The Observer | 02-01-2024

Chamber News A4

IN THIS ISSUE BUSINESS NEWS A2 | SOCIETY A7 | OBITUARIES A12 | 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. 17 Opelika, Alabama Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024 Your local publication created 'for local people, by local people.'

www.opelikaobserver.com

Fate of Renfro House still undecided OPELIKA — The fate of the historic home, commonly known as The Renfro or the Renfro-Andrus House, found in the Northside Historic District at 414 N. 10th Street in Opelika, is still up in the air.

The house and land (1.24 acres) were bought by the Archdiocese of Mobile in November 2018 and prompted concerns about religious organizations being exempt from Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) rules and regulations.

Concerned citizens called for changes to the city of Opelika’s ordinance governing the matter in an effort to prevent historic homes from being bought and demolished by church organizations.

A new ordinance was approved by the city council in 2019, ending the exemptions for churches but allowing properties already owned by churches to be grandfathered in. The Renfro house is one of those that is still exempt from the HPC rules. This means that the owners, the Archdiocese of Mobile, can demolish the house at will should it so choose to do so.

Although the property has been listed for sale at various times since 2019, it was listed most recently in mid-October 2023, and now has in-

terested buyers, Aaron and Allison Kovak along with Allison’s brother, Jonathan Wilmarth.

During the city of Opelika’s January Planning Commission Meeting, held Tuesday, Jan. 23, the commission heard a request for rezoning from medium density residential to institutional.

According to the application, the rezoning request was made in order for the proposed buyers to establish a boutique hotel or bed and breakfast and a community event center after renovating the existing structure. The change of ownership from a religious organization would put this property back under the regulations of the Northside Historic design guidelines and review by the HPC. The Planning Commission consists of Lucinda Cannon, Jay Walters, Leigh Whatley, Sheldon Whittelsey, Mike Hilyer, Arturo Menefee, Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller, George (Willie) Allen and John Sweatman.

The Opelika Planning Department, headed

by Director Matt Mosley, made a positive recommendation to the commission to send this request for rezoning to the Opelika City Council.

“In looking at this we reviewed the zoning as it fell within the district as it related to current

See RENFRO, page A3

PHOTO BY ANN CIPPERLY | FOR THE OBSERVER

BY MICHELLE KEY MICHELLE@OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

The Renfro House is the last Queen Anne Revival style house built by the Renfro brothers in the early 1900s.

For more information about the history of the house, please see www.opelikaobserver.com/2022/06/15/a-part-of-opelikas-history-the-renfro-house/.

Emergency preparedness

PHOTO BY STEVEN STIEFEL | FOR THE OBSERVER

BY ANITA STIEFEL ANITAS@OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

LEE COUNTY — Emergency management professionals and community leaders gathered in Opelika last week for a Resilience Summit.

The event, held on the campus of Southern Union State Community College, is one of a series held throughout Alabama.

The summits aim at enhancing the Preparedness for Alabama Resilience Network, which establishes activities and actions to engage everyone in See LCEMA, page A5

Alabama EMA Director Jeff Smitherman, left, introduced Brooks McClendon, deputy chief of staff for Gov. Kay Ivey.

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA — The City of Opelika, in collaboration with Keep Opelika Beautiful KOB), welcomes back its environmental initiative, "Don’t Be an Ope-loser."

This anti-litter campaign aims to unite residents, businesses and community organizations in a collective effort to put an end to litter in Opelika.

"Don’t Be an Ope-loser. Be Litter Free" is a campaign, dedicated to creating a cleaner, more beautiful city through community engagement, education and sustainable practices. Opelika's newest environmental friend, Curby the trashcan, will show up around the city.

New to the campaign this year will be visits by city and KOB representatives to civic organizations, community meetings and other groups to better educate people on

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

Lee County EMA hosts Resilience Summit

Don't Be an Ope-loser: City kicks off anti-litter campaign

The anti-litter campaign features "talking" trashcans located throughout the city.

the importance of a clean city. If you would like for someone to speak to your organization or group, please contact KOB Director Priscilla Blythe at director@keepopelikabeautiful.com.

See LITTER, page A6

JOIN US FOR

OPEN HOUSE THURSDAY FEB. 8, 2024 4:00-6:30PM THE CENTER FOR INTEGRATED MANUFACTURING 301 LAKE CONDY ROAD, OPELIKA

Find Us Online:

SEE OUR AD INSIDE FOR MORE INFORMATION

O O

A2 Feb. 1, 2024

'Alabama to the Rescue' Goodwill to offer Conference aims to shed light on invisible crime of human trafficking

BY DAVID BELL FOR THE OBSERVER

LEE COUNTY — An event designed to raise awareness about human trafficking is coming to east Alabama on Feb. 17. Entitled “Alabama to the Rescue,” the one-day conference features a luncheon with keynote speaker and world renowned activist Rosi Orozco.

A native of Mexico, Orozco has been recognized by Newsweek magazine as an advocate and guiding force for children and families. She has dedicated herself to promoting and defending human rights, focusing on crime prevention, treatment, social development and strengthening of families.

Orozco has received many distinctions and was considered for a Nobel Peace Prize in 2019. Her non-profit organization, Kaleido Inc., supports other organizations around the world that work against human exploitation.

Its mission is to journey with survivors of modern-day slavery on their path to recovery and freedom.

“The statistics in Alabama are alarming,” said Lisette Mesa, one of the event’s organizers. “Approximately 6,000 people are trafficked daily.

And in the adjacent state of Georgia, approximately 200 to 375 teenagers are sold and exploited daily. Human trafficking is carried out for profit through forced labor, prostitution and other sexual activities.”

Alabama to the Rescue will provide

MONTGOMERY – Thousands of items, including office supplies, medical equipment, furniture, cars, trucks and backhoes, are up for bid in the state online surplus property auction.

The Surplus Property Division of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) is conducting the auction online now through 6 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 4.

To learn how to become an authorized bidder, visit https://adeca.alabama.gov/onlineauctions.

Auction items are listed at https://www.govdeals.com/alabamasurplus.

In addition to property no longer needed by state and federal agencies, ADECA acquires items abandoned voluntarily at several airports in the Southeast.

Public viewing and inspections of the inventory will be available at the Surplus Property Division’s

Households with incomes under $64,000 are eligible to participate CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

ROSI OROZCO an opportunity for participants to receive important information regarding efforts to prevent and eradicate this “invisible crime,” and help those who have escaped it. The conference is being presented in a bilingual format of both English and Spanish.

This event will be held at 11 a.m.

EST on Saturday, Feb. 17, at The Dwelling, located behind Auburn Heights Church, 4207 Auburn Road, in Phenix City. The luncheon and conference are free of charge. However, due to limited seating, registration is required.

To register or for more information, contact Lisette Mesa at (706) 615-1570 or Sonia Torres at (706) 536-2139.

Surplus property auction underway online now CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

free tax preparation

Montgomery Distribution Center at 4590 Mobile Highway from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Friday, Feb. 2.

ADECA holds online public auctions periodically each year, but surplus items are available at any time to municipal and county governments, state agencies and qualified nonprofit organizations.

All items are sold as is without guarantees. All sales are final upon pickup and removal of the property.

In addition to the surplus property auctions, ADECA administers a variety of grant programs for law enforcement, victim services, economic development, energy conservation, water resource management, broadband expansion and recreation development.

For more information about the online auction, visit https://adeca. alabama.gov/surplus or call (334) 284-0577.

COLUMBUS — For over 10 years, Goodwill has partnered with the IRS to provide free tax preparation services for the community. The program, often referred to as VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance), recruits and trains volunteers to prepare free tax returns for house-holds that earn less than $64,000 annually.

In addition to the current year’s tax preparation, Goodwill can also prepare tax returns and amendments for previous years.

Goodwill will file tax returns now through the end of tax season on April 15. Current year tax returns will be prepared during tax season, while prior year tax returns and amendments will be completed by appointment after May 2024.

Goodwill's support for taxpayers extends beyond the filing process. In the event of an audit or the need for amendments, Goodwill stands ready to assist clients throughout the process.

Goodwill offers a variety of convenient methods for free tax filing this season. Options include

traditional in-person appointments, quick and easy drop-off appointments and virtual filing.

This tax season, unscheduled walk-ins will not be accommodated.

To schedule an appointment, visit www. goodwillsr.org/vita or call any one of our convenient locations listed below.

Free tax services will be available at the following Goodwill locations: • Opelika: (334) 2754815 • Phenix City: (334) 664-9716 • Columbus Midtown: (706) 256-1837 Documents needed for tax filing include: • Social security cards for yourself and all dependents • W-2s for each job held in 2023 for each person in the household • Photo ID • Health insurance form 1095 A/B/C • Form 6419 (letter defining your advanced child tax credit, if applicable) • Form 1098 (mortgage statement, if applicable) • Form 1444-C (statement for Economic Impact Payment #3, if applicable)

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ABOUT GOODWILL SOUTHERN RIVERS

Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers (GoodwillSR) is one of 154 independent, community-based Goodwill nonprofits across the United States and Canada. Headquartered in Columbus, Georgia, GoodwillSR serves 50 counties throughout east Alabama and west Georgia. We provide employment readiness training, computer access, educational assistance, skills workshops, and more to spur job placement and economic stability in the communities we serve.

We can provide these and other programs thanks to the continued donations of giving patrons. We use the revenue generated in GoodwillSR stores to fund the majority of our community services. For more information about Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers, visit www.goodwillsr.org.

LIVE LEE EDITOR | Hannah Goldfinger PHONE: 334-749-8003 Editor@opelikaobserver.com Michelle@opelikaobserver.com

MARKETING | Woody Ross

PUBLISHER | Michelle Key

SPORTS WRITER | D. Mark Mitchell

MANAGING EDITOR | Anita Stiefel

VIDEOGRAPHER | Samantha Sweatman

PHOTOJOURNALIST | Robert Noles

www.opelikaobserver.com 223-A S. 8th St., Opelika, AL 36801 Copyright 2009. All right reserved.

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Periodicals postage is paid at Opelika, AL. USPS #025104 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Observer, 223-A S. 8th St.,, Opelika, AL 36801

CORRECTIONS The Observer will correct any errors, omissions or inaccuracies deemed to be substantive. Corrections may be requested by contacting the editor at 334-749-8003.

A3 Feb. 1, 2024

RENFRO >> from A1 use and the adjacent properties uses … with both churches [St. Mary’s Catholic Church and 10th Street church of Christ] being institutional uses and we are recommending that the future land use be modified from medium density residential to institutional,” Mosley said.

He also said the planning department was recommending the commission make a positive recommendation to the city council for rezoning to an institutional zone.

Mosley discussed concerns about the property’s future, including both the potential of it being demolished and potential adaptive uses such as the proposed use as a boutique hotel or bed and breakfast facility.

“It is an extremely large, single-family home and these homes are often very difficult to figure out how to repurpose,” he said. “… In historic preservation we have what is called adaptive reuse, where we look at the original purpose and function of the home versus what it can become to make it still a viable use, and the size of this home, the location and its layout, all make it very large for someone to occupy and use as a single-family home.

“One of the most common uses we see with this is something like a bed and breakfast, where they are used for commercial use, but it is not a use that would be out of character for the area or disruptive. Our biggest concern is that at some point a use isn’t available to be determined for the house and to sell the property the Catholic church decides to go ahead and demolish the home, which they have the ability to do as the current owners.”

Mosley also said he had been in contact with the Catholic Church.

“The Catholic Church, Father Gil, and the congregation have been fantastic to work with since we expressed our concerns,” Mosley said.

“They listened as we expressed our concern about the upkeep and the future of the building. As they prepare to move to a different location, we appreciate their willingness to try to help find a buyer to maintain this beautiful home. I believe using this property for a bed and breakfast is the most realistic plan that also protects this building and the character of the Northside Historic District. However, this is why we go through a public process to ensure that everyone has a chance to give their thoughts and perspective.”

The engineering department had no comments or concerns for the proposed rezoning and the Opelika Utilities Board offered no objections.

Several members of the community spoke both for and against the rezoning of the property during the public hearing.

THOSE AGAINST THE REZONING Opelika resident Barry Whatley spoke against it, citing other uses that are allowed under an institutional zoning as being his primary concern. According to the city ordinance “Section 7.3 Specific District Regulations: Uses,” those other uses include offices, clinical, research and services not primarily related to goods or merchandise operation designed to attract and serve customers or clients on premises such as office of attorney, physicians, other professions, insurance, stock broker, government building, etc., offices of physicians or dentists,

banks, and banks with drive-in windows, daycare centers, funeral homes, pharmacies and other miscellaneous uses are also listed in the ordinance.

Whatley read most of the list during his time speaking.

“I don’t think you will find a single solitary person in the neighborhood that wouldn’t have a fit over those that I just mentioned,” he said. “They don’t belong in our neighborhood. We’ve got a wonderful, historic neighborhood that people love. It’s a single-family dwelling, it’s a precious commodity of the city, and if you change it to this, you open up the door to two things.”

He also spoke about the potential use years down the road should the rezoning occur as being one of those two things. “… If the proposed buyers do this, and it doesn’t work, then in five years, 10 years, 15 years, they can sell it to someone else and they have the right to put a daycare center in; it’s been approved already,” Whatley said. “They could put a bank in, they can put a dentist office in, right in the middle of the historic district and the neighborhood.”

He addressed the potential for other owners nearby deciding to also seek rezoning as the second concern, eventually creating a “domino effect” that changes the entire neighborhood.

“By rezoning it, we are opening this up to a can of worms that we don’t want in the historic district.”

Whatley spoke out against the idea of a bed and breakfast and or an event center operating in the neighborhood.

“I don’t think this is appropriate in a neighborhood,” he said. “It doesn't fit. Parties at night, wedding parties, it’s not what our neighborhood is.

The historic district is a gem, a jewel, a diamond to the city of Opelika that other cities look at and drive hours to visit each year, and we’re sitting here talking about putting commercial-industrial in our neighborhood. I don’t understand that.”

Whatley offered some suggestions pertaining to the property.

“So let them put it back on the market and let them market it at a reasonable price. You can’t go ask for a half-million dollars for a house that doesn’t have a kitchen. … Let the church lower the price and sell it; and the market will take care of itself. If they lower it to a price to where someone in the market will buy it, then they’ll buy it and fix it up and we can restore all these homes back to what they should have been which is single-family dwellings.”

He also said he would rather it be torn down than it become a daycare center or some of the other potential uses allowed under the proposed rezoning.

“And if they tear it down, I would rather the house be torn down and be a green lot than I would a daycare center, or a dentist office or an accounting firm, a brokerage firm or a government office,” Whatley said.

Stephen Lock who lives near the church objected to the rezoning.

“When the Catholic Church has an event outside on Sunday afternoons, we’re a part of it; the noise, the traffic, everything that goes on, …it’s just so loud, so noisy,” Lock said.

“It is not what we want ... to spend the rest of our lives [having] to deal with. Nobody wants to see the house torn down, nobody wants to see Opelika become the loveliest parking deck in Auburn, but at the same time we just want to preserve the way we are right

now and what we’ve invested.

Like Barry said, we’ve invested a ton of capital in our homes and it’s just not what we want.”

Julie Lock addressed the commission on behalf of her neighbors, Tony and Phyllis McCarty “We discussed in length how we came to all the meetings to end the availability of churches to buy historical homes and so when we got this letter in regards to the rezoning, that really just disappointed us because we thought that was the end of it, that the historical homes were going to be preserved,” she said. “If these people buy this and make it an event center or a boutique and a bed and breakfast, that defeats everything we have done to accomplish, hopefully preserving the historic district.

Once the Catholic Church moves all those homes are going to be for sale. I mean, every single one of them because they’re not going to want to keep them.”

She then read a letter from the McCartys. Here are excerpts from that letter: “We do not want the zoning to be changed … we are concerned that our property values will decrease with the change. We are also concerned about the noise and the traffic the change will bring to the neighborhood.”

Residents Charlie Brewer and Catherine Stanton also spoke against it.

“The biggest concern that I have is the rezoning,” Brewer said.

Stanton said she really hopes that it doesn’t degrade the neighborhood and start of chain reaction of ruining the beautiful space that's here in Opelika.

Others also spoke against it often citing the same reasons as already mentioned.

THOSE FOR THE REZONING But not everyone in attendance was against the proposed changes. Local business owner, Angela George, also took the opportunity to address the commission.

“I am a little bit confused by the conversations on different sides of things of people wanting to preserve homes and do everything they can to keep them but then not wanting to possibly use them for other uses,” she said. “If anyone is familiar with the work that they [the potential buyers] have done at Zazus, The Well, or at The Loft [Condos], it’s exquisite. They are the best stewards of the property that they own.

They are very involved; they live here and are very invested in the community.”

George said she hopes to see the house preserved.

“I really hope that the Renfro House can continue to stand,” she said. “I feel like this is the best outcome actually for that house for right now. If we want to preserve these homes, I would think that the person that is willing and knows how to do the work and that can bring it back to its original glory should have the opportunity to be able to do that,” George said. “I do understand what other people’s concerns are about the noise … but right now it [the property] is being used. It is not commercial, but it is religious; there is parking, there are people, there is traffic.

“If these people are willing to do this and restore that place and make it something beautiful, then I would hope that you would consider giving them that chance,” George concluded.

One of the potential buyers and contractors for the renovation addressed the commission and said he believes they are

just trying to preserve the house and not upset the neighborhood.

“We are all trying to do the same thing here; we’re trying to preserve that house,” he said. “I worked my butt off on that house when I was about 18 years old. I had to hand make every piece of that siding that went on that garage.

“Regardless of what you know about fixing up stuff, that house needs a lot of repairs, and you can go about it cheap, throw a metal roof on it and move on, or you can keep it the way it is meant to be. That’s what we’re trying to do. We are not trying to turn it into an event space; we’re trying to turn it into something that is a home that people can come to and enjoy in the way it was meant to be enjoyed, not just something that turns into a parking lot. It is to preserve what is there. ... We’re not trying to flip it or turn it into something that is going to upset the neighborhood. It is actually to make things more enjoyable.”

He spoke of the potential for creating a space for the community to enjoy, especially during the Christmas holidays.

“You are more than welcome to come visit,” he said.

“During Christmas time we are going to make that place beautiful. We are going to open it up to the community to come in and see what we have done but we have to have the opportunity to do it.”

Rush Denson, a local realtor, spoke for the project.

“As chairman of the Historic Preservation Commission, realtor and neighbor, I handpicked Allison and Aaron to hopefully be the ones to restore this home,” Denson said. “I showed it to a handful of others that were scared or turned off immediately even though they are all interested in living in the historic district.”

He also spoke of Aaron’s qualifications as a historic property contractor that has renovated other properties in Opelika as well as Wilmarth’s history with the property. He said they, [Aaron and Allison], desire to be good neighbors to the area and to restore the property to its original grandeur.

“The community was once in an uproar that this home could be torn down,” Denson said. “Now we have the opportunity to not only save it but to bring it back to its former glory. We must remember, there is nothing stopping the current owners from demolishing this property or the entire block, minus one structure. Should an investor want a clean slate in order to redevelop the property, it would most likely become a higher-density development.

There are similar homes in the historic district that operate under the rules of which Allison, Aaron and Jonathan intend to abide. Their earnest desire is to address any concerns in order to be good neighbors.”

He also spoke about the Kovak’s plans for the property.

“Their hope is to make it a home that the community will be able to visit by offering it as a space for smaller events or controlled/managed overnight guests with guarded requirements and not offered as an Airbnb. Their personal investments will be substantial; therefore, they will naturally be very cautious with how this property will be used. They would naturally be very careful to protect their investment while remaining cognizant of the neighbors and the community.”

Denson also addressed concerns about a conflict of interest.

“While some may say I have a conflict of interest as the realtor, I am also an invested neighbor and chairman of the Historic Preservation Committee,” Denson said. “As a realtor my goal is to improve property values. As a neighbor and chairman of the HPC my main objective is to see historical properties preserved and maintained.”

As said above, the house is currently in a state of disrepair and without a buyer, that is unlikely to change anytime soon.

Because it is exempt from the HPC rules, the owners could decide to demolish the property to make the land more attractive to other buyers, or as a religious organization, it could decide to renovate the building and use it for other purposes.

According to Mosley, if the building were demolished under the current R2 zone it could be sold and used by a different church and still not come under the current historic guidelines. If it were sold for development, it could be used for single family residential by right. It could also be conditionally used for utilities, a hospital, nursing home, private school, cell tower, group home or day care home.

Once the public hearing was closed, a motion for a negative recommendation was made, and a second motion was given.

With the exception of one absent member, the planning commission voted unanimously to send a negative recommendation to the city council.

Following the meeting, Allison shared some of her ideas and goals for the property as well as saying she understands some of the concerns people have expressed.

“I understand the main concerns that people have,” she said. “From what I understand, the main two concerns are: one, ‘What happens if we get hit by a bus?’ Our response to that is that our banker is looking at finding a way to do a conditional deed that could limit what can and can’t be done with the property should we get ‘hit by a bus.’

“The other thing I have heard is the term ‘commercial creep,’” Allison said. “People are scared that if this is allowed for us that it could start creeping into the historic district as a whole. According to Matt, the only reason we are even allowed to request institutional zoning right now is because we are sitting between two institutions: the Catholic Church and 10th Street church of Christ. You can’t jump across the street — that is called spot zoning which is illegal. So, this idea that we’re going to be like cancer and creep into the historic district is literally not allowable within the current laws’ zoning.”

She said she believes there is some misunderstanding of what they want to accomplish with the Renfro house.

“Unfortunately, I think I unintentionally started a runaway train of misinformation when I used the words community event center on the application,” she explained. “The key word in the phrase for me was community, but I misused the word event because people immediately made a connection point to The Bottling Plant Event Center and the Southerly Warehouse and that was never my intention. The rooms inside the house are not [large], there is no grand ballroom. The largest room in the house is the foyer so it is not a house that is conducive to hosting large gatherings.”

She also spoke about the historic preservation of the building.

