holli Thompson

This fun fall recipe has been on our menu for years. The kids love to make them, and they pack 35g of protein.

• 1 recipe Italian-style beef sausage (recipe follows)

• 1-1/2 cups pizza sauce

• 4 round thin sandwich breads, any variety, split

• 4 individually wrapped sticks reduced-fat mozzarella string cheese (1 oz. each)

8 black or green olives, sliced horizontally

Prepare Italian-style beef sausage. Stir in pizza sauce; cook 2 to 3 minutes or until heated through, stirring frequently. Keep warm and set aside.

Italian-Style Beef

Sausage: Combine 1 lb. ground beef, 1 tsp. fennel

seed, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/4 tsp. coriander, 1/4 tsp. garlic powder, 1/4 tsp. paprika, 1/4 tsp. black pepper and 1/8 to 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper in large bowl, mixing lightly

Auburn Oktoberfest expected to sell out — buy tickets now

A limited number of tickets remain for the 13th annual Auburn Oktoberfest on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Ag Heritage Park, located on the AU campus at 620 S. Donahue Drive. The festival will feature more than 60 breweries showcasing over 175 beers, along with multiple wines and home brewers, as well as a selection of food trucks serving both local eats and traditional German fare. Attendees will also enjoy live entertainment from Kidd Blue and the War Damn Polka Band and can participate in popular contests and events such as stein hoisting, the chicken dance, Mr. & Mrs. Oktoberfest and the crowd-favorite wiener dog race. Football fans can catch the day’s games on numerous TVs set up around the festival grounds. For ticket information, visit https://auoktoberfest.com/ tickets.

but thoroughly. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add sausage mixture; cook 8 to 10 minutes, breaking into 1/2-inch crumbles and stirring occasionally.

Cook’s Tip: Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees. Color is not a reliable indicator of ground beef doneness. Place sandwich thins, cut side up, on rack of broiler pan. Spoon equal amounts of sausage mixture on each bread half. Pull cheese lengthwise into thin strips. Cut each strip into thirds. Create mummy faces using cheese strips in crisscross pattern to resemble mummy bandages and olives to resemble eyes. Place pizzas on rack of broiler pan so surface of cheese is 3 to 4 inches from heat. Broil 4 to 5 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Balsamic Marinated Flank Steak Holli Thompson Flank steak is an inexpensive cut. Flat iron steak can be substituted. We marinate at least overnight.

• 1 beef flank steak (about 1-1/2 lb.)

Balsamic Marinade:

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

• 2 Tbsp. olive oil

1 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil leaves

1 1/2 tsp. Dijon-style mustard

1 tsp. minced garlic

• 1/2 tsp. sugar

Combine marinade ingredients in small bowl. Place beef flank steak and marinade in food-safe plastic bag; turn steak to coat. Close bag securely and marinate in refrigerator six hours or as long as overnight, turning occasionally.

Remove steak from marinade; discard marinade. Place steak on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, covered, 11 to 16 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, 16 to 21 minutes) for medium rare (145 degrees) to medium (160 degrees), turning occasionally.

Season steak with salt and pepper, as desired. Carve steak crosswise into thin slices.

Beef Harvest Soup Holli Thompson

This is a fancy fall take on what my grandma used to call goulash.

• 1 lb. ground beef (93% or leaner)

• 2 cups water

1 can (14-1/2 oz.)

Italian-style stewed tomatoes, not drained

• 1-1/2 cups frozen mixed vegetables

4 cups reduced-sodium beef broth

1 cup uncooked large elbow macaroni

4 oz. smoked beef sausage, sliced Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add ground beef; cook 8 to 10 minutes, breaking into 3/4inch crumbles and stirring occasionally. Remove from skillet with slotted spoon. Remove drippings. Meanwhile, combine water, tomatoes, vegetables and broth in large saucepan; bring to a boil. Stir in macaroni and beef; return to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in sausage; continue simmering 2 to 4 minutes or until macaroni is tender and beef sausage is cooked through. Season with salt and pepper, as desired.

Cook’s Tip: Other pasta shapes, such as rotini, bow ties, medium shells or ditalini, may be substituted for large elbow macaroni; adjust cooking time as needed.

Tiny Taco Beef Tarts Holli Thompson

These are perfect for tailgating and take less than 30 minutes to make. Instead of phyllo cups we use wonton wrappers for crunch or canned flaky biscuits for a fluffy texture.

