Local Humane Society marks 50th anniversary
BY ABBEY CRANK FOR THE OBSERVER
LEE COUNTY — CARE Humane Society marked a significant milestone on Sunday, Oct. 20, celebrating its 50th anniversary.
The community event raised more than $20,000 in donations. Currently, the total number of contributions is $27,000, putting the organization more than halfway toward its $50,000 fundraising goal.
The event drew a large crowd of local supporters, volunteers and animal lovers, all united in their commitment to the shelter’s mission. Attendees enjoyed a variety of activities, with many expressing their gratitude for the shelter’s long-standing service to the community.
“We are overwhelmed with gratitude for everyone who came out to support us,” CARE Development Director Jenny Warren said. “Thanks to your generosity, we raised over $20,000 today. Your support helps ensure we can continue providing care for the animals who need us.”
In addition to the fundraising success, the event featured a special dedication ceremony honoring
two key donors, Ginger and Walt Woltosz, for their enduring commitment to CARE. The couple was recognized with a commemorative bench placed in front of the shelter to symbolize their years of support.
The shelter also welcomed a surge of volunteer engagement, with 42 new
volunteers signing up to lend their time to the organization.
The funds raised will help the organization continue its mission, providing food, medical care and shelter to animals until they can be placed in their forever homes.
With $23,000 left to reach their goal, CARE remains hopeful that the community will continue to rally behind them. The shelter expressed optimism that, with ongoing donations and volunteer support, it will soon reach the $50,000 target.
To help CARE reach its goal, limited-edition $15 T-shirts and $6 bandanas will be available at the shelter for purchase.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of this milestone celebration,” Warren added. “We couldn’t do this without you.”
Auburn’s State of the City address set for Nov. 12
CONTRIBUTED BY CITY OF AUBURN
AUBURN — The community is invited to the city of Auburn’s 2024 State of the City Address on Tuesday, Nov. 12, at the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center.
Mayor Ron Anders will give his sixth annual address, reflecting on Auburn’s challenges and successes over the last year. Doors will open at 5 p.m., and the event will begin at 5:30
p.m.
Anders will also present the 2024 Mayor’s Lamplighter Awards, recognizing the efforts six community members have made to make Auburn even brighter. The event is free and open to the public. The Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center is located at 910 S. College St.
For those who can’t attend, the event will be livestreamed at www. youtube.com/@CityofAuburnAL.
Staff and volunteers at Care Humane Society hosted a 50th anniversary celebration, at which funds were raised to support its mission of providing food, medical care and shelter to animals until they find forever homes.
Andrew Heinzen, Ole Times Country Buffet named Employee & Business
CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
AUBURN — The Alabama
Governor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities recently presented Auburn resident and Ole Times Country Buffet employee Andrew Heinzen with the Small Business Employee of the Year Award. The committee also named Ole Times Country Buffet as Small Business Employer of the Year.
According to a press release from the Governor’s Committee, Heinzen, who has spina bifida, was honored for being “a dependable, dedicated and determined employee who brings great value to the restaurant and coworkers. His smile and selfless attitude inspire his coworkers to work harder.”
Ole Times Country Buffet, located in the Auburn Mall, has become a valuable partner in helping people with disabilities become productive members of the workforce, and the company has hired five from the Achievement Center in Opelika. According to the press release, “The management has shown patience with consumers who might work at a slower pace or need extra help to complete tasks. Management encourages its workers to be their best and has become a valuable partner in employing people with disabilities.”
and their families.”
Gov. Kay Ivey, who presented the statewide awards sponsored by the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS), the state agency serving Alabama’s children and adults with disabilities. Ivey said she is proud to spotlight the trailblazing individuals and businesses.
“Their grass roots efforts are
vital in raising awareness of the tremendous potential of those with disabilities in our workforce,” she said. “Last week, I signed a proclamation declaring October as National Disabilities Employment Awareness Month in Alabama. Already, nearly 39% of Alabamians with disabilities are realizing their dreams of holding a job to provide for themselves
ADRS Commissioner Jane Elizabeth Burdeshaw said it is an honor to recognize the talented individuals who overcame obstacles to achieve competitive, integrated employment and the employers who chose to provide opportunities for nontraditional workers.
She said ADRS will continue to do its part to place people with disabilities in jobs that fit their skill sets.
The Alabama Governor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities awards recognize the contributions and successes of people with disabilities and those businesses that provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities to achieve through competitive, integrated employment.
Alabama gets federal approval to deploy $1.4 billion broadband expansion plan
CONTRIBUTED BY ADECA
MONTGOMERY — Ala-
bama’s proposal for deploying $1.4 billion in funds to further expand high-speed internet has received approval from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.
The funding, which comes through the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program, or BEAD, was initially
announced in 2023. As part of the federal requirements, Alabama and the other states submitted proposals for deploying the BEAD funds to reach areas that are currently unserved. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) will be the administering agency for the funds and submitted the plan on behalf of the state. With approval of the plan,
the state will begin launching the next phase. The state is expected in 2025 to open a process to receive applications from internet service providers for projects to reach households and businesses currently unserved by high-speed internet in all 67 counties. The funds will focus on “last-mile” projects that provide connections to homes and businesses so that they can become customers of
the internet service provider. ADECA’s Alabama Digital Expansion Division is also managing funding from the American Rescue Plan Act and through the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund for grant programs to help internet service providers extend service to previously unserved or underserved areas. The funds are focused on permanent fiber infrastructure for broadband expansion.
Since 2018, Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded conditionally awarded grants totaling more than $500 million in state and federal funds to support more than 200 projects that, once finished will connect an estimated 140,000 more households, businesses and community anchor institutions like schools, libraries and government facilities.
Local GIS Day celebration set for Nov. 15 at Opelika library
Cities of Opelika, Auburn have earned national recognition for use of technology
CONTRIBUTED BY CITY OF OPELIKA
OPELIKA— The city of Opelika, in partnership with city of Auburn, Auburn University and Lee County Mapping & GIS, will host a GIS Day celebration on Friday, Nov. 15, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Opelika Public Library.
The event will highlight innovative applications into geospatial data and leadership in the field of local government and academic research. The event is free and open to the community.
GIS Day was first observed in 1999 by Jack Dangermond, the founder and president of the GIS software company Esri. The explosion of geospatial technology since then has expanded that idea into a global event that shows how geography and the re -
al-world applications of GIS are making a difference in business, government, and society. The day is a chance for organizations to share their accomplishments and inspire others to discover and use GIS.
“We’re proud to bring this technology to the forefront of our community,” said James Bush, the city of Opelika’s Geographic Information Officer. “GIS Day serves as an ideal platform to illustrate how our organizations employ this technology to improve services and meet the needs of our citizens.”
The city of Opelika and the city of Auburn have received awards recognizing their uses of GIS technology at the state and national level. They will be among many organizations hosting in-person and virtual gatherings worldwide that will celebrate the impactful work of GIS professionals.
Gov. Kay Ivey presented statewide awards to Andrew Heinzen, left, and Old Times Country Buffet general manager Angela Locascio, right.
Chambers of Commerce celebrate with
Lady Legends Fall Luncheon
Midas
The Auburn Chamber of Commerce celebrated a ribbon cutting with Jorja Jones Photography, which provides wedding photography, family portraits and anything in between. Find out more at www.jorjajonesphoto.com.
Jorja Jones Photography
Smith Kroeger
The Auburn and Opelika Chambers held a ribbon cutting to celebrate Midas Auto Repair’s new location at 2370 Frederick Road at Tiger Town. Learn about their services at midas.com. The Lady Legends Fall Luncheon was held Oct. 16 at Il Forno restaurant in Auburn, presented by Southern Employer Benefits LLC. Business owners from Auburn and Opelika gathered to support and celebrate each other and to give back
Opelika-based nonprofit Lilies of the Field. Pictured, from left, are SEB broker Jennifer Eck, SEB president Katlin Lee and Lillies of the Field founder Jenna Buffalo.
Spencer Cancer Center holds 20th annual Think
It’s time to prepare outdoor plants for cooler fall temps
BY KATIE NICHOLS, ACES
LEE COUNTY — While September signifies the beginning of fall, October is often the month that brings lower temperatures to Alabama. As temperatures drop, homeowners may have concerns for outdoor plants and wonder how to help them survive and acclimate. Alabama Cooperative Extension System home grounds, gardens and home pests regional agents say there are several steps people can do to prepare for the season’s cooler weather.
Frost’s Bite
A swift change of temperature can be stressful for outdoor plants. It is important to prepare fall gardens and flower beds for events like the first frost to mitigate plant damage and prevent a complete loss.
“After fall gives way to cooler weather, we will inevitably have frosts and freezes coming our way,” said Brian Brown, an Alabama Extension regional agent. “Sometimes, these freeze events can happen suddenly without giving plants time to acclimate to the colder temperatures. Plants that have new growth because of recent warm temperatures may have some minimal dieback.”
All is not lost when a cold front moves across Alabama. There are preventative measures that will help protect plants against cold injuries.
Plant Protect Brown said one of the first things to do when preparing for frost is to ensure proper soil moisture.
“Be sure to water your plants as needed since soil moisture will help absorb heat,” Brown said. “A drought-affected plant will be impacted more than a well-watered one.”
Covering plants will also provide insulation for heat emitted from the ground. This method traps warm air to mitigate freezing. Lightweight cloth material, such as a bed sheet, or floating row covers that can be found at most farm supply or garden centers will suffice.
Be sure to use sticks or posts to keep the cover off your plants. It is also important to weigh down the cover or sheet’s edges to keep the wind from blowing it away. Plastic is not recommended because it can damage the plant. Remove all covers when temperatures reach above freezing.
“Mulching will also help retain soil moisture and help prevent heat loss,” Brown said. “Don’t forget to take any interior plants indoors that you have kept outside during the summer.”
Susceptible Species Cool-season crops, like collards, cabbage, onions and broccoli, are hardy vegetables and can withstand tempera -
tures below freezing for short periods of time. Evidence of lightly burned foliage is completely normal for these crops after enduring a frost. Semihardy vegetables like lettuce will need to be harvested before the freeze.
Dani Carroll, an Alabama Extension regional agent, said certain crops may require some
Basic Handgun Safety class coming in November
CONTRIBUTED BY
AUBURN — Auburn University Outreach and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office will offer a Basic Handgun Safety course in November.
The three-session course will meet Tuesday, Nov. 12, and Thursday, Nov. 14, from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Saturday, Nov. 16 from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. Learn the rules of safe gun handling and shooting, fundamentals of marksmanship and laws pertaining to ownership, transportation and use of handguns. Minimum age to participate is 21, and participants must bring proof of age.
Those who do not have firearms are
not required to purchase them before the class. Information about purchasing these items, including a discussion of the type of handgun for your particular needs, will be provided.
Do not bring a firearm or ammunition to the classroom sessions on Tuesday or Thursday. You will need a firearm for the Saturday range session. You may bring your own, borrow one from the Sheriff’s Office or borrow one from the range. This will be discussed in more detail during class.
The registration fee of $99 covers hearing protection, eye protection and range costs. Register online through AU’s Office of Professional and Continuing Education at www.auburn.edu/outreach/opce.
extra care.
“Gardeners can use something like an empty milk jug with the top cut out to cover their vegetables,” Carroll said.
“Roots crops, such as carrots, radishes and turnips, will need to be heavily mulched to prevent damage.”
She said plants that were recently placed in the ground
may not be hardy enough to withstand long periods of freezing temperatures.
More Information For more information about gardening throughout the year, listen to Alabama Extension’s ‘From the Ground Up! Podcast’ or visit www.aces.edu.
Annual event introduces girls to the world of aviation
Cybersecurity Training
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
PRESENTED BY WIPFLI War
L labama Politics ee County & A
Inside the State House
The race to watch: new 2nd Congressional District
BY STEVE
OPINION
—
We are down to the final days of our 2024 election year. We go to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 5, to elect the next president of the United States. We have no good statewide races in Alabama this year. All our important state offices are up for election in 2026. However, thanks to the federal courts, we have one doozy of a congressional race in the newly drawn Second Congressional District. It is not only the most interesting, important, entertaining contest in Alabama, it is one of the premier, pivotal congressional races in the nation. It may well decide which party has the majority control of the U.S. House of Representatives.
The federal courts designed this district to elect a Democrat to congress from the Heart of Dixie. They blatantly overruled the Alabama Legislature’s constitutional power to draw congressional lines for the state. The federal court hung their hat on the 1965 Voting Rights Act.
The new seat is comprised of all of Montgomery County, as well as most of the more rural counties surrounding Montgomery, including Macon, Lowndes, Bullock, Pike, Butler, Crenshaw, Barbour and Russell. It continues through the Black Belt
counties like an arrow toward Mobile and gathers most of the Black voters in Mobile. The district goes from the Georgia line to the Mississippi line. The lion’s share of the votes are in Montgomery and Mobile. Although this gerrymandered district was created by the federal courts to implement a new Democratic Black district, as soon as the new lines were drawn, Republicans said, “Not so fast,” and, “over our dead bodies” and “You ain’t taking it without a fight.” As the beginning of the race began, there were 11 Democrats running in the Democratic Primary and nine Republicans seeking the GOP nomination. When the dust settled after the April primaries, two surprising candidates emerged from the 20 aspirants.
The two stellar horses that emerged are thoroughbreds. The Republicans nominated Caroleene Dobson, and the Democrat’s stallion is Shomari Figures. Voters may have subconsciously chosen two young combatants. Youth is an omnipotent advantage in Washington. Dobson and Figures are both in their 30s and could build generational power under the seniority driven power structure in D.C. They are both sterling candidates who are genuinely representative, philosophically, of their respective party. Figures is a real liberal Democrat and Dobson is a real conservative Republican.
Shomari Figures has a Democratic pedigree a mile long. He grew up in Mobile as the son of two legendary state senators. His late father, Michael Figures, served 18 years as a leader in the Alabama Senate, and his mother, Vivian Figures, followed her husband in the same Senate seat when he
See FLOWERS, page B9
Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024
Nov. 5 election will decide district court judge
BY ANITA STIEFEL EDITOR@OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM
LEE COUNTY — Federal Election Day is coming up on Tuesday, Nov. 5, when Americans will select a new president, and Alabamians will vote for congressional representatives and state judges. Locally, Lee County residents will elect a new district court judge, choosing between two candidates, Samantha Burt Copelan and Kris Patton.
In Lee County Commission races, Doug Cannon of District 1, Jeff Drury of District 3 and Richard LaGrand Sr. of District 5 are all running unopposed, as are Lee County Board of Education candidates Roger Keel of District 4, Mary Ensley of District 5, Larry Patterson of District 6 and Napoleon “Sonny” Stringer of district 7. Jere Colley is running unopposed for probate judge. Locally, Lee County administers all county, state and federal elections. Cities only administer municipal elections, such as those for mayor and city council.
Absentee voting Absentee voting is now underway. Absentee ballot applications may be obtained at the Bennie G. Adkins Meeting Center at 205 S. 10th St. in Opelika between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The last day to apply for an absentee ballot by mail is Oct. 29, and the last day to apply in person is Oct. 31. For more information on absentee voting, visit leeco.us/government/ elections/absentee.php or call (334) 737-3670.
Where to vote
After the 2020 census redistricting, some residents are in a different ward or district than they were in prior elections. Also, additional polling places have been added in response to population changes. As a result, you might not vote in the same place this year as you did in the 2020 presidential election or the 2022 municipal election. Those who voted in the March 2024 primary will vote in the same location unless they have moved to a new home address since then.
Auburn polling places are:
• Boykin Community Center, 410 Boykin St. Frank Brown Recreation Center, 235 Opelika Road Dean Road Recreation Center, 307
S. Dean Road
• Embrace Church, 2142 N. College St.
Church of the Highlands, 1920 E. Glenn Ave. Parkway Baptist Church, 766 E. University Drive
• Auburn Community Church, 2200 Hamilton Road
• Wire Road Soccer Complex, 2340 Wire Road
Note: Voting will no longer take place at the Clarion Inn and Suites on S. College Street.
Opelika polling places are:
Covington Park Community Center, 213 Carver Ave.
Opelika Learning Center, 214 Jeter Ave.
• Denson Drive Rec Center, 1102 Denson Drive
• EAMC Education Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway
Opelika Sportsplex, 1001 Andrews Road
Farmville Volunteer Fire Dept., 7647 US Highway 280 West
• Crawford Volunteer Fire Dept., 10801 AL Highway 169
Other county polling places are: Providence Baptist Church West Campus, 2900 Lee Road 166, Beauregard
• Beauregard Volunteer Fire Dept. Marvyn, 14656 AL Highway 51, Marvyn
• Beulah High School, 4918 Lee Road 270, Beulah Beulah Volunteer Fire Dept. Station #3, 8266 Lee Road 379, Beulah Pine Grove Church, 7235 US Highway 29 North, Beulah
• Mt Zion Family Enrichment Center, 1 Day Lily Street, Loachapoka
• Lee County Learning Center (LC2), 5630 Lee Road 145, Salem
• Smiths Station Senior Center, 3172 Lee Road 242, Smiths Station
• Smiths Junior High School Auditorium/Gym, 1100 Lee Road 298, Smiths Station
• Glenwood School Gym, 5801 Summerville Road, Smiths Station Waverly Local, 1465 Patrick Street, Waverly
To verify your voting location, visit myinfo.alabamavotes.gov/voterview. Polling locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 5. A photo voter ID is required to vote, and all residents are encouraged to verify their voting location before heading to the polls.
