The Observer | Feb. 15, 2024

See Mardi Gras photos on B6

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. 19 Opelika, Alabama Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024 Your local publication created 'for local people, by local people.'

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Opelika Parks and Rec win state awards PHOT0 CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA — Opelika Parks and Recreation brought home three awards from the Feb. 6 Alabama Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA) conference in Orange Beach.

Director Sam Bailey was awarded the Jim Spain Professional of the Year Award. This award is named for one of the most respected and influential parks and recreation professionals to have ever worked in Alabama. It is the highest honor that an ARPA member can receive. The recipient is chosen by former Jim Spain Award winners and signifies respect from some of the most distinguished professionals from around the state of Alabama.

“I was extremely honored and surprised to be recognized by the Alabama Recreation and Parks Association, of which I’ve been a member of for 40 years,” Bailey said.

The Opelika Recycled Teenagers Halftime Show was named the

See OPR, page A2

Opelika Parks and Recreation brought home three awards from the Feb. 6 Alabama Recreation and Parks Associations (ARPA) conference in Orange Beach.

Pictured left, Sam Bailey was named the Jim Spain Professional of the Year and Mandy Moore (right) of Make Your Move Dance Studio was awarded with the Community Service Award. The Opelika Recycled Teenagers Halftime Show was named the Innovative Program of the Year for Populations 15,001 & Above.

Ivey calls for vote on lottery, law to protect elections Other priorities: school safety, new prisons, broadband investment, education

BY ANITA STIEFEL ANITAS@OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

ALABAMA — “Ladies and gentlemen, the state of our state is strong, and together we are prepared for the Alabama of tomorrow,” Gov. Kay Ivey declared in the 2024 State of the State Address on Feb. 6.

Ivey said the responsibility and role of state government is “standing up for our Alabama values, while focusing on areas like education, economic development, workforce, infrastructure and public safety.

“And we will always, always make sure our government is

GOV. KAY IVEY working for our fellow Alabamians. I believe because of these efforts, and because we are on solid financial footing, Alabama

is in the most competitive position we have ever been in our state’s history.”

The governor began her speech by encouraging Alabamians to vote next month.

“On March 5, we will… head to the polls to vote in Alabama’s Primary Election, which is significant this year, as we are now one of the earliest states in the nation and included among those on Super Tuesday — all the more reason to get out and proudly cast your vote,” she said, calling voting “the single-most important civic duty we have.”

Ivey announced she would

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be signing an executive order to “establish a task force to better understand Artificial Intelligence (AI) and to prepare the state to safely and effectively use this emerging technology going forward.

“I am not going to stand here and preach like I know a lick about AI,” she said. “However, I do know that new technologies can have benefits, but if not used responsibly, they can be dangerous. We are going to ensure that AI is used properly.”

The governor acknowledged the Alabama Department of Human Resources for having “great success in foster care adoptions,

accompanied by a relentless focus on enhancing childcare quality.”

“I am proud to double-down on these efforts,” Ivey said. “To foster a better culture of life, we must also do more to support Alabama families, and early onset medical care is necessary for both mothers and children.

While we are making significant strides, we still face challenges, especially in rural Alabama. That is why I am proud to support a pilot program that will start hosting checkups for pregnant women at nine county health departments in areas of need.

See IVEY, page A3

O O

A2 Feb. 15, 2024

Golden State Foods to invest $9.4 million in new equipment turing equipment.

“GSF appreciates the continued support that the City of Opelika provides us,” said Nathan Murphy, vice president of operations for protein products.

“Our valued collaboration contributes to GSF’s continued growth and our ability to remain compet-

Golden State Foods is headquartered in Irvine, California, and is one of the leading diversified suppliers to the quick service restaurant and retail industries. With this latest modernization, GSF plans to invest an additional $9.4 million for automated manufac-

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA— Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller announced that an existing Opelika manufacturing company, Golden State Foods, will be enhancing operations at its current facility in the Northeast Opelika Industrial Park.

itive as a leading foodservice supplier in today’s marketplace.”

“We are fortunate to have this thriving industry in Opelika,” Fuller said. “GSF enhances our local economy and has made a positive impact in our community. This exciting development

brings new opportunity and growth to Opelika and for that we are grateful.”

“Golden State Foods is a wonderful community partner that not only continues to provide great jobs for our community, but also provides valuable assistance through

their GSF Foundation to help meet our community’s needs said John Sweatman, Economic Development Director for the city of Opelika.

“It is a great testament to our workforce and the business climate in Opelika that they continue to invest and grow here.”

PACE Presents Annual Awards and Installs Officers PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

PACE presented the 2023 Outstanding Member Award to the PACE awards committee members: Mabel Robinson, Wanda Lewis, Angela Alexander, Audrey Marshall, Kressida Benson, Addie Swinney and Dolly Marshall. Sandra Hall received the 2022 Outstanding Member Award. Wilbert Payne received the 2022 Arthur Hill Sr. Community Service Award.

Mark Grantham received the 2023 Arthur Hill Sr. Community Service Award. 2024 PACE officers include Rev. Clifford Jones, chaplain; Audrey Marshall, recording secretary; Barbara Howard, treasurer; Kressida Benson, vice president; Charles Smith, president; and Ann Thompson, corresponding secretary (not pictured). Officers were installed by Betty Reese.

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

LEE COUNTY — PACE (People of Action for Community Enrichment) presented its annual 2022 and 2023 awards. Founding member and President Rev. Clifford Jones made the presentations.

Each year PACE presents the Arthur Hill Sr. Community Service Award to a citizen who has made significant contributions to the community, exhibits

OPR >> from A1 Innovative Program of the Year for populations 15,001 & Above. This program is led by SportsPlex Adult Activity Director Valeri White, and it has allowed seniors aged 53-81 to perform at Auburn Uni-

leadership qualities in the area of community service, is dedicated to helping others and is a positive role model.

An Outstanding PACE Member Award is also given to PACE members who exhibit those same qualities and are dedicated to the goals of this organization.

The 2022 Arthur Hill Sr. Community Service Award was presented to Wilbert Payne Jr., an active member of the community and a member of several

community organizations.

He is actively involved in 100 Black Men of America where he mentors children at both Carver and West Forest schools. He is a disabled veteran who volunteers each year with Wreaths Across America at the Fort Mitchell Cemetery and other veterans organizations. He has worked diligently with several schools and local organizations to assist with Veterans Day programs by providing commemorative

items to honor veterans.

Payne is active on the Greater Peace Development Board and raises funds to support its mission, as well as other educational activities for the CDC. He has been an active member and the leader of the Lion’s Tamer’s Social Club Family Fun Day, which has been hosted under his leadership for more than 20 years.

According to a press release from PACE, Payne "is a person who is constantly on the move making things better

for our community."

The 2023 Arthur Hill Sr. Community Service Award was presented to Mark Grantham, who has volunteered with First Baptist Church, Keep Opelika Beautiful, Harvest Evangelism, Lee County Gideons, Alabama Rural Ministries and currently works as Executive Director for Auburn-Opelika Habitat for Humanity.

"In these organizations, he has served since 1985 with purpose, consistency and a

giving heart, illuminating the way for others to find their purpose in serving," the press release states. "Finding meaning through volunteerism has been a 38-year journey for him. Throughout his career, he has worked in a variety of positions in management and finance, and it is in these areas where he used his talents to assist non-profits and religious organizations. His interactions fostered positive relations

versity women’s basketball games. For the past three seasons, the seniors have been performing choreographed dances at halftime.

“I’m so excited for them,” said White, referencing the seniors who participated in the program. “It’s a lot of

work trying new skills and learning new things. I love that they are showing the world age is just a number.”

Mandy Moore was awarded the Community Service Award for her time volunteering with Opelika Recycled Teenager Halftime Show. Over the

past three years Moore has given more than 200 hours coaching seniors, creating choreography and traveling to games to perform.

“This volunteer work is truly a blessing and fills my heart with so much love,” Moore said. “Everyone deserves to know and enjoy the benefits of

dance. This program is a testament that you’re never too old to do what you love with the people that you love.”

sional organization that represents professionals delivering park, recreation and therapeutic recreation services in local, county, state, school district, private and agency settings.

ARPA advances the profession through leadership, education, advocacy, promotion and service.

ABOUT ARPA ARPA, an official affiliate of the National Recreation and Parks Association, is a profes-

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See PACE, page A6

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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. 15, 2024

Texas Roadhouse to open for dinner Monday, Feb. 19 PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

The new Texas Roadhouse at 1611 Capps Dr. in Opelika will open on Monday, Feb. 19. The restaurant, which features legendary steaks, fall-off-the-bone ribs and made-from-scratch sides, will serve dinner only Monday through Thursday from 3 to 9:30 p.m., and Fridays from 3 to 11 p.m. It will be open for lunch and dinner Saturdays 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

IVEY >> from A1 Folks, there is nothing more important than our Alabama families, and we must come together to find common ground on meaningful ways to support them.”

She touted the success in improving workforce development: “I am proud to report to you all that during my tenure as governor, Alabama has seen investments totaling $48 billion, which has created 86,000 new jobs… To help Alabamians and Alabama businesses achieve success, though, we must make sure our efforts in workforce development match what we are doing to recruit and retain business and industry.”

Ivey also praised educational improvements during her tenure: “During my inaugural address, I promised the people of Alabama that ensuring every Alabama student receives a high-quality education would be my number one focus during this term…

This last year, one of the highlights for me personally was visiting our 15 Turnaround Schools… We must double-down on the success of our Turnaround Schools Initiative.”

Ivey laid out her priorities for what she predicted will be “a consequential legislative session.” She called for legislation to protect the integrity of elections, to put a statewide lottery on the ballot, to invest in school safety, to establish a mandatory life in prison sentence for human trafficking a minor, to construct facilities to support veterans, to continue investing in expanding internet access in rural areas, to create an Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences, to fully fund the Numeracy and Literacy Acts, to offer the highest starting salary for Alabama’s teachers among neighboring states and to pass an education savings account bill. Following is a breakdown of what the governor said on each of these issues: ELECTION INTEGRITY

“As an Alabamian, something I am most proud of, though, is that after the polls close, no

matter who we voted for, we all still treat each other with respect, whether selecting a class president or President of the United States. Even while we may vote differently, we all agree in protecting the integrity of our elections in Alabama. That is why I am proud to support legislation that prohibits ballot harvesting in our state. We would put a stop to any manipulation of our elections by closing loopholes that allow unaccountable, paid political operatives to pressure folks through the absentee voting process.

This year, we have a new bill to outlaw ballot harvesting that also protects folks who truly need assistance in having their voices be heard.”

VOTING ON A LOTTERY

“This year when Alabamians make their way to the ballot box, I hope they will be voting on another issue: Gaming. I believe the current proposal being contemplated by the Legislature is good for Alabama, and I will be carefully watching it move through the process. It will crack down on illegal gambling and it will responsibly regulate limited forms of legal gaming, including a statewide lottery… Now is the time for Alabama voters to have another say on this issue.”

SCHOOL SAFETY

“Fostering safe communities is a paramount responsibility of government on any level, and it begins with protecting the future of our state — our children. That is why I am calling on the Legislature to, once again, invest in school safety through a $100 million grant program. We must also continue investing in critical mental health care for our students.”

HUMAN TRAFFICKING

“Unfortunately, children across our country, including right here in Alabama, have been victims of human trafficking. We must continue educating the public on this very real evil, and we must take action against it where we can. For many, the movie, Sound of Freedom, was a wake-up call. The proposed Sound of Freedom

Act will mandate life in prison for those who traffic minors, and I am proud to put my support behind this important legislation.

VETERAN SUPPORT

“Last November, I had the opportunity to visit Dovetail Landing in Lincoln… Their vision is to create a place to support veterans, especially those struggling with the challenging transition back to civilian life. It could be through emotional support or by helping these folks develop a new skillset to enter the workforce. I was impressed and moved.

This evening, I am calling on you to invest in the construction of this new endeavor. Our veterans carried us, and now it is time we help carry them.

Alabama is a pro-life state.

I am more committed than ever to protect the sanctity of life, and as I said on this occasion last year, our work is not done.

This evening, I am proud to declare Alabama will foster a culture of life. We must refocus our efforts to do more to support life after birth.”

INTERNET ACCESS

“Just as our roads and bridges are critical to our success, our digital highways – or broad-band connectivity – are equally vital. Ensuring our entire state has the ability to connect to high-speed internet is the most significant thing we can do to support a modern economy. Just yesterday, I was in Wilcox County to announce 21 grants across the state totaling $188 million.

We’re talking 46-hundred miles of fiber infrastructure. In total, Alabama’s investment in broadband expansion will be a whopping $2 billion… I believe we have the best broadband deployment map in the country. And over the next three years, every Alabamian will see the difference, and we will be more competitive for it as we work to connect Alabama.”

ALABAMA SCHOOL OF HEALTHCARE SCIENCES

“One of our greatest needs remains within our healthcare workforce, especially in rural Alabama.

There is simply no deny-

ing it, and we need more people to fill just about every kind of healthcare job out there — doctors, nurses, techs, you name it.

“Last year, I introduced the idea of the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences. We used our successful School of Cyber Technology and Engineering, as well as our other specialty schools, as the blueprint. This school will directly expose young men and women from around Alabama, and particularly rural students, to various healthcare fields. And it gives them options. Maybe they want to graduate with a credential to immediately start working a high-wage career, or maybe they want to go to college and become a nurse or maybe even attend medical or dental school. We will now give these students an opportunity and a state-ofthe-art school to attend.

“Over the last year, we have finalized the plans, and I am proposing we locate this school in Demopolis. Already, we have received tremendous community support, and the gold standard of rural healthcare is just a few steps away from the proposed site where these students will learn. And on top of all of this, the feasibility report commissioned by the Legislature last year has once again validated Demopolis as the ideal location for this important school — folks, let’s get this important project done.

“Students in every Alabama county have the potential to benefit from an education in Demopolis… and we will accomplish that through the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences. Members of the Alabama Legislature, investing in this project is one of my top priorities this session, and I am calling on you to make this a reality.”

NUMERACY & LITERACY ACTS

“After I was sworn in for my second term, I established the Governor’s Commission on Teaching and Learning. The Commission provided a report that will serve as our blueprint for improving student outcomes over the next three years. Chief among those recommendations

is fully funding both the Numeracy and Literacy Acts.

“Our teachers are being trained in the science of math and reading, and we are preparing them not only to teach our kids today, but also of the future.

All the work we have done through the Numeracy and Literacy Acts is critical to our success. And I will say this again crystal clear: If you all send any version of a delay of the Literacy Act to my desk, I will veto the bill.

“Ensuring our students are proficient readers and ready for the next grade is simply too critical. And these Wilcox County kids have proven when the right resources and curriculum are in place, they can do it.”

TEACHER SALARIES

“I am very proud of the fact that during my time serving as your governor, together, we have invested a new historic amount in our public schools each year. This year, we will, once again, have the largest Education Trust Fund in our state’s history.

We must also fulfill our promise to have the highest starting salary for our teachers among our neighboring states. Let’s get that done this Session.”

CHOOSE ACT

“Improving our state’s education system is a process, and we have to meet the needs of all students.

As governor, I realize the way to do that is to make sure there are opportunities available for our children.

For some families, that means having the chance to send their child to a charter, magnet or private school, or to homeschool them. School choice is a spectrum, and last year, we recognized that to expand our options in Alabama, we had to first improve our existing options – charter schools and the Alabama Accountability Act. You accomplished that — thank you. Now, our next step is to provide our parents, beginning with those most in need, education savings accounts, which will further us on our journey to become the most school-choice friendly state in the nation.

“Passing an education

savings account bill that works for families and for Alabama is my number one legislative priority, and I am proud to have our education budget chairmen, Sen. Arthur Orr and Rep. Danny Garrett carry the CHOOSE Act. “Once we get this legislation across the finish line, we will prepare for the program to begin in the 2025-26 academic year.

For its first two years, we will be helping families who might not otherwise have the option to afford to send their children to the school of their choice through these $7,000 education savings accounts.

For the third year and beyond, all families will be eligible for the program.

“As additional families choose to participate in the program, and as our revenues increase, we can grow the program responsibly so that it can be fully universal for every Alabama family who wishes to participate. This program will be effective and sustainable, and it will serve as the catalyst for making Alabama the most school choice friendly state in the nation for years to come.

“My goal is to put us on a trajectory to make our program fully universal, while also maintaining our full and total support for public education. At the end of the day, I believe the CHOOSE Act — packaged with providing our K-12 teachers the highest starting salaries — will help our public schools become even stronger.

And I believe we will continue working toward our goal of being in the top 30 nationally when it comes to student outcomes.”

In concluding her remarks, Ivey said, “I am confident in Alabama’s future, because I am confident in our students.

I have met thousands of these young people, and I am more encouraged by the day. I am also proud of Alabama. I am proud of our citizens. And I am proud to continue leading our state forward. The people of Alabama deserve our very best. Future generations of Alabamians deserve our hardest work today. This is our opportunity. So, let’s not waste a moment.”

A4 Feb. 15, 2024

News from the Chambers of Commerce Lipscomb Wealth ribbon cutting; Ali Rauch selected for Alabama Leadership Initiative PHOT0 CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

PHOT0 CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

The Auburn Chamber celebrated a ribbon cutting with Lipscomb Wealth, a dedicated team of experienced financial advisors who know that everyone’s financial situation is unique and take the time to fine tune their guidance to fit individual needs. To find out how they can help clients achieve financial prosperity, go to lipscombwealth.com or visit 2372 E. University Dr. in Auburn.

OPELIKA — President and CEO of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce Ali Rauch has been selected for the Leadership Alabama 2023-2024 Alabama LeaderSee RAUCH, page A5

Business Over Breakfast speakers talk about the future of Opelika City Schools, athletics OPELIKA — The Opelika Chamber of Commerce held its quarterly Business Over Breakfast event on Thursday, Feb. 8.

The event centered around question and answer sessions with Opelika Superintendent Dr. Farrell Seymore and newly hired Opelika High School head football coach Bryan Moore.

SEYMORE'S REMARKS

The superintendent began by describing his career journey, highlighting the significance that the Opelika area has played in it. Seymore, an Auburn University graduate, served as a science teacher at Opelika Middle School after graduation.

He returned to Auburn to get a master’s degree in educational administration and went on to serve as the assistant principal and eventually principal for Opelika Middle School.

Additionally, he served as the principal at Opelika High School before assuming his current position of superintendent. After spending many years in the area, Seymore considers himself a native.

“I love Opelika — I’m not from Opelika originally, but it is my home,” he said. “I firmly believe, as an educator, I want to live here and invest in the community. Opelika is very welcoming and open to everyone coming in the door and provides the best cutting-edge opportunities for young people.”

Seymore said these opportunities that Opelika seeks to provide for its students are “not only for today, but for the future.”

The superintendent spoke about the importance of practical life skills.

“I’m convinced they’re going to have to be good employees... show up for work... think, problem solve and work together — these are the habits and traits we want to instill in

our young people early.”

Seymore said that because of rapid enrollment increases in the schools, an outside firm was hired to produce an enrollment projection study. He explained that based on the results, the school system will be preparing for future growth.

“I see it as an opportunity, but it's also a tremendous responsibility that we as a school system and also a community have to understand and recognize these families are coming.”

When discussing what that process entailed Seymore said, “We're working with a group now to do an analysis of all of our buildings to make sure we're making the most efficient use of our space.”

He added that preparation for growth would involve more than building renovations.

“It's about staffing quality people ... recruiting and looking to expand our programs,” he explained.

Seymore addressed the potential challenges that the Opelika school system faces. Transportation is a major issue.

“Can anyone drive a bus?” he asked the crowd.

Seymore said many bus drivers are reaching the age of retirement, and the next generation has not come forward to fill this role.

"This is one of those areas that is a critical need, and a lot of folks are just not going into that profession,” he said.

“I view a bus driver as maybe the most important person in the school system," he explained.

"They are often the first person a child will see in the morning and the last person when they leave in the afternoon.”

When asked what is his favorite thing about leading a city school, he responded, “The people and certainly the children first. … It's about being around the kids.”

Seymore told a story about one of his favorite memories: the opening

PHOT0S CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

BY NICHOLAS YOUNG FOR THE OBSERVER

OHS Head Football Coach Bryan Moore and Opelika City Schools Superintendent Farrell Seymore were featured speakers at the Opelika Chamber's Business Over Breakfast event on Feb. 8.

of Fox Run School and “being able to hold the door open as the first child walk[ed] in the door. … as an educator and as a parent, that's meaningful to me, that legacy will stand long after I'm gone.”

Seymore also added that faculty and staff are a very close second.

“They all influence our kids every day,” he said.

In concluding remarks, Seymore said he does not want Opelika City Schools to be the “best kept secret in East Alabama” and urged that anyone who is curious about the school system or any of its programs should not hesitate to reach out with any questions.

MOORE'S REMARKS

Moore began his session by providing an overview of his coaching career, beginning with his first coaching job at Opelika High School.

Moore spoke about how he almost took a job at another high school before being convinced by former Opelika head coach Spence McCracken to join his staff as assistant coach in 2007. Moore spent eight years at Opelika High School, the last four of which he was offensive coordinator, until being offered a head coaching job elsewhere in 2015.