“The big picture is, if they [the Catholic Church] sell it [the house] it has to be historically protected,” she said. “The outside still has to be under historic guidelines. It is still going to look like a historic house. I think people may not understand that. It still has to look like the neighborhood around it, it still has to have the historic features that is has now, regardless of what is going on inside.”

When asked to explain what she meant by event space, Allison said she was thinking about small groups that could come and use the space for small gatherings.

“Small groups that are looking for a place to meet on Wednesday night, a group from the Rotary Club where they could meet to discuss community events or a mother looking for an elegant space to host a bridal tea the day before her daughter’s wedding — those types of events — but very intimate,” she said.

“Everybody looks at that front lawn, and even the Renfros did circuses on it, and I know everyone thinks we are going to pitch big, white tents that house 300 people, but that is not the intent for the property,” Allison added. “We don’t want 100 girls in high heels running on the antique wood floors.

We won’t have the bathrooms to support that kind of event space. My biggest regret is that I wrote the word event; that was not the intent of my heart, I just did not know how to describe what we’re trying to do which is to create a community asset.”

Allison said they want to create a luxury bed and breakfast that offers elevated hospitality.

“With the current zoning it could be an Airbnb; we own Airbnbs now and they have their place but we believe an Airbnb is not the best use of the home,” she said. “Airbnb’s have transient guests that are unsupervised. We want to create a destination home, inviting people to explore and experience Opelika and it's history. We are going to do this with the expectation that we will not be fully occupied all the time. I have done enough research to know that we can maintain the house with much lower occupancy if we do that.

Lower occupancy allows each for experience to be hands on and more intentional. Airbnb is about turnover, quantity not quality. We believe rezoning allows for a better experience for the guests and the neighborhood.”

Allison said her passion, her heart for this house is for it to be able to be used and enjoyed by the community.

“Our heart for it is that we want it to become a community asset,” she said.

As of now, a public hearing on the matter is scheduled for the Feb. 20 Opelika City Council meeting. It is unknown whether that public hearing will be held in light of the negative recommendation, however, the council does have the authority to hold the public hearing and hold a vote on the matter. ` Should the council either decide to remove the item from the agenda completely, or should it vote to deny the proposed zoning, it is unknown what the future of the Renfro house will be.

Allison did say they plan to host a town hall meeting before the city council’s public hearing to share their vision for the property and to give people in the community an opportunity to share their concerns.

More information on that will be forthcoming.

A4 Feb. 1, 2024

News from Auburn, Opelika Chambers of Commerce

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

Business Over Breakfast is a quarterly event of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce that provides networking opportunities in a relaxed social atmosphere. Influential keynote speakers and community officials are invited to deliver a short program on relevant community issues.

The Small Business of the Quarter award is also presented at this event.

The Auburn Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated a ribbon cutting with Glenda Mitchell Law Firm, located at 1799 Ogletree Road, Suite 100, in Auburn. "You deserve experienced and dedicated support on your side. We will help you pursue the financial relief you need for your recovery." Learn more at glendamitchelllawfirm.com.

PHOT0 CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA —Opelika City Schools Superintendent Dr. Farrell Seymore and new OHS football coach Bryan Moore will be featured speakers at the Opelika Chamber’s next Business Over Breakfast on Thursday, Feb. 8.

Dr. Seymore and Coach Moore will provide insights into what’s to come in the upcoming year and

football season.

The event is scheduled for 7:30 to 9 a.m. in the Southern Room at Southern Union State Community College, 301 Lake Condy Road in Opelika. The cost to attend is $30 for chamber members, $40 for non-members.

Breakfast will be served.

Pre-register by Feb. 5 at opelikachamber.com.

For more information, email mackenzie@ opelikachamber.com.

Ribbon-cuttings PHOT0 CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

Superintendent, new coach to be featured at Chamber's Business Over Breakfast

The Auburn Chamber recently hosted a ribbon cutting for Norco Construction, located at 1922 Professional Circle, Suite 104 in Auburn. Norco covers all aspects of construction and design build procedures including site selection and evaluation, preliminary pricing, budget analysis, contract management and more. Learn about the company at www.norco.net.

Coming soon: Scooter's Coffee PHOT0 BY STEVEN STIEFEL | FOR THE OBSERVER

Finishing touches are being made at Scooter's Coffee at 1945 East Glenn Ave. in Auburn.

Got news?

Send it to us!

editor@opelikaobserver.com (334) 749-8003

A5 Feb. 1, 2024

Lee County EMA hosts Resilience Summit

PHOTOS BY STEVEN STIEFEL | FOR THE OBSERVER

Emergency management professionals gathered with community leaders for the Preparedness for Alabama Resilience Summit, held last week on the campus of Southern Union State Community College. The summit, one of several held throughout the state, brought together people and resources to enhance planing and preparation ahead of disasters and to bounce back afterward.

LCEMA >> from A1 preparedness outreach and initiatives that will help communities become more prepared and agile in responding to disasters.

The summits, led by the Alabama Department of Emergency Management, discuss communicating, training and planning from a wholistic approach. They are intended for agency leaders, business and non-profit lead-

ers, government officials, legislators, economic and public safety professionals and other partners who play a part in establishing resiliency.

"This is about more than bouncing back, it's about bounding back stronger than you were before," said Greg DeJarnette, strategic communications specialist for Alabama EMA. State EMA Jeff Smitherman introduced Brooks McClendon, who repre-

sented Gov. Kay Ivey's office at the event.

"This summit is representative of what y'all do year round, which is to plan and prepare — even on days when the sky is blue, y'all are working," McClendon said. "There are five million Alabama citizens who don't think about who or why or how things get done until disaster strikes. They never think about the countless hours and days and weeks and months of planning

that occur before that moment when something impacted their lives."

Other speakers at the event included Dr. Laura Meyers, senior research scientist at the Alabama Center for Insurance Information and Research in the UA College of Business, Opelika City Councilman Todd Rauch and Jeremy Roberts, senior associate athletic director for Auburn University.

Lee County EMA Di-

rector Rita Smith moderated a panel discussion of post-disaster mass community events, featuring Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones, retired Coffee County EMA Director John Tallas, AU Campus Safety Director Ashley Gann and Beauregard Fire Chief Mike Holden.

Lisa Castaldo, Alabama EMA executive operations officer, led a panel on water infrastructure with Aubrey White of Alabama Department of

Environmental Management's Drinking Water Branch, Robert White of Alabama Rural Water Association and Josh Harvell, Chambers County engineer.

The event provided overviews and discussions of resiliency efforts in the state, focusing on actual events, lessons learned and best practices, all of which will lead to action items to be pursued by the Preparedness for Alabama Resiliency Network.

Hunley Group Lambert Transfer and Storage An Interstate Agent for North American Van Lines 1102 Fox Trail Opelika, Alabama 36801 334-745-5706

A6 Feb. 1, 2024

Interactive exhibit on Tuskeegee Airmen opens Feb. 3 CONTRIBUTED BY OPL OPELIKA — “Aim High: Soaring with the Tuskeegee Airmen,” a traveling exhibition of the Smithsonian Institute, will open at the Opelika Public Library on Saturday, Feb. 3.

Inspired by the tools and tasks connected to airplanes and flying, the interactive exhibits explore STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) concepts through the lens of the pioneering airmen’s Six Guiding Principles.

The exhibition includes “Black Wings: American Dreams in

Flight.” Together, the tour represents a unique opportunity to gain insight into WWII and the history of aviation through interactive, playful experiences.

Included in the exhibit: • COCKPIT FLIGHT TRAINER: Get an up-close view of the inside of a Cock Pit Flight Trainer. Watch videos of the plane taking off and landing from the captain’s seat advantage point. This life-size Cock Pit Flight Trainer is perfect for dramatic play and also includes a row of actual airplane seats.

• DRESS-UP, LIGHT-

UP PHOTO-OP MIRROR: Choose the outfit of one of the many jobs necessary in the aviation and aeronautics industries.

See yourself as a pilot, a mechanic, engineer, ground-crew or flight attendant. Be whoever you want to be.

• LAND THE PLANE RADAR MAZE: Tilt the table to roll the ball through the maze while avoiding other aircraft in the sky, like an Air Trac Controller. Take a breath, concentrate and see how long it takes you to land your airplane.

• FLYING MACHINES IN MOTION: Bring drawings of flying machines to life

Mardi Gras Krewe Krawl, parade coming to Auburn

BY ANITA STIEFEL ANITAS@OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

KREWE KRAWL The Auburn Downtown Merchants Association will host the 5th Annual Krewe Krawl on Saturday, Feb. 10.

Participants may purchase a Krewe Krawl green wristband for $10 to enjoy food and retail specials at downtown businesses from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

New this year, those who purchase a $20 purple wristband to the Purple Cup Krawl will receive a souvenir purple cup to enjoy beverage samples at downtown bars and restaurants from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Must be age 21 or older to participate in the Purple Cup Krawl.

A limited number of wristbands will be available to purchase on Thursday, Feb. 8, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon; Friday, Feb. 9, from 12 noon to 3 p.m.; and on the day of the event from 9 to 11 a.m.

The Downtown Merchants Krewe Krawl is sponsored by The Standard.

KREWE DE TIGRIS PARADE The 7th Annual Krewe de Tigris Mardi Gras Parade is set to stroll through downtown Auburn on Saturday, Feb. 10, at 1 p.m.

Queen Macon Martin and her royal court will present Paradise on the Plains, a tropical tribute to Mardi Gras with more than 40 floats, marching bands, moon pies and throws.

The parade is family friendly.

using this praxinoscope, an early form of animation. From DaVinci’s flying machine to hot air balloons and rockets, this creative and interactive device lets users spin pre-made illustrations and view them in motion on the mirrored display above.

• WEARABLE WINGS & RUNWAY RUN: Assemble your own pair of wearable wings and then try them on for size before racing down the runway.

Learn what the numbers and letters on the runway mean and imagine where you will go.

• AIRPLANE HANGAR TABLE: Assemble a P51

LITTER >> from A1 “KOB always needs volunteers,” Blythe said. “I encourage people to contact us and be a part of our dedication to beautification. ‘Don’t Be an Ope-Loser’ and the upcoming Community Clean-Up Day are more than initiatives; they are a call-to-action for each resi-

dent to play a role in preserving the charm of our city,” said Priscilla Blythe, KOB Director.

Not only are our neighborhoods and parking lots suffering, but our industrial park continues to have

Mustang using Discovery Cards to learn facts about the iconic airplane and how to create your own mini-version.

• MAGNETIC TANGRAMS: Explore the six principles of the Tuskegee Airmen through tangrams.

These seven-piece geometric puzzles make shapes representing these principles and share the stories behind each one.

• VIEW FINDER: Scroll through an interactive slide show featuring the historical images of the Tuskegee Airmen and their airplanes, as well as the generations of men and women who fol-

lowed in their footsteps.

• AIRPLANE LAUNCHER: Using just paper and tape, design and build your own custom airplane. Then, take it to the flight table and use a plunger launcher to propel the plane into the air.

• ARTIFACT DISPLAYS: Dive into aviation history by exploring historical artifacts and information panels on display. Learn about the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and their influence on the future of the aviation.

The exhibit is designed to appeal to ages 4-14, but all ages are welcome.

issues with litter.

This year, the city is installing new garbage cans at our industry parking lots and throughout the industrial park.

Mayor Fuller emphasized the city's commitment to putting an end to roadside litter, stating, "We believe that a clean and litter-free environment reflects the values and character of our community. It

place on April 13 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Bandy Park. This event, formerly known as "Slam Dunk the Junk," will be a cornerstone of the city's anti-litter campaign. The plan is to rotate the event kick-off to different places in the city year after year.

More information about the Community Clean-Up Day will be provided at a later date. Opelika residents

directly impacts our health and economic development. Please help us keep Opelika beautiful.”

Additionally, the City of Opelika is excited to announce the “Community Clean Up Day," set to take

are encouraged to stay tuned to the official campaign social media accounts. If you have questions or would like to volunteer with KOB, please contact Blythe at director@ keepopelikabeautiful. com.

Picture your ad here!

Call The Observer (334) 749-8003

E vents,Food & SocietyNews

ENTERTAINMENT SEE UPCOMING EVENTS ON THE COMMUNITY CALENDAR, PAGE A8

Southern Hospitality Prepare a delicious homemade Valentine’s Day meal

OPINION —

O

n Valentine’s Day, what better way to express love and caring than gathering the family around the table for a homemade meal with a yummy dessert.

Since Valentine’s Day is on a Wednesday night this year, plan ahead and prepare the dishes ahead. If you have church activities to attend on Wednesday night, then plan to celebrate over the weekend.

Make it fun for the entire family to enjoy, and let children help with the dessert.

While it is nice to dine out, restaurants often get booked quickly, and it can be too expensive to include the entire family for an elegant dinner, especially if several courses are served. After planning the menu, grocery shop early. Take the time to set an attractive table the day before. Bring out candles or tealights to light before sitting down for the meal.

When our children were growing up, we would have a Valentine’s Day meal at home. While I would prepare a favorite dessert, I would also give each one a small heart shaped box with cookies or candy for another day.

Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies with Almond Glaze are attractive for Valentine’s

PHOTO BY ANN CIPPERLY / FOR THE OBSERVER

BY ANN CIPPERLY

Day. Children can help by dropping the raspberry preserves in the center of each cookie. The cookies also freeze well.

The Peanut Butter Dipped Cocoa Bon Bons recipe was a favorite from the late Lee Cannon, who was known for years as Auburn’s best hostess. Lee loved to entertain and was known for her eggnog parties during the holidays.

She wrote a couple of cookbooks for Southern Living.

I took many photos of events at her home.

One time Lee called me to visit when she was in the kitchen with someone who had worked at the magazine. A huge pot of simmering fruit for jam was on the stove with a cloud of steam above it. I took a few photos but didn’t stay for the entire process as there was a great deal of activity.

Lee shared the bon bons recipe years ago.

While it is tasty, note that the peanut butter coating is made from flavored chips. You could substitute chocolate chips if you prefer a rich chocolate taste.

If you don’t have much time for baking, you can assemble a dessert with purchased items. Slice a homemade or purchased pound cake and cut slices into heart shapes.

Place a slice on small plate and top with a scoop of ice cream and sliced strawberries or chocolate sauce. Another option is topping one or two chocolate chip cookies or sugar cookies with a scoop of ice cream and sliced strawberries. It is even better if the cookies are slightly warmed.

When looking over main dishes to suggest, I kept changing my mind

For Valentine’s Day this year, plan ahead to serve a homemade meal with a delectable dessert. Cap the evening with a hot beverage everyone can enjoy with desserts. Pictured are a trio of yummy make-ahead confections. From left are Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies with Almond Glaze, Lee Cannon’s Peanut Butter Dipped Cocoa Bon Bons and White Chocolate Covered Oreo Balls.

on recipes, thinking children wouldn’t like them. Then I remembered our kids ate what we ate. They learned to like all kinds of foods at an early age and enjoyed trying something new.

I remember being surprised one time when our youngest son was in grammar school and ordered lobster mousse at a restaurant. I explained to him what it was going to be, but he still ordered it and enjoyed the dish. Later, he became a chef and then a food service director.

To keep the menu simple, serve a hearty entrée, salad and dessert. For hearty appetites include a bread, and you can purchase wonderful breads from local bakers. Recipes for a variety of main dishes are included, and all except one can be prepared ahead. Some people only want steak for special occasions,

and there is a recipe for a special strip steak and potatoes.

Nealey Dozier Thompson, who grew up in Opelika, has had an amazing career in foods in California and then in Atlanta. She attended the New School of Cooking in Los Angeles, worked for the Cooking Channel and taught cooking classes in Atlanta, becoming the director and executive chef. Her Shrimp and Grits is a wonderful dish for Valentine’s Day. The Winter Salad recipe is from Janet Bartlet, who was a church hostess and owner of Cock of the Walk, which is now the location of Botanic. Janet still enjoys cooking for her family. This salad is made with an apple, pear, cranberries and nuts mixed with fresh greens in a poppy seed dressing.

The yummy pear

salad with raspberry cream is from Sally McCormick. Sally and her husband, Tom, moved to Auburn several years ago. Tom had been a colonel and was one of the UN’s inspectors for weapons sent to Iraq. Since Tom passed away, Sally has stayed active in church.

On Valentine’s Day, take time to do something special for those you love. As tantalizing aromas drift throughout the house, it will be a pleasing reminder of the delicious supper being prepared for a relaxing evening at home with good food.

Cap the evening with mugs of Hot Vanilla Drink.

PEAR SALAD WITH RASPBERRY CREAM Sally McCormick ¾ cup sour cream ¼ cup raspberry pre-

serves 3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar 1/8 tsp. Dijon mustard 4 firm, ripe pears 2 Tbsp. lemon juice 1 head Bibb lettuce, torn 1 small head romaine lettuce, torn ½ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese 6 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled ½ cup fresh raspberries To make dressing, whisk together first 4 ingredients; set aside.

Peel pears, if desired, quarter and brush with lemon juice.

Arrange lettuce on 4 plates; place pear quarters over lettuce.

Drizzle with dressing; sprinkle with cheese, bacon and raspberries.

WINTER SALAD Janet Barlett This is always a hitwhen I make it.

See RECIPES, page A11

A8 Feb. 1, 2024

AHS students bring life to elementary school through art AUBURN — Members of Auburn High School's National Art Honors Association (NAHA) painted a mural last month inside Richland Elementary School.

NAHA members include Sidney Crim, Isabella Trentacosti, Sage Traylor, Leah Lethander, Kaelyn Coburn, Caterina Chahine, Myla Ragan and Audrey Young.

President Sidney Crim said she drew her inspiration from Richland's mascot, The Champion, and how she could relate that to popular video games.

“Their mascot is a trophy, and their theme is the champions," Crim said. "So I really wanted to incorporate that and it kind of made me think of a video game. Also I really like Mario.”

What was once an old yellow rock wall used for physical activities is now an exciting adventure for students to gather diamonds, make friends with a turtle and reach a trophy finish

line.

“It's perfect because our kids are really young. So they're all into Mario, Minecraft and things like that," said Richland art teacher Rebecca Wall. "When she showed me the sketch, I was like, 'That's it.'”

Both the high school students and the teachers involved with this project hope that it will have a lasting effect on Richland students and encourage them to one day invest in their community in similar ways.

Auburn High school art teacher and NAHA sponsor Randalyn Henry said,“Keith Haring said art is for everybody. And I think one of the things that they enjoy most is for everybody to have access to it and not just be something that kids see in books or see in museums.”

Henry said Auburn City Schools encourage students to engage with the arts and are thankful that the community invests in their programs in order to create opportunities such as this which benefits students of

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

BY KADIE VICK FOR THE OPELIKA OBSERVER

Art students from Auburn High School shared their talents to brighten up the walls at Richland Elementary School.

all ages.

“The resources that we have here in the city of Auburn is due to the city of Auburn and their support," said Daniel Chesser,

Auburn City Schools public relations coordinator.

"We're about 49% locally funded.”

All parties involved said they recognize the benefit

this project had on students from both schools and the importance of making art accessible and available for everyone.

“I hope that that opens

opportunities for us to put more art on display and in different areas. Because that is something that these kids have been extremely passionate about,” Wall said.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR AUBURN CHAMBER ANNUAL MEETING The Auburn Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting will be held on Thursday, Feb. 1, at 4 p.m. at Jay and Susie Gouge Performing Arts Center.

OPELIKA BUSINESS OVER BREAKFAST The Opelika Chamber will present Business Over Breakfast on Thursday, Feb. 8, featuring Opelika City Schools Superintendent Dr. Farrell Seymore and new OHS football coach Bryan Moore. The event will be held from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at Southern Union State Community College, 301 Lake Condy Road in Opelika. Cost is $30 for chamber members, $40 for non-members. Breakfast will be served.

OPELIKA THEATRE PRESENTS MEAN GIRLS Opelika Community Theatre will present Mean Girls through Feb. 4. The show is recommended for ages 12 and up. Admission is $17, with tickets on sale at www. opelikacommunitytheatre.com/ticketsshows.

POETRY @ PEBBLE HILL A poetry reading will be hosted at Pebble Hill, 101 S. Debardeleben St. in Auburn, on Thursday, Feb. 1, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Readings will be by poet Molly McCully Brown.

OYP KICKOFF PARTY Opelika Young Professionals invites the community to a casual night of mingling, live music, drinks and snacks at its kickoff party on Thursday, Feb. 1, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Southerly Warehouse, 1007 Ave. B in Opelika.

The event is for ages 21 to 45 and is free to attend.

ANYA HINKLE @ THE SOUND WALL Singer-songwriter Anya Hinkle will perform with Andrew Finn Magill at the Sound Wall, located at 605 Ave. B in downtown Opelika, on Thursday, Feb. 1. Ages 21 and up. Doors open for a BYOB cocktail reception at 7 p.m., followed by the concert at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25.

SUNDILLA CONCERT SERIES The Sundilla Concert Series will feature a performance by House of Hamill on Friday, Feb. 2, from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, located at 450 E. Thach Ave. in Auburn. Free coffee, tea, water and food will be available, and the audience is welcome to bring their own favorite food and beverage. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $15 with student ID and free for children under age 12. Tickets are on sale at www.sundillamusic.com.

HIROYA TSUKAMOTO @ THE SOUND WALL Innovative Japanese guitarist Hiroya Tsukamoto will perform at the Sound Wall, located at 605 Ave. B in downtown Opelika, on Saturday, Feb. 3. Ages 21 and

Want help spreading the word about your event?

We can help! editor@opelikaobserver.com (334) 749-8003 * Deadline is noon on Mondays

up. Doors open for a BYOB cocktail reception at 7 p.m., followed by the concert at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25.

MY FAIR LADY @ GOUGE CENTER The classic play My Fair Lady will be presented on Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 6 and 7, at 7 p.m. at the Jay and Susie Gouge Performing Arts Center, located at 910 S. College St. in Auburn. Ticket prices range from $45 to $105 and are available at the website goguecenter.evenue. net.