Dates to remember
• Oct. 29: Last day to apply for an absentee ballot by mail Oct. 31: Last day to apply for an absentee ballot in person Nov. 4: Completed absentee ballots must be received. Each voter’s absentee ballot must be returned in individual envelopes with a copy of the voter’s photo ID. Absentee ballots returned in person must be returned by the voter, who must have their photo ID with them. Nov. 5: Election Day
More information Information is available at www. leeco.us/government/elections. (*Note: The deadline to register to vote was Oct. 21.)
For more information, citizens may call Lee County at (334) 737-3670 (Office of the Probate Judge) with general election questions; the Absentee Election Manager, James Majors, at (334) 737-3670 for absentee voting questions; or (334) 737-3635 (Board of Registrars) with voter registration questions.
FLOWERS
KRIS PATTON
SAMANTHA COPELAN
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 CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No.:
CV-2024-900279.00
Tuskegee Lee Baptist Association, Plaintiff, Spring Hill Heights Baptist Church, Any successors or assigns; East View Baptist Church, any Successors or assigns; AND any Party Claiming an Interest to A certain tract or parcel of Real Property located in Lee County, Alabama Described as: Lots Number 4 and 5 in Block Kin Spring Hill Heights Subdivision, according to and as shown by the map or plat of said subdivision which is of record in Town Plat Book 3 at Page 12 in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama; together with all appurtenances thereunto appertaining.
Defendants.
NOTICE OF ACTION
To: All Defendants herein, whose whereabouts are unknown, and which cannot be ascertained after the exercise of reasonable diligence.
You are hereby notified that on the 6th day of June 2024 a Bill to Quiet Title was filed in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama, regarding the following described real property: Lots Number 4 and 5 in Block Kin Spring Hill Heights Subdivision, according to and as shown by the map or plat of said subdivision which is of record in Town Plat Book 3 at Page 12 in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama; together with all appurtenances thereunto appertaining.
All persons having an interest in said lands or any portion thereof, claiming any title thereto or any encumbrance or lien thereon, are hereby directed to plead, answer, or otherwise respond to the Complaint on or before the expiration of 30 days after the last publication of this notice, or thereafter suffer judgment by default to be rendered against them it being intended that this notice shall be used to perfect service against all parties who cannot be personally served with a copy of the Complaint. Done this the 8th day of October 2024.
Mary Roberson Circuit Court Clerk, Lee County
Charles M. Ingrum, Jr. 830 Avenue A, Suite B Opelika, Alabama 36801 Telephone Number: 334745-3333 Fax:334-460-2287 charles@ilclawoffice.com Legal Run 10/17/24, 10/24/24, 10/31/24 & 11/7/24
NOTICE OF COMPLETION
In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, notice is hereby given that Regan Construction LLC has completed the work on the Water Main Extension on LR 602, LR 604, and LR 207 for the Smiths Water and Sewer Authority, GMC Project No. CMGM230111. Any person(s) having a claim against the project should notify Wheeler Crook, P.E., Goodwyn Mills Cawood, LLC, 2660 EastChase Lane, Suite 200, Montgomery, AL 36117. All claims should be filed within 30 days of the first publication of this notice. Regan Construction LLC, 191 Lee Road 2163, Salem, Alabama 36874. AL License # 54853 Legal Run 10/24/24, 10/31/24 & 11/7/24
INVITATION TO BID
25001 Sealed bids for the construction of the West Ridge Baseball Fields LED Lighting Retrofit shall be received at the Opelika City Hall Conference Room, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m., local time, on November 4, 2024, and then publicly opened and read aloud. All interested parties are invited to attend. Only bids from competent general contractors will be considered. At the time of contract award, the successful bidder must be a properly licensed general contractor. The attention of all bidders is called to the provisions of State law governing “General Contractors” as set forth in the Ala. Code §34-8-1, et. seq. (1975) and rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto. Bidders must be licensed by the Licensing Board for General Contractors when bids are submitted.
Bidders are required to have a State of Alabama General Contractor’s License with a specialty in “Highways and Streets, Clearing and Grubbing, Earthwork, Erosion, Site Work, Grading or Municipal and Utility.” All bidders must submit with their proposal, contractor’s license number, and a copy of the license. State law Ala. Code §34-88(b) requires all bids to be rejected which do not contain the contractor’s current license number. Evidence of this license shall be documented on the outside of the sealed bid.
A mandatory Pre-bid Meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m., local time, on October 24, 2024, at West Ridge Park, 1600 Covington Avenue, Opelika, Alabama 36801. All potential bidders wishing to submit a bid must attend the Pre-bid meeting. All bidders shall possess all other licenses and/or permits required by applicable law, rule, or regulation for the performance of the work.
Drawings and Specifications may be obtained from the City of Opelika Purchasing Department located at 204 S. 7th Street, Opelika, Alabama, and phone number: 334-705-5120. Bid documents may also be obtained from the city’s website at www.opelika-al. gov/bids.aspx. The bidder’s proposal must be submitted using the original proposal furnished to him/her by the City of Opelika. All information in the proposal must be completed by the bidder for the proposal to be accepted.
A Bid Bond in the amount of five (5) percent of the bid amount made payable to the City of Opelika must accompany each bid. Performance and Payment Bonds will be required of the successful bidder. The
PUBLIC NOTICES
right is reserved by the
Owner to reject all Bids and waive irregularities.
Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to Lillie Finley, Purchasing-Revenue Manager, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Ope¬li¬ka, Alabama, 36803-0390.
Attn: West Ridge Baseball Fields LED Lighting
Retrofit
LILLIE FINLEY
– PURCHASINGREVENUE MANAGER
CITY OF OPELIKA
204 SOUTH SEVENTH
STREET (36801)
POST OFFICE BOX 390 (36803-0390)
OPELIKA, ALABAMA
PH: (334) 705-5120
Legal Run 10/24/24, 10/31/24 & 11/7/24
STATE OF ALABAMA IN THE PROBATE
COURT LEE COUNTY
DOCKET NO. 2024-560
RE: ESTATE OF WILLARD JEFFERY
BERRY, DECEASED: NOTICE OF PUBLICATION
Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 3rd day of October 2024, by the Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. /s/ Kirsten Ann Berry
Kirsten Ann Berry, Executrix
Attorney for Executrix: Jacob J. “Jake” Key, Esq. Johnson, Caldwell & McCoy, LLC 117 North Lanier Avenue, Suite 201 Lanett, Alabama 36863 (334) 644-1171
Legal Run 10/17/24, 10/24/24 & 10/31/24
NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE
WHEREAS, default has been made in the terms of the Mortgage executed on the 27th day of April, 2023, by Cynthia Holloway, as Mortgagor in favor of KAAM Enterprises, LLC, as Mortgagee, as recorded in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, in Real Property Book 4970, at Page 347, and said default continuing, the mortgagee, under power of sale contained in said mortgage will sell at auction for cash to the highest bidder on the steps of the Lee County Courthouse in Lee County, Alabama on Friday, November 22, 2024, during the legal hours of sale, the following described real estate embraced in said Mortgage and Mortgage Modification, situated in Lee, Alabama, to-wit: “Commence at the Southeast corner of Section 13, Township 19 North, Range 26 East in Lee County, Alabama; run thence South 88 degrees 06 minutes West for 50 feet; run thence North 3 degrees 39 minutes West for 413 feet, to the point of beginning of the lot or parcel of land to be here described and conveyed; from said point of beginning, run thence North 3 degrees 39 minutes West for 76 feet; thence run South 87 degrees 11 minutes West for 100 feet; run thence South 3 degrees 39 minutes East for 75.2 feet, more or less, to the Northerly margin of Alton Street; run thence North 88 degrees 06 minutes East, along the Northerly margin of Alton Street, for 100 feet, to the said point of beginning; and being Lots 10 and 11 of Block B in Johnston Subdivision of record in Town Plat Book 3, at Page 57 in the Office of the Judge
of Probate of Lee County, Alabama less and except the North 35 feet of said Lots 10 and 11; together with all improvements thereon and appurtenances thereunto appertaining.”
“ALSO, Lot 12 in Block B of the said Johnston Subdivision as shown by map or plat of said subdivision of record in Town Plat Book 3, Page 57 in the office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, less and except the North 35 feet off said Lot 12 in Block B of said subdivision; together with all improvements thereon and appurtenances thereunto appertaining.”
THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” BASIS, SUBJECT TO ANY EASEMENTS, ENCUMBRANCES, AND EXCEPTIONS REFLECTED IN THE MORTGAGE AND THOSE CONTAINED IN THE RECORDS OF THE OFFICE OF THE JUDGE OF PROBATE OF THE COUNTY WHERE THE ABOVE-DESCRIBED PROPERTY IS SITUATED. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AS TO TITLE, USE AND/OR ENJOYMENT AND WILL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO.
Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. Said sale is made for the purpose of foreclosing of said mortgage, paying the mortgage debt, the costs and expenses of foreclosure, including a reasonable attorney’s fee. Mortgagee reserves the right to bid on the subject property. Said mortgage is a first mortgage and is not junior to another mortgage of record. Said sale is also subject to unpaid taxes or assessments whether of record or not. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. KAAM Enterprises, LLC, Mortgagee Brandon F. Poticny Davis, Bingham, Hudson & Buckner, P.C. Attorney for Mortgagee 724 N. Dean Road, Suite 100, Auburn, AL 36830 Legal Run 10/17/24, 10/24/24 & 10/31/24
ORDINANCE NO. 026-24 ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 16-183 AND SECTION 16185 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA TO ESTABLISH A MAXIMUM SPEED LIMIT OF 35 MPH ON SOCIETY HILL ROAD FROM THE SOUTHERN CITY LIMITS OF AUBURN TO WILLIAMSON AVENUE WHEREAS, the City of Opelika’s Engineering Department routinely reviews the speed limits in the City Code in order to make corrections, additions, or amendments, where appropriate; and WHEREAS, the site engineering firm performing the site work on the apartments proposed on Society Hill Road has determined that the design of the required left turn lane does not have enough Stopping Sight Distance (SSD) to meet the posted 45 MPH speed limit at this location because of the vertical curve; and WHEREAS, the City’s Engineering Department recommends that the speed
limit be reduced on the portion of Society Hill Road from the southern City Limits of Auburn to Williamson Avenue from 45 miles per hour to 35 miles per hour for all vehicles; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that setting a maximum speed limit of 35 miles per hour for said portion of Society Hill Road between the southern City Limits of Auburn to Williamson Avenue is reasonable and serves an important public interest in that it will promote and protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the City of Opelika. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Opelika, Alabama as follows: Section 1. Section 16-183 amendment. Section 16-183 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Opelika is hereby amended to read as follows: SECTION 16-183 – Fortyfive mile per hour limits. No person shall operate a motor vehicle at a speed greater than forty-five (45) miles per hour by day or night upon the following listed streets, avenues or highways of the city:
(1) Anderson Road— Cusseta Road to Northpark Drive.
(2) Andrews Road—East city limits to Norman Street.
(3) Birmingham Highway (U.S. 280—AL 38)—Mile post 108.0 to Pepperell Parkway.
(4) Columbus Parkway (U.S. 280/431—AL 1)— South Sixth Street to Mile post 137.1.
(5) Crawford Road (AL 169)—Marvyn Parkway to mile post 26.6.
(6) Cusseta Road— Lafayette Parkway to east city limits.
(7) Fox Run Parkway (U.S. 431—AL 1)—West Point Parkway to Columbus Parkway.
(8) Frederick Road—West city limits to South Long Street.
(9) Gateway Drive (U.S. 280—AL 38)—Pepperell Parkway to Interstate Highway 85.
(10) Gateway Drive— Interstate Highway 85 to Marvyn Parkway.
(11) Grand National Parkway—Birmingham Highway to Oakbowery Road.
(12) Hamilton Road— South city limits to Heritage Drive.
(13) Lafayette Parkway (U.S. 431—AL 1)—West Point Parkway to mile Post 136.88.
(14) Marvyn Parkway (AL 51)—McCoy Street to mile post 113.0.
(15) Morris Avenue— Oakbowery Road to Rocky Brook Road.
(16) North Uniroyal Road—Columbus Parkway to West Point Parkway.
(17) Oakbowery Road— Morris Avenue to Grand National Parkway.
(18) Old Columbus Road— East city limits to Edwards Road.
(19) Pepperell Parkway— West city limits to 0.2 miles west of Pleasant Drive.
(20) Ridge Road—East city limits to North Uniroyal Road.
(21) Shelton Mill Road— West city limits to Birmingham Highway.
(22) South Fox Run Parkway—Columbus Parkway to McCoy Street.
(23) South Uniroyal Road—South city limits to Columbus Parkway.
(24) Spring Villa Road— West city limits to east city limits.
(25) Stonewall Road— West city limits to Grand National Parkway.
(26) Veterans’ Parkway— Pepperell Parkway to Oakbowery Road.
(27) Waverly Parkway— Birmingham Highway (U.S. 280) to Veterans Parkway. (28) West Point
Parkway—Fox Run Parkway to North Uniroyal Road.
Section 2 Section 16-185 amendment. Section 16-185 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Opelika is hereby amended to read as follows:
SECTION 16-185 - Thirtyfive mile per hour limits.
No person shall operate a motor vehicle at a speed greater than thirty-five (35) miles per hour by day or night upon the following listed streets, avenues or highways of the city:
(1) Andrews Road—Lake Condy Road to Norman Street.
(2) Auburn Street— Magazine Avenue to South Long Street.
(3) Chewacla Road—Old Columbus Road to South Uniroyal Road.
(4) Columbus Parkway— South Tenth Street to South Sixth Street.
(5) Country Club Road— West City limits to Dorsey Street.
(6) Cunningham Drive— Frederick Road to North Thirtieth Street.
(7) Dunlop Road—Waverly Parkway to Birmingham Highway (U.S. 280) (8) First Avenue—TwentySecond Street to Thomason Drive.
(9) Fitzpatrick Avenue— Pleasant Drive to Fourth Avenue.
(10) Geneva Street— Columbus Parkway to McCoy Street. (11) Hamilton Road— Heritage Drive to Interstate Drive. (12) Lake Condy Road— Lafayette Parkway to West Point Parkway. (13) McCoy Street— Columbus Parkway to Geneva Street (14) Morris Avenue— Rocky Brook Road to Lafayette Parkway.
(15) Northpark Drive— West Point Parkway to northern terminus.
(16) Oakbowery Road— Morris Avenue to Bonita Avenue.
(17) Old Columbus Road— Marvyn Parkway to Edwards Road.
(18) Pepperell Parkway— Sixteenth Place to 0.2 miles west of Pleasant Drive. (19) Pleasant Drive— Waverly Parkway to Pepperell Parkway. (20) Ridge Road—West Point Parkway to Hanson Street.
(21) Rocky Brook Road— Morris Avenue to Sixth Avenue. (22) Samford Avenue— South Railroad Avenue to Lafayette Parkway.
(23) Saugahatchee Lake Road—Veterans’ Parkway to End.
(24) Second Avenue— Sixteenth Place to South Railroad Avenue.
(25) Sixth Street—Second Avenue to Columbus Parkway. (26) Society Hill Road— South city limits to Williamson Avenue. (27) South Long Street—Auburn Street to Williamson Avenue.
(28) South Railroad Avenue—South Sixth Street to Samford Avenue. (29) Sunbelt Parkway— Grand National Parkway to End.
(30) Tenth Street—Bonita Avenue to Columbus Parkway.
(31) Thomason Drive—First Avenue to Gateway Drive. (32) Waverly Parkway— Pleasant Drive to Veterans Parkway. (33) Williamson Avenue— South Long Street to Marvyn Parkway.
Section 2. Implementation; posting of speed limits. The Mayor is hereby authorized to cause the installation of appropriate speed limit signs for all applicable speed zones on Society Hill Road. All speed limit signs shall be so placed and so painted as to be plainly visible and legible in daylight or in darkness when
City of Opelika announces Veterans Day event
CONTRIBUTED BY CITY OF OPELIKA
OPELIKA
— The City of Opelika invites the public to join the Mayor an City Council on Monday, Nov. 11, to celebrate and pause to say thank you to veterans.
“On Veterans Day, we honor the courage and sacrifices of those who have served,” said Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller. “It’s a day to remember that freedom is not free, and we must always strive to support and thank those who protect our way of life.”
The morning will begin with a breakfast at 9 a.m. for veterans and their families at the Opelika Public Library, 1100 Glenn St.
FLOWERS
>> from A7
died early. She has become an icon in Mobile and in the state senate during her nearly three decades in the upper chamber. The Figures name has been at the forefront of Mobile politics for over four decades, and it paid off in the Primary.
illuminated by headlights and shall otherwise be in conformance with state law.
