The Observer 03-17-2022

Thursday March 17, 2022

Vol. 14, No. 23

Opelika, Alabama

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Covering Lee County, Alabama

166 N Gay Street, Suite 12, Auburn, AL 36830 334-821-5050

An award-winning publication created 'For local people, by local people.'

"I have just tried to live my BEST life." ~ Addie Elizabeth Green

Turn to A2 for photos.

166 N Gay Street, Suite 12, Auburn, AL 36830 334-821-5050 Investments | 401K Rollovers

Opelika's Dr. Patsy Parker Leaves a Legacy

BY ANN CIPPERLY THE OBSERVER

Over the years, Dr. Patsy Parker has inspired dreams in the hearts of thousands of Opelika school children and students at Southern Union, as well as being dedicated to the community, volunteering in numerous organizations. On March 8th, Patsy was honored for serving 25 years on the Opelika Industrial Development Board.

The honoree and her husband William’s son, Billy Parker, was named to the board to fill the vacancy as he follows in his parents’ legacy of service.

Born and raised in Opelika, Patsy said she cannot remember a time when she didn’t want to be a schoolteacher like her mother, Chinissa Boyd. Patsy was a go-getter at an early age, writing for the

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

PHOTO BY MICHELLE KEY / THE OBSERVER

Addie Green Celebrates 100 Years

Investments | 401K Rollovers

Campus Digest and a column for the Opelika News at age 16.

After graduating from J.W. Darden High School at 16, she became the first fulltime black secretary at the school and attended Alabama State University during the summer months. Her father, who

‘Elevated’ American Cuisine Coming to Downtown Opelika

form the fried chicken restaurant to something that is more high-end.

“Our whole thing was always wanting to be ourselves, what we want, what kind of inspires us,” Suzanne said. “Tak-

ing the next step up is where Next Level comes from … so we want to take the food and kind of elevate it.”

The newly renovated restaurant features creative spins on traditional

American favorites like pork chops, chicken and waffles, French toast, salads, burgers and more.

To bring their culinary vision to life, the Lowry’s enlisted the help of local chef and owner of Obsidian Catering, Jeremy Vines, to train the kitchen staff.

“The concept is going to be like a high-end diner,” Suzanne said.

“It’s really good food.

There is nobody else that is going to be doing the food we are doing. We are trying to be a good price point.”

See NEXT LEVEL, page A5

CONTENTS OPINION.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A4 OPINION

SPORTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B1

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY. . . . . A7

POLITICS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B9

RELIGION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A14

CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B10

COMICS.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A16 COMICS

PUBLIC NOTICES. . . . . . . . . . . . B13

he graduated, and she was a junior. Patsy was active in various honor societies and graduated as valedictorian of her class. Along with a degree from Alabama State University, she has a master’s degree in counselor education See PARKER, page A3

New Apartment Complex?

A Word From The Landowners PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

From the owners of Susie K’s in Opelika comes a new restaurant offering an “elevated” take on American cuisine.

Next Level Café, offering all-day breakfast and serving lunch and dinner, is located in one of Opelika’s historic districts at 1006 1st Ave. in what formerly was the downtown Jim Bob’s restaurant.

The restaurant inception came from owners Tim and Suzanne Lowry, who decided to trans-

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

had been a tailor, passed away when she was 17.

While this tragedy could have hindered some from attending college, Patsy said she was determined to receive a degree.

While attending college, Patsy met William, when they were married in 1957 after

BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

News of a new apartment complex coming to the downtown Opelika See APARTMENTS, page A5

A2 March 17, 2022

Celebrating 100 Years Young PHOTOS BY MICHLLE KEY / THE OBSERVER

Addie Elizabeth Green celebrated turning 100 years young this past weekend with more than 100 family members and friends coming out to celebrate with her. Alabama State Sen. Randy Price issued a resolution honoring Green on this occasion.

Top left photo: Five generations of her family were in attendance at the party to celebrate their beloved Addie.

Opelika Based Home Builders Add Agent to Team CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

Stone Martin Builders (SMB), one of the largest homebuilders across Alabama and the region, is excited to announce Katey Tomlin has joined their sales team. As an SMB agent, Tomlin collaborates with the field and office teams to foster a positive experience throughout the customer’s home buying process and is responsible for assisting future residents as they explore design-ready homes in Trillium or personalized floor plans in Cannongate neighborhoods.

“Katey’s motivation and confidence is an

exciting addition to our team,” said Frank Plan, CEO of SMB. “Her expertise will make the home finding process easier for everyone seeking their dream home. At Stone Martin Builders, we are always looking to add agents like Katey, who listen and learn their client’s goals so they can provide superior customer service and exceed expectations along their journey.”

With 20 locations and 23 agents across Alabama, Tomlin will be working at the company’s Opelika office, located at 1996 Rocky Brook Road.

“I was drawn to Stone Martin Builders because of the com-

TOMLIN

Sports Editor: Wil Crews Live Lee Editor: Hannah Lester Phone: 334.749.8003 editor@opelikaobserver.com Michelle@opelikaobserver.com

Publisher: Michelle Key

pany’s energy towards creating stronger neighborhoods and celebrating the achievements of our coworkers,” Tomlin said. “The Opelika Stone Martin communities offer such an amazing experience, and I am so excited to work with other people on joining in those communities.”

Tomlin is an Auburn University graduate.

Prior to Stone Martin Builders, Tomlin worked under another Realtor® and recently received her real estate license last September.

For more information and a list of available homes in Alabama’s thriving real estate market,

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visit https://www. stonemartinbuilders. com/new-homes/ or call 334-246-0011.

About Stone Martin Builders Based in Auburn-Opelika metro area, Stone Martin Builders is dedicated to developing aspirational communities throughout the state, including Columbus, Athens, Huntsville, Prattville, Montgomery and Dothan. Since its establishment in 2006, the company has quickly grown and in 2020 was ranked as one of the 100 largest home builders in the U.S. by Builder Online. More info at https://stonemartinbuilders.com

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A3 March 17, 2022

Jennifer Lolley of Kreher Preserve & Nature Center, Retires CONTRIBUTED BY AUBURN UNIVERSITY

BY GRACEN CARTER

PARKER >>

FROM A1

from Auburn University and later received a doctorate.

William also has a master’s degree and earned a specialist degree in administration from the University of Alabama.

Patsy began her teaching career at Jeter School, while William accepted a position as physical education director for the black elementary schools in Opelika. He became assistant principal at Darden High school.

Later, Patsy began teaching at Darden High School and counseling part-time.

During integration, the Parkers feel they were fortunate to have had support from the community as they worked with parents, students and school administrators in assisting in a smooth transition.

After the schools were integrated, Patsy became the first black counselor at Opelika High School. She was always interested in helping children. When she went to work as a counselor, there weren’t many scholarships given.

“I was determined that any child who wanted to go to college would have an opportunity," Patsy said.

"My focus has always been working with the kids and getting them scholarships.”

William became the first black principal in at Opelika Junior High School. He worked with Judge Lane as a volunteer advisor to the Lee County Juvenile Court System and served on the State Central Board of Control for the Alabama High School Athletic Association, which sets standards for behavior.

The Parkers’ children, Billy and Nancy, were active in school and both were in the band. Billy was the first black Key Club president, while Nancy was the first black Miss OHS. Both Patsy and William were active in PTA, serving as presidents. When the Boys and Girls Club was organized, the Parkers were on the first board and the Youth Development board.

When William retired in 1991, he became director of the Child Advocacy Center for 10 years. He was instrumental in getting land and a new building to help children in need. He was appointed by the mayor to represent Opelika on the Indian Pines Golf Authority.

After retiring from the Opelika school system, Patsy became an advisor and consultant at Southern Union State Community College. She was also a member of the Foundation Board at Southern Union Community College for many years and the Opelika City Board of Education, serving as chairman.

She has received many honors from Alabama State University and has served on the board of trustees for more than 28 years.

Patsy was the first female chairman of the board of trustees. In 2008, she was awarded the Doctorate of Humane Letters. At her 50th class reunion in 2010 she was presented the university’s first trustee emeritus.

Patsy has been a member of the College of Education’s National Alumni Advisory Council at Auburn University since l979.

Patsy organized the first Black sorority, Delta Sigma Theta—Kappa Omicron

the Landmark Park in Dothan for two years, before returning to the Auburn community with her husband, Mark, and three children, Kaitlin, Chelsea and

Jordan, in 2006.

Lolley believes the nature playground she established at the preserve changed how the facility was viewed in the community and

increased visitation. She is most proud of the KPNC’s programming, visitation numbers and the KPNC board.

During her 15-year career at the KPNC, PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

Jennifer Lolley, who supervised the management of Auburn University’s Kreher Preserve and Nature Center, or KPNC, as chief curator of programs, live collections and outreach activities since 2007, retired as outreach administrator March 4.

A community event to celebrate Lolley is planned for April 2, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the KPNC, located at 2222 N. College St. in Auburn. All members of the community who have been impacted by Lolley and her work are welcome to attend.

“Jennifer Lolley has been an asset to the Kreher Preserve and Nature Center,” said city of Auburn Mayor Ron Anders. “She turned a responsibility into a passion and has served the KPNC

well. She is creative, industrious, thoughtful and kind. She has worked very hard for the children in the community.”

The KPNC, located on a 120-acre parcel of land, was donated to the Auburn’s College of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences by Louise Kreher Turner and her husband, Frank Allan Turner, in 1993.

The college slowly developed the land as an outreach facility with hiking trails and several structures, including an amphitheater and pavilion.

However, it wasn’t until Lolley was hired that the facility grew to serve tens of thousands of area visitors and community members each year through its environmental education programs.

Lolley, who graduated with a degree in biology from Auburn in 1986, worked in other areas of the state, including at

Jennifer Lolley, longtime administrator of the Kreher Preserve and Nature Center, an outreach facility of Auburn University’s College of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, retired March 4. Pictured during Lolley’s retirement reception are, from left, Sarah Crim, KPNC education director, Michael Buckman, KPNC manager, Lolley and Janaki Alavalapati, dean. A community event to celebrate Lolley is planned for April 2 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the KPNC at 2222 N. College St. in Auburn.

Chapter at Auburn University.

She was Woman of the Year in Opelika l991, named recipient of the Woman of Achievement Award by the Camp Concharty Council of Girl Scouts of America and many other honors and recognitions. Boy Scouts of America named the Parkers Distinguished Citizens of the Year.

The Parkers feel their greatest accomplishments, pride and love in their lives has been their family. Billy went to work as a development officer at Auburn University, while Nancy became an Emmy winning anchor at Fox News in New Orleans.

Three years ago, Patsy and William experienced heartbreak at the devastating loss of their daughter Nancy in a plane crash while she was working on a story. With Nancy’s outreach and dedication to helping others, her loss broke the hearts of people around the world. Her passion for telling people’s stories inspired others to make a difference.

The celebrated news anchor interviewed the President of the United States, met the Pope on St. Peter’s Square and received numerous Emmys, honors and awards for her documentaries and dedication to excellence.

The honors for Nancy have continued, including being inducted into two halls of fame, with one at the University of Alabama, having a street named after her in Louisiana along with a park and the Fox 8 studio, among many others.

Scholarships in Nancy’s name have been established in Opelika and New Orleans to help other young people fulfill their dreams.

After Nancy’s death, Patsy and William es-

tablished a community scholarship in her honor to an Opelika High School senior attending Alabama State University. This is the second scholarship the Parkers have established. The first one was in 1991.

The Parkers have also contributed to Auburn University in various departments, the University of Alabama and Southern Union.

As she learned at a young age to give back, Patsy continues her work at Southern Union and serving on various boards in the community, with little thought of slowing down.

PATSY'S AWARDS AND HONORS • Dr. of Humane Services from Alabama State University • Master of Education degree with a major in counseling psychology from Auburn University, and a B.S. degree • Valedictorian of her class at Alabama State University.

• Member of the Opelika City Board of Education • Member of the Family and Patient Care Committee East Alabama Medical Center • Member of Dean’s Circle College of Education, Auburn University • Member of Youth Leadership Board Chamber of Commerce of Opelika • Member of the Opelika Industrial Development Board • Member of the Opelika Parks and Recreation Board • Member of Alabama Education Association, National Education Association and Opelika Education Association Retired Teachers • Member of Continental Societies of America • Former member of

the Alabama Education Association Board • Former member of the State of Alabama Women’s Commission appointed by Governor Hunt • Member of Alabama State Board of Trustees for 28 years serving as chairman and vice-chairman for several years.

• Recipient of the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters • Named Trustee Emeritus at Alabama State University • Member of Alabama State Alumni Association • Member of University of Alabama Alumni Association • Life Member of Auburn University Alumni Association • Past member of the National College of Education Advisory Board for 28 years • Founder of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority first black sorority at Auburn University • Recipient of the W.E. Morton Award for leadership and service to the Opelika City Schools by the M. L. Zuber Federated Club • Co-recipient of the Boy Scouts of America’s Distinguished Citizen Award • Co-recipient of the 2012 Dream Achiever Award • Opelika Chamber of Commerce 2016 Distinguished Service Award The Parkers sponsor a $1,000 scholarship to any Opelika High School student who attends Alabama State University and has a 3.0 GNA. Four Opelika High Schools students have received the scholarship.

Patsy has assisted hundreds of students not only at Opelika High School but also other schools throughout the United States.

WILLIAM'S HONORS AND

Lolley loved watching the joy that people experienced when visiting the preserve and the imagination it inspired. When the nature playground was nearing completion, she recalled how the children played on the big rocks, each holding a stick pretending to paddle downstream.

She hopes to be remembered for developing the KPNC into the place it is today — as a home for the community to enjoy the outdoors.

“Jennifer Lolley is responsible for making the KPNC an invaluable resource for the community,” said Janaki Alavalapati, dean of the College of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences. “She has a diverse knowledge of environmental education and a passion for community, which she used to make the preserve a better place.”

AWARDS • B.S. degree in social studies and physical education from Alabama State University • Master of Science Degree from Alabama State University • Specialist degree in administration from the University of Alabama • Co-recipient of the Alabama State University President’s Club Award • Alabama State’s Alumni on the Move Award • Alabama Athletic Association Distinguished Service Award • East Alabama Mental Health and Retardation Center Award for 17 Years of Service on the board of directors, on which he continues to serve • Vice president and treasurer of the board of directors at the East Alabama Mental Health Association • Co-recipient of the Boy Scouts of America’s Distinguished Citizen of the Year • Co-recipient of the 2012 Dream Achiever Award • Lee County Juvenile Court Award for Outstanding Distinguished Voluntary Leader in the establishment of the East Alabama Child Advocacy Center • Certificate of Appreciation from United Way • Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. • Member of Alabama State Alumni Association • Member of the Indian Pines Golf Authority Board • Member of the Alabama Education Association • Member of the National Education Association • Member of the Lee County Retired Teachers Association

A4 March 17, 2022

Three Colors

SEAN DIETRICH

I

hung an American flag on our house today. We just moved in. We have only been living in Birmingham for three days, but I thought it was time we flew the Stars and Stripes.

This house dates back to 1923, so this porch has probably seen its share of flags.

When Lindbergh flew across the pond, a flag whipped from these columns. When the Depression hit, and people stood in 10-mile breadlines, there was a flag here.

When the kid who grew up in this old house went off to join a global war, and died in Europe, Old Glory was flying from the eaves.

So I went to the hard-

WENDY HODGE

V

erizon has sent me a notice.

Apparently I am one of their “most valued” customers, and I can claim a bundle of rewards by simply clicking a button on my almost-paid-for Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus. I have to laugh at this because at this very moment my cell phone is buried underneath a stack of books on my bedside table. Around two o’clock this morning, when I was having pleasant dreams of puppies and chocolate

ware store to buy a flag.

“Yeah, we got flags,” said 80-year-old hardware store employee, Steadman. “But I tell you right upfront,” he added, “flying a flag ain’t cheap.”

I thought Steadman was speaking poetically, but as it turned out, he was speaking from his wallet. Flags cost a small fortune.

First, there was the oak flagpole ($35.99), then the mounting hardware ($29.99), the flag hooks ($4.99 apiece), the masonry screws ($8.99), the masonry drill bit ($19.99) and, of course, the flag itself ($69.99). For those keeping tally, that’s a grand total of $154.94. It would have been cheaper

(two separate dreams), my phone screamed at me. Literally. Apparently I have an app on my phone that alerts me if there is severe weather. In Trinidad.

How on earth did this become a part of my life?

Not long ago, on a visit to the Verizon store to pay my bill, I asked a customer service representative if he could tell me why my phone’s battery was draining so quickly.

He swiped a few times at my screen, opened a few tabs, and then made a face like you see when someone is looking at your freshly broken leg before you’ve made it to the ER or if you’ve accidentally tucked the back of your skirt into your underwear before leaving the restroom.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

“Well…” he paused as if unsure how to break the

just to get a flag tattooed on my forehead.

But the American flag speaks to me. I wish I could give you some high-minded patriotic reason for why I spent hours hanging the Star-Spangled Banner from my house, I wish I could be ultra poetic and tell you what a great citizen I am. But I’m not a poet. And my reasons are much more low-rent than that.

I just really like American flags.

I love being American.

When I was young, people my age were hellbent on traveling to Europe to become internationally conscious. I was so jealous of my friend, Justin, who studied journalism in college. He visited Spain, Portugal and France on a student exchange program. In one year he traveled through Europe, Nepal, Thailand, India and (why not?) Greenland.

Me? I couldn’t afford college. And the farthest from home I’d ever been was Texarkana.

So my lack of travel made me feel bad about myself. I counted myself

as a failure. I was a dropout and a roughneck who lived in a doublewide and could hardly afford a McRib sandwich, let alone a holiday in Barcelona.

But that all changed one summer when I made a decision. I told myself, hey, so what if I couldn’t see the globe, I live in a pretty great country, and I was going to see America.

So that’s what I did.

I was 18 when I drove to the Grand Canyon in my truck. I slept in a tent hammock for four weeks, hiking and eating dangerous amounts of pinto beans. I wandered isolated trails on the canyon’s North Rim. One morning at sunrise, I strolled to Point Imperial, the highest point on the North Rim. I arrived just as the orange sun was peeking above the craggy canyon horizon.

That’s when I noticed someone had shoved a lone American flag into a crevice of rock, right on the canyon’s edge. It was a massive flag, flapping loudly, like a flock of geese getting ready to

Intervention

terrible news. “You’ve got soooo many apps running, ma’am.”

Feeling like he’d caught me in a public state of undress, I whispered, “Is that bad?”

“Well, it ain’t good,” he chuckled. I think he may even have rolled his eyes at me.

He led me to a table and invited me to take a seat. This was going to take a while.

His name was Monroe, and he was patient and kind and did not roll his eyes again after the initial slip in manners. One by one, we pulled up the apps on my phone and talked them through. It was my own personal app intervention, right there in the Tiger Town Verizon store.

First up was my Pacer app. This was supposed to be the tool that whipped me into shape by tracking my steps and proclaim-

ing proudly how many calories I burned each and every day. At first I was so good checking in with the app and tracking my progress. It would sound a zen-like chime with each thousand steps taken. But the last few months have been spent behind a desk or on a couch, and so the last time I got any sound from my Pacer app at all it was a mournful chime with a text that read: “We’re worried about you. Are you okay?”

“Let’s delete that one,” I tell Monroe. And, just like that, it’s gone.

Same for the LetGo app which buzzed every time an item that even remotely resembled a recliner I viewed a picture of five years ago happened to go up for sale within a 500-mile radius.