• 12 oz. ground beef (93% lean or leaner)

• 1/2 cup chopped onion

• 1 tsp. minced garlic 1/2 cup prepared mild or medium taco sauce 1/2 tsp. ground cumin

• 1/4 tsp. salt 1/8 tsp. pepper

• 2 packages (2.1 oz. each) frozen mini phyllo shells (30 shells total)

• 1/2 cup shredded reduced fat Mexican cheese blend

• Shredded lettuce, sliced grape or cherry tomatoes, guacamole, low-fat dairy sour cream, sliced ripe olives (optional topping) Heat oven to 350 degrees. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add ground beef, onion and garlic in large nonstick skillet over medium heat 8 to

10 minutes, breaking up beef into small crumbles and stirring occasionally. Add taco sauce, cumin, salt and pepper; cook and stir 1 to 2 minutes or until mixture is heated through. Place phyllo shells on rimmed baking sheet. Spoon beef mixture evenly into shells. Top evenly with cheese. Bake 9 to 10 minutes or until shells are crisp and cheese is melted.

Top tarts with lettuce, tomatoes, guacamole, sour cream and olives, as desired.

Two-Way Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Holli Thompson Crock pot meals are perfect for this time of year when we are so busy, and kids are going different directions. Roasts are inexpensive and easy to drop in a slow cooker. This has two versions to change up the flavor profile so your family doesn’t get tired of the same old pot roast. It is low calorie and high protein.

1 beef shoulder roast or blade chuck roast (2 to 2-1/2 lb.)

• 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil

(optional)

• 1 large onion, chopped

2 Tbsp. minced garlic

• Salt and pepper

For optional browning, heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Brown beef shoulder roast on all sides.

Place onion and garlic in 3-1/2 to 5 quart slow cooker; place roast on top. Cover and cook on high 5 to 6 hours or low 9 to 10 hours or until roast is fork tender.

Remove roast from slow cooker. Skim fat from cooking liquid, if necessary, and reserve 1 cup onion mixture. Shred beef with 2 forks. Combine shredded beef and reserved onion mixture. Season with salt and pepper, as desired. Continue as directed in recipe variations below, as desired.

Mexican Shredded Beef:

Combine tomato or tomatillo salsa and beef mixture, as desired. Place in large microwave-safe bowl. Cover, vent and microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally. Serve in warmed flour or corn tortillas topped with Pico de Gallo, sliced avocados, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro and/or chopped white or green onions, as desired.

Barbecue Shredded Beef: Combine prepared barbecue sauce and beef mixture. Place in large microwave-safe bowl. Cover, vent and microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally. Serve on whole wheat rolls topped with creamy horseradish sauce, coleslaw, cheddar cheese slices, chopped green bell pepper and/or canned French fried onions, as desired.

Beef Breakfast Pizza Ole

Holli Thompson

If you have leftover ground beef from the night before it can easily be turned into beef “sausage” with seasonings.

• 1 recipe Basic Country Beef Breakfast Sausage (recipe follows)

• 1/2 cup salsa verde 1 pkg. (11 to 14 oz.) thin crust refrigerated pizza dough

3/4 cup diced tomatoes

• 1/2 cup reduced-fat shredded Mexican blend cheese

• 6 eggs 2 Tbsp. thinly sliced green onions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Prepare Basic County Beef Breakfast Sausage. Stir in salsa verde.

Basic Country Beef

Breakfast Sausage: Combine 1 lb. ground beef (96% lean), 2 tsp. chopped fresh sage or 1/2 tsp. rubbed sage, 1 tsp. garlic powder, 1 tsp. onion powder, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Heat large non-stick skillet over medium high heat until hot. Add beef mixture; cook 8 to 10 minutes, breaking into 3/4-inch crumbles and stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, coat large shallow-rimmed baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Unroll dough on prepared baking sheet. Pat or roll evenly to 11 by 14-inch rectangle, pinching together any tears, if needed. Bake 8 minutes. Remove from oven and top evenly with beef mixture, tomatoes and cheese. Make six “wells” in beef mixture and crack one egg in each “well.” Cook’s Tip: Scrambled eggs may be used in place of over easy eggs if desired. Bake in 425 degrees oven 13 to 18 minutes or until desired doneness of egg is reached. Remove from oven; sprinkle with green onions. Cut into six pieces. Serve with additional salsa, as desired.

OPINION —

It’s all gone.