OLLI BROWN BAG SERIES AU’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) continues its Winter 2024 Brown Bag Series on Wednesday, Feb. 7, with “Dramatic monologues: Fannie Lou Hamer.”

Educator and storyteller Roz Thomas will perform as Fannie Lou Hamer, an American voting and women’s rights activist, community organizer and leader in the civil rights movement. The event will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pebble Hill, located at 101 S. Debardeleben Street in Auburn and is free and open to the public.

BUSINESS OVER BREAKFAST Opelika City Schools Superintendent Dr. Farrell Seymore and new OHS football coach Bryan Moore will be featured speakers at the Opelika Chamber’s next Business Over Breakfast on Thursday, Feb. 8, from 7:30 to 9 a.m. in the Southern Room at Southern Union State Community College, 301 Lake Condy Road in Opelika. The Small Business of the Quarter award is also presented at this event. The cost to attend is $30 for chamber members, $40 for non-members. Breakfast will be served. Pre-register by Feb. 5 at opelikachamber.com.

SUNDILLA CONCERT SERIES The Sundilla Concert Series will feature a performance by Joe Crookston on Friday, Feb. 9, from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, located at 450 E. Thach Ave. in Auburn. Free coffee, tea, water and food will be available, and the audience is welcome to bring their own favorite food and beverage. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $15 with student ID and free for children under age 12. Tickets are on sale at www.sundillamusic.com.

WINTER NATURE WALK Friends of Wood Duck Nature Preserve will host a Nature Walk on Saturday, Feb. 10, rain or shine. Meet at the pavilion, 3601 Waverly Parkway (one-half mile from US 280). The Preserve is site #10 on the Piedmont Plateau Birding Trail (GPS N 32*39,193’ W 085*). There will be coffee and snacks at 7:30 a.m. Walks to the two covered viewing houses will begin at 8 a.m. The twomile walk usually takes about three hours to complete,

but people may return to the pavilion and parking area at any time. Bring your own binoculars; several loaners will be available. All levels of bird watching and nature appreciation are welcome. Expect to see plenty of ducks.

One winter walk tallied nine species. Migratory warblers are also in the area now. Opelika Charlie Woodchuck may be out if it’s a nice day. Please check the weather forecast and dress appropriately. Water resistant hiking boots are recommended, as trails can be muddy this time of year.

SECOND SATURDAY AT PIONEER PARK On the second Saturday of every month, a group of history re-enactors gather at the Lee County Historical Society Museum in period attire to demonstrate their arts and crafts. On Feb. 10 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., come see blacksmiths working at the forge, spinners and weavers in the textile room and gardeners in the gardens. There will be crafts and seasonal activities, and someone is always cooking up a meal in the fireplace or outdoors. The Whistle Stop Pickers dulcimer group meets at the Museum at 1 p.m.

AUBURN MARDI GRAS The Auburn Downtown Merchants Association will host the 5th Annual Krewe Krawl on Saturday, Feb. 10, starting at 11 a.m. and featuring exclusive discounts and specials to those who purchase a wristband. The event will feature live music from noon to 2:30 p.m., and the Krewe De Tigris Mardi Gras Parade will begin at 3 p.m. in downtown Auburn. Wristbands will be available to purchase for $10 (cash or venmo) at the following downtown businesses: Behind the Glass, Charming Oaks, Ellia, Auburn Oil Co. Booksellers and Ware Jewelers.

SQUARE DANCE CLASSES Learn “America’s Dance,” meet some great people, exercise your body and brain and laugh a lot at square dance classes with the Village Squares on Tuesday, Feb. 13. The group meets at Auburn United Methodist Church on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. Classes are held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Mathison Lobby until the Jan Dempsey Center reopens in March. Lessons cost $5 per person.

COMEDY @ RED CLAY BREWING Enjoy locally-made craft beer and stand-up comedy on Tuesday, Feb. 13, as Zane Lamprey brings his 'Thirsty!' comedy tour to Red Clay Brewing Company, located 704 N. Railroad Ave. in downtown Opelika. This event is strictly for ages 21+. Doors will open for VIP ticket holders at 7 p.m., with general admission at 7:30 p.m. and showtime at 8 p.m. For more information and tickets, go to zanelamprey.com.

A9 Feb. 1, 2024

Sundilla presents folk trio House of Hamill on Feb. 2 AUBURN — The folk trio House of Hamill will be the latest newcomers to dazzle the Sundilla audience when they take the stage on Friday, Feb. 2, at 7:30 p.m. at the AUUF, located at 450 E. Thach Avenue in Auburn.

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 with ID can pay just $15 at the door, and children 12 and under get in free. Free coffee, tea, water and food will be available, and the audience is always welcome to bring their own favorite food or beverage.

House of Hamill says it owes its existence to a series of cancelled flights.

Rose Baldino and Brian Buchanan first found themselves onstage together at the 2014 Folk Alliance International conference in Kansas City. Rose’s band Burning Bridget Cleary was scheduled to perform, but inclement weather prevented two of her bandmates from flying. Desperate to salvage the showcase, Rose approached Brian, who she knew fronted Canadian celtic rock band Enter the Haggis. She thrust a guitar into Brian’s hands, pulled him onstage, and the two just clicked.

Four years and hundreds of shows later, the duo was booked to play a closing

slot at a Colorado festival, so they hired a bass player and drummer to fill out their sound. By the oddest of coincidences, their hired bandmates’ flights were canceled the day of the show. A frantic Facebook post introduced Brian and Rose to local musician Caroline Browning, who joined them on bass for the weekend. Once again, the chemistry was undeniable, and House of Hamill became a trio.

Today, Pennsylvania-based House of Hamill is a fixture on festival stages across the U.S. and have shared their music and stories on the country’s premier folk stages.

Their version of “Pound a Week Rise” rose to #1 on the U.S. Folk DJ charts, and the

Windhorse Winter Workshop coming to Opelika ArtHaus CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA — Opelika ArtHaus will host the Windhorse Winter Workshop Series Feb. 23-25. A variety of workshops will be offered during the weekend. Visit windhorsestudio.com/ events for details and to pre-register.

Participating artists offering the workshops include: Mary Catherine Lowery (@marycatherinelowery | www. marycatherinelowery. com) Paintings that intertwine the realms of traditional landscapes and contemporary abstractions.

Barbara Birdsong Designs (@barbarabirdsongdesigns | www.barbarabirdsongdesigns.com ) Unique handmade jewelry collections, each a symphony of feelings and natural findings, each reflecting her love of jewelry making. At the heart of it all, Barbara is a creator-driven by love – a love for people,

life itself, and the art of making things. She gathers stories, stones, and inspiration from her travels, the beautiful community around her, and the wonders of her backyard, weaving them into her pieces to tell a story of love, hope, and presence.

Margaret Cunningham (@margaretscunningham) Artful organic ceramic sculptures that double as unique table features Idyllwilde (@idyllwilde | www.idyllwilde.co ) Nadene Mairesse uses natural fiber cloth, repurposed textiles, and botanical dyes to create clothing, accessories, and home provisions in limited edition collections.

Mary Ann Casey Art (@maryanncaseyart ) Expressive, contemporary acrylic paintings and sculptures that carry a presence into any space.

Po Wiese (@powiese) A maker of things he'd like to own for spaces and lives he'll never possess, Po Wiese plays in painting and pottery.

Pottery Palustris (@ pottery_palustris ) Ceramic stoneware embellished with pine needle weaving by Debbie Folkerts.

Rabbit Fish Studio (@rabbitfishstudio | www.rabbitfishstudio. com ) Small-batch ceramics and artworks made by Laura and Brian Cooley that embrace imperfection, oddness, and flights of imagination.

ABOUT WINDHORSE Windhorse Studio is harnessing the wind of goodness.

Founded by Barbara Birdsong of Barbara Birdsong Designs and Laura Cooley of Rabbitfish Studio, we bring diverse artists together to host art exhibits and pop-up events in central Alabama and beyond. Windhorse Studio provides artists with collaborations and event support. We facilitate local workshops centered around the power of creativity and connect the community to the creativity around them.

Read more at www. windhorsestudio.com.

Drive up hours: Mon - Fri. 6:30 - 9:30 a.m.

video for their all-violin cover of “Sweet Child O’ Mine” amassed over 16 million views on Facebook, where it was shared over 400,000 times.

Music critics have also noticed. Folk N Rock says “Great hooks, eclectic arrangements and tuneful melodies that will certainly reach listeners from all walks of life.” From NYS Music comes “Their harmonic sounds, lyrical stories and upbeat tempos are truly energizing and bring a new sound that is unique and refreshing.”

And Anita Lock from Irish Music Magazine sums it up in only four words: “An extraordinary musical experience.”

Whether they’re ripping

PHOT0 CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

through a set of original jigs and reels, adding lush three-part harmonies into traditional folk ballads, or cracking up an audience

with stories from the road, House of Hamill puts on a show that captivates audiences from the very first note.

Sam Hendrix to be featured at Auburn Library Author Talk CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

AUBURN — The Auburn Public Library will host Author Talk: Sam Hendrix on Saturday, Feb. 3, at 2 p.m.

Hendrix will discuss and sign copies of his book, “Auburn: A History in Street Names.”

After earning a B.A. from the University of North Alabama and the M.Ed. from Auburn University, Hendrix spent most of his career with Auburn University as a public relations and development

professional. He authored a history of the Auburn Church of Christ and a biography of founding Veterinary Medicine Dean Dr. Charles Allen Cary before publishing “Auburn: A History in Street Names.”

This event is free and open to the public. Please contact us if you need adaptive assistance to make this program more accessible.

For more information, email Library Events or call (334) 501-3296.

SAM HENDRIX

Chili Cookoff at Midtown Auburn CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

AUBURN — Who has the best chili in Auburn?

Several area restaurants will engage in a little friendly competition at a chili cookoff on Saturday, Feb. 17, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Midtown Auburn, with proceeds going to two organizations supporting the fight against cancer: AUTLIVE and Keep On Walking.

AUTLIVE raises the awareness of cancer prevention and detection while t-shirt sales and donations raise money to benefit cancer patients and their local hospitals. Coach Pearl and his coaching staff initiated the program in 2009 at Tennessee in recognition of former Vol Chris Lofton, who beat testicular cancer through early diagnosis and local treatment. He went on to play the entire 2007-08 season while battling the disease.

Proceeds continue to benefit cancer patients and treatment centers.

Keep On Walking is committed to making a difference in the lives of children facing the challenges of pediatric cancer, special needs and disabilities. Their mission is simple yet profound: to support pediatric cancer research and provide rehabilitative therapies that empower children to overcome adversity and thrive.

The event will feature an appearance by Aubie, live musical entertainment and lots of chili to taste. Supporting area restaurants include Plaza Bar & Lounge, The Waverly Local, Sword + Skillet, The Hound, Bow & Arrow, Acre, Banditos and the Auburn University Club.

Midtown is located at 1188 Opelika Road in Auburn.

Tickets are also available at www. eventbrite.com.

A10 Feb. 1, 2024

Sean of the South

BY SEAN DIETRICH OPINION —

P

ineview Street.

A nondescript house. Offwhite. One story.

Nothing fancy.

Nice neighborhood.

Manicured lawns.

On the back of the house is a newly built wheelchair ramp. I knocked on the door.

The caregiver answered.

Inside, the first thing you saw was medical stuff. Prescription bottles. Walkers.

Plywood duct-taped over the carpet, so wheelchairs could move freely. A hospital bed

sat in the den.

“You have visitors,” the caregiver announced.

The old man was sitting in his wheelchair.

Facing the picture window. He turned and smiled.

White hair. Robin’segg blue eyes. He’d lost weight since I last saw him. But the smile was still there.

He was born in 1936, reared in Monroe County, Alabama. And John Finklea still has the voice of a preacher.

It’s all about inflection.

“How’s my buddy?” he said, pumping my hand.

He’s old school. The kind of preacher who preached six or seven revivals in a week, then mowed the church lawn on Saturday night.

He’s baptized throngs in Brewton, Alabama.

Brother John

And buried half the residents in Union Cemetery.

Recently, he had a bad fall. It caused a brain bleed. He’s doing better now, but one of his legs is paralyzed.

And he’s relearning how to walk.

There are stories about him. Lots of them.

“Brother John hung out with the drunks,” one local woman told me. “He wasn’t like any preacher we’d ever known. He’d go fishing with’em, hunt with’em, laugh with’em. He’d do everything but drink and cuss.”

He sat in deer stands, shoulder-to-shoulder with rowdy individuals, cheaters, and men with untoward reputations.

And he never thumped a Bible at them.

“He was just their

friend.”

But when the lives of his friends fell apart; when the proverbial fertilizer hit the fan, who do you think they called first?

“I remember one time,” said a local man, “Brother John baptized a man in town who had been bad on drugs.

There were some people who got so mad, I thought they were going to burn First Baptist to the ground.”

I’ve been called upon to sing at funerals alongside Brother John. We even asked him to co-officiate our wedding.

Once or twice, I’ve played music at the 9-member country chapel in Sepulga Springs, where he preached every Sunday in his later years.

There was no

microphone. No frills.

No air movement.

Everyone sweat profusely and sat in their own pew.

His sermons were brief. I never heard him shout. And he was always the first to cry when the hymns were particularly good.

Something else about him. They don’t call him “Preacher.” They never have. And you won’t hear anyone call him “Pastor,” or “Doctor,” like the young preachers want to be called. They call him “Brother.” It’s always been Brother.

One local said: “He’s the kind of man who visited every sick person in this town.

Anyone who called, he was there, holding your hand. He’d change your tire, or tow your car out of a ditch.

“Didn’t matter if you was drunk, or stoned, or whatever bad thing you done. John Finklea was right there with you.”

“He ain’t just a preacher,” she added, “he’s a good man. Not a lot of them left. I just hope people don’t forget to visit this good man.”

Me too, ma’am.

Me too.

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, he is the creator of the Sean of the South Podcast and he makes appearances at the Grand Ole Opry.

Wood Duck Preserve to host Nature Walk Friends of Wood Duck Nature Preserve will host a Nature Walk on Saturday, Feb. 10, rain or shine.

All levels of bird watching and nature appreciation are welcome. Expect to see plenty of ducks. One winter walk tallied nine species. Migratory warblers are also in the area now. Opelika Charlie Woodchuck may be out if it’s a nice day.

Participants will meet at the pavilion, located at 3601 Waverly Parkway (one-half mile from US 280). The Preserve is site #10 on the Piedmont Plateau Birding Trail (GPS N 32*39,193’ W 085*).

There will be coffee and snacks at 7:30 a.m. Walks to the two covered viewing houses will begin at 8 a.m.

The two-mile walk usually takes about three hours to complete, but people may return to the pavilion and parking area at any time.

Bring your own binoculars; several loaners will be available. Please check the weather forecast and dress appropriately. Water resistant hiking boots are recommended, as trails can be muddy this time of year.

O Grows Spring Farmers Market is seeking farmers and produce vendors for the upcoming season. O Grows is a community garden and education center that hosts a year-round farmers market that brings fresh, nutritious food to our community through direct-to-consumer sales. Vendor fees are only $15 per week.

To become a vendor for the spring market, email ogrows@auburn.edu.

A11 Feb. 1, 2024

RECIPES >> FROM A7 ½ cup white sugar ½ lemon juice 2 tsp. diced onion 1 tsp. Dijon style prepared mustard ½ tsp. salt 2/3 cup vegetable oil 1 Tbsp. poppy seeds (optional) 1 large or 2 small head romaine lettuce, torn into bite size pieces 4 oz. shredded Swiss cheese 1 cup cashews or slivered almonds ½ cup dried cranberries 1 apple, diced 1 pear, diced In a blender or food processor combine sugar, lemon juice, onion, mustard and salt. Process until well blended. With machine still running add oil in a slow steady stream until mixture is thick and smooth. Add poppy seeds and process just a few seconds.

In a large serving bowl, toss together the romaine lettuce, shredded cheese, cashews, cran-berries, apple and pear. Pour dressing over salad just before serving.

SHRIMP AND GRITS Nealey Dozier Thompson Can be prepared ahead and reheated For the grits: 4 cups milk 1 cup stone ground grits 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt 1 Tbsp. butter For the shrimp: 1 1/2 lbs. peeled and deveined shrimp 1 tsp. Old Bay seasoning 1 lemon, cut in half For the gravy: 6 slices bacon, diced 2 Tbsp. butter 1 onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour 1/2 cup white wine (can use chicken broth if you don’t use wine in cooking) 1 cup chicken stock Kosher salt, to taste Thinly sliced green onions, for garnish (optional) Grits: Bring milk to a gentle boil in a heavy sauce pan. Add grits and reduce heat to medium low. Whisk occasionally at first, then whisk more frequently as grits begin to thicken, watching carefully to make sure the bottom of the pot does not scald. Cook until grits are thick and creamy, about 45 minutes to an hour.

Add salt and butter, adjusting to personal taste. Meanwhile, prepare the shrimp and gravy.

Shrimp: Sprinkle shrimp with Old Bay seasoning and juice of one half a lemon. Set aside.

Gravy: Heat a large fry

pan over medium-high heat. Cook until bacon is brown and almost crispy (but not quite), about 12 minutes. Remove bacon from pan and set aside. Drain bacon grease except for 2 tablespoons. Lower heat to medium, add shrimp (in batches if necessary) and sauté, flipping once, until pink and cooked through, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove shrimp with their cooking liquids. Squeeze with juice of remaining lemon half ;set aside.

Heat butter in the same pan over medium to medium-high until melted. Add onions and sauté until tender, about seven minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute. Sprinkle flour over onions and cook until it is absorbed, about 1 more minute. Add wine and reduce until the mixture is thickened.

Add chicken stock and continue cooking until the gravy reaches your desired consistency, about 5 minutes. Season with kosher salt, to taste.

Return bacon and shrimp with its juices to the pan and reheat shrimp. Adjust seasoning as necessary.

To serve: Spoon grits into bowls. Pour shrimp and gravy on top and garnish with sliced green on-ions.

To reheat, add a little chicken stock to the grits and/or gravy and warm over medium-low heat.

Serves four.

ALLISON’S RICOTTA STUFFED CHICKEN BREASTS IN MARINARA SAUCE 2 large chicken breasts 15 oz. ricotta cheese 1 egg 1 tsp. oregano 1 tsp. Italian seasoning blend ¼ cup Parmesan cheese 1 jar marinara sauce or use homemade sauce 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Pound out chicken breasts to make them about ¾ to 1 inch thick.

In a small bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, egg and oregano. Salt and pepper chicken breast on both sides.

Add oregano to chicken.

Place chicken on 9 x 13 baking dish and place half the ricotta mixture on each chicken breast and fold it over. Pour the jar of marinara sauce over chicken and around the sides.

Cover in foil and bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes.

Take foil off and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese. Allow cheese to melt and/ or until chicken is thor-oughly cooked through (165 degrees

internal temperature).

Serve as is or with spaghetti noodles or spaghetti squash.

MANICOTTI WITH BECHAMEL SAUCE Gina Fromhold 1 box manicotti noodles, cooked Spinach & Ricotta Filling: 3 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil 1 small onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 5 oz. fresh baby spinach, optional 15. oz. container ricotta 1 cup or more grated mozzarella ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 large egg, beaten Salt and pepper to taste 3 oz. prosciutto, finely chopped, optional Heat oil in a heavy pot until hot, then sauté onion and garlic until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.

Add spinach and sauté, stirring, until just wilted, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and cool completely.

Stir together remaining ingredients; stir into spinach mixture. Stuff cooked manicotti shells with filling.

Bechamel Sauce: 1½ Tbsp. unsalted butter 1½ Tbsp. all-purpose flour 2 ½ cups whole milk 1/4 tsp. salt Pinch of nutmeg 1/3 cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese Garnish: Chopped cherry tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes, drained, and chopped parsley Melt butter in a heavy saucepan over moderate heat.

Whisk in flour and cook, whisking, two minutes. Add milk in a stream, whisking, and bring to a boil over high heat, whisking constantly (sauce will thicken).

Reduce heat and simmer, whisking occasionally, two minutes, then whisk in salt, pepper and nutmeg. Remove from heat and whisk in cheese.

Place enough Bechamel Sauce in baking pan to cover the bottom. Place stuffed manicotti shells over sauce; drizzle with remaining sauce.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes. Can be prepared ahead and baked. Garnish with chopped tomatoes and parsley, if desired.

EASY CROCK-POT CHICKEN CACCIATORE Heather Cummings Serve over spaghetti noodles with cheese 8 chicken tenders (or 4 boneless breasts) 1/2 small onion, diced 1 can diced tomatoes

1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies 1 small can tomato sauce 1 small can mushrooms, drained 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. pepper 1 tsp. oregano 1/2 tsp. basil 2 bay leaves Combine all ingredients in crockpot and cook on high 4 to 5 hours or on low 6 to 8 hours.

Serve over thin spaghetti and top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, if desired.

NY STRIP STEAK WITH ROASTED FINGERLING POTATOES AND BACON Jay Lamar ½ lb. thick-cut bacon, sliced in ¼ in pieces 1 Tbsp. olive oil, divided 1 New York strip steak (at least 1 ¾ inch thick) Salt and pepper 1 lb. fingerling potatoes, cut in quarters lengthwise 1 garlic clove, crushed ½ Tbsp. fresh thyme, picked ½ Tbsp. fresh rosemary, chopped 1 Tbsp. chives, thinly sliced 1 Tbsp. parsley, chopped Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Heat cast iron skillet on medium heat.

Add sliced bacon and ½ Tbsp. olive oil to cast iron, keep to one half of pan.

Coat steak with ½ Tbsp. of olive oil, salt, and pepper.

When bacon begins to crisp, add steak to the opposite side of pan.

Increase pan heat to medium high and add potatoes and garlic, tossing them with the ba-con.

Flip steak and sear second side for 1 minute.

Toss potatoes again and move to oven for 10 minutes or until desired steak temperature is reached.

Take steak out to rest and increase oven temperature to 450 degrees.