And the PlantSnap app that identifies pictures of plants if you’re unsure

take flight. I have no idea what the flag was doing there, but it was an impressive sight.

In a brief moment, my heart swelled with inexplicable pride. I was thinking to myself, I might never see Montreux, or Bangkok or Bordeaux, but I am American, and that’s enough.

My ponytailed ancestors brandished Flintlock muskets and knee-breeches. They tossed tea into the Boston Harbor and spit in the king’s eye. They died so I could stand right here, right now, and feel the exact way I was feeling.

Proud.

Then it occurred to me that although I would probably never become a college student, or a poet, or a great thinker or a seasoned traveler, big freaking deal. That didn’t mean I wasn’t lucky. I was. I was American, and that’s lucky enough.

There are 44 million Ukrainians right now who are ravaged by the hell of war, meanwhile, I live in a jacuzzi of luxury. If that’s not lucky, I don’t

care to know what is.

You and I come from a country that fosters artists, thinkers, poets, craftsmen and saints.

People who left an indelible mark on the world.

Such geniuses as John Singer Sargent, Satchel Paige, Flannery O’Connor, Samuel Clemens, Fred Rogers, Fanny Crosby, Harriet Tubman, Jack London, Norman Rockwell, Charles Kuralt and of course, Gary Larson.

So today I stood on a ladder and I honored them. I held a cordless drill and paid tribute to my forefathers and foremothers.

After I had mounted the flag I stood back to appreciate my handiwork. A few kids on bikes stopped to watch. A sudden wind gust blew in. Our nation’s colors were immediately unfurled, and in a dramatic moment, the kids stood silent in slack-jawed admiration. Finally, one of the children said reverently, “I think it’s crooked.”

Like the man said, flying a flag ain’t cheap.

what’s blooming in your garden — the first ten are free, after that there’s an exorbitant charge per photo. It keeps whistling every day to remind me that I haven’t uploaded a photo in 800+ days.

Both apps are deleted and forgotten.

“You have 17 different Solitaire apps, Miss Wendy ... 17. Do you really need those?” Monroe asks with one eyebrow raised.

“Well ... no, I guess not,” I smile sheepishly.

“Let’s delete all but one.

The one with the cute farm animals and the dog that gives you extra coins when you pet him.”

Monroe obliges — 16 more apps gone.

Wayfair and Dosh are gone — never been used but have so much enjoyed the beeping and trilling sounds they both emit around 5:00 a.m. like clockwork.

“How about your Kin-

dle app?” Monroe asks.

“Kindle! How did that get on there. I am a die-hard actual hand-held book person. For life,” I respond.

“Girl, me too,” Monroe says and reaches out to pat my arm. This feels more like coffee with a girlfriend than an intervention, I realize.

Thirty minutes later, we are both sitting with our legs crossed, laughing and talking about how wonderful it can be to find the man you’ve always known existed out there somewhere, my phone lying all but forgotten on the counter between us.

And then it blares at me — an actual squawking blare.

“That must be Hazel.”

“Hazel?” Monroe asks.

“That’s what we named her. She’s our Shark Robo Vacuum. Hazel See HODGE, page A5

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A5 March 17, 2022

Letter to the Editor

O

h, well, here “we” go AGAIN. Not too long ago there was an uprising of concerned community folks around Opelika working to stop a quarry from being located close to our city proximity, and, thankfully, community folks and many supporters were successful in that battle.

But, I was saddened and surprised to read that recently there had been a “private groundbreaking” for a quarry being built close to Beulah. I have never heard of a “private groundbreaking” and wondered “why”, but maybe that’s just a new approach to “how things are done now.” My bad.

Who knew? I am sorry that Beulah could not prevent this from happening in their community. I offer my sincere condolences.

But, this leads to why

FROM A1

area has caused conversation and concerns to spread like wildfire in the city.

Should the proposed ordinance for rezoning get approval from the Opelika City Council, The Taylor will be a four-story complex located on 10th street, close to the police station. It will be situated behind the Southerly Warehouse and retail spaces.

Total, the development will be comprised of roughly 182 units and will be approximately 48-feet tall. There will be 25-foot trees out front, a pool, fire pit, gym area and more at The Taylor.

The sidewalks will also be widened, as will the road itself.

Residents of the city of Opelika have expressed concern, specifically that the city is following the ways of the city of Auburn and will lose its charm.

“All the people saying Auburn lost that small town feel and Opelika is the place to be,” one Facebook user said.

“Well, here you go. Opelika will be like Auburn.

Did you really think Opelika could hold out?

Money drives.”

There is a petition online with 985 signatures calling for ‘Don’t Ruin Opelika!’

“Opelika is known for its three beautiful historic districts,” the petition said. “Now out-of-state developers want to build

NEXT LEVEL

>>

FROM A1

Next Level Café is open on weekdays from 7 to 9 a.m., with extend-

182 modern looking apartments on S. 10th Street next to the police station. This area is original Opelika and includes the oldest buildings and houses in our city. This complex would literally "frame" our downtown historic district. Do we want visitors to wonder why historic Opelika is beginning to look like just any other southern town?”

Nelson Marsh, whose family owns the land and recruited the developer, Sierra Development, to Opelika, said that he and his family love the city and want what’s best for it.

“We actually very intentionally put together that block and then the block in front of it, which includes the Davis-Dyar building,” he said. “ … We started with that almost 20 years ago, I mean it was one of the first things we did with what people call the ‘Bless You’ building now, which is the original Opelika Overall Company Building on the corner of Avenue B and 10th St. When we bought that we really didn’t think we’d ever get a chance to buy any of the other stuff on that block.”

Marsh and his family have worked on more than 200 properties in Opelika, he said, and place a priority on maintaining historic buildings.

“We’ve never torn anything down,” he said.

“And we only do historic property. I was born and raised here in downtown, I grew up on the corner of ed hours on Friday and Saturday. Dinner entrees start at 4 p.m. They will be offering delivery through Grub Hub and Uber Eats, and as a member of the Opelika

alarmed wondering how this development might negatively impact the historic integrity of our downtown area. Yes, it is “our” collective area — one so many have worked to preserve, restore and revive. It belongs to all of us who work and live here.

It has taken years, even decades, to get to where we are today. Hundreds of individuals, and groups such as Opelika Main Street, Envision Opelika, the Chamber of Commerce, East Alabama Arts (formerly The Opelika Arts Association), O’Grows, Keep Opelika Beautiful, The Community Foundation, The Opelika Historic Preservation Society, businesses, merchants, individuals, professionals, government groups, elected representatives, city employees, local organizations and civic groups, safety professionals, artist and musicians,

civic volunteers, churches, you name it (I sincerely apologize if I’ve left anyone out) have worked to restore and maintain our downtown area to become the healthy, attractive, safe and inviting place it is today. We are proud to call this "our" home and are so happy to welcome many who come here to live, work and enjoy our city.

So, when I learned about the large proposed apartment complex possibly being built, it immediately set off alarms bells for me.

Is this the beginning for even more developers to come in to build additional apartment buildings in and around the historic downtown district? How can we protect our historic district and neighborhood homes?

What will be the impacts of these types of development so close to downtown and residents who live close by? Who is in favor of

this and who will vote to give the final approval to the developers? Will we wake up one day and not even recognize our historic downtown and surrounding area because of this sort of growth? Who are the investors and do they even care about the long term effects this will have on our city?

Why not build the proposed apartments further out from the heart of Opelika? We have sadly seen the disappearance of The Loveliest Village on the Plains in recent years. Now let’s stop that from happening here in Opelika before it’s too late. Call your elected representative and ask them about what is happening.

What are the infrastructure and road costs in allowing this development, what are the environmental effects, how will this affect noise and traffic and how will this affect property taxes, safety and privacy of those PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

APARTMENTS >>

I’m writing this letter. I have always been at the end of the so-called grape vine (usually the last person to know what is happening). That’s ok. I guess it’s because I’m a shy person and am really hesitant to express my opinions openly and freely. I’m really more about letting others speak first. That being said, I have been surprised and saddened lately to hear that a large development composed of 182 apartments has been approved

by The Opelika Planning Commission (by the way, thanks for your dedicated service to our city.). This proposed development will be located on the intersection of Avenue C and South 10th Street, very close to downtown Opelika. Yes, extremely near the heart of downtown Opelika. Actually, two blocks away from Railroad Avenue.

Immediately, I was

Architectural rendering of the proposed development.

Avenue D and Geneva.”

Marsh said one of the main things hurting Opelika is a lack of density.

“We got in these conversations, and then there was, of course, the big conversation that the city had had around the Carver-Jeter plan and the conversation the city had had around our strategic plan that we wanted some walkable, multi-family to downtown, but it needed to be appropriate, it didn’t need to be seven-story highrises.”

This project will also tie the Carver area back to downtown, he said.

“We made it apparent, this is something that we don’t intend on doing if it’s not great for Opelika,” Marsh said.

“If it’s not a home run, we’re not interested. It took us too long to put that land together and it is one of only three sites that’s large enough in the walkable urban core to actually do this sort of development.”

In planning, Marsh said Chamber, will have a ribbon cutting in the coming weeks.

For more information on Next Level Café, visit its Facebook page at @NextLevelCafe.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

the goal became art-deco for the development.

“It really came down to a point where we said, ‘hey guys, we went to build this, and we believe it’s right and we think it’s going to do great things for Opelika, but it’s going to be expensive,’” he said. “‘And it’s not going to be a copy and paste sort of development.’”

The development plan was approved by the Opelika Planning Commission. The Opelika City Council heard the first reading of rezoning for the land Tuesday night.

Part of the land needs to be rezoned so that it is all under the same zoning, C-1.

“Staff believes strongly that the proposed change, from C-1, C-2, and M-1 to C-1 in the zoning ordinance, and the changes to the property will result in a better outcome for the property and the city, overall,” said Matt Mosely, city planning director, in a letter addressing con-

cerns about the property.

“The proposed zoning will provide protections that are currently not available on this property at this time.”

One of the main concerns of residents is the height of the building.

Mosely assured residents that the building will not even be the tallest in Opelika.

The Lee County Courthouse, The Lee County Parking Deck, The Lee County Annex and First Baptist Church are all taller.

Due to the topography of the downtown area, these buildings would not be seen from downtown until possibly the southeast corner of Courthouse Square at the intersection of South 9th Street and Avenue B,” Mosely said.

“Even then, the buildings would be largely masked by the existing tree canopy and other buildings. “ … The location of this real estate is somewhat of a transition between downtown Ope-

HODGE >>

I stand and pick up my Samsung. It feels lighter somehow, finally rid of all that excess nonsense.

Suddenly reluctant to break the gabfest atmosphere, I hesitate a moment.

Monroe reaches out to embrace me, and I return the hug — girlfriend to girlfriend.

“Thank you, Monroe,” I smile at him and turn to go.

“You stay out of trouble, Miss Wendy,” he answers and waves as I leave.

FROM A4

must have lost one of her little sweeping arms. She always does that in the same spot in the kitchen.”

“Well, that’s an app worth keeping,” Monroe laughs and stretches as he stands.

“Miss Wendy, we’ve gotten rid of more than a hundred apps — some of which even I have no idea what they may be. Your phone should work much more efficiently now.”

residents living close by?

How many developers will see this as an open door to bring in more large residential developments?

Finally, I ask, will we leave our city healthier, safer and more beautiful for our children, grandchildren and future residents? Will we be saddened to one day drive by this proposed large building so close to our lovely downtown and ask ourselves, “How did this happen,” and “What have we lost”?. Will there be another “private ground breaking” this time in Opelika for this project that could change our city forever? Please ask questions.

Call or contact our mayor and city council representatives. And, I humbly ask, “Don’t Ruin Opelika, Protect Opelika”.

Thank you, Dora James, resident of Opelika since 1964 lika and the surrounding properties. With the ongoing improvements to the Exit 60 interchange, this corridor will become the primary gateway from I-85 to the heart of the city. Staff trust that this redevelopment will augment the improvements and investments being made to the corridor.”

Marsh said that the goals for this property are for individuals and families who want to rent, not own; walk to downtown Opelika; not have to deal with yard maintenance, etc. It will not be marketed to students.

“From a personal level, I ran a business on Railroad Avenue for the last five years and I recently closed it to go back working full-time with my family,” he said.

“But I can tell you, there are so many days I could have stood down there in a chicken suit and no one would have noticed.

“Monday and Tuesday you can dance in the middle of the street, I mean there’s nothing down there … It’s choking our businesses not having a consistent regulars crowd.

And the regulars that you do see are the people who live in the few pieces that are walkable to downtown and are always down there.”

So the development will bring more business to downtown, Marsh said.

“Housing can occur while maintaining Opelika’s rich inventory of historic structures and the fabric of downtown,” Mosley said.

And so here I am, days later, wondering how we missed deleting this useless weather alert app that can’t seem to understand I live in Alabama and nowhere near Trinidad.

I reach under the stack of books and grab my phone. This calls for a visit to the Verizon store.

I’ll call ahead and make sure Monroe is working today. Maybe I’ll even stop by and pick up lattes for two. If only I could find my Starbucks app ...

A6 March 17, 2022

Girl Scouts Of Southern Alabama Celebrate 85 Years Of Auburn Girl Scout Hut Girl Scouts offers the best leadership development experience for girls in the world.

Girl Scouts isn’t just a moment in her life, it’s a movement dedicated to building girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.

On Sunday, March 20, 2022, Auburn Girl Scouts will host an 85th birthday party for the Girl Scout Hut, located at 234 E. Drake Ave. The hut was added to the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage in December 2021, and has hosted meetings of local Girl Scout troops since the 1930s. The celebration will be held from 1 until 3 p.m.

“We’re hoping to welcome veteran Girl Scouts who met at the hut back to celebrate the hut’s birthday,” said Troop Leader and Hut Manager Melissa Blair. “We’ll have old scrapbooks and a fashion show

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

CONTRIBUTED BY GIRL SCOUTS OF SOUTHERN ALABAMA

of vintage uniforms, and also have a guest book for those veteran Girl Scouts who would like to do an oral history recording about their time as Girl Scouts in Auburn.”

Blair, who is also a history professor at Auburn University, is hoping to build an archive of those

recordings that can be saved by the university archives.

In addition to welcoming back former Girl Scouts, there will be treats, including Girl Scout cookies, face painting, crafts and demonstrations of Girl Scout skills like building a campfire and pitching a tent.

Girl Scout leaders

hope that the birthday party will raise awareness of the hut, its historic importance to the community and the need to preserve it.

“It’s a really special place,” Blair said.

“The hut gives us a place to meet that is centrally located and also steeped in Girl Scout history.”

Currently, there are more than 200 girls active in Girl Scouts in Auburn, and about half of the city’s troops meet at the hut at least once a month.

Through Girl Scouting, girls learn to face challenges head-on, embrace failure as a learning opportunity and find solutions to social issues all while

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building the skills and courage they need to take the lead every day. To join Girl Scouts or learn more about volunteering, please visit www. girlscoutssa.org.

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Through programs in 30 counties in southern Alabama, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges — whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or make their first best friends.

Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them.

To join us, volunteer, reconnect or donate, visit girlscoutssa.org.

E vents, Food, & SocietyNews

UPCOMING EVENTS: MARCH 19 - BARK IN THE PARK AT KIESAL PARK MARCH 19 - RUN LIKE A MOM MARCH 25 - OTC'S NUNSENSE II OPENS

Italian Dinner Featured In Silent Auction At Empty Bowls Preview Party PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

Ann Cipperly

Southern

Hospitality

F

ramed across the front with wrought iron fencing, the historic SmithT house “Toad Hill” will be the setting for a scrumptious four course Italian dinner with wine pairing as one of the silent auction items for the Empty Bowls Preview Party, March 26, at the Heritage House. Two excellent cooks, Peg Weiss and Kitty Greene, chair of the Empty Bowls Advisory Board, are preparing the dinner from scratch with a flawless, superb blending of Italian flavors

from Tuscany and the Como Lake region.

Kitty resides in the stunning house at Toad Hill and has restored every room, with numerous areas for relaxing and admiring the woodwork throughout. The parlor was the setting for the wedding in the Norma Rae movie. Local designer Dick Moreman furnished the room. While Kitty updated the parlor, she left the elegant drapes that had been dipped in tea to give an aged look in the movie.

Built circa 1910 by the third John SmithT,

Peg Weiss, left, and Kitty Greene are combining their culinary skills to create an elegant four-course Italian dinner as one of the items offered for the exclusive silent auction at the Opelika-Auburn Empty Bowls Preview Party on March 26 from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the Heritage House. The party will also feature appetizers, sweets, signature cocktails, wine and beer.

While listening to music, guests can select a lovely empty bowl and silent auction items. Only 75 tickets will be sold for this entertaining evening, with all proceeds going to the Food Bank.

the stately brick house features a spacious front porch with white columns soaring two stories. SmithT, who owned a building supply

company, lived there for many years. Then the house stood vacant for ten years before it was purchased in the 1970s

by Thurman Moore.

Kitty and her husband purchased the house in 1986 and began restoring every room, adding unique stained glass in the dining room and at

the top of the stairs. The enhancements included a separate garden room for entertaining on the See CIPPERLY, page A10

Bark in the Park March 19, Sundilla Presents Wes Collins CityFest Accepting Vendors CONTRIBUTED BY SUNDILLA

CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF AUBURN

Calling all dog lovers.

Auburn Parks and Recreation and the Lee County Humane Society will host Bark in the Park, an

event celebrating responsible dog ownership, on Saturday, March 19, See BARK, page A8

Sundilla welcomes Wes Collins to Auburn on March 18.

Showtime at Pebble Hill is 7:30 p.m. Advance tickets are just $15 and can be found at Spicer’s Music, Ross House Coffee and online at sundillamusic.com; admission at the door is $20. Weather permitting, this will be an outdoor concert.

At age 44, Collins and his wife Anita made a pact to become writers: she started writing fiction and Collins penned his first song. A few years later, they were both multi-award-winners in their fields. (NOT included among those awards, but noteworthy

in its own right, is the “Album of the Year” proclamation by The Sundilla Radio Hour for his 2018 release “Welcome to the Ether.”) Collins more than makes up for lost time with songs so dense with ideas that a first listen only scratches the surface. Come for a haunting melody and some intricate fingerpicking and stay for the wit and deep literary

intelligence. There is always more to find in a Collins song.

“We first heard of Wes Collins when he sent us a CD in the hope that we would play some of his songs on The Sundilla Radio Hour” said Sundilla organizer Bailey Jones. “He got his wish; we played several cuts from that CD, and See SUNDILLA, page A8

VIDEO GAMES • COMICS • POSTERS ART • ANTIQUES • COINS VINTAGE JEWELRY • TOYS POKEMON • MTG • SPORTS CARDS

221 9th St, Opelika • 334.741.0808

A8 March 17, 2022

Making the Grade: Zen Steak & Sushi PHOTOS BY MIKE WALLACE

STACEY PATTON WALLACE

A

s I may have previously mentioned, my husband Mike’s favorite food is Japanese. Back when we lived and taught in LaGrange, Georgia, we would often travel to nearby Columbus so that he could enjoy eating at his favorite Japanese restaurant.

However, since we moved to Lee County in November 2015, we no longer have to trek to Georgia to eat Japanese. This is particularly great since: 1. Gas prices are currently quite high; 2.

Columbus has a lot of gun violence; 3. We’d rather spend our money supporting Lee County restaurants.

Recently, Mike and I dined at a wonderful Japanese restaurant, which is a mere 2.3 miles from our home…

Zen Steak & Sushi at 2820 Pepperell Parkway in Opelika.