That’s what the lady on the news said. She was an older woman, being interviewed by a reporter. Giant news camera shoved in her face.

The lady sounded like she was in a uniquely frantic state, poised somewhere between panic and absolute

Sean of the South

The aftermath of hell and hurricanes

exhaustion. It is a frame of mind where you experience millions of emotions at once, and yet feel none of them. I know this because that’s how she described it.

“It’s all gone. All of it.”

This was followed by images on my screen that were apocalyptic. One of America’s most historical storms. Hurricane Helene. Destruction from Florida to Virginia.

And here I am, sitting in my comfortable living room, watching the tube, thinking about how scary all this is.

These people’s lives are ruined. These people have nothing left. These are Americans. These are my brothers and sisters.

Whole towns are gone.

Highways have been upended. Floodwaters rage. Mudslides. Missing persons. Missing pets. People going hungry. People trapped. People injured.

All I can think about are the emails and texts going back and forth between those who experienced the nightmare.

“We still haven’t heard from my mom…”

“My son hasn’t called yet…”

“It’s been days and I don’t know where my husband is…”

As I write this, the death toll tops 120. And I just read somewhere that 600 are still missing. And that’s just the ones we know about.

And as I’m watching this

unfold on the television, I’m about to cry. I’m about to give up, deep inside. For there is little hope left in this world, I’m thinking. But then I see something. On the television, I see a kid picking up debris. He’s slight and small, maybe 6 years old. Blond hair. And he’s out there helping. Busting his tail.

I see food trucks galore, on their way to affected areas. Saint Pete. Western North Carolina. Waycross. One Salvation Army food truck, teeming with volunteers, is capable of cranking out 12,000 meals at a time.

Small churches with food lines. Churches with buildings that don’t even exist anymore are feeding the

Madera to return to Opelika

OPELIKA — Jesse Lynn

Madera will return to Opelika for a double-header performance with Jill Sobule on Thursday, Oct. 17, at The Sound Wall.

Madera brings a blend of Americana and soul, captivating listeners with her powerful voice and heartfelt songwriting. Her performances are rich with emotion and authenticity, making her a rising star in the music scene. The Oct. 17 performance will mark her second visit to Opelika.

“I was there [Opelika] year before last for the Songwriter’s Festival and oh my gosh, it is gorgeous there,” Madera said. “I can’t wait to come back. It is really a cool, artsy, warm town.”

Madera, born in West Virginia, and raised in Texas, is currently based out of Los Angeles.

She said she has been playing piano since her early childhood when she would listen in on her brother’s music lessons.

“We had an old antique upright that was my great-grandma’s,” she said. “My brother was taking lessons on it, and I was so fascinated. I wanted to do everything he did, so I started taking an interest in it, and I just kind of took to it. I was never classically trained — I just loved playing.” Madera wrote or co-wrote 10 of the 11 songs on her latest album. Her single “No Place to Shine” rose to No. 1 on the HotDisc Chart and stayed in the top spot for four weeks. Music Connection Magazine named her as one of its Hot 100 Best Unsigned Artists, and she was a top 12 finalist (out of 6,000 entries) in the Americana category of the Unsigned Only competition with her compelling

performance of “Unchained.”

During the recording of “Unchained” drummer Jimmy Paxson arrived at the session with chains and a trash can and used them to get the great drum sound on the song. More than any of the others, ‘Unchained’ set the tone, and dictated the general sound of the album. It was the first song produced by Dan Navarro and Jim Scott. The cover of this Johnny Cash song of redemption, written by Jude

Johnstone, is slow, sweet and bathed in humility and grace. Madera said she was thrilled to have Jude’s blessing on the final version of the track.

“I’m so pleased with this new version by Jesse Lynn Madera,” Johnstone said in a press release. “Love the way she digs into the chorus. I am so glad to see this song have a revival.”

The Sound Wall concert on Oct. 17 will also feature

See MADERA, page B15

From the big screen to Broadway: October at the Gogue Center

CONTRIBUTED BY GOUGE CENTER

AUBURN — A jampacked month of entertainment at the Gogue Center features the return of fan favorites like the Alabama Symphony Orchestra and a cappella supergroup Straight No Chaser, as well as the launch of the 2024–25 Broadway Series with hit musical Dear Evan

Hansen. The 1939 Technicolor masterpiece The Wizard of Oz lights up the big screen with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra performing the Oscar-winning score live at the Woltosz Theatre on Tuesday, Oct. 15, and Wednesday, Oct. 16, at 7 p.m. Next, Broadway returns to the Plains this month

as the national tour of the critically acclaimed instant-classic Dear Evan Hansen visits Auburn on Friday, Oct. 25, and Saturday, Oct. 26, at 7 p.m. Then, October wraps in feel-good a cappella style courtesy of the nine sensational singing voices of Straight No Chaser: Top Shelf Tour on Wednesday, Oct. 30, at 7 p.m.