Toss in thyme and rosemary and spread potatoes out to a thin layer and return to the oven for another 10 minutes, or until potatoes are golden and begin to crisp. Remove pan from oven and drain any excess fat that has collected.

Slice steak and return to pan, sprinkle with parsley and chives.

RASPBERRY THUMBPRINT COOKIES WITH ALMOND GLAZE Susan Housel 2/3 cup sugar 1 cup butter, softened 1/2 tsp. almond extract 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam (or seedless

jam of your choice) Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar 1 1/2 tsp. almond extract 2 to 3 tsp. water Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, mix sugar, butter and extract.

Beat until creamy.

Reduce speed and add flour, beating until well mixed.

Shape into one-inch balls. Place on parchment paper on cookie sheet. Use thumb to make indentation in center of each, then fill indentations with jam.

Bake for 14 to 18 minutes or until the edges are light brown. Let cool briefly, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Mix glaze. Drizzle over cooled cookies.

LEE CANNON’S PEANUT BUTTER DIPPED COCOA BON BONS 2 (3 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, room temperature 1 Tbsp. milk 4 cups confectioners’ sugar 1/3 cup cocoa 1 tsp. vanilla 1 cup finely chopped nuts 2 cups (12 oz.) peanut butter flavored chips 2 Tbsp. shortening Beat cream cheese and milk until fluffy. Blend in sugar, cocoa and vanilla.

Stir in nuts. Chill until firm to handle easily. Shape into ½-inch balls. Place on waxed paper.

Chill 3 to 4 hours.

In double boiler, stir peanut butter chips and shortening until melted. Dip balls in the pea-nut butter mixture. Place on waxed paper.

Chill. Store in cool place. Makes 3 ½ dozen.

WHITE CHOCOLATE COVERED OREO BALLS Susan Housel One package Oreos 8 oz. container whipped cream cheese One pkg. white chocolate bark Use food processor to make Oreo crumbs.

Use mixer to combine Oreo

crumbs and whipped cream cheese.

Mix until ingredients form a large fudge ball. Chill in freezer.

Roll chilled dough into one-inch balls.

Chill again to make the next step easier.

Dip balls into melted white chocolate.

Place on cookie sheet, then let set in refrigerator or briefly in freezer.

Store in refrigerator until serving.

HOT VANILLA DRINK Carol Pridgen For each hot vanilla: Microwave 1 cup milk and 2 or more tsp. sugar in a mug until hot (about 90 seconds).

Stir in 1/2 tsp. vanilla.

Top with a dollop of chocolate cream (recipe below) and a drizzle of chocolate syrup.

Chocolate Cream: In a medium bowl beat 1/2 cup whipping cream until frothy.

Add 1 Tbsp. chocolate syrup. Continue beating until peaks form.

Makes enough to top about 6 drinks.

RASPBERRY OR STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE PIE WITH CHOCOLATE GLAZE Two 3 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk 1 egg 3 Tbsp. lemon juice 1 tsp. vanilla 1 cup fresh raspberries or strawberries 9-inch prepared graham cracker crust Chocolate Glaze: Two 1 oz. squares semi-sweet chocolate ¼ cup whipping cream Extra raspberries or strawberries for garnish Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy.

Gradually beat in condensed milk until smooth. Add egg, lemon juice and vanilla; mix well.

Arrange raspberries on bottom of graham cracker piecrust. Slowly pour cheese mixture over fruit. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until center is almost set.

Cool.

To make Chocolate Glaze, melt chocolate with whipping cream in saucepan over low heat. Top cheesecake with glaze. Chill. Garnish with extra berries.

WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTOR Plumbing & Heating Supplies Pipes - Valves - Fittings 334.625.3384 800.625.3384 1975 MALL BLVD. STE. 106, AUBURN, ALABAMA

A12 Feb. 1, 2024

Altar call

BY WALTER ALBRITTON OPINION —

“T

he Imitation of Christ”

by Thomas A. Kempis, written in the 15th Century, has been translated into more than fifty languages. It is considered, next to the Bible, the most influential book of Christendom. It’s a book I have been reading for over fifty years with great profit for my soul. I never tire of reading it for on every page I find challenging and

inspiring insights. (A modern translation of this Christian classic is now available.)

The title of the famous book is misleading for the author writes very little about imitating Christ; his focus is more on the attitudes and disciplines that are necessary for a believer to live a devout and holy life.

The author’s fervor for godliness discomfits me.

His passion for holiness makes me ashamed of my willingness to live in the shallow water instead of plunging out into the deep water of genuine discipleship.

Consider, for example, his intriguing observations about “the joy of a good conscience”: “He that is moved neither by the praise nor the censure of men, enjoys great

Love Jesus Supremely tranquility of heart. He whose conscience is pure, readily finds peace and contentment.

Thou art not more holy for being praised; nor more worthless if thou be found fault with and despised.

What thou art, that thou art; nor canst thou be accounted greater than thou art in the sight of God. Consider thine inward state, and thou wilt not heed what men say of thee. Man judges by outward appearance, but God sees the heart. Man weighs thine actions, but God weighs thy intentions. To seek always to do good, and to little esteem oneself is the sign of a humble soul.”

The more I ponder such heavyweight reflections, the more I understand why for centuries Christians have found help and guidance

in this awesome book by Thomas A Kempis. Frankly, his teaching drives me to my knees, repenting of having settled for a less than zealous devotional life. More specifically, Thomas makes me aware that I should love Jesus more than I do.

Am I alone in this reaction? Evaluate your own love for Jesus as you read some of Thomas’ penetrating thoughts about loving Jesus more anything, and about achieving intimate friendship with Jesus: “Jesus alone is to be loved above all things. The love of things created is deceiving and inconstant; the love of Jesus is true and enduring.

Love Him, and keep Him for thy friend. When all have gone, He will not forsake thee, nor, at thine end, will

He suffer thee to perish.

“Hold fast to Jesus in life and in death, and put thy trust in His faithfulness, Who alone can help thee when all others fail. The nature of thy Beloved is such that He will admit no rival; He alone must dwell in thy heart, and reign there as a king upon His throne.

“If thou look only to the outward appearance of men, thou shalt quickly be deceived; and if thou seek in others thy comfort and profit, thou will often suffer loss. Seek Jesus only in all things and thou shalt surely find Him. If you seek self, you shall also find self, but to thine own ruin. For if a man seek not Jesus, he doth injure himself more than could the whole world and all his enemies.”

“What can the world profit thee without Jesus? To live without Jesus is a grievous hell; to live with Jesus a sweet paradise…. Be thou humble and peaceable and Jesus shall be with thee. Be thou devout and quiet within, and Jesus shall abide in thee.

Without a friend thou canst not live happily; and if Jesus be not thy friend above all others, thou wilt indeed be sad and desolate.

“Love all for Jesus, but Jesus for Himself. Jesus Christ alone is to be loved supremely; for He only is found good and faithful above all other friends.”

In many chapters of his book, Thomas shares what he calls “The Voice of Christ” speaking to him. When I read

Anderson and Henry Anderson; brothers Greg Looney and Jack Looney; sisters-in-law Linda Looney, Connie Strickland and Kay Milshaw; and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

University in 1965, where he served approximately 30 years as a tenured professor in the College of Engineering until retiring in 1994.

Dr. White served actively in the U.S. Air Force and reserves for 37 years, retiring in 1993 at the rank of Brigadier General.

He enjoyed family activities and arranged many vacations and trips.

His interest in Civil War history provided the basis for trips to Civil War monuments, cemeteries, prisons, battlefields and museums.

Dr. White and his wife rescued stray puppies that came to their home over the years, and his favorite was Pepper, his constant companion. He was a loyal fan of Purdue's Boilermakers football team.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Thelma White of Wabash, Indiana. He is survived by his wife Bonnie, daughter Wendy, son Justin,

See ALBRITTON, page A13

OBITUARIES

SUSAN RAE (LOONEY) ANDERSON Susan Rae (Looney) Anderson, 67, of Opelika, Alabama, passed away on Monday, Jan. 22, 2024, surrounded by family.

She was born to parents John Looney and Roberta Amrani on March 16, 1956, in Arlington, Virginia.

She spent most of her childhood enjoying the great outdoors with brothers Greg Looney and Jack Looney, before she graduated

from Falls Church High School in 1974. She went on to study Forest Management at Virginia Tech and graduated with a bachelor’s degree.

Susan met Scott Anderson in the fall of 1974 through a mutual friend at Viriginia Tech. They were married on Aug. 29, 1979, in Falls Church, Virginia. From there, they moved to South Dakota where Susan pursued a career in forestry until pausing to start a family. Together they raised two children: John Marshall (JM) and Eric. After several more moves to Pennsylvania and New York, they settled in Opelika.

While continuing to nurture her sons and an ever-growing circle of friends, Susan also decided to make a change: earning a master’s degree in elementary education from Troy University in 2002. After a short stint teaching, she finished her career working for 13 years as a research compliance specialist for Auburn University until retiring in 2016.

And those were just her day jobs. She was active in many charitable endeavors such as Jean Dean Reading is Fundamental, the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Craig County Historical Society, and the Horseshoe Bend Library Board.

For almost a decade, Susan wrote a beloved slice-of-life column for the Opelika-Auburn News and the Lafayette Sun. She was also devoted to her Sunday School class of several decades at First Baptist Church Opelika.

In her free time, Susan loved making and crafting. She was an incredibly talented painter and quilter, who also liked to dabble in whatever crafts caught her fancy. She enjoyed cooking and baking, particularly “old family recipes,” although she never met a recipe that she didn’t tinker with.

She never lost her love for the great outdoors, enjoying many happy hours in her garden and on camping trips with her family.

She had an adventurous spirit, even traveling to Ireland with friends in March of 2022. She was something of an amateur archivist, passionately pursuing her family genealogy and preserving and even cataloguing various family heirlooms and relics. Any other spare moment was spent reading the Bible and other books.

The greatest comfort to those Susan leaves behind are the stories about her from the many people she collected into her circle of friends and family. She touched more people than she knew, and their stories about her compassionate, no-nonsense care are a testament to her dedication to her faith in God and her own principles. She was a true “community builder,” and her community misses her dearly.

Susan is survived by her husband Scott Anderson; sons John Marshall Anderson and Eric Anderson; daughter-in-law Emily Anderson; grandsons Peter

CHARLES WHITE Dr. Charles White passed away Jan. 27, 2024.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 3, at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home, with visitation beginning at 1 p.m.

Burial will follow in Town Creek Cemetery.

Dr. White grew up in Wabash, Indiana, where he earned the Eagle Scout rank.

He received a bachelor's in mechanical engineering from Purdue University (1955) and master's (1957) and Ph.D. (1962) in industrial engineering.

He worked as an engineer for Armour & Company in Chicago until he was recruited by Auburn

Pre-Need Services Available Call 334-749-8700 for an appointment Your Full-Service Funeral Home

See OBITUARIES, page A14

A13 Feb. 1, 2024

Studying His word

Rescued

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

OPINION —

P

aul starts our story at the cemetery.

“You were dead” — not in ICU, not even on life support — we were dead. A dead person is powerless to change their situation. Before death we had choices, options and opportunities, but after death that was all over. We were spiritually dead and there wasn’t a thing we could do about it. We needed rescue!

We were dead due to our

transgressions and sins (v.

1). Notice he says, “your transgressions and sins.”

We weren’t spiritually dead because of what Adam or anyone else did. We weren’t this way because of our parents, our friends, or our enemies. We were dead because of what we did.

The good news is the story doesn’t end here. Paul points us to two powerful things—God’s “great” love and His “rich” mercy.

That’s Paul’s way of saying our Father doesn’t dabble in these things—they are who He is. And because He is this way, “He made us alive in Christ even when we were dead in trans-gressions” (v. 5). He brought something that was dead back to life!

Paul is not really talking about our coming to God as much as He is talking about God’s coming to us.

That’s why He concludes by noting that “it is by grace you have been saved” (v.

5). The acronym for grace (God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense) works well here as long as it doesn’t cause us to overlook God’s own suffering in the giving of His Son. Paul goes on to note not just our “being raised up with Christ,” but also being seated “with Him in the heavenly realms” (v.

6). Again, this is not about Jesus being with us down here on earth but us being with Jesus in heaven. This is the grace and glory of salvation Paul wants us to see.

But Paul doesn’t stop here and it’s important we don’t either. God cherishes the entire world—not just us. The idea that “God loves everyone, but I’m His favorite” is an idea that did not come from God. Paul

tells us that we’ve been saved “in order that in the coming ages He might show the incomparable riches of His grace” (v. 7). He desires to exhibit this grace as “expressed in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus” to the world. The cross is exhibit A. The church is exhibit B. This means we live as people of the cross. We are to treat others graciously— even when they don’t deserve it because that’s how God in Christ has treated us. As we do so, we are pointing people to God and the incomparable riches of His grace as well as fulfilling God’s purpose in our lives.

Remember, a life without cause is a life without effect!

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

ALBRITTON >> FROM A12 the following, I felt Jesus was speaking to me: “I teach in the silence, without confusion of opinions, without ambition for honors, and without the noise of disputation. I am He Who teaches men to despise earthy things, to abhor things present, to seek heavenly things, to relish things eternal; to flee honors, to endure scandal, to put their entire hope and trust in Me, to desire nothing other than Me, and, above all things, ardently to love Me.” Thomas responds to the voice of Christ with “the voice of the disciple.” I could identify with this disciple’s reply to Jesus for I recognize my need for the “spirit of fervor”: “O Lord, of Thy bountiful mercy, grant me even the grace I long for, and, in the day when it shall please Thee, most graciously visit me with the spirit of fervor. For although I burn not with the vehement desire like unto that of Thy ardently devout servants, yet I do yearn for this mighty fire of the Spirit, praying and longing that, by Thy grace, I may participate with all who fervently love Thee , and be numbered in their holy company.”

Reading those words, I am moved to bow on my knees and pray earnestly, “Lord Jesus, melt me, change me, mold me into a genuine disciple who loves you supremely.”

This may be the most important question you could answer today: If your love for Jesus is not what it should be, will you begin now praying for the passion to love Him supremely?

Bible verse of the week: If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. — 1 John 1:7

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 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 Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church 650 Jeter Ave., Opelika 334-749-9487 Green Chapel Missionary Baptist 390 Lee Road 106, Auburn (334) 749-4184 Pepperell Baptist 2702 2nd Ave., Opelika 334-745-3108 Providence Baptist Church 2807 Lee Road 166, Opelika

334-745-4608 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 500 N. 10th St., Opelika 334-745-5181 The Opelika Church 2660 Cunninghan Dr., Opelika Church Of Christ 2215 Marvyn Pkwy., Opelika 334-742-9721 Southside Church Of Christ

405 Carver Ave., Opelika 334-745-6015

Valley 334-745-4755

CHURCH OF GOD Lakeside Church of God 3295 Lee Rd 54, Opelika 334-749-6432

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

EPISCOPAL- AME Saint Luke AME Church 1308 Auburn St., Opelika 334-749-1690

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

EPISCOPAL Emmanuel Episcopal Church 800 1st Ave., Opelika 334-745-2054

Connect Church 2015 West Point Pkwy., Opelika 334-707-3949

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

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

Father’s House Christian Fellowship 214 Morris, Ave., Opelika

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

Living Waters Ministry Center 3005 Lafayette Parkway, Opelika

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST Opelika Outreach S.D.A. Church P.O. Box 386, Opelika 334-749-3151

Beulah United Methodist Church 5165 Lee Road 270,

Southern Plains Cowboy

Church 13099 U.S. Hwy. 280 Waverly 334-401-1014 PENTECOSTAL Gateway Pentecostal Sanctuary 1221 Commerce Drive, Auburn 334-745-6926

REACH OUT BY ADDING YOUR CHURCH Add your church to the directory above for only $75 a year, or consider a display ad like the ones at left for only $20 per week.

Email michelle@opelikaobserver.com or call (334) 749-8003.

A14 Feb. 1, 2024

OBITUARIES >>

FOM A13

stepson Brendan and wife Holly Burks and three grandchildren, Anna Cate, Claire and Owen.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Veterinary Clinic at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University.

JOANN E. McCLENDON JoAnn E. McClendon, 90, of Lilburn, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024. Her final days were spent surrounded by family at Arbor Springs Health and Rehab in Opelika. She was born in Decatur, Georgia, on Oct. 4, 1933, to Joe and Hilda Esco. She was a graduate of Decatur Girls High School in 1950. She was a bookkeeper at Taurus Volkswagen and Roswell Auto Parts for many years. Once she became a grandmother, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. She was a member of Hebron Baptist Church. JoAnn loved sports and University of Georgia football. She was an animal lover and adored her dogs.

JoAnn will be missed by her surviving family. She is survived by her daughter and son in law, Debbie and Bill Perkins of Opelika; brother and sisterin-law, Charlie and Laverne Esco of Winder, Georgia; two grandchildren, Billy Perkins (Kate) of Gallatin, Tennessee, and Katie Wood (Brian) of Opelika; five great-grandchildren, Sadie & Easton Wood, Lily Anne, Mattie Lou and Ford Perkins; brother- and sister-in-law, Michael and Wanda McClendon; sisters-in-law, Louise Arthur and Jennette Fowler; cousin, Betty Patton and several nieces and nephews.

JoAnn is now reunited with her son, Thomas Michael (Mike) Fowler; husband of seven years, Thomas Fowler (father of children); husband of 25 years, Kenneth McClendon; and her parents Joseph and Hilda Esco.

A celebration of her life will be held at Decatur, Ga., Cemetery on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, at 11 a.m.

This will be a combined graveside service to honor JoAnn and her son Mike Fowler.

JoAnn will be deeply missed by all who loved her. The family would like to thank the staff at Arbor Springs Health & Rehab and Southeast Hospice for the love and care they provided for JoAnn in her final days.

DOUGLAS T. MITCHELL Douglas Theodore Mitchell Sr., 82, of Opelika passed away on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024.

Doug was born on June 15, 1941, in Opelika to Ralph and Dot Mitchell. After graduating from Opelika High School, he attended Auburn University, Opelika Trade School and continuing education courses in specialized areas of his various work fields.

Doug was predeceased by his parents and his wife of 56 years, Ann Garrett Mitchell. He is survived by his children, Beverly Mitchell Marlett and Doug (Genna) Mitchell Jr.; his grandchildren, Stephanie Marlett, Joey (Abbie) Marlett, Andrea M. (Bryan) Parrott and Justin (Hayden) Mitchell; two sisters, Joanne M. Scarbrough and Susan M. Henderson; brothersin-law Ronnie (Corinne) Garrett and Dean (Sharee) Garrett; and sisters-in-law Sandra G. (Lonnie) Cole, Brenda G. Weldon, Linda G. (Chris) Davis and Cynthia G. Orrick.

A funeral service was held at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home in Opelika on Jan. 31, with burial in Garden Hills Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the Barrel of Love Ministry at First Methodist Church, 702 Avenue A, Opelika,

AL 36801.

GARY JOE PERKINS Gary Joe Perkins passed away on Jan. 26, 2024. He was a loving and faithful husband, a dedicated father and a wonderful G to his grandkids. He enjoyed running marathons, managing his business and attending sporting events of all kinds including many games involving the Jackson Aggies and Auburn Tigers.

Gary attended Mississippi State University on a track scholarship before graduating with an accounting and transportation degree in 1966. After being a supervisor at Ciba-Geigy in McIntosh, Alabama, he began a long successful career as a State Farm Insurance agent in Jackson and Chatom. He retired in 2002 and moved to Auburn, where he took up golf and ate breakfast at Chappy’s.

He was proceeded in death by his parents (Robert and Edna Earle) and two brothers (Bobby and Ricky).

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary Vann, his two sons Phil Perkins and Russell (Deanna) Perkins. Gary also has five grandchildren: Collin (Savannah), Maria, Grace, Maggie and Natalie; and one great grandchild, Lucie.

There will be a Celebration of Life event for Gary at a later date.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home of Opelika is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers please make any donations to your local humane society in honor of Gary’s two deceased labs (Quentin and Laci) and his surviving lapdog Lulu.

EARL VAN "BUCK" BUXTON Earl Van “Buck” Buxton III passed away on Jan. 20, 2024, with his wife and family present.

Buck was born in Opelika on July 26, 1957, to Elizabeth and Earl Van Buxton Jr. He graduated from Opelika High School in 1975. He worked over 20 years at Diversified Products, an extended time at Quality Screw & Nut and he was currently working at HL Logistics.

Buck was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Michele (Taylor); daughter, Lauren; sisters, Loretta Buxton Adkins and Wynette Buxton; nieces and nephews, Seth Ward, Candice Walton, Scott Adkins and Steven Adkins; and several great nephews and nieces.

Buck loved family vacations at the beach, Auburn football and basketball, old westerns, and World War II movies, but most of all, spending time with his wife and daughter.

Buck was a member of the 10th Street Church of Christ. Even though his involvement with the church came later in his life, in the last five years, he came to know the love of a family he didn’t know he had.

JEFFERY KEITH BLACKSTONE Jeffery Keith Blackstone, 64, of Valley passed away peacefully on Jan. 22, 2024. Jeff was a loving, caring and thoughtful person, always known for his quick, jovial humor and his willingness to help others in any way that he could.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and a recent greatgrandfather.

Jeff attended the Northeast Alabama Law Enforcement Police Academy in Jacksonville, Alabama in 1995 before starting his career at the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office, from which he retired as Chief Investigator. Most recently, he was employed with J.C. Colley as a truck driver.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Eleanor Rae Cook, and his grandparents, Clarence Jefferson Whitley and Hattie Brown Whitley.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Cassie Blackstone; his

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 334705-2024, or Melody Wilson, case manager for the blind, at 256-368-3258.

children Benjamin Blackstone, Matthew (Karley) Blackstone, Joseph Blackstone, Teila (Chase) Williams, Gabrielle (Russell) Shaver, Jacob Kyle Blackstone; his grandchildren Tyler, Brelyn, Eden, Caitlin, Justin, Mason, Joseph, Meah, Aubrey, Chelsey, Dayton, Brody, Camilyn (CJ); his great grandchild Kaleb; Mother in law Sandra Chewning; Sister in law Barbie (Alan) Belcher; and numerous nieces and nephews that he loved dearly.