When we entered the restaurant, we admired

BARK >>

FROM A7

from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kiesel Park.

This free community event is open to all dog owners and their favorite four-legged friends. Join us for a day of doggone good fun at the park with live music and food trucks. Visit a variety of educational booths, shop with local pet vendors and enjoy door prizes. Looking to expand your canine family? Rescue dogs will be available for adoption as well.

In addition, PetVet Animal Health Center will provide free dog microchipping.

Please remember that all dogs in attendance

the front wall, which was entirely covered with paper flowers. It was really unusual and quite attractive. Mike and I normally dine at the hibachi grill; we enjoy the chef’s performance. Also, it’s fun to watch children’s reactions when the chef sets fire to the grill.

However, that night, there was a one-hour wait for the grill. Since we were really hungry, we decided to dine at a table instead. Gerald, our server, was a real delight. He was so kind, patient and helpful. Also, Gerald had a great smile, which he displayed often.

Gerald was especially busy since several servers were sick (I love alliteration.). He was a blur as he waited on us and many other diners. However, he never complained and had such a great attitude. That’s really to be commended these days when so many businesses are short staffed. Again, that’s why Mike and I are should be kept on a leash.

For more information on Bark in the Park or to become a vendor, please visit auburnalabama.org/ parks or contact Sarah Cook at 334-501-2948 or scook@auburnalabama.org.

CityFest The Auburn CityFest Committee is currently accepting applications for arts and crafts and nonprofit vendors for Auburn CityFest 2022.

This year’s CityFest will be held Saturday, April 30, at Kiesel Park from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Auburn CityFest is Auburn’s largest free outdoor festival and is a great opportunity for arts and crafts and nonprofit vendors to

always appreciative of our servers and believe in tipping them generously.

At the beginning of our meal, Mike and I really enjoyed our miso-based soup and salad. We especially loved the salad dressing; I should have asked if the restaurant sells it by the bottle.

For our entrees, Mike and I both chose the filet mignon and shrimp with vegetables and fried rice. After all, everything tastes better fried, including rice.

Now, as I’ve said before, Mike likes his steak cooked medium well, while I want mine WELL DONE. Again, the only pink I want to see is in my cheeks.

Also, we love the filet mignon cut because there is practically no fat on the meat, but it’s really tender. Last, we always dip our steak and shrimp in the delicious yum yum sauce.

Thankfully, Mike is willing to eat stir-fry vegetables because he gain more exposure in the Southeast. Arts and crafts vendor applications are due April 8, and nonprofit applications are due March 18. Applications are accepted on a firstcome, first-serve basis.

Space is limited, and vendors are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

To download an arts and crafts or nonprofit vendor application, visit auburncityfest.com.

For more information about Auburn CityFest, please contact Auburn CityFest headquarters at 334-501-2930.

is not a vegetable fan.

I’m sure his mother had quite a time getting Mike to eat them when he was little.

Everything was WONDERFUL. We will DEFINITELY be coming back to Zen Steak & Sushi.

Goodbye, Columbus; hello, Opelika.

2.3 miles from home sure beats 40 miles and I-185.

Zen Steak & Sushi offers diners a large selection of starters, some of which include: crazy jalapeno, firecracker shrimp, crab Rangoon, spring rolls and crispy calamari. In addition, the restaurant has 11 different sushi rolls and 24 types of sushi. Diners may also choose from 24 different sashimi or may opt for sushi, sashimi and roll combinations as well as design rolls.

Besides our terrific

SUNDILLA >>

FROM A7

at the end of the year show host Kelly Walker and I both had it at the top of our Best Release of the Year list; I don’t think that had happened before, or since.

Wes got in touch to thank us, that led to a conversation about booking a live concert, and I’m thrilled that that’s finally going to happen.

“I’m also glad that we can expect the next several Sundilla concerts to take place outside at Pebble Hill, weather permitting. As long as it’s not too cold or too rainy, expect an outdoor

entrees, Zen Steak & Sushi also offers diners other choices, such as: teriyaki chicken, teriyaki shrimp, grilled salmon, steak, teriyaki scallops, filet mignon or combinations. All hibachi or hibachi combinations include salad and vegetable fried-rice or steamed rice.

Zen Steak & Sushi is open on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; on Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 9 p.m.; on Saturday from 11

a.m. to 10 p.m.

Zen Steak & Sushi makes the grade with an A+ from this retired English teacher. Remember, “Pooh-sized” people NEVER lie about food. Enjoy!

Stacey Patton Wallace, who retired from teaching language arts for 30 years, is a professional diner. Her column, “Making the Grade,” will appear each week in The Observer. Stacey may be reached at retiredlangartsteacher2020@ gmail.com

show.”

Collins has played shows from coast to coast including: The Blue Bird Cafe in Nashville, Tennessee; The Kerrville Folk Festival in Kerrville, Texas; the Cary Theater in Cary, North Carolina (opening for Dave Olney); and many more. He is a winner of the prestigious Grassy Hills New Folk Competition and a North Carolina Arts Council Songwriting Fellowship, and has been featured as a finalist in The Telluride Troubadour Contest in Telluride, Colorado; The Songwriter’s Serenade Competition in Moravia, Texas; and The Wildflower

Performing Songwriter Contest in Dallas, Texas.

He credits many other singer/songwriters in his musical tent as inspiration, including Neil Finn, Gillian Welch, Bruce Cockburn and Patty Griffin, but Collins is well on his way to establishing his own voice as one we should value.

Collins is sure to be the latest in a long line of Sundilla performers who took the stage as an “unknown,” and left the stage as a new favorite to many in the Sundilla audience.

For more information, including videos, go to www.sundillamusic. com.

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A9 March 17, 2022

The Hound Celebrates 10 Years with Specials CONTRIBUTED BY THE HOUND Alabama’s famous Bacon & Bourbon concept, The Hound, celebrated its 10th Anniversary on Wednesday, March 16.

Commemorating this decade of dining, there will be a weeklong program of events and discounts to honor the locally loved restaurant now through Sunday, March 20.

Owners Matt and Jana Poirier, along with partners Executive Chef Robbie Nicolasien and Director of Operations, Kasha Walters, are excited to welcome locals, visitors and regulars to mark The Hound’s place in Auburn history. With 60% of restaurants failing in the first year and 80% failing in the first five, The Hound’s upcoming 10-year celebration in light of a two-year pandemic is cause for a massive celebration.

“Ten years later, we know two things forsure," said Founding Owner Matt Poirier.

"First, the success of The Hound has far exceeded our expectations. Second, that success is because of the wonderful community, customers, employees and partners we've had the pleasure of interacting with over this past decade. It is for these reasons that my wife, Jana and I are overflowing with gratitude and want to express our sincerest thanks."

Matt and Jana first opened The Hound in March 2012.

Matt was a California native who left his corporate sales job in San Francisco to open a restaurant designed to be a community-gathering space with his wife, then Jana Caruthers. Jana, with deep family roots in the South, also wanted to create an authentic and warm inviting space that served well-executed, approachable food, with quality cocktails. They thought if they could just get 10 new people a day to walk in their space, they could make the business sustainable. Ten years later, The Hound has served hundreds of thousands of guests.

Located in a historic building, the restaurant has

been a consistent hotspot since its initial opening, breathing new life into the community.

Designed with family and Auburn in mind, the restaurant echoes Southern hospitality, and features traditional American classics reimagined with heirloom ingredients. Over time, The Hound has become a culinary destination especially for Brunch under the culinary vision of Executive Chef “Robbie” Nicolaisen.

Nearly five years ago, Nicolaisen joined The Hound and has been a staple of the Alabama culinary scene since tying on his Hound apron.

Nicolaisen's background has brought a wealth of experience and creativity to the menu with new signatures such as his Shrimp & Grits, featuring domestically wild-caught shrimp, andouille cream, McEwen & Sons heirloom grits, scallions or his Hillbilly Poutine with hand cut fries, venison chile, sour cream, cheddar, red onions and scallions. Nicolaisen's innovative menu items such as the “Bacon flight” (a selection of various styles of bacon produced in-house or thoughtfully sourced from crafted artisans) are key to The Hound’s success, as people travel near and far to try his famous dishes.

“The Hound has reached an incredible milestone," Nicolaisen said. "Our purpose is to provide an elevated dining experience within a warm and welcoming environment without pretentiousness. Our team of passionate and talented individuals are committed to providing innovative, yet approachable, food and beverage offerings, thus, resulting in us becoming a favorite Auburn institution within our community and beyond."

While Nicolaisen runs the kitchen they’ve partnered with Walters as director operations.

Responsible for the dayto-day operations and staff management, Walters and her front-of-the-house team have perfected the art of becoming “home away from home” for many students and travelers coming through town. Active-

ly involved in many community and tourism organizations, Walters knows that community is at the heart of everything The Hound does.

“As we prepare to honor our 10-year anniversary of the opening of The Hound, the feelings of gratitude are palpable in our restaurant," the Poriers said. "We are beyond honored to have become a cornerstone of the culinary scene in the Auburn community over the last decade. From day one, The Hound has focused on creating a space for our guests to be cared for through approachable yet innovative food, delicious libations and genuine hospitality. It is an incredible feeling to know that we have succeeded at caring for our guests and that our community has held unwavering support for us in return.

As we start into our second decade, we are celebrating 10 amazing years but we are also renewing our commitment to our main purpose. We will hold steadfast to our purpose of caring for our guests and our community through the love language we know best: food, beverage and hospitality.”

Inviting the community out to celebrate, guests will enjoy the following culinary and

drink specials during the week long festivities: Wednesday, March 16th 10 Year Anniversary Whiskey Wednesday featuring Knob Creek The Hound’s Select Special Pappy Party (Chance to win a pour of Pappy 10 year for $10) Bacon and Bourbon Caramel Popcorn ($10) Thursday, March 17: Pint Night Specials and a Tap Takeover (4pm - 9pm) Venison Burger ($18) Friday, March 18: $5 Throwback Signature Cocktails (4pm- 6pm) Lunch: Piggie Smalls Sandwich - ($14) Dinner: Skirt Steak - MKT Saturday March 19: BRUNCH * Featuring $10 Bottles of Mimosas Steak & Eggs MKT, Cereal French Toast ($13), Gravy Flight $12 *Closed for Private Event on Saturday evening “We’ve put together an awesome lineup of The Hound’s greatest “culinary” hits for everyone to enjoy and I am incredibly honored and proud to be a part of this restaurant and look forward to celebrating many more,” said Nicolaisen.

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Preview Party – 9th Annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser March 26, 2022 @ 7:00 pm – 9 pm at the Heritage House in Opelika Love the Opelika – Auburn Empty Bowls Fundraiser?

Hate the line?

Then you will love the Preview Party!

Enjoy tasty appetizers, sweets, signature cocktails, wine, & beer.

Select the perfect empty bowl, listen to music, & participate in an exclusive silent auction.

Limited tickets ($100 per person) are available online.

Limited tickets are also available, including a night for two and breakfast at the Heritage House ($400 per couple).

Only 75 tickets will be sold.

Buy tickets at www.4emptybowls.com/2022preview

A10 March 17, 2022

CIPPERLY RECIPES >> Cena Italiana di Toad Hill Kitty Greene and Peg Weiss served this menu at the 2020 Italian dinner, and they will prepare a similar menu for the four course dinner offered in the silent auction this year.

Antipasti Toast alla ‘nduja con sedano sottaceto (Nduja Toast with Pickled Celery) Olive assortite (Assorted Olives) Mozzarella marinata (Marinated Mozzarella) La Marca Prosecco Primi Zuppa Di Funghi Al Tartufo (Mushroom Truffle Bisque) Rotoli di focaccia trapuntata (Quilted Focaccia Rolls) Cascina Galarin Nuvole 2017 Secondi Pasta al Ragù alla Bolognese (Pasta with Bolognese Sauce) Tenuta Lodola Nuova Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2011 Insalata Salad de Poivrons Farci (Pepper Slices with Cream Cheese

CIPPERLY >>

FROM A7

grounds in the back of the house.

This spacious garden room with high ceilings and windows that open to bring in fresh air is equipped with a kitchen.

Towering trees were planted in two corners to embellish the garden setting. A wrought iron door opens to the garden and a goldfish pond.

The elegant four course Italian dinner will begin in the garden room with two tasty appetizers served accompanied with wine.

With a wooden ceiling, Saltillo tile flooring and spacious windows for savoring the garden views, the space offers a relaxing social venue.

Following courses will be served in the main dining room furnished with antiques.

After a special dessert, soothing cups of hot chocolate laced with liqueur will cap the elegant dinner on a sweet note.

A few years ago, Kitty and Peg each served separate dinners in their homes for the silent auction. In 2020, they combined their talents to offer an Italian four course dinner at Toad Hill. They divided the courses and then cooked together at Kitty’s to finish the menu and will do the same for the dinner this year. The menu will vary, but Peg will prepare her popular focaccia rolls this year as well.

Peg has a love for baking and will also prepare the dessert.

Growing up in Iowa, the talented baker learned cake decorating from her mother, who was an expert in the art.

Filling) Molo 8 Lambrusco Mantovano Dolce Cannoli Mandorle Tostate ed Espresso (Roasted Almond & Espresso Cannoli) Cioccolata calda italiana piccante (Spicy Italian Hot Chocolate) Digestivo Limoncello cremoso (Creamy Limoncello)

‘NDUJA TOASTS WITH QUICKPICKLED CELERY

‘Nduja is a spicy, spreadable sausage that can be purchased online or in specialty shops ½ cup finely chopped inner celery stalks ¼ cup Champagne vinegar 1 Tbsp. granulated sugar 1 tsp. kosher salt 20 (1/4-inch-thick) baguette slices 8 oz. ‘Nduja (such as La Quercia) at room temperature Extra virgin olive oil, for serving Flaky sea salt, for serving Celery leaves, for garnish Toss together celery, vinegar,

Peg picked up the skill quickly. By the time she was in college she was a master at decorating cookies.

After graduating from Iowa State and receiving a master’s degree in Arizona, she began teaching kindergarten.

When the mother of one of her students brought her a gingerbread house for a gift, Peg was intrigued. She took the cake apart and drew a pattern, then experimented with gingerbread recipes.

Five years later when Peg and her husband Peter moved to Ithaca, New York, she was looking for something fun to do from home for extra income. Peg and a friend, Susan Gordon, who also did cake decorating, started a business called The Gingerbread House.

“We got together and baked cakes while our children played,” remembers Peg. During the Christmas season, they created hundreds of gingerbread houses and decorated cookies at their shop.

For an annual threeday festival in upstate New York, they sold hundreds of gingerbread houses as fast as they could make them.

When Peg’s partner’s mother was heading a charity event in New York, she asked them to bake a hundred gingerbread houses for the charity. While attending the event, they learned Parents magazine was looking for someone to bake a gingerbread house for the cover of a December issue.

They submitted a photo, and their gingerbread house was selected.

Peg and Susan spent three days assembling the elaborate Victori-

sugar and kosher salt in a medium bowl until salt and sugar dissolve. Let stand at least 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, lightly toast or grill baguette slices.

Drain pickled celery. Spread ‘Nduja evenly on toasts using a small offset spatula. Arrange toasts on a platter or board. Sprinkle pickled celery evenly over toasts. Drizzle with oil; sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

Garnish with celery leaves.

To make ahead, prepare and drain the celery mixture. Refrigerate overnight.

FRESH MOZZARELLA WITH HERBS

3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 1 tsp. fresh thyme 1 tsp. finely chopped fresh rosemary 1 tsp. chopped fresh oregano ¼ tsp. red pepper flakes Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste 1 lb. fresh mozzarella, cut into ¼-inchthick slices or tiny balls of fresh mozza-

an gingerbread house in a kitchen-equipped photographer’s studio in Manhattan. The president of Parents magazine was so impressed with the creation that she asked them to make an identical one for the editor of the publication’s German counterpart.

During this time, Peg and Susan were also designing Christmas display windows for gourmet shops in New York and Philadelphia.

The windows were filled with gingerbread houses and decorated cookies. Along with thousands of their cookies, they prepared all kinds of cakes, including ones shaped as Easter baskets, fire trucks, airplanes, among others.

One of the most unusual cakes was shaped like a beer keg to serve 500 people.

Peg and her family moved to Auburn in the 1980s for Peter to accept a position in the School of Architecture at Auburn University.

For the City of Auburn’s sesquicentennial celebration, Peg was asked to bake a cake for 750. The huge cake featured reproductions of landmark buildings from the 1850s. She designed cakes of the buildings, then placed them on the cake.

As she continued to bake for her children

rella Olives, crackers, bread, and sliced cured meats (such as salami Toscana) for serving Combine oil, herbs, red-pepper flakes, salt and pepper in a small bowl.

Drizzle over mozzarella. Let stand 20 to 60 minutes. Serve with olives, crackers, bread, and cured meats.

MUSHROOM TRUFFLE BISQUE

Recipe from Longhorn Steakhouse 2 Tbsp. butter 4 oz. white button mushrooms, sliced 4 oz. baby portobello mushrooms, sliced 1/2 cup white onion, chopped 1/2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. chopped garlic 2 cups low sodium chicken broth 1 cup heavy cream 1/2 tsp. truffle oil Melt 2 Tbsp. butter in a medium sized skillet over medium heat.

Add sliced mushrooms and chopped onion. Sprinkle mushrooms and onions with salt.

and friends, Peg went back to her second love of teaching. She taught preschool, then started her own preschool, Indian Pines Country Day School. Peg has retired and sold the preschool. She now teaches grandchildren to cook.

While Kitty (Katherine) was born in Arkansas, her father was in the military, and they moved frequently and lived in over ten states and in Germany. After high school, Kitty attended the University of Georgia where she received her degree in psychology, then her master’s at Mississippi State, and her doctorate at the University of Alabama before teaching at Auburn University for five years.

On weekends Kitty enjoys cooking and entertaining. She learned to love cooking growing up and prepared specialty dishes with her mother. Being from a large family in New York state, her mother also had a love of entertaining.

From traveling extensively, Kitty has developed a fondness for a variety of cuisines.

When entertaining, she plans ahead and will have everything prepared before guests arrive. She enjoys cooking for her two daughters and three grandchil-

Cook until onions have become transparent and mushrooms have released their water.

Add chopped garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes.

In a medium sized saucepan add chicken broth and mushroom mixture. Heat through.

Use either a stick blender, or a food processor to process soup. Process soup until mushrooms are chopped very fine.

Add heavy cream to soup, and heat until soup is warm.

Add truffle oil just before serving. You may want to drizzle a bit of sour cream if desired on the soup just before serving.

PASTA WITH BOLOGNESE SAUCE

Recipe from Serena Cosmo’s The Ultimate Pasta & Noodle Cookbook 3 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil 1 medium yellow onion, grated or finely diced 2 inner pale green celery stalks and fronds, grated or finely diced Salt

dren when they visit.

Italian cuisine is a favorite of both Kitty and Peg. They have traveled together to Italy, including to Lake Como, Rome and Tuscany. With their fondness for Italian dishes, they selected this theme for their impressive four course dinner for six this year.

“We both like to try new recipes, and we both like to socialize,” said Peg. “We like to meet new people.”

“We wanted to do something to help the Food Bank,” added Kitty. “People like to visit historic homes. I feel honored to be able to live in this house, and I like to share it with others.”

Those interested in the dinner can bid on it during the silent auction at the Empty Bowls Preview Party March 26 from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the Heritage House. The evening will feature signature cocktails and a tasting table from John Emerald. Beer and wine will also be served as well as a variety of appetizers and sweets. Bow and Arrow, The Waverly Local and Venditori’s Italian Restaurant, among others, will provide appetizers, while Cakeitecture Bakery and Mama’s Secret Cookies will offer desserts.