Patrons can purchase tickets to all performances by visiting goguecentertickets.auburn.edu. Tickets can also be purchased by contacting the Gogue Center box office by telephone at 334.844.TIXS (8497), via email at gpactickets@ auburn.edu, or in person at 910 South College Street in Auburn, Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

hungry. Feeding each other.

Members of the Cajun Navy, speeding toward flood zones in bass boats, with utility trailers full of supplies.

I see young guys with chainsaws, slicing through fallen oaks. I see men and women from other states, who took a field trip into hell, just to help. They have no relatives here. They just want to pitch in.

I see the Baton Rouge Fire Department flying to Charlotte, North Carolina, just to be airlifted into a rural area of the state.

Volunteer hikers, on their way to the Tennessee state line, a badly damaged area that hasn’t been assisted yet.

There are mule packers, headquartered in the North Carolina hills. Men leading mule trains, trained to haul military ammunition, now delivering meals and water to neighbors stranded.

The stories are too many to

count. As I write this, a new story of heroism is occurring every minute in this nation.

Lives are being saved. Heroes. Each one of them. They are carrying the wounded of our kinship toward safety, on their own backs.

And I am reminded of something I once heard one of my own heroes (Mr. Rogers) say about horrific events occurring in our world.

“Look for the helpers,” he said. “You will always see people who are helping.” He’s absolutely right. And in this case, they’re called Americans.

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.

OCT. 10 — 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 Oct. 10 is Jeff Gather and Co. Visit auburnalabama.org/parks for more details.

THRU OCT. 13 — 101 DALMATIONS KIDS

Auburn Area Community Theatre will present Disney’s 101 Dalmatians KIDS through Oct.13 at 222 E. Drake Ave. in Auburn. The production is a fur-raising adventure featuring Cruella De Vil, Disney’s most outrageous villain, and 101 of the most adorable heroes to set their paws onstage. This stage adaptation is certain to charm and delight audiences of all ages. For show dates and times and to purchase tickets, visit https:// auburnact.ticketspice.com/101-dalmatians.

OCT. 10-19 — THE WIZARD OF OZ Opelika Community Theatre present the iconic 85-year-old classic The Wizard of Oz on Oct. 10, 11, 17, 18 & 19 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 12, 13 & 20 at 2:30 p.m. at 1220 Fox Run Ave., Suite 216 at the USA Town Center Plaza. Tickets are $20 and are available at opelikatheatrecompany.com.

OCT. 11 — JOY CLARK @ SUNDILLA Songwriter-guitarist Joy Clark will make her debut at the Sundilla Music Series on Friday, Oct. 11. Showtime at the AUUF (450 E. Thach Ave. in Auburn) is 7:30 p.m. Advance tickets are $20 and can be found at Spicer’s Music, Ross House Coffee, Foodie’s and online at Sundillamusic. com. Admission at the door is $25. Free coffee, tea, water and food will be available, and the audience is welcome to bring their own favorite food or beverage.

OCT. 11 — FRIGHT NIGHT MOVIE

Auburn Parks & Rec will host a Fright Night Movie at the Frank Brown Recreation Center, located at 235 Opelika Road, on Friday, Oct. 11. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) Rated PG will start at 6:15 p.m., and at 8:20 p.m. the second feature, Mind Hunters (2004) Rated R, will be shown. Patrons are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs to be comfortable, and concessions will be available for purchase. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. with free treats for all. This event is FREE and open to the public.

OCT. 12 — HARVEST MARKET

Auburn Parks and Recreation will host a Harvest Market on Saturday, Oct. 12, from 8 a.m. to noon at Town Creek Park featuring local farmers, growers and artists selling fresh, local and handmade products.

OCT. 12 — BOTANIC FALL FESTIVAL

Botanic becomes an autumnal playground for a day of family fun on Saturday, Oct. 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1702 Frederick Road in Opelika. Hop on a hayride, pick out a pumpkin to paint, compete in a cakewalk and indulge in festive food. Find more info and tickets at https:// shopbotanic.com/event/fall-festival-3.