Section 3. Enforcement.
The speed limits established herein shall be enforced as provided by state law for traffic offenses.
Section 4. Conflict and Severability.
In the event any provision of this ordinance conflicts with any other provision of the Code of Ordinances or any other ordinance of the City of Opelika on the subject matter of this ordinance, the more strict provision shall apply and supersede. If any provision of this ordinance is held to be invalid, unconstitutional, or unenforceable for any reason by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance, which shall be deemed separate, distinct and independent provisions enforceable to the fullest extent possible.
Section 5. Effective date. This ordinance shall become effective upon its adoption, approval and publication as required by law.
Section 6. Publication. This ordinance shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Lee
The breakfast is FREE for veterans and their family.
At 10 a.m., the Veterans Day program will begin in the Cooper Room at the library.
Keynote speaker will be Col. (Ret.) Glenn Schmick of Wetumpka, a decorated veteran, author and leadership coach.
Schmick was commissioned in 1994 as a Military Police branch officer. He was an instructor in the Department of Leadership and Warfighting at the Air War College. He served as the Commander, 18th Military Police Brigade, Vilseck, Germany; as the Senior Advisor to the Afghan Deputy Minister of Security, NATO, Kabul, Afghanistan;
Shomari received an amazing 92% of the vote in Mobile County. He also carried Montgomery County. It also did not hurt that he was able to outspend all 10 of his opponents combined with the bulk of his money coming from crypto currency groups. Figures has a law degree and has spent his entire career
County, Alabama. ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 15th day of October, 2024.
/s/ Eddie Smith PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA
ATTEST:
/s/ Russell A. Jones, MMC, CITY CLERK TRANSMITTED TO MAYOR on this the 21st day of October, 2024. /s/ Russell A. Jones, MMC, CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR APPROVED this the 21st day of October, 2024.
/s/ Gary Fuller
MAYOR
ATTEST:
/s/ Russell A. Jones, MMC CITY CLERK Legal Run 10/24/2024
ORDINANCE NO. 027-24
ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE BALL FIELDS PUD
BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “City Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows: Section 1. FINDINGS. The City Council has determined and hereby finds and declares that the following facts are true and correct:
(a) Gateway Equities, LLC, heretofore submitted to the City a Development Plan for
and as the Executive Officer to the Deputy Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army, Pentagon, Washington, DC.
Schmick has commanded five times from company to brigade level (10 years), has five operational and combat deployments (43 months) and four assignments in Europe (7 years).
He graduated as a Distinguished Military Graduate and Summa Cum Laude from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He received his Military Operational Art and Science master’s degree as a Distinguished
in Washington working for the Obama and Biden administrations.
Caroleene Dobson is a sensational, sterling, young Republican candidate. She is a homegrown Monroe County girl. Her ancestral home is in the heart of the new district, perfectly nestled between the two metro voting centers of Mobile and Montgomery.
a planned unit development (“PUD”) entitled “The Ball Fields PUD” consisting of approximately 60.74 acres.
(b) Pursuant to Ordinance No. 006-19, the City Council approved said Development Plan for The Ball Fields PUD and amended the Official Zoning Map of the City to designate the zoning classification of Planned Unit Development (“PUD”) for approximately 60.74 acres located at the Southwest corner of the intersection of Pepperell Parkway and North 30th Street.
(c) Gateway at Opelika, LLC, the owner of certain property located within The Ball Fields PUD, has heretofore submitted to the City a proposed amended Development Plan for The Ball Fields PUD.
(d) The current Development Plan for The Ball Fields PUD includes a section with 32 townhomes located along the Southwest boundary of the development.
(e) The proposed amended Development Plan replaces the approved 32 townhomes with 64 apartment units. The approved Development Plan had a density of 4.04 units per acre. The amended Plan will have a density of 4.34 units per acre.
(f) The Planning Commission of the City of Opelika heretofore
Graduate from the Air Command and Staff College in 2009. He received his Strategic Studies master’s degree as a Distinguished Graduate from the Air War College in 2015.
Other Veterans Day Week News:
• All city offices will be closed on Monday, Nov. 11, including the Opelika Public Library. The Opelika SportsPlex will be open from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Garbage Schedules for the week: Garbage and “yellow week” recycling will all be picked up a day later than normal this week.
She received 88% of the vote in Monroe County. She outdistanced the other major GOP contender, former State Sen. Dick Brewbaker, in the Republican Primary by an amazing 59% to 41% to capture the Republican nomination.
Dobson is a 37-year-old lawyer, mother and wife. She is poised and exudes
conducted a public hearing on the proposed amended Development Plan.
(g) The Planning Commission recommended approval of the amended Development Plan for The Ball Fields PUD.
(h) It is advisable and in interest of the City and the public interest that the amended Development Plan be approved.
Section 2. Approval of Amended Development Plan. The amended Development Plan for The Ball Fields PUD as submitted for review, subject to modification of the former stub street to the townhouse section as approved by the Engineering Department, is hereby approved and confirmed as required by Section 8.18(n) of the Zoning Ordinance of the City.
Section 3. Retention of Copies of the Amended Development Plan. Copies of the amended Development Plan shall be maintained in the office of the City Clerk, City Planner, City Engineer, and Building Official and shall be open for public inspection.
Section 4. Repealer. That any ordinance or part thereof in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance be and the same are hereby repealed. Section 5. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall
class and integrity. Her family has deep roots in the cattle industry in the state. She has been helped immensely by ALFA. She has worked hard and left no leaf unturned.
Regardless, the Republicans and Dobson will need some help to secure this seat. A low voter turnout among Democratic voters may be
become effective upon its adoption, approval and publication as required by law.Section 6. Publication. This Ordinance shall be published one (1) time in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama. ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 15th day of October, 2024.
/s/ Eddie Smith PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA ATTEST:
/s/ Russell A. Jones, MMC CITY CLERK TRANSMITTED TO MAYOR on this the 21st day of October, 2024.
/s/ Russell A. Jones, MMC CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR APPROVED this the 21st day of October, 2024.
/s/ Gary Fuller, MAYOR ATTEST:
/s/ Russell A. Jones, MMC CITY CLERK Legal Run 10/24/24
ADVERTISEMENT FOR COMPLETION LEGAL NOTICE
In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, notice is hereby given that JLD Enterprises, LLC, Contractor, has completed the Contract
the key to victory. This race is the ultimate purple, swing, congressional race in the south, and one of the most important races in the country. It could go either way. See you next week.
Steve Flowers served 16 years in the state legislature. steve@ steveflowers.us.
for the Improvements of S. 10th Street and Avenue C Infrastructure Improvement Project at S. 10th Street and Avenue C, Opelika AL at for the State of Alabama and the county of Lee, city of Opelika, Owner(s), and have made request for final settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify The City of Opelika Alabama at 204 S. 7th Street Opelika AL 36801. JLD Enterprises, LLC (Contractor) Mailing:P.O. Box 2280 Auburn AL 36830 (Business Address)
NOTE: This notice must be run for a minimum of three weeks for projects of $100,000.00 or more. For acceptable methods of advertisement, see General Conditions of the Contract, Article 34. Proof of publication of the notice shall be made by the contractor to the authority by whom the contract was made by affidavit of the publisher or website owner and a printed copy of the notice published. A final settlement shall not be made upon the contract until the expiration of 30 days after the completion of the notice. Legal Run 10/24/24, 10/31/24, 11/7/24 & 11/14/24
See NOTICES, page A10
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ORDINANCE NO. 028-24
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA
BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “City Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows: Section 1. That Ordinance 124-91 entitled “Zoning Ordinance City of Opelika, Alabama”, adopted on September 17, 1991, and the Zoning Map of the City of Opelika provided for and referred to therein, as previously amended and/or modified, be and the same is hereby amended by rezoning or redistricting the parcel of land hereinafter in this section described, so as to change such parcel from one class of district to another class of district as follows, to-wit: From a M-2 District (Industrial District) to a C-2 District (Office/Retail District), the parcel of land hereinafter described:
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ALL THAT TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND lying and being located in Section 9 and Section 10, Township 19 North, Range 26 East, City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama. Commencing from a point at the Southeast corner of Section 10, Township 19 North, Range 26 East, City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama;
Thence South 89 degrees 08 minutes 07 seconds West, a distance of 1744.30 feet to a point;
Thence North 00 degrees 51 minutes 53 seconds West, a distance of 2695.40 feet to a point on the Northerly Right-of-Way of Veterans Parkway (150’ Right-of-Way);
Thence leaving said Rightof-Way North 23 degrees 39 minutes 27 seconds West, a distance of 59.61 feet to a point;
Thence North 35 degrees 17 minutes 53 seconds West, a distance of 410.00 feet to a point;
Thence North 47 degrees 53 minutes 53 seconds West, a distance of 289.20 feet to a point; Thence North 54 degrees 48
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minutes 53 seconds West, a distance of 181.20 feet to a point;
Thence North 51 degrees 42 minutes 04 seconds West, a distance of 405.18 feet to a point on the Southerly Right-of-Way of Waverly Parkway (80’ Right-of-Way);
Thence along said Rightof-Way South 61 degrees 55 minutes 43 seconds West, a distance of 68.80 feet to a concrete monument found; Thence along a curve to the right, an arc length of 1657.17 feet, having a radius of 5740.85 feet, and being subtended by a chord bearing South 70 degrees 11 minutes 14 seconds West, a chord distance of 1651.42 feet to a point; Thence South 78 degrees 26 minutes 38 seconds West, a distance of 330.58 feet to a concrete monument found; Thence along a curve to the right, an arc length of 243.81 feet, having a radius of 7734.92 feet, and being subtended by a chord bearing South 79 degrees 06 minutes 59 seconds West, a chord distance of 243.801 feet to an iron pin set (1/2” rebar w/ cap – GRAY), said pin being the POINT OF BEGINNING.
From said POINT OF BEGINNING, leaving said Right-of-Way South 63 degrees 23 minutes 48 seconds East, a distance of 951.28 feet to an iron pin set (1/2” rebar w/ cap – GRAY) on the North Boundary Line of Creekline Trails Easement; Thence along the North Boundary Line of Creekline Trails Easement the following chords and distances: South 58 degrees 33 minutes 54 seconds West, a distance of 44.88 feet to a point; North 64 degrees 13 minutes 48 seconds West, a distance of 128.88 feet to a point; North 84 degrees 33 minutes 24 seconds West, a distance of 230.81 feet to a point; South 81 degrees 28 minutes 15 seconds West, a distance of 129.08 feet to a
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point; South 78 degrees 28 minutes 19 seconds West, a distance of 101.10 feet to a point; South 89 degrees 01 minutes 54 seconds West, a distance of 48.28 feet to a point; South 60 degrees 52 minutes 17 seconds West, a distance of 35.38 feet to a point; North 81 degrees 53 minutes 25 seconds West, a distance of 165.63 feet to a point; North 63 degrees 55 minutes 10 seconds West, a distance of 191.21 feet to a point; North 24 degrees 19 minutes 34 seconds West, a distance of 108.32 feet to a point; North 51 degrees 20 minutes 02 seconds West, a distance of 246.79 feet to a point; North 06 degrees 58 minutes 07 seconds West, a distance of 7.31 feet to an iron pin set (1/2” rebar w/ cap – GRAY) on the Southerly Right-of-Way of Waverly Parkway; Thence along said Rightof-Way, along a curve to the left, an arc length of 417.93 feet, having a radius of 7734.92 feet, and being subtended by a chord bearing North 81 degrees 34 minutes 03 seconds East, a chord distance of 417.88 feet to an iron pin set (1/2” rebar w/ cap – GRAY), said pin being the POINT OF BEGINNING. The above-described property contains 5.766 acres, more or less, and is located in the 3900 block of Waverly Parkway, Opelika, Alabama.
Section 2. Any ordinance or part thereof in conflict with provisions of this Ordinance be and the same are hereby repealed.
Section 3. This Ordinance shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama.
ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 15th day of October, 2024.
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/s/ Eddie Smith PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA ATTEST: /s/ Russell A. Jones, MMC CITY CLERK TRANSMITTED TO MAYOR on this the 21st day of October, 2024. /s/ Russell A. Jones, MMC CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR APPROVED this the 21st day of October, 2024. /s/ Gary Fuller MAYOR ATTEST: /s/ Russell A. Jones, MMC CITY CLERK Legal Run 10/24/2024
NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF TAVIAN LATRENT MELTON, DECEASED PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO.: 2024-579 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION of said deceased having been granted to Tina Alisha Melton on the 15th day of October, 1024, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama. Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Tina Alisha Melton Legal Run 10/24/24, 10/31/24 & 11/7/24
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO. 2025-562 IN RE: The Estate of WILLIAM HORACE MATHEWS JR., deceased NOTICE OF HEARING TO: VICTOR GRANT HEDDEN, JASON HEDDEN AND ANY AND ALL OTHER HEIRS OF WILLIAM HORACE
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MATHEWS JR. You are hereby notified that on the 1st day of October 2024, Cubedine Roberts filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama a petition for the probate of record in this Court of a certain paper writing, purporting to be the Last Will and Testament of WILLIAM MATHEWS JR, deceased, and on that day, said Will was filed in said Probate Court. It is therefore, ordered that a hearing be set for the 3rdday of December 2024, at I 0:00 o’clock, a.m. electronically via “ZOOM” for the hearing of said petition, and the taking of testimony in support thereof, at which time any next of kin can appear and contest the same if you see proper. Please contact the Lee County Probate Court at 334-737-3670 for access to the electronic hearing should you intend to take part.
BILL ENGLISH JUDGE OF PROBATE, LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Legal Run 10/24/24, 10/31/24 & 11/7/24
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Notice of the filing of Petition for Summary Distribution IN the Estate of KECIA ROSE, deceased Case No. 598 Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the Lee County Probate Office by Jermaine Marquis Rose and Derrick Demetrius Rose on October 21, 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 by requested to enter an Order directing Summary Distribution of the estate of said decedent.
BILL ENGLISH, PROBATE JUDGE Legal Run 10/24/2024
Discuss safe habits during Teen Driver Safety Week
CONTRIBUTED BY ALEA
ALABAMA – This fall, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is teaming up with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to support National Teen Driver Safety Week, which began on Sunday, Oct. 20, and runs through Saturday, Oct. 26.
It is important to discuss safe driving habits with teens every day, but Teen Driver Safety Week serves as an opportunity for parents and guardians to have a conversation with teens about safe driving habits. Teen drivers need to know the Rules of the Road before parents hand over the keys.
Data compiled by NHTSA indicates that traffic crashes are a leading cause of death for 15-20- yearolds. Young drivers who died in traffic crashes decreased by 5% from 2,133 in 2021 to 2,034 in 2022. The number of injured young drivers decreased by 11% during the same period. Also, the rate of drivers involved in fatal traffic crashes per 100,000 licensed drivers for young female drivers was 22.74 and 58.73 for male drivers in 2022.
“Parents play an important role in teaching and developing safe teen drivers,” said ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor. “New teen drivers are gaining experience behind the wheel, which increases the chance of dangerous situations for
the teen and other roadway users around them,” he said. “It is imperative that parents demonstrate safe driving behaviors and have serious discussions with their teens about the choices they make to keep everyone on the road safe. Now is the time to start the conversation and continue it daily.”
It’s a parent’s responsibility to help teen drivers make smart choices to stay safe on the road. NHTSA gives parents and guardians tips on how to talk about safer driving. These tips include discussions on how to influence positive behaviors and how to approach dangerous and deadly driving behaviors such as alcohol and other drug use, lack of seat belt use, distracted driving speeding, or driving with passengers. NHTSA’s website, https://www. nhtsa.gov/road- safety/ child-safety, has detailed information and statistics on teen driving, and outlines tips parents can use to address teen driver safety risks:
1. Impaired Driving: While teens are too young to legally buy, possess, or consume alcohol, nationally, approximately 1 in 5 teen passenger vehicle drivers involved in fatal crashes have alcohol in their system. Alcohol isn’t the only substance that can keep teens from driving safely: marijuana affects a driver’s ability to react to their surroundings. Remind teens that driving under the influence of any
impairing substance — including illicit or prescription drugs, or over-thecounter medication — can have deadly consequences. Let teens know that safe driving behaviors are rewarded with the continued privilege to drive.
2. Seat Belt Safety: Wearing a seat belt is a simple way teens can stay safer in a vehicle. Unfortunately, too many teens aren’t buckling up. In fact, approximately one half of the teen passenger vehicle drivers who die in crashes are unbuckled. Teen drivers and passengers are more likely to die in a crash if they are unbuckled (nine out of 10 of the passengers who died were also unbuckled). Empower teens to stand strong and confirm everyone is buckled before the vehicle moves. Reward teens with driving privileges for buckling up every trip, every time, and requiring all their passengers in every seat to do the same.
3. Distracted Driving: Cell phone use while driving is more than just risky — it can be deadly. Remind teens about the dangers of using a phone while driving and clarify that any phone use (texting, talking, recording video, or using any social media apps) is unacceptable.