Select a special empty bowl and browse the items for the silent auction while listening to live music by the Frank Bock Quartet. Only 75 tickets will be sold for this entertaining evening at the historic Heritage House. A special package is also offered for those who would like to extend the evening by spending the night at the inn

2 lbs. ground meat (a blend of pork, veal, and beef gives wonderful flavor) 2 cups whole milk 2 28-oz. cans peeled whole tomatoes (preferably San Marzano tomatoes pureed in a food processor or blender) 2 bay leaves 7 cloves or 1 tsp. ground cloves Heat a large, heavy bottomed pot or cast iron Dutch oven over medium-low heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the olive oil and turn the heat up to medium-high. Heat the oil for a couple of minutes, then add the onion, celery and a couple pinches of salt and mix well.

When the vegetables begin to sizzle, lower heat to low and give them another stir.

Cover and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. (It may seem like a long cooking time, but don’t be tempted to turn up the flame to make this process go faster. This step slowly brings out the natural sweetness of the onion and celery, and rushing it can make them taste bitter instead).

Turn the heat up See CIPPERLY RECIPES, page A12

and savoring a delectable breakfast.

The silent auction will feature items with different themes, including It’s All About Her, It’s All About Him, It’s All About Fashion, It’s All About Art, It’s All About Dining and It’s All About Our Community. Along with the Italian dinner, other special items include a year’s worth of lawn care and a signed Bruce Pearl basketball.

Another silent auction will be held at the Opelika-Auburn Empty Bowls Event April 9 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Opelika Recreation Center on Denson Drive. A large variety of gorgeous pottery and bowls will be for sale, and soup and bread will be served under a tent. Live music will entertain those attending.

All of the proceeds from the Preview Party and Empty Bowls Event go to the Food Bank of East Alabama.

With rising prices on gas and food, more local families are in need.

By attending these events, you are able to help families while enjoying a fun time with good food, purchasing lovely handmade bowls and silent auction items.

Other ways to give include becoming a sponsor or donating online which will go directly to the Food Bank. Buy tickets to the Preview Party at www.4emptybowls. com/2022preview/. For further information, you can also email 4emptybowls@gmail.com or call Kitty Greene at 334.744.4807 or Holly Judd, assistant chair of the Advisory Board at 334.559.2461.

A11 March 17, 2022

Sweetland Amphitheatre Announces First Set of Concerts of 2022 Lineup CONTRIBUTED BY KATIE VAN SCHOOR Sweetland Amphitheatre is proud to announce the first set of concerts for the 2022 lineup Wednesday. The concerts include: – George Thorogood & The Destroyers: May 28 – Grace Potter: June 2 – Old Crow Medicine Show: June 10 – The Marshall Tucker Band, with Outlaws and Kentucky Headhunters: Aug. 5 – Jimmie Allen: Aug. 26 More information on these concerts as well as ticket information can be found on sweetlandamp.com.

Sign up for Sweetland’s E-Club, their email list, on sweetlandamp.com to hear the latest news and

specials before anyone else. This service is free of charge.

Please purchase tickets only through sweetlandamp. com. Tickets cannot be guaranteed when purchased through third party vendors.

Sweetland Amphitheatre’s 2022 concert year would not be possible without the support from its sponsors. This year’s presenting sponsor is once again Kia. Other sponsors include CocaCola, LaGrange Grocery, Vaughan Xpress, Mallory Agency, Emory Healthcare, Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center, Great Wolf Lodge, Houze & Associates, Thornton & Graham, P.C., Visit LaGrange, Troup County,

Eley Digital, Courtyard by Marriott, Beacon Brewery Co., Southern Cart, Wingate by Wyndham & Callaway Foundation.

Sweetland Amphitheatre will announce additional concerts for 2022

in the weeks ahead.

For more details on upcoming shows, please visit www.sweetlandamp. com and join the E-club, Sweetland’s email list.

ABOUT SWEETLAND AMPHITHEATRE The South’s sweetest

stage, Sweetland Amphitheatre, welcomes music fans to experience award-winning and internationally known performers. The venue opened in spring 2016 and is centrally located in the heart of historic downtown

LaGrange, Georgia. The 2,500 seat amphitheatre provides an intimate open-air concert setting for star-studded performances and community events within walking distance of restaurants, shops, hotels and attractions.

A12 March 17, 2022

Spring Automotive/Motorcycle Parts Swap Meet

CONTRIBUTED BY HUNTER GOODLETT

Southeast Alabama Spring Automotive/ Motorcycle Parts Swap Meet will be held on April 16, from 8 a.m. to noon central time. Rain or shine.

The event will be held at the USA factory Outlet which is located at 1220 Fox Run Ave. in Opelika.

Admission is free for both spectators and vendors.

Vehicles will park in the concrete lot away from the shops unless the grass is dry enough to set up.

What to expect: - There will be a parts swap area and a separate ‘vehicles for sale’ area.

- Bring tables or whatever is needed to set up,

CIPPERLY RECIPES >> under the pot to medium-high and add the ground meat. With a potato masher or wooden spoon, press down on it to break up large

no actual spaces will be marked and it will be first-come-first serve.

- Please pick up trash and do not leave any items behind when you are ready to leave.

- NO vendors outside of automotive and motorcycle parts. No exceptions.

- A food court in the center will be open for food and restrooms.

- Not a car show, swap meet only.

If you plan to bring parts or vehicles, please message Hunter Goodlett to let him know what you may bringing so he can add you to the vendor list.

Any questions, comments or concerns please feel free to reach out to Hunter at 334750-1507.

chunks. When the meat has turned a grayish brown and there is no pink remaining, add the milk. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the milk has completely evaporated. (The milk acts as a meat tenderizer here).

Add the tomatoes to

the pot, along with the bay leaves, cloves, and a few pinches of salt.

Stir and bring to a boil.

Adjust the heat to low and cook, uncovered for 4 hours, stirring every 30 minutes or so. You should see a gentle bubbling in the pot. You can choose

to cook it even longer if you have time, because the longer it cooks, the better it tastes. You’ll know the sauce is done when it has visibly thickened and the fat has separated and is bubbling on the surface.

Discard the bay leaves. Use or cool, transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate or freeze.

Serve with tagliatelle, pappardelle, maltagliati or fettuccine.

PEPPER SLICES WITH CREAM CHEESE FILLING

Medium or small red, orange, yellow, or green bell peppers Wash peppers, cut a slice from both ends, and remove seeds and membrane. Stuff with cream cheese filling and chill for 12 hours.

Slice thin with a sharp hot knife and replace in refrigerator. Serve on a bed of lettuce with French dressing.

Filling: 1 clove garlic 8 oz. cream cheese 1 Tbsp. crisped chopped bacon 1 Tbsp. chopped chives 2 ½ Tbsp. chopped celery Salt, paprika, and cayenne pepper to taste Rub a bowl with

garlic. Mash cream cheese until soft and add bacon, chives and celery. Season with salt, paprika and cayenne pepper.

French Dressing: ½ tsp. salt ½ tsp. pepper 9 Tbsp. olive oil 4 Tbsp. vinegar ½ tsp. dry mustard 1 clove garlic Whisk ingredients until smooth and pour in jar. Cover and refrigerate. Shake well just before using. The garlic clove should be removed after 24 hours if dressing is stored.

Makes 1 cup.

ROASTED ALMOND & ESPRESSO CANNOLI

(Delicious.com.au) ¼ cup whole almonds 1/3 cup caster sugar, plus extra 1 ½ Tbsp.

2 ½ cups fresh ricotta ½ cup good-quality mascarpone 1 Tbsp. very strong espresso 1 Tbsp. amaretto liqueur (optional) 1 tsp. vanilla bean paste 12 cannoli shells Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line a baking tray with foil.

To make praline, place almonds on a second baking tray and roast for 10 minutes or until darkened.

Place sugar in a small saucepan over medium

heat and cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until a dark caramel. Add almonds and swirl to coat. Pour onto prepared tray, cool completely, then finely crush.

By hand, whisk ricotta, mascarpone, extra, sugar, espresso, amaretto, if using, and vanilla in a bowl until smooth.

When ready to serve, spoon or pipe mixture into cannoli shells and scatter with praline.

SPICY ITALIAN HOT CHOCOLATE

(Delicious.com.au) 1/2 cup cocoa powder 1/3 firmly packed cup brown sugar 1 Tbsp. cornstarch 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp. dried chili flakes 1 tsp. ground allspice A pinch of sea salt Combine ingredients in a bowl, then divide among 4 jars.

Accompany each jar with the following note: heat 1/2 cup (125 ml) milk in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed.

Whisk through hot chocolate mixture until combined. Gradually add another 1 1/2 cups milk and bring to a simmer.

Reduce heat to low and cook, whisking constantly, for 2 to 3 minutes until hot chocolate thickens slightly.

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS I N

D O W N T O W N

O P E L I K A

MARCH 18TH

JOIN US FROM 5PM-12AM! VISIT @OPELIKA.CHAMBER ON FACEBOOK TO SEE THE FOOD TRUCK LINEUP!

brought to you by the

A13 March 17, 2022

A14 March 17, 2022

Touchable

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

W

e’ve learned a lot about touch and isolation in the last two years, haven’t we? We started off being told not to touch our eyes, nose or mouth (remember that?). Then we graduated to not touching things, people and carrying around sanitizer. There was also social distancing, masks

and isolation (a.k.a., “staying in”). We did all of this because we were concerned about uncleanness in a hygienic, virus-related sense but it has taken its toll.

God created us for touch — hugs, handshakes and pats on the back. To not touch is not good. And isolating — well, we all remember that, and no one wants to go there again.

Still, we’ve learned some important things from the last couple of years — things that helped us to understand the woman talked about in Mark 5:25-34.

She had “been subject to bleeding for twelve years” (v. 25).

Under old covenant law (Leviticus 15:25ff), she was considered ceremonially unclean.

Anyone touching her

would become unclean, so she was untouchable.

Think of how isolating that would be. And this wasn’t for a few months or off and on over two years — it was for twelve years.

Because of all of this, it seems right that touch played a prominent part in her healing. She touched Jesus’ cloak and “Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering” (v. 29).

But the story doesn’t stop here — there’s more touch involved.

Specifically, Jesus “turned around” and wanted to know who touched His cloak.

His disciples pointed out that they were in the middle of a crowd “but Jesus kept looking around to see who had

done it” (v. 32). The woman fell at His feet and told her story. Then Jesus said to her (and everyone else there) something especially important. He said, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering” (v. 34).

Why is this so important?

It was obviously meaningful to the woman. In addition to her physical healing (a big deal), she received recognition and acknowledgment from Jesus. “Daughter” is a family word, a term of endearment. He goes on to praise her for her faith (“your faith has healed you”).

These words must have washed over her and brought healing

ABOUT BRUCE GREEN of another kind (see Proverbs 12:18, 16:24).

But they did something more.

Jesus made a public declaration about the woman’s status. The one who had been unclean for twelve years was pronounced “healed” by Him. If He had allowed her to leave as she had planned, no one would have known of her healing, and it would have been difficult on her own to convince them. But she wouldn’t have to worry about that because she was now recognized as a fully functioning part of the community.

She was touchable!

You can find more of Bruce’s writings at his website: a-tasteof-grace-with-brucegreen.com

You can find more of Bruce’s writings at his website:www. a-taste-of-gracewith-bruce-green.com

Hunley Group Lambert Transfer & Storage An Interstate Agent for North American Van Lines 1102 Fox Trail Opelika, AL 36803 745-5706

BIBLE VERSE OF THE WEEK He has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. — 2 Peter 1:4

APOSTOLIC HOLINESS

Emmanuel Temple of Deliverance Inc. 28 Sanford Ave., Opelika 334-745-0210 God’s House of Prayers Holiness Church 301 Highland Ave., Opelika 334-749-9672 True Deliverance Holiness Church 936 N. Donahue Dr., Auburn 334-502-4700

BAPTIST

Bethesda Baptist Church 201 S. 4th St., Opelika 334-745-7528 Beulah Baptist Church 5500 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-705-0538 Cooperative Baptist Fellowship

CHURCH DIRECTORY

128 East Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-8506 Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 3089 Judge Brown Rd., 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 High Hope Baptist Church 227 Lee Road 673 334-524-8750 Lakeview Baptist Church 1600 E. Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-7094 Pepperell Baptist

2702 2nd Ave., Opelika 334-745-3108 Providence Baptist Church 2807 Lee Road 166, Opelika 334-745-4608 Union Grove Baptist Church 4009 Lee Road 391, Opelika 334-749-0461

CHURCH OF CHRIST

Church of Christ at Cunningham 2660 Cunningham Dr., Opelika 10th Street Church Of Christ 500 N. 10th St., Opelika 334-745-5181 Church Of Christ 2215 Marvyn Pkwy., Opelika 334-742-9721 Southside Church Of Christ

405 Carver Ave., Opelika 334-745-6015

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Good Sheperd Anglican Church 3015 Opelika Road, Opelika

EPISCOPAL

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

METHODIST

Auburn United Methodist Church 137 South Gay St., Auburn 334-826-8800 Beulah United Methodist Church 5165 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-745-4755

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

Church At Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy., Opelika 334-524-9148 Connect Church 2015 West Point Pkwy., Opelika 334-707-3949 St. Ellis Full Gospel Church 5267 US Hwy 80W, Opelika 334-298-4319

PRESBYTERIAN

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

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

Got Questions?

Come Study With Us

THE CHURCH OF CHRIST AT CUNNINGHAM DRIVE 2660 CUNNINGHAM DR., OPELIKA SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY 9:30 A.M. SUNDAY WORSHIP 10:30 A.M. / 5 P.M. WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY 6:30 P.M.

St. Stephens Episcopal Church ECW 1st annual Crawfish Boil!

Fresh Crawfish from Louisiana cooked by our own Cajun, Don Sorjonen

Pick- up April 23rd 2022 From 11am – 1pm eastern time To order call Bonnie @706-442-4723 Please pre-order!!

Pick up at St Stephens Episcopal Church 45 Lee Rd 567 Smiths Station, AL 36877 (one-half mile north of Loves Truck stop on Hwy. 431) Crawfish (1lb) plus Potatoes, Corn, Sausage - $12 Family size: Gumbo -$16 QT - Red Beans & Rice - $12 QT

Place your ad here!

Fresh Foods...And A Whole Lot More!

Catch ‘On the Mark’ with D. Mark Mitchell and Jeff Sasser weekday mornings from 7-9 a.m.

603 Pleasant Pleasant Drive 603 Drive Opelika, Opelika, ALAL 36801 749-1333 749-1333 Mon-Sat - 8pm Mon- Sat7am 7am-8pm Sun12pm 12pm-6pm Sun - 6pm

Email: editor@opelika observer.com Call: 334-749-8003

A15 March 17, 2022

When You Pray

WALTER ALBRITTON

L

ent is a time for serious prayer.

Prayer about our relationship to Jesus.

Prayer for a world in crisis. Jesus never said, “If you pray.”

He said, “When you pray.” He expects his followers to pray. And when we pray, Jesus

suggested we begin by saying, “Our Father.”

Often, in crisis hours, our prayers will be passionate cries for our Father’s help. In the garden of Gethsemane Jesus prayed fervently, seeking His Father’s guidance. Luke describes it this way, “And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.”

Perhaps it was this scene in Gethsemane that caused Jesus’ brother James to say, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails

much.” Praying fervently will not always cause God to change our circumstances but it will often result in the fainthearted becoming stouthearted in heartbreaking hours.

Jesus prayed fervently before making major decisions. Once he prayed intensely all night. We would make fewer mistakes, in judgment or spirit, if we spent hours in prayer before making decisions. To trust and obey Jesus is to seek and rely on His guidance in everyday life.

Earnest prayer allows God to intervene

in our lives. John Wesley said boldly, “God does nothing except in answer to prayer.” My faith has been strengthened often by examples of God answering prayer. I shall never forget the woman who shared with me a telephone call from her grown daughter.

In great distress, her daughter called to say goodbye. Her life was in shambles and she was ready to take her life. Her mother began praying fervently and said, “Honey, I want you to get down on your knees and hold the phone so you can

hear me as I pray for you.”

Praying as earnestly as she had ever prayed in her life, that mother asked the Lord to reach down and touch her daughter, forgive her for all her sins and show her a way out of her dilemma.

She concluded by praying, “Lord, give my precious daughter victory over her doubt and depression. Give her faith to know that Satan no longer has power over her. Help her hold your hand, dear Jesus, and give her the courage to pick up the broken pieces of her life and

make a new start.”

That mother’s fervent prayer saved her daughter’s life. It was not, of course, the prayer that saved her, but the God to whom the prayer was made.

Our Father is ready to do mighty works of grace in our lives, in our families and in our world — in answer to our earnest prayers. The wisest thing we can do, when we pray, is to trust our Father, as Jesus did, to hear and answer our prayers and lead us out of the darkness into the sunshine of His love.

Let us pray.

Peacock (Alex), Rachel Hamby (Dakota), Billy Peacock (Teresa), Jonathon Peacock (Courtney), Dawn Short (Jeremy); 10 great grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation was held Saturday, March 12, 2022, in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home from 10 until

10:50 am.

The funeral service was held at 11 a.m.

Saturday, March 12, 2022, in the Chapel at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home with Dr. Rusty Sowell and Reverend John Samanie, Jr. officiating. Interment followed at Hillcrest Cemetery in Lanet.

OBITUARIES ROY THOMAS BRITTON, JR. Ray Thomas Britton Jr. was born Aug. 9, 1940, in Russell County.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Emily Britton, sisters Essie Mae Weed and Viola Davis, mother Lelia Mae and father Roy Thomas Britton. Mr. Britton is survived by his sons Chuck (Wanda) and Mike (Cherie). He is also survived by six granddaughters and 11 great-grandchildren.

The family ask in lieu

of flowers please make a donation to your local Hospice.

A graveside service was held 3 p.m., Saturday, March 12 at Providence Baptist Church Cemetery with Dr. Rusty Sowell officiating. Visitation was at 2 p.m. prior to the service at Providence Baptist Church, East Campus.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home directed.

––––––– CORENTHA CRAWFORD

Corentha Crawford of Springvilla, Alabama, was born in Tuscaloosa County on Nov. 27, 1950, and passed away at her home on March 6, 2022. She was 71 years old.

She attended Providence Baptist Church. She loved the outdoors and took pride in her flowers. She made flowers grow where others could not. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her great grandbabies; they were

her pride and joy.

Corentha was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Lee and Dan Hysaw; cousin, Dean Jacobs.

Corentha is survived by her husband of 54 years, Willie Crawford; daughter, Marie Peacock (William); grandchildren, Cody Peacock (Bethany Ammons), Dustin

–––––––

Pre-Need Services Available Call 334-749-8700 for an appointment.

Your Full-Service Funeral Home

FRIDAY | MARCH 25TH 7:30AM - 9:00AM

INES S U OVER S B

Breakfast ATTRACTING & RETAINING EMPLOYEES

Featuring a panel including Golden State Foods, BAXTER, Chick-fil-a, Sneak & Dawdle, and H&S Commercial & Industrial Supplies & Services!

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A16 March 17, 2022

COMICS

“Life is worth living as long as there’s a laugh in it.” ― Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

S

INSIDE B1 - B8:

S

• AUBURN CITY SCHOOLS • AUBURN UNIVERSITY • COMMUNITY SPORTS • LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS • OPELIKA CITY SCHOOLS • SUSSC

SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS OPELIKA: MAR. 22 AT 4:30 P.M. LEE COUNTY: APRIL 12 AT 6 P.M. AUBURN: APRIL 12 AT 6 P.M.