OCT. 12 — 2ND SAT @ PIONEER PARK

On the second Saturday of every month, the

12

OCT.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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. 15 & 16 — ALABAMA SYMPHONY

ORCHESTRA: THE WIZARD OF OZ

The timeless 1939 film classic The Wizard of Oz returns to the big screen, with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra performing the score live at Woltosz Theatre at the Jay & Susie Gouge Performing Arts Center at Auburn University. Sing along to the music you love, and the songs you know by heart on Tuesday, Oct. 15, and Wednesday, Oct. 16, at 7 p.m. For more information and tickets, visit https://goguecenter. evenue.net/list/GS.

OCT. 16 — HEY DAY MOVIE NIGHT

The Hey Day Market will host a movie night on the lawn on Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 6 p.m. Enjoy family-friendly movies under the stars while savoring delicious meals from vendors. Movie Hint: She’s blonde, stylish, and underestimated. But when it comes to Harvard Law, she’s about to show everyone that smarts and a love for pink can go hand-in-hand!

OCT. 17 — LOCAL AUTHOR BOOK TALK

Auburn University’s Caroline Marshall

Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities will host a book talk on Thursday, Oct. 17, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Pebble Hill, 101 S. Debardeleben St., Auburn. Dr. Kathryn H. Braund, Hollifield Professor of Southern History Emerita at AU, will discuss her new book, Mapping Conquest: The Battle Maps of Horseshoe Bend. Mapping Conquest provides a revealing look at the many aspects of war and how battle maps shape our collective memory.

OCT. 17 — TIPOFF AT TOOMERS

This FREE AU fan-favorite event is back for the third time at Toomer’s Corner and this year will expand to a full evening festival, with headliner concert by country music singer/songwriter Cole Swindell. The festival begins at 5:30 p.m. with live music and the Coca Cola Fan Zone. The Auburn University mens and womens basketball teams will perform an exhibition at 6:30 p.m., followed by autographs at 7:30 p.m. Swindell will take the stage at 8:15 p.m. A limited number of VIP experiences are available. For more information, visit https://auburntigers.com/tipoffat-toomers.

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, wiener dog races, barrel racing, a Chicken Dance competition and more. There

— BREWZLE WHISKEY FESTIVAL

The Brewzle Whiskey Festival will be held Saturday, Oct. 12, from 5 to 10 p.m. in downtown Opelika at 704 N Railroad Ave. in front of Red Clay Brewery and John Emerald Distillery. Unlimited whiskey samples, informative panels, entertainment and access to food. Must be 21 to attend. Different ticket options are available, including General Admission, Designated Driver and VIP. This is a rain or shine event. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.Eventbrite.com.

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.

THRU NOV. 19 — FALL MARKET

The O Grows Fall Farmers Market is held from 4 to 7 p.m. each Tuesday through Nov. 19 at Courthouse Square in Opelika, featuring local growers, bakers and makers, live music and more. Free and open to the public.

OCT. 19 — LOCAL AUTHOR AT 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. To help purchase treats for this event visit lcsofoundation.org/donate.

OCT. 22-23 — THEATRE AUDITIONS

On Wednesday, Oct. 22, and Thursday, Oct. 23, Opelika Community Theatre will hold auditions for Ozzie Davis’ Purlie Victorious (directed by Dr. Beatrice Allen and Marty Moore) and for the 1996 rock musical Rent (directed by OCT’s new music director Bruce Patterson. For more information, visit opelikacommunitytheatre.com.

OCT. 25 — HEY DAY MOVIE NIGHT

Come enjoy great films, tasty food and unforgettable fun on the Hey Day Market Greenspace on Oct. 25 at 6 p.m. The featured movie is Scooby-Doo (2002).

OCT. 26 — LOCAL AUTHOR AT 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 — 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.

THRU OCT. 27 — PUMPKIN PATCH

The Farm at Rocky Top offers family fun every weekend at its Pumpkin Patch (2910 Lee Road 145, Salem) now through Oct. 27. Activities include wagon rides, a jump pad, inflatables, an animal barn, barnyard games, duck races, hay bale mountain, pumpkin bowling and more. Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $12 for ages 2-64, $7 for seniors 65+ and free for children under 24 months.