Distracted driving isn’t limited to cell phone use. Other passengers, audio and climate controls in the vehicle, and eating or drinking while driving are all examples of dangerous
Opelika Police Department responds to potential threat to Opelika High School
Investigation into threat continues by OPD and FBI
OPELIKA — On Oct. 22, at approximately 10:45 a.m., Opelika School Resource Officers were notified that the Opelika High School front office had received a phone call from someone claiming that they were coming to shoot up the school. School officials immediately placed the high school on lockdown to ensure the safety of all students and staff.
Additional officers responded and set up a perimeter around the exterior of the school. Members of the Lee County Emergency Management Agency and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) also responded to assist. After an initial investigation and sweep of the area, the lockdown was lifted at approximately 12:45 p.m. This incident remains under investigation
by the Opelika Police Department with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). If you have any information on this incident, please contact the Opelika Police Department at (334) 705-5200 or the Secret Witness Hotline at (334) 745-8665. Tips can be submitted through the Opelika Police Mobile App. You may wish to remain anonymous.
distractions for any driver. According to the most recent data available, in 2021, among teen drivers of passenger vehicles involved in fatal crashes, 7% were reported as distracted at the time of the crash. Remind teens that headphones are not appropriate to wear while driving a vehicle. All drivers need to be able to hear another vehicle’s horn or the siren from an emergency vehicle, so they can safely move over and out of the path.
4. Speed Limits: Speeding is a critical issue for all drivers, but it’s especially deadly for teens with less experience. In fact, approximately onethird of all teen drivers of passenger vehicles involved in fatal crashes are speeding at the time of a crash. Data shows that males were more likely to be involved in fatal speeding-related crashes than females. Remind teens to always drive within the speed limit.
5. Passengers: Passen-
gers in a teen’s vehicle can lead to disastrous consequences. Research shows the risk of a fatal crash dramatically increases in direct relation to the number of passengers in a vehicle. The likelihood that a teen driver will engage in risky behavior triples when multiple passengers are in the same vehicle. Many states limit the number of passengers teen drivers can have in their vehicle; parents should know what those restrictions are and enforce the law for their teen driver.
Parents can help teen drivers by discussing risky driving behaviors. Self-reported surveys show that teens whose parents set firm rules for driving typically engaged in less risky driving behaviors and were involved in fewer crashes.
Teens need to understand the rules, whether there are any other restrictions outlined in Alabama’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Law, and the deadly consequenc-
es that could occur. By knowing and enforcing the laws, the teen driver’s safety and that of other road users can be improved.
“While teens will learn much of this content in driver education, nothing replaces the conversations that take place at home or in the car. Parents should set these rules before handing over the car keys,” said Colonel Jonathan Archer, Director of ALEA’s Department of Public Safety (DPS). “Parents need to be proactive and start the conversation about safe driving during National Teen Driver Safety Week, then drive with their teens and keep these conversations going every chance they get. Teaching teens safe behaviors behind the wheel is a shared responsibility, and we all have a part to play.”
For more information about National Teen Driver Safety Week, visit www.nhtsa.gov/road- safety/teen-driving.
Partnership helps domestic violence victims escape with pets
BY CHARLOTTE TUGGLE AU COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS
AUBURN — People served by the Domestic Violence Intervention Center (DVIC) of East Alabama will have the option to take their pets with them to a safehouse starting in 2025.
Auburn University faculty, the DVIC and Opelika Animal Hospital partnered to secure a safe housing grant from national animal welfare nonprofit RedRover. Since most pets living in homes with domestic violence are also abused, this program will ensure the safety of both survivors and their animal companions.
“This makes a difference for survivors in that they will no longer have to choose between getting to safety and their pet,” said DVIC Executive Director Zenene Davis. “We have had survivors in the past who had to find someone to care for their pets before they could get to safety and also have had survivors remain in dangerous situations because they could not bring themselves to leave their pet.”
The $60,000 grant, funded by PetSmart Charities, will support pet housing, food and supplies, veterinary care and off-site boarding.
The DVIC’s Safe Hous-
ing Pet Program includes a shelter for cats, a shelter for dogs and a visiting/play area. Other types of pets will be accommodated on a case-by-case basis. The DVIC will also provide pet food and supplies as needed.
College of Veterinary Medicine faculty, including Assistant Clinical Professors Brendan Bergquist and Phillip Moon, will provide intake and ongoing veterinary care on site. Opelika Animal Hospital Veterinarian Gary Hunt also arranged a reduced fee for the DVIC to board animals who need to be housed off site for quarantine, behavioral or other reasons.
Hunt, Bergquist and Moon signed on to the grant application to preserve the human-animal bond, which improves mental health and recovery after a crisis.
“Being involved in this program is giving me the opportunity to preserve the bond between the domestic violence survivor and their pet,” Moon said. “This program will provide a sense of peace and stability for the owner and their pet during an otherwise stressful time. We want to provide the pets with the best care and environment possible, so their owner can have a little less to worry about.”
services.
“Having these services available will provide a safer option for both the domestic violence survivor and pet,” Lathan-Powell said. “Research has shown that leaving a violent relationship is often the most dangerous time for domestic violence survivors.
The ability to pick up, grab their pet and go immediately may make an important difference.”
The DVIC’s Safe Housing Pet Program is only the second in the state of Alabama.
With the generosity of PetSmart Charities and support from Purina, RedRover and Greater Good Charities launched the 25 by 2025 campaign last year. The goal of this national initiative is to help 25% of domestic violence shelters become pet friendly by the end of 2025.
Nine out of 10 survivors indicate that their pets are significant to their survival and healing. Half of survivors also would not consider seeking emergency shelter if they had to leave their pet behind.
Assistant Professor of Psychological Sciences Emma Lathan-Powell leads the Learning to Overcome Trauma and Uplift Systems (LOTUS) Lab and studies gender-based violence. She said the DVIC has removed a critical barrier in connecting survivors with
Lathan-Powell first connected DVIC leadership with RedRover’s Safe Housing grant application. Her work is dedicated to improving survivors’ access to help, and after the program launches in 2025, Lathan-Powell will research and evaluate the program to explore how to continuously improve it.
“My role will really be to figure out if this is helpful, if people who are able to keep their pets with them fare better in the long term,” Lathan-Powell said.
“We will use an iterative approach to community engagement and research, getting information and tweaking things as we go so that they’re better tailored to the needs of the survivors and the shelter.”
“We’re thrilled to award the Domestic Violence Intervention Center a $60,000 Safe Housing grant so they can welcome survivors and their beloved pets onsite,” said RedRover President and CEO Katie Campbell. “Keeping survivors and their pets together can be crucial to their healing process, and with each new pet-friendly shelter, lives are saved on both ends of the leash.”
Learn more about DVIC services and involvement opportunities at the DVIC website: https://dviceastal. org. If you or a loved one is in a dangerous situation, visit the DVIC website or call the free, 24-hour crisis line for Lee County at (334) 749-1515.
Religion
BY BRUCE GREEN
OPINION —
We’re doing a study of Luke’s gospel on Wednesday nights. Our goal is to interact with the text in such a way that it results in us gaining a clear sense of how God is using it to speak to us today. Of course, this should be the goal of all Bible study, but it can sometimes
BY WALTER ALBRITTON
OPINION —
Spending time in prayer, alone with God, has been one of the wisest decisions I have ever made. As I look back, my only regret is that I did not spend more time praying.
Only one man ever ridiculed me for praying. That man had been admitting his sinful past to me, even confessing that he felt he had been “a Judas.” When I offered to
A Taste of Grace
Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024
What is God saying to us?
get obscured by our quest for other things (i.e., looking at related verses, topics, questions about the context, etc.). In this class, we’re only concerned about the original context as it relates to helping us understand how the text is speaking to us. By design the class is small and intimate, so discussion can be maximized. Several eyes on the text almost always results in greater insights and applications in our lives—and this class has been no exception. Toward the end of last week’s class, we started looking at the story where Jesus and his family went to Jerusalem for the Passover Feast when
Altar call
He was twelve years old (2:41ff). When we got to the part where Joseph and Mary lost track of Jesus — well, that’s when it got really interesting. Everyone in the class is a parent, so we were in complete empathy with Joseph and Mary about what it would be like to be unable to find your child. Of course, Joseph and Mary went back to Jerusalem in their search for Jesus and, after three days, found Him in the temple courts. The mothers also let me know that Mary’s words to Jesus, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you,” were read by me with nowhere near
the correct intonation and affect (and they were right). Tomorrow night we will finish this story, and I can hardly wait. One of the truths we’ve arrived at from the text is like Joseph and Mary, we can leave church and forget to take Jesus with us. Ouch! It’s easy to see how this happened to Joseph and Mary, but it’s much more painful to admit it can happen to us. Still, this is the point of our study — to allow God’s powerful and probing word to speak to all aspects of our lives.
Another challenging lesson came from Jesus’ response, “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” (v. 49). In essence, Jesus was
reminding Joseph and Mary that ultimately, He didn’t belong to them — He belonged to God and consequently needed to be about His Father’s purposes. If we allow God’s word to speak to us, it reminds us that our children don’t ultimately belong to us either — they belong to God. And our task is to raise and release them to whatever purposes He has for them. That’s tough because if we’re honest, most of us have our own ideas for our children (i.e., to go to school where we did, live three blocks away, work in the family business, etc.).
Janice and I were at a conference recently where a grandfather
An appointment with God
pray for him, he replied, “You can pray if you like, but I don’t believe there is anyone out there listening.” Though I was stunned by his words, I prayed anyway, although I had no way of proving to the man that God was listening. Some folks think of prayer as “talking to God.” It is that, but it is also listening to God. Prayer is having a conversation with almighty God, whom Jesus described as “our heavenly Father.” Jesus urged his disciples to “ask” God to do things, in the name of Jesus. So, prayer is a two-way exchange, both talking and listening, in communication with
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 God who is a caring Father. Fence posts cannot communicate. Human beings can express their desires and feelings with others. And since God is a Person, human beings can communicate with Him, and He, in turn, with them. Prayer, then, is one of the greatest privileges of being a human being. And while a person can sometimes act like a fence post, a fence post can never experience the incredible joy of listening and talking to the Father God, who created the heavens and the earth.
It is a grievous mistake to think of prayer as only talking to God, or as only listening to God. God the
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
Father wants his children to talk to Him. Why else would Jesus have encouraged us to “ask” his Father to hear and answer our prayers? This Jesus did many times, as the gospels attest.
President Richard Nixon had a limited understanding of prayer. Charles Colson shared in one of his books how Nixon once talked to him about prayer:
“When I was eight or nine years old, I asked my grandmother, a very saintly woman, a little Quaker lady, who had nine children – I asked her why it was that Quakers believed in silent prayer.” Nixon went on the
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
explain, “When we sat down to the table, we always had silent prayers; and often at church, while we sometimes had a minister or somebody got up when the Spirit moved him, we often just went there and just sat, and we prayer.”
“Her answer,” Nixon said, “was very interesting and perhaps it explains why Lincoln prayed in silence. My grandmother spoke to me on this occasion, as she always did to her grandchildren and children, with the plain speech. She said, ‘What thee must understand, Richard, is the purpose of prayer is not to tell God what thee wants, but to
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.
and grandmother were honored. Why? Because both their sons and their families (eleven grandchildren), were living in Africa in order to share the good news of Jesus. They were being recognized because as challenging as it was, they had raised and released their sons to be used by God for whatever purpose He had in mind. And that brings us to our final lesson: Determining what God is saying to us is important, but acting on it is where the blessing begins (John 13:17).
Find more of Bruce’s writings at his website: a-taste-of-grace-withbruce-green.com.
find out from God what He wants from thee.” While there is obvious truth in the Quaker grandmother’s answer, that is not the whole story, for Jesus taught that God is our Father and delights to have his children both listen and talk to Him. Many years ago, I decided to make an appointment with God – the same time every day. And to take that appointment as seriously as I would one that I might make with any other person. I began to spend that time the same way I would with another person – talk
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
MAUDIE RHODES ATES
Maudie Rhodes Ates, 90, died in Opelika on Oct. 19, 2024. She was born at home in Nokomis, Alabama, on Aug. 3, 1934.
Maudie graduated from Escambia County High School in Atmore and from Secretarial School in Birmingham. She held jobs at Chemstrand Corp. in Pensacola, Florida, and Escambia Academy in Atmore. Her primary job, however, and the one to which she gave herself completely, was being the wife of William F. “Buck” Ates for 51 years, mama to Melisa and Rebecca for 63 years and caretaker of a home and many animals during their lives together as a family. She enjoyed attending First Baptist Church in Atmore and Trinity Methodist Church in Opelika, where she was an active member of her Sunday school classes.
Maudie was preceded in death by her husband; her parents, William and Alma Rhodes of Atmore; and her brother, Dallas Rhodes of Granbury, Texas.
She is survived by daughters Melisa (Meade) Atkeson of Falls Church, Virginia, and Rebecca Poole of Opelika; five grandchildren whom she adored, Allie, Kate, Will and Ben Atkeson of Richmond, Virginia, and Sam Atkeson of Brooklyn, N.Y.; sister-in-law, Louise Rhodes of Southlake, Texas; and many nieces and nephews. Two special friends will miss her greatly, her most loyal companion dog, Dottie, and cat, Lily.
In the final year of her life, she was assisted by caretakers Pam Russell, Maria Rosa and Chelsea Thomas, to whom her family is very grateful.
A private graveside service was held at Garden Hill Cemetery in Opelika, where she will rest in peace beside Buck. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home of Opelika assisted the family with arrangements.
REGIS ROLAND LEDOUX
Regis Roland Ledoux, 78, of Auburn passed away from lung cancer on Oct. 18, 2024, surrounded by family.
Regis was born to Mary Jane and Edmond Ledoux on Aug. 18, 1946, in Portsmouth, New
Hampshire, and in 1956 moved to Mesa, Arizona, where he grew up. He loved watching the Chicago Cubs play spring training at Sloan Park in Mesa. This started his love of collecting baseball cards and memorabilia. After graduating from Seton High School in Chandler, Arizona, he enlisted in the Army. He was stationed with Military Police at Sandia Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he met Beverly Jane Argeanas on top of Sandia Peak, the love of his life. They were married on April 11, 1969, and remained sweethearts for 53 years until she passed away in 2022. After finishing his enlistment in the Army, he joined Beneficial Finance as a Loan Officer and later went on to join Bank of America in the Mortgage Department as a Vice President.
Regis was a devoted family man. He loved to joke and have fun. Beverly was his love and inspiration. Working in the finance business caused him to move around the country. He lived in Lubbock and Houston, Texas, Richmond, Virginia, and retired to Auburn to be with his grandchild Caitlyn and be part of her life as she grew up. While in Auburn he worked part time with Tiger Transit and Publix. Regis and Beverly were members of St. Micheal’s Catholic Church. He will be greatly missed, but know he is now with God and Mom.
Regis’s loving spirit is carried on by his daughter, Glenda Ledoux Stokes “Gigi”; granddaughter, Caitlyn Jean Stokes; son, Patrick Edmond Ledoux; sister and husband, Rosie and Ed Benshop; nephew and family, John, Sheri and Tyler; sister-in-law, Sharon Argeanas; niece, Diane Sharsky and her son Jacob; and dearest and closest friend, Virginia Savoldi.
If you would like to donate in his memory, please donate to Spencer Cancer Center at East Alabama Health, www. eastalabamahealth.org/ways-togive/eamc-foundation/donatenow.
JACKSON ROBERT WARD
Jackson Robert Ward, 16, of LaGrange passed away Oct. 17, 2024. He was born June 24, 2008, to parents Kevin and
OBITUARIES
Ashley Ward in Georgia.
Jackson loved his family and friends and traveling with his family to Disney World and the beach. He loved his Auburn Tiger Football and Basketball. He always had a huge smile and lit up any room he entered. To know him was to love him, and he will be greatly missed. He was in 10th grade at Callaway High School.
He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Melvin Doyce Edmonson and Ernest “Ernie” William Ward.
He is survived by his parents, Kevin and Ashley Ward of LaGrange; sister, Abby Ward of LaGrange; grandmothers, Mary Ellen Edmonson and Colleen Ward, both of Opelika; aunt and uncle, Sheila and Jeff Henkey of Vestavia Hills, Emily Carpenter of Opelika and Joanna Whitman of Tuscaloosa; cousins, Grant Henkey of Atlanta, Madison Maluff (Peter) of New York City, Regan Henkey of Vestavia Hills, and Seth Carpenter, Zach Carpenter, Bennett Whitman (Katie-Bay), Barrett Whitman and Serena Redden, all of Opelika.
A memorial service was held at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home of Opelika on Oct. 21.
In lieu of flowers please donate to Cure Duchenne at Cureduchenne.com to help find a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
NINA KELLY DEKICH
Nina Faye Kelly Dekich, age 94, passed away peacefully on Oct. 9, 2024, in Auburn.
Nina was born in Titus, Alabama, on July 25, 1930, the first child of Audrey Harry Kelly and Lawrence Alexander Kelly. Schooling at Sewell Memorial Elementary and Wetumpka High prepared her to enroll at Alabama College (now the University of Montevallo) in 1948, where she studied two years before transferring Alabama Polytechnic Institute (now Auburn University), where she pledged to Theta Upsilon sorority and majored in home economics.