Opelika Girls Soccer Turning Heads PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

BY HARRISON TARR FOR THE OBSERVER

ON THE MARK D. MARK MITCHELL

OHS Track Competes in Wetumpka Invitational

T

- 1st - Kaden Cooper: 39.3.5 - 3rd - Anthony Edwards: 38.8.5 - 4th Discus - Ajaden Parham: 120-7 - 1st - Marquavian Johnson: 110-5 - 1st - Mikeil Heard: 1095 - 2nd - William Garner: 101-1 - 4th Javelin - Octavious Gay: 1393 - 1st - Marquavian Johnson: 132 - 2nd - William Garner: 130-4 - 3rd Shot Put - Mikeil Heard: 44-4 - 1st - Marquavian Johnson: 42-3 - 3rd - KD Sewell: 38-11.5 - 4th - William Garner: 362.75 - 5th The OHS Lady Bulldog track & field Team travelled to Mobile for the “Jim Tate Relays” at St Paul High School last weekend.

The following is a list of the top 10 finishers.

Girls 100 Meter Dash - Haley Sanders: 12.78 - 4th 200 Meter Dash - Indiana Holloway: 27.51 - 6th See SPORTS, page B2

“Definitely just staying focused, staying aggressive with it,” Button said. “It’s been a good start to the season so far.”

According the head coach, the team’s early success is due — in large — to a chemistry

within the program which has developed organically across the past several years.

“We’ve got some girls that — a lot of returners — that have played together before,” Button said. “So it’s just great that we’re now able to

See SOCCER, page B2

Beauregard Softball Progressing Hornets Honored Maddie McClendon in Recent Game

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

The Beauregard varsity softball team Monday faced off against Dadeville and honored the life of Maddie McClendon, a former Lee-Scott Academy student from Dadeville who lost her battle with ovarian cancer last year.

Before the action on the diamond began, the two teams met in the center in a show of solidarity and in an effort to raise awareness of the disease.

Both teams had their own special jerseys designed specifically for the game.

“I was more excited about the meaning of the game than the actual game,” said Beauregard head coach Scott Meadows.

“It was special. The

family was there … the brother got to throw out the first pitch … I hope it raised awareness for everyone that was there and especially for the girls on both teams.”

Once the ball got rolling, the harmony between the two teams turned into utter dominance from Beauregard. After the first inning, the Hornets had pulled out to a multiple-run lead. The girls kept the aggression up through the middle innings and run-ruled the Tigers, 15-0, after four innings.

“We got on them early,” Meadows said.

“I challenged them because we have done that a time a two this year — score early.

[Monday] they kept adding to it.”

Leading the Hornets

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

he Opelika High School track & field team participated in the “Wetumpka Indians Invitational’ this past weekend. The following results include OHS student-athletes placing in the top five of respective events.

100 Meter Dash - Bailey Williams: 11.65 - 3rd 200 Meter Dash - Kaden Cooper: 23.99 - 3rd - Calvin Hughley: 24.12 - 4th - Theo Hubbard: 24.2 - 5th 3200 Meter Run - Zane Sexton: 12:18.31 - 2nd - Patrick Seymore: 12:56.18 - 3rd - Alexander Burgess: 13:02.39 - 4th 110 Meter Hurdles - Tykell Thomas: 15.69 - 1st - Theo Hubbard: 17.3 - 2nd 300 Meter Hurdles - Tykell Thomas: 44.57 - 2nd - Kaden Cooper: 46.69 - 5th High Jump - Makai Simpson: 5-10 - 2nd - Cordarrious Ingram: 5-0 - 4th Long Jump - Davian Jones: 19-9.5 - 3rd - Kaden Cooper: 19.5 - 5th Triple Jump - Davian Jones: 41-0

With spring officially here, the grass continues to grow greener on the pitch at the Opelika Sportsplex and excitement continues to build within fans of the Opelika High School women’s soccer program. As the Dawgs enter their final year at the 6A level, head coach Jaclyn Button’s squad has shown the community that it certainly has something to cheer for.

The red and black started 2022 off with a bang, winning four of its first five contests and outscoring opponents by a tally of 41-2

see these relationships that have formed to be able to communicate, non-verbal as well, on the field.”

While the Dawgs’ outstanding communication has certainly come from years of experience, Button claims that onfield leadership from a strong junior class has also been vital.

“We’ve definitely had some juniors kind of filling in with some of those roles, some sophomores as well,” Button said. “One of our junior captains — Morgan Watts — has really been a vocal leader through the defense and

The Beauregard varsity softball team wore special shirts and jerseys Monday against Dadeville to celebrate the life of Maddie McClendon, a former Lee-scott Academy student and Dadeville native who lost her battle with ovarian cancer last year.

against the Tigers was Cooper Watson who went 4-for-4 with two doubles and three RBI. Watson has been scintillating this season, averaging a

team-high .615 and .655 batting and on base percentage average, respectively.

Also against the Tigers, eighth grader See BEAUREGARD, page B3

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B2 March 17, 2022

Glenwood Getting Hot

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

Led by a dominant performance from sophomore Brandon McCrain, the varsity Glenwood baseball team improved its record to 16-2 with a win over Southland on Monday.

McCrain started the game on the mound and threw six-and-one-third innings, allowing zero runs and striking out 11 of his opponents.

Matching his performance on the mound, McClain was stellar at the plate, going 3-for-3 with two doubles and a home run.

“He’s the one that pitched the big game against Calvary and now he followed it up

SOCCER >> FROM B1 midfield.”

In continuity with her coach’s claims regarding the up and coming class, junior Scarlet Posadas has bolstered the strength of the 2023 group.

“Scarlet Posadas has

SPORTS >> FROM B1 - Amiya Brown: 27.64 - 7th 400 Meter Dash - Indiana Holloway: 1:04-95 - 5th - SB Makiah Paschal: 1:05.94 - 7th 800 Meter Run - SB Breckin Gould: 2:38.75 - 6th - SB Paola Torres:2:41.70 - 7th - SB Sacaria Frazier: 2:43.73 - 9th 100 Meter Hurdles - Niya Walton: 18.36 - 7th - Cadence Williams: 19.08 - 10th 400 Meters - Breckin Gould: 5:36.80 - 3rd Distance Medley Relay - SB Relay Team: 14:27 - 4th High Jump - Haley Sanders: 4-10 - 3rd Long Jump - Haley Sanders: 16-1.5 - 2nd - Kyndall Brundidge: 14-10.5 - 8th Triple Jump - Morgan Watts: 319.25 - 6th - Niya Walton: 31-8 - 7th

through the season, Fanning said he is encouraged by the progress his team has made, but he still sees room for growth — especially in the pitching rotation.

“I think we got to get a little more consistent on the mound, like following great starts on the mound with great starts,” Fanning said. “I think we are starting to do that. We are starting to play enough games to where our relief guys are kind of settling into their roles as well. It’s a balance between getting your starters enough work, raising their pitch counts so they can throw longer, versus getting those relief guys some innings as well in situations they need to be in.”

Now Glenwood turns its attention to the stretch of games before spring break in two weeks. Fanning is looking forward to the intermission to rebuild his squad’s strength before the final push of the season.

“When we come back from spring break everyone will be healthy and we will pretty much settle on things,” Fanning said. “Not that it’s always going to be that way, but that’s usually that’s your goal

Auburn High Baseball Aiming High

BY HARRISON TARR FOR THE OBSERVER

There is no task more challenging than defending a state title in high school sports.

Between player turnover, reestablishing a team identity and battling the target that has been placed on its back, teams often cave when placed in the spotlight. Head coach Matt Cimo and the Auburn High School baseball programs are no strangers to these hurdles; the group has found a way to remain in the championship conversation.

The Tigers emerged victorious in nine of the squad’s first 10 contests, falling only to out-of-area Enterprise and have continually improved as the season progressed; their skipper is hopeful to continue the trajectory.

“We just have to continue to get better a little bit,” Cimo said.

In efforts to develop their skill set, Cimo claims that his group has adopted a mentality which places emphasis upon focusing on each moment.

“We gotta really concentrate on one pitch, one out and one inning at a time,” Cimo said.

“We’re just trying to win each inning.”

The long term skipper of the blue and white is hopeful that — in focusing on the small details of their game — his squad can establish a true identity which has been absent to this point in 2022.

“Not really,” Cimo said. “And we’ve got two weeks to do it because area play starts in two weeks.”

An exception to the trend of lacking identity, the Tiger pitching rotation has staked its claim as one of the premier staffs in their classification.

“Ryan Olsen’s been pitching really well for us,” Cimo said. “And Griffin Stweart.”

For Cimo, the biggest question mark remains on the opposite side of the plate: hitting consistency.

“Offensively, it’s just been collectively,” Cimo said. “Someone gets hot one day and the next day somebody else gets hot. So we’ve been pretty lucky there that we haven’t had one person carry us.”

Cimo also noted his desire to continue finding offensive production from all parts of

with another one,” said Glenwood head coach Tim Fanning. “It was a pretty good day. He’s a special kid. It’s going to be a lot of fun coaching him the next few years.”

Prior to the game against Southland, the Glenwood squad had been battling through injury, Fanning said; that didn’t stop the Gators from winning the annual “Border Wars” tournament championship, however.

The Gators went a perfect 4-0 over the weekend, tallying wins over Bethlehem, Westfield and Calvary by a combined margin of 32 runs. Due to the thinned out squad, Fanning said recent times have provided the team with a good opportunity to test

its depth.

“We’ve actually had a few injuries the last week or so and it has allowed some other guys to step up and tested out depth,” Fanning said.

“You know, coming into the year I thought we were very deep, very athletic top to bottom.

It’s just getting experience; a lot of these guys haven’t played together because they are all sophomore and juniors … we had a big senior class last year. So we are just continuing to get better. And that just comes with innings on the mound and plate experience. We definitely have had some very good things happen in the first 18 games of the schedule.”

Practically half way

been playing a little offense for us,” Button said. “She’s definitely helped in the attack.”

While Posadas has certainly been a key factor in the team’s success, the junior is not the only athlete to find herself plugged into a new role.

Opelika’s dominance to this point has allowed for

development across the board.

“That’s been great too, just overall team morale,” Button said.

“Getting everybody some playing time and minutes on the field, that’s been kind of really great for the program.”

With winning and long-term success at

the forefront of Button’s mind, the head coach has had to come up with new ways to push her squad to grow and develop before the Dawgs take on the thickest portion of their schedule.

“We’ve had to kind of regroup,” Button said. “It’s tough sometimes — when you’re

winning — to say ‘what do we need to work on?’

So that’s definitely been a challenge here. How can we make ourselves 1% better? What can we do to continue to keep that drive and that focus?”

Although the early season results are promising, Button and the

rest of the Dawgs must continue to stay the course in preparation for the remainder of their 2022 campaign. Up next: a Tuesday trip to Montgomery to take on the Eagles of Alabama Christian Academy at 5:30 p.m. CST.

Discus - Cherdi Daniels: 751.5 - 9th Shot Put - Cherdi Daniels: 30-0 - W10th SOCCER Opelika’s girls’ and boys’ soccer teams swept area opponent Eufaula on the road last week.

The Lady Bulldogs won 10-0, behind four goals from Ana Garcia, two goals from Amiya Brown and two goals from Scarlet Pasadas.

Morgan Watts and Phoebe Darcey scored one goal apiece. Maricela Cruz and Amiya Brown recorded three assists apiece, along with one each from Maelee Story and Karly Phatsadavong.

Both teams played Trinity at the W James Samford Soccer Complex last Thursday. The Lady Bulldog’s won a close match, 2-1. Brown scored a goal off of an assist from Garcia and Phasadavong scored on a penalty kick.

The girls improved to 6-1 after the win.

The OHS boys defeated Eufaula, 3-2, in a physical game following the girls’ win. Dexter Graham scored two goals and added an assist to

lead the Dogs and Ethan Neman scored a goal.

Moe Forbes and Luke Roberts added assists.

Trinity beat the OHS boys’ team, 0-1, in a tough game. OHS fell to 5-2 on the season.

BASEBALL Opelika’s baseball team (6-6) beat Faith, but lost to Pacelli and Smiths Station last week.

Smiths Station pitching allowed just two hits in a 6-2 win over OHS. Harrison Long recored two hits and two RBI in the loss. Four pitchers threw for the Bulldogs: JT McArdle pitched two scoreless innings; Kidylan Ligon allowed four runs in one inning; Jackson Kilcreas allowed two runs in two innings; and Copus pitched one scoreless inning.

Pacelli downed the Bulldogs 7-2 at Bulldog Park. Brooks Bryan led at the plate with two hits and an RBI; Long added a hit and scored one run; and Luke Murray recorded one hit. Jackson Harrison allowed five runs in oneand-two-thirds innings, and Luke Murray pitched five-and-one-third innings, allowing two runs on seven hits.

The Bulldogs beat Faith, 4-1, in the first game of the East Alabama Classic. On the mound, Brantley Davis earned the win, pitching four innings while allowing one run and striking out six batters.

Caleb Chisum pitched the final three innings for the save, recording four strikeouts.

SOFTBALL The Lady Bulldog varsity softball team (6-9-1) lost to Benjamin Russell, 1-2, last week despite McKay Yountz’s pitching. The junior recorded eight strikeouts while allowing two runs on two hits.

OHS BASKETBALL SPRING LEAGUES OHS girls’ basketball coach Blake Smalley is starting an intramural spring basketball league for girls in grades 5 through 8. The dates are April 11, 14, 20, 21, 25 and 28. The time will be 3:45 to 5 p.m., with a cost of only $5 for all six days. Contact Smalley at 334-745-9715.

Opelika’s boys coach Wesley Button plans to host a summer basketball camp for upcoming third through sixth graders on

June 6 through 8 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Anyone interested in attending the camp can contact Button at 334-745-9715 or wesley.buttom@opelikaschools.org TIDBITS Opelika offensive coordinator Jonathan Chandler announced he is leaving Opelika to take a job at Wetumpka High School. Chandler, an OHS graduate, spent the last seven seasons on the OHS coaching staff and served as OC the past five seasons. He will assume the same title on the Wetumpka coaching staff. Chandler’s wife, Tiffany, will be named the new recreation director for the Wetumpka Parks and Recreation Department. Chandler will remain at OHS until the end of this school year in June.

OPELIKA DIXIE BOYS Registration is underway for Opelika Dixie Boys Baseball for ages 13, 14 and 15. Anyone interested in playing can register at the Opelika Sportsplex through April 15. Cost is $45 if you live in the city of Opelika and $50 if you live outside the city limits of

Opelika. Registration fee covers the player’s hat and jersey. All players will be placed on a team.

For more information, contact D.Mark Mitchell 334-787-1514 or email at foxonthemark@yahoo.com.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY COACH DOUG BARFIELD Former Auburn University and Opelika High School football coach Doug Barfield celebrated his 86th birthday on Monday, March 14.

Barfield is recovering from surgery at home.

You can listen to Barfield two days a month on my radio show “On the Mark”, airing on FOX Sports the Game 910AM1310AM and on the iHeartRadio App. D. Mark Mitchell is the sports director at iHeartMedia, host of “On the Mark” Fox Sports the Game 910-1310, co-chair of the Auburn-Opelika Sports Council, chairman of the Super 7 and Dixie Youth Baseball state director.

See GLENWOOD, page B3

See AHS, page B3

B3 March 17, 2022

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

Bulldogs Battle in East Alabama Classic

For information on Opelika varsity baseball's recent run of games, turn to D. Mark Mitchell's column on B1.

BEAUREGARD >> FROM B1 Raegan Brooks, who hits cleanup for

GLENWOOD >> FROM B2 — to kind of have a good plan on what you are going to be second half of the season.”

To reach their goal of winning a state championship, the Gators will continue to build on their current run of good performances, following the lead of their three seniors, Colton Dempsey and Jake and Ty Smith.

Just last week, the seniors put pen to paper and announced where they would be playing

the Hornets, went 2-for-4 with a grand slam. Railey Thorne started the game on the mound and 10th

at the collegiate level.

Dempsey committed to Wallace State Community College in Hanceville, Alabama, and the Smiths brothers both committed to Central Alabama Community College in Alexander City.

“It’s fun to see guys after working extremely hard in the offseason to see the results on the field,” Fanning said. “To watch the seniors that we do have be leaders and fall into that role and do a really good job.

Now it’s time to play ball.”

grader Hannah Parm finished.

“That was our goal going in, hoping we could throw two

AHS >> FROM B2 his lineup.

With half the season now behind him, the skipper had the opportunity to look back on his team’s recent stretch of success, pointing out his pride in back-to-back victories over crosstown rival Opelika.

“Anytime you beat your rival, it’s pretty big,” Cimo said. “It was pretty big, a lot of confidence for our kids too.”

It comes as little

or three pitchers,” Meadows said. “We are behind on games right now. The weather has got us. We are just trying to get some pitchers some work.”

Despite the lack of games, the three-girl starting pitcher rotation is beginning to take its shape, with the earned run average for the Hornets sitting at just over five a game.

Overall, Beauregard’s other team numbers scream progress. So far, the Hornets have posted a .387 batting average and an .556 on base percentage.

Alongside Champion, Caroline Willis and eighth grader Raegan Brooks are leading the offensive charge, hitting .517 and .440,

surprise that a pair of victories over Opelika served as a confidence boost for the Tigers, given the talend on the mound for the Dawgs.

“Opelika, they pitched the ball really well,” Cimo said.

“They’re a pretty good team so it was good to get away with two wins.”

Auburn’s head coach noted that this year served as a preface to what next year’s schedule is going to look like come area play.

“Next year, they’ll be in our area,” Cimo said.

“So it would be really

respectively. Senior leader Cat Henson figures to factor heavily into the mix going forward as well. “[I’m] pretty happy overall with our bats; we have a couple that we have to get going that would really help us out because they have got speed,” Meadows said. “Our defense is doing pretty good. Of course it can be a bit better. I challenged them a week or so ago on that.

Hopefully the more we can get on the field and take those ground and f ly balls, the better we can get at it.”

Up next for the Hornets is area foe Tallassee. Pleased with the 4-4 start to the season, Meadows

good to beat them next year.”

In terms of area play in 2022, Cimo is hopeful that his group is ready to take on the likes of Smiths Station and Central.

“They’re good, and Central’s really good,” Cimo said. “We’ve got a competitive area, so you can’t have a bad day.

If you have a bad day, you’re sitting at home during the playoffs.”

The skipper believes that the competitive nature of the area should prove beneficial to the Tigers come playoff time.

knows the matchup against the Tigers will show his team’s true metal.

“They are as good as ever,” Meadows said of Tallassee. “They didn’t graduate a whole lot and went to the state tournament last year. Our thing is we are going to have to swing the bats and play solid defense because we are going to give up a few runs.

And Tallassee certainly has the team to put up runs. We are going to have to play our A-game to be competitive. It’s going to be a challenge for sure.”

“I think that’s where it helps us,” Cimo said.

“Our area is so competitive that it helps when we go into the playoffs.

Some teams are almost automatically in, here you have to win or you’re out.”

With area play just two weeks away, the blue and white look to continue their hot start with yet another victory over a struggling Faith Academy squad in Mobile on Thursday evening. First pitch between the Tigers and the Rams is set for 4 p.m. CST.

B4 March 17, 2022

OHS Soccer Earns Marquee Win Over Trinity

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

For information on Opelika varsity soccer's recent run of games, turn to D. Mark Mitchell's column on B1.