OCT. 31 — AUBURN TRUNK OR TREAT

Auburn Parks and Rec will host Downtown Trick

or Treat on Thursday, Oct. 31, from 6 to 8 p.m., a fun alternative to going door-to-door. Local businesses will hand out candy while a DJ provides a lively soundtrack with spooky tunes at the corner. Event will feature five costume contests: Most Original, Spookiest, Best Group, Best Individual and Best Pet Costume. Judging for the contests will take place from 6:30 to 7 p.m.

NOV. 1 — CHARITY CLAY SHOOT

The inaugural Mercy Medical Charity Clay Shoot will be held Friday, Nov. 1, at Auburn Oaks Farm, where shooters of all skill levels are welcome for a day of fun, friendly competition and community spirit. Shotgun starts are at 9 a.m and 1 p.m. Teams can register for $1,000, and all proceeds will benefit Mercy Medical Ministry. Sponsors are needed. To register and find out more about sponsorships, visit www. mercymedicalministry.org/clayshoot.

NOV. 2 — LOCAL AUTHOR AT 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. 2 — 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.

NOV. 2 — 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.

NOV. 4 & 6 — THEATRE AUDITIONS

The Opelika Community Theatre will hold auditions for its upcoming play version of The Outsiders, S.E. Hunter’s biographical comingof-age drama. This show is open to grades 7 and up and will be directed by Alysa Richards. Visit opelikacommunitytheatre.com for information.

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.

NOV. 16 — HOLIDAY ART SALE

The Auburn Arts Association and Auburn Parks and Rec will host the 18th Annual Holiday Art Sale on Nov. 16. Get a head start on your Christmas shopping while meeting local and regional artists handmade works, including pottery, paintings, personalized items, photography, handmade soap, jewelry, gourmet food items, scarves, hats, candles and more. Admission is free and open to the public. Proceeds support the Auburn Arts Association and their many art education programs. Vendor applications are available online at https:// auburnal.myrec.com/info/activities/program_ details.aspx?ProgramID=30729.

DEC. 7 — AUMC CHRISTMAS MARKET Auburn United Methodist Church (137 South Gay St.) will host its annual Christmas Market on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is free, and parking is available in the church lots on Magnolia and on Gay Streets. Shop local arts, crafts, baked goods and frozen soups and casseroles. For more than 50 years the United Women of Faith at AUMC have used all proceeds from the annual Christmas Market to support local area missions.

Club News from around Lee County Opelika Kiwanis Club

Lions Club

acclaimed American singer-songwriter and guitarist Jill Sobule, whose music blends pop, folk and rock, characterized by clever lyrics and social commentary. Sobule first gained prominence with her 1995 hit single “I Kissed a Girl.” Another notable track, “Supermodel,” became a pop culture staple featured in the film Clueless. Her songs are a delightful mix of humor, wit and poignancy that resonate with audiences of all ages.

Madera and Sobule’s tour started last month. Madera said she met Sobule in September when their booking agents arranged for them to start this tour together.

“The first time I met her I

felt like I was seeing an old friend,” Madera said. “She [Sobule] is so warm, easy and hilarious. The vibes were really good.

“My music is a little bit — or well, a lot more serious, while her music is hilarious,” Madera said. “Jill writes fantastic, though-provoking songs. The seriousness of the things she is writing about, gets in through humor a lot of the times. Mine is a little more sad, but hopeful. We make a good team in that way — we span all the emotions.”

The Sound Wall is located at 605 Ave. B in historic downtown Opelika. Doors will open at 7 p.m., with performances starting at 7:30 p.m. This is a BYOB event. For tickets and more information, visit www. theswmi.org.

Christian Care Ministry

VFW

POST 5404 COFFEE & CONVERSATION

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

LEE/RUSSELL COUNTY LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP

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

NAMI TO MEET OCT. 15

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) East Alabama will meet at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 15, for a sharing session at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, 714 East Glenn Ave. in Auburn. The public is invited.

MomCO MEETS TWICE MONTHLY

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. 17, Nov. 7 & 21 and Dec. 5. Contact Rachel Elrod at (706) 2445620 or Pastor Zac Gardner at (334) 745-3108 for more information.

The Opelika Kiwanis Club heard from guest speaker Dee Dee Jackson with Four Seasons Federal Credit Union, center. Pictured with her are incoming president Russell Jones, left, and outgoing president Scott Parker, right.
Lions Randy Smith and James Morgan,
MADERA >> from B13

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