Moore described his return to Opelika as “a

blessing.”

“Being able to come back home is really special,” he said. “It's just the beginning, I think, of what's going to be really special. And I love the growth idea.”

He said he is excited about OHS moving up in classification from 6A to 7A. “If we're going to go 7A, let's go there and grow,” he said.

Moore emphasized that he wanted to build strong relationships with the players and provide them with ample opportunity to succeed.

“The talent and ability is in the room,” he said of his players. “We have the ability to be successful.”

He said he believes that in order to produce success, he must first model it.

“It's about the connec-

tion between us [coaches] and the connection between them [players], and how we go about operating and caring for each other,” he explained. “I can't just preach that, I have to show it and go do it.”

Moore also emphasized the importance of working with players to have career and life plans after high school. He said his players should aim to follow one of three career paths after graduation: school, skills or service. This means that players can either enroll in higher education schools like college or university, learn a trade or serve in the military.

Moore said he is implementing a mandatory study hall to ensure that no player would fall behind academically.

When asked about the goals for the team on the

field, Moore was clear: “Win a region championship or state championship. …we want to win games.”

He praised his rising senior class saying they have “a chance to turn this thing around quickly … it’s a special group.”

Moore concluded by discussing his desire to get players acclimated to the routines of the program earlier. He spoke about introducing players to a weight room setting when they are in the sixth grade.

He said that teaching proper and safe methods of weight training to players early in their playing career will help alleviate any stress and anxiety that may arise later.

This fall, the Opelika Bulldogs will aim to return to the playoffs after a twoyear absence. The season will begin in late August.

A5 Feb. 15, 2024

OLLI at Auburn program to discuss pandemics AUBURN — The next Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Auburn’s Brown Bag Series will be held Wednesday, Feb. 21, featuring the program, "Pandemics: What are they, and when will we see another?" by Dr. Joseph Giambrone.

Giambrone will discuss pandemics, their complex behavior and how the occurrence of a pandemic depends on numerous factors. Scientists and health organizations continuously monitor and study infectious diseases to prevent and mitigate their impact, but it is impossible to predict with certainty when the next pandemic will happen.

Giambrone is a professor emeritus in Auburn University’s Department of Poultry Science with a joint appointment in the Department of Pathobiology in the College of Veterinary Medicine. He earned B.S. and M.S. degrees in animal science from the University of Delaware and a Ph.D. in medical microbiology from the University of Georgia.

OLLI at Auburn’s Brown Bag Speaker Series presentations are held on Wednesdays from 11:30

a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pebble Hill, located at 101 S. Debardeleben St. in Auburn. Events are free and open to the public.

NEXT PROGRAM: FEB. 28

The next program, set for Wednesday, Feb. 28, will feature Live Life Loud, a performance by the Huntsville Community Drumline.

Founded in 2010, Huntsville Community Drumline (HCDL) addresses the need for non-academic and non-sports-related affordable after-school youth programs that are structured, fun and exciting with far reaching benefits. For more than a decade they have invested in more than 5,000 youth and provided them with the opportunity to learn a craft that could lead to scholarships while providing a positive path for them to become contributing, productive members of society. Drums are the tools they use.

The fifth through ninth grade “stickmasters” have provided entertainment for hundreds of events throughout north Alabama. They are invited to perform at anywhere from 40 to 50 community, cultural, athletic and private events each year.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

BY ANDY LEE WHITE FOR THE OBSERVER

ABOUT OLLI

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Auburn University is a member organization offering non-credit classes in a variety of subjects. OLLI is a program of Auburn University Outreach, Office of the Vice President for University Outreach. Scott Bishop is Auburn’s OLLI director, Tenisha King is the program administrator and Cheri Lumpkin handles communications and marketing.

Alabama is home to three Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes including Auburn University, University of Alabama and University of Alabama in Huntsville. Each is an independently operated lifelong learning initiative of its’ host college or university and is supported in part by The Bernard Osher Foundation.

OLLI at Auburn provides social interaction and volunteer opportunities for adults 50 and over, though all adults are welcome. Membership benefits include academic courses, workshops, field trips and social events, travel opportunities, community discounts, access to Auburn University libraries, Tiger Transit and course auditing.

There are no requirements for

The Feb. 28 Brown Bag Series will feature a performance by the Huntsville Community Drum Line.

membership in OLLI at Auburn and activities are designed to promote the participation and involvement of all members.

Annual membership dues are only $50.

New Opelika Senior Center now open OPELIKA — The city of Opelika and Lee-Russell Council of Governments held a ribbon cutting and grand opening for the new Opelika Senior Center, located at 1103 Glenn St. in Opelika on Monday, Feb. 12.

“This new facility has been a long time coming," said Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller. "I want to especially thank Jackie Pinkard for bringing the idea to us several years ago. We hope that our seniors enjoy the space for many years to come.”

The Lee-Russell Council of Governments' Area Agency on Aging will operate the Opelika Senior Center, providing a daily nutritious meal, social activities,

RAUCH >> from A4 PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES | THE OBSERVER

CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF OF OPELIKA

Mid-South RC&D representative Pam Hughes presented a $10,000 donation to support Opelika's new Senior Center.

health and nutrition education, exercise and recreation as part of the Elderly Nutrition Program (ENP). Senior center staff and volunteers also work to link seniors to transportation, chronic disease self-management programs, fall prevention programs and

more. All services are free to those who attend.

“We are fortunate to have partners like the city of Opelika, our state delegates, Opelika City Council and Mid-South RC&D,” said Lisa Sandt, Lee-Russell Council of Governments executive

director. “Without them, this dream would not have come to fruition.

Lou Ella Foxx, our Elderly Nutrition Program coordinator, is thrilled to have a much larger space and a kitchen to better serve our seniors.”

Participants must

For more information about the numerous activities, classes and lectures offered by Auburn’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) visit auburn. edu.olor call (334) 844-3146.

be at least 60 years of age (or attend with a spouse who is at least 60 years of age). The center is open daily, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information, contact the Opelika Senior Center at (334) 7452679.

ship Initiative (ALI) Class.

The program, originally introduced in 1995, is for emerging leaders, and it complements Leadership Alabama’s existing leadership networks and programs. ALI was expanded in 2017 to a six-month program comprised of three, two-day retreats.

“The Initiative exposes young professionals to decision makers in Alabama who are sensitive to the challenges we face as a state, and it provides the participants with the unique opportunity to step inside the circle of decision makers and problem solvers who mold the future of our state,” said Ashley Kaplan, Leadership Alabama’s executive director.

This session, ALI Class VI members will meet in Montgomery, Dothan and Birmingham. Presentations and group discussions will encourage members to make a critical examination of preconceptions about their state, their communities and themselves. The program will boost education, connections and personal development among the class members.

“Being selected to the Alabama Leadership Initiative is an exciting honor,” Rauch said. “I am thrilled about the opportunity to be with major decision makers in the state of Alabama, and I can’t wait to make new connections and advancements for our community.”

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A6 Feb. 15, 2024

Auburn's 12th Annual Bark in the Park set for March 16 CONTRIBUTED BY AUBURN PARKS AND RECREATION

AUBURN — Auburn Parks and Recreation and CARE Humane Society will host the 12th Annual Bark in the Park: An Event Celebrating Responsible Dog Ownership on Saturday, March 16, at Kiesel Park from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This free community event is open to all dog owners and their favorite fourlegged friends.

The day will begin with the Tails & Trails 3K fun run at 9 a.m. for runners and their canine companions.

This year, the Tails and Trails 3k is free to register, and T-shirts are optional. To be guaranteed a race shirt, participants must register by Thursday, Feb. 29. A limited number of T-shirts will be available for purchase at the event.

The Tails and Trails 3K will not be timed.

Free tree giveaway at Auburn Arbor Day event CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

AUBURN — The Auburn Tree Commission will host its annual Arbor Day Celebration on Saturday, Feb. 24, from 8:30 a.m. to noon at Kroger on Dean Road, Publix at Moore’s Mill and Publix at Cary Creek. Members of the Tree Commission will distribute 500 Chinkapin oak trees and 500 Chickasaw plum trees to citizens free of charge while supplies last. Planting instructions will be included.

In honor of the Auburn Tree Commission's efforts

and the Arbor Day Celebration, Mayor Ron Anders has declared Saturday, Feb. 24, to be Arbor Day in the city of Auburn.

The Auburn Tree Commission is a citizen group appointed by the Auburn City Council. The commission advises the city on proper tree care and planting and is committed to the growth and preservation of Auburn's urban tree canopy.

The National Arbor Day Foundation has recognized the city of Auburn as a Tree City USA for the last 40 years.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The city of Auburn has been a Tree City Growth Award winner for six years, highlighting innovative programs and an increased commitment to urban forestry.

PACE >> from A2 with businesses and community members and provided needed information, funding, job opportunities and affordable housing for community members."

Grantham currently holds the title as the Auburn-Opelika Habitat for Humanity Executive Director. However, "his time commitment to the organization far exceeds his paid 40-hour workweek and exemplifies that of a committed and extraordinary volunteer."

Since beginning his work with Habitat in 2008, Grantham set a goal of completing two Habitat for Humanity homes annually.

Under his leadership, the number of volunteers and community partnerships increased, providing partners with opportunities "to give of their time and resources and shine the light so that others can see their pathway clearer."

As a servant leader, he has made an impact. Grantham embodies Habitat for Humanity’s mission of “Building Homes, Community and Hope” and lives a life that encourages each of us to serve as individuals and as a community, the press release states.

The PACE 2022 Outstanding Member Award was presented to Sandra Hall, who has held a number of

positions, including president and secretary.

"Sandra plays a vital and essential part of the lives of our youths and seniors in the Auburn and Opelika communities," the PACE press release states.

Hall is on the board of directors for the Northwest Auburn Taskforce Inc., where she serves as secretary. She is an active leader for Y-FABS (Young Female Achievers and Believers Scouts) and MATCH (Males Aiming to Change History), which serves Lee and Macon county youth.

Hall is a former Silver Stars Site Council member and is the secretary for the Auburn Senior Citizens at Boykin Center. She is also the President of the Joyettes Social and Savings Club, which donates to Toys-forTots. She is spearheading the Juneteenth celebration for Auburn and is the recording secretary for the event. She helps with coordinating the Annual Thanksgiving Senior Citizen dinner, the Senior Citizen Valentine Ball for the seniors and youth scouts, the Black History Program for the scouts, along with other yearly events. She is an active member of White Street Missionary Baptist Church, where she serves as the secretary of the Willing Works and is a member of the board of trustees who donate Christmas boxes to the community.

Prizes for the top three finishers overall and awards for the bestdressed pups will be announced at 9:45 a.m. by the starting line.

View a race map, register and check out T-shirts from previous years at auburnal. myrec.com.

Local businesses, veterinarians, nonprofit organizations and rescues offering products and services for dog owners are encouraged to submit a vendor appli-

ADOBE STOCK PHOTO

Start the day with a 3K fun run with your dog

cation to Sarah Cook at scook@auburnalabama. org.

For more information on Bark in the Park contact Cook at

(334) 501-2948 or scook@auburnalabama. org.

Arts & crafts, nonprofit vendors invited to participate in Auburn CityFest Auburn CityFest is Auburn’s largest FREE outdoor festival and is a great opportunity for arts & crafts and nonprofit vendors to gain more exposure in the Southeast. Nonprofit applications are due March 15, and the deadline to apply to be an arts & crafts vendor is April 5. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, firstserved basis, so vendors are encour-

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

AUBURN — The Auburn CityFest committee is currently accepting applications for arts & crafts and nonprofit vendors for Auburn CityFest 2024. This year’s theme is Space Adventure and will be held Saturday, April 27, at Kiesel Park from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

aged to apply as soon as possible due to limited space. Applications may close before the deadline if space fills up.

To apply to be a vendor for the Auburn CityFest, visit auburnal. myrec.com.

For more information about the Auburn CityFest, call (334) 501-2930 or visit auburncityfest.org.

CityFest Juried Art Show call for entries CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

AUBURN — Regional artists are invited to showcase their works at the 19th Annual Juried Art Show and Preview Reception. In collaboration with Auburn CityFest 2024, the event will be held on Thursday, April 25, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the historic Nunn-Winston House at Kiesel Park.

Artists ages 18 and older from Alabama or adjacent states may enter one work in one of the following fine art mediums: painting, works on paper, three dimensional (ceramics/sculpture), mixed media and photography. Entries are $35 The 2023 Outstanding Member Award was presented to the PACE 2023 Program Committee members: Mabel Robinson, Audrey Marshall, Angela Alexander, Dolly Marshall, Wanda Lewis, Kressida Benson and Addie Swinney.

"These members worked diligently the past two years to reevaluate and thoroughly assess how the committee could refresh the PACE brand to positively impact members and the community in becoming more involved by increasing fundraising efforts," the press release states. "Each member of this committee made the commitment to meet on a weekly

each and may be submitted online at auburnal.myrec.com. The entry fee will be waived for artists with exhibitor booths at Auburn CityFest.

Contact Emillie Dombrowski at (334) 501-2944 to receive a vendor promotional code.

Entry forms, fees and works must be submitted by April 22. Pieces may be dropped off at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center (222 E. Drake Ave.) April 15-19.

Works may also be dropped off at the Nunn-Winston House on April 22 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. This is the preferred method of artwork delivery.

Works displayed at the Juried Art

basis to brainstorm, plan and was delegated to perform specific tasks to make the major fundraiser a profitable event. The funds raised the past two years have exceeded past fundraiser goals which has placed PACE in a secure place at this time to continue to provide scholarships to Auburn, Opelika and Lee County seniors through the PACE scholarship application process. As vice president of PACE, Wanda Lewis facilitated the meetings and agendas. The committee collectively worked to secure everything necessary to plan two amazing galas. All the committee members shopped and made contacts and gave

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Show preview and reception will be available for sale. Up to $1,000 in merit awards will be awarded, and Auburn-Opelika Tourism will present two $250 special awards.

Winners will be announced during the reception, and all works will be displayed in the Nunn-Winston House at Auburn CityFest on April 27 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Juried Art Show and preview reception is presented by the city of Auburn, the Auburn Arts Association and Auburn-Opelika Tourism. For more information, visit auburncityfest.org or call the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center at (334) 501-2944.

freely of their time and needed resources for this to come to fruition. This committee was truly a working committee and was consensual with the decisions of the majority.

They worked, laughed, got frustrated when there were obstacles, but had FUN." According to the press release, one member stated, “It is not always the committee, but the people that make up the committee that make it so productive and fun. The willingness to give of one’s time and to support PACE unconditionally made this committee outstanding.”

PACE members expressed appreciation to the outgoing officers: Rev. Clifford Jones,

president; Wanda Lewis, vice president; Frazelma Lynn, corresponding secretary; Barbara Howard, treasurer; Sandra Hall, recording secretary; and Rev. Morris Lewis, chaplain.

Betty Reese installed the following 2024 officers at PACE’s annual dinner meeting: Charles Smith, president; Kressida Benson, vice president; Audrey Marshall, recording secretary; Ann Thompson, corresponding secretary; Barbara Howard, treasurer; and Rev. Clifford Jones, chaplain/parliamentarian.

For additional information about PACE, visit paceleecounty.com.

E vents,Food & SocietyNews

ENTERTAINMENT SEE UPCOMING EVENTS ON THE COMMUNITY CALENDAR, PAGE A8

Southern Hospitality Busy working mom shares recipes, tips for being organized

OPINION —

W

hile Victoria Benson is a busy mother, she has a love of cooking and prepares all their meals at home. She has become organized at grocery shopping and planning meals by designing themed dinners for some nights. Victoria and her husband, Braden, moved to Opelika in 2018 and have three small children, Lewis, 5, Phoebe, 2½, and Theodore, 1.

Braden is a Biblical counselor at the Owen Center in Auburn and is also an ordained minister, preaches at different churches and conducts weddings. Victoria works from home with Joni and Friends, an international ministry that helps families with disabled children attend retreats in Christ-centered environments.

Victoria grew up outside Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

When she was a teenager, her family moved to Jackson, Mississippi, which she now considers home since her family is from there, as well as Braden.

Her mom came from a large family with six children, and Victoria is the oldest of eight with the first five children being girls.

When she was growing up, her mother would have all the girls in the kitchen helping.

Her grandmother did not allow children to be in the kitchen, but later regretted it.

Victoria’s family cooked Creole and Cajun dishes with long and detailed recipes.

She is sharing an easy to make crawfish etouffee.

Her mother made cinnamon rolls, dinner rolls and pizza dough in a bread machine.

She made homemade pizzas every Friday night.

Now Victoria is continuing the tradition using a bread machine to make homemade dough for her family’s pizzas on Friday nights.

Her mother also made wedding cakes. Victoria is sharing favorite cakes that she often makes for special occasions, such as baby showers.

Before having children, Victoria was a special education teacher in Charlotte, North Carolina, while Braden was attending college. She worked with children who had autism and behavior challenges, which was her specialty. Now she works from home with Joni and Friends, an international ministry helping families with disabled children.

Joni and Friends was created by Joni Tada, who

PHOTO BY ANN CIPPERLY / FOR THE OBSERVER

BY ANN CIPPERLY

went with Billy Graham on some of his crusades.

She was injured in a diving accident and has a desire to help families impacted by a disability. The organization is headquartered in Los Angles, with area ministries located around the country.

Victoria worked for ministry retreats in Mississippi, and then she launched the Alabama program, which provides a five-day retreat for families with a child who has a disability. Some of the retreats are held at Camp McDowell near Huntsville.

During the summer, the ministry provides about 75 families with retreats.

Victoria is an event manager for the organization and directs the volunteers, as well as supporting regional managers. There are also retreats in Georgia, Florida and Louisiana.

Victoria finds the appropriate accommodations, and each family has a volunteer. She coordinates getting volunteers and matching them with families.

It allows her to work from home and attend meetings over Zoom. Her children go with her when she is taking care of the families and managing the volunteers.

While Victoria is a busy mom, she makes time to spend in the kitchen cooking homemade meals. “We enjoy eating together at home, and we don’t go out,” she said. “I think sometimes we overthink our meals for the week. I think you can keep it simple.”

Since Sundays are busy, Victoria keeps lunch simple after church. During warm months, she serves salads, and during the winter she prepares soups to serve with grilled cheese sandwiches.

She serves breakfast for dinner on Sunday nights.

Victoria keeps menu planning easy with a Mexican dish or tacos on Tuesday nights. With the pizzas on Friday night, she has a head start on planning every week.

While Victoria sometimes arranges menus for a couple of weeks, other times she will just make a list of dishes she wants to cook.

She basically only grocery shops every two weeks, and she will take the children.

“We are always baking and cooking together in the kitchen,” she said. “It gives us things to do. Lewis is not quite five yet, but he can make a box of macaroni and cheese and sandwiches on his own.”

On hectic days, she will cook a meal in the crockpot or will use the Instant Pot. “I encourage people to enjoy the food they eat,” said Victoria. “In this age with social media, you can get overly concerned about what you should cook or what friends are making. I enjoy Indian and Thai food, and the kids have learned to like it, too.

Victoria Benson is sharing her family’s favorite recipes and helpful hints on being organized. Victoria and Braden are pictured with their children, from left, Phoebe, Theodore and Lewis.

“Someone told me when I was first pregnant that just as your children go through many stages, you go through many stages as a mom,” Victoria added. “That is true even with cooking as there are different stages. If you have just had a baby, the thought of getting in the kitchen is overwhelming, but you will get the energy back.

Just be patient with yourself and remember to enjoy the food you cook for your family.”

SUNDRIED TOMATOES AND ITALIAN SAUSAGE PASTA 1 box penne noodles 1 lb. mild Italian sausage 1 diced onion Garlic salt to taste 1 jar sundried tomatoes Heavy whipping cream Parmesan cheese Salt and pepper to taste Boil the penne noodles in a pot of water until “al dente.” While the noodles are cooking, cook the Italian sausage and onions in a pan. Add garlic salt to taste. Add chopped sundried tomatoes as well as the oil from the jar.

When noodles are cooked, add noodles to sausage mixture. Pour heavy whipping cream on top until creamy. Add in Parmesan cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste.

CROCKPOT CHICKEN WITH HONEY MUSTARD 2 chicken breasts ½ onion diced 1 tsp. paprika 1 tsp. curry powder ½ tsp. salt ½ tsp. pepper 1/3 stick butter in little slices ¼-1/3 cup honey 2-3 Tbsp. Dijon mustard 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed Place all ingredients above (in that order) in a crockpot. Cook on high for 4 hours. Serve over rice.

BLACK BEAN SOUP We love this soup during fall and winter for Sunday lunch with cheese quesadillas.

From Naptime Kitchen 1 yellow onion, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced 2 Tbsp. olive oil 6 cans black beans, drained and rinsed 2 (12oz.) jars salsa, 1 regular and 1 salsa Verde 32 oz. broth 2 tsp. chili powder 2 tsp. cumin Salt and pepper to taste Topping: Avocado Sauté onion and pepper in the olive oil until soft.

Add everything else to the pot except topping.

Let simmer on the stove for at least 30 minutes.

Put soup in blender and blend until smooth.