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B5 March 17, 2022

Auburn Addressing Mathmatics Teacher Shortage

National Science Foundation-funded program aims to recruit educators into pipeline CONTRIBUTED BY NEIL REID / AUBURN UNIVERSITY

Auburn University’s College of Education is joining forces with the College of Sciences and Mathematics’ Department of Mathematics and Statistics and other state institutions to address the shortage of mathematics teachers in Alabama.

Using $3.2 million in funding provided by the National Science Foundation’s Noyce Scholarship Program, Auburn is partnering with Tuskegee University, Alabama State University, the Alabama Math, Science and Technology Initiative, or AMSTI, the East Alabama Regional Inservice Center, or EARIC, and area school districts on a groundbreaking project titled “Developing, Recruiting and Empowering Alabama Mathematics Teachers,” or DREAM-Math. The program will offer a Master of Education in secondary mathematics that will lead to teacher certification and four years of support as teachers embark on their careers at high-need schools.

DREAM-Math project leaders are looking for recruits to fill the program’s first cohort, which will begin in May. Cohort members will complete 36 credit hours during a four-semester period leading to master’s-level teaching certification and will receive a stipend that will cover tuition, fees and living expenses during their instruction. They also will be provided $10,000 annually for each of the first four

years of their teaching careers at a high-need school upon completion of the program.

“Too often people who may be interested in shifting to a career as a mathematics teacher face almost insurmountable hurdles, including time and expense,” said W. Gary Martin, the Emily R. and Gerald S. Leischuck distinguished professor for critical needs in education in Auburn’s College of Education.

“DREAM-Math offers a streamlined, high-quality preparation program along with financial support from the National Science Foundation to help them achieve that dream.

“Creating a program like DREAM-Math requires the involvement of many partners to recruit participants, to effectively prepare them to be mathematics teachers and to support them as they begin their careers. Along with many other partners, eight surrounding school districts have been integrally involved in the development of this program.”

Cohort candidates must be science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, graduates with 15 to 18 hours of math — at or above Calculus 1 — who do not have teaching certificates, and they must apply for graduate school by April 30.

Administrators are waiving the Graduate Record Examination, or GRE, for applicants, but candidates must earn an acceptable score on the Praxis II test to be admitted into the program.

“If we can attract potential people from our local

community to pursue mathematics teaching, they may be more likely to return to our school and stay on for the long run,” said Beverly Price, deputy superintendent of teaching and learning for Alexander City Schools, a DREAM-Math partner. “We are excited for this opportunity to work with Auburn University and the other partners on this promising endeavor.”

By creating the cohort, DREAM-Math project leaders hope to help feed the pipeline of mathematics educators and fill the crucial need for teachers throughout the state. Program organizers will be reaching out to alumni and students from the participating universities, K-12 school districts and state agencies to help recruit candidates for the cohort.

“As a leading state institution with a land-grant mission, Auburn University is committed to resolving the mathematics teacher shortage dilemma,” said College of Education Dean and Wayne T. Smith Distinguished Professor Jeffrey Fairbrother.

“By partnering with Tuskegee University, Alabama State University and other leading organizations, we will do our part to improve the state’s educational system and build a better future for Alabamians who seek a quality education.

I applaud the efforts of our faculty, staff and leadership, as well as the National Science Foundation, for addressing this pressing need, and I am confident we will be successful with

Located in Historic Downtown Opelika

334-745-4618

this endeavor.”

According to experts, the lack of STEM teachers throughout Alabama has been amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic, high turnover rates and the lack of qualified and certified candidates. The DREAM-Math project aims to reverse that trend and strengthen the state’s group of mathematics educators.

“As the acting department head and a mathematics education faculty member, I frequently get calls from schools that desperately need a mathematics teacher,” said Marilyn Strutchens, the Emily R. and Gerald S. Leischuck endowed professor for critical needs in education and Mildred Cheshire Fraley distinguished professor.

“DREAM-Math was developed to provide a boost in the number of new mathematics teachers to

help meet this urgent need.”

The DREAM-Math program has the full support of Auburn’s senior leadership.

“The DREAM-Math project embodies Auburn’s commitment to the people of Alabama and will equip science, technology, engineering and mathematics teachers to address the critical education needs in our state,” said Auburn Senior Vice President for Advancement John Morris, who serves as president of the Auburn University Foundation and Auburn University Real Estate Foundation. “The work of Dr. Martin and his colleagues through the DREAM-Math project will create a much-needed pipeline of exceptional students—future STEM educators—and address the continuing shortage of well-prepared, diverse mathematics teachers in Alabama’s schools and districts. We are committed to the success of the DREAM-Math Teachers Project and believe this work will have a significant impact on the lives of students, families and communities throughout the state.”

Auburn and its partners are looking for a dozen participants in the 2022 cohort and 14 for the 2023 cohort. Anyone interested in participating in the program may apply through its website or contact co-principal investigators Martin at martiwg@ auburn.edu or Strutchens at strutme@auburn.edu.

334-744-7509 Dustin Farley-Nelms/Owner 207 N. 3rd Street, Opelika

Member of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce

B6 March 17, 2022

PHOTO BY JACOB TAYLOR / AU ATHLETICS

PHOTO BY JACOB TAYLOR / AU ATHLETICS

Breaking Down Auburn’s Opening NCAA Tournament Matchup

The Auburn basketball team was presented with the regular season SEC championship trophy before its first game in the SEC postseason tournament.

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

The Auburn Tigers men’s basketball team enters the NCAA Tournament as a No. 2 seed and will face in-state foe and No. 15 seed Jacksonville State University (21-10) on Friday.

Despite the program’s highest-ever postseason tournament seeding, the Tigers enter the “Madness” having won just five out of their last nine games after a stellar 221 start to the year. With loses to non-tournament teams like Texas A&M and Florida sandwiched in the recent run of poor performances, concerns for Auburn’s tournament longevity have been steadily rising.

But the Tigers are dancing, and that is what really matters. They have a fair, onein-68 chance to be crowned champions just like every other team. The journey to another potential Final Four run begins against the Gamecocks at 11:40 a.m. on Friday.

Jacksonville State enters the NCAA Tournament as Atlantic Sun Conference regular-season champions, having lost in the semifinals of the ASUN conference tournament under sixth-year head coach Ray Harper.

The Gamecocks are only in “The Big Dance” due to a technicality with Atlantic Sun Conference Champion, Bellarmine, which was ineligible for the tournament because the program is in year two of a four-year transition to Division-I basketball. Despite the early exit in the conference tournament, the Gamecock’s are winners of five out of their last six entering the NCAA Tournament. This

is Jacksonville State’s second-ever NCAA Tournament appearance under Harper, with the first coming in 2017 where the Gamecocks were a 15 seed and bounced in the first round with a 78-53 loss to Louisville.

Statistically, Jacksonville State is one of the nation’s leading three-point shooting teams, ranking fifth overall at 38.8% from deep.

The Gamecocks are led by the three-headed attack of guards Darian Adams, Demaree King and Jalen Gibbs. King and Gibbs both pose a constant threat to get hot, shooting better 46.2% and 40.1% from three-point territory this season. The Tigers rank 59th nationally in three-point defense, so the Gamecocks could give the Tigers some trouble in this aspect given Auburn’s limited guard depth and its own struggles shooting from behind the arc.

On the flip side of things, defensively, Jacksonville State attempts to make opponents beat it with shots from the outside, too. Opponents made the three at a 33.1% mark against the Gamecocks this season; contrarily, opponents shot 47.1% on twopoint attempts.

Regarding two-point shot, where Auburn has the clear advantage in this matchup is in the front court.

Jacksonville State’s biggest contributor from a “big man” perspective comes from junior forward Kayne Henry, the only Gamecock player over 6-foot-3-inches to average more than 20 minutes per game this season. The likes of Henry and 6-foot-9-inch senior Brandon Huffman, who averaged 8.9 points and just over one block per game, will have their hands full with Jabari Smith, Walker

Kessler and company battling down low.

Jacksonville State finished the season ranked as the 146th best team according to KenPom, with its strength of schedule and strength of record ranking 291st and 138th nationally. The Gamecock’s best performances of the season came in their wins against Wichita State and Liberty. They lost both of their Quadrant 1 games by single digits on the road against VCU and their only shared opponent with the Tigers, Alabama.

Another aspect that brings intrigue to this matchup is the history behind Auburn coach Bruce Pearl and Harper. The two are familiar foes from Pearl’s time at Southern Indiana and Harper at Kentucky Wesleyan. To the concern of some Auburn faithful, Harper’s teams often had the advantage in the once competitive rivalry — going 13-3 against Pearl between 1996-2001.

But that was then and this is now. The Tigers clearly have the superior roster from top to bottom, and some of Auburn’s biggest concerns heading into the tournament — bench play and experience — should not be much of a factor in the round one matchup against the Gamecocks.

JSU is one of the four teams from the state of Alabama which made the NCAA Tournament, joining the No. 2 seed Tigers, the No. 6 seed Tide and the No. 12 seed UAB, coached by longtime Ole Miss coach Andy Kennedy.

If the Tigers manage to move past the Gamecocks, they will have a round of 32 matchup against the winner of No. 7 USC and No. 10 Miami.

Opinion: The Case for Auburn to Win March Madness

BY HARRISON TARR FOR THE OBSERVER

Turning the calendars to March means something different to everyone. For some, it signifies the nearing of warmer weather, to students it represents a much-needed week-long break from their studies and for others the month merely represents 31 days of severe allergies. In the minds and hearts of college basketball fans, March means so much more.

The town of Auburn, Alabama, has become accustomed to looking forward to this month since the Tigers have risen to success under Bruce Pearl and now find themselves perennial contenders to make a run in the so-called “big dance” that is the NCAA March Madness tournament.

This year is no exception.

Auburn finished its regular season at an impressive 27-4 and as SEC regular-season champions before heading to Tampa, Florida to be bounced in its first game against eventual SEC tournament runner-up Texas A&M; the Tigers’ 2022 campaign was nothing short of historic and was a justifiable cause for the unprecedented level of hype displayed by the orange and blue faithful.

As all teams deal with throughout the course of a season, there were certainly some bumps along the

way, particularly down the stretch.

The Tigers dropped four of their last nine contests, effectively dropping themselves out of a one-seed in the national tournament, criticism swirled around the team's struggles away from now-called Neville Arena and guard play has certainly been an area of inconsistency as of late.

All things considered, it is still mind-boggling as to how so many people have already counted this year’s Auburn Tigers as ‘down for the count.’ For every concern raised as of late, this group has concrete evidence of its ability to overcome.

There is a valid reason to worry about Auburn’s five losses coming away from home; snagging victories in hostile environments is certainly a trait the all elite teams must possess. That being said, Auburn posted the best road record in the SEC in 2022 and it wasn’t particularly close.

The Tigers dropped games to only Arkansas, Florida and Tennessee in the regular season with the group's other two losses coming in neutral sites.

The next closest squads to that benchmark within the SEC? Tennessee and Kentucky. Both of which dropped five games away from home.

When it comes to guard play, the argument against Auburn’s backcourt is absurd. Sure, KD Johnson

hasn’t had the best stretch of games as of late and Wendell Green hasn’t been hitting from deep as much as fans have grown accustomed to; slumps happen. The key detail to remember here — however — is that, in the offensive absence of Johnson or Green, the Tigers have seen an increased scoring role from Zep Jasper. The senior transfer has begun to develop an offensive stroke as of late and continues to be a defensive menace to opponents backcourts.

In terms of the bigger picture, it is imperative that Auburn fans — and fans around the country — do not write this squad off because it feels like they may have ‘peaked at the wrong time.’ The NCAA tournament is about getting hot and staying hot. All it takes is one player to step up in that first game to light a fire within his teammates.

Jabari Smith and Walker Kessler didn’t come to Auburn without reason.

While there are certainly a number of things Bruce Pearl’s team needs to do better beginning this weekend, it’s difficult to envision a world where the Tigers don’t make a deep run; this group is capable of more than it’s been given credit for as of late and it should not be a surprise if the orange and blue are cutting down nets the first weekend of April.

Auburn Begins Spring Football Practice PHOTOS BY TODD VAN EMST / AU ATHLETICS

B7 March 17, 2022

Alabama 4-H Members Leading, Learning and Making a Difference CONTRIBUTED BY JUSTIN MILLER / ACES When faced with trying times, Alabama youth remain resilient.

Alabama 4-H and its members continue to make positive impacts all over the state. With more than 71,000 enrolled members, 4-H stands out as one of the state’s premier organizations for youth development.

“While the effects of the pandemic still

lingered, our 4-Hers, volunteers and agents demonstrated tremendous leadership over the past year,” said Molly Gregg, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System assistant director of Alabama 4-H programming. “Alabama 4-H is able to achieve great results each year because of their hard work.”

YEAR IN REVIEW 4-H is for everyone, youth ages nine to

18, in all 67 Alabama counties. With more than 3,300 clubs and nearly 9,500 educational activities, Alabama 4-H helps youth create, learn and explore the possibilities for their futures. While 4-H may be thought of as an impactful, rural organization, the numbers prove Alabama 4-H reaches the biggest cities and smallest towns.

- 2,191 members

reside on farms.

- 40,010 members reside in towns with a population less than 10,000.

- 18,984 members reside in towns with a population between 10,000 and 50,000.

- 6,095 members reside in suburbs or cities.

- 3,961 members reside in urban areas.

“We are proud of the hard work of those who make Alabama 4-H happen even in

the most trying circumstances,” Gregg said. “As the numbers illustrate, Alabama 4-H is for everyone.”

BECOME INVOLVED IN 4-H Alabama 4-H is part of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and uses regional Extension agents — along with volunteers, partners, alumni and parents — to deliver youth development programs. Through this

programming, 4-H seeks to empower youth with the skills they need to become leaders in their communities, state, nation and world.

Looking to get involved or have a son or daughter who would be interested in 4-H? Visit www.

Alabama4H. com or reach out to your county Extension office to learn about local clubs, activities and opportunities.

The Morgan Project Announces Conflict and Courage Challenge Scholarship Contest CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER The Morgan Project (TMP) is a nonprofit organization in Birmingham, Alabama. Our mission is to teach civil rights and social justice through Birmingham’s history of conflict and courage. The Morgan Project offers a curriculum, designed for grades 4, 6, 7 and 11, whose lessons and activities can be tailored to fit the schedules of different classrooms as well as

out-of-school gatherings.

The Conflict and Courage lesson plan focuses on two intertwined events in Birmingham history that represent both concepts: the bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church on September 15, 1963, and the speech the next day, by a white lawyer to white businessmen of Birmingham, publicly condemning all of white Birmingham for letting years of racism and abuse go unpunished. The speech became a book, A Time To Speak, which the young lawyer, Charles Morgan, Jr., wrote after threats to his family led him to leave Birmingham.

Encouraging students to use their own critical-thinking skills, The Morgan Project’s “Conflict and Courage” guides students and listeners to understand that conflict is an inevitable part of improving society, and that knowing how to handle conflict is a necessary part of supporting a healthy community. A Time To Speak is part of

the curriculum, walking students through the people in Birmingham, the bombing and its aftermath.

TMP proudly announces the launch of the Conflict and Courage Scholarship Contest. Students in grades 9 through 12 are eligible to enter. Submissions will be accepted from Feb. 15 through March 31. Winners will be announced no later than May 15, 2022. Prizes range from $750 to $1,500.

Students are encouraged to choose from any of the essay topics below.

To learn more and donate to The Morgan Project, please visit https:// www.morganproject.org/.

For more information, contact Ashley Mann at (205) 317-9397 or ashley@ sandpiperconsult.com.

The Morgan Project is an educational effort based on Birmingham’s unique role in America’s civil rights movement.

This scholarship contest is designed to help students reflect on the part they play in creating a better community for all.

Student Prizes: 1st Place—$1,500.00 2nd Place—$1,000.00 3rd Place—$750.00 The Setting On September 15, 1963, members of the Ku Klux Klan planted a bomb under the 16th Street Baptist Church that killed four young girls and injured many more.

On September 16, 1963, a young lawyer named Charles Morgan, Jr., faced members of the Birmingham Young Men’s Business Club, a seat of power, and spoke up, saying what many did not want to hear.

Bombings in Birmingham were not new, but the violence that Sunday morning made national headlines — and so did the speech. Morgan was blunt: The fault, he said, lay not only with the people who planted the bomb — it lay also with people who had stayed quiet for many years of violence and unfair practices directed against Blacks.

See MORGAN, page B8

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B8 March 17, 2022

Celebrations of Spring and March

M

arch 16 is recognized as “When Everything You Do is Right Day!” Readers, give yourself a pat on the back and a hug because on this day you get to feel good about everything that you do and simply appreciate yourself because you are special.

Let your children know just how special they are today. Children are to be valued and appreciated simply for being who they are.

The other day as I was out running errands, I looked at the pollen covering my yard, home and car. I stood back looking at all the beautiful azaleas that bloom in this area.

Nature provides so many good lessons for young children as we explain that the wormy little seeds that come

MORGAN >> FROM B7 “Who threw that bomb?” asked Morgan.

“We all did.”

Like many in the civil rights movement, Morgan received death threats for his stance. He and his family were forced to leave Birmingham.

Conflict and Courage The Morgan Project asks you to search for your own ideas and name your ideals. Would you take a stand, if you knew it was unpopular, even dangerous?

While much has changed since 1963, many of the same struggles exist. Morgan took a stand

from pine trees are the seeds to grow other pine trees and that pollen is a part of that process.

Have you noticed the beautiful dogwood trees that produce blossoms? As I sat on my back porch, I observed a big black bumblebee flying right into one of our many azaleas to be fed.

Driving around Lee County during the spring, nature’s colors are bursting out all over. The full moon on these recent springtime nights has just been beautiful to sit out and look at. And even with a little nip in the air, the weather has been enjoyable.

Spring provides a time where we just need to “stop and smell the roses” as the old saying

goes. Even before the sun is up, you can hear the birds chirping away as they greet the day.

As you can see just from the things I have observed, spring offers many possibilities for numerous lessons for young children. I have learned as a teacher and parent, picnics seem to be a wonderful time for togetherness, a time of looking at nature, as well as learning other skills.

Spring is a very busy time of the year with baseball, recitals, school activities and just all of what is expected of today’s families, that sometimes family times of togetherness seem to get pushed out. A quick family picnic can be put in the schedule of springtime busyness.

A picnic is not hard to plan as you try to keep the family together during these busy times of the year. The environment of Lee County offers a perfect scene for a quick or prolonged family picnics, whatever fits your schedule.

Our city parks offer a wonderful place to enjoy a picnic and play.

Our area is blessed with such fine park facilities, that are family and child friendly.

This past week, my little preschool class and I were looking at the luscious green

clover with white flowers. I was gently reminded that Thursday, March 17th is St. Patrick’s Day. In Ireland, the Irish honor Saint Patrick with both a holy day and national holiday. The Irish cherish their beautiful green countryside and remind themselves of the beauty of their country by wearing green. Although it began in Ireland, Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated in countries around the world with parades and other festive traditions.

Key symbols that stimulate a lot of early childhood fun and curiosity are rainbows, four-leaf clovers, shamrocks and leprechauns.

Families, if weather permits, why not take a spring walk through a cloverleaf bed safely to find that special four-leaf clover to make a wish on as tradition says.

Too, remember to wear something green so you don’t get pinched on St. Patrick’s Day. Talking about rainbows, March is recognized as “National Umbrella Month”. Early childhood teachers love to do umbrella crafts with paper plates, colorful construction paper, drawing and painting umbrellas present colorful creative challenges.