After graduating in 1952, Nina served as an agent of the County Extension Service. While living in Florence, she met the love of her life
and husband of 64 years, S. Eugene Dekich. Nina and Gene married in March 1954. Gene transferred to Auburn, and they welcomed a daughter and son. In 1960 They moved to Cahaba Heights in 1960 for Gene to grow his insurance career in Birmingham, then settled in Indian Springs.
Nina was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother, a woman of Christian faith and a community volunteer. A superb cook and happy hostess for Sunday School classes, friends, and family gatherings, Nina loved to read, travel, and indulge her talents in crafts and needle arts—sewing, knitting, embroidery and more. She taught exercise classes in area churches, but her greatest passion aside from her family was leading volunteers at the library of Dawson Memorial Baptist Church for 25 years. She was a huge Auburn football fan and was kind, creative, hospitable, funny and beloved by family and friends.
Nina was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Gene, and sister, Annette Kelly Ray. She leaves behind her daughter, Dianne Dekich McGee of Vestavia Hills; son, Dr. Steven Eugene Dekich of Auburn; sister, Ruth Kelly Sarris of Hoover; brother, Lawrence Alexander Kelly II of Rockport, Texas; grandchildren, Lt. Col. Lucian Dekich (USAF) of Abilene, Texas, Adam Dekich of Everett, Washington, Colin McGee of Mobile, Brenna McGee Radin of Winter Garden, Florida, and Dr. Andrew McGee of Lexington, Kentucky; 13 greatgrandchildren and nine nieces and nephews. In her last years, Nina often declared: “I’ve lived a good life.” Indeed, she did, and she will be missed.
She was buried beside her husband at Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo on Oct. 18, where family and friends will gather for a graveside farewell. Anyone wishing to honor her memory may donate to a respected veteran’s aid organization, a nature conservation group or scholarship funds at Auburn University.
SHEREL CARPENTER PERRY Sherel Lee Carpenter Perry
was born in Fairfield, Alabama, on Aug. 16, 1948, to Helen Josephine Plichta Carpenter and Dr. Burwell Carpenter Jr. She passed away peacefully on Oct. 10, 2024, at Bethany House in Auburn after a brief illness.
Sherel graduated from Fairfield High School in 1966 and earned a degree in history in 1970 from the University of Alabama 1970, where she was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority.
Teaching became Sherel’s lifelong vocation. She taught in Gordo and Warrior, Alabama, and in Macon and Conyers, Georgia. In 1986, she joined the faculty at Auburn High School, teaching there for over 20 years and serving as the head of the Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs. She was beloved by her students and her influence will be felt by all who were blessed enough to take her classes.
During her career, Sherel became an ambassador for The National Geographic Society and worked with the Alabama Geographic Alliance to spread awareness of geography in education both in-state and across the nation. For many years she served in the local Philanthropic Education Organization chapter, a group dedicated to promoting educational opportunities for women. She was a member of Auburn United Methodist Church for over 30 years, and she was instrumental in naming the new Christ Methodist Church that was recently established, having served on the naming committee.
Sherel was very talented at both smocking and French hand sewing and created many beautiful heirloom dresses and garments for her children and grandchildren. Her house became the place for family holidays, where tradition was as important as the delicious food she served on the china she collected.
Her grandchildren where her most cherished people. She referred to them as The Blessings, and they in turn affectionately called her Sugar. Sherel was preceded in death by her parents and is survived by her husband of 54
grandchildren, Grant, Ben, Parker and Olivia; sister, Marilyn Carpenter Williams; and brother, Burwell Salmond Carpenter III.
A celebration of life service was held Oct. 22 at First Methodist Church in Opelika. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home assisted with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Sherel’s honor by mail to Bethany House, 1171 Gatewood Dr., Bldg. 100, Auburn, AL 36830 or to the P.E.O. Star Scholarship Fund, 3700 Grand Ave. Des Moines, IA 50312.
JUSTIN LEE BAILEY
Justin Lee Bailey was a devoted son, father, husband, grandfather, uncle and friend to many. He was a resident of Lee County for over 20 years and was a devout Christian and loved his family fiercely. To know him was to love him and to love him was a blessing. Justin was born in Heflin to William “Bill” Bailey Sr. and Linda Bailey. He is survived by his wife, Rebekah Bailey; four children, Miranda, Corrie, Patrick and Leah; grandson, Kaysen, who called him grumpy; father, Bill (Carolyn) Bailey; brother, Skipper (Connie) Bailey; Rodney (Denise) Skinner; and many nieces, nephews and cousins whom he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his mother; grandparents Ercelle and Millie Mae Bailey and Lloyd and Lavanda Skinner; as well as several close aunts and uncles. A funeral service was held Oct. 18 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home in Opelika.
YOLANDA DILLARD SMITH Yolanda Dillard Smith was born Nov. 25, 1953, and passed suddenly on Oct. 22, 2024, after a massive stroke. She lived a full life enjoying her grandchildren Emilia, Case and Audrey, reading books and spending time with God. Yo loved talking to people and would chat with anyone. She is survived by husband Jackie Smith and daughter Haden(Matt) Cannon.
years, Robert (Bob) Dow Perry Sr.; children, Elizabeth Perry Comeaux (Chris) and Robert (Rob) Dow Perry Jr. (Mary Jessia);
Walk for Life + 5K: Move with purpose, empower with hope Nov. 9
CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
LEE COUNTY —
Women’s Hope Medical Clinic & Hope Adoptions will host its Annual Walk for Life + 5K on Saturday, Nov. 9, at the Opelika Sportsplex. This community event is a celebration of life, bringing together individuals, families, churches and businesses to walk or run in support of women, children and families in need.
Participants of all ages are invited to join the Walk and/or 5K, which will serve as a vital fundraiser to support the life-saving work of Women’s Hope Medical Clinic & Hope Adoptions.
The event will feature fun activities, music, food trucks, and family-friendly entertainment.
“By participating in the Walk for Life + 5K, the community comes together to show that every life has value,” said Daria Monroe, CEO of Women’s Hope Medical Clinic. “The funds raised will ensure that we can continue to offer free medical care, counseling, adoption services, and emotional support to women facing unplanned pregnancies.”
The Walk for Life + 5K is the second-largest fundraiser for Women’s Hope, playing a crucial role in sustaining and growing its services. Each year, the clinic serves over 2,000
clients through medical care, parenting classes and spiritual support. By walking or running, participants directly contribute to saving lives and changing the future for women facing unplanned pregnancies.
On the day of the event, packet pick-up will begin at 7:15 a.m. Food trucks and inflatables will open at 7:30 a.m. The one-mile walk will begin at 8 a.m., and the 5K will begin at 8:30 a.m.
There is no fee to participate in the one-mile walk, but participants who raise $200 or more from sponsorships will receive a t-shirt.
Registration for the 5K is $40 per runner,
Ferguson Chapel to host 125th anniversary event
CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA — Ferguson Chapel
C.M.E. Church will celebrate its 125th anniversary on Sunday, Oct. 27, at 1:30 p.m. The public is invited.
Elder James Q. Smith of the Montgomery/Phenix City/Opelika District of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church will deliver the message. The theme is “A Feast of Thankfulness” –
and listen. I confessed my sins. I shared my heartaches. I asked for grace and guidance. I used a daily devotional to get our conversation going. The first such devotional I used was My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers. It was so helpful that I have continued reading it now for more than 60 years. Two other books that have blessed me are Morning and Evening by Charles Spurgeon, and In Christ by E. Stanley Jones. In recent years the book by Paul David Tripp, New Morning Mercies, has been most helpful. I have written down thoughts that my Father was saying to me –persons to pray for, ideas to ponder, sins I needed to confess, sermons to preach, ways I could be a blessing to others. Each day I have asked God to show me what He wanted me to do, guide me in decisions I had to make,
Psalm 100:4.
Ferguson Chapel will honor the
“Mother of the Church,” Fannie Mae Taylor, and members of the 90’s Gems — Helen Levette, Mae Moore and Arlena Edward — for their valuable service to the church.
Ferguson Chapel C.M.E. Church is located at 310 South Fourth Street in Opelika. Rev. Orlando L. Sims Sr. is pastor.
and to give me the grace to love and pray for the difficult persons in my life.
This daily appointment with my Father has blessed in a thousand ways. One of the most significant is the sense of living a guided life. Over the years I sought, without a sense of divine guidance, two positions on my own; I was turned down for both. In everything else I have felt my Father was opening doors for me and sending me where He wanted me to serve Him.
Have I sometimes missed my appointment with my Father? Yes, with sadness I must admit there have been days when I failed to keep my appointment. But each time, my Father assured me of His forgiveness and invited me to resume my covenant to meet with Him each day. He has been so good at helping me overcome guilt and start over again.
In these days of my 92nd year, I am finding peace in my daily appointment with my Father. Though I now have cancer, cancer does
not have me; my Father has me. And each day He reminds me to continue trusting Him, confident that when my numbered days are complete, He will be with me, holding my hand as I close my eyes for the last time.
At that moment I will need no longer this body that has served me well for so many years. I will have a new body and as I awaken, my new eyes will behold my living Savior, and my new ears will hear Him say, “Welcome Home Walter; let me show you the place I have prepared for you in the Father’s House.”
Until then I will keep my daily appointment with my Father, to share my concerns with Him and to listen for His guidance. These appointments mean so much, for in each one He strengthens my faith, enlarges my hope and fills me with His love. And I find myself praising Jesus that He would love even me and give me the honor of serving Him until that sweet chariot arrives to carry me home.
with medals awarded to top finishers in male and female categories.
Those unable to walk/ run during the event can
still participate by sponsoring a walker.
To register or for more information, visit the website www.partner-
with.net/hope. For more information about Women’s Hope Medical Clinic & Hope Adoptions, call (334) 502-7000.
Pictured above are participants in last year’s event.
ALBRITTON >> from A13
On the Mark Recreation
Opelika defeats Central-Phenix City
BY D. MARK MITCHELL
OPINION —
Opelika (8-1, R 5-1)
beat the CentralPhenix City Red Devils (6-2, R 4-2) 23-14, last Friday night in front of a packed home crowd at Bulldog stadium, earning a first trip to the AHSAA Class 7A State football playoffs in school history. OHS finished as the No. 2 seed in Region 2 and will host Florence or James Clemens in the first round at home.
This was a battle between two great football teams, playing for a home playoff game instead of going on the road to Huntsville. The Dogs jumped out to a 17-0 first half lead after scoring two TDs and a 26-yard field goal while holding the Red Devils to one TD in the game. Tristan Williams ran 10 yards with six minutes left in the third quarter. Opelika’s Beasley kicked a 41-yard field goal less than four minutes later, extending the lead to 20-7. CHS answered with a second TD with six minutes left in game, closing the lead to 2314. Opelika came right back and sealed the win a 40-yard field goal with 2:22 left in the game.
Opelika ended the game with 126 rushing yards and 146 passing yards for a total of 272 yards of offense.
Calvin Hughley rushed 15 times for 62 yards, Waits had seven rushes for 20 yards and Johnson added 33 yards on
eight carries. Colby Key was six of 11 for 146 yards and one TD. Teceiver Jalyn Miller caught three passes for 111 yards.
Opelika was set to play Carver Thursday night in Montgomery’s Crampton Bowl in the last regular game of the season. Results were available at press time.
Regardless of the outcome of the OHS vs CHS football game, head coach Bryan Moore should be commended for the product he is putting on the football field. The team plays hard, with energy, hustling on and off the field, making fewer mental mistakes and appearing to be having a good time.
Opelika has a chance to make a playoff run and play for the 7A State Championship, but it’s a long tough road to get there. Round one will be against a team from the Huntsville area. Round two is where things get interesting: Opelika will probably travel to Hoover for a game against the Bucs while Auburn hosts Thompson at Duck Samford Stadium.
Another interesting tidbit — Auburn and Opelika could play each other in the Super 7 Championship game at Protective Stadium in Birmingham on Dec. 4. Time will tell.
IS4S SPONSORS MONTGOMERY “SALUTE TO VETERNANS BOWL” See ON THE MARK page B4
Glenwood dominates Lee-Scott to lock up top seed in playoffs
In their first year as a AHSAA 3A team, the Glenwood Gators have clinched the Region 4 title and the No.1 seed in the playoffs, which means they will have home field advantage throughout the post-season.
BY NOAH GRIFFITH FOR THE OBSERVER
SMITHS STATION ––
The Glenwood Gators are one win away from an undefeated season after a 41-14 win over Lee-Scott Academy on Friday night. This is the same position they were in this time last year, but the Gators are shooting for a better outcome this time around.
Last year, they went into their final game unbeaten after being the only team to conquer the Warriors in the regular season. But Glenwood couldn’t finish in 2023. It fell to eventual 2A champion Chambers Academy to end the regular season before falling to Lee-Scott in the AISA 3A state championship game for the second consecutive
season. In its first year in AHSAA 3A, however, Glenwood is motivated to go out with a bang.
“We have a team goal, right now, to have a perfect season,” said third-year head coach Ryan Nelson. “It would mean a lot [to go undefeated.] It’s something that we strive for as a program – every time you lace them up, you
want to win.”
After clinching the 3A Region 4 regular-season title last week, the 27-point victory over Lee-Scott helped Glenwood notch the No. 1 seed in the playoffs, which means it will have home field advantage throughout the postseason. The win also improves Glenwood’s
See GLENWOOD, page B4
Beauregard falls to Central-Clay
BY DAVID YOHN FOR THE OBSERVER
The Beauregard Hornets felt the sting of defeat in a region game for the first time, dropping a tough game to the third-ranked Volunteers from Central-Clay County. Beauregard falls to 5-3 overall and 4-1 in the region.
While the Hornets hoped for a closer contest versus Central-Clay, the first quarter proved to be fairly even. Beauregard managed one first down on the initial possession
of the game but decided to punt on fourth and one just past midfield. The Volunteers showed their quickstrike capability on the sixth play of their opening drive when senior running back Ladamion Boyd broke off a 58-yard run for the first score of the night. The PAT failed, but Central-Clay claimed a 6-0 lead with 7:02 remaining in the opening stanza.
Beauregard turned to its senior running back, Ka’jaden Holloway, and he picked up 15 total yards on two consecutive rushes. Their drive
quickly stalled, however, and the Hornets punted for the second time in as many possessions. The punt pinned the Volunteers deep in their own territory, and the Central-Clay quarterback mishandled the shotgun snap on the second play of the drive. Jermyan Fitch recovered the fumble in the end zone, and moments later Beauregard claimed a 7-6 lead after a successful PAT.
Central-Clay then went on their longest drive of the night in terms
See BEAUREGARD, page B4
The Glenwood Gators proved too much for the Lee-Scott Academy Warriors under the Friday night lights last week. Glenwood is headed to post-season play.
all-time record to 23-19 against Lee-Scott.
Even with the region title already locked up and Glenwood being on fall break the preceding week, Nelson was ecstatic with his team’s focus and drive ahead of the rivalry game. Glenwood improved to 8-0 with the win, while the Warriors fell to 4-4 with their fourth loss in a row.
Glenwood is a young team with a first-year starting quarterback, senior Levi Pinder, along with seven incoming transfers in their debut year at the school. Still, the squad has kept their foot on the gas pedal, earning its seventh consecutive 20-point win since beating Valley, 2120, to begin the season.
“I credit our kids for understanding the rivalry and understanding what a big game this was. We just practiced well all week, and again, came out and played football at a very high level tonight,” Nelson said. “Just happy to be 8-0, happy to be undefeated in the region and most importantly, healthy going into a bye week.”
Glenwood dominated in all phases of the game, but the 41-point performance was no surprise. It was the fourth time this season the Gators
have put up more than 40 points.
Leading the offensive attack, Pinder completed 18-of-22 passes for 238 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions along with a rushing TD, and senior running back Jermaine Brown ran 22 times for 94 yards.
Senior receiver Kham Cooper caught two TD passes, junior Cal Lawrence caught nine passes for 95 yards and a TD, and seniors Mason McCraine and Makai Simpson (rushing) topped it off with a score a piece.
After recovering a muffed squib kick on the opening kickoff, Glenwood went 5-for-6 on scoring drives in the first half to craft a 35-7 lead at halftime. Pinder threw 16 and 64-yard TD passes to Cooper on the first two drives before Lee-Scott could answer to make it 14-7. Once the Warriors punched back with a TD run from senior QB Pelzer Reeves, Pinder answered with a 7-yard rushing TD to swipe momentum back.
Despite the explosive offensive performance, Nelson was particularly happy with the defense. They held the opponent to 14 points for the second week in a row after allowing 38 and 40 the two games prior.
Following Reeves’ 21-yard scamper into the end zone, the defense
left the Warriors offense confounded at a lack of production. It wasn’t until 8:07 left in the fourth quarter that LeeScott rediscovered the end zone on a physical 2-yard TD run by backup QB Max Hammer. Glenwood forced three punts, two turnovers and only allowed on score in the first half, including an interception by junior Tanner Pickering off Reeves and a fumble recovery.