A funeral service was held at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home Chapel in Opelika on Jan. 28, followed by a graveside service.

LINDA SCHRENKEL Linda Frances McEwen Schrenkel passed away on Jan. 24, 2024, at the age of 79. She was born to Robert C. and Beatrice Scott McEwen in Akron, Ohio, where she was raised. After moving to Alabama, Linda became a long-time resident of Auburn, where she delighted in spending time with her family, especially with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed gardening, Auburn football and traveling with her friends. Linda was active in her church and in the Central Alabama Emmaus community.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her children, Angel (Leslie) Dorman and Jim (Carmen) Schrenkel; her grandchildren Ryan Dorman, Katie (Kullen) Williams, Alex (Zach) Vaughn and Adam Summers; her great-grandchildren, Jonah and Ryder Williams and Henry Vaughn; her sisters, Pat (Tim) Carr and Sue McDonald; brother Tom (Pat) McEwen; and nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff at Auburn Assisted Living for Linda’s care over the past several years, and Arbor Springs and Southeast Hospice for their care of Linda during her last weeks.

A celebration of life was held Jan. 29 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home in Opelika, with Rev. John Fox officiating, followed by a private family burial.

FRANCES "MOOMSIE" STEVENSON Frances "Momsie" Stevenson, 90, passed away on Jan. 23, 2024, in Opelika. She was born on June 18, 1933, in Sturkie, Chambers County, Alabama.

Frances was known for her duty, integrity, and loyalty. As the eldest of her siblings during the Depression era, she played a crucial role in raising her younger brothers and sisters. Sheretired as the secretary to the president at Auburn University after having served under two other presidents, the board of trustees and the faculty athletic committee. She taught Sunday school to international students and served as a deacon for First Baptist Church of Auburn.

Frances was preceded in death by her husband, James "Bob" Stevenson, parents, Clatie and Foster Strozier, daughter, Ruth Marie Stevenson and sister, Mae Woods.

She is survived by her children, Amy Hall (Reg) and Mark Stevenson; grandchildren, Mary Virginia Churchill (Daniel), Taylor Reid Stevenson, Shelby Tucker Stevenson (Devyn); and greatgrandchildren, Atticus Stroud and Mylo Stevenson; siblings, Henry

Thomas "Buck" Strozier (Peggy) of Opelika, John Wheeler Strozier of Opelika, Myrtis Lee Strozier Bish (Ken) of Macon, Georgia, and Robert Foster "Bobby" Strozier of Opelika.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Arbor Springs Health and Rehab for their attentiveness and loving care.

A funeral service was held Jan. 29 at First Baptist Church of Auburn, with Rev. Dr. Tripp Martin officiating and FrederickDean Funeral Home directing. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Auburn First Baptist Church in memory of Frances Stevenson.

BEA OWEN GRANTHAM Beatrice (Bea) Owen Grantham, 100, of Opelika passed away on Jan. 21, 2024. Born on July 30, 1923, in Talladega, Bea was a beloved mother and grandmother.

She graduated from Russell High School and Baxter Gospel School in Dallas, Texas. She was a top vocalist who travelled and sang with several gospel quartets for many years. She was also a member of Union Grove Baptist Church.

Bea was preceded in death by her husband, Joe L Grantham; parents, Mr. and Mrs. E.P. Owen; brother, JR. Owen; and sister, Ethel Browning.

She is survived by her two sons, Ronald Holman (Skillet) and Preston Terry Holman, and three grandchildren, Allen Holman, Melinda Gray and Sandy Waldo.

A funeral service was held Jan. 24 at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Billy Duncan officiating.

BILL McLEROY JR. William “Bill” M. McLeroy Jr., 83, of Opelika was born in Lincoln County, Georgia, on November 29, 1940 and passed away at Arbor Lakes on Jan. 21, 2024. He was the epitome of what every husband and father should aspire to be.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Opelika and proudly served his country with honor in the U.S. Army (Vietnam era). During his three decades of work at Ampex, he exemplified hard work, dedication and loyalty.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Amber McLeroy; parents, William and Elsie McLeroy; sisters, Dathia Summerlin and Lyn Mizerany; brother, Morgan McLeroy; and nieces, Julie and Penny. He now joins them in eternal peace, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.

He is survived by his children, Lee McLeroy (Vickie), April DossMcLeroy (Candi); grandchildren, Justin McLeroy (Courtney Harris) and Chris McLeroy; greatgrandchildren, Hudson, Sawyer and Sutton McLeroy; sister, Diann Collins (Richard); nieces and nephews, Dathia, Morgan, Brandon, Will and Colleen; and many great nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

A memorial service was held Jan. 29 in the Chapel at FrederickDean Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Brantwood Children's Home in Montgomery or Toys for Tots/FOP Lodge 21 in Opelika.

STUART WARREN WHATLEY

Stuart Warren Whatley Sr. of Opelika passed away Jan. 18, 2024.

He was born on Aug. 12, 1935.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Mary Celia Whatley; his parents, Thomas Jefferson Whatley II and Marjorie Whatley Funchess; and his brothers, Thomas Jefferson Whatley III and Richard Whatley.

He is survived by four children, Warren (Cathy) Whatley, Rebecca (Ricky) Holder, Craig (Elizabeth) Whatley and Teresa (Shane) Owens; eight grandchildren, Myles (Alex) McDevitt, Mary Stuart McDevitt, Mary Katherine (Levi) Wilkins, Olivia (Rhett) Rivera, Hunter Whatley, Noah Whatley, Chase Owens and Mason Owens; and one great grandson, Hank Wilkins.

Stuart was raised in the Beauregard community. He graduated from Alabama Polytechnic Institute, now Auburn University, with a degree in agricultural science. While enrolled at API, Stuart belonged to Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and was a member of the wrestling team. He served in the Navy National Guard from 1953-1956 during the Korean and Vietnam wars. After a short time as a fertilizer salesman, Stuart returned to Beauregard to run the family’s 755-acre farm.

Stuart and his family were Lee County’s and Alabama’s Outstanding Young Farm Family and a finalist in the national competition in 1970. Stuart was active in many professional organizations, including serving on the board of directors of the American Dairy Association and Alabama State Dairy Committee.

He was active in Jaycees and was chairman of annual giving for the Boy Scouts of America in the Beauregard Community. He was a founding member of the Auburn University Tip Off Club and an active member of Trinity Methodist Church in Opelika. After retiring from the diary business, Stuart opened a wholesale greenhouse business in Beauregard supplying the community with beautiful flowers and plants.

A memorial service was held Jan. 25 at Trinity Methodist Church, with Rev. Earl Ballard officiating and Frederick-Dean Funeral Home assisting with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Trinity Methodist Church in Opelika.

LONNIE JOE McKEE Lonnie Joe McKee, 71, of Opelika passed away peacefully on Jan. 17, 2024, at EAMC after a long illness. He worked at Lee OB/ GYN for 30 years as a janitor, in maintenance and in supplies. He also worked at Premium Beverage.

He loved to watch pro wrestling and Moonshiners on TV. He was preceded in death by his father, Rev. Charlie Barney McKee, mother, Helen Weaise Berry McKee and brother, Jerry Jerome Berry Sr. He is survived by his wife of 49 years Marie McKee, daughter Bobbie McKee and son Michael McKee, all of Opelika, many nieces, nephews and cousins from Dadeville and Dothan, special cousin Rickey Moore of Dothan, special friend Dr. Kenny Harris of Auburn and three special cats.

No services are scheduled, according to Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home of Opelika.

COFFEE & CONVERSATION WITH VFW POST 5404 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.

AUBURN/OPELIKA MOPS ANNOUNCE 2024 MEETINGS Auburn/Opelika MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and MOMSNext meet at Pepperell Baptist Church located at 2702 2nd Ave. in Opelika.

Meetings are scheduled for: Feb. 1, 15; March 7, 21; April 4, 18; May 2 Contact Rachel Elrod at 706-244-5620 or Pastor Zac Gardner or Pastor Josh Elliott at 334-745-3108 for further information.

NAMI MEETING

NAMI East Alabama, the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) meets every month. The next meeting will be Feb. 20, 2024 at 6 p.m.

NAMI supports families dealing with mental illness through mutual support, education and advocacy. There will be a time for sharing. The public is invited. Meetings are held at 714 E. Glenn Ave. in Auburn.

Opelika Lions Club meets noon on Mondays at Western Sizzlin' in Opelika.

Email gm.markley@ charter.net.

A15 Feb. 1, 2024

A16 Feb. 1, 2024

Schools & Sports

INSIDE SCHOOL & SPORTS • LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS | BOARD MEETING FEB. 6 AT 6 P.M. • AUBURN CITY SCHOOLS | BOARD MEETING FEB. 6 AT 6 P.M. • OPELIKA CITY SCHOOLS | BOARD MEETING FEB. 27 AT 4:30 P.M.

Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024

Opelika's Mann named Alabama Middle School Principal of the Year

On the Mark

PHOT0 CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

Basketball teams headed to AHS for area tournament

BY D. MARK MITCHELL

OPELIKA WRESTLING The OHS Wrestling team participated in the Hornet Slam 9 over the weekend. The following are top results for the Bulldogs.

120lbs-Champ. Round 2 - Sam Mock (Smiths Station HS) over John Ambrocio (Opelika HS) 144 lb-Champ. Round 2 - Denarvious Anderson (Opelika HS) over Tristan Cliatt (Smiths Station) 150 lb -1st Place Match - Trace Gaither (Opelika HS) over Cotton Crowell (Gulf Shores) 157 lb- Champ. Round 1 - Brady Campbell (Opelika HS) over Nick Mackey

See ON THE MARK, page B2

Pictured, from left, are Opelika City Schools Superintendent Dr. Farrell Seymore, Don Jarrett and Luke Wise of Horace Mann Educators Corporation, OMS Principal Keith York, Vic Wilson, executive director of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS), Katrina Akers and Larry Haynes of AAMSP and Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller.

BY ALYSSA GODFREY, CLAS OPELIKA — Keith York, principal of Opelika Middle School, has been named the 2024 Alabama Middle School Principal of the Year by the Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP).

According to a press re-

lease, York's educational philosophy is centered around being a positive role model and supporting his staff and students. He believes in leading not from the top down, but as a supporter and facilitator, embodying the values of respect and empowerment. His approach to education has been shaped

by his own experiences and the influence of mentors.

Through his leadership, Opelika Middle School has become a place where all stakeholders feel valued and inspired to achieve their best, fostering an environment often referred to as the "OMS Family."

Under York's leadership,

Opelika Middle School has introduced several programs focusing on the holistic development of students.

Notable among these is the Career Discovery initiative, where students interact with community partners across various career fields. This

See YORK, page B4

'Small & mighty' Trinity basketball finds itself in midst of improbable run

BY NOAH GRIFFITH FOR THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA –– The Trinity boys basketball team won’t strike fear into opponents at first glance. Nobody on the team will tower over opponents or dust them in a race. Many of their players excel in balancing academics with theatre or band off the court – not training to play college athletics.

But in head coach

PHOT0 CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

OPINION — Auburn High basketball teams swept the Bulldogs at the Mainstreet gym inside OHS. The Tigers girls beat Opelika 71-24 and the Auburn boys won 60-43 in front of a jammed packed crowd.

The OHS girls and boys basketball teams finished 1-5 in the Area and will travel to Auburn High to play in the Area tournament.

The AHS girls and boys basketball teams finished tied with Central High’s girls and boys for first place in the Area with 5-1 records. The two teams split during the regular season and had to flip a coin to see who hosted the Area tourney and who was the number two seed.

The OHS girls will play Auburn on Friday, Feb. 1, at 6:30 p.m. inside the AHS gym. Smiths Station and Central will play at 5 p.m. in the first game.

The two winners advance to the Area finals and the Sub-regional round of the AHSAA basketball playoffs.

Opelika's boys won their coin toss over Smiths Station for the number three seed and will play Central on Saturday,

Feb. 2, at 5 p.m. in the first game of the Area tournament. Auburn will host Smiths Station at 6:30 p.m. in the second game.

Like the girls tournament, the two winning teams play for the area title and advance to the SubRegionals. The two Area Champs host the SubRegional round at home while the second place team travels.

The finals for the girls Area Tournament will be Monday at 6 p.m. and for the boys will be Tuesday at 6 p.m.

Trinity Christian School's basketball team is an. unexpected contender for a regional championship.

Noah Gardner’s first year coaching basketball, Trinity Christian School’s boys basketball team has stood its ground on an unprecedented path to a regional championship. Trinity, albeit one of the smallest schools in Lee County, has caught the attention of the community and accumulated an unwavering fan base as it continues to defy the odds.

See TRINITY, page B2

Excellence. Innovation. Compassion.

East Alabama's "Go-To" Center For Orthopaedic Care Auburn 1800 Lakeside Circle, Auburn Opelika 18 Medical Arts Center 121 North 20th Street, Opelika

www.theorthoclinic.com

334-749-8303 1-800-327-6519

B2 Feb. 1, 2024

AHS hosts area tournament to begin Daniels' final playoff run AUBURN –– Auburn High girls basketball standout Syriah Daniels is set to end her illustrious career with the Tigers, but teammates have their eyes on one final playoff run to send her off appropriately.

The senior is committed to play for Auburn University next season, but she is the main piece of this Auburn squad that finished the season at 20-4 and tied with Central for first in the region. She leads the team with 23 points per game this season, and she reached 2,000 career points at Auburn High on Jan. 23 against Smith Station.

The Auburn High girls basketball team has never won a state championship, but with Daniels leading the way, head coach Courtney Pritchett thinks this team could be the one to change that. They will host the region tournament as the No. 1 seed beginning this Friday.

“I think we have all the pieces that are needed to make the state tournament,” Pritchett said.

“We’re a better team than we were last year; we’re getting more production from different places. We came into the season knowing we would get strong

ON THE MARK >>

FROM B1

(Russell County) 157 lb -Champ.

Round 1 - Josh Lugo (Beauregard HS) over Jordan Peters (Opelika HS) 165 lb -1st Place Match - Tommie Johnson (Opelika HS) over Sawyer Andrews (Auburn) 175 lb-1st Place Match - Recavien Howell (Opelika HS) over Calvin Williams (Callaway) 190 lb- 1st Place Match - Bronson Dubose (Beulah) over Brandon Denson (Opelika HS) 215 lb 1st Place Match - Devin Bragg (Reeltown) over Thomas Fenn (Opelika HS) 285 lb Champ. Round 1 - E`Mauri Smiley (Opelika HS) over Russell Jones (Beulah)

appreciate the financial support. Moore’s goal to see all the corporate sponsors and boosters prior to game one in August.

Moore filmed a coaches show with Van Riggs two weeks ago, which is posted on the schools facebook page and social media outlets. During the Fall on Thursdays at noon, Coach Moore is planning to host a one hour lunch at First Baptist Church of Opelika so members of the community can come hear him talk about the team, upcoming games and other topics concerning football. The cost will be $20 per person, which includes lunch.

Stay tuned for more details.

Obviously, you can tell Coach Moore is starting on a positive note by opening up his program to the fans, supporters and boosters.

As time goes by and his entire family moves to Opelika, expect to see the Moores at many events in our community.

Although the team is confident in its leadership and recognizes its talent, the team is familiar with a disappointing ending. Despite winning the 7A Area 4 title the previous two seasons, it did not make it past the Round of 32 either year. The Tigers lost in the Regional Semifinals to Daphne last year.

This season, Auburn got a wake-up call when it opened area play with a loss at home to Central, but it responded by winning the last six games of the season – including a win at Central two weeks later. Auburn won five straight area games before ending the season with a lopsided victory over Loachapoka on Tuesday.

Pritchett knows his team has state championship potential, but he wants them to remember the disappointment of those early exits. The leaders and veterans on the team, whether they play key minutes or not, have the task of reminding the team the dangers of forgetting the implications of each playoff game – regardless of the opponent.

“We’re confident, but never too confident,” Pritchett said.

“We’re all kind of cautious about making sure we’re performing our best every time out and understanding that the later you get

TRINITY >> from B1 The heart of the team has become apparent by all who have witnessed them turn a 1-6 start into a region title in their first year in the AISA. The Observer received an e-mail about the team from Penny Eargle, who referred to herself as “just an excited fan.”

“This team has truly bonded and created such an excitement within their school community,” Eargle said. “They are small and mighty but have hearts of true champions.”

After a five-game losing streak early in the season, Gardner and his boys sat at 1-6, but their final loss in that span sparked some momentum among the team.

Bessemer Academy – who sits at 18-1 and in first place in AISA 3A – defeated Trinity by 27 the first time they met. When they met for a rematch four games later, the final score was 58-51.

Trinity went 7-3 the rest of the way to earn

AHS's Syriah Daniels has committed to play for Auburn University next season. Daley Alsobrrok (No. 15) is pictured in the back.

in the season, the more weight a single loss carries because it can end your season. The girls understand that and are responding by playing with intensity.”

Since Monday’s coin toss went in Auburn’s favor in the tie breaker with Central, the

an 8-9 record overall, while going 5-1 in its first year in Region 1 of AISA 1A. Capping off a four-game win streak to end the regular season, Trinity defeated Evangel Christian in two consecutive matchups in a three-day span to lock up first place in the region.

“I think that’s the big thing that washed over me on the bus ride home (from Montgomery after clinching the region) – just how thankful I am for the kids I get to coach,” Gardner said.

“They’re good, good kids. They love God, they want to serve each other and serve their school. They play with class, effort and intensity, and they never have a bad attitude.”

The passion the team displays is centered around three brothers.

The first three names called onto the court each game each end with Riddle. Senior Brandon Riddle leads the way for his twin brothers: sophomores Nate and Josh Riddle.

While Gardner empha-

Tigers will host the area tournament. They will face No. 4 seed Opelika on Friday at 6:30 p.m. to begin their quest to their first state championship in program history, looking to put the exclamation point on Daniels’ legacy at Auburn High.

sized the togetherness of the team over each individual, he spoke about how special it is to see the brothers take the court together and push one another’s competitive drive. The boys, who have grown up as one another’s competition, now get to make plays in unison on the court, and Brandon takes the initiative to make his younger brothers better.

The competitive nature of the Riddles boosts the intensity from the entire team in practice. The result is what fans have started calling “Riddle Mania.”

“Riddle mania is happening at Trinity Christian School in Opelika, AL,” Eargle said. “Three brothers are the heart and soul of this team… They may not be the Kelce brothers or even the Watt brothers but brothers they are on and off the court.”

Looking to carry that heart and cohesive play into the playoffs, Trinity is taking things one game at a time – starting with the Elite 8 on Saturday night in

Opelika’s Covington Recreation Center. It will face the winner of Tuesday’s game between Snook and Meadowview Christian schools.

When all is said and done, this team is focused on pushing its limits in a year they entered without any outside expectations.

Whether Trinity wins a championship or loses its first playoff game, Gardner knows his team gave their best effort.

Some might say Trinity’s season was an uphill battle, but the team just thinks they’re aboard the best roller coaster ever.

As long as the joy ride keeps chugging, Trinity will scare opponents with its relentless energy on the floor.

“We lost our first game of the season in heartbreaking fashion to our rival (Oaks),” Gardner said. “We led the whole way. They hit a three with two seconds left to put us away. I remember going home that night, and my wife asked, ‘How was it?’ I told her: ‘It was so much fun.’”

PHOT0 CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

OHS FOOTBALL UPDATE Football coach Bryan Moore is working around the clock since arriving in Opelika.

Coach Moore has a long list of things that he wants to achieve prior to playing the first football game in the fall.

Coach Moore made his first hire, former OHS player and now coach John David Adkins as offensive coordinator. Moore continues to evaluate assistant coaches as he forms his staff, and his is expected to add some new faces on staff over time.

Coach Moore announced the Dogs will play ClayChalkville in a spring game in May instead of playing a scrimmage game. Moore has been visiting boosters and business owners in our community so they understand Opelika High athletics

offensive production from a few people, but we found out that we have five or six players who can score double figures in any given game.”

The offense revolves around Daniels, but she has the luxury of having junior sharpshooters Brooke Hallman and Daley Alsobrook to combat her threat to drive to the basket. Hallman is second on the team with 16.5 points a game, and Alsobrook follows with 9.5 points a game and leads the team shooting 49% on 3-pointers.

The trio of guards compliment each other on defense as well.

Daniels leads the way with four steals per contest, followed by Hallman with three and Alsobrook with 2.7.

The team has plenty of producers, but it also has the leadership of three seniors. Along with Daniels, Auburn looks to Alethia Coppenger and Jonah Woods to stay focused in tough circumstances.

“They’re a major part of the foundation and growth of who we are as a team,” Pritchett said.

“That means a ton because for years to come, the success that we’ve had is a tribute to the kids who have been in the program the longest. The foundation that they set layers.”

PHOTO BY MG PHOTOGRAPHY

BY NOAH GRIFFITH FOR THE OBSERVER

FOOTBALL NEWS Dadeville High football coach Roger McDonald announced he would step down as head coach. McDonald has enough years in the RSA to retire from public schools and take a job at a private school. I believe Coach McDonald has a plan to continue coaching in this area.

D. Mark Mitchell is the sports director at iHeartMedia, host of “On the Mark” Fox Sports the Game 9101319, co-chair of the Auburn-Opelika Sports Council, chairman of the Super 7 and Dixie Boys Baseball state director.

Head coach Noah Gardner said the season was an uphill battle, but he is proud of the team's performance this season.

B3 Feb. 1, 2024

High School Hoops: Lee-Scott vs Glenwood

PHOTOS BY MATT AUSTIN | FOR THE OBSERVER

On Thursday, Jan 25, the Lee-Scott Academy varsity boys basketball team won against Glenwood by a score of 53-41. In girls action, Glenwood defeated Lee-Scott by a score of 55-36.