Serve with avocado

on top and cheese quesadillas.

TACO SALAD WITH DEER MEAT OR GROUND BEEF We love this salad on Tuesdays in the spring and summer. My husband is a deer hunter.

Salad: Deer meat or ground beef Cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper to taste Tortilla chips Romaine lettuce Select Toppings: 1 can corn 1 can black beans Avocado Red onion Diced tomatoes Dressing: 1/3 cup olive oil 1 Tbsp. lime juice ½ tsp. sea salt ½ tsp. cumin ¼ tsp. black pepper 1 clove garlic Cook meat and season with cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper. Place tortilla chips in bottom of bowl. Cover with romaine lettuce and top

with desired toppings.

Mix the dressing ingredients in a jar and shake. Pour dressing over the top.

SUNDRIED TOMATO DIP This is a game day or shower staple. Serve with bagel chips.

Layer ingredients in the following order in a round glass container: Chopped sundried tomatoes Pesto Chopped pecans Parmesan cheese, shredded Cream cheese Garlic salt Feta cheese Press the layers in the container and place in the refrigerator.

When ready to serve, flip out the dip onto a plate and serve with bagel chips.

CRAWFISH ETOUFFEE A favorite from Mississippi family

See RECIPES, page A11

A8 Feb. 15, 2024

Windhorse Winter Workshop coming to Opelika ArtHaus 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.

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

AUBURN — Comedian Brian Regan will bring his national tour to the Woltosz Theatre at the Jay and Susie Gouge Performing Arts Center in Auburn on Feb. 29.

Regan co-stars in three seasons of Peter Farrelly’s television series, Loudermilk, which moved to Netflix on Jan. 1 and has been in the Top 10 TV Shows on Netflix for several weeks.

He received praise for his portrayal of “Mugsy,” a recovering addict who is estranged from his family.

Farrelly personally cast Regan in the series alongside Ron Livingston, Anja Savcic, Will Sasso and Mat Fraser. The series’ first two seasons aired on AT&T’s Audience Network before moving to Amazon Prime to premiere the third season.

The latest of Regan’s eight standup specials, Brian Regan: On The Rocks (2021), is currently streaming on Netflix. His 2017 Netflix special, Brian Regan: Nunchucks and Flamethrowers, is also

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

Brian Regan bringing comedy tour to Auburn

Comedian Brian Regan will perform in Auburn on Feb. 29.

streaming and is available as a vinyl album. In 2015, his stand-up special, Brian Regan: Live From Radio City Music Hall, made history as Comedy Central’s first live broadcast of a stand-up special.

Critics, fans and fellow comedians agree: Brian

Regan is one of the most respected comedians in the country, with Vanity Fair calling him “the funniest stand-up alive,” and Entertainment Weekly calling him, “your favorite comedian’s favorite comedian.”

Having built his 30-plus See COMEDY, page A9

COMMUNITY CALENDAR ZUMBA CLASSES Zumba classes are held on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Frank Brown Recreational Center in Auburn. Cost is $5 drop in, $25 for five classes and $40 for 10 classes. Register at auburnal.myrec.com.

POETRY SERIES @ PEBBLE HILL The Third Thursday Poetry Series will be hosted at Pebble Hill, 101 S. Debardeleben St. in Auburn, on Thursday, Feb. 15, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. This month’s readings will be by poet Jennifer Grotz.

VIENNA BOYS CHOIR @ GOUGE CENTER The world-renowned Vienna Boys Choir will perform on Saturday, Feb. 17, at 7 p.m. at the Jay and Susie Gouge Performing Arts Center, located at 910 S. College St. in Auburn. Tickets range in price from $35 to $80 and are available at the website goguecenter.evenue.net.

ALVIN AILEY DANCE CO. @ GOUGE CENTER The Alvin Ailey Dance Company will perform on Tuesday, Feb. 20, at 7 p.m. in Woltosz Theatre in the Jay and Susie Gouge Performing Arts Center, located at 910 S. College St. in Auburn. Tickets range in price from $30 to $65 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. 21, with the program “Pandemics: What are they, and when will we see another?” AU Professor Emeritus Dr. Joseph Giambrone will discusses pandemics, their complex behavior and how the occurrence of a pandemic depends on numerous factors.

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.

WINDHORSE WINTER WORKSHOP SERIES 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-

Want help spreading the word about your event?

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

register.

THE KING’S SINGERS @ OCPA The King’s Singers a capella group will be in concert on Saturday, Feb. 24, at 7:30 p.m. at the Opelika Center for the Performing Arts, located at 1700 Lafayette Pkwy. in Opelika. Tickets range in price from $20 to $59 and are available at www.eastalabamaarts.org/tickets.

EAST ALA GEM & MINERAL SOCIETY The East Alabama Gem and Mineral Society will meet Tuesday, Feb. 27, at Trinity Methodist Church, 800 2nd Ave., Opelika, at 6 p.m. The club meets every fourth Tuesday from January to October and every third Tuesday from November and December. Participants have rocks and minerals identified, hear an informative program, share new rocks and minerals and enjoy a potluck meal. Contact Bill LaMar, President, at 334-5027929 or J.J. Frickert, Vice President, at 334-499-0115 for more information. Leave a message if no answer. Dues are $20 per family or $10 per individual per year. All ages welcome.

BEGINNER VEGETABLE GARDENING Lee County Cooperative Extension will present the workshop Beginner Vegetable Gardening: Seeds and Transplants on Feb. 27, from 9 a.m. to noon at the extension office, located at 600 S. 7th St. in Opelika.

Participants will seed tomato, eggplant and pepper varieties to take home. Cost is $10. Register online at www.aces.edu/event/beginner-vegetable-gardeningseeds-and-transplants. For more information, email carrodl@auburn.edu or call (334) 749-3353.

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. 27. 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.

OLLI BROWN BAG SERIES AU’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) continues its Winter 2024 Brown Bag Series on Wednesday, Feb. 28, with the program “Live Life Loud.” The event will feature a performance by fifth through ninth grade “stickmasters” from the Huntsville Community Drumline. 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.

COMEDIAN BRIAN REGAN @ GOUGE CENTER Brian Regan of Comedy Central and Netflix fame will present his comedic act on Thursday, Feb. 29, at 7 p.m. in Woltosz Theatre in the Jay and Susie Gouge Performing Arts Center, located at 910 S. College St. in Auburn. Tickets range in price from $35 to $80 and are available at the website goguecenter.evenue.net.

SOFIA PHILHARMONIC @ OCPA The Sofia Philharmonic, the National Orchestra of Bulgaria, will be in concert on Monday, March 4, at 7:30 p.m. at the Opelika Center for the Performing Arts, located at 1700 Lafayette Pkwy. in Opelika. Tickets range in price from $20 to $59 and are available at www. eastalabamaarts.org/tickets.

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 March 9 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.

POETRY SERIES @ PEBBLE HILL The Third Thursday Poetry Series will be hosted at Pebble Hill, 101 S. Debardeleben St. in Auburn, on Thursday, March 21, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The readings will be by Gregory Pardlo and Laura Spence-Ash.

A9 Feb. 15, 2024

AACT Young Performers bring beloved book to life CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER AUBURN — Auburn Area Community Theatre (AACT) is on the hunt- for Miss Nelson!

AACT Young Performers, ages 13-18, are bringing to like the beloved children’s book, “Miss Nelson is Missing!” This classic children’s book, turned into a play, tells the story of a teacher that can’t control her crazy classroom because she’s just too nice. When she disappears, her replacement is the hard-as-nails, detention-loving, recess-canceling, homework-overloading substitute teacher Viola Swamp. With the Big Test approach-

ing, the kids suddenly realize how much they miss Miss Nelson and they’ll do anything — including hiring a private eye — to solve the mystery of her disappearance and bring her back. Laughter and action for all ages are guaranteed.

Performances are scheduled for Feb. 22, 23 and 24 at 6:30 p.m., with an additional matinee on Feb. 24 at 2 p.m. These performances will take place Grace United Methodist Church, 915 E. Glenn Ave., in Auburn.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors. Call (334)246-1084 or visit www.auburnact.org for ticket purchases and more information.

Email info@auburnact.org for group rate information.

ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCES Additionally, AACT Young Performers will be taking “Miss Nelson” on the road to neighboring communities with free performances. No tickets or reservations are required, doors will open 30 minutes before the shows begin. Each of the following free shows will also include a book giveaway sponsored by the Hudson Family Foundation.

• March 1 at 7 p.m.

New Camp Hill Municipal Complex located at 41 Heard St., in Camp Hill • March 2 at 3 p.m.

A.R.M. Ministry Hub, located at 202 S. Main St., in Tuskegee.

• March 3 at 3 p.m.

Loachapoka Family Enrichment Center at the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church) located at 1 Day Lily St., in Loachapoka.

COMING UP NEXT Next in the season is the adult production of the comedy murder-mystery “The Game’s Afoot.” Auditions seeking five women and three men of various ages will be held at the Frank Brown Rec Center on Feb. 19 and 20 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. and are open to anyone age 17 and up. Callbacks will be on Feb. 22 from 6 TO 8:30 p.m. Come

either or both audition days, and read from the scripts provided.

Set, props and other volunteers are also welcome to attend auditions.

Rehearsals will be on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings from 6 to 8:30 p.m., beginning on March 4, and will continue to performance dates of May 10–12 and May 17–19.

Please visit www. auburnact.org for more information or contact info@auburnact.org with any questions.

Auburn Area Community Theatre (AACT) is a nonprofit organization that exists to serve the Auburn-Opelika Community. Its purpose is to

provide an opportunity for education and participation in the world of theatre and present a quality, entertaining, and thought-provoking theatre experience.

AACT is a volunteer organization that depends on the time and energy of many wonderful people from within the community.

There’s something for everyone. Visit www. auburnact.org to find our volunteer interest form or email info@ auburnact.org to get involved. Follow AuburnACT on Facebook or keep up with us at www.

AuburnACT.org for the latest information on auditions, volunteer opportunities, tickets and more.

Annual 'Near His Heart' dinner planned for Feb. 23; register now the south suburbs of Chicago. He received a bachelor's degree from Calvin college in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and a master of divinity degree from Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando.

He has served as a youth pastor, senior pastor and church planter.

After suffering a spinal cord injury in November 2020, he now uses his

BY MICHELLE KEY MICHELLE@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

AUBURN— The annual Near His Heart dinner, a special night for parents and caregivers of those with special needs, will be held Friday, Feb. 23, at 6 p.m.

There is no cost to attend the event, but all attendees need to register for the dinner and for childcare. There are dining room spots still available and the last day to register for child/ adult care is Monday, Feb. 19.

This year's guest speaker will be Mike Fennema.

Fennema grew up in

COMEDY >> FROM A8 year career on the strength of his material alone, Brian’s non-stop theater tour continuously fills the most beautiful venues across North America, visiting close to 100 cities each year. Regan made his Kennedy Center debut with two sold-out shows in 2019. Following years of performances in New

Mike and Stephanie Fennema and their five children.

York City’s finest theaters, including Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall, the Beacon Theater and Radio City Music Hall, his tour has included visits to Denver’s legendary Red Rocks Amphitheater, the EnergySolutions Arena in Salt Lake City and Carnegie Hall.

Regan made a scene-stealing cameo in Chris Rock’s film, Top Five, and he is a guest on two episodes of Jerry Sein-

feld’s Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, which is now streaming on Netflix.

A regular on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Regan is the rare guest who the show invites on for two segments: a performance segment and a segment on the couch to chat with Jimmy.

A limited number of single tickets are still available for the Auburn show at www.goguecenter. auburn.edu/brian-regan.

disability as a way to minister in a unique way.

Mike and his wife Stephanie have been married for more than 17 years, and God has blessed them with five children.

If you are a family touched by disability, come and enjoy a night of respite, dinner and an opportunity to meet other families, while those you care for are enjoying their own special time

together and being cared for by some amazing volunteers.

Volunteers are needed; If interested come and serve and be encouraged, yourself.

The event will be held at Lakeview Baptist Church, located at 1600 E. Glenn Ave. in Auburn.

To register visit www.form.jotform. com/230164018885154.

A10 Feb. 15, 2024

Sean of the South

It's Girl Scout season

BY SEAN DIETRICH

I

OPINION — t’s Girl Scout-cookie season again, which traditionally begins right after deer season, and is followed by Lent.

This is the time of year when words like “Samoas,” “Shortbread Trefoils,” “Do-si-dos,” and “Tagalongs” become household names. A season when many of us transition to wearing sweatpants full-time because we love cookies.

Some years ago, two Girl Scout Daisies (kindergarten-age recruits) visited my porch selling cookies. If you’ve never met a Daisy, make it your objective to do so. You will die from cuteness overload.

I told the Daisies that I wanted to buy 100 boxes. I was joking, of course, but they didn’t realize this.

One of the girls had to be revived with cold water. Her friend shouted, “Ohmygosh! Mom! A hundred boxes!”

Whereupon the girl’s mother (this is true) said: “That means we win a pink Cadillac!”

The reason I regularly order cookies is not only because they’re delicious, but because I believe in these girls. I believe in their values. I believe in their organization. I believe in refined sugar.

My grandmother was a Girl Scout in the early 1920s. My mother was a Girl Scout. My wife was a Girl Scout Brownie —

which is the same as a regular Scout, except they don’t file income taxes.

The Girl Scouts represent one of the finest institutions this country has ever produced, and that’s not an opinion.

Take, for example, troop leader Miss Emma Hall.

In 1913, during an era of flagrant racism, Miss Emma’s “Red Rose Troop,” in New Bedford, Massachusetts, was welcoming AfricanAmerican Girl Scouts into its group. And keep in mind, this was happening seven years before American women had the right to vote; and 50 years before public schools would be integrated.

I’m telling you, these girls are cool.

I first fell in love with the Girl Scouts when I had a gig writing for a small publication in Savannah, Georgia. My assignment was to cover local history.

One day I was interviewing a local historian in a coffee shop when this historian said, “Have you ever visited the Juliette Gordon Low house?”

“The what house?” I said.

In a few minutes this historian had whisked me across town to Oglethorpe Avenue for an impromptu tour of the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of Girl Scouts.

And I was overwhelmed.

The more I learned about these Scouts, the more I liked them. This organization did more than introduce values of inclusion and selfconfidence during an era when women were trivialized. These Scouts also introduced our nation to perhaps the most cherished American

pastime ever established.

I am, of course, referring to Thin Mints.

The first Girl Scout cookies trace their origins back to 1917, a year fraught with heartache and violence. There was a World War on. Twenty million men were dying overseas. Newspapers were reporting rumors of a possible Spanish Flu epidemic on the horizon.

A few girls from the “Mistletoe Troop” in Muskogee, Oklahoma, started baking and selling cookies in a high school cafeteria to raise money to send gifts to troops. These soldiers would have been the girls’ brothers, uncles and fathers.

The cookies were an instant hit. They became so popular that by the 1920s, Girl Scouts all over the nation were using the same simple sugar cookie recipe to raise money.

Back then, the cost of ingredients was about 25 cents per each seven dozen cookies. The girls would bake several batches in one afternoon, often on wood stoves, making serious attempts to burn down their homes without parental supervision. They would turn around and sell these cookies at 35 cents per dozen.

In other words, they were raking it in, hand over merit badge.

By the ‘30s about 127 Girl Scout councils in America were holding cookie sales. By the 1950s, Girl Scout cookies were a national thing, baked in commercial bakeries and delivered door-to-door by hand. By the ‘60s all Americans, no matter what their creed, shape or denomination, had the God-given opportunity to eat these sacred cookies

and gain serious adipose tissue.

I don’t have to tell you that the Scouts are still going strong today.

Currently there are about 2.5 million Girl Scouts in 92 countries. In an average cookie-year, 1.7 million girl members raise about $800 million dollars.

The remarkable thing about this is that one hundred % of the money that’s raised stays within local councils and troops, which makes the Girl Scouts of America a very uniquely run organization.

Especially when compared to, say, televangelism.

I am writing this because I believe in these kids. I admire what they stand for, I love what they do. And I want them to know that I support them. In fact, I just ordered my annual cookies online because, let it be stated here, my household supports our local troops.

During this COVID era, each one of these young women deserves to know that they, like their predecessors, have made my life infinitely more sunny. Not just because

of their cookies, but because in this troubled world, these girls are brave enough to call themselves Scouts.

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.

The Black History Workshop and Showcase shows are FREE, but attendance is limited so people must register for seating and a spot in the workshop. The workshop will be from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb 24, at Make Your Move Dance Studio located at USA Town Center, 1220 Fox Run Ave., in Opelika.

Be part of our 2024 LIVE Lee Bridal Edition Our Inaugural Bridal publication will offer tips and trends for couples planning their own events in 2024 and beyond...

Submit files to LIVELee@opelikaobserver.com before the March 15 dead Iine.

$100 gets you

* 2-page wedding feature * 400-word story about your special day * 1 special commemorative issue of the magazine

Requirements

* Submit a minimum of 10 images

* Images must be submitted digitally (Send in full body, vertical photo of yourself and one with your groom) * Story must be submitted digitally (Word document).

You can write about how you met, the proposal, the wedding day, flowers, catering, music, etc. This write-up also needs to include the name of the bride and groom (how you would like it to appear in the magazine) plus your wedding date and location. Also, do you have any advice to other brides for their wedding day?

Deadline is March 15, 2024 "'-The

'-IDserver

A11 Feb. 15, 2024

RECIPES >> FROM A7 1 stick butter 1 onion, finely chopped 2 green onions, chopped 1 rib celery, chopped 4 thin slices lemon 1 Tbsp. parsley 2 Tbsp. chopped red bell pepper 1 tsp. flour 1 lb. cleaned chopped crawfish tails, including fat Salt and cayenne pepper to taste Sauté onions and celery in butter until soft. Add everything except the tails (including the fat) and simmer for 10 minutes.

Sprinkle flour over the contents of the pan. Now add crawfish tails and simmer for five more minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Serve hot over rice.

APPLE SPICE CAKE A favorite to serve at baby showers.

From Elisabeth and Butter Cake: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 2 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg 1/2 tsp. salt 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar 1/4 cup vegetable oil 4 large eggs, at room temp 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract 1 /2 cup whole milk, room temp 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce 2 cups peeled and finely chopped apples (I used Granny Smith) Frosting: 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature 8 oz. cream cheese, softened to room temperature 4 cups confectioners’ sugar 1 tsp. vanilla extract 3 Tbsp. pure maple syrup Cinnamon for sprinkling on top For the Cake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease three 8-inch cake pans.

In a medium sized bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt until combined.

In a mixing bowl fitted with a paddle attachment or with a hand mixer, beat together softened butter, brown sugar and oil for 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs and vanilla and beat to combine. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.

Add in half of the dry ingredients, beating until just combined. Scrape down sides of bowl and add in vanilla extract, milk and applesauce, mixing until just combined.

Add remaining dry ingredients and mix until smooth, then add in the 2 cups of chopped apples and stir to combine.

Pour batter into the three greased cake pans and bake for 18 to 24 minutes or until take is set and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Let cakes cool in the pans for 5 to 10 minutes and then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For Frosting: In a clean mixing bowl fitted with a paddle attachment or with a hand mixer, beat softened butter and cream cheese together for 2-3 minutes or until light and fluffy.

Turn mixer to low speed and slowly add in the confections sugar, vanilla and maple syrup and beat on medium speed for 1 minute until smooth and fluffy.

To assemble, place one cake layer on a plate or cake pedestal and spread a layer of buttercream. Repeat with other layer and then frost top and sides of cake with remaining buttercream. Store cake in the refrigerator but let it return to room temperature before serving.

breasts 3-4 Tbsp. Thai red curry paste, to taste 2 tsp. ground ginger 3 Tbsp. sesame oil or extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup fresh Thai basil or regular basil, chopped 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, plus more for serving 1 (14 oz.) can full fat coconut milk 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce 2 Tbsp. fish sauce (optional, but recommended) 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter Juice of 1 lime Steamed rice, for serving Roasted peanuts and Persian cucumbers, for serving For Spicy Lime Mango: 1 mango, diced 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped Juice and zest from 1 lime Instant Pot Toss chicken with 2 Tbsp. Thai red curry paste, ginger and 1 Tbsp. oil. Let sit 5 minutes.

Set Instant Pot to sauté. Add 2 Tbsp. oil and the chicken to the pot and sear on both sides until browned, about 2 minutes. Add Thai red curry paste to taste, and add the basil and the cilantro. Turn the pot off.

Add coconut milk, soy sauce, fish sauce (if using) and 1/4 cup water.

Cover and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.

Once done cooking, use natural or quick release function. Stir in peanut butter and lime juice. Set pot to sauté and bring to a boil, boil 5 minutes or until sauce has thickened. Note, there is going to be a lot of sauce.

To make spicy lime mango. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.

Serve chicken and sauce over rice. Top with roasted peanuts, cucumbers and spicy lime mango.

WEEKNIGHT THAI PEANUT CHICKEN WITH SPICY LIME MANGO IN AN INSTANT POT From Half Baked Hart 1 1/2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken thighs or

GREEK MEATBALLS AND ORZO SKILLET Meatballs: 1 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil 1 lb. ground turkey or chicken

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

1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs 1/4 cup chopped fresh leaf parsley 3 Tbsp. grated onion 1 clove garlic, grated or minced Zest of lemon 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice 1 egg 1 tsp. dried oregano 1/2 tsp. ground coriander 1/2 tsp. ground cumin 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste 2 oz. feta cheese, crumbled Orzo: 2 tsp. olive oil 1 clove garlic, grated or minced 1 cup uncooked orzo 2 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste 1/2 cup diced roasted red peppers 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice 1/4 cup chopped kalamata olives 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh dill 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh flat leaf parsley Extra feta cheese for garnish Add all meatball ingredients to a mixing bowl and use your hands to combine ingredients being careful not to over mix. Coat your hands with a bit of oil and scoop out approximately a Tbsp. size amount of the meat and roll into a ball. Place meatballs onto a plate.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat along with a Tbsp. of olive oil.

When skillet is hot swirl oil to coat the bottom of it. Add the meatballs to skillet and cook for approximately 8-10 minutes turning them often for even browning.

While meatballs cook wash the plate. Place cooked meatballs back onto plate and cover with a piece of foil to keep them warm.

Wipe out skillet if needed, then, over medium heat, add 2 tsp. of olive oil, garlic and the orzo. Stir together

and toast orzo for about a minute. Pour in chicken broth, roasted red peppers and lemon juice. Stir everything together and bring it to a boil.

Cook until orzo is tender, about 7-8 minutes.

Stir orzo often to keep from sticking to bottom of skillet. When orzo is tender, stir in kalamata olives and fresh herbs.

Place meatballs on top of orzo and sprinkle in feta and extra herbs.

CHICKEN SHAWARMA This is a staple for us when people come for dinner.

From the Lazy Genius.

Marinate boneless chicken thighs in oil, salt and spices for 1-36 hours.

Roast, grill, or sauté the chicken whole or in pieces. We like to bake it in the oven at 450 degrees for 10-15 minutes.

Serve with any of the following toppings, over rice, with a salad, wrapped up in pita, or whatever you like.

Spices: 2 tsp. cumin 2 tsp. paprika 1 tsp. allspice 1 tsp. turmeric 1 tsp. sugar ½ tsp. coriander ½ tsp. garlic powder ¼ tsp. cinnamon ¼ tsp. cardamom ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper Topping Options: tzatziki sauce, hummus, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, avocado, rice, lettuce, pita, etc.

CARROT CAKE One of my favorites for a baby shower.

From Elisabeth and Butter Cake: 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. salt 2 cups granulated sugar 2 tsp. ground cinnamon 1 ½ cups vegetable oil 4 large eggs, beaten 1 tsp. vanilla 3 cups finely grated carrots Cream Cheese Frosting: ½ cup salted butter, softened 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened 4 cups confectioner sugar

1 tsp. vanilla For the cake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease three 8-inch pans with shortening and flour, then line each bottom with parchment paper. This is a tender cake, and the layers tend to stick to the pans, so lining them prevents cake fails.

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg until combined. Add oil, beaten eggs and vanilla extract and mix until just combined using a rubber spatula or spoon.

Peel and finely grate carrots using a fine grater or food processor and fold into batter until all combined.

Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean and layers are firm to the touch. Leave in the pans for 10 minutes and then remove the layers and let cool completely on a drying rack. Once cooled completely, I like to wrap the layers in plastic wrap and place in the freezer for a few hours. This makes it easier to assemble since the cake it so tender.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat softened butter and cream cheese for about 3 minutes, or until light and fluffy. Turn mixer to low and slowly add confectioners’ sugar and then vanilla extract and beat on medium speed for another minute. The frosting should be smooth and fluffy.

Place first layer of cake onto a cake stand and top with about a cup of frosting. Spread to edges and make sure the frosting is smooth and even. Continue with other layers and then frost sides of cake with an offset spatula. Use an icing smoother or offset spatula to scrape the frosting off and give it the semi “naked” look.

Publisher's Note: Recipes were submitted to The Observer by Victoria Benson.

A12 Feb. 15, 2024

Altar call

BY WALTER ALBRITTON OPINION —

I

n his book, “My Utmost for His Highest”, Oswald Chambers declares that the supreme goal of his life was to be absolutely abandoned to Jesus. He writes, “I am determined to be absolutely and entirely for Him and

Him alone.” That level of commitment, he says, is a matter of the will, requiring the surrender of one’s will to Jesus “absolutely and irrevocably.” Only then is one in a position to offer the Lord his best, his utmost and be rewarded with “His highest,” His glory.

This is what Paul meant, Chambers said, when he wrote in Philippians (1:20) “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body,

Entirely His whether by life or by death.” Oswald explains, “It’s as if Paul were saying, ‘My determined purpose is to be my utmost for His highest — my best for His glory.’”

If there was ever a man for whom Jesus was everything, it was Oswald Chambers. His depth of surrender to Jesus challenges me to the core of my being. Two weeks after the death of my wife, Chambers inspired me to write and pray this prayer: “Jesus, tonight I surrender my will to you

DUSTIN ROBERT BUSHEY Feb. 16, Visitation 1 p.m., Service 2 p.m.

Church of the Highlands, Auburn Campus

LEONARD DUGGAR MCCORMICK

Feb. 18, Visitation 1 p.m., Service 2 p.m.

Frederick Dean Funeral Home, Opelika

DENNIS FUSSELL Dennis DeHaven Fussell Jr., 46, passed away on Feb. 10, 2024, at Grandview Hospital in Birmingham.

He was born Feb. 28, 1977, to Dennis Fussell Sr. and Gwendolyn (Gwen) Garrison. He was a proud resident of Auburn, where he was in the home building and construction business. He was a graduate of Meek High School in Arley, Alabama.

Dennis’ greatest passion was spending quality time with his son, James Fussell.

Dennis was witty, kind and loved by his family and many friends. Dennis had an

unshakable faith in God and was a member of the Auburn East Campus of Church of the Highlands. Dennis was incredibly generous and was proud of his work with Habitat for Humanity and Samaritans Purse.

Dennis is survived by his beloved son; his former wife, Leslie Langston Parton; his mother, Gwendolyn Garrison, and her husband, Miles Garrison; his father, Dennis Fussell Sr., and wife, Suzette Fussell. He is also survived by his sister, Gerri Denise Fussell Smith, and long-time friend and mentor, "Poppy" John Story. He has three step-

There must be a yielding, a total surrender, of our lives to Jesus so that when we receive the Holy Spirit, “There I now only One who directs the course of your life, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

The Holy Spirit gives us the power to obey Jesus as we are being sanctified to become more and more like Jesus.

Intimacy with Jesus is the source of our strength to serve Him. So, Chambers says, “The Christian who is truly intimate with Jesus will never draw attention to himself but will only

show evidence of a life where Jesus is completely in control. This is the outcome of allowing Jesus to satisfy every area of life to its depth. The picture resulting from such a life is that of the strong, calm balance that our Lord gives to those who are intimate with Him.” Chambers spins off the words of Paul, “You are not your own,” (1 Corinthians 6:19), to insist that the Holy Spirit inspires the authentic Christian to say, “I am See ALBRITTON, page A13

OBITUARIES

Upcoming Services DENNNIS FUSSELL Feb. 15, Visitation 1 to 3 p.m., Service 3 p.m.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home, Opelika

absolutely and irrevocably.

Give me the grace to stay surrendered. Please overcome my sorrow with your joy. Amen.” Three years later I am still praying that prayer. Chambers insists that sorrow and suffering are universal, and since God allows suffering, it is in “the fires of sorrow” that we can find the grace to remain what God created us to be and to allow God to make us “nourishment for other people.”

Chambers helps us understand how the Holy Spirit works in our lives.

siblings, Dana Halbrooks, Julie Sherman and Ashley McDonald.

Friends and family may visit on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home, 1500 Frederick Road, Opelika. A service will immediately follow at 3 p.m.

The family recommends donations to Habitat for Humanity or Samaritans Purse.

KATIE SUE STEELE Katie Sue Steele passed away peacefully on Feb. 6, 2024, in Opelika at the age of 87. She was born on Feb. 23, 1936, in Birmingham to James G. Park and Thelma G. Park.

She was preceded in death by her parents, as well as her brother James Dewy Park, and sister, Harriet P Woodward.

She is survived by her loving sister Elaine P Goettge, her daughter Susan Humphries Vaughn, her son Daniel E

CHARLES T. MOMAN Charles T. Moman was born on Oct. 30, 1953, and passed away Feb. 6, 2024.

He is survived by his wife, Paulette Moman, and children, Miles Christopher Moman, Tammy Lynn Moman, Charles Albert Moman and Priscilla Paige Moman.

nephew, cousin and friend passed away on Feb. 3, 2024. in his hometown of Auburn.

Born to Sandra May Evans on Sept. 2, 1980, in Opelika, Daniel’s life was full of passion, kindness, wit and youthful exuberance. He received his GED, was an avid reader, loved his pets and was a Star Wars fan.

Daniel is survived and deeply missed by his loving mother, Sandra Evans; his grandmother, Arlene N. May; and a close-knit family of aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Daniel Hart May. A memorial service to celebrate Daniel’s life was held Feb. 9. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a mental health facility of your choosing.

DANIEL JAMES MAY Daniel James May, a beloved son, grandson,

JOHN HUFF JR. John Terrell Huff Jr., 79, passed away on Feb. 6, 2024.

Humphries (Merci) and her cherished grandchildren, Virginia S. Vaughn, Blakeley N. Humphries and Kellen E. Humphries.

She dedicated 24 years of her career to the Federal Reserve Bank in Birmingham.

She found solace and community in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Opelika, where she worshipped. In her free time, she enjoyed reading and spending time with her loved ones.

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

He lived a fulfilling life as a husband, father, brother and friend.

Mr. Huff was born on Jan. 20, 1945, in LaGrange. At age four, he moved to Waycross, Georgia, where he met his wife, Patricia. He attended Auburn University and received a degree in building science. In 1975, he started a construction company, and in 1979, he started an apartment management company. He was a cofounder of the National Council of Affordable Rural Housing. He was also instrumental in organizing the Alabama Affordable Housing Association and was presented a Lifetime Achievement Award for his work and dedication. Mr. Huff was also awarded the Small Businessperson of the Year Award and served his community on the City of Opelika’s Economic Development Board.

See OBITUARIES, page A14

A13 Feb. 15, 2024

Studying His word

ALBRITTON >> from A12

The walk of life — part one

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

OPINION —

P

aul’s letters often fall into a basic, two-part division. The first part is theology while the second is about turning theology into biography. Paul follows this pattern in Ephesians with the first three chapters focusing on teaching and the last three on living. Paul could reach up into the heavens on different subjects, but he was also downto-earth in terms of practicality.

That’s why his letters are so helpful — they have the balance we need in our lives.

As Paul turns to practical matters in 4:1— how to make his glorious words of chapter 1-3 become flesh in our lives — much of what he has to say turns on the word “walk.” This is much clearer in the ESV which consistently translates peripatēsai as walk (2:2, 10, 4:1, 17, 5:2, 8, 15), while the NIV translates it that way only in 5:2, choosing to use “live” in the other places.

“Live” is a fine translation in a general sort of way, but “walk” is much more distinctive. It’s the difference between saying someone is “drinking” their coffee versus saying they are “sipping” it.

There’s something simple yet sublime in thinking about our discipleship in terms of walking. Walking is something everyone does, so it’s an easy idea to translate to our spiritual life. As a metaphor it roots the Christian life in staying on our feet and putting one foot in front of the other.

1. We are to walk in a manner worthy of our calling (4:1). The one who had fully expounded upon grace in 2:8-10 had absolutely no hesitation whatsoever in stressing the importance of disciples walking in a worthy manner. We are not to trivialize or minimize our calling. While this applies to all aspects of living for Christ, Paul specifically develops walking worthily in regard to the Ephesians engaging in unity promoting attitudes and behaviors. “Be completely humble and gentle, be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace (v. 2-3 NIV).

Notice the intensifiers: “be completely humble” and “make every effort” — there’s nothing halfway about the effort we are to put forth. God has brought us together into the body of Christ and what He has joined together no one is to separate.

This is a strong rebuke

against the practice of “church hopping.” The church is like a family and in healthy families you don’t leave when you run into challenging personalities, problems or things don’t go exactly as you’d like them to — you double down and allow God to grow you. When the church at Rome was going through some growing pains because of their diversity, Paul didn’t tell the Jews and Gentiles to split and form their own congregations. They were to be the church and work things out.

The unity we possess through being one in the body of Christ is not some-thing we accomplished. It doesn’t belong to us. It is the Spirit’s unity, and we are to recognize it, respect it, rejoice in it and protect it.

Next week: The Walk of Life (part two.)

Find more of Green’s writings at his website: a-tasteof-grace-with-bruce-green. com.

not my own.” The genuine Christian gives up himself to another Person, and that Person is Jesus. The nature of the Christian life is much more than joining a church and adhering to a set of beliefs; it is deciding to become someone over whom Jesus can write the word “mine.” Someone who makes such a surrender can say, “I am His, and He is accomplishing His purposes through me.”

Why have I read My Utmost for His Highest for 60 years? I think it’s because Chambers continues to call me to a deeper level of commitment to Jesus. He concludes one of his devotionals

with this challenge: “Be entirely His!” I have underlined and highlighted those three words. I have wrestled many times with the burning question, “Am I entirely His?” I am reluctant to share my answer. Perhaps it is best that any of us share our response only with Jesus, and then pray, “Lord Jesus, give me the grace to live so that others will choose to belong entirely to you and discover the joy of giving their best for your glory.”

Suppose Jesus were to ask you, “Can I write Mine over you?” How would you answer Him? Your response to Jesus will tell you a lot about the level of your commitment to the only One who can truly guide your life in the way it should go.

Bible verse of the week: For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. — Ephesians 2:10

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. 15, 2024

OBITUARIES >>

FROM A13

Mr. Huff’s legacy lives on, embraced by his wife of 58 years, Patricia Ann McGahee; their children, John Irvine Huff (Katherine) and Heather Huff Cregg (Philip); his cherished grandchildren, Mary Margaret Huff, Lillian Beadle Huff, Philip Graham Cregg Jr., Lucy Leeomie Huff and Caitilin Ann Cregg; and his brother, Raymond Lynwood Huff (Charity). He was preceded in death by his parents, John Terrell Huff Sr. and Evelyn Priester Huff; his sister, Harriett Huff Burson; and brother in law, James Oertell Burson.

Visitation was held Feb. 9 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home in Opelika.

CALVIN WESLEY WALLACE Calvin Wesley Wallace, 77, of Opelika passed away at Arbor Lakes Rehab on Feb. 5, 2024.

Calvin was born in 1947 to Ernest and Addie Wallace of Columbus, Georgia. He attended Baker High School before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1967, from which he retired in 1985. He attended Opelika Technical College from 1986 to 1988 and received his associate’s degree in HVAC and refrigeration repair.

Calvin was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 47 years, Shirley Wallace, and his daughter, Jeannie Smittle (Dave) of Oceanside, California. He is survived by two sons, Calvin W. (Tracy) Wallace Jr. and Mark D. Wallace, both of Opelika; one brother, Larry (Sharon) Wallace of Lake Wales, Florida; two sisters, Phylis Rumbaugh of Opelika and Linda (Neil) Ruth of Powder Springs, Georgia; eight grandchildren, Brian (Jessica) Wallace, Benjamin Wallace, Elizabeth (Jeremy) Payne, Jordon (Leah) Wallace, Hayden Wallace, Charlee Wallace, Lexy (Steven) Kerr and Jonathon Winslett; five great grandchildren, Haley Wallace, Melissa Kerr, Bradley Kerr, Kenneth Kerr and Andrea Sturm; and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staffs of EAMC and Arbor Lakes.

A funeral service was held at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home on Feb. 7, with burial at Fort Mitchell National

Cemetery on Feb. 8.

RITA IRENE YOUNG Rita Irene Rutland Young, known to many as "Big Momma," departed this life on Feb. 3, 2024, at the age of 72 in Opelika. Born on Oct. 30, 1951, she was the beloved daughter of the late Lewis Rutland and Mary Hall.

Rita leaves behind her devoted husband of many years, Ron Young. She was the loving mother of Keith Turner (Diana) and Kim Renfroe (Michael) and the proud grandmother to Johnathan Turner, Elizabeth Atkinson (Braden), Natalie Exum, JonMichael Renfroe and Anna Turner. Her joy was multiplied by her greatgrandchildren, Braxton and Jane-Anne Exum and Autumn Collins-Turner, and a very special friend, Doreen Macon.

She is also survived by her brothers, Gene Rutland (Jo) and Windell Rutland (Gayle).

Rita's life was one of service and love, demonstrated through her ownership and ope ration of a daycare, where she cared for children as if they were her own. She will be remembered as a woman of warmth, generosity and humor. Her loving presence and the happy memories she created will be held dear by all who knew her. Her spirit will continue to be a guiding light for her family and the many lives she touched.

Her pastimes included treasured moments with her family, evenings playing bingo, the excitement of poker machines, watching her favorite soap operas and game shows and, in earlier years, participating in golf and bowling. She was also a fan of Auburn football.

A service was held Feb. 10 at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home & Crematory.

ANNETTE INGRAM Annettte Ingram of Auburn was born Nov.12, 1945, in Banks, Alabama, and passed peacefully on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, at Bethany House.

A funeral service was held at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home on Feb. 13, with Ben May officiating. Burial followed at Garden Hills Cemetery.

The youngest of nine children, she strongly believed in the importance of “blood kin.” She was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Her selflessness did not go unnoticed, as she found joy in

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giving to others every chance she had. Mrs. Ingram would spend her days shopping, gardening, and soaking in the sun; Her Sundays were spent cooking Sunday lunch for family.

She taught her family to have pride in and take care of the things they cherish most — for her, it was her family, friends and flowers.

She also valued her coworkers at Ampex, many of which developed into lasting friendships.

Mrs. Ingram was preceded in death by her daughter, Angela Barreto. She is survived by her husband, Charles Ingram; son, Jeffery Ingram; grandchildren, Bethany Birchfield (Mitchell), Lauren Morgan (Michael), and Hunter Barreto; greatgrandchildren, Oliver Morgan and Noah Birchfield; and siblings, Vernon Jordan (Carolyn) and Jeanette Williams (Milton).

EVELYN WASHINGTON WOOD DUPREE Evelyn Washington Wood Dupree, 86, of Beauregard passed away peacefully on Feb. 10, 2024, after an extended illness. She was the first of 10 children born to Littleton Lafayette (Fate) Wood and Katie Bell Cumbie Wood in Montgomery on Feb. 22, 1937, and was affectionately known as “Sister” by her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved three sons, Timothy James Dupree, Douglas Monroe Dupree, and Andrew Joseph Dupree; brothers L.C. Wood, Robert Wood, Wayne Wood, Pete Wood; sister Dorothy Wood Hudson.

Evelyn is survived by daughter, Kathy Dupree (Barry) Jones, daughter-inlaw Kathy Riddle Dupree (Jerry) Lynch; grandchildren Erin Dupree (Jeff) Sluder, Jay (Amanda) Dupree, Katie Jones (Josh) Corley and Meri Jones (Josh) Stodghill. She was also the proud NaNa to 15 great-grandchildren: Reagan, Ryan and Ryleigh Sluder; Tanner and Ellie Reese Dupree; Evelyn, Nola and Henry Corley; Madison, Malachi, Josiah, Abigail, James, Abraham and Moses Stodghill. She is also survived by four siblings: Alfred Wood, David Wood, Syble Farr and Linda Carlisle.

Evelyn was a faithful member of Providence Baptist Church for 55 years.

She enjoyed singing in the

sanctuary choir and the Golden Notes choir. Many in the community remember her as Ms. Dupree, the school bus driver. She was a talented seamstress, crafter, baker/ cook, gardener and bird enthusiast.

A funeral service was held Feb. 14 at Providence Baptist Church (East Campus), in Opelika. Burial immediately followed at the Providence Baptist Church Cemetery.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Providence Baptist Church Missions Fund.

CONNIE COLLIER Connie Collier, aged 74 of Cartersville, Georgia, passed away on Feb. 11, 2024. She was the daughter of Frank and Margaret Head Collier of Roanoke, Alabama.

Connie graduated from Handley High School in 1968. She was a member of the State Championship Livestock Judging Team that went to Chicago, Illinois.

She graduated from Auburn University in Vocational Agriculture in 1972. Connie taught Vocational Agriculture at Cass High School for 40 years. While at Cass High School, she was the Future Farmers of America (FFA) sponsor and a lifetime supporter of the FFA. She was also a lifetime member of the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association. Connie served as Cass High School’s cheerleading coach for many years. Her livestock teams and cheerleading squads received many awards.

Connie was the first female inducted into the Georgia Agriculture Hall of Fame. She was also honored as one of the “Women of Auburn” by Auburn University for paving the way for women in the field of Vocational Agriculture.

Connie was member of the Auburn Alumni Association and an avid Auburn fan.

Connie is survived by her sister, Trudy Collier Freeman of Dadeville, Alabama; her niece Connie “Cricket” Coe Haas (Rodney) of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; her nephew Rich Coe of Opelika, Alabama; and two great-nieces, Caroline Haas of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and Lucy Haas of Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

A memorial service will be held in Cartersville, Georgia at a later date.

DUSTIN ROBERT BUSHEY Dustin Robert Bushey, 49, of Opelika, passed on to be with the Lord Feb. 12, 2024, after a long battle with cancer.

Dustin was born on Oct. 3, 1974, in Tampa, Florida, and moved with his family to Alabama in 1976. He spent his childhood in Hurtsboro, Alabama, and attended several schools including Macon Academy and Lee-Scott Academy. After high school, he moved to Auburn and worked in various restaurants with a passion for creating gourmet foods. Eventually Dustin worked with his brother, Aaron, in their retail collectibles business, first in Auburn then Opelika.

Dustin married Lydia Petrenas-Mann in 2014, and they were blessed with the birth of a son, Walter Whit Bushey, in 2019.

Dustin was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Emily and Robert Bushey and maternal grandparents, Walter and Hedwig Mann who he affectionately called Ma and Pa. He is survived by his wife, Lydia; son, Walter; father, Dennis D. Bushey and stepmother, Lisa; his mother, Cheryl Mann Hardin and stepfather, John (Bill) Hardin; his brothers, Aaron Bushey (Wendy), John Hardin Jr. (Heather) and Christopher Bushey (Amber) and many other extended family members.

Dustin’s greatest attribute was his ability to make and stay in touch with friends throughout his life. He was known for his compassionate, selfless personality and ability to nurture and counsel others.

He enjoyed eating large amounts of junk food, snake hunting, buying expensive aquarium fish that die immediately, spending time with his family and last but not least, he enjoyed petting his cats.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Church of the Highlands, Auburn Campus, 2001 E. Samford Ave., on Friday, Feb. 16, at 2 pm with visitation from 1 to 1:45 p.m. at the church prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to his GoFundMe page to benefit his son Walter or to a charity of your choice.

LEONARD DUGGAR MCCORMICK Leonard Duggar McCormick (lovingly known to his family as “Pappy”),

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 IS NOW 'MomCO'

LEE/RUSSELL COUNTY LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP

The group meets every month on the third Wednesday from 1:30 to 3 p.m. The meeting will be held at the AIDB-Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind Opelika Regional Center on 355 Dunlop Drive in Opelika. Every month different topics are discussed to make life more manageable living with low vision.

Contact Shiquita Fulton, M.ED/Vision Rehab therapist for additional details at 334-705-2024, or Melody Wilson, case manager for the blind, at 256-368-3258.

MOPS International changed its name from MOPS, Mothers of Preschoolers to MomCo to include moms of children of all ages. Auburn Opelika MomCo will meet at Pepperell Baptist Church, 2702 2nd Ave. in Opelika at the following dates/ times: Feb. 8, 5:30-7 p.m.; March 7, 9-11 a.m.; March 21, 5:30-7 p.m.; April 4, 9-11 a.m.; April 18, 5:30-7 p.m. 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), will meet at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024. NAMI supports families dealing with mental illness through mutual support, education and advocacy. Board and Officer elections will be held. There will be a time for sharing. The public is invited. Meetings are held at 714 E. Glenn Ave. in Auburn.

aged 77, of Warrenton, Virginia, formerly of Opelika, passed away at home surrounded by his family in Virginia on Febr. 11, 2024.

Leonard was born in Auburn, on Sept. 23, 1946.

He was a longtime member of Lakeview Baptist Church, where he forged lasting friendships and deepened his faith and the faith of others.

His commitment to Christ set a powerful standard for his family and many others with whom he came in contact.

He proudly served his country with honor in the United States Marine Corps in Vietnam. The selfless service that he learned and exemplified during his time in the Corps carried over into all other areas of his life, blessing his family, friends, and so many more throughout his journey.

Upon returning from Vietnam, he joined the US Postal Service, delivering the mail, rain or shine, for several years in Montgomery, and then for two decades in Opelika. In retirement, he became a champion weightlifter, breaking national records in the master’s division, and mentoring multiple younger athletes to break through their own boundaries along the way.

Leonard is survived by his children, Alex (Nicole) McCormick of Warrenton, Virginia, and Julie (Spencer) Veal of Bremen, Georgia; his grandchildren, Conlan, Noah, Isabella, and Nicholas McCormick, Aija and Ava Veal; his sisters, Margaret (Greg) Sauer of Orlando, Florida, and Royce Glass of Plano, Texas; and nephews and nieces, Michael, Brian, Diana, Eric, Leslie, Coral and

Makalae.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Paul D. and Edith L. McCormick of Opelika.

Visitation will be held Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024, at 1 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m. in the Chapel at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home in Opelika; a graveside service will immediately follow at Pine Hill Cemetery in Auburn.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the ministries of His Place and Hosannah Home (under the umbrella of Harvest Evangelism) in Opelika, or Hero’s Bridge in Warrenton, Virginia.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home & Crematory is directing.

A15 Feb. 15, 2024

A16 Feb. 15, 2024

Schools & Sports

INSIDE SCHOOL & SPORTS • OPELIKA CITY SCHOOLS | BOARD MEETING FEB. 27 AT 4:30 P.M. • LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS | BOARD MEETING MARCH 12 AT 6 P.M. • AUBURN CITY SCHOOLS | BOARD MEETING MARCH 12 AT 6 P.M.

Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024

Board honors hero, Teachers of the Year

On the Mark

Spring sports are underway

BY D. MARK MITCHELL

SPRING SPORTS START Opelika's girls’ soccer team (3-0) shutout Eufaula 10-0 last week. The following five combined for the 10-goals: Scarlet Posadas (3), Maelee Story (3), Skylar Harris (2), Belinda Giron, and Karly Phatsadavong. Keeper Alex DeSantos shutout the lady Tigers of EHS. The girl’s roster is below.

Aimee Alcantara, Senior Isabella Brandwein, Junior Nehemias Chen, Junior Daphne Cruz, Senior Maricela Cruz, Senior Julie Free, Sophomore

BOYS SOCCER The OHS boys Soccer team dropped to 0-2-1 on the season after tying Eufaula 0-0 last week.

Foster Hulsey made countless saves in goal to secure a shutout for the Dawgs. Team memebers are: John Ambrocio, Senior Wade Awbrey, Senior Dexter Baker Jr., Sophomore Reese Beasley, Freshman Joshua Beltran, Sophomore Dax Campbell, Sophomore Jake Campbell, Junior David Cruz, Sophomore Blaze Cutcher, Senior Giovanni De Leon, Senior See ON THE MARK, page B5

See BOARD, page B8

Pictured above, from left, are Lee County School Board President Ralph Henderson, Kerri Reeves, Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones and Lee County Schools Superintendent Mike Howard.

New Bulldog logo adopted

by Opelika City Schools PHOT0 CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

WRESTLING The Opelika wrestling team finished runner-up in the AHSAA 7A Super Sectionals in Mobile.

Ten of Twelve Bulldog wrestlers advanced to the AHSAA State Wrestling Championship at Von Braun Civic Center in Huntsville, Thursday through Saturday.

Trell Anderson, Brady Campbell and Kyle Epperson won their respective weight class at the Sectionals. Brayden Wilson finished second, Tommie Johnson, KK Howell and Brandon Wilson placed third, Trace Gaither was 4th while Derrick Hoyett and Calvin Fenn finished fifth.

Susan Gaston, Senior Belinda Giron, Junior Katy Gomez, Sophomore Skylar Harris, Junior Jordin Henderson, Sophomore Kameryn McDaniel, Sophomore Hannah Norris, Senior Dolores Pascual, Sophomore Karly Phatsadavong, Sophomore Penelope Posadas, Sophomore Scarlet Posadas, Senior Martha Story, Freshman Breann Swanson, Senior Dolores Tomas, Sophomore April Vega Sanchez, Junior Bailey Ward, Sophomore Alejandra Desanto, Senior

LEE COUNTY — At its regular meeting on Feb. 13, the Lee County Schools Board of Education recognized the system’s Teachers of the Year, as well as paid tribute to a hero.

Athletic trainer Kerri Reeves was honored

by Sheriff Jay Jones and the board for her actions during a recent incident at Smiths Station High School, when she stepped in front of a student as a human shield when another student brought a gun on campus.

“It was a textbook

PHOTO BY ANITA STIEFEL | THE OBSERVER

BY ANITA STIEFEL ANITAS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

Pictured above is the new version of Opelika City Schools' Bulldog mascot.

CONTRIBUTED BY OCS OPELIKA — Opelika City Schools recently announced the launch of a brand new, custom bulldog logo for its schools and athletics. This unveiling marked a significant milestone

for the school system, as it showcases a fresh identity that truly represents Opelika's spirit and tradition.

In the past, Opelika City Schools has utilized a variety of bulldog logos. While these images were a good representation of

the bulldog mascot, the school system recognized the importance of creating a unique identity that embodies its own rich history and tradition.

After extensive efforts, Opelika City Schools is excited to introduce the new

Opelika bulldog logo, featuring a powerful rendition of the beloved mascot. This distinctive logo captures the essence of Opelika Bulldog Athletics and symbolizes teamwork and determination. The See LOGO, page B3

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. 15, 2024

Local athletes ink scholarships

Beauregard High School PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES | THE OBSERVER

• .J. Barker, Air Force Academy Senior Year Stats: 49 total tackles, three PBU, one FR, one block kick; two-time All-Region selection GPA: 3.89 Personal — T.J. Barker is respected by his teammates, coaches and teachers. T.J. has big goals but has the work ethic to match his goals. Look forward to seeing what T.J. does with his opportunity.

• K.D. Pitts, Point University

Senior Year Stats: Recorded 10 tackles before moving to OL game two; there he graded out at 75% with only practice reps before the transition GPA: 2.75 Personal — He is a total team guy. K.D. is unselfish which, to be honest, is a trait many miss out on. His work ethic and intensity will drive him toward success in life and on the playing field. K.D. please don’t let anyone or anything stop you from your goals.

• Brandon “Bam” Dixon, Point University Senior Year Stats: 106 total tackles, 26 TFL’s, five sacks, one INT, two PBU and two forced fumbles; two-time SportsVision award winner and two-time selection for All Area and All-Region teams.

GPA: 3.30 Personal — Bam is a special player but also a special person. His commitment to excellence will push him far in football but also in what career choice he decides. Point is

getting a steal; good luck Bam, go make us all proud.

• Mason Hiller, University of West Alabama Senior Year Stats: He’s a people mover — tallied 45 pancake blocks this season while grading out at 85%; All area selection and ASWA AllState Offensive Lineman.

GPA-3.67 Personal — He’s been a great addition to our program.

We wish him the best of luck at UWA. West Alabama was

a very special place to me, and I hope that it becomes a special place to Mason. You have tremendous upside, and we know that you’ll have an immediate impact on UWA campus.

• Jacori Tarver, Georgia Military College Stats: In three games with a controlled number of carries, Jacori had 264 yards rushing which put him over the 1,500yard mark for the past two seasons. He was an All-Region,

a three-time All Area selection and an ASWA All-State RB his junior year.

GPA: 2.67 Personal — Jacori has had a goal in mind since we met and know he has been given an oppor-tunity to make it happen. He’s fought through adversity and always kept a smile. Know that the coaching staff and team is proud of you.

Go do big things Tahoe. *Remarks are by head coach Justin Jones.

Opelika High School PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES | THE OBSERVER

Chris Floyd, OHS Baseball, signed with Coastal Alabama South Community College and Russell Copous, OHS Baseball, signed with Central Alabama Community College on Feb. 7.

Smiths Station High School PHOTOS BY STEVEN STIEFEL | FOR THE OBSERVER

AUM Cross Country Signee Brodie Norred

AUM Cross Country Signee Railey Prins

Huntington Flag Football Signee Laikleigh Ridge

Southern Union Cross Country Signee Emmarie Zeh

Citadel Wrestling Signee Lance Peterson

West Liberty Football Signee Jayshaun Jackson

B3 Feb. 15, 2024

Loachapoka High School PHOTOS BY STEVEN STIEFEL | FOR THE OBSERVER

Beauregard student Gold Standard Student-Athlete of the Week

BY ALABAMA STATE GAMES

BEAUREGARD — The Alabama State Games, in partnership with the AHSAA Radio Network, announces The Gold Standard Student-Athlete of the Week.

Each week a student-athlete from throughout the state will be chosen exemplifying the Gold Standard.

Meet Reese Thorn | Sophomore | Beauregard High School | GPA: 4.2 Season Highlight: Won Gold Medals in Freestyle and Folkstyle at the 40th Anniversary Alabama State Games; Two-time AHSAA State Wrestling Tournament Qualifier; 100-plus varsity victories; 300 overall career wins His Nomination Category: Academic Success Nominated by: Wade

Thorn They said: “Reese strives for excellence on and off the Mat. He scored a 28 on his ACT as a 9th grader. He is in the National Honor Society. He is president of the FBLA as a 10th

grader. He is an All-A student who is currently second in his class of 160 students with a GPA of 4.2. He not only wrestles but plays football. He is very active in his church attending a summer youth mission trip with Prov-

idence Baptist Church every year.

The Gold Standard represents high schoolers who display the following qualities…Leadership, Academic Success, Community Involvement, Integrity and Character.

Loachapoka High School seniors Ethan Payne, Jeremiah Darlington, Chris Lipscomb, and Ran Norman signed scholarships last week on Wednesday, Feb. 7. Payne signed with Andrew College; Darlington signed with BirminghanSouthern College; Lipscomb committed to Mississippi Delta Community College and Norman also signed with Andrew College.

Lee County Superintendent Dr. Mike Howard is pictured far left and Loachapoka head coach Reco Newton is pictured far right.

LOGO >>

FROM B1

new bulldog logo will be used in conjunction with the Opelika O currently used for athletics.

“We are excited to unveil our Opelika Bulldog logo to our students and staff, and to the community,” said Superintendent Farrell Seymore. “This emblem is uniquely ours, and not only celebrates our proud tradition of athletic excellence but also reflects the vibrant school spirit of our students, coaches and community.

Whether on the field, court, or track, we hope Opelika student athletes will proudly wear this emblem as a symbol of unity, sportsmanship and achievement.”

Designed by Opelika-based marketing firm Here Molly Girl, the bulldog is showcased in a variety of stances, with the quintessential bulldog under-bite, a face of determination and an O collar.

Opelika City Schools invites the entire community to join in celebrating this new mascot design for Opelika City Schools and Opelika Athletics. Complimentary Opelika Bulldog decals will be available to students at each school today. Community members can simply stop by the OCS Board of Education office, located at 300 Simmons St., to pick up a decal during normal business hours.

For more information about Opelika City Schools please visit www.opelikaschools.org

www.opelikaobserver.com

Smiths Station Lady Panthers Soccer PHOTOS BY MATT AUSTIN | FOR THE OBSERVER

The Smiths Station High School girls soccer team shut out Stanhope Elmore on Feb. 9 by a score of 10-0.

B4 Feb. 15, 2024

Lee-Scott baseball adjusting to year one under Cook

BY NOAH GRIFFITH FOR THE OBSERVER

AUBURN –– With head coach Jarrod Cook coming in after 14 years at Trinity Presbyterian in Montgomery, Lee-Scott Academy baseball has been tasked with adjusting under its fourth head coach in four years.

For Cook, the turnaround has centered around instilling consistency in a program that has lacked continuity at head coach. As a picture of what he wants the program to be, Cook told his guys about bison and how they don’t shy away from adversity.

“We had a good talk the other day about how bison run into a storm out in the Midwest,” Cook said. “They don’t run from it, they run through it together. We’ve been talking a lot lately about

ON THE MARK >>

FROM B1

Zavier Dowdell, Junior Kenneth Frazier, Senior Zyon Henderson, Junior Alexander Lopez, Junior Guillermo Lopez, Junior Kelvin Lopez Godinez, Jr. Bryan McEntire, Junior Eduardo Moran, Senior Pramode Phengsiri, Senior Rigo Ramirez, Sophomore Adolfo Ramos, Freshman Tristan Tatum, Junior Brayden Vasquez, Senior Freddie Vasquez, Senior Nolen Wilson, Senior GOLF The Golf teams opened the 2024 season by sweeping Valley (99111) at Point University Golf Club in Lanett. The following were the scores for OHS. 1. Paige Bales 43 2. Allie Prescott 43 3. Molly Anderson 56 4. Kaylin Ward 56.

The golf team roster: Molly Anderson, Senior Paige Bales, Senior Emily Gaberlavage, Fr. Karly Phatsadavong, Sophomore Allie Prescott, Senior Kaylin Ward, Senior The Bulldog Boys Golf Team defeated Valley 159-139 at Point University Golf Club on Thursday to open the season. Evan Henderson shot a 41 on nine holes to finish first, Cater Nesse fired a 41, Kyle Epperson and Bennet Young both shot 48 , Jimmy Fenn 50, and Jacob Anderson 55.

Become an

being a bison and not a cow and not running away from hard times…

It really transfers to the game of baseball because every day you’re going to fail [on the field] at something. We just want guys that are going to run through a brick wall for each other.”

The journey to building team camaraderie began in the weight room with a few players in the fall, and as players join the team after other sports seasons end, team competitions have taken full force starting in 2024.

Whether it’s overhead weight carries, group relays or a drill on the field, the team is split into groups and given tasks that are physically and mentally challenging. Those competitions force the team to work together outside of their own friend groups, while The following is a list of OHS golfers.

Jacob Anderson,Sophomore Kyle Epperson, Junior James Fenn, Sophomore Kenneth Frazier, Senior Roman Gagliano, Senior Evan Henderson, Junior Bryan McEntire, Junior Carter Neese, Sophomore Pramode Phengsiri, Senior Elijah Rose, Freshman Nolen Wilson, Senior Bennett Young, Sophomore

Cook reminds them of the bison that face challenges together.

Cook, assistant coach Clay Samford and two seniors all agreed that the coach has pushed the players hard throughout the offseason, but the team competitions ended with some off-the-field fun.

“Each day they added up points until that last day for our last competition, which was pickleball,” Cook said Presley Mullins, Sophomore Kinsley Norton, Freshman Shirley Pugh, Senior Joanne Smith T, Junior Lily Williams, Sophomore

Boys: Paxton Blackburn, Sophomore Jake Caldwell, Sophomore Van Click, Sophomore Drue Gagliano, Junior Roman Gagliano, Senior Anderson Melnick, 8th Connor Mullins, Junior Devam Patel, Senior Myles Tatum, Sophomore Jacob Wood, Senior

SOFTBALL The Lady Bulldog Softball team opens the regular season, Thursday Feb. 15, at Beauregard starting at 5 p.m. Following is the roster: Emily Birmingham, Sophomore Mylee Bordeaux, Sophomore Braelynn Brooks, Sophomore Katelyn Foley, Junior Kali Harper, Junior Katie Harrelson, Junior Kristen Hickman, Freshman Hannah Holley, Sophomore Katie Johnson, Junior Jade Jones, Junior Erin Kemp, Freshman Alyson Lee, Sophomore Aleah McKenzie, Senior Cailyn Morgan, Sophomore Kaiden Sallie, Freshman Jasmine Smith, Sophomore Kennedy Soltau, Sophomore Alaina Thomas, Freshman Jancyn Thompson, Junior Jamiah Williams, Senior MacKenzie Young, Senior

Girls: Emma Brown, Sophomore Sarah Bush, Senior Lila Cook, Freshman Stella George, Junior Maddie Hankins, Junior Addison Kemp, Junior Avery Massey, Sophomore Mary Cara Montel, Sophomore

BASEBALL The Baseball Bulldogs open the season Thursday with a doubleheader against Russell County starting at 4:30 p.m. The roster is below.

Tristian Arnold, Junior Caden Blair, Senior Judson Cherry, Junior

TENNIS The OHS girls and boys Tennis teams is off to 4-1 starts. The girls beat Pike Road (7-2), Wetumpka (7-2) beat Sylacauga (9-0) and BRHS (9-0) and lost to Hilcrest (4-5). The boys team beat AUM (5-4), Wetumpka (9-0), Tuscaloosa (8-1) and Benjamin Russell (9-0).

ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF

ADULT HUMAN RESOURCES 1-800-458-7214 FOSTER dhr.alabama.gov/AFC CARE Provider

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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”

with a grin. “Every day, we try to do some type of competition on the field… Just finding out who’s going to compete, you know, who’s going to grind through things and show some grit and toughness.”

Senior Auburn High transfer Garrett West is one of seven seniors on the team tasked with leading the Warriors during this adjustment period under a new coach, and the change is nothing new for him. West said he has played for a new head coach every baseball season since he was in seventh grade.

Seniors JD Burns and West both voiced gratitude for the opportunities they’ve had to learn many different coaching styles and views of the game.

For Burns, that includes playing under an accomplished MLB veteran in

Tim Hudson last season, but the seniors appreciate the detail-oriented leadership that Cook has brought in as well as the discipline he teaches. “[Cook] is really tough on the guys. He has a really good outlook, and he wants the best for all of us,” West said. “He has a really structured program for hitting, fielding, throwing and working out that has been good for us. He genuinely wants to see us grow, not only as baseball players but as people in our faith and academically and just as athletes.”

A constant for the program throughout all the shifts at head coach, several veteran assistant coaches have grown accustomed to guiding the team through transitions as well. Samford is returning for his fifth season along with Jacob

Ozment, Dan Gamache and Patrick Reeves.

“Relationship-wise, (assistant coaches can) let these guys know that [Cook] knows what he’s talking about; they can trust him, and he’ll take care of them,” Samford said. “[The players] are buying in, and they’re working hard. It hasn’t always been easy, no doubt about it, but it’s going to pay off and I’m excited for them to see it when the season starts.”

Coming off a season-ending playoff loss to Glenwood to end last season at 29-11, the Warriors are eager to get back on the field and show the fruits of their offseason labor. Lee-Scott opens the sea-son on Thursday, Feb. 15, at 6 p.m. at St. Anne Pacelli before returning for the home opener on the following Monday, Feb. 19.

Slade Clayton, Junior Russell Copous, Senior Logan Elkins, Senior Davis Ford, Junior Brodie Jones, Junior Jackson Kilcrease, Senior Parker Kilcrease, Senior James Lovelace, Senior Ethan Phipps, Sophomore Sawyer Rollins, Sophomore Jonathan Landon Rudd, Sophomore Jordan Waits, Sophomore Culventae White, Senior

Warriors with 28-points, five rebounds and two assists. Senior Ben Aldridge scored 10-points, grabbed nine rebounds and recorded five assists, and freshman Barrett Cook added 11 points. Parker P. Wright, Tyler Kennedy, Chapman Harris, Wyatt Whatley and Owen Gibson played major roles in the win.

The Warriors won their fourth AISA basketball State Championship with a team that went a bunch of adversity. LSA started the season hot and continued through middle of January when two players went down with injuries, senior Ben Aldridge and sophomore Parks Myers. Aldridge, one of two seniors on the team and the leader on the court, missed six games while Myers missed two games.

The Warriors dropped four out of five games without Aldridge and dropped from number one seed to the number three seed in the Region Tournament.

Aldridge and all the team were healthy when they

beat Valliant Cross in the semifinals of the Region tournament. After the game, Harper was not feeling well and eventually underwent surgery the day of the Region championship game. Lee-Scott beat rival Glenwood in the Region Tournament for the fourth time this season.

The Warriors played the final two games with all players on the roster.

CONGRATULATIONS!

AREA BASKETBALL SUMMARY Boys The Lee-Scott Academy boys Basketball team (27-5) won the 3A State Championship after beating Bessemer 64-57 in the championship game Friday night at the Crossplex in Montgomery. LSA led all four quarters and outscored Bessemer three out of four quarters: first quarter 20/18, second quarter 14/11, tied 10/10 after third quarter and won the fourth quarter 20-18. Three Warrior players scored double-digits and made All-Tournament team. Sophomore Haiden “Shooter” Harper led the

Girls Lee-Scott's varsity girls palyed Glenwood for the AISA State Championship game and came up short.

The Gators won 45-36.

Takayla Davis was named the Glenwood Player of the Game.

D. Mark Mitchell is the sports director at iHeartMedia, host of “On the Mark” Fox Sports the Game 910-1319, co-chair of the Auburn-Opelika Sports Council, chairman of the Super 7 and Dixie Boys Baseball state director.

Beulah Bobcats host golf tourney BEULAH — The Beulah Bobcats Golf Team will host an all-day golf fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 24, at Point University Golf Club and Event Center in Lanett.

The event is a 4-Man Scramble, $50 per player. Proceeds will support Beulah athletics and golf team.

Participants must book a tee time (no shotgun start). The Club House will open at 7:45 a.m. EST. The first tee time is at 8 a.m. ET and the last tee time is at 3 p.m. ET. Reserve a tee time by contacting Coach Davis Lamb at lamb.davis@lee.k12.al.us or by visiting the Point University Golf Club, 2001 Country Club Rd. in Lanett.

All entries must be submitted by Feb. 21.

B5 Feb. 15, 2024

City Council applauds Opelika Schools' Teachers of the Year ARTICLE AND PHOTO BY DAVID BELL FOR THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA — Teachers of the Year in the Opelika City School District were recently recognized during a regular meeting of the Opelika City Council.

Honorees for the current school year include Mandy Baker, Opelika High School; Marta Harrison, Opelika Middle School; Kasi Davis, Southview Primary; Laura Childs, Jeter Primary; Meagan Pritchard, Carver Primary; Branham Smith,

Northside Intermediate; Haley Thomas, Morris Avenue Intermediate; Traci Myers, West Forest Intermediate; and Tamera Garner, Fox Run School.

The system-wide Elementary Teacher of the Year is Branham Smith, and the Secondary Teacher of the Year is Mandy Baker.

The system-wide Principal of the Year is Keith York at Opelika Middle School.

This year’s finalists will have the opportunity to be considered for the same recognition at the state-wide level.

At the recent Opelika City Council meeting, the city schools' Teachers of the Year were honored.

Education briefs

Spell the word WINNERS

ATLANTA — Clara Jin of Auburn was among approximately 6,300 undergraduate and graduate students receiving degrees during the Georgia Institute of Technology’s 265th commencement. Jin earned a master of science degree in analytics.

ACS students earn top honors

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

DURANGO, Colorado —An-Mei Ellisor of Auburn was named to Fort Lewis College's Dean's List for the Fall 2023 semester. Ellisor's major is marketing. To be eligible for Dean's List, a student must carry a semester GPA of 3.6 or better in no fewer than 15 credit hours of graded college-level work.

LAGRANGE, Georgia — Will Gray of Opelika will be performing in LaGrange College's Theatre production of Brian Friel's "Dancing at Lughnasa," a memory play framed by the narrator’s childhood recollection of the summer of 1936. Gray, a junior at LaGrange College, was cast as the adult narrator of Michael Evans. He joined the cast and crew in January on a trip to Ire-land to perfect their accents. The last two performances are on Thursday and Friday, Feb. 15-16, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 each; advanced purchase is not required.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

Auburn City Schools won the 2024 Lee County Spelling Bee, with Ethan Zou and Liam Kim securing the top two spots in the Feb. 6 competition. In the 20th round, Ethan Zou (sixth grader), representing J.F. Drake Middle School, won first place with the word “anchorage” (an area suitable for a ship to anchor in). Liam Kim (fourth grader), representing Ogletree Elementary School, was the first alternate among spellers from 24 area schools. The spelling bee was hosted by Lee Scott Academy at Cornerstone Church on Hamilton Road in Auburn. Pictured from left to right on the back row are Auburn Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Anna Hovey, Dr. Shirley Lazenby M.D., retired U.S. Navy Commander and Auburn resident J.R. Jones, United Way Executive Director Tipi Miller and Opelika Library Director Rosanna McGinnis. On the front row are Liam Kim and Ethan Zou. FUN FACT: This is second year in a row Ethan has won the Lee County Spelling Bee. Auburn City Schools is proud of Ethan and Liam for their performances and we look forward to Ethan spelling at the state level in March.

ATLANTA — Benet Harris of Opelika and Michael Zhou of Auburn were named to the Dean's List at the Georgia Institute of Technology for Fall 2023.

This designation is awarded to undergraduate students who have earned a 3.0 or higher academic average for the semester.

WILL GRAY

ACS recognized for excellent school performance PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

LEGISLATIVE AWARD: Auburn City Schools principals received resolutions from the Alabama State Board of Education for excellent school performance during the Feb. 8, 2024, meeting in Montgomery. Creekside Elementary, Richland Elementary and Wrights Mill Road Elementary, along with 22 other schools from across the state, were presented the Legislative School Performance Program Award by the Alabama State Department of Education for demonstrating high performance and being ranked in the top 25 of Alabama public schools, as ranked in the school grading system. Auburn City Schools is proud of Katie Daniel, Jeff Johnson and Karen Mason for their unwavering leadership, dedication and support of ACS students, families, teachers and staff members. Pictured, left to right, are State Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey, ACS Superintendent Dr. Cristen Herring, Alabama State Board of Education Vice President Tracie West (District 2), WMR Principal Karen Mason, CES Principal Katie Daniel, RES Principal Jeff Johnson and ACS Assistant Superintendent Wes Gordon.

Glad to be serving Lee County, Alabama.

Inquire today on this home and more!

Call Bradley Robertson (334) 321-8686

B6 Feb. 15, 2024

AU baseball player pledges donation to EA Miracle League AUBURN — Auburn University outfielder Chris Stanfield’s earned the reputation of a speedster as a freshman last season — flying around the outfield, dashing around the base paths and often leaving his hat crashing to earth in the process.

When the Tallahassee, Florida, native begins his sophomore campaign in Plainsman Park on Friday, his hat is sure to meet the turf more times than a few.

This time around, it will make an impact beyond putting a smile on fan’s faces.

On Feb. 10, Stanfield vowed to donate $3 to the Miracle League of East

Alabama each time his hat drops to the ground during home games this season.

“We decided to have fun with the flying hat story from last year and I couldn’t think of a better way than to support Miracle League,” Stanfield said. “Every child deserves to experience the magic of baseball. I’m excited to step up to the plate to help make those dreams true.”

Stanfield was as active as any player on the field last season. His speed and athleticism played a major role in Auburn turning its season around and rallying to host a regional.

He started 40 of the 50 games he played as a freshman, and he quickly became a fan favorite out

PHTOO BY ZACH BLAND | AUBURN TIGERS

BY NOAH GRIFFITH FOR THE OBSERVER

Chris Stanfield (3) during the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Auburn Tigers at Hoover Metropolitan Complex in Hoover, Alabama, on Thursday, May 25, 2023.

of the lead off spot in the lineup. He led the team with nine stolen bases, and he swept left field clean with a .989 fielding percentage with just one error.

After gaining adoration from the fan base in year one, he is expanding his

impact off the field in year two. Along with his donation, he is encouraging fans to participate in giving to the Miracle League through his campaign, Hat Off 3 With Chris Stanfield.

Stanfield has formed a lasting connection with Miracle League athletes

through Auburn’s outreach program. On his website, he wrote about the what the cause means to him under the section titled: “Athletes Supporting Athletes.”

“One of the most rewarding parts of this journey (at Auburn) has been meeting and spending time with amazing athletes from Miracle League,” Stanfield wrote. “These athletes are full of joy, inspiration, and passion. I want to make sure they have every chance to follow their dreams and celebrate their successes too.”

Speed is the name of the game for Stanfield, but he also hit three homers last season — including the first of his career over the Green Monster in left field

of Plainsman Park against Southeastern Louisiana on March 11. He made sure to specify that his hat hitting the ground includes his helmet falling off during a home run celebration.

It is said that Stanfield can do it all on the field, and his vast skillset will benefit the Miracle League’s mission of allowing all kids — regardless of cognitive or physical disability — to play the game of baseball.

The Miracle League of East Alabama is a nonprofit organization that has a home on Covington Avenue in Opelika. For more information about Stanfield’s campaign and to donate, visit www. pledgeit.org/hatsoff3.

Slingin' beads for Mardi Gras

PHOTOS BY ED SIKORA | FOR THE OBSERVER

Thousands of revelers turned out to grab colorful beads during this year's Krewe of Tigris Mardi Gras Parade, held Saturday, Feb. 10 in downtown Auburn.

B7 Feb. 15, 2024

Auburn fails to replicate success versus Bama at Florida AUBURN –– No. 13 Auburn University men’s basketball (19-5, 8-3) enjoyed getting revenge on Alabama in Neville Arena, but it ran out of gas on Saturday at Florida.

Auburn dropped one spot in Monday’s AP Poll and now ranks third in the SEC after splitting the pair of Quadrant 1 opportunities. Auburn will look to return to the win column at home following the loss to the Gators, but the Tigers’ daunting stretch continues when they host league-leading South Carolina and Kentucky in back-to-back games.

“We got beat bad on the road. [Florida] is one of the toughest places to play in the league… This math is going to hurt us, but it’s not going to destroy us," Pearl said. "We got an opportunity (ahead). If we think Florida was physical, South Carolina is even more physical."

Following are some highlights from Auburn’s pair of games last week.

Wednesday, Feb. 7: Auburn 99 – Alabama 81 Seniors Johni Broome and Jaylin Williams proved why they are one of the top frontcourt duos in the country by combining for 50 points as the Tigers avenged their loss to Alabama in Tuscaloosa two weeks prior.

It was the first time this season that Broome and Williams both eclipsed 20 points. Williams dropped a career-high 26 while Broome added 24 points and extended his streak of games with a made 3-pointer to six — the most in his career.

“They're both unique because we were able to switch and guard Alabama's guards with our bigs,” Pearl said. “I think we have one of the better frontlines in our league. I think Jaylin Williams and Johni Broome could get some discussions about frontlines in the country right now."

Expected to be a threepoint shootout, it turned out to be a free-throw battle between two of the best free throw shooting teams in the SEC. Auburn made a program record 40-of-50 free throws but

just five threes, while Alabama went 28-for-35 from the charity stripe with nine long balls in comparison to the team’s average of 11.4 a game.

The first half was a back-and-forth affair, but K.D. Johnson locked up the SEC’s top scorer, Mark Sears, to force a shot clock violation to send the game to halftime with Auburn up, 55-41.

After only turning the ball over once in the first half, Auburn continued to be stingy with the ball by getting the first five offensive rebounds of the second half. The lead got up to 23 for Auburn, as it continued to control the pace of the game.

In the first matchup, Alabama hauled in 16 offensive rebounds and forced 11 turnovers that fed its high-flying offense.

This time around, Auburn had the upper hand on the offensive glass (15-14) and won the turnover battle, 15-5.

Furthering the damage, Auburn had a 5% advantage over Alabama in field goal shooting behind four double-digit scorers.

Following Williams and Broome, Tre Donaldson notched his career-best in SEC play with 14 points – once again in a starting role. Baker-Mazara added his third straight game in double figures with 13 points off the bench.

Led by 25 from Sears, Alabama also had four scorers in double figures but only eight total points from its bench as opposed to 31 from the Tigers. With 61 combined fouls in the game, Grant Nelson and Aaron Estrada fouled out in the final minutes, and two other starters finished with four fouls.

Despite notching a program record in free throws, Auburn finished one short of its third triple-digit game this season. Nonetheless, the Tigers ended then-No. 12 Alabama’s run of 10 wins in 11 games with their second consecutive Quadrant 1 victory.

Auburn improved to 12-0 in Neville Arena this season — all of the wins coming by double digits.

Saturday, Feb. 10: Auburn 65 – Florida 81 Three days after Auburn left it all on the floor in the

win over its rival, Florida (16-7, 6-4) handed Auburn its first loss by double digits this season in the Gators’ first game of the week.

Florida continued its dominance at home this season, improving to 11-1 in the O’Connell Center.

The win marks its 15th consecutive home win over Auburn – a streak that dates back to 1996.

Auburn was down by 16 after putting up just 26 points in the first half.

Walter Clayton Jr. made threes in the first minute of each half as Florida got out to a 9-0 start to the game and started the second half on a 20-9 run in the first five minutes.

Putting itself in a hole, Auburn missed each of its four 3-pointers before scoring a point in the game, and it went on to go 3-for-17 on threes in the game – a team low in league play. It went from bad to worse quickly for the Tigers; the early deficit continued to build as Auburn matched a season high by turning it over 15 times compared to seven

by Florida.

The entire starting five for Auburn combined for just 34 points, and starters scored just seven in the first half. Despite 14 points from Broome, K.D. Johnson was the biggest bright spot for the Tigers.

He scored 12 points after putting up a team-leading 10 in the first half.

On the other end, Auburn had no answer for sophomore Riley Kugel’s 22 points off the bench.

Clayton Jr. also hit three 3-pointers to reach 20 points, and senior Zyon Pullin continued his streak of scoring in double figures in every game he’s played this season with 19.

Florida led by as much as 29 in the second half, and Auburn trailed the entire game as the Gators denied Auburn of its third consecutive Quadrant 1 victory.

Coming off a big, emotional victory, Auburn looked deflated in Gainesville in the midst of a grueling stretch. It will need to refuel quickly before returning home to defend its 12-0 record in Neville Arena against No. 11 South Carolina (21-3, 9-2) and No. 22 Kentucky (167, 6-4) in its next action.

PHOTOS BY ZACH BLAND | AUBURN TIGERS

BY NOAH GRIFFITH FOR THE OBSERVER

Pictured above, Auburn's Jaylin Williams whipped the crowd into a frenzy with a slam-dunk.

Pictured below is Auburn's Denver Jones during the game against Florida.

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B8 Feb. 15, 2024

Classroom Observer

An educator's heart

BY BETH PINYERD CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER OPINION —

I

would like to share a very special heartfelt tribute in Classroom Observer this week for a teacher and principal who was truly a light and pillar for the Opelika Community over many years. This is a tribute of gratitude to Miss Virginia Hendon, who touched many children’s lives and mentored many teachers in the God-called profession of teaching.

In 1980, I was a young teacher who had been assigned to Carver Primary School in the Opelika City School System, which covered grades kindergarten through third grade. I was so grateful to be hired to teach second grade under the leadership of Virginia as my principal. She had taught school with my mother, Marie Jones, and my mother told me that under Virginia I would have good training as a teacher. That statement rang true throughout my teaching career. Virginia taught and showed true

AU baseball players visit Dean Road Elementary PHOT0 CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

Members of the Auburn University baseball team recently opened car doors at Dean Road Elementary and appeared on the school’s news show WDRE. The Tigers’ first baseball game is Feb. 16.

care and love to her young students and their families by making sure they learned what was expected on each grade level. She spent time with the children and their families in the community, and this spelled LOVE. For the students to learn concepts and lessons on each grade level, she mentored her teacher team. She loved her teachers, and we knew she loved us. I fondly remember the daily morning breakfasts for children and teachers. It was not required for teachers to attend breakfast, but we wanted to learn from our principal different methods of teaching over an early morning cup of coffee before meeting our children in the classroom. Virginia celebrated her teachers and their family joys and accomplishments.

Personally, I remember her hugs and tears of joy when I married my husband, Carl, over a Thanksgiving weekend.

Valentine’s Day is such a special day in the early

childhood classroom. In 1982, I ended up at East Alabama Medical Center with an intestinal virus on Valentine’s week. I was so heartbroken, because I would miss being with my students and giving them their valentines on the party day. Feeling very weak with IVs dripping nutrition into my body, Virginia showed up at my hospital room with valentines in hand for me to address, sign my name and slip candy hearts into each envelope so my students would receive this teacher’s gift of love to her students. Again, she was modeling love to me and my students.

She celebrated the births of her teachers’ children, and she encouraged her teachers to continue their personal and professional continuing education in order to better serve our students.

When young students had to go to the principal’s office, it wasn’t always for something they had done wrong — sometimes it was to celebrate simple progress that had been accomplished during that

week. But when a student had misbehaved or did not complete assignments, Virginia met them with appropriate discipline and how to correct the situation. She always let the student’s family know so they could follow up with appropriate parenting at home.

She understood the strengths and weaknesses of students from her years of experience and wisdom. As an educator, she guided her teachers and extended staff on how to meet the needs of our students.

Virginia had a good sense of humor with her students, families and her teachers. She understood that a cheerful heart is good medicine for children to learn. With this concept, she stressed to her teaching team that children are moldable and bendable by the words we say to them. Her motto was children need clear rules, boundaries and words of encouragement in order to learn, grow and know how special they are.

Virginia showed a light of love into children’s

lives. She planted a heart of faith into the children’s lives that she touched.

Children observe their parents and teachers very closely, and as principal, she realized this about the students and families at her schools. Whether a student was having a difficult time or was doing well, she grabbed opportunities to share, model and encourage children.

Virginia passed away on Jan. 30 at age 95. As a community of students, families and teachers, we would like to thank her for her life and service in teaching children not only reading, writing, math, science and history, but for modeling and teaching us about living life in accomplishing our goals. She truly was an ambassador for the lives of children. As time passes, we will always remember Miss Virginia Hendon.

Beth Pinyerd has taught many years in the early childhood classroom.

She has a master’s degree in early childhood education.

BOARD >>

FROM B1

example of one individual placing someone else above themselves,” said Jones. “If there is a more noble act that can be performed, then I know not of it. On behalf of the Sheriff’s Office, we want to join the school board in recognizing Kerri Reeves, who we believe prevented a loss of life, more importantly, the life of a student,” he said. “In the public safety community, that is something we hold in the highest regard.”

Reeves received a standing ovation. Both Jones and Superintendent Mike Howard presented her with plaques, and School Board President Ralph Henderson presented her with a flower arrangement.

Lee County Teachers of the Year were recognized, including: Jada Swader, Beulah Elementary; Kenni Newman, East Elementary; Dawn Brown, Loachapoka Elementary; Hope Cobb, South Elementary; Lori McGonegle, Wacoochee Elementary; Joni Jones, Sanford Middle; Wesley Byrd, Smiths Station Junior High; Natalie Wade, Smith Station Freshman Center; Bryan Eason of Smiths Station High School; Clint Cobb of Beulah High School, Ni’Yai Davis, Loachapoka High School; Elementary Teacher of the Year Amy Hess of Beauregard Elementary; and Secondary Teacher of the Year John Hillsman of Beauregard High School.

In other business, the board accepted a bid to renovate and make improvements to the Smiths Station Junior High School auditorium.

The board also adopted a new, condensed mission statement: "To prepare students to reach their full potential."

The next Lee County School Board meeting is scheduled for March 12 at 6 p.m.

L ee County & A labama Politics

B9

B9

Feb. 15, 2024

Nov. 24, 2021

Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024

Inside the State House

State Senate Leaders

BY STEVE FLOWERS OPINION—

L

ast week we discussed the Alabama House of Representatives and highlighted the leaders in the House.

This week we will talk about the prominent members of the very powerful Alabama State Senate.

To begin with, the state senate is made up of 35 members. The body is overwhelmingly Republican. There are 27 republicans and a mere eight democrats.

This qualifies for what is called a super majority Republican State Senate.

Our Alabama constitution is very antiquated and rests all power, even local power, in the legislature. That means that an inordinate amount of legislative time is spent on local legislation.

Passing local legislation is not a major problem for legislators from rural and smaller counties. However, that is not the case for Alabama’s most populous county, imperial Jefferson.

The state’s largest county is very diverse and therefore this legislative delegation is diverse and divisive. It has been my observation over the last 60 years that Jefferson County has had internal fights over their local issues, and it spills over

onto the floors of the House and Senate. During my 16 years in the legislature, it was not unusual for an entire legislative day to be consumed while we watched Jefferson County legislators embroiled in an intense debate over whether alcohol could be served on Sunday in their county, while very important state issues languished.

For the first time in my memory, two legendary Jefferson County State Sens., Jabo Waggoner, and Rodger Smitherman, have forged a bipartisan working relationship that has made for a harmonious working partnership for the good of Jefferson County and the state.

Waggoner (R-Vestavia) is the dean of the Senate. He is one of the most respected and accomplished state senators in Alabama history. Indeed, he has the longest tenure of legislative service in the history of the state, 50 years. Waggoner also chairs the Senate Rules Committee, which sets the agenda for the senate.

Waggoner is in an elite leadership group of the senate, which includes President Pro Tem Greg Reed (R-Jasper), Education Budget Chairman Arthur Orr (R-Decatur), and General Fund Budget Chairman Greg Albritton (R-Escambia). The new majority leader of the Alabama Senate is Sen. Steve Livingston (R-Scottsboro). He is well respected and meshes well with Reed.

State Sen. April Weaver (R-Bibb/Shelby) is doing an excellent job as chair of the Health Committee. Sen. Tom Butler (R-Huntsville) is a veteran legislator and is looked to on health issues,

along with Weaver.

Sen. Will Barfoot (R-Pike Road) is doing excellent work as Chairman of Judiciary.

Sen. Dan Roberts (R-Jefferson) has become the go to leader on business issues and is a workhorse senator. Sen. Tim Melson (R-Florence) is a medical doctor and is very well liked and respected. He is effective and a good team player.

Sen. Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) is doing an excellent job. He is young and has a bright future. Sen. Sam Givhan (R-Huntsville) is a quiet, effective leader who does not seek glamor, but gets things done. He is head of the legislative council for the entire legislature.

Sen. Andrew Jones (R-Cherokee/Etowah) and Sen. Randy Price (R-Lee County) are workhorses for their districts.

Sen. Clyde Chambliss (R-Autauga) is a stellar leader in the Senate. He is a favorite of Gov. Kay Ivey. Chambliss has been the sponsor of most of the major legislation including prisons and roads over the past few years. Sen. Gerald Allen (R-Tuscaloosa) continues to be a strong conservative voice for Tuscaloosa. Sen. Donnie Chesteen (R-Geneva/ Houston) is an outstanding senator. He, like, Givhan is quietly effective. He gets things done for the Wiregrass.

Freshman Republicans Josh Carnley (R-Coffee), Jay Hovey (R-Auburn), and Keith Kelly (R-Anniston) are fast studies and wellliked team players.

Sen. Bobby Singleton (D-Greensboro) is a very likeable and effective minority leader.

See FLOWERS, page B14

Opelika City Council approves abatements

BY DAVID BELL FOR THE OBSERVER OPELIKA — At its regular meeting on Feb. 6, the Opelika City Council approved certain tax abatements and exemptions for local industries that are making large investments to improve or create manufacturing facilities.

Abatements were given to A&P Development LLC and Miele Manufacturing Inc., currently conducting improvements, renovations and equipment purchases at properties located on Orr Avenue.

Miele, manufacturer of high-end domestic and commercial appliances, purchased two existing buildings and surrounding property in the old Orr Industrial Park to set up a manufacturing facility that will employ more than 160 workers. Miele will invest

$3,370,200 to renovate one of the structures to serve as an office complex and another $8,789,912 to transform a warehouse into a state-of-the-art assembly plant, bringing the company’s total investment to $12,160,112.

The council also approved an abatement for Golden State Foods Corp., located in the Northeast Opelika Industrial Park.

The company, which operates a beef processing plant that supplies products to McDonald’s and Nestle, is investing $9,407,256 to purchase new machinery at the facility.

OTHER BUSINESS - In other business, the Council approved the purchase of two Ford F150 super crew pickup trucks for the Public Works Department on state contract from Stiver’s Ford-Lin-

coln in Montgomery, for a total price of $68,426.

- The council approved a request by Parks and Recreation to purchase outdoor casual furniture for the Sportsplex through local vendor Alabama Office Supply in the amount of $168,835.

- The council awarded a special appropriation to Opelika City Schools in the amount of $52,000 to purchase musical equipment.

- The council approved a request from Tienda El Paraiso LLC for a retail beer off premise license for its grocery store on Pepperell Parkway.

The council reappointed three members of the Board of Zoning Adjustments to new terms expiring in 2027. Chris Anthony and Wilbert Payne

See OPELIKA COUNCIL, page B16

Citizens’ open forum sparks discussions at Auburn Council

BY STEVEN STIEFEL FOR THE OBSERVER AUBURN — During the open forum session of the Feb. 6 meeting of the Auburn City Council, citizens witnessed a critique of the police department’s treatment of African-Americans and contention between an evangelical Christian who criticized LGBTQ+-themed materials found in the Auburn Public Library and a citizen praising inclusion and diversity in the community.

Robert Wilkins spoke of events involving the child of Ward 1 Council Member Connie Fitch Taylor. He said the child was recently surrounded by police officers while walking home.

“There are many good Auburn policemen,” Wilkins said, “but some may need more training or changes in positions. Some may need to find more suitable careers. This is not about race, but about having a police

force that treats all citizens equally. No one is above the law. In my opinion, the Auburn Police Department can be too aggressive.”

Wilkins appealed to Mayor Ron Anders to establish a community security task force to be headed by Council Member Fitch Taylor with 12 additional members, including possibly Ward 8 Council Member Tommy Dawson.

Dawson thanked Wilkins for bringing the topic up for discussion in the public forum, but he defended the Auburn Police Department, claiming that crime is “trending down locally because the police are there to keep people safe. You won’t find another place as safe as Auburn. This requires us to be proactive. By the grace of God and a good police department, you don’t see young men gunned down like happens in Montgomery.”

Dawson said he wasn’t sure what qualifies

See AUBURN COUNCIL, page B16

Publisher's Note: The Observer does not endorse candidates. Articles written are to give our readers information, but do not indicate any form of endorsement.

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B10 Feb. 15, 2024

US Congressional Seat, District Three

Bevels, Newell seek District Three seat

BY DAVID BELL FOR THE OBSERVER

BY DAVID BELL FOR THE OBSERVER

ALABAMA — A goat farmer and bee keeper from Tallapoosa County, under the age of 30, is likely not everyone’s first idea of the perfect candidate to run for Congress. But that’s not stopping Barron Rae Bevels from seeking to unseat longtime Alabama Third District Congressman Mike Rogers in the March 5 Republican Primary Election.

A native of Dadeville, Bevels graduated from Dadeville High School and later earned a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Auburn University, with a minor in Psychology. After college she embarked on a modeling career, but after four years, felt a calling from God that guided her life in a new direction, one of service to the community where she grew up.

“When I was in high school, I started an organization called ‘Rae of Hope,’ using my middle name. We fed families at Thanksgiving, worked with the homeless, and various other projects to help those around us who were in greatest need,” said Bevels. “Helping people is something I’ve enjoyed doing my entire life.”

Therefore, community service was foremost on her mind when Bevels returned home and met the man who would become her husband, a retired military veteran and third-generation goat farmer.

“We were sitting around talking one night and out of the blue my husband suggested that I channel my passion toward politics, at the Congressional level, where I could do the most good for people,” Bevels said.

“My first response was ‘no way,’ but the more I thought and prayed about it, I again felt the Lord leading me in that direction.”

“I started doing a lot

ALABAMA — Bryan Newell, a native of Anniston, is seeking the U.S. Congressional seat currently held by Alabama Third District Rep. Mike Rogers in the March 5 Republican primary election.

“After more than two decades of the status quo, I believe it’s time for a change of leader-ship,” said Newell.

“Politicians of the past have gotten elected by saying whatever they had to say and doing whatever it took to gain support under the guise of representing the public. But once they’re in, nothing gets accomplished.”

Newell was one of several local and state political candidates who recently spoke at the monthly meeting of the Republican Women of East Alabama, where he explained his positions on immigration, term limits, negligent spending and gun control.

“The first responsibility of the U.S. government is securing our borders,” he said.

“Currently, there is no control whatsoever, and this condition is hurting everyone across America. If elected, I will add to the U.S. Code and update or change asylum laws and introduce legislation preventing anchor babies. I want to finish the wall, and we must enforce the laws we already have.”

Regarding term limits, Newell said such proposals have circulated through Congress for years but are never brought forward for a

BARRON RAE BEVELS of research and one of the first things I noticed was the length of time so many members of Congress had been in office.

It made me wonder, with things as bad as they are now, what have these people been doing all those years,” added Bevels. “It became obvious to me that only positive changes for the benefit of all citizens could get our government back on the right track.”

“As I began talking to people throughout the district, I also noticed a lack of presence from our current Congressman.

Most people couldn’t remember the last time they saw or talked to their Representative in person, or had seen him anywhere else for that matter,” said Bevels. “The Third District deserves better than that; someone who will regularly listen to their concerns and represent them in Washington. To me, that’s what an elected official should do.”

Bevels describes herself as a “constitutional conservative Christian” who is pro-life, pro-second amendment, and a strong proponent of term limits.

“We must also stop spending so much money on endeavors abroad.

This is only causing our country to plunge deeper in debt, supporting issues

that do not concern us.

We must focus our attention on helping those in our own land,” said Bevels.

“Furthermore, I am committed to improving the overall condition of our education system. I want to ensure that our children and teachers are equipped and always supported. I will work diligently beside our Governor to improve Alabama’s current education ranking,” Bevels said.

“And finally, I will strive to look for more ways to increase economic development in our state, helping to raise the standard of living for all our citizens,” added Bevels. “I’m equally passionate about protecting our borders against illegal immigration, making our nation safe through a strong military, supporting our farmers who raise our food, and making the American dream one which all citizens have the ability to attain.”

Bevels, her husband, and their three children enjoy all things that require hard work, being outside, and attending their local church.

“I will continue traveling around the Third District, meeting and talking to as many people as I can between now and election day.” Bevels concluded.

BRYAN NEWELL vote.

“If they did, 50% of Congress would not be able to seek reelection,” he said. “We have a House full of career establishment politicians with no teamwork experience, no leadership experience and no passion for developing solutions for the problems that arise on their watch. They just sit up there 20, 30, 40 even 50 years, running on problems they helped create year after year.

“Furthermore, our government is currently $34 trillion in debt, and no one seems to care,” Newell added. “Negligent, wasteful spending is out of control and must be stopped. We cannot sustain our current level of borrowing and spending and not have the government go broke. Our credit rating has already been reduced, which increases the interest rate on money the government borrows.”

Newell is a retired

Army sergeant and a strong proponent of the Second Amendment.

“Our founding fathers made the right to bear arms a critical component of our Constitution to, first of all, stop the threat of tyranny,” he said. “Beyond that, every American is given the right to defend themselves and their families. Those who support gun control advocate dis-arming our society and leaving us basically defenseless. What should be common sense is to exercise your right to own a gun and learn how to use it appropriately.”

Newell has been married to his wife, Lourdes, for 20 years, and they have three children and two grandchildren.

“As your elected representative, I will listen to what you have to say and serve your interests in the halls of Congress,” he said. “I will also uphold my oath of office and defend the Constitution from all enemies, foreign and domestic.”

The Observer hopes to have a profile on Congressman Mike Rogers in the near future.

Indoor shooting

2195 FIRST AVENUE • OPELIKA

B11 Feb. 15, 2024

Authorities seek whereabouts of Opelika teen CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA — The Opelika Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in locating a runaway juvenile.

On Dec. 22, 2023, 15-year-old Roxana Isabel Gomez Gomez left her residence in the 3600 Block of Randall Drive. She took all of her belongings and has blocked the family’s calls.

Roxana is a Hispanic female, approximately 5-foot-5, with brown hair and brown eyes.

The family believes she may have left with an unknown male subject.

If you have any information on the whereabouts of Roxana please contact the Opelika Police Department at (334) 705-5200 or the Secret Witness Hotline at (334) 745-8665.

Tips can be submitted through the Opelika Police Mobile App. You may wish to remain anonymous.

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

Opelika police ask for assistance identifying suspect CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA — On Jan. 8, the Opelika Police Department bagan investigating a report of unlawful breaking and entering a vehicle, theft of property 3rd degree, and fraudulent use of a credit card which occurred in the 2500 Block of Pepperell Parkway. At approximately 6:24 p.m., the suspect, a light skinned black male, used the victim’s credit cards at Walmart, located at 2900 Pepperell Parkway.

The suspect is seen on surveillance footage wearing a brown hat with fur lining and a black jacket.

He entered a light colored SUV before leaving the area.

Based on the tattoo on the suspects right hand, investigators were able to connect the suspect to a similar incident which occurred in February. The suspect in that incident stole the victim’s wallet from a vehicle in the same parking lot and used their cards at several Walmart locations.

If you have any information on this incident or the identity of the suspect, please con-tact the Opelika Police Department Detective Division at (334)

ROXANA ISABEL GOMEZ GOMEZ

Arrest made for Glenwood baseball, storage unit thefts CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

LEE COUNTY — During the month of January 2024, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office received multiple burglary and theft reports from storage units located in the 100 block of Lee Road 286 in the Smiths Station community of Lee County. On Jan. 25, KENNETH DALE JACKSON a suspect was identified by video surveillance equipment as Kenneth Dale Jackson, 37, of Smiths Station.

On Feb. 1, Jackson was spotted by Lee County deputies and a traffic stop was conducted. During the stop, a handgun, methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, baseballs, a baseball bag and batting gloves were located in the vehicle. Investigators found that the baseball equipment was stolen from Glenwood School in Phenix City and the handgun was stolen from another Phenix City burglary.

Phenix City detectives assisted Lee County investigators with the case. Investigators and detectives searched a storage unit belonging to one of Jackson’s family members where other stolen property was located. Other property included more baseball and softball equipment, approximately 15 medallions and approximately 15 championship rings, all from Glenwood School. Other property included two suitcases full of personal property, a hunting blind, a chair and multiple other miscellaneous property, all stolen from Lee County burglaries and thefts.

Jackson was transported to the Lee County Jail, where he was charged with criminal trespass 2nd degree, receiving stolen property 2nd degree, possession of a controlled substance (Methamphetamine), possession of marijuana 2nd degree, possession of drug paraphernalia, theft of property 2nd degree and three counts of burglary 3rd degree.

Deputies arrest stabbing suspect

705-5220 or the Secret Witness Hotline at (334) 745-8665. Tips can be submitted through the Opelika Police Mobile App. You may wish to remain anonymous.

Tips can also be forwarded through Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at (334) 215-STOP (7867), toll-free at 1-833-AL1-STOP, via the Facebook page, www.facebook.com/A215stop or the website: www.215STOP.com.

LEE COUNTY — On Jan. 30, Lee County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the 7000 block of Lee Road 252 in the Beulah community of Lee County, Alabama in reference to an assault.

Upon arrival, deputies found an adult male who had been stabbed in the chest. The victim was transported to Piedmont MICHAEL ADAM PIKE Medical center in Columbus, Georgia where he was treated for life-threatening injuries. Lee County Investigators arrived on scene and were able to identify the suspect as Michael Adam Pike, age32, from Opelika. Pike was transported to the Lee County investigative division where he was questioned.

He was then charged and arrested for assault in the first degree. He has since been released from jail after posting a $50,000 bond.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at (334)7495651 or Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at (334) 215-STOP (7867)

Auburn police report arrests victim was directed to make electronic payments to satisfy fictitious court penalties to avoid being arrested.

During the investigation, McClymont and Davida Samantha Perry were developed as suspects.

Arrest warrants were FAVOUR OGHENE TEJIRI ASHE obtained for theft of property first degree CONTRIBUTED TO on Jan. 12, 2023. McTHE OBSERVER Clymont was located by the South Fulton AUBURN — On Feb. 6, Auburn Police Police Department in Georgia on Feb. 1 and arrested Favour Ogharrested in obedience ene Tejiri Ashe, 21, to the warrant. After of Auburn on felony waiving extradition, warrants charging he was transported him with four counts to the Auburn Police of fraudulent use of a Department, and the debit/credit card and arrest warrant was two counts of theft of property third degree. executed on Feb. 6.

Perry was located On Feb. 4, a victim by Polk County, Georreported to Auburn gia, Police on Feb. 7.

Police that multiple Perry waived extraitems were stolen dition and was transfrom a purse near the ported to the Auburn 100 block of West Police Department for Magnolia Avenue. A the execution of the credit card was among arrest warrant. the items stolen, and McClymont and the victim discovered Perry were both several fraudulent transported to the Lee charges were made County Jail and held using the stolen card. on a $5,000 bonds.

Ashe was developed The Auburn Police as a suspect, and after Department would further investigation like to remind the arrest warrants were public that there are obtained. Ashe turned many different methhimself in on Feb. 6, ods used by scammers and he was arrested to represent themin obedience to the selves in an official warrants. He was transported to the Lee capacity, such as a business, relative or County Jail and held associate of the poon a $9,000 bond.

KIETH ALEXANDER MCCLYMONT

DAVIDA SAMANTHA PERRY

AUBURN — On Feb. 6, Auburn Police, with assistance from the South Fulton Police Department in Georgia, arrested Kieth Alexander McClymont, 33, of Atlanta on a felony warrant charging him theft of property first degree.

A second suspect involved in the same incident, Davida Samantha Perry, 29, of Cedartown, Georgia, was arrested for theft of property first degree on Feb. 7, with assistance from the Polk County Police Department in Georgia.

Auburn Police received a theft report involving a phone scam on Dec. 16, 2023. The victim reported receiving multiple phone calls from subjects that falsely identified themselves as law enforcement officers. During the phone calls, the

tential victim. A call demanding payment, particularly using an electronic method such as providing a debit/credit card number, directions to make payments using public kiosks and requests that payments be made by purchasing gift/pre-paid cards should be considered highly suspicious.

If a citizen receives a phone call soliciting information, payment or any other business activity, Auburn Police Department recommends the citizen hangs up the phone. Contact the entity represented by the caller directly by using a trusted phone number, especially prior to conducting any financial transaction.

All defendants are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

B12 Feb. 15, 2024

PUBLIC NOTICES 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 -------------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 -------------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 -------------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, 36803-0390. 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 unknown 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 -------------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 5TH day of February 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 -------------NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF SHAE WARREN BUTLER, DECEASED PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY, AL CASE NO: 2023-616 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION of said deceased having been granted to Haley Marcotte Butler on the 19th day of January, 2024, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama.

Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

HALEY MARCOTTE BUTLER Legal Run 02/8/24, 02/15/24 & 02/22/24 -------------Legal Notice In the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama

Civil Action No. 43-CV-2023-900428.00, Brown Lumber & Building Supply, Inc., Plaintiff vs.

Ridge Crest Homes, LLC, Brady Construction, LLC, and William David Brady, Defendants.

Notice of Publication to: Ridge Crest Homes, LLC, Brady Construction, LLC, and William David Brady ("Defendants;;) are provided notice of the complaint filed against them by Brown Lumber & Building Supply, Inc. (''Brown Lumber") in the above styled action. The complaint included counts for breach of contract, account stated, lien enforcement, and quantum meruit/unjust enrichment associated with nonpayment for materials supplied to Defendants by Brown Lumber.

Defendants and the public are provided notice of the lien tis pendens recorded on November 13, 2023 in the probate court of Lee County, Alabama at Deed Book/ Pg: 9/283-284, related to the property located at 2127 Cobblestone Drive, Opelika, AL 36804 in Lee County, AL which is more particularly described as Lots Numbered 86, 87, 90, 91, 94, 95, 98, 99, 102, and 103, of The Cottages at Fieldstone Subdivision, Phase II·A-Townhomes, according to and as shown by map or plat of said subdivision of record in Town Plat Book 28, at Page 43, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama (the "Property").

'The deed for that property is recorded at Deed Book 2682, Page 489. On September 7, 2023, Brown Lumber recorded a mechanic's lien on the Property at Deed Book/Pg: 12/668-669. The complaint seeks enforcement of a monetary judgment against the Property. This notice is being furnished pursuant to Ala. Code§§ 35-4-131, 6-6-564, and 6-6-561, which are incorporated by reference into this notice as if fully stated herein.

A valid judgment may be entered against the Defendants that Brown Lumber will seek to enforce against the Property.

Date January 31, 2024 Mary B. Roberson Lee County Circuit Clerk 2311 Gateway Drive Opelika, AL 36801 Legal Run 02/8/24, 02/15/24, 02/22/24 & 02/29/2024 -------------INVITATION TO BID 24009 Sealed bids for the construction of the Construction Services for Substation #10 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 26, 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.

Contact the City of Opelika Purchasing Department for specifications at 204 S. 7th St, Opelika, AL 36801. The specifications can also be downloaded from the city’s website at www.opelika-al.gov/bids. aspx. Questions regarding these Bid/Contract Documents may be directed to Mr. Brent Poteet, Power Services Director, City of Opelika, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama 36803. Phone: (334) 705-5572.

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.

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, Ope¬li¬ka, Alabama, 368030390. Attn: Construction Services for Substation #10 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 02/08/24, 02/15/24 & 02/22/2024 -------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA STATE OF ALABAMA RE: THE ESTATE OF VIRGINIA CAROLYN ANDERSON CASE NO. 2024-030 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of the Estate of VIRGINIA CAROLYN ANDERSON, are hereby granted to Olan Dale Anderson on the 25th day of January, 2024, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama.

Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

BILL ENGLISH, JUDGE OF PROBATE OLAN DALE ANDERSON Legal Run 02/8/24, 02/15/24 & 2/22/24 -------------IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CHARLES W. BLUE, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No: 2024-065 Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 1st day of February, 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.

DIANE W. BLUE Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 2/8/24, 2/15/24, & 2/22/24

See PUBLIC NOTICES, page B14

B13 Feb. 15, 2024

Local Club News

The Opelika Lions Club is preparing for its annual Pancake Jamboree which will be held Saturday, March 2, from 6 to 11 a.m. at Opelika Middle School. Pictured left to right are Doug Hicks, Jim Allen, Junior Morgan, Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller, Brooka Stokes, Glenn Stokes, Gayron Davis and Greg Boyd.

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Rauch addresses Opelika Kiwanis PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

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B14 Feb. 15, 2024

PUBLIC NOTICES >>

FROM B12

-------------STATE OF ALABAMA LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT CASE NO. 2024-039 ESTATE OF MARSHALL EARL BLOUNT, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF ADMINISTRATOR Letters of Administration of the Estate of Marshall Earl Blount, deceased having been granted to Jeffery A. Hilyer this 31st 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.

Hon. Jeffery A. Hilyer, Personal Representative Jeffery A. Hilyer 334-745-2564 Attorney at Law P.O. Box 30 Opelika, AL 36803-0030 Legal Run 2/8/24, 2/15/24 & 2/22/24 -------------IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF KATHRYN AVIS YOUNG, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NUMBER 2024- 060 NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Robert Gene Young and Gregory Whitman Young, on the 1st day of February, 2024, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Robert Gene Young & Gregory Whitman Young Co-Executors Legal Run 02/8/2024, 02/15/2024 & 02/22/2024 -------------STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF LEE NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE DEFAULT having been made in the terms of that certain mortgage executed by Great Sky Properties, LLC to AuburnBank, which said mortgage is dated July 15, 2022, and recorded in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, in Mortgage Book 4891, at Page 177, et seq and the said default continuing, and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, the following-described real property will be sold at public outcry for cash, to the highest bidder, in front of the Courthouse door of the Lee County Courthouse in Opelika, Alabama, during the legal hours of sale on March 11, 2024, to-wit: Lot 13, Block G, University Estates Plat Two Subdivision, according to and as shown by that certain map or plat thereof of record in Town Plat Book 7, at Page 191, in the office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama.

This conveyance and the warranties hereinafter contained are made subject to any and all easements, covenants,

and right-of-way of record in said county affecting said described property.

Said sale is to be made for the purpose of paying the mortgage debt and cost of foreclosure.

AUBURNBANK BY:/s/ Blake Oliver Blake L. Oliver, Attorney for AuburnBank Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 Legal Run 02/15/24, 02/22/24 & 02/29/24.

-------------ORDINANCE NO. 002-24 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “City Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows: Section 1. That Ordinance 124-91 entitled “Zoning Ordinance City of Opelika, Alabama”, adopted on September 17, 1991, and the Zoning Map of the City of Opelika provided for and referred to therein, as previously amended and/or modified, be and the same is hereby amended by rezoning or redistricting the parcel of land hereinafter in this section described, so as to change such parcel from one class of district to another class of district as follows, to-wit: From a R-3, GC-P District (Low Density Residential, Gateway Corridor Primary District) to a C-2, GC-P District (Office/Retail, Gateway Corridor Primary District), the parcel of land hereinafter described: Commence at the Southeast corner of Section 13, Township 19 North, Range 26 East, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama; thence North in the right of way for Long Street for 676.1 feet to a point; thence South 89°45’ West, 414.9 feet to the Southeast corner of 1016 Alabama Avenue, said point being the Point Of Beginning of the parcels described herein: from this POINT OF BEGINNING, thence Continue along Alabama Avenue South 89°42’39” West, 58.52 feet to the Southeast corner of 1100 Alabama Avenue; thence South 89°42’39” West, 143.95 feet to a flare intersection with Frederick Road; thence along said flare North 13°28’23” West, 56.38 feet to the Southeast Right Of Way for Frederick Road; thence along a chord of said Frederick Road Right Of Way, North 39°50’37” East, 37.41; thence continue along said Right Of Way on a chord of North 44°01’38” East, 94.72 feet to the Northwest corner of 1100 Alabama Avenue; thence North 89°45’35” East, 65.91 feet to the Northwest corner of 1016 Alabama Avenue; thence North 89°45’31” East, 58.72 feet to the Northeast corner of 1016 Alabama Avenue; thence South 00°26’47” East, 147.06 feet to the point of beginning.

The above-described property contains 27,966 square feet, more or less, and is located at 1018 and 1016 Alabama Avenue, Opelika, Alabama.

Section 2. Any ordinance or part thereof in conflict with provisions of this Ordinance be and the same are hereby repealed.

Section 3. This Ordinance shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Lee

FLOWERS >> FROM B9 He is aided by the aforementioned Sen. Rodger Smitherman (D-Birmingham) as well as respected and revered senate leaders, Sen. Vivian Figures (D-Mobile) and Sen. Billy Beasley (D-Barbour).

Newcomers to the senate Merika Coleman (D-Bessemer) and Kirk Hatcher (D-Montgomery) have become immediately effective having served previously in the House. The state senate is full of leaders.

See you next week.

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. Flowers served 16 years in the state legislature. He may be reached at www. steveflowers.us.

County, Alabama.

ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 6th day of February, 2024. /s/ Eddie Smith PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA ATTEST: /s/ Russell A. Jones, CMC CITY CLERK TRANSMITTED TO MAYOR on this the 7th day of February, 2024. /s/ Russell A. Jones, CMC CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR APPROVED this the 7th day of February, 2024. /s/ Gary Fuller MAYOR ATTEST: /s/ Russell A. Jones, CMC CITY CLERK Legal Run 02/15/2024 --------------

Public Forum:

Candidates for Lee County Commission District 3 A public forum for the candidates of Lee County Commission District 3 to share their views will be held on Thursday, Feb. 29, at 7 p.m. EST at JR’s Steakhouse on Mullins Road in Smiths Station.

The event is not a debate. Upon arrival, each attendee may submit one question to ask of all the candidates.

This is the only public forum featuring all three candidates before the March 5 election.

CITY OF OPELIKA NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARINGS TO: RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA AND ALL OTHER INTERESTED CITIZENS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City of Opelika, Alabama will hold a regular meeting and will be conducting public hearings on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. in the Meeting Chamber at Opelika Municipal Court located at 300 MLK Boulevard, Opelika, Alabama. A Planning Commission work session will be held at 2:45 pm before the regular meeting. The purpose of the public hearings is to receive public comment on the following: I. Some items at the meeting will have a designated public hearing (noted below).

Individuals are limited to 5-minute comment period per public hearing.

II. Approval of Minutes III. Update on Previous PC Cases IV. New Business A. Plat (Preliminary only) – Public Hearing 1. A public hearing on a request by Sam Price, authorized representative for East Alabama Healthcare Authority, property owner, for preliminary approval of Village Professional Park First Revision, Redivision of Lots 2-B-1A, 5, and 6 subdivision consisting of 2 lots accessed from Village Professional Parkway.

2. A public hearing on a request by Goodwyn Mills Cawood, LLC, authorized representative for Retirement Systems of Alabama, property owner, for preliminary approval of National Village subdivsion, consisting of 30 lots accessed from Robert Trent Jones Trail.

3. A public hearing on a request by Chao Han, property owner, for preliminary approval of South Lake Bank Parcels Lot 2 subdivision consisting of 45 lots accessed from South Uniroyal Road.

4. A public hearing on a request by David A. Filgo, property owner, for preliminary approval of Prestige subdivision consisting of 12 lots accessed from Lee Road 171.

5. A public hearing on a request by Blake Rice, BarrettSimpson, Inc., authorized representative for 280 Land Company, LLC, property owner, for preliminary

approval of Hidden Lakes North subdivision consisting of 236 lots accessed from Sportsplex Parkway.

B. Preliminary and Final Plat – Public Hearing 6. A request by Mike Maher, authorized representative for Hunter Bell, property owner, for preliminary and final plat approval of Old Columbus, Redivision of Lot 1 subdivision. consisting of 7 lots accessed from Old Columbus Road. C. Conditional Use – Public Hearing 7. A public hearing on a request by William Robert Ogletree, authorized representative for TO Properties, LLC, property owner, for conditional use approval for an auto sales lot in the C-3, GC-P zoning district at 3600 Pepperell Parkway.

D. Rezoning – Public Hearing 8a. An agenda item related to a rezoning request is an amendment to the Future Land Use Map for 106 acres accessed from Gateway Drive from light commercial and general commercial land use category to a mixed use category (residential and commercial). If the Planning Commission votes to send a positive recommendation to the City Council to rezone the 106 acres and Council approves the rezoning, then approval of said amendments to the Future Land Use map will be approved.

8b. A rezoning public hearing to consider a recommendation to the City Council on a request by Blake Rice, authorized representative for Saucier Investments LLC and others, property owners, to rezone 106 acres accessed at Gateway Drive and Cunningham Drive from a C-2, C-3, and R-4 zone to a PUD zoning district.

E. Other Business – Conditional Use Amendment 9. An amendment to a conditional use approved at the September 2023 Planning Commission meeting for Jake Whaley, authorized representative for PFI, Ltd, property owner: The location of the front property line along Marvyn Parkway determined the berm & landscaping be replaced with heavier evergreen

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screening and oak trees to planted to add height and variety. Along the south property line, hollies are proposed to enhance screening between the proposed commercial use and the adjacent residential zone. Changes to plant materials are also proposed along the north property line to enhance landscaping.

All interested persons are invited to attend the meeting/ public hearings and be heard.

Written comments concerning the above matters may be mailed to the Planning Director at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama 36801 at any time prior to the meeting/public hearings and may be further submitted to the Planning Commission at the meeting/public hearings.

The Planning Commission reserves the right to modify or alter any of the proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and to make its recommendations accordingly to the City Council.

Please contact the Planning department at 334-705-5156 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability.

PLANNING DIRECTOR Legal Run 02/15/2024 -------------IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA REID VIOLA, Plaintiff ,vs.

AP ARCEL OF LAND, PRUITTE MARGARET, MATHIAS KELVIN, UNKNOWN HEIRS ET AL, Defendant Civil Action No.: CV-2022-900189 Take notice that I, Mary Roberson, Circuit Clerk of the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama, on the 11th day of March, 2024, at 8:00 a.m.

CST at the entrance of the T.K. Davis Justice Center located at 2311 Gateway Drive, Opelika, AL 36801 will offer for sale for division the following described real property: From the southwest comer of the northwest quarter of the southwest quarter of Section 33, Township 19, Range 25,

Lee County, Alabama, run north along the west line of said Section 33 for 571.5 feet to the point of beginning of the property to be here described and conveyed; from said point of beginning run north along said western section line 295 feet; thence east 295 feet; thence south 295 feet; thence west 295 feet to the point of beginning containing 2 acres, more or less, and being a part of the property conveyed to the said Josh Mathews, Jr., deceased, by warranty deed from William Baggett and wife, Miriah Baggett, date December 4, 1913, recorded in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, in Deed Book 108, at Page 45.

Said property will be sold to the highest bidder for cash at public sale. The purpose of said sale is for distribution of the proceeds among the joint owners of said property.

This the 6th day of February, 2024.

Mary Roberson, CIRCUIT CLERK, Lee County Alabama Kevin W.R. Bufford Attorney for Plaintiffs Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345, Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 02/15/24, 02/22/24 & 02/29/24 -------------NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF LILLIAN C. OVERTON, DECEASED LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 2nd day of February, 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 2nd day of February, 2024.

KATHY O. HADAWAY Legal Run 02/15/2024, 02/22/2024, & 02/29/2024

B15 Feb. 15, 2024

For more puzzles visit www.opelikaobserver. com/other/puzzles/

B16 Feb. 15, 2024 to leave it at that. It is AUBURN COUNCIL >> going what it is."

FROM B9

Wilkins to deem the police as too aggressive, but he recommended he speak with Police Chief Cedric Anderson because state-of-the-art video cameras routinely record police activity and should capture any inappropriate actions by officers.

“I know what it is like when crime takes over and eats up a city,” Dawson said. “It starts in the inner city. There is not a street in Auburn, Alabama that I would be afraid to walk down at 1 o’clock in the morning. I don’t mind if police stop me.

If I am in the wrong, I take my medicine and move on.

If we are not proactive as a department, we’ll end up with a broken city. If our police department goes down, you can kiss that good education goodbye because the criminals are going to come in here and take over.”

Fitch Taylor also spoke up to say Wilkins attended her recent Ward meeting, along with about 30 other citizens.

“I really do hope that Auburn is one of the safest cities,” she said. “I thank God that the Auburn Police addressed the murder of my dad in the proper way.

But that doesn’t mean that everyone receives the same treatment. There are good officers, I promise you, with good attitudes. But there are also officers who could use additional training. I’m not going to call them bad officers, but there are some who need additional training and supervision on how to handle certain situations in certain neighborhoods. There does need to be some type of task force so citizens can come and talk about a lot of things seen that we don’t think are appropriate.”

She added, “I do encourage people to either talk with our city manager or chief of police. It’s people’s choice, and how do you build trust in the Black community within the police department? I’m

In other business, Citizen Martha Shemp requested that visiting youth leave the Council chambers before she spoke, but this was denied by the Council, which had welcomed anyone not participating in the open forum to leave before it started. Shemp said the presence of youths would require her to sanitize her message.

“There’s still some very horrible books at the Auburn Library. I was by there a couple of days ago,” she said before listing books she claims are available in the children’s section that she deemed “filthy and obscene.

The same old snakes are in there.”

She then recited several bible verses intended to support her criticisms of homosexual lifestyles involving “shameful passions. These books are so filthy that I can’t discuss them with minors present. With the tax dollars of Christian believers, and you know it is wrong to expose children to this material.”

Speaking next was Gabrielle Dunham, who said that for close to a year, the city has witnessed an anti-LGBTQ+ campaign through the Council forum that served to “ostracize and hurt the LGBTQ+ community in Auburn. The false narrative that was pushed all year is that adult content is available for children at the Auburn Public Library. Anyone who has ever visited the library can tell you this is not true, yet no amount of reassurance was ever enough. The theme that keeps coming up is the presence of LGBTQ+ characters or theme in books, regardless of whether those books were found in the children, young adult or adult sections. This was demonstrated during the Council meeting on December 19th, when a speaker claiming to want to protect children read aloud sexual content from a book located in the adult section while children were present. Despite

the fixation on same-sex adult books, the majority feature heterosexual relationships.

These books are no more appropriate for young audiences than queer books of the same nature.”

Dunham said the Pflag organization appreciates “the ability for people to have a platform to express concerns, yet many LGBTQ+ citizens feel the city council is not doing much to illustrate Auburn values such as embracing the broad diversity of city employees or to treat all citizens with respect and courtesy, such as this smear campaign.

Similar comments about any other group of citizens would not have gone so far without a response. Auburn has always had an LGBTQ+ community and always will. Like other minorities in the U.S., the times have changed to reflect greater acceptance and legal protections.”

Dunham added that she was “shocked and heartbroken” by the recent suicide of Smiths Station Mayor “Bubba” Copeland, who was outed against his will by a conservative website that reported images of him dressed in women’s clothing and wigs. “This is what ostracizing leads to. There is a human cost to letting hate go unstopped,” Dunham said.

Ward 3 Council Member and Mayor Pro Tem Beth Witten shared her hope that she had equally represented all citizens and added, “Auburn appreciates you.”

Ward 6 Council Member Bob Parsons also added comments of support for the LGBTQ+ community.

“The individual who has spoken before the council repeatedly about books she doesn’t like being part of the Auburn Library. The library staff and board have gone to great lengths to address her concerns. What started out as complaints about protecting children from inappropriate content many months ago has predictably morphed into complaining about books containing any LGBTQ+ content,

regardless of age-appropriateness or where it is shelved in the library. This individual has been told repeatedly by this body that we have no power over the decisions and policies of the library, yet she chooses to use the public comment section of the council meeting to disparage the LGBTQ+ community over and over again.

“While she has the right to express her opinion on any matter, it is important to note that her comments run counter to the city administration’s core values and mission statement where it is stated, among other things, that we treat all citizens with respect, courtesy and genuine concern. We embrace the broad diversity of city employees and all the citizens they serve. We value the new perspectives and ideals this diversity brings. We do not favor or discriminate against any group of citizens for any reason. The library staff are trained individuals reflecting their core values and vision, curating a collection representative of the interests and requirements of the entire community. Our library is an institution to be proud of, and it’s staff consists of the most welcoming employees you will encounter. I encourage all citizens to visit the library regularly to see for yourself what an outstanding city service looks like.”

Ward 5 Council Member Sonny Moreman said, “I don’t wish harm on or discriminate against anyone, but it is my desire to protect the children.

That’s the end game.”

Anders said that with more than 900 employees, Auburn isn’t going to be perfect, and admitted mistakes will be made, but he hopes city personnel will take full advantage of the $4 million public safety building to receive any type of training they may need.

“I’ve always believed in our police department and supported them,” Anders said.

“Not everything they do every day to protect us is perfect. I

This Week's Puzzle Answers

OPELIKA COUNCIL >> FROM B9 both received unanimous approval, while Angela George was reappointed by a vote of 3-1, with President Pro-Tem Erica Baker Norris voting against.

The Council approved requests for several downtown street closures for upcoming special events: Traffic will be detoured on Feb. 24 for the Nourish Wellness 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run and on Feb. 25 for the Auburn Flyers Bicycle Race event.

The On Tap Craft Beer Festival will result in downtown street clospend time with other mayors and I’m very glad for the problems we have in Auburn because a lot of other cities struggle. Crime is the number one thing that is talked about when we gather. I believe in our police and trust them.”

IN OTHER BUSINESS - The council approved a $1.96 million change order for the Lake Wilmore Park Community Center project to add six pickleball courts for a total of 12 new covered, lighted and fenced pickleball courts at this location. Also included will be grading work at an additional area on site that will allow for six additional courts in the future, which are expected to bid later this year as part of the Lake Wilmore Park Multiuse Fields project. - Approved the purchase of new HVAC for a portion of Boykin Community Center. The council approved the purchase of eight new rooftop HVAC package units for $63,213.

The equipment will improve the heating and cooling of the Joyland Daycare classrooms within the Boykin Community Center and will prepare the facility for future additional renovations.

- Recognized the Auburn

sures on April 6, as will the annual Burger Wars event on June 8.

Motorists are urged to be mindful of the traffic detours during these events and drive care-fully in the area throughout their duration.

The Opelika City Council meets on the first and third Tuesdays of each month in the Opelika Municipal Court Meeting Chambers at 300 MLK Blvd. Work sessions begin at 5:30 p.m., fol-lowed by the regular meeting at 6 p.m.

Both are open to the public.

High School Girls Cross Country Team. The council approved a resolution commending the AHS Girls Cross Country Team for winning the state championship and being crowned the 2023 Class 7A State Champions in November. With a margin of 60 points ahead of the competition, the team secured its sixth state title in the last seven years.

- Approved the purchase of a Life Pak 15 heart monitor for the Fire Department at a cost of $48,681.67. The device will be used on emergency response vehicles to improve operational effectiveness with the implementation of Advanced Life Support services.

- Postponed votes on updates to the Engineering Design and Construction Manual as well as the Water Resource Management Design and Construction Manual to give the public more time to review both documents.

The two items will be on the Feb. 20 agenda.

The city of Auburn contributed to this article. Meeting minutes and a video of the meeting will be posted at auburnalabama.org/agenda.