With such a commanding lead coming out of halftime, Glenwood led a six-minute scoring drive to begin the third quarter and then chewed the clock with the ground game for the remainder of the second half.
With the win, all that’s standing in Glenwood’s way of a 9-0 season is Sylacauga (4-4, 5A Region 4). Even facing a non-region opponent with the No. 1 seed locked up, the opportunity to finish strong in front of its home crowd means there is plenty at stake for the Gators.
“Last year, we were one game away from [going undefeated], and we got beat on the road in the last ball game,” Nelson recalled. “To finish, we’ve just got to come out and win the next one. So we’ll come out, prepare for Sylacauga and come out and play for our home fans.”
Under the lights — Week 9
BY D. MARK MITCHELL FOR THE OBSERVER
EAST ALABAMA — Auburn (8-0) clinched the region 2 championship with a 29-14 win over Carver, will host Dothan; Beauregard (5-3) lost 22-46 Central-Clay County and finished second in its region; will play at Valley; Benjamin Russell (4-4) beat Pelham 27-0, will travel to Chelsea; Beulah (6-2) did not play, but clinched a playoff spot after LSA lost to Glenwood; will play at
BEAUREGARD >> from B1
of time of possession, moving the ball 57 yards on eight running plays that consumed four minutes and 10 seconds. Boyd and senior quarterback Deshaun Gibbons were a two-man show on the drive that resulted in the Volunteers moving ahead 12-7 late in the first quarter.
The second quarter started inauspiciously for Beauregard when the punt returner from Central-Clay caught the ball on the run near midfield and rambled down to the Hornets’ 9-yard line. The Volunteers scored quickly, extending their lead to 20-7.
The Hornets looked to control the clock on their ensuing possession, relying heavily on Holloway. After two quick first downs, Beauregard faced fourth down and three from its own 39-yard line. Holloway fought for four yards, and then quarterback Cub Jones connected with Fitch for a 25-yard gain. The Hornets’ drive would stall after an offensive pass interference call that pushed them back to the 21-yard line. Beauregard just missed a 37-yard field goal that would have cut the deficit.
Central-Clay looked to deflate Beauregard before
ON THE MARK >> from B1
Local company IS4S is the new sponsor of the Salute to Veterans Bowl in Montgomery. IS4S President and CEO Dr. Glenn Rolader appeared on my radio show “On the Mark” after the announcement was made official.
“We are a defense contractor, no attention is wanted or needed,” said
Randoph County this week; Chambers Academy (7-1) thumped Banks 56-6, will play at Crenshaw Christian; Glenwood (8-0) beat Lee-Scott Academy 41-14, are open this week; LaFayette (4-4) beat Central Coosa 48-8, will host Horseshoe Bend; Lanett (4-5) lost 52-56 to Horseshoe Bend, and can clinch a playoff spot with a win over Ranburne; Lee-Scott Academy (4-4) lost 41-14 to Glenwood, will host BB Comer; Loachapoka (4-4) beat
halftime, and once again the Volunteers showed why they are one of the highest-ranked teams in Alabama, needing just six plays and 1:50 to go 80 yards, pushing their halftime lead to 26-7.
“We didn’t finish things,” said Beauregard Head Coach Justin Jones. “We didn’t finish drives. They made the plays when they had to. Hats off to them. I thought we ran the football well. Physically, we matched them at times.”
The Hornets, unfortunately, did not get the start they wanted in the third quarter. The Volunteers returned the second half kickoff 33 yards to the Beauregard 42-yard line. Six plays later, Central-Clay pushed its lead to 32-7. Things would only get worse as the Hornets could not move the chains on their next possession. The Volunteers again struck quickly, moving 64 yards in just five plays. With 6:38 remaining in the third quarter, Beauregard found itself in a deep hole, trailing 39-7.
The two teams exchanged punts before Beauregard’s offense drove 68 yards in 10 plays, chewing up 4:20 in the process. Jones found Aundray Vann twice on the drive, including the touchdown strike from 23 yards out. With 9:40 remaining, Beauregard cut
Rolader. “We wanted to give back to our veterans. We have numerous bases in the state of Alabama and surrounding states, I am glad IS4S can honor our military veterans. They are special and deserve recognition.
New employee Marshall Meyers thought of this idea, researched the numbers and it made sense. I told Marshall he is the most expensive first year employee I’ve ever hired.”
Randburne 49-14, will host Pike Liberal Arts this week; Notasulga (3-5) beat Billingsley 35-30, will host Autauga Academy Friday; Russell County (6-1) lost 46-14 to Pike Road, will host Rehoboth; Smiths Station (0-9) lost 0-48 to Dothan, will be at Enterprise this week; Southern Prep (4-5) beat Meadowview Christian, will host Stewart County; Springwood (7-2) beat Macon-East 85-54, will host N. River Christian and Valley (3-5) lost in overtime 21-28 to Holtville.
the deficit to 39-15.
Central-Clay added another touchdown before Beauregard answered with a 64-yard scoring drive in nine plays. Running backs Jeffrey Holloway and Kentavious Foreman did all of the damage on the ground, and J. Holloway plowed into the end zone from two yards out to make the score 46-22.
“We’re still growing and learning,” Coach Jones said. “It wasn’t an effort thing. That’s what I’m most proud about. We’ve got to be better when we play these guys at how we execute. That’s why they call it ‘practice.’ We’ll show up Sunday at 2 o’clock. We’ll start over and get ready for Valley.” With that first-round home playoff game on the line, the Hornets will have plenty to play for in their final region tilt — Beauregard can secure the number two seed and earn a home game in the first round of the AHSAA playoffs with a win over Valley this week. The Hornets dropped a close 21-14 game last year versus the Rams. Valley, coming off a close loss to Holtville, will be fighting for the final playoff spot in the region. However, the Rams’ path is not easy. They must defeat Beauregard and still hope that Holtville falls to winless Marbury.
The IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl will be held Dec. 14 at Montgomery’s Crampton Bowl at 8 p.m., following the Heisman presentation. The bowl features teams from MidAmerican Conference and Sun Belt conference.
D Mark Mitchell is the sports director at iHeartMedia and host of “On the Mark” on Fox Sports the Game 910-1319.
GLENWOOD
Southern Christian seals berth in 8-man playoffs
CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA — The Pa -
triots of Southern Christian defeated long time conference rival Ezekiel Academy at Moore Stadium in Opelika on Friday to secure a playoff berth in the Alabama Christian Sports Conference State playoffs.
The eight-man Patriot wrecking crew took the fight to the Knights of Montgomery from the very first kick. Aiden Hahn drilled a perfect squib kick at one of the Knights’ front line guys and hit him right in the chest. The pig skin bounced off him and into the hands of Lawton Curran.
Curran had his best game of the season, ending the night with two scores, nine tackles,
five sacks and seven hurries. Also adding to the Patriots defensive prowess was the dynamic duo, Jedd and Jagger Scott, aka the twins. Jedd gravely deterred the Knights’ ability to move the football through the air, defending or deflecting seven ill-fated attempts from Ezekiel senior QB Shaun Taylor. Meanwhile, Jagger piled up 14 bone-jarring tackles for the evening.
“The twins had a great night,” said Patriots head coach Jason Scott.
“Our quarterback Elijah Bailey is finally getting comfortable passing the ball since we added more blockers, which is vital, because Jedd is a real threat in open space. Jagger also ran really well tonight with 228 total yards.
“Gavin (Cooper) and Robbie (Phinney) did their part defensively on the ends, and the offensive line had very few mental breakdowns, which means Elijah had a really great game, almost 200 yards passing, no interceptions and no fumbles. He also ran for 132 yards, mostly on scrambles. Altogether a really great night for us.”
SCA varsity will next travel to the Lighthouse Warriors of Oneanta on Friday. This is the last regular season game and final conference matchup of the season.
Southern Christian, with this win over Ezekiel, has cleared the last hurdle to qualify for post season play in the ASCS State Championship Tournament and will most likely face East
Central of Pinson, who defeated SCA by the slimmest of margins earlier this season, edging out a 42-41 victory.
With a 6-2 record, the Patriots of Southern Christian have also qualified for the NFHS Football National Tournament in Panama City, Florida, where they will face off with the top eight-man teams from across the southeastern U.S.
Southern Christian’s JV squad ended their season this week, falling to the Springwood Wildcats on 8-6. The young Pats would end 2024 with a phenomenal 6-2 season and a great future ahead of them behind the tutelage and leadership of head coach Shaun Sirmon.
Auburn High girls excelling at flag football
The Southern Christian Patriots defeated conference rival Ezekiel Academy 48-14, securing a spot in the Alabama Christian Sports Conference state playoffs.
Auburn drops to 2-5 following road loss to Missouri
BY BRANDON HUGHES FOR THE OBSERVER
COLUMBIA, Missouri
— Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: Auburn enters the fourth quarter with a two-score lead… and loses. If it sounds familiar, it’s because it is. For the second time in three games, the Tigers were seemingly in control of a football game, only to falter late and see an opportunity for victory slip through its fingers.
When Missouri running back Jamal Roberts fell over the goal line with 43 seconds remaining in the game, the host Tigers of Missouri (6-1, 2-1) capped a 14-point second-half comeback to defeat the visiting Auburn Tigers (25, 0-4) 21-17. This marked the first time Auburn lost to Missouri since Mizzou joined the SEC in 2012. Auburn had previously been involved in 106 games in which it led by at least 14 points in the second half. In those 106
games, Auburn had only lost once. After Saturday, their record in such games fell to 105-2.
“Obviously, another disappointing day,” said Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze to open his postgame press conference, “and bitter to know we’re not able to get across the finish line against another top 20 team. Give Missouri credit for not folding and continuing to battle. Our kids fought hard. We’re not making enough plays. We’re not making enough right calls at times to win these close games right now, obviously, and it’s disappointing for the Auburn family. ... It’s a difficult year where it seems nothing is going quite our way when you need it to.”
Missouri opened the game with a time-consuming 12-play drive culminating in a 51-yard field goal, giving them an early 3-0 lead. However, the drive proved costly for Mizzou, as their starting quarterback, Brady Cook,
suffered a lower leg injury and would sit out until late in the third quarter.
Auburn’s first offensive possession got off to a sluggish start and punted without gaining a first down. The teams traded punts on the following three drives, and it wasn’t until Auburn’s third possession of the game that the offense found its footing. Auburn’s Towns McGough would knot the score at 3-3 with a 32-yard field goal capping an 11play, 64-yard drive. That is where the score would remain at the end of the first half.
Auburn opened the third quarter with a bang. On the sixth play of the drive, Payton Thorne connected with Cam Coleman on a 47-yard bomb to give the visiting Tigers their first lead of the game, 10-3.
The Auburn defense forced a three-and-out on Mizzou’s first drive of the second half, and then Mizzou’s defense returned the favor. When Auburn punt-
ed, however, Missouri’s Luther Burden mishandled the punt, sending the ball into the end zone, where Auburn’s Antonio Kite fell on the loose ball for a touchdown. The special teams score gave Auburn a 17-3 advantage.
Missouri immediately answered with a 9-play, 44yard drive that ended in a 38-yard field goal, closing the gap to 17-6.
Auburn looked as if it were ready with an answer of its own as the offense used nine plays to get the ball to a 1st and goal at the Mizzou 10-yard line. On first down, Thorne floated a perfect pass to Robert Lewis in the corner of the end zone, but the Georgia State transfer allowed the ball to fall through his hands and harmlessly to the turf. So, instead of a touchdown that would have given the Tigers a commanding lead heading into the final quarter, Auburn would settle for a field goal try after a sack on second down and a swing pass to
Jarquez Hunter failed to find the endzone. McGough’s struggles continued as his 30-yard attempt sailed wide left, missing his fourth field goal in his last seven attempts, dropping him to 5-10 for FGs for the season. Instead of Auburn extending its lead, they got nothing from a 1st and goal situation, and then the fourth quarter happened.
Coming into the Missouri game, against power conference opponents, the Auburn defense allowed an average of 4.9 points per quarter in the first three quarters of the game. That number more than doubles to an average of 11 points given up in the fourth quarter. Against Missouri, the defense allowed only six points in the first three quarters, only to see the home team explode for 15 points in the final frame. Mizzou scored on the opening play of the fourth quarter on a 2-yard plunge by Marcus Carroll. The Tigers then converted the
two-point conversion to cut the Auburn lead to 17-14. The Auburn offense would fail to do anything the rest of the way with drives of three plays, five plays, three plays, and three plays. With the game on the line and the ball at their own 5-yard line, the Missouri offense would go on a methodical 17-play, 95-yard march to the end zone for the game-winning score.
By the Numbers:
• Entering the game Saturday, Auburn led the nation in snaps played on defense by true freshmen. The Tigers lead the SEC in snaps played by true freshmen for offense and defense combined.
• The Auburn offense had the ball in Missouri territory six times and only scored 10 points.
• Auburn has lost 14 consecutive games to ranked opponents—the longest streak in 88 years. Up Next: AU plays away versus Kentucky at 6:45 on the SEC Network.
Sonny Smith co-authors book on athletic success
BY ANITA STIEFEL EDITOR@OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM
AUBURN — Former Auburn University basketball coach Sonny Smith has authored a book with former professional baseball player Lou Vickery entitled Winning the “Head” Game, Key to Elite Athletic Status.
In the book, Smith and Vickery draw upon their 60+ years of involvement in sports to provide motivational, inspirational and informative messages — a mixture of works that primarily apply to the “what” and “why” instead of the “how” of sports.
“Athletics starts with the body, but ultimately, it is the nature of the mind that speaks to the level of achievement an athlete experiences in sports,” according to the publisher’s website. “The mission of Winning the ‘Head’ Game is to provide
the necessary ingredients to help athletes and coaches build a bridge from where they are to where they would like to be.”
“We believe this book can create the mental, psychological and emotional well-being that will move young athletes beyond what they have been for the greater reward of what they can become,” Vickery writes.
The book is a chance to get up close and personal with a side of Coach Smith that very few people have been exposed to or were aware existed, and it highlights topics like winning personal traits, goals, attitude, team core values, preparation hanging tough, emotional control, learning from both winning and losing and other topics bound to jump start an athlete at any level of play.
The book is available from your favorite bookseller or the website https://louvickerybooks.com.
Former AU Coach Sonny Smith, left, and former pro baseball player Lou Vickery, right, autographed copies of their new book during the recent Tipoff at Toomers event.
BOARD MEETINGS
Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024
East Samford named Disney on Broadway School of Excellence
CONTRIBUTED BY EDUCATIONAL THEATRE ASSOCIATION
AUBURN — East
Samford Middle School in Auburn is among 21 schools across the U.S. to be named a Disney on Broadway School of Excellence for exceptional student-led involvement in theatre production.
Nothing but smiles
Nothing
The competitive nationwide program, created to celebrate 30 years of Disney on Broadway, aims to inspire the next generation of storytellers and provide schools with the resources to produce high-quality theatrical productions. Winners were chosen by Disney Theatrical Group, the Educational
Theatre Association and Music Theatre International based on demonstrated creativity, leadership and student engagement in theatrical disciplines such as stagecraft, direction, performance, choreography and design.
The Disney on Broadway School of Excellence program grants free
licenses of iconic Disney musicals such as The Little Mermaid, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Newsies to be performed between the fall of 2024 and December 2025, plus exclusive educational webinars with industry professionals.
“We’re thrilled to support these schools as they
Learning about fire safety
bring the magic of Disney to life on stage,” said Dr. Jennifer Katona, executive director of the Educational Theatre Association. “Theatre plays such a vital role in fostering creativity and leadership in students, and this program celebrates that by giving schools the opportunity to showcase their talent and passion.”
but smiles and positive vibes at Beulah Elementary School, which recently celebrated a smile day challenge.
Pictured above, Southview Primary School kindergarteners had two special visitors for Fire Safety Week, Officer Santiesteban and Communications Supervisor Santiesteban, who spoke about Opelika 9-1-1 communications and explained what to do in the event of an emergency. Firefighters also visited Morris Avenue Intermediate School and Darden Head Start, pictured below.
AU Music Department opens Lucky Man Studio
CONTRIBUTED BY AU NEWS
AUBURN — The Auburn University Department of Music officially dedicated its state-of-the-art Lucky Man Studio.
Named for a song by 1975 music education graduate Don Clayton, the Don and Alexandra Clayton “Lucky Man” Studio is a premier facility that will not only transform the department’s curriculum potential, but also the recording industry in the Southeast.
Housed in the College of Liberal Arts, it is the university’s first commercial recording studio that will be in great demand among musicians looking for a top-notch facility to record their music. The studio includes a drum station, keyboards and synthesizers, guitars, state-ofthe-art computer software, microphones and hardware, as well as a Dolby Atmos recording system, and its leaders plan to roll out more phases of development in the future.
The project was the brainchild of former Department of Music Chair Rick Good and funded by a gift from Clayton. Doug Rosener, director of the Department of Music, said the studio has had an immediate impact on students.