B4 Feb. 1, 2024

Auburn High boys and girls teams handle Opelika High PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

Auburn High School's boys and girls basketball teams traveled to Opelika on Jan. 26. In boys action, the Tigers beat the Bulldogs 60-43. In girls action, Auburn defeated Opelika by a score of 71-24.

YORK >> FROM B1 initiative, coupled with the implementation of the You Science Career Development program, allows students to explore career paths aligned with their interests and aptitudes. The school's focus on career awareness and 21st-century skills is exemplified by opportunities for students to earn career certifications, ensuring they are prepared for the demands of the modern economy.

York holds a specialist de-

gree in educational leadership from Troy University, a master’s in educational leadership from Troy University and a bachelor's degree in physical education from Auburn University. With over 31 years of experience in education, his career has been marked by various leadership roles, including assistant principal and physical education teacher.

"Mr. Keith York's recognition as Alabama's Middle School Principal of the Year is a testament to his exceptional leadership and commitment to education.

His active involvement in the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS) Board of Directors and the Alabama Association of Middle School Principals (AAMSP) reflects his dedication to not only Opelika Middle School but also to the broader educational community in Alabama.

His contributions to these organizations are invaluable, making him a beacon of inspiration for educational leaders statewide," the press release states.

York will represent the state in the Principal of the Year program hosted by

the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). His leadership and dedication to education serve as an inspiration not only to his students and staff at Opelika Middle School but also to educational leaders across the nation. Mr. York will be recognized at the Awards Luncheon during the CLAS Convention in June.

He will also be recognized at the AASSP/AAMSP Fall Conference in November 2024.

ABOUT AASSP AND CLAS: The Alabama Associa-

tion of Secondary School Principals is an affiliate association of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS). CLAS is an umbrella association that serves 13 different affiliates comprised of Alabama’s public school administrators. CLAS is dedicated to providing the framework to connect dedicated school administrators and other successful leaders with a network for professional growth and support.

For more information, visit www.clasleaders.org.

ABOUT HORACE MANN:

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B5 Feb. 1, 2024

Beauregard High School girls defeat Tallassee 36-31 PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

Beauregard's girls varsity basketball team had a strong showing against Tallassee, coming out on top 36-31.

Alabama wrestlers grapple at Beauregard's Hornet Slam 9 PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

Beauregard High School hosted the Hornet Slam 9 wrestling tournament on Jan. 26. Wrestlers from 17 schools competed in the event.

B6 Feb. 1, 2024

Auburn men fall in back-to-back SEC games AUBURN –– The well ran dry on the road for No. 16 Auburn University men’s basketball (16-4), as it ended its 11-game win streak with the first pair of consecutive losses this season in its past two games.

After falling short of a comeback against Alabama in a thriller in Tuscaloosa, the Tigers continued their offensive slump in a hardfought loss at Mississippi State on Saturday. Auburn fell eight spots in the AP Poll and are now tied for third in the SEC after the losses.

“There's something to be said for beating the people you're supposed to beat, and we've done that. Not many people are going to come in here and beat (the teams we played),” said head coach Bruce Pearl.

“We'd like to think that we had a shot at it, but we didn't get enough step up.

You have to step up and be able to make plays.”

Following are some highlights from Auburn’s two most recent matchups.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 24: AUBURN 75, ALABAMA 79

Just when Auburn looked unbeatable, Alabama handed Auburn its first loss since Dec. 3 inside a rowdy Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa.

The Tide shot the lights out in the first half with eight 3-pointers to take a 14-point lead to halftime – the first time Auburn had trailed at the break all season. Auburn turned the game in its favor in the second half, but it got too reliant on Johni Broome, its

senior leader.

When Broome fouled out with 8.6 seconds left in the game, he had his eighth double-double of the season behind 25 points and 14 rebounds. His foul sent Alabama’s Mark Sears, the SEC’s leading scorer, to the free-throw line, where he splashed both shots to make it a four-point game.

Alabama then sealed the win with a stop on the other end.

Auburn fought back to outscore Alabama in the second half, 45-35, but it failed to limit the opportunities for Alabama’s high-flying offense. Offensively, Broome seemed to be Auburn’s only answer, and Auburn was left asking what could’ve been after missing a few free-throws in the final moments of the game.

Sears led Alabama with 22 points, but he was just one of four Alabama players to score in double figures, including a 14-point, 11-rebound double-double from Grant Nelson.

Broome was the highest scorer and rebounder in the game, but Auburn’s next-highest scorer, Chad Baker-Mazara, was Broome’s only teammate to reach double-digits in scoring with 11 points.

With a deep bench and no one averaging more than 24 minutes per game, the Tigers are not often reliant on a single player for production. However, the last two times Auburn has lost, Broome has tallied a 20-point game with no other starters with 10 or more points. In 25 minutes of play, Broome was also busy defensively, with five blocks before reaching five

fouls.

Broome even opened the game by making a 3-pointer, but Auburn missed on its next nine threes and went 5-for-25 from beyond the arch in comparison to Alabama’s 11-for-30.

Although Auburn limited Alabama to three 3-point makes in the second half, the Tide created just enough behind 16 offensive rebounds and 16-of-19 makes from the free-throw line, while Auburn left two crucial points at the line in crunch time – one of which would’ve tied the game with 13 seconds remaining.

Despite a comeback bid from the Tigers, Alabama hit its final six free throws, along with an emphatic put-back dunk by Nelson, to sink the Tigers and set up a rematch between the two in Auburn on Feb. 7.

SATURDAY, JAN. 27: AUBURN 58, MISSISSIPPI ST 64

Auburn had its worst offensive performance of the season in its first backto-back loss of the season to Mississippi State (14-6) in Starkville.

The Bulldogs outrebounded the Tigers, 45-30, and Auburn shot its worst percentage of the season – 33.9% on field goals – by nearly 5%. Auburn changed up the starting five, where K.D. Johnson and Tre Donaldson replaced Aden Holloway and Denver Jones. No lineup change could overcome the tight Bulldog defense, though, as the result was a new season-low 58 points.

Neither team shot particularly well, and the game was tied at just 21 at halftime. The teams shot a combined 11-for-45 on

PHOTOS BY ZACH BLAND | AUBURN TIGERS

BY NOAH GRIFFITH FOR THE OBSERVER

Pictured above is Johni Broome (4), who led the Tigers in scoring against Alabama. Pictured below is Cheney Johnson (31) in action against Mississippi State.

3-pointers, and Mississippi State only made 9-of-18 free throws. Ultimately, the Bulldogs’ 14 offensive rebounds and 43.9% on field goals gave them the advantage.

In the defensive battle, Mississippi State’s Cameron Matthews had an impact all around the floor with a 14-point, 11-rebound double-double along with two assists, two blocks and a steal. Matthews was one of three double-figure scorers on the team, while Auburn had just two.

For the second game in a row, Johni Broome led Auburn in scoring despite finishing under his average with 14 points. Jaylin Williams joined him with 10 points but continued his cold shooting. The senior finished the week 6-for-20 from the floor and 0-of-7 on 3-pointers.

A diamond in the rough in a matchup of tough defenses and struggling offenses, Mississippi

State’s Josh Hubbard led his team in scoring for the second straight game with 17 points, highlighted by 3-for-9 from beyond the arch.

A late, 3-point dagger from Hubbard helped clinch a huge win for a Bulldog team that entered the game in the “Last Four In.” Mississippi State

denied Auburn of its first quadrant one win, instead handing it its third loss to an unranked opponent.

Looking to return to its winning ways, Auburn will take a sigh of relief as it returns to Neville Arena for a rematch with Vanderbilt (5-14) at 8 p.m. CST on Wednesday.

Grove Community Outreach hosts student coding workshop OPELIKA — A new generation of young professionals is being built up thanks to the efforts of the Grove Community Outreach.

The Grove Community Outreach, a non-profit organization, based in Elba, Alabama, aims to serve the needs of their community including crisis, financial, personal, and medical needs. The Community Outreach also strives to be a means to benefit students. In this instance, the outreach program has partnered with the Opelika Learning Center to host a coding class for students.

The goal of the class was to expose the students to the concept of coding and potentially uncover a passion.

The session of classes was led by Lamar Goosby and Tamala Mashburn, co-founders of People2work LLC, a digital platform designed to connect users in need of a service with others who can complete the job. Goosby’s sons Aaron and Greggory also served as teachers for the coding workshop. The classes were held on Jan. 20 and 27, focusing on giving students an introduction to coding.

The class on Jan. 27 was

led by Aaron and was centered around teaching the students how to apply coding to a video game. Following a brief PowerPoint presentation that outlined the concepts that would be covered in the class, students had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience.

Through experimentation of various codes, students gained insight into the process of game development.

As they progressed, the other teachers provided the young learners with advice and practical implications about the coding process.

The session closed out with a competition.

Students raced against one another to apply what they learned throughout the class to complete a series of challenges, with the winner receiving an Amazon gift card. Though there was a competition for a large prize, all students present received certificates and a reward for their efforts in the class.

The process of making the class a reality was successful thanks to a lot of contributions from various professionals.

Lamar noted that while he and the other teachers led the classroom, he credited Dr. Paige Jones, Director of Grove Community Outreach, for making the learning experience

possible. Lamar said, “She pulled me in to be able to do this…So I pulled people in that I knew would fulfill her vision…We were just on the same mindset.”

Paige said that helping educate the community and preparing children for a digital work-force was one of the main goals of the coding workshops. Paige expressed the importance of bringing in professionals such as Lamar, Tamala, Aaron, and Greggory stating, “Who is better able to teach these kids?” In terms of practical expectations of the workshop's impact on students, Paige said “We’re bringing industry into the schools, so that they (students) not only do they have an academic exposure, but they also know some of the industry-specific needs right now, so that they can be better prepared to pursue pathways that will get them into the workforce”.

Chase, a student, personally attested to the impact of the workshops stating, “I never knew much about coding and being introduced to that and to view it as an option for the future, especially with how well that pays and how much of a passion I have for computer related stuff, it’s really mind opening how much of any opportunity I have in that career field.”

PHOTO BY NICHOLAS YOUNG | FOR THE OBSERVER

BY NICHOLAS YOUNG FOR THE OBSERVER

Pictured above, left to right, are coding workshop participants Chase, Emily and Kaden.

Paige hopes to expand the workshops to cover a broader area of potential student interest stating, “I like the idea of workshops within the school to bring in industry partners and work together with the school system to present career options to students”.

Paige noted that she hopes to add workshops focused on the areas of STEM in the future. The impact of workshops goes beyond preparing students for a specific career, according to Paige students can gain transferrable skills such as communication and presentation. Through broadening workshops, Paige believes students will get an overall skill set adding that “no matter what career they

choose, they’ll be prepared for it.”

The Community Outreach’s efforts to provide the youth with learning resources go beyond hosting workshops for the students.

In the past, the organization has provided students with electronic resources such as iPads and laptops. Grove Community Outreach has also sent two students on a fully funded trip to a University of Georgia STEM camp. Patty Fair, a representative for Community Outreach states that one of the organization’s biggest goals is to provide mentorship for students and expose them to a variety of potential career opportunities.

The Grove Community

Outreach usually hosts events such as this one for Southeast Alabama schools. Representatives of the Outreach specifically mentioned that the efforts of Jeremey Gray, founder of Curtis House, a non-profit organization made this event possible. Gray and Tamarcus Milner Opelika Learning Center’s assistant principal attended high school together. Tamarcus also currently serves as the president of the Curtis House. This connection opened the door for Grove Community Outreach to expand its influence into the Opelika area.

For more information about The Grove Community Outreach visit www. groveoutreach.org.

B7 Feb. 1, 2024

Education briefs STARKVILLE — William Randolph of Opelika, Savannah Herrick of Phenix City, and Jayden Jordan, Katherine Barlow, Elizabeth Rabren, all of Auburn, were named to the Fall 2023 President's List at Mississippi State University. Students on the President's List achieved a 3.80 or better GPA while completing at least 12 semester hours of coursework.

Alanna Nicholson and Ryan Jenkins of Auburn and Abigail Collins and Dozier Smith T of Opelika were named to the Fall 2023 Dean’s List at Mississippi State University.

To receive this honor, a student must have achieved a GPA of at least 3.5 while completing at least 12 semester hours of coursework.

TUSCALOOSA — Some 2,000 degrees were awarded during The University of Alabama's Fall 2023 commencement, including the following graduates.

From Auburn: John Dempsey Bachelor of Science; Molly Stewart, Master of Arts; and Jacob Waters, Bachelor of Science.

From Cusseta: Justin Graves, Bachelor of Arts.

From Opelika: Diamond Bedell of Opelika, Bachelor of Arts; Breanna Burton, Bachelor of Science; Donna Carter, Master of Science; Lakayvian House, Bachelor of Science; and Jamiya McDougald, Bachelor of Science.

From Phenix City: Samiah Love, Bachelor of Science; and Jeanna Pixley, Doctor of Social Work.

From Smiths Station: Terrell Covington, Bachelor of Arts; and Jasmine Jones, Bachelor of Arts.

TUSCALOOSA — Emily Wright of Opelika was recently named to the 2024-2025 University of Alabama Communication and Information Sciences ambassador team.

C&IS Ambassadors promote interest in the fields of communication and media and assist the college with special events and programs. Ambassadors are responsible for meeting with and providing tours for prospective students, parents, transfer students, alumni and other visitors, and they serve at events like the C&IS Hall of Fame, Board of Visitors meetings, The Tailgate at Reese Phifer and student recruitment events.

MURFREESBORO, TN — Middle Tennessee State University recognized outstanding students for their academic achievements on the Fall 2023 Dean’s List. Local students making the list included Connor Elwell of Auburn, who is majoring in audio production, and Tanner O'Grady, also of Auburn, who is majoring in actuarial science.

To qualify for this distinction, an undergraduate student must maintain a current semester grade-point average of 3.5 or above and earn at least 12 semester hours.

TUSCALOOSA — The University of Alabama Early College allows high school sophomore, junior and senior students to get a head start on their college courses by enrolling in college courses. UA Early College students achieving a GPA of 3.6 or higher for the term were recognized on the Fall 2023 Director’s List, including the following local students: Caroline Graham of Auburn, who attends Auburn High School; Harmon Kerns of Opelika, who attends Beulah High School; Dominic Lupo of Opelika, who attends Everest Academy; and JaNiah Hoskins of Smiths Station and Mahalie Davis and Samantha Mains, both of Phenix City, who all attend Smiths Station High School.

TUSCALOOSA — The University of Alabama has released the Fall Semester 2023 Dean’s List, which recognizes students who have achieved an academic record of at least 3.5, and President's List, for students with an academic record of 4.0 (all A's).

Local students named to the Dean’s List are: From Auburn: Ryan Acosta, Taylor Bice, Makayla Brewer, Veronica Cherry, James Crawford, Lauren Evans, Kelsey France, Jackson Graham, Emily Grubbs, Emre Kor, Jarrett Lane, Emily Mills, Tobias Sanders, Samuel Snyder, Allison Tarpley, Elizabeth Tillis, Quashonda Ware and Amarion Warren; From Opelika: Keyara Baker, Terrian Battle, Diamond Bedell, Tanner Bennett, Breanna Burton, Kenneth Capps, Arianna Hickman, Quinnya Jackson, Lauren Landry, Alessandra Ruble, Camille Slaughter, Jocelyn Strickland, Chelsea Stroud, Lajadan Tolbert, Jasmine Trimble, Jordan Warren, Sequoia Williams, Mykel Wilson and Emily Wright.

From Phenix City: Olivia Allen, Gracie Binns, Emmett Meacham, Arabella Mills, Thomas Saunders and Sebastian Thomas; and From Smiths Station: William Smith, Lynda Treadwell, Jackson Oakland, Francisco Soto and Katherine Williams.

Local students named to the President’s List are: From Auburn: Jackson Alexander, Hannah Arnall, Kathryn Arnall, Mary Bridges, Wyatt Busby, Abigail Chandler, Sara Cohan, Emma DeCarlo, BriAsia Kelley, David Kelsey, Jacob Kerr, Minseok Kim, Huntley Marshall, Catherine Pearson, Jahanzeb Rafay, Olivia Seale Esposito, Celia Spiers, Olivia Tole and Kalia Williams; From Opelika: Linsey Boies, Susannah Couey, Carly Culpepper, Ashley Hilyer, Orah Preston, Keely Rider, Michael Van Horn and Jamiya McDougald; From Phenix City: Garielle Allen, Jakobe Bibbs, Carly Romero, Asya Wright and Vinicius de Carvalho; From Salem: Evan Smith and Kylee Thompson; From Smiths Station: Macie Fanning, Dalton Goodson and Trysta Dunbar; and From Waverly: Anna Overton.

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OXFORD, MS — The University of Mississippi announced students named to the Fall 2023 Dean's Honor Roll, which recognizes students who earn a GPA of at least 3.5 and the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which recognizes students who earn a GPA of at least 3.75 on 12 graded hours for the semester.

Local students on the Ole Miss Dean’s Honor Roll include Kaitlynne Easlick of Opelika, who is majoring in biological science, and Ann Singleton of Auburn, who is majoring in finance.

Local students on the Chancellor’s Honor Roll include Payton Huguley of Opelika, majoring in integrated marketing communications; Ella Arnold of Salem, majoring in Freshman Studies; and from Auburn: Kathrynanne Eastman, majoring in international studies; Martha Scott, majoring in integrated marketing communications, Reagan Gamble, majoring in integrated marketing communications; Maddox Mullen, majoring in exercise science; and Katie Thornton, majoring in southern studies.

TUSCALOOSA — The University of Alabama's Million Dollar Band performed in the Rose Bowl parade on New Year's Day. Local students in the Million Dollar Band who participated include Jackson Alexander and Allison Tarpley of Auburn, Elizabeth Lowery and Raven Johnson of Opelika and Lynda Treadwell of Smiths Station.

BIRMINGHAM — Samford University has announced the Dean's List for the Fall 2023 semester. The Dean's List is the highest academic recognition given by the school at the end of each semester. To qualify, a student must have earned a minimum 3.5 grade point average on at least 12 credit hours of coursework. Local students on the list include: From Opelika: Rosemary Parker, Chase Mobbs, Mary Miller and Lindsey Brewer; and From Auburn: Rachel Redmon, Tanner Wages, Bailey Shepherd, Brennan Hemphill, Lainey Hart, Mary Grace Pack, Harper McGowan, Ansley Yantis, Emma Thompson, Mary Leuenberger, Ruth Donald, Edwin Oldham and Jessica Monk.

VALDOSTA, GA — Cassidy Walrath of Phenix City was among nearly 900 students earning degrees at Valdosta State University during Fall 2023 commencement. Walrath earned the Bachelor of Business Administration degree in management.

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B8 Feb. 1, 2024

Classroom Observer How many more weeks of winter?

BY BETH PINYERD CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER OPINION —

T

oday is of historical interest, as it marks the anniversary of the first meeting of the United States Supreme Court on Feb. 1, 1790. The Supreme Court is the highest federal court in the land, consisting of nine justices and taking judicial precedence over all other courts in the nation.

On Feb. 2, 1892, the crown cork bottle cap was patented by William Painter. These are the kinds of tops where bottle openers are used. Aren’t we glad this was invented?

Each year we welcome in Groundhog Day, which is Feb. 2. The

official groundhog lives in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, and his name is Punxsutawney Phil. According to legend, if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow (the day is bright and sunny) there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If he does not see his shadow (the day is overcast), there will be an early spring.

On Feb. 2, Punxsutawney Phil comes out of his burrow at Gobbler’s Knob in front of thousands of followers from all over the world.

One thing children love to do is to be amateur meteorologists. This coming Monday, Feb. 5, is National Weatherman’s Day. Have your children as young as three to look outside and to predict what they think the weather will

be like that day. This can make for an early morning conversation about what kind of clothes they need to wear over the next few weeks according to if the groundhog saw or did not see his shadow.

In walking around early in the morning or driving your children to school, children love to look out the window and study the different shapes of clouds. Cirrus clouds look feathery, stratus clouds are black and gray, cumulus clouds look like cotton candy. Too, discuss the different kinds of precipitation they might see each day such as rain, sleet, snow, and hail.

Too you can point out to your young child that in winter weather we put on coats and sweaters to stay warm, but groundhogs hibernate, or sleep, during the entire winter season.

As we teachers and parents reflect upon the month of February we think of happiness in the heart of a young child.

Children are so happy when they are engaged in helping others. These can be simple acts of kindness in helping friends and family. I love to look at preschoolers help each other tie or put on their shoes when needed or help them pick up crayons or toys.

It is wondrous what a

hug can do. I love after reading to preschoolers each week, that I am met with hugs as a way for these children to say thank you for reading to them. Parenting is truly a rewarding but demanding season in raising children! We as parents have to multi-task daily in running errands, preparing meals, bathing and dressing our children, taking them to preschool and other activities, making sure they rest, as well as getting ourselves to work. Taking time to create “Hug Moments” provide so many benefits for your child. When your child awakens after a nap or long night’s sleep, a hug can provide such love and security. It gives them confidence that they are accepted.

Children are little observers of everything!

Point out daily happenings all around that a child or children can be grateful for. Have children to share what they are grateful for! They can verbalize what they are thankful for as well as draw or make play-doh objects of what they are thankful for. I loved this past week when it was raining outside, we teachers and preschoolers at Community Bible Study Childrens’ Ministry gathered around to look out the window and name

ORANGE,

the cars, buses, grass, trees, buses, and different buildings we saw in downtown Opelika. Being a grateful observer puts them in a happy mood!

Don’t we all love to hear an honest laugh from a child! A child’s laugh is contagious for everyone around. Laughter promotes a positive and happy outlook for a child.

Laughter releases physical tension and stress and helps them relate better with other children.

Reading a wholesome funny book or looking at a funny video are good sources of laughter.

During the winter, when the weather permits, and inside when it is too cold to go outside, taking time to play with your children promotes physical, mental, and emotional happiness in exercise and fun. The time you spend running, walking, skipping, throwing a ball back and forth, blowing bubbles spells LOVE for your child.

Giving children praise for who they are as well as when they have tried hard in helping others provides them happiness and joy! It truly builds good selfesteem. Children hang on to each compliment! I love in the early childhood classroom of letting children that you have caught them being good!

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Don’t we all love to roll out play-doh with children!

It sort of takes us back to our childhood days. Just like play-doh, children are moldable and bendable by the words we say to them.

Children need clear lines of rules and boundaries,¬but yet they need words of encouragement in order to learn, grow, and just believe and know how special they are. It is so heart warming to see a smile or a twinkle in a young child’s eyes when they are praised or encouraged for just who they are and what they do!

We need to praise those crayon master pieces even if glue is dropping heavily off the page, praise your little ones for their efforts.

Parents, Grandparents, and we teachers, words and time spent with your young child are essential building blocks in their adjustment, well-being, and good selfesteem, so they can then also reach out to others.

In February we have so much to look forward to in activities that celebrate the lives of children.

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

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auburnart.com

L ee County & A labama Politics

B9

B9

Feb. 1, 2024

Nov. 24, 2021

Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024

Inside the State House

2024 Legislative session begins next week

BY STEVE FLOWERS OPINION—

T

of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter. Speaker Ledbetter may very well be the most powerful person in the Alabama Legislature.

He has molded the House around him. His entire inner team of Garrett, Reynolds, and Lovvorn are all first year major committee chairmen, who are very loyal to Ledbetter, as are all of the other major committee chairmen and almost all of the Republicans in the House. He has also won the support and trust of the House Democrats. I have not seen this kind of bipartisan cooperation and harmony in the lower chamber in a long time, if ever.

Ledbetter’s down home, quiet, honest and compassionate leadership is paying dividends for the success of the legislature, as well as the state. Ledbetter has a loyalty among the 30 freshmen legislators never before seen. The reason is simple. He, along with his friend, the crafty, savvy, Huntsville political guru, Steve Raby, elected most of them.

He and Raby raised most of their campaign money and crafted their campaigns.

Folks don’t forget that kind of help, but their loyalty is also based on the fact they like and trust Ledbetter. He is sincerely interested in them. He wants the House to work and succeed because he wants the state to succeed. He also See FLOWERS, page B11

BY HANNAH GOLDFINGER HGOLDFINGER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

LEE COUNTY - As Lee County continues to expand broadband access, thanks to the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, into less-reached areas of the county, many residents continue to approach the commission with questions.

During the Monday night Lee County Commission meeting, County Administrator Holly Leverette approached the commission to provide an update on the Broadband situation.

“So, I just thought it would be a good idea since the last time we talked about Broadband was our meeting in December, to give you all an update of where we are with, especially with Loachapoka,” she said. “So, to recap, we found out there were a couple of roads that were on our plan that were already served. So, we met on Dec. 19 with Point Broadband to see if they would entertain doing some other roads around that area.”

She provided maps to the commission to see

the changes that Point Broadband would make in coverage, etc.

“With the three projects that we have already awarded — we did a resolution for those — we’re looking at spending a total of $984,426,” Leverette said. “The new Loachapoka project is actually coming in at about $65,000 less, so we’re still at a little over $900,000 for our ARPA allocations … for all three of the grants, South Central [Lee County], Salem and Loachapoka.”

The money must be allocated by the end of 2024. The projects do not need to be completed by that time, but the money must be allocated, Leverett said.

Leverette said that people are sending in roads that are unserved, which she said helps her to send information to consultants and find out if they can be served.

“Our ultimate goal, y’all’s ultimate goal, was to hit every resident being served,” Leverette said.

OTHER BUSINESS:

- The commission heard an update on the commission’s billing of

garbage fees.

- The commission announced a vacancy on the Lee County Planning Commission for District 4.

- The commission approved the East Alabama Health Care Authority Ambulance Contract.

- The commission approved the Lee Road 394 right-of-way vacation.

- The commission heard an update from County Engineer Justin Hardee on the non-county maintained paved roads.

- The commission approved a media agreement for jail operations with Millennium Satellite and Video.

- The commission approved the transfer of a retail beer license for The Short Stop.

- The commission approved an educational reimbursement request for the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

- The commission approved the Columbus-Phenix City MPO Resolution for resurfacing Lee Road 212.

- The commission tabled the approval for the final plat approval for Stillwaters Subdivision, Redivision of Lot 4.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

he 2024 Legislative Session begins next week. It will be difficult to replicate the success of last year’s regular session. The 2023 year was a premier year for any first year of a quadrennium. Indeed, it may be one of the most momentous in state history. It was historic because of the vast amount of money available to be appropriated. When asked what grade I would give the legislative session at its conclusion, I gave it the highest I have ever given: B+. It would have gotten an A, but legislators were given such a leg up by having so much money to spend that it was like they were being able to take their finals as an open book exam.

Last year’s Education Budget was an historic $11.5 billion. The $3 billion General Fund Budget was also record shattering.

The legislature granted $150 to $300 one-time tax rebates to all Alabama taxpayers.

State employees and all educational employees, including all teachers, received a 2% percent

cost of living raise.

The legislative leadership for the next three years of the quadrennium was established. In the State Senate, President Pro Tem Greg Reed (R-Jasper), Education Budget Chairman Arthur Orr (R-Decatur), Rules Chairman Jabo Waggoner (R-Vestavia), and General Fund Budget Chairman Greg Albritton (R-Escambia), will be kingpins. In the House of Representatives, the key players will be Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Dekalb), and because of their positions, Education Budget Chairman Danny Garrett (R-Trussville) and General Fund Budget Chairman Rex Reynolds (R-Huntsville), and Rules Chairman Joe Lovvorn (R-Auburn) are leaders.

The bottom line big three leaders of the legislature are Greg Reed, Arthur Orr, and Nathaniel Ledbetter.

Reed and Orr are veteran Senate leaders.

Senator Reed, by virtue of being the leader of the Senate, is powerful.

Senator Arthur Orr has settled in as a power to be reckoned with as the long-time veteran Chairman of the Senate Education Budget Committee. He has written so many education budgets that he wields a lot of power with his pencil.

The new kid on the block in this triumvirate of power is first term Speaker

Lee County Commission continues broadband plans

The Lee County Commission meets on the second and last Monday nights every month in the Lee County Courthouse annex.

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B10 Feb. 1, 2024

By Greg Markley

Wayne LaPierre, once an NRA hero, has been out-gunned

BY GREG MARKLEY OPINION —

T

eaching college at Fort Benning in 2013, I gave 30 soldiers an assignment: “Name your favorite of the Ten Amendments and explain why.” When essays came in a week later, I found one Sixth Amendment (criminal defendants’ rights), two Fourth Amendment (unreasonable searches and seizures), three First Amendment (free speech), and twenty-four Second Amendment (right to keep and bear arms). I should have known, with all military students!

I met NRA official Wayne LaPierre on the AU campus in 1998, he spoke to the

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LaPierre saw me taking a lot of notes. Later, he asked me who I was and if I was a journalist, but he was nice and soft-spoken, in the 7th year of what became a 33-year career with the National Rifle Association.

LaPierre, 74, led the NRA longer than anyone and was very powerful as the CEO and executive vice president. He became a household name, and he was friends with high-level politicians, gun-makers, and lobbyists. Now he faces a legal battle with New York Attorney General Letitia James. LaPierre said he resigned for health reasons, noting he has chronic Lyme Disease.

LaPierre’s reckless spending on personal items, said to be from donors, is a focus of the trial. For instance, he frequented the Zegna boutique in Beverly Hills, even spending some $40,000 in a single May 2004 outing, charging it to an NRA contractor. Plus, his lawyer said LaPierre took

private jets because of death threats.

He spent more than $250,000 on travel to, among other places, the Bahamas, Lake Como in Italy, Palm Beach and Reno. LaPierre said these were legitimate business expenses, as he travels a lot to speak on behalf of the association. The corruption case reduced his supporters and increased criticism from other NRA leaders, ac-cording to The New York Times.

“You kept hearing after each deadly incident that Wayne LaPierre isn’t doing enough, and frankly that’s not true,” said Jason Selvig, a prank artist.

“The NRA under Wayne LaPierre’s leadership provided thoughts and prayers to victims and their families and maybe these mass shootings would stop happening if we all thought a little bit more and we prayed a little bit more. If we give enough thought and prayers, these mass shootings will stop,” Selvig

said sarcastically.

Those remarks were meant as a joke, as NRA provides only “thoughts and prayers” and few sensible or workable ways to stop mass killings. LaPierre later said mass murders such as at Sandy Hook Elementary School were due to “a lack of mental health reform and the prevalence of violent video games and movies.”

LaPierre put forward several ideas about mental health care he said could reduce the number of mass killings committed by people with serious mental health problems. One is “increasing funds for a stricter and more efficient mental health system” and another is “creating a computerized universal mental health registry, to help limit gun sales to the mentally ill.”

I believe in teachers monitoring health care and security at schools. But while the NRA said it would contribute large amounts of money to get that done, the money from NRA came in

drivels. For example, the press discovered that only $11,000 was earmarked for mental health activities that would provide quality mental health care to potential mass murderers.

Many people, including me, thought that mental health programs alone could not solve the tragedies of shooters who may have been stopped by such medical interventions. Yet we find that the flawed LaPierre did not keep his part of the deal.

His is a Ponzi scheme of a new style.

These NRA shenanigans remind me of a story I told readers in 2022. Running for president in 2016, Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee gained attention and votes via an ad with gun lover Chuck Norris. Huckabee did not win the GOP nomination, but his Norris ad was great.

I wrote that in the 2022 election to the U.S. Senate, Alabama Republican Jessica Taylor had her own “Chuck Norris.” Her Michigan supporter was a rock star and Second Amendment

devotee: Ted Nugent.

Taylor’s candidacy soon collapsed be-fore wealthy GOP candidates took the lead.

When I covered NRA executive vice president Wayne LaPierre’s speech at Auburn University in 1998, no one predicted how famous he would become.

Celebrated for promoting gun rights, he was vilified for helping defeat gun control bills. He has many flaws, but he is having a tough time. I wish him well in battling his serious illness.

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Greg Markley moved to Lee County in 1996. He has a master’s in education from AUM and a master’s in history from Auburn University. He taught politics as an adjunct in Georgia and Alabama. An award-winning writer in the Army and civilian life, he has contributed to the Observer since 2011. He writes on politics, education, and books. gm.markley@ charter.net.

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B11 Feb. 1, 2024

AHS future health professionals raise funds for Relay for Life PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

AUBURN — Auburn High School students studying to be future health professionals recently raised $12,000 for Lee County’s Relay for Life.

This donation is a new record for AHS’s Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) program, surpassing the 2023 amount of $9,000.

Students presented a check to Lee County Relay for Life co-chair Randy Causey.

Auburn High’s Health Science teacher Laurie Osborne has been the HOSA sponsor since 2009. The program has grown from five members to more than 150.

The Health Science program instructional content incorporates project and problem-based healthcare

practices and procedures to demonstrate knowledge and skills fundamental to various healthcare careers.

Knowledge and skills are reinforced and enhanced through co-curricular activities and participation in HOSA – Future Health Professionals and workbased learning opportunities that are age and grade appropriate.

The program’s courses include Foundations of

City of Auburn offering public safety, citizens' academies CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

AUBURN — The city of Auburn is offering opportunities for residents to learn more about their local government in the form of two academies — the Public Safety Academy and the Citizens’ Academy.

These academies give residents the opportunity to gain a better understanding of their city and build relationships. Applications will be open Feb. 5-19 and are available to Auburn residents ages 19 and older. Both programs will begin in March.

More information about the academies can be found below and at auburnalabama.org/academies.

PUBLIC SAFETY ACADEMY

The Public Safety Academy gives residents a chance to explore the ins and outs of all the city's public safety services,

including police, fire and emergency management & communications.

The 2024 academy will include 10 classes taking place from mid-March to late April. Each session will include presentations that cover a variety of topics ranging from crime scenes to fire prevention.

The final session will include graduation and a presentation from the Public Safety Academy Alumni Association.

2024 Public Safety Academy Schedule: March 7, 6-8:30 p.m.

March 14, 6-8:30 p.m.

March 21, 6-8:30 p.m.

March 23, 9-12 p.m.

March 28, 6-8:30 p.m.

April 4, 6-8:30 p.m.

April 11, 6-8:30 p.m.

April 13, 9-12 p.m.

April 18, 6-8:30 p.m.

April 23, 6-8 p.m.

CITIZENS' ACADEMY

Citizens’ Academy provides a behind-the-

Pictured, left to right, are Career Technical Education Director Dr. Silvia Scaife, Jillian Parker, HOSA Treasurer Margie Grace Wilder, Jillian Breland, HOSA President Brady O’Donnell, Lee County Relay for Life CoChair Randy Causey, Riley Jones, Grace Richardson, Nour Kamar, Mohoni Kamath and HOSA Sponsor Laurie Osborne.

Health Science, Pharmacy Technician, Certified Nursing Assistant, Emergency Medical Technician, Patient Care Technician, Operating Room Foundations, Medical Terminology, Therapeutic Services and Clinical Internship. The program partners with East Alabama Health for student employment with the Earn and Learn High School program.

Subscribe to The Observer www.opelikaobserver.com

scenes look at all city departments through seven daylong sessions starting in March and ending in September. The 2024 class will participate in facility tours, hands-on activities, presentations and candid conversations with city staff, covering everything from local economic development to the quality of Auburn’s water.

Graduates will walk away with the knowledge of day-to-day op-erations, the tools to get more involved and a stronger connection with fellow community members and City staff.

2024 Citizens' Academy Schedule: Session 1 - March 20 Session 2 - April 18 Session 3 - May 14 Session 4 - June 20 Session 5 - July 24 Session 6 - Aug. 21 Session 7 - Sept. 19

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B12 Feb. 1, 2024

PUBLIC NOTICES IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DOROTHY SMITH SWEENEY, deceased CASE NO.:2023-597 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Claudette Weeks, Personal Representative on the 10th day of January, 2024, by Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the sam_e within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Claudette Weeks Legal Run 01/18/24, 01/25/2024 & 02/01/2024 --------------

ESTATE OF DONALD FRANKLIN LAWRENCE, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Letters Testamentary of said Donald Franklin Lawrence, deceased, having been granted to Joel Franklin Lawrence this 10th day of January 2024, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by the law or the same will be barred.

Joel Franklin Lawrence, Personal Representative Legal Run 01/18/2024, 01/25/2024 & 02/01/2024 --------------

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF SHIRLEY L. BAKER, DECEASED. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No: 2023-589 Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 10th day of January, 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.

SHERYL ANNE BAKER WEST Personal Representative Legal Run 01/18/2024 01/25/2024 & 02/01/2024 --------------

NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE WHEREAS, default has been made in the terms of the Mortgage executed on the 19th day of June, 2018, by Daniel Sanders, a married man mortgaging property that was not the homestead of he or his spouse, as Mortgagor in favor of Chetan Corporation, as Mortgagee, as recorded in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, in Mortgage Book 4398, at Page 925, as said Mortgage and accompanying Promissory Note was assigned to Kim James Bond West, by Assignment dated July 25, 2023, and said default continuing, the assignee-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 Opelika, Alabama on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, during the legal hours of sale, the following described real estate embraced in said Mortgage, situated in Lee County, Alabama, to-wit: “Commence at the Northwest corner of Section 31, Township 18 North, Range 30 East, in Lee County, Alabama, thence run East 1379.0 feet to the Southwesterly margin of Lee County Highway No. 427, formerly U.S. Highway 280/431; thence along said margin of said highway run South 40 deg. 00 min. East 995.5 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING of the tract or parcel of land herein to be described and conveyed: thence continuing along said margin run South 40 deg. 00 min. East 329.7 feet; thence leaving said margin run South 50 deg. 50 min West for 51.2 feet; thence run South 28 deg. 53 min. West for 46.0 feet; thence run South 39 deg.

07 min. East for 150.9 feet; thence run North 88 deg. 2 min.

West for 304.0 feet; thence run North 7 deg. 44 min. East for 435.8 feet to said POINT OF BEGINNING as shown on map or plat of survey dated August 1, 1984, prepared by James L. McCrory. Alabama Licensed Registration No. 12493.

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

NOTICE OF LEGAL ACTION An adult whose initials are D.A.L., Sr., or any man who claims or who could claim any legal rights of any kind to any of the three children listed below, and an adult whose initials are S. A., who is the mother of the children listed below, or any woman who claims or who could claim any legal rights to any of the three children listed below; whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer the petition of the Chambers County Department of Human Resources to terminate their parental rights in the following three cases, each of which is filed in the Juvenile Court of Chambers County, Alabama, within thirty (30} days of service, or thereafter a judgment may be rendered terminating their parental rights to each of these children: L.A., a female child born on or about May 12, 2014, case number JU-202117.02; D.L.A., Jr., a male child born on or about November 22, 2012, in case number JU-202118.02; C.G. A., a female child, born on or about April 12, 2018, in case number JU-2021-19.02.

Signed electronically by Lisa Burdette, Chambers Count Circuit Court Clerk Legal Run 01/18/2024, 01/25/2024, 02/01/2024 & 02/08/2024 -------------STATE OF ALABAMA LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT CASE NO. 2024-011

Become an

ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF

ADULT HUMAN RESOURCES 1-800-458-7214 FOSTER dhr.alabama.gov/AFC CARE Provider

This ad is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $3,686,987 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

“Love Never Ages”

WHERE THE ABOVEDESCRIBED 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.

Kim James Bond West, Mortgagee J. Brandon Rice Davis, Bingham, Hudson & Buckner, P.C. Attorney for Mortgagee 724 North Dean Road, Suite 100-A, Auburn, AL 36830 Legal Run 01/18/2024, 01/25/2024 & 02/01/2024 -------------IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF MICHAEL KEITH HOOD Case No. 2023-524 NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Testamentary have been granted to Kenneth Lowell Moody as Executor for the Estate of Michael Keith Hood, deceased on January 2, 2024, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Done this the 2nd day of January, 2024.

Bill English, Probate Judge Lee County, Alabama Legal Run 01/18/2024, 01/25/2024 & 02/01/2024 -------------IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO.: 43-CV-2022-900003 ANGELA HORACE, Plaintiff, v. CHRISTOPHER PRITCHETT, Defendant.

NOTICE OF ACTION TO: Christopher Pritchett, Defendant named above, whose whereabouts are unknown and cannot be ascertained after the exercise of reasonable diligence: You are hereby notified that on the 7th day of January 2022, a Complaint was filed in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama, regarding a tortious injury allegedly caused by your

negligence that occurred on or about April 28, 2020. By reason of an Order for service of summons by publication entered by the Court in this cause on February 10, 2023, you are hereby directed to plead, answer, or otherwise respond to the Complaint and file such response with the Clerk of Court and mail a copy of said filing to Kenneth S. Nugent, PC, attorneys for the party to this action whose address is 1234 First Avenue, Suite 200, Columbus, Georgia, 31901, on or before the expiration of 30 days after the last publication of this notice.

If you fail to do so, judgment by default will be taken against you for the relief demanded in the complaint.

This the 19th day of January, 2024.

Clerk of Circuit Court, Lee County Legal Run 01/25/24, 02/01/24, 02/08/24 & 02/15/24 -------------Notice of auction of an abandoned vehicle. The Only One, Inc will be auctioning off the below mentioned vehicle on MARCH 1, 2024. This auction will be held at 3601 PEPPERELL PARKWAY, OPELIKA, ALABAMA, 36801 at 10:00 a.m. If you have any questions regarding this vehicle, call 334-745-2166.

VIN# JF2SJABC0JH404892– 2018 Subaru Forester Legal Run 01/25/2024 & 02/01/2024 -------------INVITATION TO BID (Bid #24011) Sealed bids for the construction of the Opelika City Hall Basement Renovations shall be received at the 2nd Floor Opelika City Hall Conference Room, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m., local time on Tuesday February 20th, 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.

There will be a Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference on Tuesday February 13th, 2024 at 2PM CST at 204 S. 7th St., 2nd floor conference Room, Opelika, Alabama 36801. Any potential bidders must attend this mandatory pre-bid conference meeting.

Bidders are required to have a State of Alabama General Contractor’s License. All bidders must submit with their proposal, contractor’s license number and a copy of the license.

State law Ala. Code §34-8-8(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.

All bidders shall possess all other licenses and/or permits required by applicable law, rule, or regulation for the performance of the work.

Options for obtaining Bid Documents are as follows: Hardcopy: Contact Auburn Reprographics, 660 North Dean Road, Auburn, AL 36830; (334) 501-8235; Attn: Greg Sellers; (E-mail greg@auburnrepro.com) to obtain bid documents. Hardcopy sets are non-refundable. Bidders may view bidding document on the Auburn Reprographics digital plan room without charge. All bidding General Contractors must register with John Randall Wilson, Architect and Auburn Reprographics to receive updated bidding information including but not limited to potential Addenda, RFI’s and Changes to Bid Date.

Electronic (CD): Make check payable to Auburn Reprographics & Supply in the amount of $25. This amount is non-refundable. Shipping arrangements shall be made by the Contractor.

The bidder’s proposal must be submitted on the complete 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 certified check or Bid Bond payable to the City of Opelika, Alabama in an amount not less than five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000.00 must accompany the bidder's sealed proposal - refer also to Instructions to Bidders.

Performance and statutory labor and material payment bonds will be required at the signing of the Contract. The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids and to waive irregularities.

As a condition for award, the business entity and its subcontractors shall not knowingly employ or hire an unauthorized alien within the State of Alabama. The awarded business entity must provide documentation of enrollment in the E-Verify program. The business must participate in the E-Verify program for the length of the contract.

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, Opelika, Alabama 368030390. Attn: Opelika City Hall Basement Renovations LILLIE FINLEYPURCHASING REVENUE MANAGER CITY OF OPELIKA 204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET 36801 (Delivery) POST OFFICE BOX 390 36803-0390 (Mail) OPELIKA, ALABAMA PH: (334) 705-5120 Legal Run 01/25/2024, 02/012024 & 02/08/2024 -------------INVITATION TO BID (Bid #24010) Sealed bids for the construction of the City of Opelika Public Works Building shall be received at the 2nd Floor Opelika City Hall Conference Room, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m., local time on Tuesday February 27th, 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.

There will be a Mandatory PreBid Conference on Monday, February 19th, 2024 at 2PM CST at 204 S. 7th St., 2nd floor conference Room, Opelika, Alabama 36801. Any potential bidders must attend this mandatory pre-bid conference meeting.

Bidders are required to have a State of Alabama General Contractor’s License. All bidders must submit with their

proposal, contractor’s license number and a copy of the license. State law Ala. Code §348-8(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.

All bidders shall possess all other licenses and/or permits required by applicable law, rule, or regulation for the performance of the work.

Options for obtaining Bid Documents are as follows: Hardcopy: Contact Auburn Reprographics, 660 North Dean Road, Auburn, AL 36830; (334) 501-8235; Attn: Greg Sellers; (E-mail greg@auburnrepro.com) to obtain bid documents. Hardcopy sets are non-refundable. Bidders may view bidding document on the Auburn Reprographics digital plan room without charge. All bidding General Contractors must register with John Randall Wilson, Architect and Auburn Reprographics to receive updated bidding information including but not limited to potential Addenda, RFI’s and Changes to Bid Date.

Electronic (CD): Make check payable to Auburn Reprographics & Supply in the amount of $25. This amount is non-refundable. Shipping arrangements shall be made by the Contractor.

The bidder’s proposal must be submitted on the complete 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 certified check or Bid Bond payable to the City of Opelika, Alabama in an amount not less than five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000.00 must accompany the bidder's sealed proposal - refer also to Instructions to Bidders.

Performance and statutory labor and material payment bonds will be required at the signing of the Contract. The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids and to waive irregularities.

As a condition for award, the business entity and its subcontractors shall not knowingly employ or hire an unauthorized alien within the State of Alabama. The awarded business entity must provide documentation of enrollment in the E-Verify program. The business must participate in the E-Verify program for the length of the contract.

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, Opelika, Alabama 36803-0390.

Attn: Opelika Public Works LILLIE FINLEYPURCHASING REVENUE MANAGER CITY OF OPELIKA 204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET 36801 (Delivery) POST OFFICE BOX 390 36803-0390 (Mail) OPELIKA, ALABAMA PH: (334) 705-5120 Legal Run 01/25/2024, 02/01/2024 & 02/08/2024 -------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION PETITION OF HATTIE ELIZABETH MORRIS CASE NO.: 2024-008 PUBLICATION NOTICE TO: Christina Peacock Weed, address unknown Please take notice that a petition for adoption was filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, by Hattie Elizabeth Morris on January 5, 2024, for the adoption of H.D.N. born on December 21, 2009, in Opelika, Alabama to Dexter Norwood and Christina Peacock Weed.

A hearing has been set in the Lee County Probate Court, Opelika, Alabama. Should you intend to contest this adoption you must file a written response with the attorney for the petitioner, Hon. Jason C. Riggs, P.O. Box 954, Auburn, AL 36831 and with the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, P.O. 2266, Opelika, AL 36803 as soon as possible but no later than thirty (30) days from the last say this notice is published.

Dated on this the 12th day of January 2024.

HON. BILL ENLGISH, JUDGE OF PROBATE, LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Legal Run 01/25/24, 02/01/24, 02/08/24 & 02/15/24 --------------

See PUBLIC NOTICES, page B14

B13 Feb. 1, 2024

Club News

Lions Club presents check to Opelika High School band

Kiwanis speaker discusses County Literacy Coalition PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

The Opelika Kiwanis Club welcomed Patricia Butts of the Lee County Literacy Coalition, who spoke to the group about the issues surrounding illiteracy in our community. She made a point that while there is a lot of work being done to fight youth illiteracy, there is still a ways to go with adults. On Feb. 15 Kiwanis will enjoy a Valentine's Day show performed by the High School Choral Group.

Opelika high school band director Will Wagner, right, was a recent guest of the Opelika Lions Club. In his presentation, he discussed the group of band directors who provide instruction to Opelika students beginning in the sixth grade. Wagner was presented a check by club president Glenn Stokes, representing a percentage of football concession revenues from the most recent season.

FLOWERS >>

FROM B1

does not have a big ego. He is not driven by self-indulgence or gratification.

Nathaniel Ledbetter was born and raised in Dekalb County. He was first elected to the legislature in 2014.

So, it has only been nine years ago that he was a freshman, like the ones he is leading.

Ledbetter was elected Majority Leader of the House in 2017, only three years after his arrival. He worked very closely with his ally, former Speaker Mac McCutchen, for five years. He was the choice of McCutchen to succeed him as Speaker.

Before his election to the legislature, Ledbetter was also on the City Council and the Mayor of Rainsville.

He is close friends with legendary Alabama lead singer Randy Owen.

They both love their Sand Mountain home.

Nathaniel Ledbetter will continue with his

calm, collected and reasonable leadership this year and the remainder of this quadrennium, and probably for years to come.

See you next week.

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading

political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature.

He may be reached at: www. steveflowers.us.

Glad to be serving Lee County, Alabama.

Inquire today on this home and more!

Call Bradley Robertson (334) 321-8686

Indoor shooting

2195 FIRST AVENUE • OPELIKA

B14 Feb. 1, 2024

PUBLIC NOTICES >>

FROM B12

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION PETITION OF REBECCA MARIE EVANS CASE NO.: 2023-622 & 2023-623 PUBLICATION NOTICE TO: Donald Wayne Watson, address unknown Please take notice that a petition for adoption was filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, by Rebecca Marie Evans on December 13, 2023, for the adoption of S.W.W. born on December 15, 2014, in Valley, Alabama to Kristina Marie Alberto and Donald Wayne Watson and for the adoption of J.A.R.W. born on October 8 2013, in Valley, Alabama to Kristina Marie Alberto and Donald Wayne Watson.

A hearing has been set in the Lee County Probate Court, Opelika, Alabama. Should you intend to contest this adoption you must file a written response with the attorney for the petitioner, Hon. Susan K. Harmon, P.O. Box 127, Lafayette, AL 36862 and with the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, P.O. 2266, Opelika, AL 36803 as soon as possible but no later than thirty (30) days from the last say this notice is published.

Dated on this the 19th day of January 2024.

HON. BILL ENLGISH, JUDGE OF PROBATE, LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Legal Run 01/25/24, 02/01/24, 02/08/24 & 02/15/24 -------------PUBLICATION NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF THOMAS J. BRYAN, DECEASED TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to MARY LYNN BRYAN, as Executor of the Estate of THOMAS J. BRYAN, deceased, on the 19th day of January, 2024, by the Honorable Bill English.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

MARY LYNN BRYAN, as Executor of the Estate of THOMAS J. BRYAN, deceased Michael W. Kelley II Kelley Legacy Law, LLC 3320 Skyway Drive, Suite 711 Opelika, AL 36801 334-801-9797 Legal Run 01/25/2024, 02/01/2024 & 02/08/2024 -------------ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS SMITHS WATER & SEWER AUTHORITY SMITHS STATION, ALABAMA WATER MAIN EXTENSION ON LR 602, LR 604 & LR 207 Sealed bids for the Water Main Extension on LR 602, LR 604 & LR 207 CMGM230111 will be received by the Smiths Water & Sewer Authority, Attn: Mr. Andy Morris, GM, located at 2848 Lee Road 243, Smiths Station, AL 36877, until Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 11:00 EDT local time at which time the Bids received will be publicly opened and read.

The Project includes the following Work: Approximately 5,000 LF of 6” PVC water main, service connections and related appurtenances.

Information for the Project can be found at the following designated website: www.gmcnetwork.com The Issuing Office for the Bidding Documents is Goodwyn Mills Cawood LLC, 11 N. Water St., Suite 15250, Mobile, AL 36602, Ashley.

Morris@gmcnetwork.com.

Prospective Bidders may examine the Bidding Documents at the Issuing Office on Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and may obtain copies of the Bidding Documents from the Issuing Office as described below.

Copies of the Bidding Documents may be obtained from the Issuing Office, during the hours indicated above, upon payment of a deposit of $20.00 for a one-time administrative fee for digital access/ file sharing and/or $100.00 for each printed set. Said cost represents the cost of printing, reproduction, handling, and distribution, therefore no refund will be granted. Checks for Bidding Documents shall be payable to “GMC.” Partial sets of Bidding Documents

will not be available from the Issuing Office. Neither Owner nor Engineer will be responsible for full or partial sets of Bidding Documents, including Addenda if any, obtained from sources other than the Issuing Office.

Bid security shall be furnished in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders.

The Owner reserves the right to waive any informalities, or to reject any or all bids, and to award the contract to the best and most responsible bidder.

All bidders shall submit, upon request, a list of projects "successfully completed" in the last 2 years, having the same scope of work and approximate construction cost as specified in this project. All bidders must comply with requirements of the Contractor's Licensing Law of the State of Alabama and be certified for the type of work on which the proposal is submitted. Each bidder must deposit with his bid, security in the amount, form and subject to the conditions provided in the Instructions to Bidders.

All Bidders bidding in amounts exceeding that established by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors must be licensed under the provisions of Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama, 1975, and must show evidence of license before bidding or bid will not be received or considered by the Engineer; the Bidder shall show such evidence by clearly displaying the license number on the outside of the envelope in which the Proposal is delivered.

No bidder may withdraw his bid within 60 days after the opening thereof.

Bidders will be fully responsible for the delivery of their bids in a timely manner. Reliance upon the U.S. Mail or other carriers is the bidder’s risk.

Owner:Smith Water & Sewer Authority By:Mr. Joe Walden Title:Chairman Legal Run 01/25/2024, 02/01/2024 & 02/08/2024 -------------STATE OF ALABAMA LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT CASE NO. 2024-037 ESTATE OF JANET BOIES TAYLOR, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Letters Testamentary of said Janet Boies Taylor, deceased, having been granted to Michelle Taylor Pendergraph and Kara Layne Taylor this 22nd day of January 2024, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by the law or the same will be barred.

Michelle Taylor Pendergraph and Kara Layne Taylor, Personal Representatives Legal Run 01/25/24, 02/01/24 & 02/08/24 -------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of HENRY B. THOMASON, Deceased CASE NO.: 2024-003 NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to HERBERT NEIL THOMASON, as Personal Representative of the Estate of HENRY B. THOMASON, deceased, on the 11th day of January, 2024, by Bill English, Lee County Probate Judge.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

HERBERT NEIL THOMASON Personal Representative of the Estate of HENRY B. THOMASON Legal Run 01/25/2024, 02/01/2024 & 02/08/2024 -------------NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF HARRIETTE AMANDA CORDI DECEASED LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 12th day of January, 2024, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Witness our hands, and dated this the 12th day of January, 2024.

THOMAS LOUIS CARDI

Legal Run 01/25/2024, 02/01/2024 & 02/08/2024 -------------NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF SANDRA C. CONTI, DECEASED COURT OF PROBATE LEE COUNTY Letters of Administration of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 12th day of January, 2024, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Witness our hands, and dated this the 12th day of January, 2024.

RICHARD E. CONTI Legal Run 01/25/2024, 02/01/2024 & 02/08/2024 -------------NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF BETTY JEAN WALTON, DECEASED LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 12th day of January, 2024, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Witness our hands, and dated this the 12th day of January, 2024.

LEWIS WALTON MICHAEL G. WALTON, SR. Legal Run 01/25/2024, 02/01/2024 & 02/08/2024 -------------INVITATION TO BID 24013 Sealed bids for the construction of the Pepperell Village Sidewalk Upgrades shall be received at the Opelika City Hall 2nd Floor Conference Room, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m., local time on February 20, 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 of “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 §34-8-8(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.

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 examined at the Office of the City Engineer located at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama, and phone number: 334-705-5450. Bid documents may be obtained from the Office of the City Engineer at no charge as an electronic file if the bidder supplies a storage drive or as an email attachment or electronic drop box.

The bidder’s proposal must be submitted on the complete 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 for the full contract sum will be required of the successful bidder. The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids and to 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, Opelika, Alabama, 368030390. Attn: Pepperell Village Sidewalk Upgrades

LILLIE FINLEYPURCHASING REVENUE MANAGER CITY OF OPELIKA 204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET (36801) POST OFFICE BOX 390 (36803-0390) OPELIKA, ALABAMA PH: (334) 705-5120 Legal Run 02/01/2024, 02/08/2024 & 02/15/2024 -------------IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA JUVENILE DIVISION A.B. E. a minor child (DOB: 6/27/2023), Case No. JU 2023-213.02 NOTICE OF PETITION & SERVICE BY PUBLICATION NOTICE TO: The unknow father of A. B. E. and whose custody was vested in the Lee County Department of Human Resources on June 30, 2023, after having been born on June 27, 2023, at the East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, Alabama. The unknown father must answer the Petition for Termination of Parental Rights filed regarding this child in the Juvenile Court of Lee County, Alabama within fourteen (14) days from the last date of Publication of this notice with the Clerk of Court located at the Lee County Justice Center, 2311 Gateway Drive, Suite 104, Opelika, AL 36801, or thereafter, a final judgment may be entered in Case JU 2023-213.02 terminating the unknown father's parental rights and placing the child for adoption.

Mary Roberson, CIRCUIT CLERK Hon. Harold S. Patrick Attorney for Lee County OHR 2108-D Gateway Drive Opelika, AL, 36801 (334) 741-0809 Legal Run 02/01/24, 02/08/24, 02/15/24 & 02/22/24 -------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MICKEY D. HORNSBY, DECEASED NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS Letters Testamentary on the Estate of MICKEY D. HORNSBY, Deceased, having been granted to the undersigned on the 25th day of January, 2024,by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate of said County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said Estate arc hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law, or the same will be barred.

DONALD RAY HORNSBY Executor G. Hal Walker Attorney for the Estate 225 North Gay Street Auburn, Alabama, 36830 Legal Run 02/01/2024, 02/08/2024 & 02/15/2024 -------------Notice of Completion McElhenney Construction Company, LLC. hereby gives notice of completion of contract with The Alabama Department of Transportation for construction of Project Number ATRP2-41-2021-384 in Lee County, AL. This notice will appear for four consecutive weeks beginning on 02/01/2024 and ending on 02/22/2024. All claims should be filed at P.O. Box 1409 Theodore, AL 36590 during this period.

Legal Run 02/1/2024, 02/8/2024, 2/15/2024 & 2/22/2024 -------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF MARY LEE CALLAWAY CASE NO.: 2023-472 NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration having been granted to CYNTHIA PUGH, and Co Petitioner's STEVEN CALLAWAY and JONATHAN CALLAWAY, as Administratrix and Administrators of the Estate of MARY LEE CALLAWAY, deceased, on the 19th day of January, 2024, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Legal Run 02/01/2024, 02/08/2024 & 02/15/2024 -------------CITY OF OPELIKA SYNOPSIS OF ZONING NOTICE The City Council of the City of Opelika will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in the Courtroom of the Opelika Municipal Court Building, 300

Martin Luther King Boulevard, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama, to consider the adoption of an ordinance to amend the Development Plan for Brookstone PUD. The applicant, Holland Homes, LLC, has heretofore submitted to the City Council a proposed Amended Development Plan for the undeveloped area of Brookstone PUD. Said development is a mixed residential development, consisting of 43 single-family homes and 90 twin homes. The proposed development will create an extension of Fox Run Village, and the residential units within the development will mirror those in Fox Run Village. The development will have a density of 5.53 units per acre.

Public Notice of this public hearing with insertion of the proposed ordinance was first published on January 25, 2024, in The Opelika Observer. This notice is given pursuant to Sections 11-52-77 and 11-52-78 Code of Alabama (1975). The City Council reserves the right to modify or alter any of the proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance.

At the public hearing, all persons who desire to be heard shall have the opportunity to speak for or in opposition to the proposed ordinance. Written comments concerning the above matter may be mailed to the City Clerk at P.O. Box 390, Opelika, AL 36803 at any time prior to the public hearing and may be further submitted to the City Council at the meeting and the public hearing.

Please contact Brian Weiss, the City’s Interim ADA Coordinator, at 334-705-5134 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to any disability.

THIS NOTICE is given under my hand this the 1st day of February, 2024. /s/ Russell A. Jones, CMC CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 02/01/2024 -------------SYNOPSIS OF ZONING NOTICE The City Council of the City of Opelika will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in the Courtroom of the Opelika Municipal Court Building, 300 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama, to consider the adoption of an ordinance to amend the Zoning Ordinance and the Zoning Map of the City of Opelika by rezoning or redistricting the parcel of land hereinafter described so as to change such parcel from one class of district to another class of district, as follows: From a R-2 District (LowDensity Residential District) to a I-1 District (Institutional District), the parcel of land hereinafter described: Parcel A of Renfro Subdivision, a resubdivision of Lots 3 and 4 in Block 67 of the lands of the L. P. Grant Land Company, according to and as shown by that certain map or plat of said subdivision recorded in Town Plat Book 10, at Page 166, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama.

The above-described property contains 1.24 acres, more or less, and is located at 414 N. 10th Street, Opelika, Alabama.

Public Notice of this public hearing with insertion of the proposed ordinance was first published on January 25, 2024, in the Opelika Observer. This notice is given pursuant to Sections 11-52-78 and 11-52-85, Code of Alabama (1975).

At said public hearing, all who desire to be heard shall have the opportunity to speak for or in opposition to said ordinance.

Written comments concerning the above matter may be

mailed to the City Clerk at P.O. Box 390, Opelika, AL 36803 at any time prior to the public hearing and may be further submitted to the City Council at the meeting and the public hearing.

Please contact Brian Weiss, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334-705-5134 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to any disability.

THIS NOTICE is given under my hand this the 1st day of February, 2024. /s/ Russell A. Jones, CMC CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 02/01/2024 -------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF STEPHEN M. JOHNSTON, DECEASED. Case No. 2024-021 TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Robyn D. Johnston, as Executrix of the Estate of Stephen M. Johnston, deceased, on the 19th day of January, 2024, by the Honorable Bill English.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same be barred.

Robyn D. Johnston, Executrix Of the Estate of Stephen M. Johnston, Deceased Marrell J. McNeal, Attorney at Law, PC PO Box 308 Opelika, AL 36803 334-745-7033 Legal Run 02/01/2024, 02/08/2024 & 02/15/2024 -------------IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE:The estate of William Ernest Hammontree, deceased Case No. 2023-259 TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration having been granted to Trina Lindsey as Administratrix of the Estate of William Ernest Hammontree, deceased, on the 19th day of January, 2024.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same be barred.

Trina Lindsey, Administratrix of the Estate of William Ernest Hammontree, Deceased Marrell J. McNeal, Attorney at Law, PC PO Box 308 Opelika, AL 36803 334-745-7033 Legal Run 02/01/2024, 02/08/2024 & 02/15/2024 -------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF GERALDINE M. LANIER, DECEASED PROBATE COURT CASE NO.: NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE Letters Testamentary on the Estate of the decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the _________ day of ________________, 2024, by Bill English, Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama. Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said Estate are required to present same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

LUCIUS EDMOND LANIER, II EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF GERALDINE M. LANIER, DECEASED Legal Run 02/01/2024, 02/08/2024 & 02/15/2024

B15 Feb. 1, 2024

B16 Feb. 1, 2024

OPD seeks identication of suspect CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER OPELIKA — On Jan. 2, the Opelika Police Department began investigating a first degree theft of property and an identity theft which occurred at Troy Bank and Trust, located at 2701 Frederick Road.

On Dec. 22, 2023, at approximately 1:30 p.m., the suspect, a white female with long dark hair, entered the bank and withdrew $2,700 in cash from an account.

The suspect is seen on surveillance THEFT SUSPECT footage arriving in what appears to be a gray/silver Toyota Crown sedan wearing a white sweatsuit with gray stripes.

If you have any information on this incident or the identity of the suspect, please contact the Opelika Police Department Detective Division at (334) 705-5220 or the Secret Witness Hotline at (334) 745-8665. Tips can be submitted through our Opelika Police Mobile App. You may wish to remain anonymous. Tips can also be forwarded through Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at (334) 215-STOP(7867), tollfree at 1-833-AL1-STOP, or via theFacebook page: www.Facebook.com/215stop or their website: www.215STOP.com.

Auburn man indicted for murder CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER AUBURN — On Jan. 30, 2024, Auburn Police Department arrested Mark Edward Watford, age 53, of Auburn on a felony grand jury indictment for felony murder.

Auburn Police Department investigators continued to investigate this case following the initial arrest of the victim’s mother, Kelly West Watford, for felony murder on June 14, 2023.

Additional evidence was collected to include forensic evidence from the final post-mortem examination by the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences.

The case was submitted to the Lee County District MARK EDWARD WATFORD Attorney’s Office for presentation to a grand jury The case was true billed by the grand jury, and Watford’s original charge of aggravated child abuse was upgraded, resulting in an indictment for felony murder. Watford was transported to the Lee County Jail where he is being held without bond.

Background: On June 14, 2023, the Auburn Police Department (APD), Auburn Fire Department and Emergency Medical Service personnel responded to the 2200 block of Core Drive in Auburn, AL in reference to a call of a child in medical distress.

Upon arrival, first responders discovered a six-year-old male child unresponsive and not breathing. Responding personnel began life-saving measures in attempts to revive the child. The child was transported to the East Alabama Health (EAH) where additional life-saving measures continued. Despite the efforts of first responders and EAH medical personnel, the child was pronounced deceased by EAH attending physicians.

Auburn Police Department investigators learned of suspicious circumstances surrounding the six-year old’s death. Evidence consistent with a drowning was discovered during both medical treatment and post-mortem examination. In addition, APD investigators learned the child appeared to be extremely malnourished to the extent the six-year-old child weighed approximately 21 pounds. Additional evidence was discovered that supported the child had sustained prolonged willful abuse and maltreatment.

All persons are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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