Set clocks back this weekend IN THIS ISSUE
Observer birthday photos can be seen at opelikaobserver.com
BUSINESS NEWS A2 | SOCIETY A9 | OBITUARIES A13 | COMICS A15 SPORTS B1 | POLITICS B9 | PUBLIC NOTICES B12 | PUZZLES B15
2022 — APA DIVISION D GENERAL EXCELLENCE DESIGNATION — 2023 COVERING LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Vol. 16, No. 04 Opelika, Alabama Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023 Your local publication created 'for local people, by local people.'
www.opelikaobserver.com PHOTO BY ED SIKORA / FOR THE OBSERVER
Jimeno — Immigrant, American, Survivor
Local first responders honored at Valor Awards BY MICHELLE KEY MICHELLE@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM
OPELIKA— The inaugural Valor Awards event presented by the Opelika Chamber of Commerce was held Thursday, Oct. 26 at The Bottling Plant Event Center in downtown Opelika. Following the meal, the guest speaker, 9/11
survivor Will Jimeno was introduced by Billy Plummer. Jimeno was a rookie police officer assigned to the Port Authority Bus Terminal on Sept. 11, 2001. Jimeno was born in Barranquilla, Columbia, but was brought to the United States when he was only two years old. He said that he always wanted to be a police officer, “a
cop.” “I would watch the old tv shows [such as] ‘Adam-12,' ‘The Blue Knight’ and … I would watch the black and white movies on war, on Korea, Vietnam, and I would just be amazed at the courage of Americans and how they fought for this country and [its] freedoms,” Jimeno said. See VALOR, page A7
Will Jimeno was the keynote speaker for the inaugural Valor Awards, Thursday, Oct. 26.
Finalists for Lee Co. schools superintendent announced BY ANITA STIEFEL ANITAS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM
OPELIKA — At a special called meeting on Oct. 23, the Lee County Schools Board of Education announced two finalists to fill the superintendent position which will be vacant when current Superintendent Mac McCoy retires on Dec. 31. Dr. Mike Howard of Jacksonville, Alabama, and Dr. John Tucker of Phenix City, were named finalists.
Howard, who is currently superintendent of Jacksonville City Schools, earned a doctorate in rural education from the University of West Alabama. He previously served as superintendent of St. Clair County Schools and has extensive experience as a principal, assistant principal and teacher dating back to 2000. Tucker is currently a school effectiveness specialist at Muscogee (Ga.) County Schools,
PHOTO BY JOHN HILLSMAN / FOR THE OBSERVER
Tenisha King, left, and Janataka Holmes, right, at the 2022 Glow for Epilepsy event.
having retired last June as superintendent of Camden (Ga.) County Schools. He earned a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Sarasota and has prior experience as a principal, deputy principal, assistant principal, teacher and coach since 1987. The board accepted applications for the superintendent position from Aug. 15 through Sept. 30. After reviewing the credentials of eight qualified applicants— each of whom
held a doctoral degree and had experience as a principal, classroomteacher and administrator — board members used a point system to rank candidates. Both Howard and Tucker were ranked as top five candidates by all or almost all board members. The board anticipates scheduling public interviews during the week of Nov. 6 through 10, which would allow for a possible selection decision before its next meeting on Nov. 14. The
DR. MIKE HOWARD
DR. JOHN TUCKER
new superintendent will begin on Jan. 1, 2024.
Glow for Epilepsy returns Sunday BY AUDREY KENT FOR THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA — Compassionate Hands of Hope Inc. will hold its third annual Glow for Epilepsy event at the courthouse square in Opelika on Nov. 5. Compassionate Hands of Hope, founded by Janataka
Holmes, works toward creating awareness for families and children with disabilities. Holmes’ personal experiences inspired Glow for Epilepsy through her son. “My son has epilepsy, and he had to be resuscitated twice because of his seizures, so this cause
is very important to me,” she said. “I am passionate about teaching others. It got to a point where I knew I had to shed light on the neurological condition.” The Glow for Epilepsy event is open to everyone, and there will be activities for all ages, including a cakewalk, musical chairs, face painting,
inflatables and food and beverages. There will also be community resources at the event, such as the Opelika Police Department and the Opelika Fire Department. These resources will aid in the event’s purpose of awareness. “There will be See EPILEPSY, page A2
O O
Find Us Online:
FRED ERi CK-DEAN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY Compassion • Integrity • Tradition
334-745-4667 On-site Crematory Now Open