“This facility has already been transformational,” Rosener said. “It has spawned three new academic programs — composition technology, commercial music and a minor in music business.”
The studio is a difference-maker for students, who believe it will become a recruiting tool for a department that has
seen immense recent expansion to more than 200 students.
“This studio is one great example of how we do that even better than we have in the past,” said Jason Hicks, dean of the College of Liberal Arts. “We’re hopeful this will be a great way for students to leap forward in their preparation for the world of work, the world of music, the world of business, the world of performance, wherever that may be.”
Trammell Starks will serve as the studio’s director, and he described numerous plans for future collaboration between the studio and a host of programs, organizations and individuals.
“We have a lot of outreach opportunities, and we already have a number of commercial projects booked,” said Starks, a renowned recording artist who has toured with Peabo Bryson and worked with the London Symphony.
“This is phase one, and there’s a long list of things we’re working toward. We have high hopes and big goals for the future to make this truly a world-class facility. Our mission and our goals are to record everything from orchestras, choirs, rock bands, pop bands, country bands and everything under the sun.”
Clayton also has big plans and dreams for the studio and the department in the future.
“My goal is, in the next five years, I’d like to have No. 1 song writer come out of here with a No. 1 hit,” Clayton said. “I’d like to get a Grammy, or at the very least, a Grammy nomination. We can do it.”
AU hosts 900+ students at Destination STEM event
CONTRIBUTED BY AU COLLEGE OF SCIENCES & MATHEMATICS
AUBURN — The College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM) at Auburn University recently hosted its annual Destination STEM event at the Beard-Eaves-Memorial Coliseum, attracting more than 900 students and educators from 14 Alabama schools from nine counties (Lee, Houston, Pike, Elmore, Chambers, Lowndes, Russell, Montgomery, Bullock).
This exciting informal STEM program aims to ignite interest and passion for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) among middle school students that may not receive this exposure at their school.
More than 150 faculty, staff and volunteers led in excess of 50 engaging interactive exhibits, allowing students in grades six to nine to explore diverse topics such as physics, biology, geology, chemistry, medicine and mathematics. All exhibitors shared hands-on experiences and knowledge that would otherwise not be available in many local schools.
“Destination STEM is an amazing chance for middle schoolers to see up close the amazing phenomena of STEM they would otherwise not be able to learn about in a traditional classroom
setting,” said program coordinator Dr. Karen Dane. “We are so fortunate to have exhibits from every department in the College of Sciences and Mathematics and as well as several other science outreach groups.”
Among the highlights was the exhibit hosted by the Donald E. Davis Arboretum where students designed nature mandalas utilizing objects from the Arboretum such as leaves and pine cones to create circular artistic structures.
Each of the five COSAM departments showcased its expertise with six to 12 tables each. The Department of Geosciences brought Stan, a full-size T-rex skull, and an array of beautiful fossils, rocks and minerals.
The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offered a Math Carnival fully equipped with puzzles that taught complex mathematical theories. Biological Sciences allowed students to see the microscopic world up close and learn about “Genetics on the Fly.”
The Department of Physics showcased their Biodome and Plasma Universe.
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry hosted “Medical Detectives,” where students tested for Frankenstein’s blood type and “Fun with Chemistry,” where stu-
dents learned to identify different metal ions based on the color their flame test produced.
Other notable exhibitors included the Auburn University Natural History Museum, which brought its collection of live reptiles and invertebrates; AMSTI education specialists taught students how to use Snap Circuits; the Southeastern Center of Robotics Education allowed students to compete with Freezebots and Sphero robots; and the MitoMobile showcased its traveling mitochondria research facility.
In addition, several
exhibitors came from outside COSAM including VCOM, who brought their Laparoscopic Trainers, and the Alabama Space Grant Consortium/NASA EPSCoR Outreach Group, which allowed student to build mini-paper rockets. Destination STEM is dedicated to positively impacting the community by inspiring the next generation of scientists and mathematicians. Through outreach initiatives, STEM experts shared their knowledge and passion for STEM, helping to cultivate interest in science for students in a fun, engaging field trip.
Lucky Man Studio was funded by and named for 1975 AU music alumnus Don Clayton, above.
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
Auburn celebrates Oktoberfest —
Food &E ntertainment
Southern Hospitality
Bent Creek neighborhood gathers for fall chili party
BY ANN CIPPERLY
OPINION —
On a recent Saturday morning with a cool crispness in the air, the Bent Creek neighborhood met outdoors for a fall chili party at lunch. Neighbors brought their own chairs to enjoy the fellowship while sampling seven crockpots of homemade chili with assorted toppings, a variety of cornbread and scrumptious desserts.
Neighborhood children and residents’ grandchildren also enjoyed hot dogs as an option. Games were entertaining as neighbors lingered into the afternoon.
The neighborhood includes Heritage Drive, Flintwood Lane, Heritage Place and Heritage Circle.
In an effort for neighbors to get to know each other, a group of residents first began planning events around 1997 by delivering flyers with the information. A roster began with names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses and was then shared with all the residents. This enabled neighbors to stay in touch with each other about meetings and planned events as well as a missing dog, deaths or any potential threat in the neighborhood.
Among the first things the neighborhood did was organize a neighborhood watch and assemble a committee for the Adopt-A-Mile litter pick-up. A committee was also formed to place a small American flag by every mailbox at holidays throughout the year. The first few years, morning coffees were held in homes.
It was my honor to serve as the first president with help from Caroline Bugg, Becky Murphy, Linda Fucci and too many others to name. While some things take a village, this took an entire neighborhood. At Christmas, neighbors were encouraged to decorate their mailboxes, the front of their homes and yards with festive décor, and that tradition has continued every year. For a few years, a number of open houses were held during the Christmas season. The event was held on a Sunday afternoon or Friday evening. Neighbors would walk to the open houses to view Christmas decorations and enjoy refreshments.
Neighbors donated small dues to be used for taking food when someone was sick or a new family moved in the neighborhood. At the end of the year, if there were funds remaining, the neighbors held a party with light fare
at nearby Saugahatchee.
During Covid, the meetings and activities stopped. In 2023, Agnes Tatum emailed neighbors that it was time to start meeting again. Along with Agnes, Ron Simpson, Diane Glanzer, George Schmitz and Pegge and Spence McCracken, among others, became the most involved. Ron takes care of all the emails to the neighborhood.
Monthly meetings started back with everyone in the neighborhood invited to attend.
During spring, a plant exchange was held on the grounds at the home of Valerie Townes, and neighbors brought lunch to share along with plants from their yard.
The fall chili party took a couple of monthly meetings to plan. The date of Oct. 12 was selected since the Auburn Tigers did not have a game that day. Neighbors quickly signed up to bring food and help set up tables and clean up at the circle.
Betty and Bob Hare assisted with arranging the location, as well as taking chili and cornbread. Games were arranged by Spence McCracken, Diane Glanzer, Betty Hare and Valerie Townes.
Many neighbors were willing to help in any way they could. Bob Fucci offered to pick up neighbors for the event or give them a ride home in his golf cart. Linda Fucci, former president of the neighborhood association, said, “This is the warmest neighborhood I have ever lived in. I have told people that living in our neighborhood is almost like belonging to a club.”
“The observance of placing the flags at the mailboxes began immediately after 9/11 and has continued,” said Ron Simpson. “Our neighborhood has not forgotten our patriotism.”
Spence McCracken commented, “It is great to live in a neighborhood where you can cry when you lose your dog and everyone understands. It is just a very close-knit neighborhood.”
Check the recipes for making the chili, cornbread and desserts from the neighborhood event. Wherever you live in Lee County, maybe starting a friendly neighborhood association or group would provide a great way to meet your neighbors and also share southern hospitality.
Easy Crock-Pot Chili with Beans
Pegge & Spence McCracken Pegge likes using the canned seasoned black beans. Spence enjoys it with cornbread.
1 ½ lbs. ground beef
• 3/4 cup chopped yellow onion
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 30 oz. dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
30 oz. tomato sauce
• 4 oz. green chilies
• 20 oz. Rotel (2 cans, 10 oz. each)
• 1/2 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. ground mustard powder
3 large garlic cloves,
minced
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1 Tbsp. chili powder
• 1/2 tsp. dried basil leaves 1/2 tsp. salt
Add 1 Tbsp. olive oil, beef and chopped onions to frying pan.
Brown beef and soften onions in frying pan. Drain juices from meat and set beef and onion mixture; set aside.
In a small bowl, mix chili powder, cumin, mustard powder, basil, cayenne pepper, black pepper and salt. Add all ingredients (except cheese and green onions) to 6 to 7 quart crockpot and stir well. Cook on high for 2 hours, or low for 4 hours, stirring every 30 minutes.
Garnish with grated cheddar cheese and chopped green onions. Serves 12.
Valerie’s Really Good
Cornbread
Valerie Townes
Crisco for the pan
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1 ½ tsp. baking powder
• 1 ½ tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. soda
2 eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
¼ cup butter, cold and cubed
Put Crisco in a cast iron pan and place in oven. Preheat to 400 degrees.
Combine dry ingredients. Cut in butter until pea sized.
Combine wet ingredients. Add wet ingredients to dry, folding just until all is moistened. Carefully remove hot pan from oven and add batter. Batter should sizzle.
Return to oven and bake until crusty brown on bottom and light brown on top. Turn out upside down on rack.
Chicken, Poblano and Black Bean Chili
Betty and Bob Hare
This is Bob’s replication of the chili in Dallas at the Central Market, a Texas grocery store chain.
• 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter
• 1 ½ cups chopped yellow onion
• 4 poblano peppers (roasted, peeled and seeded)
• 6 cups shredded cooked chicken 6 cups cooked black beans
• 1 ½ cups frozen corn
• 9 cups chicken broth 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups pepperjack
and
Diane Glanzer, Ron Simpson and Betty Hare helped arrange
Bent Creek neighborhood chili party.
Those making chili for the Bent Creek neighborhood get together were, from left, Bob Hare, Mark Johnston, Pegge McCracken, Dennis Stiff, Carol Luther, George Schmitz and Soma Nagendran.
Among those making cornbread and desserts for the chili party were, from left, Val Townes, Gabi Hicks, Soma Nagendran, Becky Murphy, Henrietta Barefield, Gale Morgan and Deidra Bell. Not pictured are Ann Cipperly and Diane Glanzer.
O’zapft is! Scenes from 2024 Auburn Oktoberfest
RECIPES >> from B11
• ½ cup chopped pickled jalapeño peppers
Heat oven to 425 degrees.
Beat eggs into medium bowl. Stir in cornmeal mix, sugar, buttermilk and stir until moistened. Add cheese, creamed corn, and jalapeños. Pour batter into greased skillet. Bake 25 to 30 minutes.
Hunk of Burning Love Chili Melody and Dennis Stiff Dennis won second place for this chili in an office cookoff.
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
½ med green pepper, chopped
1 tsp. minced garlic
• 2 jalapeno peppers, chopped
1 (or 2) habanero peppers, chopped (depends on how hot you like it)
• 1 lb. ground beef
1 lb. ground pork
• 1 pack hot chili mix
1 pack medium chili
mix
• Dash or two (or three) tabasco
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 14 ½ oz. cans diced tomatoes
2 8 oz. cans tomato
sauce
1 6 oz. can tomato
paste
• 1 4 oz. can diced green chilies
• 1 can Rotel
1 can chili beans
• 1 can kidney beans
• 1 can pork and beans
Sauté first 5 ingredients in pot until onion is clear.
Add beef and pork and cook until almost done.
Add remaining ingredients, cover and simmer for three hours, stirring and tasting often. Adjust heat as you like.
Favorite Chili George Schmitz
• 1½ lbs. 80/20 ground beef (regular or course grind)
3 medium onions, diced
2 large peppers (green, red or yellow) or combination, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 22 oz. can tomato
sauce
• 22 oz. can diced tomatoes with chili
• (4) 12 oz. cans beans (dark red kidney or any combination of kidney, chili or black beans)
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1 Tbsp. sugar to cut the acidity of tomatoes
1 Tbsp. taco seasoning
¼ cup juice from peppers (banana or jalapeno)
• ¼ cup diced peppers (banana or jalapeno)
Brown ground beef and drain off fat. Add beef diced onions, celery and peppers and simmer in a stock pan until sautéed. Drain two of the four cans of beans used. Add all canned ingredients, sugar, taco seasoning and juice from peppers. Add seasoned salt and pepper to taste. Cook until hot.
Black Bean Chicken Chili
Soma Nagendran
• 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 onion sliced, about 1 ½ cups
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 small can mild green chilis
14 ½ oz. fire roasted crushed tomato
15 oz. canned black beans, drained and rinsed
1½ cups low sodium chicken broth
12 oz. frozen corn kernels
1 ½ Tbsp. chili powder
2 1/8 tsp. kosher salt or to taste
1 tsp. cumin
• ½ tsp. smoked paprika
3 cups shredded chicken
Warm oil in a large pan in medium heat. Place diced onions and 1/8 tsp. salt. Stir together with a wooden spoon and cook for 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently. Add spices, cooking one additional minute until fragrant. Add black beans, mild chilis, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth and corn, stirring to combine. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil. This will take about four minutes.
Reduce heat and simmer for six minutes.
Once the beans and corn are cooked, add the shredded chicken and cook on low for five minutes.
Taste the chili and add more salt or lemon juice (1 or 2 tsp.) as needed.
Easy Crock-Pot Chili Carol Luther
• 2 pkg. Organics Chili Mix
2 lbs. ground turkey, sauteed until browned
Two 14 ½ oz. cans diced tomatoes not drained
• Two 15 or 16 oz. cans kidney beans, not drained Add all ingredients to a crock-pot. Cook for four hours.
Pork Green Chili Recipe
Cathy & Mark Johnston 10-12 fresh Anaheim or New Mexico green chiles, or 1 lb. thawed frozen New Mexico green chiles
• 5-6 poblano chiles
• 2-4 jalapeño chiles, depending on heat level desired 6 medium tomatillos, husked and rinsed well in warm water, then dried 1 large white onion, halved and peeled
6 garlic cloves (~ ½ head of garlic)
• About 6 Tbsp. canola oil, divided
• 3 ½ lbs. pork shoulder, cut into 1-in. cubes 1/3 cup flour
• 2 Tbsp. ground cumin, divided
• 1 ½ Tbsp. coriander, divided
• 1 Tbsp. minced fresh oregano leaves or ½ tsp. dried oregano (Mexican oregano preferred)
• About 1 Tbsp. kosher salt, divided
• ½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 2 quarts chicken stock (packaged or homemade)
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro
For topping: 2/3 cup crumbled Cotija or shredded White Cheddar cheese
• Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (low-fat is fine)
Chopped cilantro
• Lime wedges (squeeze over chili)
• Serving Option: Cooked Rice
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Cut onions into quarters and place in large bowl with chiles, tomatillos and the ½ garlic head. Drizzle vegetables with about 3 Tbsp oil and turn to coat well. Transfer vegetables in a single layer to a foil or parchment paper-lined baking sheet(s), salt vegetables, and bake, turning as needed, until softened and charred in spots, about 12 to 14 minutes, turning halfway through cooking. Transfer vegetables back to the large bowl and cover to steam for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, heat 1 to 2 Tbsp oil in a 12 or 14inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add flour to a wide bowl or zip lock bag and add ½ tsp. each cumin, coriander, and salt mixing well. In three or four batches to avoid over-crowding, add pork pieces to flour mixture and toss to lightly coat on all sides. Sear each batch of pork pieces until golden brown on all sides, about five to six minutes. Transfer pork with a slotted spoon to a 6to 8-quart Dutch Oven or Slow Cooker, repeat
until all pork is browned, adding oil as needed for each batch.
Stem and peel chiles; cut in half lengthwise and remove most of the seeds and membrane leaving some if higher heat level is desired.
Coarsely chop chiles and medium dice tomatillos and onion. Add half of vegetables to Dutch Oven or to slow cooker (low heat) with browned pork and add other half of vegetables to a blender or food processor.
Squeeze roasted garlic from cloves into blender containing half of vegetables, add half bunch of chopped cilantro larger stems removed) and top with two cups chicken stock, blend a few seconds to achieve a soupy consistency. Add to pork and chopped vegetables. Process in multiple batches if needed. Add the balance of chicken stock, cumin, coriander, and salt, plus pepper and oregano and stir to combine all ingredients.
For slow cooker, cook on low for about three hours until pork is cooked through, and flavors melded. For Dutch oven, bring chili to a light simmer then reduce to low heat and cook for two hours until pork is cooked through, and flavors melded. Taste and salt as needed. Serve chili in bowls either solo or over steamed rice.
Around 2,500 people attended Auburn Oktoberfest, which featured beer sampling, wiener dog races, stein-hoisting, chicken dance contests, live music, food trucks and lots of fun.
Top with your choice of yogurt/sour cream, Cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
BY SEAN DIETRICH
OPINION —
Today I read an article my friend sent to me. The article was something that went viral on social media. When I finished reading it, I felt so bad that I had to take some Pepto-Bismol and lie down. It was depressing. The writer complained about nearly everything. Politics, religion, pollution, crime, taxes, pesticides, SUV’s, pop stars, the price of gas. And worse, thousands of people agreed that this world is a terrible place. Well, who am I to say that it isn’t? Nobody, that’s who. Even so, all that reading left me asking myself an
Sean of the South
important question: What about chocolate?
Can this world be all that bad as long as we have milk chocolate? Have you ever had a Hershey’s bar when it’s room temperature? It’s a little soft, and it tastes sweeter than a Gaither Homecoming DVD. It’s hard not to believe that everything is going to be okay while you’re eating chocolate.
And how about pimento cheese? Has the writer ever tried homemade pimento cheese? If he hasn’t, he ought to. Today, my wife just made a fresh batch. I took one bite and I started shaking my leg like Elvis at a revival.
And there are also the mystical things of life.
Things so beautiful that they are hard to name because they are too vast, too immense, and too wistful. Namely, I am speaking of beer.
How about all-night-singings at church? I don’t know if you’ve ever been to one
of those, I don’t even know if people still do them.
Young folks might not know what I’m talking about. But long before Sunday-morning rock bands, there used to be all-nightsinging in the country.
We didn’t really sing all night long, of course. But we sang until maybe ten or eleven thirty. We’d sing the old songs. Like: “Down by the Riverside,” and “In the Sweet By and By,” and all fifty verses to “Rock of Ages.”
And has the writer of the article ever watched an old man dance with his granddaughter at a wedding reception? I’m guessing not.
Last week, I went to a friend’s reception at a seafood restaurant. I saw an old man take the dance floor with a nine-year-old girl whose hair was in ribbons. The song was “You are so Beautiful.” Niagara Falls.
And what about the Gulf of Mexico? Isn’t the article even going even mention that?
Okay
I am a product of the Gulf Coast. There is something magical within our water. Something so incredible that it transcends space and time. You think I’m exaggerating?
Here’s something a foreign language professor once told me:
Hundreds of years ago, when Choctaw Indians still lived on the Gulf Coast of Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi, they had a word in their language. It was a short word. It was a great word, a happy word, sort of a utility word that you could use in all kinds of scenarios. The word was “okeh.”
Missionaries loved the word right off the bat. After they learned to speak the native language, they started using “okeh” all the time. They even started using it in place of “amen.”
Thus, while missionaries were busy teaching the Choctaw natives not drink, cuss, or touch Cosmopolitan magazines, “okeh” crept
into the English language.
Missionaries started writing this word in their journals, their Bibles, and writing it in postcards sent home. And since there was no official spelling for this new word, they abbreviated it:
“O.K.”
Over time, the word became a big hit. Today, it still is. It is the most used word in the world. It is used in one hundred and ninety-five countries, and almost six thousand languages.
Six thousand.
And just think, it all started here in the South Eastern Conference. Maybe even within eyeshot of the Gulf of Mexico.
Who knows, maybe the native guy who invented the word sat where my childhood backyard was located. Or maybe he sat on the beach. Maybe he looked at the Gulf of Mexico and was reminded of all the wonderful things in life. Things like wildflowers, children’s laughter, clouds, pasta,
saturated fat, and the ”Cha Cha Slide.” Sunrises. Trees. Babies. Old men dancing at wedding receptions with granddaughters. And love.
Perhaps this Choctaw native thought about these things and declared to himself that this world was not so bad after all.
Maybe he decided that no matter what kind of hell breaks loose, no matter what newspapers say, no matter what viral articles claim, everything—and I mean everything—is going to be “okeh.”
Maybe what we all need is just a little more chocolate.
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.
Straight No Chaser holiday concert set for Oct. 30
CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
AUBURN — A cappella group Straight No Chaser is bringing their annual fall holiday tour to Auburn’s Gogue Performing Arts Center on Oct. 30. The performance, which will include beloved festive favorites and re-imaginings of iconic songs throughout the decades, will begin at 7 p.m. The nine-man act of Walter Chase, Jerome Collins, Seggio Isho, Michael Luginbill, Steve Morgan, Jasper Smith, Randy Stine, Tyler Trepp and Freedom
Young are the a cappella phenomenon that has earned more than 100 million YouTube streams and sold more than three million albums and 1.5 million tickets worldwide.
Year after year, the group aims to keep fans entertained and inspired. Each show is a one-of-a-kind experience: a healthy dose of banter between the band members, flawless harmonies and a blend of old and new music. For ticket information, visit the website: goguecenter.auburn.edu/straightno-chaser-top-shelf-tour.
Auburn Food & Wine Festival to host fine dining fundraisers
BY OBSERVER STAFF
AUBURN/OPELIKA
— Tickets are on sale now for the Auburn Food & Wine Festival’s Fall Dinners, a series of limited-seating events which will raise funds for four community nonprofits.
The first dinner will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 29, at The Sound Wall in historic downtown Opelika. Tickets (20 available) cost $100, with proceeds benefiting the
Food Bank of East Alabama. Tickets for this dinner will be available only through The Sound Wall, www.theswmi.org.
The second dinner will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 5, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Moore’s Mill Club in Auburn. Tickets (30 available) cost $120, with proceeds benefiting the East Alabama Community Ballet.
The third dinner will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 13, from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Depot in Auburn. Tickets (27
available) cost $135, with proceeds benefiting the Lee County Youth Development Center.
The fourth event will be a Frou Frou Brunch and Pumpkin Floral Cass at the Opelika Art Haus on Sunday, Nov. 24. Tickets (30 available) cost $100, with proceeds benefiting the Children’s Advocacy Center.
For tickets to the November events, visit https://auburnfoodandwinefestival.ejoinme. org/Fall2024.
A capella group Straight No Chaser will perform at Auburn University’s Gouge Center for Performing Arts.
Where’s the candy?
A guide for trick-or-treaters
OCT 26 — DILLARD’S TRUNK OR TREAT
This event takes place on Saturday, Oct. 26, at 2 p.m. in the parking lot at the entrance to Dillard’s Juniors Department parking lot at the Auburn Mall. Costumes are encouraged, and there will be prizes and candy.
OCT. 27 — FALL FESTIVAL ON THE SQUARE
First Baptist Church Opelika will host the 4th Annual Fall Festival on the Square on Sunday, Oct. 27, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. The event will be held on the Courthouse Square in historic downtown Opelika and will feature candy for the kids, inflatables, live entertainment, food trucks, fireworks and more. Admission is free.
OCT. 27 — EMBRACE CHURCH TRUNK OR TREAT
This event takes place on Sunday, October 27, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Embrace Church, 2142 N. College St. Participants can decorate their vehicles, bring a picnic blanket, and enjoy a free hot dog dinner and candy.
OCT. 27 — PRIDE ON THE PLAINS TRUNK OR TREAT
Join Pride on The Plains for its annual Halloween Trunk or Treat at Town Creek Park in Auburn on Sunday, Oct. 27, from 3 to 5 p.m. All are invited and appropriate costumes are encouraged.
OCT. 29 — HALLOWEEN CANDY CHALLENGE
Teens are invited to the Opelika Public Library’s Halloween Candy Challenge
OCT. 25-26 — POPE’S HAUNTED FARM
Pope’s Haunted Farm (450 Lee Road 724 in Salem) will host Halloween tours of its Haunted Barn, Haunted Forest and Haunted Hayride on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 25-26. Admission (all ages) is $20 for one attraction, $35 for two attractions and $45 for all three attractions ($2 per ticket charge for credit and debit card purchases (Visa and Mastercard only). No advance or online sales. Tours occur from 6:30 to 10 p.m. and contain high-impact scares, fog, strobe lights, theatrical odors and may not be suitable for epileptics, pregnant women or those with a heart condition. Not recommended for children under age 10. For more information, visit www.popeshayride.com.
OCT. 25-27 — SLEEPY HOLLOW HAUNTED FARM
Sleepy Hollow Haunted Farm (929 Lee Road 14 in Auburn) will host tours Friday through Sunday, Oct. 25-27, featuring the Clown Cabin, RIP Ride and brand new Psycho Path. Tickets are $25 for each attraction, cash or credit cards accepted on-site ($17.50 in advance at www.sleepyhollowauburn.com). Not recommended for children under age 13.
OCT. 25-27— HAUNTED WALKING TOURS
Join local folklorist, paranormal investigator, artist, and professional actor Brandon Stoker (Walking Dead, Zombieland 2), and historian, local author and paranormal investigator John-Mark Poe to get the scoop on several mysterious local phantoms. The 8 p.m. walking tour of Auburn, rated PG-13, is approximately 1.5 hours long. The 6 p.m. walking tour of Opelika is rated PG and is approximately 30-40 minutes long. Perfect for agesb12 and up. For more information call (344) 444-1422.
OCT. 25 — 36th ANNUAL PUMPKIN CARVE
Check out the creativity of Auburn University students competing in the 36th annual Pumpkin Carve on Friday, Oct. 25, at Dudley Courtyard (361 Graves Drive) on campus. Carving will begin at 9 a.m. and last through the day. There will be entertainment, lunch (hall-o-weiners and boo-urgers), therapy dog demonstrations, a scavenger hunt, a silent auction, raffles and more. Jack-OLanterns will be lit at 5:30 p.m. and winners will be announced at 7 p.m. At 7:30 p.m., any remaining carved and uncarved pumpkins will be auctioned off starting at $5.
OCT. 25 — TOUR DE FRIGHT
Opelika Parks & Rec invites parents and children of all ages to bring their bikes and take a ride on the haunted walking trail behind the SportsPlex on Friday, Oct. 25, from 6 to 8 p.m. Meet in the rear parking lot behind the Opelika SportsPlex. Bikes, trikes, scooters, strollers, etc. are welcome. This event is free and open to the public.
OCT. 26 — ZOOLOWEEN
Celebrate Halloween animal style at the Opelika Public Library on Saturday, Oct. 26. Inspired by the picture book Zooloween, families will be able to create animal-inspired crafts and have fun safari style. Come in your costume and celebrate Halloween with a zoo twist. Families will rotate along the green space at their own pace and visit stations as they go.
OCT. 26 — VILLAINS BALL
The 3rd annual Opelika Villains Ball will be held Saturday, Oct. 26, from 7 to 11 p.m. at The Railyard at John Emerald Distilling Company, 706 Railroad Ave. in Opelika, featuring food and drink, music, dancing, performances and a costume contest with a $100 prize. Ages 19 and up. Tickets available at www. tixtree.com/e/opelika-villains-ball-937367deede6.
THRU OCT. 27 — ROCKY TOP 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.
THRU OCT. 27 — CHOCTAFAULA PUMPKIN PATCH
The pumpkin patch at Choctafaula Farm (929 Lee Road 14 in Auburn) is open Fridays from 1 to 5 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Oct 27. $12 admission includes safari tour, petting zoo, new playground, bounce pillow, corn crib, fall activities and more; $15 kids pass includes unlimited rock wall climbs and mechanical bull rides. Add-on tickets available for pony rides, private animal encounters and feed buckets. Choctafaula offers a full-service café, adult beverages in the Watering Hole bar, gift shop and country store. Cash and credit/debit cards accepted.
OCT. 27 & 28 — NATURE NIGHTMARES
The Nature Nightmares haunted forest experience returns
on Tuesday, Oct. 29, from 6 to 7 p.m.
OCT. 29 — FALL FESTIVAL & CHILDREN’S CARNIVAL
Opelika Parks & Rec will host a Fall Festival and Children’s Carnival on Tuesday, Oct. 29, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the SportsPlex Soccer Fields. This event is for children ages 12 and younger. Admission is free, but activities (carnival games, inflatables, candy and prizes, food vendors and entertainment) require the purchase of a wristband or tickets. All-access wristbands are $10; a bag of 20 tickets is $5; and individual tickets are available for 25 cents each. Activities cost 1 to 3 tickets each. Wristbands and tickets may be purchased in advance at the Opelika SportsPlex front desk (cash/check/credit/debit). All ticket/wristband purchases at the event are CASH ONLY.
OCT. 31 — AUBURN TRICK 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.
OCT. 31 — OPELIKA TRICK OR TREAT
The city of Opelika’s trick-or-treating will take place on Halloween, Oct. 31, from 5 to 8 p.m.
OCT. 26 — LOCAL AUTHORS AT THE LIBRARY
The Auburn Public Library will host Brandy Anderson on Saturday, Oct. 26, at 2 p.m. to discuss her book, “Through the Veil: A Glimpse into the Afterlife,” Anderson shares her miraculous story about her contact with those on the other side of the veil and the insight that it brought concerning what happens when we die and how that should impact how we live now. Anderson is a spiritual coach, Jungian coach and author. Audience: Adults
OCT. 27 — PANCAKES IN THE PARK Pride on the Plains will host Pancakes in the Park fundraiser on Sunday, Oct. 27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Town Creek Park (1150 S. Gay Street, Auburn). Breakfast plates with pancakes, bacon or sausage and a drink are available for a donation of $8 or two for $15. Cash, credit and digital payments accepted.
OCT. 28 — AN EVENING OF WONDERS
The Arts Association of Lee County present An Evening of Wonders with world-class illusionist Vitaly on Monday, Oct. 28, at 7 p.m. at the Opelika Center for the Performing Arts, 1700 Lafayette Parkway. For tickets, visit www.eastalabamaarts.org.
OCT. 30 — NOON TUNES CONCERT
Every Wednesday in October from noon until 1:00 p.m. at Opelika’s Courthouse Square, bring a brown bag lunch (or purchase lunch from a local restaurant), a quilt or lawn chair and relax by the fountain for an hour of unforgettable musical entertainment. Performing on Oct. 30 is Mark True, an accomplished songwriter with 40+ recorded songs and two #1 country and adult contemporary songs.
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. 1 — JEFF BLACK AT SOUND WALL
Enjoy an evening with folk singer Jeff Black on Friday, Nov. 1, at The Sound Wall, 605 Avenue B in Opelika. BYOB for cocktails at 7 p.m., with the performance beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 and available at www.theswmi.org.
NOV. 1 — GRIFFIN HOUSE @ SUNDILLA
Sundilla will welcome Griffin House on Friday, Nov. 1. Showtime at the AUUF (450 E. Thach Avenue 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 will be $25, students $15. Free food and drinks will be available or bring your own.
NOV. 2 — LOCAL AUTHORS AT THE LIBRARY
The Auburn Public Library will host local children’s book author Tammie Barnett Hughley on Saturday, Nov. 2, at 2 p.m. for a special story time event. Hughley’s children’s and family books come from the stories that she has created for her daughter. Hughley enjoys writing humorous children’s stories that enhance the imagination of a child — inspirational stories that will encourage others as they travel through the unpredictable journey of life.
NOV. 4 & 6 — OPELIKA COMMUNITY THEATRE AUDITIONS
The Opelika Community Theatre will hold auditions for its upcoming play version of The Outsiders, S.E. Hunter’s biographical coming-of-age drama. This show is open to grades 7 and up and will be directed by Alysa Richards. Visit opelikacommunitytheatre.com for information.
9 — LIVE ON THE PLAINS
NOV.
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. 10 — 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
The Auburn Heritage Association will mark its 50th anniversary with an open birthday party on Sunday, Nov. 10, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the historic Scott-Yarbrough House (Pebble Hill) located at 101 S. DeBardeleben St. in Auburn. The program is free, the public is invited, and refreshments will be served.
NOV. 16 — 18th ANNUAL HOLIDAY ART SALE
The Auburn Arts Association and Auburn Parks and Rec will host the 18th Annual Holiday Art Sale on Saturday, 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.
THRU NOV. 19 — FALL FARMERS 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.
NOV. 11 — VETERANS DAY EVENTS
• The city of Auburn will conduct its annual wreath-laying
the Opelika
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Club News from around Lee County
Opelika Kiwanis Club
VFW POST 5404 COFFEE & CONVERSATION
VFW Post 5404, 131 E. Veterans Blvd., Auburn, next to Ray's Collision off of South College Street, will be open on Wednesdays, 8 to 11 a.m. with coffee, donuts, cake and conversation about service and benefits for all veterans and spouses to stop by.
LEE/RUSSELL COUNTY LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP
The group meets every month on the third Wednesday from 1:30 to 3 p.m. The meeting will be held at the AIDB-Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind Opelika Regional Center on 355 Dunlop Drive in Opelika. Every month different topics are discussed to make life more manageable living with low vision. Contact Shiquita Fulton, M.ED/Vision Rehab therapist for additional details at 334-705-2024, or Melody Wilson, case manager for the blind, at 256-368-3258.
NAMI TO MEET NOV. 19
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) East Alabama will meet at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 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: Nov. 7 & 21 and Dec. 5. Contact Rachel Elrod at (706) 244-5620 or Pastor Zac Gardner at (334) 745-3108 for more information.
Adam Foutz Deputy Director of Auburn University Regional Airport is the Oct. 24 guest speaker at the Opelika Kiwanis Club meeting.
The guest speakers at the Oct. 17 Kiwanis Club weekly luncheon were Pam Oldham of Chick-fil-a corporate and Andrew Barnes, owner of Chick-fil-a Tiger Town in Opelika. Next week, the guest speaker will be Kate Magathan of Baby Steps.