Simple umbrella math

is sorting umbrellas from largest to smallest, sorting different colors of umbrellas together. Have children count how many times you open and close an umbrella. Make this a movement exercise.

When the umbrella is pushed open they stand up, when the umbrella is closed they sit down. Too, carefully show your young child how to safely open and close an umbrella without getting pinched or poked in the eye or hurt. With March winds, it is good to show them how to hold the umbrella without the wind blowing it away. I love to set up a big umbrella and read stories to children under the shade of my umbrella reading center.

This coming Sunday, March 20, we welcome in the official day of Spring. Too, we celebrate the birthday of the humble, sweet children’s friend and educator Mr. Fred Rogers. Mister Roger’s Neighborhood began on Oct. 15, 1962, on Public TV, PBS, and aired till Aug. 31, 2001. The children’s series was created primarily for preschool ages 2 to 5 but truly Mister Roger’s neighborhood was appropriate for all ages.

Some life lessons that we learned from Mister Rogers include

routine and that caring for others is a foundation key for each day; encouraging children to try something new even if they are not sure of themselves; loving your neighbor and loving yourself; how to be yourself. He would guide children to cherish the little things in life such as beauty in nature, accomplishing simple tasks, being able to button up a coat or sweater or tie a shoe.

Yes, it is a wonderful day in our neighborhood of Lee County as we adopt the simple lessons that Mr. Rogers provided for children and that we grown-up children will never forget.

Tuesday, March 22, 2022, is National Agriculture Day. Teaching young children how food is produced is a valuable lesson. Guiding children to understand the process of food production and to learn about diet and health is a valuable lesson for children to understand. As a community, we want to thank all of those involved in agriculture.

Happy Spring everyone as we celebrate each day that God provides as a gift of a new day and a new season.

Classroom Observer Beth Pinyerd

that was moral, even though most people — whether they agreed with him or not — kept quiet.

How do some people have the wisdom to know right from wrong? Why do they have the courage to speak up? Why do others not speak up? Who can say what is right and what is wrong? Would you have the courage to speak up?

Challenge Topic: Choose from any of the following topics Choose a personal experience that involved conf lict or violence that led you to take an unpopular stand. Did you know it was not popular? Why did you take that stand? What were the consequences for

you or friends and family? Did you expect those consequences? Did you regret your decision?

Choose a personal experience in which you went with what friends did, even though you did not think it was right.

What did you learn, and how will it affect your actions in the future?

Would you choose a different action today?

Choose an event from the news of the past several years in which someone took an unpopular stand. Describe the conf lict, and what acts you would have taken if you were there that ref lected courage and why.

Choose an event from

Birmingham’s past in which someone took an unpopular stand. Write why you think he or she did the right thing, what happened as a result, and what would have happened if he or she had not taken action.

(Provide sources for information.)

Examine the history of a topic of racial justice and discuss its legacy/effect today. Essays should explain historical event(s) explain how the injustice/conf lict persisted, and how courage was modeled and by whom.

Eligibility and Submission Requirements: Students must be an

Alabama student in grades 9-12.

Submissions can be written as an essay (500 to 2,000 words), a poem (up to 500 words) or as a podcast or short film (5 minutes maximum).

All submissions must be accompanied by the attached Conf lict and Courage Challenge Certification Form and a student photo.

All submissions must be entirely the author’s original work. The Morgan Project may publish submissions, recognizing the author and high school.

All submissions will be judged by a panel on the strength of the answers to each of the

questions presented in the essay contest topic.

The judges’ selections are final.

Essays and poems should be typed.

Podcasts and Short Films should be submitted as either an mp4 or mp3 file.

All submissions and certification forms must be submitted to www. morganproject.org Submissions should be received between Feb. 15 through March 31.

Prior to winners being announced, finalists will be asked to participate in either an in-person or virtual interview.

Winners will be announced no later than May 15, 2022.

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L ee County & A labama Politics

B9

Nov. 24, 2021

Thursday, March 17, 2022

Inside the Statehouse

Incumbency Reigns Supreme in State Senate

See FLOWERS, page B10

Residents of Opelika filled the Municipal Courtroom during Opelika's City Council meeting Tuesday night. Many were there to speak both for and against a proposed apartment complex.

BY MICHELLE KEY PUBLISHER

Several members of the community were in

attendance at Tuesday night’s Opelika City Council meeting to address the council during a public hearing pertaining

to a proposed ordinance to rezone land located at S. 10th Street and Avenue C. The rezoning would allow See OPELIKA, page B12

Procedure For New County Noise Ordinance SCREENSHOT OF LIVE STREAMED FACEBOOK VIDEO

eing an incumbent state senator in Alabama is like owning that seat. The level of reelectability odds is probably better than that of an incumbent congressman, which is about the same as being elected to a seat in the Russian Communist Politburo.

Being a freshman state senator in Alabama is a more powerful position than being a freshman U.S. congressman. Especially if you want to affect public policy.

Many times, a 50-year old, successful person, who is interested in seeking a representative role will approach me and seek my advice about running for either a state senate seat or an open congressional seat. I will quickly advise them that as a state senator you are one of 35 and you immediately have an impact your first year as a state senator. However, if you win a congressional seat, you are one of 435 and because of the seniority system, it will be 15 years before they know your name in Washington and 25 years before you are chairman of a committee and then it is time to retire.

In the 35-member Alabama Senate, there are 27 Republicans and 8 Democrats — a pretty super-majority for the GOP. Twenty-four of the twenty-seven senate Republicans are running for reelection. Republicans Jimmy Holley, Del Marsh and Jim McClendon are retiring. These seats will be filled by another Republican.

Therefore, when the senate organizes next January, the 27 to 8 supermajority will remain the same. The lines are drawn to protect incumbents on both sides of the aisle. The Constitution provides the power of the pencil for legislators to draw their own legislative districts.

Seventeen of the 24 Republican incumbents have no opposition in the Republican Primary. Of the seven Republican senators who drew a

PHOTO BY MICHELLE KEY / THE OBSERVER

B

STEVE FLOWERS

Republican opponent, they only got an opponent the last day of qualifying and their opposition is token at best.

All 24 Republican incumbents will be reelected. If my prognostication is correct, that is a 100% re-electability rate.

There are only two GOP incumbents that were first thought to have viable opponents. Tom Whatley, at first blush, was rumored to have a race.

However, polling and fundraising reveal he will win easily. The only interesting race may be in the Huntsville area where incumbent Tom Butler is being challenged by Bill Holtzclaw, who previously served in that senate seat.

The rule of incumbency also prevails on the Democratic side of the aisle. There is only one Democratic seat open. Priscilla Dunn holds the post in name only. She has never attended a senate day in Montgomery for this entire quadrennium. The Senate has in essence been operating with 34 senators. In actuality, the Democrats have only seven senate seats. There are 150,000 residents of Jefferson County who have had no voice or vote in the Alabama Senate for four years. There are two Democratic House members vying to fill this seat, Merrika Coleman and Louise Alexander. Coleman is favored to win this open Senate seat.

The cadre of leadership on the Democratic side will return, including powers Bobby Singleton, Rodger Smitherman and Vivian Figures. Hank Sanders will return to represent Selma and the Black Belt after a four-year sabbatical. His daughter was in the seat this last quadrennium.

The entire leadership of the Republican-led Senate will return unopposed, including Greg Reed, Jabo Waggoner, Clay Scofield, Arthur Orr, Greg Albritton, Steve Livingston, Gerald Allen and especially Clyde Chambliss. They will be joined by a superstar freshman class, who will become even more powerful. This class of leaders includes Will Barfoot, Garlan Gudger, April Weaver, Sam Givhan, Donnie Chesteen and a trio contingency of Baldwin/Mobile senators Chris Elliott, Jack Williams and David Sessions. Another member of this sterling class, Dan Roberts of Jefferson, has an opponent but will be reelected.

The three open Republican seats

Residents React to Proposed Apartment Complex

BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

Lee County instituted a noise ordinance a few weeks ago and now the Sheriff’s Department has created a uniform

NOW OPEN

procedure to address violations.

Any citizen outside of the city limits of Auburn or Opelika, can call the Sheriff’s Department about a complaint, said Chris Wallace with the Lee County Sheriff’s

Department.

“We would send a deputy out to investigate the complaint,” he said.

“They would then meet with the complainer, talk to them and listen for the noise. They would make See COMMISSION, page B11

Indoor shooting range is open to the public

2195 FIRST AVENUE • OPELIKA

B10 March 17, 2022

Niagara Bottling To Open New Production Facility in Opelika CONTRIBUTED BY CITY OF OPELIKA

Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller and Gov. Kay Ivey are pleased to announce that Niagara Bottling, LLC, a leading beverage manufacturer in the U.S., has chosen Opelika as the home of their new production facility. The new facility will be located in the Northeast Opelika Industrial Park along Interstate 85. The capital investment is estimated to be $112 million and will initially create 50 new jobs.

“Niagara Bottling’s decision to locate its new production facility in Opelika is a testament to Alabama’s strong business climate and the many advantages we can offer companies looking to energize their growth plans,” Ivey said. “Niagara Bottling is making a

significant investment to launch this operation, and we are happy that the company chose to do it in Sweet Home Alabama.”

Greg Canfield, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce added, “The top-level priorities of Alabama’s economic development team are creating meaningful job opportunities for citizens around the state and bringing in new investment to invigorate communities. We look forward to seeing Niagara Bottling grow and thrive in Opelika because that perfectly aligns with our strategic economic development objectives.”

Niagara Bottling Executive Vice President Brian Hess shared, “We value the highly competitive and attractive combination of location,

infrastructure, logistics and workforce in Opelika. Niagara has built a strong team and community relationships throughout the United States, and looks forward to maintaining our leadership in the areas of manufacturing, innovation, supply chain and overall environmental stewardship."

Fuller said, “It is truly an honor when an industry chooses to invest in our community. We are glad to assist Niagara Bottling in their continued success.”

ABOUT NIAGARA BOTTLING Family owned and operated since 1963, Niagara Bottling is a leading beverage manufacturer in the U.S. providing healthy hydration for the entire family at a value. For more information, visit www. niagarawater.com.

Auburn City Council to Send Survey to Residents

BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

The Auburn Parks and Recreation Department is sending out a survey to citizens asking what kind of programs they want to see in the city.

“I would encourage people in our community to take advantage of that opportunity and share your thoughts and answer those questions for parks and rec so we can better deliver the services that you’re asking for, so please be looking for that,” said Auburn Mayor Ron Anders.

The survey is a partnership with Auburn Univeristy, said Auburn Parks and Recreation Director Becky Richardson. The department is looking for thoughts on ways the programs can be expanded or on new programs completely.

“It’s an online survey

and they will also have focus groups and such once the survey is complete,” she said.

OTHER BUSINESS: - The council approved an alcohol beverage license for Whitley Hall Catering, LLC d/b/a Cerulean Wine Bar. - The council approved an alcohol beverage license for Taco Tequila Bar and Grill, LLC d/b/a Taco Tequila Bar and Grill.

- The council approved a concurrence for the Industrial Development Board for building improvements to facilities owned by the board in Auburn Technology Park South.

- The council approved a tax abatement for Winkelmann Flowform Technology.

- The council approved the purchase of eight Harris Mobile XG-25M 700/800 MHZ Radios and six Kenwood 700/800 Digital P25 radios

for the Auburn Police Division for over $36,300.

- The council approved additional funding of over $8,900 for underground power for the new environmental services and public works facility. The total contract for the project will cost over $67,700.

- The council approved the purchase of a 2023 International HV607 SBA 4x2 Cab and Chassis with Maverick Dump Body for the Water Resource Management for over $112,900.

- The council approved a utility easement for University Station Parking at Donahue LLC. - The council approved a board appointment to the Auburn Public Library Board.

- The council approved a vacation for an unneeded easement for True Deliverance Holiness Church.

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MAXIMIZE ROGERS: Changing Our Clocks Twice a Year is an Outdates Nuisance CONTRIBUTED BY MIKE ROGERS U.S. Representative Mike Rogers (R-AL) released a statement ahead of Daylight Saving Time on his legislation that will allow states to stay on Daylight Saving Time year-round.

“Whether you’re a Republican or a Democrat everyone agrees that changing our clocks twice a year is an outdated nuisance. Last year, Alabama passed legislation to stay on Daylight Saving Time year-round but it takes an Act of Congress to allow them to actually make the change. This is why I introduced legislation that will

FLOWERS

>>

FROM B9 and one Democratic open seat will give us some interesting senate races to follow.

One of, if not the most important ingredients which creates the power of incumbency, is the almighty campaign dollar.

Money is the mother’s milk of politics. Most of this campaign money comes from Special Interest Political Action

ROGERS allow states to stay on Daylight Saving Time year-round. Changing the clocks twice a year is an antiquated practice and studies have shown that yearround Daylight Saving Time has potentially huge benefits for the

Committees. Ninety percent of those special interest dollars goes to incumbents. Thus, over 90% of Alabama state senators are reelected.

See you next week.

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at: www.steveflowers.us.

economy and people’s health. Currently states can opt to stay on Standard Time year-round but they cannot currently opt to stay on Daylight Saving Time yearround — my legislation would fix that problem.”

BACKGROUND: Last year, the Alabama legislature passed legislation that would put Alabama on Daylight Saving Time year-round.

However, an Act of Congress must be passed to allow states to make this change.

Rogers’ bill will allow any state that wants to change to year-round Daylight Saving Time to make that change.

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B11 March 17, 2022

‘They Think There are 50 genders’ — Evaluating New Campaign Ads

O

GREG MARKLEY

pelika native Tim James, son of twotime governor Fob, ran for governor unsuccessfully in 2002 and missed the runoff in 2010 by a whisker.

Readers may recall an ad that was controversial, but effective, for its target audience. He has an ad out now dealing with a “hot” cultural issue. I discuss that later, in this follow-up to “Initial U.S. Senate ads are tame. Stay tuned.” (Feb.18, 2022, Observer).

The highest score of my study of four Republican gubernatorial candidates goes to Lew Burdette, a former corporate executive and now president of Christian non-profit King’s Home, in Birmingham. The ad addressed key GOP themes but welcomed voters of any stripe to back him and called for more legal justice.

I was also impressed by his recounting of being kidnapped at age 15 and nearly died, but survived and became

a better Christian. Ad grade: 98%.

Burdette also did not sugar-coat negative scores that Alabama has received in education (47th place nationwide); in healthcare (43rd place); and in corruption (4th most corrupt state). The Roanoke, Alabama, native said that 40 years after he first saw such statistics, he was shocked to see that they have not improved.

Gov. Kay Ivey scored very well with an ad grade of 94%. Her figures showed the good news for the state, especially economic. Next month, Ivey will celebrate five years in that office. Her 30-second ad was concise, factual and uplifting (except if your name is Biden). She suggested that Critical Race Theory will not see daylight in schools, that the state will not encourage sloth among job-seekers and that it will no longer allow people to “kill babies.”

Ivey did not name any of her May 24 primary challengers; one wonders, though, if she will have to name them as the race

Kiwansis Club Hosts Neeley Caldwell from CWJC

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what a Blanchard governorship would be like.

Now we come to Tim James, the businessman born in Opelika who now lives in Greenville.

He fits into a 30-second ad that the secular Left wants to destroy us because they think America is evil and racist and our Founding Fathers (those fans of slavery!) were wrong. Then comes the rough part: “They think that there are 50 genders and they want to teach this crap to our children.”

I get three ideas here.

First, James is very much his father’s son: combative, unafraid of controversy, independent and upset that so many changes are surfacing in America. Second, James has a wry sense of humor and exaggerates in a way not easily appreciated.

Third, he realizes that he needs to do something dramatic to break away from the pack. Although this ad isn’t in my style, it indicates James’ thinking and may be tongue-incheek. It earns a grade of 94%.

For the 2010 campaign, James made an ad in which he wanted to get

COMMISSION >> FROM B9

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER This past week the Opelika Kiwanis Club speaker was Neeley Caldwell of Christian Women's Job Corps of Lee County. She discussed how through Christ and mentorship they help ladies become ready for the job market. It was a great program. Learn more at www.cwjclc.com.

The speaker on the March 24 will be former Opelika High School Head Coach Spence McCracken.

tightens and voters begin seriously weighing the options. She did not talk about vaccines or mandatory masking. Perhaps that is a sound idea as at least two candidates are talking a lot about Ivey’s performance on the Covid-19 front.

Linda Blanchard went from living in a Wetumpka trailer to serving as Ambassador to Slovenia in the Trump administration. She has been successful in real estate and other businesses and promises to create jobs, assure election security, improve Alabama schools and end vaccine mandates. Her slogan is “driven by faith, trusted

by President Trump.”

Blanchard is running for governor as an “outsider,” she has never run for public office. But she donated $2.6 million to the Republicans over four years. I consider the large money she provides to the GOP to be “wholesale” politics, whereas she is entering “retail” politics by campaigning in person, etc. For this 30-second ad, the grade is 95%. The ad hits the main issues and suggests

an attempt to go meet with whoever is making the noise. Once they meet with them, they would then make a determination if a violation occurred.”

Then a deputy can choose to issue a warning or a citation if a violation occurred, Wallace said.

“Nine times out of 10, just a warning to these people would end the problem and we wouldn’t have it again,” he said.

However, if a citation is issued, the defendant will appear before the commission to pay the citation

within 14 days or file for an appeal.

“Personnel at the commission's office would then set them up with the next appropriate date to be heard in front of you all and then y’all would hear the case,” Wallace said.

The deputy would also appear before the commission.

MERIT RAISES: The commission approved a budget adjustment for merit raises for county employees.

Originally, when the budget was approved in September, merit raises were 1% for a one-step, 2% for a two-step and 3%

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voters to ask themselves why there were drivers’ tests in 12 languages.

When he said “This is America, we speak English; if you want to live here, learn it.” it went viral and was widely seen as racist. It’s hard to argue otherwise.

But again, James made an ad to show “the businessman in me” who wants to save money by only having drivers’ tests in English. Now, he hears that some people (even a few health professionals) have a list of 50 genders.

Although these ads may catch on with the politically incorrect, let’s slow down. We can discuss whether someone should speak English as a practical issue and can talk about transgenderism, et al. in a way that doesn’t denigrate them.

Greg Markley first moved to Lee County in 1996. He has Masters’ in education and history.

He taught politics as an adjunct in Georgia and Alabama. An award-winning writer in the Army and civilian life, he has contributed to the Observer for 12 years. gm.markley@charter.net for a three-step. Probate Judge Bill English asked the commission to approve a 3% raise for a two-step and 5% for a three-step.

“I think we need to do it to keep our employees,” said District 1 Commissioner Doug Cannon.

Cannon said that with inflation, this is necessary.

“We’ve got some great employees and we need to do what we can to keep them,” said District 5 Commissioner Richard LaGrand.

Each appointment authority is in charge of the employees in their department; i.e. English over the probate office, EMA Director Rita Smith over EMA, County Engineer Justin Hardee over the Highway Department, etc.

OTHER BUSINESS: - The commission heard from Hardee for his annual evaluation.

- The commission approved a special events license application for Trinity Hospitality Group.

- The commission approved a letter of support for Lee County EMA Director Rita Smith to apply for vice president of the AAEM. The next meeting will be held on Monday, March, 29 at 5 p.m.

B12 March 17, 2022

OPELIKA

>>

FROM B9 a multi-family residential apartment complex to be built on the property without requiring retail spaces on the ground floor of the development.

Twenty-six individuals took the floor and spoke either for or against the rezoning, and the proposed apartment complex, The Taylor.

Fifteen people spoke against the project.

"I am absolutely against any eminent domain and if anybody's property should need to be taken to be used to widen the road [10th Street], it should be the developers if this was to pass and y'all let it go through," said one resident, Clay Williford.

Former councilmember Tiffany Gibson spoke about gentrification.

"Now if you look at the prices that are already outlined for that particular development, I don't know many people that live in Ward 1 who is going to be able to afford that rent," Gibson said. "I do encourage you council members to look into that as you start to make this decision ... There needs to be some type of plan in place to address gentrification. In Ward 1 we have a minority council member, you bring that big development, then we're at risk at losing a minority seat.

That may not be a concern for some people but it is for people who look like me."

Another resident, Kim Golden used her time to address trust and transparency issues.

"I think a lot of us have

concerns when we read that the developers are going on record saying that they have a 50-year vision for Opelika," she said. "I think many of us have never heard the name of these developers until this came up and a lot of us would like to be a part of that 50-year vision and seeing what that looks like."

Eleven spoke for it.

Bill Montgomery was the first person to speak out in support of the project simply stating, "If these folks don't like what is happening down there, my suggestion is they should pool their money, buy the property from the current owners and they can do whatever they want to do."

Downtown business owner, Robert Johnson, also spoke for the project.

"I think one of the greatest things about having housing in the downtown area is that it actually provides us with citizens who will actually be in that area to help funnel support and shop in the downtown area," he said.

Executive Director of Opelika Main Street Ken Ward spoke about the need to increase foot traffic in downtown Opelika in order for it to thrive.

"The proposed Taylor complex has the ability to positively affect downtown for many years to come," he said. "In partnership with many different organizations and groups, Main Street has participated in numerous studies and reports in how to continue downtown's success and growth. Most, if not all of them, have pointed to one thing in common — the need for more housing in and around the downtown area.

"Countless studies across the nation in many different communities have shown that residents that live in or within walking distance to downtown spend higher amounts in downtown shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. Many of those types of businesses, especially in Opelika, are locally owned and operated.

"When downtown thrives, all of Opelika thrives."

Emily Baas, who lives in the historic district and works in downtown Opelika also spoke for the project and rezoning.

"I love Opelika with all my heart; it is my home."

Baas said. "I walk downtown many times a week.

What do I see when I walk in downtown on a Monday or a Tuesday? I see empty streets. I would like to see them full every day. I would like Opelika as a thriving downtown city.

"I believe the only way to change this is to create more residential properties within walking distance ...

People want to work and live in their area. It is very important."

Others, including Nelson Marsh, whose family owns the land at the proposed site, also spoke during the meeting. Nelson mainly shared about his family's love for Opelika.

"When you say 'the developers' and 'the land owners' ... what you're saying is 'The Marshes,' and you're saying me, and my mom and my dad, and we have loved this city well for my entire life and for the last 30 years of their life. We are not going anywhere, we are staying right where we are and we are going to continue

stewarding the structures that we have been entrusted with and doing everything we can to save every single historic structure in downtown Opelika ... Nothing is coming down for this."

The second reading and vote on this ordinance are scheduled for April 5.

Also during the meeting, Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller and the city council awarded meritorious service awards to Detective Jacob Taylor, K9 Bane and Officer Giovanni Santiesteban.

IN OTHER BUSINESS - Following a public hearing the council voted to authorize a 112 million dollar project agreement between the city of Opelika, Opelika Industrial Development Authority and Niagara Bottling, Inc. [See the announcement on page B10.]

- The council also voted to approve a resolution to approve certain tax abatements and exemptions for Niagara Bottling, LLC and Bo Knows Bottling!

Properties, LLC. - The council approved a request for a lounge retail liquor class I and on-premise beer license for Billiards Asset Management Inc dba Auburn Billiards and Brew.

- The council approved a request for a restaurant retail liquor and on-premise beer license for Demaj Inc dba Maffias Italian Restaurant.

- The council approved a request for a restaurant retail liquor and on-premise beer license for Mariscos Playa Azul LLC dba Mariscos Playa Azul.

- The council approved an updated request by the Opelika Chamber for Food Truck Friday Nights in downtown Opelika.

- The council approved

a request by Envision Opelika for the Annual Unity Stampede 5K/Walk on April 9.

- The council approved a bid for the OPD Scanning Project.

- The council approved a bid for a door access key system for the IT department.

- The council approved a bid for the archery range at Spring Villa.

- The council approved a bid for a roundabout at Sportsplex Parkway and West Point Parkway.

- The council approved the purchase of (624) Toter 96 GAL EVR II Universal/ Nestable Carts for Environmental Services.

- The council approved the purchase of Desktop/ Endpoint, Server Security and Firewall Protection.

- The council approved the purchase of VMware Maintenance and Support for Server Cluster.

- The council approved the purchase of network equipment and cameras for the new OES building.

- The council approved a resolution to accept a professional services agreement with Sain Associates, Inc. for the construction inspection of the Sportsplex Parkway Roundabout.

- The council approved an agreement for the realignment of N. 28th Street.

- The council approved change order No. 1 for the North Uniroyal Bridge Project.

- The council approved change order No. 3 to the Geneva Street Improvements Project with Robinson Paving Co. - Following the public hearing, the council approved the vacation of an

JOIN US FOR

e thJUNK

unnamed 16-foot alley between S. 10th Street and the railroad right-of-way.

- The council approved a special appropriation to Envision Opelika in the amount of $5,000 for the purchase of stage curtains for the performing arts stage.

- The council approved a special appropriation to Southern Union State Community College Foundation.

- The council approved a special appropriation to Envision Opelika for the Annual Unity Stampede Walk/Run. - The council introduced an ordinance pertaining to the Leasing of the property located at 200 S. 6th St. to the Opelika Chamber of Commerce for 1st reading.

- Following a public hearing, the council introduced an ordinance to amend the zoning ordinance, Section 7.3 - District Regulations & Use Categories, and Section 7.7 Downtown Residential Living for its 1st reading.

- The council voted to reappoint Auzzie Comer to the Property Maintenance Board of Appeals for a new term ending March 16, 2025.

- The council voted to reappoint David Hudmon to the Property Maintenance Board of Appeals for a new term ending March 16, 2025.

- The council voted to reappoint Michael Carter to the Property Maintenance Board of Appeals for a new term ending March 16, 2025.

- The council voted to reappoint Kevin Royal to the Board of Education for a new term ending April 1, 2027.

A community clean up and

fun day COVINGTON CENTER

MARCH 19, 2022

TRASH PICK-UP • FREE THROW COMPETITION • SLAM DUNK EXHIBITION

COURT FORGIVENESS PROGRAM

9 a.m.

9- 11 a.m.

11 a.m.

11- 12:30 p.m.

12:30 p.m.

Pick up your supplies at Covington Litter/Trash pick-up Return to Covington with trash and unused supplies Free Throw Slam Dunk Exhibition in gym John Thomas, Professional Basketball Player overseas for 17 years/Slam Ball National Champion

3 Ways to Register: • • •

Online at www.opelika-al.gov Fill out form on back of flier and return to lkrehling@opelika-al.gov Show up day of event

SEE WEBSITE FOR RULES. www.opelika-al.gov

Hotdog, Chips & Drink provided for those who pick up trash.

Prizes include an autographed basketball from AU Coach Bruce Pearl and various gift cards.

February 1 - March 31 MONDAY - FRIDAY • 8 A.M. - 7 P.M. 300 MLK Boulevard • Opelika • Do you have unpaid parking tickets?

• Do you have an outstanding FTA warrant?

• Are you on probation?

• Do you have a Time to Pay (TTP) case?

If so, you are eligible for the first ever Court Forgiveness Program. Only cases that have already been adjudicated by the court are eligible for forgiveness. This program does not include new drug, alcohol, firearm or domestic violence cases.

To participate: • Bring a photo ID • Payments: Cash, Visa or Mastercard • Payment plans available if approved by court.

• Community service or Ready To Work program in lieu of fines/costs if approved.

For more info, visit www.opelika-al.gov or call Opelika Municipal Court at 334-705-5196.

Litter continues to be a huge issue in Opelika. It’s sad to look around our city and see trash along the roadways, in parking lots and in our creeks. Litter is harmful to human health, safety, welfare and the environment.

It can impact water quality and can be a fire hazard and attract rodents. It also has a negative effect on economic development. Our Don’t Be An Ope-Loser campaign and Slam Dunk The Junk event are efforts to raise awareness about litter. Soon, you will begin seeing brightly painted trash cans throughout the city with educational, fun messages about anti-littering. As a part of the campaign, we are asking that if you see trash on the ground, pick it up. It is a point of civic pride to keep Opelika clean and beautiful. Be part of the solution, not the problem. LITTERING IS A FLAGRANT FOUL! Don’t be an Ope-Loser.

B13 March 17, 2022

Legislature Nixes “New Blues” Request To Pause Gas Tax THIS OP-ED IS CONTRIBUTED

BY TERRY SCHRIMSCHER

that already has too much stimulus from the federal level,” Smith said.

Alabama’s inflation is substantially high-

Pictured left to right are the Democratic candidates who debated at the Local Alabama Eagle Forum. (L-R) Arthur Kennedy, Chad Martin, Patricia Jemison, Malika Fortier, Yolanda Flowers and Doug “New Blue” Smith. fiscal stimulus.

“Gov. Ivey’s triple gas tax is like sloshing lighter fuel on a local raging inflation fire

er than the national average of 7.9%, while the Bureau of Labor Statistics places Alabama’s inflation

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at 8.5%. But proprietary research shows Georgia’s inflation at 13%, so Alabama’s is probably not far behind in real-time. BLS is PHOTO BY TERRY SCHRIMSCHER

Thursday night, all of the candidates for Alabama governor except current Gov. Kay Ivey met in the beautiful Library Theater for the first full debate, face to face, of this campaign season. It was sponsored

by Local Alabama — Eagle Forum and carried statewide by 1819’s digital news TV network.

In response to questions from the audience following the Forum, Doug “New Blue” Smith, a developmental economist, said he had questioned Ivey’s insistence on three gas tax increases during a period when the Fed was increasing its balance sheet from less than four trillion to near nine trillion dollars.

That has produced an

increase in all dollars in circulation by over 27%. At the same time as the Fed’s monetary stimulus, Congress was pouring $7 trillion in

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slow to report inflation at the state level.

William Thornton of AL.com also reports that the increases in

Alabama gas prices, as a result, are the fastest growing in the nation.

Smith did not have to wait long for an answer to his request to pause the three gas taxes already imposed and to place in abeyance on the multiple increases passed by Ivey’s legislation that will start soon in the future and will be especially cruel since the increases to come are tied to inflation.

“These new gas tax increases to come will create a crushing snowball effect as inflation turns to hyper-inflation, sending gas prices through the roof,” Smiths said. “Gov. Ivey should find some other way to pay off the special interests that financed her campaign.”

Smith has refused to accept special interest contributions to his campaign and instead

has campaigned against corruption in both the Republican and Democratic Parties.

“New Blue” did not have to wait long for his plea on Thursday for a pause to the three increases to Alabama gas taxes. This weekend, the leadership of the Legislature said they had considered the matter Friday and announced they had no plans to put the matter on the legislative agenda. The only issue remaining is whether an opinion from Attorney General Steve Marshall finds that the governor could pause the gas taxes by her Executive Order.

For more information, contact Smith at 334-467-1486 or by email, sdoug.smith@ gmail.com or at 2949 Old Farm Road Montgomery, Alabama 36111-1216.

PUBLIC NOTICES IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION PETITION OF SEAN PATRICK MCNAIR AND ASHLEY LYNN MCNAIR IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO.: 2022-25 PUBLICATION NOTICE TO: Any potential fathers, address unknown Please take notice that a petition for adoption was filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama

by Sean Patrick McNair and Ashley Lynn McNair on January 24, 2022, for the adoption of M.G.M., born on January 19, 2022, in Columbus, Georgia to Shannon Paige McNair.

A hearing has been set for the 2nd day of May 2022 at 10 o'clock a.m. Central time in the Probate Court, Lee County Courthouse, 215 South 9th Street, Opelika, AL 36801. 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 Clerk of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, as soon as possible but no later than thirty (30) days from the last day this notice is published or appear on the date of the hearing as set above to contest said Petition.

Dated on this the 24th day of January 2022.

HON. BILL ENGLISH JUDGE OF PROBATE, LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA LEGAL RUN 2/24/2022, 3/3/2022, 3/10/2022 & 3/17/2022 ------------IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM RAYMOND BARBER, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY ALABAMA CASE NO. Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 25th day of February, 2022, 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.

BETTY DUN Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP Post Office Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 334-745-3504 Legal Run 03/10/22, 03/17/22 & 3/24/22

------------Opelika Utilities is requesting bids for vehicles.

Please Contact Andrew Alsobrook for bid requirements or questions.

Opelika Utilities PO Box 1029 Opelika, AL 36803 (334) 705-5500 LEGAL RUN 3/10/22 & 3/17/22 ------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MARJORIE HORNE, Deceased CASE NO. 2022-091 TAKE NOTICE THAT Letters Testamentary having been granted to Roxyeann Chambers, as Executrix of the Estate of Marjorie Horne, deceased on the 25th day of February, 2022, by the Honorable Bill English, Probate Judge.

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

Roxyeann Chambers Estate of Marjorie Horne By: Mark H. Carlton Attorney for the Estate 9 LaFayette Street North LaFayette, AL 36862 Legal Run 3/10/22, 3/17/22 & 3/24/22 ------------NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF ROGER D. BELL, DECEASED PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY CASE NO. 2022-083 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of the Estate of ROGER D. BELL are hereby granted to Jean Bell Martin on the 23rd day of February, 2022, 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.

Jean Bell Martin Legal Run 3/10/22, 3/17/22 & 3/24/22 ------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY ALABAMA IN RE: THE MATTER OF ROSA MAE PARKER CASE NO. 2022-062 NOTICE OF HEARING TO: ANY UNKOWN Heirs

of Rosa Mae Parker Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Letters of Administration for the Estate of Rosa Mae Parker was filed on February 11, 2022. A hearing has been set for the 4th day of April 2022 at 1 I :00 a.m. central time, electronically via "ZOOM". Please contact the Lee County Probate Court at 334-737-3670 for access to the electronic hearing should you intend to take part in the hearing of the Petition for Letters of Administration for the Estate of Rosa Mae Parker.

BILL ENGLISH, Judge of Probate, Lee County, Alabama Legal Run 3/10/22, 3/17/22 & 3/24/22 ------------IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF: REX THUNDA SCOTT, deceased CASE NO.: 2022-104 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION of said deceased having been granted to JONATHAN R. SCOTT on the 3rd day of March, 2022 by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama.

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

JONATHAN R. SCOTT Legal Run 3/10/22, 3/17/22 & 3/24/22 ------------IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The estate of Elizabeth McConnell, Deceased.

Case No. 2022-058 TAKE NOTICE that Letters Administration having been granted to Melissa McConnell as Administratrix of the Estate of Elizabeth McConnell, deceased, on the 7th day of March, 2022.

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.

Administratrix of the Estate of Elizabeth McConnell, Deceased Legal Run 03/10/22, 03/17/22 & 03/24/22 -------------

B14 March 17, 2022

Georgia ’ s Best Week of Food + Wine!

M A R C H 2 4 - 2 7, 2 0 2 2 J I M R . M I LLE R PAR K, M AR I ET TA , G EO RG IA

Tickets to the Saturday main event, Savor - include a souvenir glass for over 400 varieties of wine, beer, and spirits tastings, $10 in culinary credits, and a showcase of over 50+ restaurants and artisans from all over the South.

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The Georgia Food + Wine Festival celebrates the best of Georgia and the South, from its culinary superstars and beverage experts to its farmers, live musicians and more! There are events for every palate and budget!

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MICHAEL SULLIVAN Chef/Master Butcher

MICHAEL MCNEILL Master Sommelier

ERIC CRANE Advanced Sommelier

BRYAN FURMAN Pitmaster/Chef

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B15 March 17, 2022

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B16 March 17, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICES >> FROM B13 IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA; IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: MICHAEL E. LITTLEJOHN, Deceased Case No.: 2022- 056 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Lawana Littlejohn Cowart, Personal Representative on the 8th day of March, 2022, by Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Lawana Littlejohn Cowart Legal Run 3/10/22, 3/17/22 & 3/24/22 ------------STATE OF ALABAMA LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT CASE NO. 2022-115 ESTATE OF TRACIE OLIVE MOORE, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF

ADMINISTRATOR Letters of Administration of the Estate of Tracie Olive Moore, deceased having been granted to Franklin Olive this 11th day of March 2022, 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.

Franklin Olive, Personal Representative Jeffery A. Hilyer 334-745-2564 Attorney at Law P.O. Box 30 Opelika, AL 36803-0030 Legal Run 3/17/22, 3/24/22 & 3/31/22 ------------STATE OF ALABAMA CASE NO. 2022-107 LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT ESTATE OF HAROLD THAD ROGERS, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Letters Testamentary of said Harold Thad Rogers, deceased, having been granted to Amy Jeanette Rogers this 11th day of March 2022, 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.

Amy Jeanette Rogers, Personal Representative LEGAL RUN 3/17/22, 3/24/22 & 3/31/22 ------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE:THE ESTATE OF JOHN B. JENKINS, DECEASED. Case No. 2022-137 TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Jason Jenkins, as Executor of the Estate of John B. Jenkins, deceased, on the 15th day of March, 2022, 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.

Jason Jenkins, Executor Of the Estate of John B. Jenkins, Deceased Marrell J. McNeal, Attorney at Law, PC PO Box 308 Opelika, AL 36803 334-745-7033 Run 3/17, 3/24 & 3/31

OPELIKA CITIZENS POLICE ACADEMY

LEARN HOW YOU CAN HELP MAINTAIN A SAFE COMMUNITY The Opelika Police Department invites Opelika citizens to join them for an eight-week hands on learning course.

Each week will cover various aspects of police work within the City of Opelika.

EVERY THURSDAY MARCH 31 TO MAY 19 6-8 P.M.

FREE 8 WEEK PROGRAM TOPICS COVERED • PATROL DIVISION • DETECTIVES • TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT • K9 UNIT • SWAT TEAM • APEX

APPLICATION DEADLINE IS MARCH 21

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT OPELIKAPD.ORG

Hanwha Solutions, the “green energy” division of Hanwha, has acquired Cimarron Composites of Huntsville and as a result, is building a new manufacturing facility in Opelika, Alabama.

Hanwha Cimarron designs, manufactures and tests composite pressure vessels for a variety of aerospace and industrial uses — including rockets (for NASA and SpaceX). Here in Opelika we’ll build all types of fuel tanks for hydrogen powered cars/ trucks, in-ground storage tanks for hydrogen re-fueling stations and other uses.

We’re hiring now for all three shifts! These are direct hire positions with starting hourly rates of up to $23.00 per hour depending on experience, and include a full range of company benefits that begin on your first day of work! We're looking for talented, self-motivated individuals to join our production team in the following positions: Composite Technician – $18.00 - $23.00 per hour starting pay, DOE Logistics Operator (Forklift) – $18.00 - $23.00 per hour starting pay, DOE Quality Technician - $18.00 - $23.00 per hour starting pay, DOE

BENEFITS: • BC/BS health/dental insurance • Vision coverage • Company paid life insurance • Company matching 401k • Tuition Reimbursement • Health FSA

APPLY TODAY! Send resume to jobs@hanwhacimarron.com

THIS WEEK’S PUZZLE ANSWERS: