The Observer 06-02-2022 E-edition

Thursday June 2, 2022

Vol. 14, No. 34

Opelika, Alabama

Covering Lee County, Alabama

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

Remembering the Sacrifice

Hovey Defeats Whatley by One Vote PHOTO BY HANNAH LESTER /THE OBSERVER

PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

The Power of ONE

LEE COUNTY — Hovey and his wife, Anna, react to the news that Hovey beat Incumbant Tom Whatley for the Alabama Senate District 27 seat by just one vote. Turn to B9 for more information on the provisional ballot count.

OPELIKA — The city of Opelika held its Memorial Day Ceremony at Courthouse Square in Opelika on Monday. The Opelika Fire Department presented a wreath in honor of those military members that died in service.

Keep Opelika Beautiful Names New Director CONTRIBUTED BY KEEP OPELIKA BEAUTIFUL

OPELIKA — The Keep Opelika Beautiful Board of Directors recently announced that Blythe will begin serving as executive director of the organization beginning June 1. Blythe served on the KOB board for five years and has been active in all programs and activities of the organization.

“I have enjoyed volunteering with Keep Opelika Beautiful, and I look forward to continue my

service as director of the organization,” Blythe said.

“KOB enhances the lives of Opelika residents by organizing litter cleanups, recognizing beautification winners and encouraging people to recycle. I’m excited to continue working with our youth people to educate them on the importance of a beautiful environment.”

Keep Opelika Beautiful was started in 1997 as a committee of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce.

Over the past 25 years, the organization has had two directors, Shirley Flora

and Tipi Miller. Keep Opelika Beautiful hosts events such as Garden in the Park, Shred Day, Citywide Cleanup and Adopt-A-Mile.

"Tipi Miller has done an excellent job with Keep Opelika Beautiful and was difficult to replace," said Board President Bruce Heath. "The KOB board is happy to have Priscilla at the helm of the organization. Priscilla has worked diligently as a volunteer, and she is the perfect fit for director. I look forward to continuing to work with her."

7 e Jun . m . p at 7

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s d a o r s os r

“… You know, we’ve joked this whole week, after the fact, that every vote counts and obviously it comes down to one vote and it’s never been more true.”

Tipi Miller to Lead United Way of Lee County CONTRIBUTED BY LEE COUNTY UNITED WAY

LEE COUNTY — Tipi Miller, an Opelika native and seasoned nonprofit administrator for more than two decades, will begin serving as executive director of United Way of Lee County on June 1, the board of directors announced.

“The thing that I am most excited about is telling the story of United Way,” Miller said.

“When a crisis such as COVID, tornadoes or hurricane hit our community, United Way is

on the front line.

“But United Way is also part of everyday life for many people.

When students need a backpack and supplies to be their very best in school, United Way steps in. When a family needs help with the power bill or a new mom needs support,

United Way is the resource. I look forward to meeting people and sharing all the ways United Way has made our community a better place.”

For the past 13-anda-half years, Miller has served as the executive See MILLER, page A3

CONTENTS

OPINION ..................... A4 ENTERTAINMENT ........... A7 OBITUARIES ............... A11 RELIGION ................... A12 COMICS ....................... A13 SPORTS ........................ B1 POLITICS ...................... B9 CLASSIFIEDS ................ B12 PUBLIC NOTICES ........... B12 PUZZLES ..................... B13

A2 June 2, 2022

Laura Downey Chosen to Lead Alabama Extension Human Sciences Program CONTRIBUTED BY EMERY TSCHETTER AUBURN –– Laura Downey has been named assistant director of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and associate dean in the Auburn University College of Human Sciences. Her appointment begins in July.

“Dr. Downey brings a very broad skillset in human sciences to us through her academic training, field-based experience and awareness of challenging issues we face in Alabama,” said Mike Phillips, director of Alabama Extension. “She has a can-do attitude with a strong desire to help people by improving their daily life.”

Downey will serve as a liaison between the College of Human Sciences and Alabama Extension.

She will work to coordinate programs that reach from the Auburn campus to residents across the state, region and nation. Downey will serve as a mentor and work collaboratively with Extension specialists in human sciences programming.

She will also directly

supervise human sciences regional Extension agents.

“She will do an admirable job in the College of Human Sciences by serving to integrate research-based information into user-friendly educational outreach delivery,” Phillips said. “Her main role will be to work with faculty in the college to extend knowledge to the field by utilizing our network of regional agents and county coordinators as educational deliverers.”

Susan Hubbard, professor and dean of the Auburn University College of Human Sciences, agrees with Phillips.

“Laura is an accomplished administrator and scholar in human sciences Extension who brings a wealth of experience working with state, regional and federal agencies,” Hubbard said.

A GOOD FIT FOR ALABAMA Hubbard said Downey will be a good fit for Alabama.

“Her understanding of the critical issues facing the residents of Alabama will provide a framework for working

with Extension faculty and staff to advance the development and delivery of timely applied research and programmatic information to meet the opportunities and challenges facing our communities,” Hubbard said.

Phillips said Downey has the education and experience to address some of the most pressing problems in Alabama.

“Dr. Downey has the vision to represent Alabama Extension and improve the daily lives of Alabamians in human sciences,” Phillips said. “Today, Alabama ranks very high in the incidence of stroke and heart attack risk as well as obesity. In order to see improvements in these areas, it means we must educate the public on ways to make daily decisions in improving nutrition, work/ life balance, physical activity and other areas of life.”

Building Strategic Relationships Downey said human sciences in Alabama Extension has a long history. She said Alabama families continue to benefit from the high-quality programs

that Extension delivers.

“These programs address issues that matter to families and communities, such as human nutrition, diet, health, family and child development, financial resource management and workforce development,” Downey said.

“What excites me most about this position is building strategic relationships within Extension and beyond in response to the most pressing issues facing Alabama’s communities and opportunities to address those needs.

I am eager to collaborate with county and campus-based Extension professionals and partners who serve our communities so well.”

THE ROAD TO BACK TO ALABAMA Downey is a native of Mobile, Alabama, and no stranger to Auburn University. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology and a Master of Science in rural sociology, both from Auburn University. She earned a Doctor of Public Health from the University of Kentucky.

Downey said her time as a student at

Auburn University introduced her to opportunities to enhance the well-being of citizens in rural areas and influenced her decision to pursue research on rural public health.

“Extension and public health both use diverse strategies to reach clientele,” she said. “I have worked throughout my career to reach audiences in innovative ways, particularly rural residents, with programs to improve their health and quality of life.”

As an Extension human sciences professor at Mississippi State University, Downey has served in the Extension program development and evaluation capacity and guided the Extension Office of Nutrition Education’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education program (SNAP-Ed).

She served as a member of the National Program Team for Extension Collaboration on Immunization Teaching and Education (EXCITE) Initiative. Her career also includes leading the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences ac-

creditation process for the School of Human Sciences at Mississippi State University. She has also led numerous federally-funded grants.

MORE INFORMATION Alabama Extension is the primary outreach organization for the land grant mission of Alabama A&M and Auburn Universities.

Its educational programs grow from these two land grant university campuses to serve the people of Alabama.

Science-based educational programs are delivered that enable people to improve their quality of life and economic well-being.

The Auburn University College of Human Sciences includes three departments.

- Consumer and Design Sciences - Nutrition, Dietetics and Hospitality Management - Human Development and Family Science The college also has an Office of Global Education. These academic units offer seven undergraduate degrees, four minors, five master’s degree programs and three doctoral programs.

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A3 June 2, 2022

Glynn Smith Chevrolet Buick GMC Celebrating 30 Years, Thousands Of “Smiles” CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA — 30 years ago, on June 1, 1992, Glynn Smith Chevrolet opened.

Thinking about that time, Roger McCreless, who has been with Glynn Smith since the beginning, described it this way, “We might have been a little nervous. This was a big step.”

Glynn Smith Chevrolet Buick GMC has been an important part of Opelika’s growth for years, providing a supply of dependable vehicles, dependable service and maintaining the ability to flex with market changes.

“Now, 30 great years later, a lot of growth and changes in the auto industry, some changes in ownership, a lot of physical growth at the dealership-including the opening soon of a newly remodeled service area with the ability to service electric vehicles, the opportunity to sell electric vehicles, an addition of a five man drag racing team which is already racking up wins across the country and more big plans for the future, there is a feeling of excited confidence as the 30-year milestone is celebrated,” said Owner Glynn Smith.

The dealership has received numerous General Motors Mark of Excellence Honors as well as Standard of Excellence Awards which involve maintaining a certain level of sales, training and customer satisfaction. Cus-

tomers have also said they appreciate how they’re treated at Glynn Smith Chevrolet Buick GMC. “Opelika attracts entrepreneurs with a keen business sense, and Glynn Smith Chevrolet Buick GMC is certainly among those,” said Ali Rauch, president and CEO of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce. “Currently, there are no other car dealerships in Opelika who have been in business for three decades. It is a treasured milestone.”

The dealership was honored again this year — as in multiple past years in a row — by being awarded the Opelika-Auburn News Readers Choice Award for New Trucks and New Cars.

“Glynn Smith and his team have been our Champions the past 30 years … always willing to pay their civic rent in support of everything that is good for our community,” said Opelika Mayor Gary

Fuller.

Glynn Smith cares.

Glynn Smith Chevrolet Buick GMC contributions have helped thousands of people in Lee County and across the state, including civic clubs, schools, literacy groups, youth sports, law enforcement, hospitals, churches, individuals in need and more.

The Glynn Smith Pledge commits to customers: 1) There is never any pressure to buy. 2) The process is always transparent. 3) A friendly staff is concerned about you. 4) You are guaranteed a great deal.

Get ready to smile when you come to Glynn Smith Chevrolet Buick GMC. INDUSTRY CHANGES Dealership General Manager Jared Hudson describes some of the changes in the industry.

“The way people buy cars has changed a lot over the years. The role of the local dealership in the shopping process has also changed. Years ago

car shopping might have begun with a stop at your local car dealer to get a brochure on the latest Chevy car or truck to take home and dream about as you turned the pages.

Then six months or a year later, you made your way out to do some real shopping. At the dealership, you’d ‘walk the lot’ with the sales consultant, looking at the real cars and trucks and checking out all the beautiful colors and features.

“Now, that routine has changed and includes internet research. There’s tons of info available online. You can get photos, videos, reviews, payment calculators, etc. More than 90% of today’s customers use the internet to help them determine what they want. Since COVID-19 hit and the supply chain issues control inventory, the way people buy has changed a lot. Customers can still do the online research. Then, customers are asked to call

the dealership and come in to get together and talk about the inventory. Our dealership has very helpful computer software that tells exactly where the vehicles are in the delivery process and when each one will be on-site in Opelika.

Customers are told exactly when a certain vehicle will arrive, so they can come and review it for purchase.

“When the call is made to the dealership and the customer comes in and talks numbers with a sales staff member, both sides are together, and when the new vehicle arrives, it is a simple process to finish the transaction or wait for a preferred vehicle.”

Glynn Smith Chevrolet Buick GMC currently has 200 plus vehicles on property, Smith said, with more coming.

“Because of changes in the industry, available inventory can no longer be judged by what is visible on the lot,” Smith said.

“This dealership has been very fortunate, even with COVID 19 and the supply chain issues, our business has been very good, just different. Not only is our business different in how we actually interact with our customers, but who our customer base is and what we can provide our customers. With the introduction of internet shopping, we regularly sell to customers not only in Alabama and neighboring Georgia but across the U.S. E-V MODELS AND SERVICES AVAILABLE

Glynn Smith Chevrolet Buick GMC offers Chevrolet, Buick and GMC electric vehicles.

“We can handle the vehicles built for the next generation- electric vehicles,” said General Manager Hudson. “Soon, we’ll be opening our brand new 7000 sq. ft.

GM service building with a team of experts to service and maintain electric vehicles now and in the future.”

Glynn Smith Chevrolet Buick GMC has available for purchase: the ALL-ELECTRIC 2022 BOLT EV with an EPA estimated 259 miles electric range on a full charge and includes apple car play or android auto, which starts at $32,000.

Other models coming soon include the NEW 2024 CHEVROLET EQUINOX EV set to launch in the Spring of 2023, the ALL- ELECTRIC 2024 CHEVROLET SILVERADO EV — the first ever all-electric 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV. It is a boundary-breaking truck that is redefining what it means to go all-electric.

The GMC HUMMER EV — The world’s first all-electric super truck EV (will be offered in a pickup and SUV). With 1,000 horsepower and 11,500 lb. ft. of torque, it has the power and the technology to conquer both on and off-road with extraordinary confidence.

See GLYNN SMITH, page A5

Point Broadband Pickleball Facility Grand Opening CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF OPELIKA OPELIKA — Opelika Parks and Recreation is hosting a Grand Opening for the Point Broadband Pickleball Facility on Saturday, June 4 at 9:30 a.m. Following the ceremony, the courts will be available for open play.

The Point Broadband Pickleball Facility is located adjacent to the original pickleball facility and houses 12 additional tour-

MILLER >>

FROM A1

director of Keep Opelika Beautiful. Prior to that, Miller served as membership director and business development director of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce from 2005 to 2008.

“Tipi is uniquely qualified to be the next executive director of United Way of Lee County,” said Board President Rod Cater. “Her past work experiences, deep connections within our community and familiarity with United Way and our partner agencies make her an excellent fit for this role.”

nament regulation courts.

Each court is individually fenced and resides under a large canopy covering.

The facility features LED lighting that is available for 24-7 use.

The addition of the Point Broadband Pickleball Facility brings the total number of courts to 24. The addition of these courts will provide space for additional recreational play, clinics, workshops and team-building activities. They will also allow the city of Opelika to host

tournaments with 800 to 1,000 players, up from the current 300 – player capacity. Bringing in larger tournaments has the potential to double the economic impact pickleball is already generating for the city of Opelika.

The Opelika Pickleball Facility already has several larger tournaments scheduled for later this year.  USA Pickleball Atlantic South Regional, June 21 through 26, 750 estimated players Estimated economic

impact - $525,000.  Alabama Senior Pickleball Olympics, Aug. 26 through 28, 200 estimated players Estimated economic impact - $100,000.  APP Pro Tour, Oct. 6 through 9, 750 estimated players Estimated economic impact - $525,000.

For more information contact Laura Leigh Chesser, Opelika Parks and Recreation lchesser@ opelika-al.gov (334) 7055567.

After graduating from Auburn University in 2001 in business logistics, Miller began her career at United Way of Central Alabama in Birmingham, working for four years as the transportation manager and nearly two as membership director.

“For four years, I administered a federal grant providing free transportation for welfare recipients going to work,” she said. “I also worked closely with allocations and agency relations.

This experience enlightened me to the influence and impact United Way has on a community.”

In addition to her nonprofit leadership roles, Miller has also volunteered on several boards,

including the Opelika City Schools Board of Education.

“For the past 16 years, I've had a framed United Way poster in my office that reminds me of my desire to make my community a better place,” she said. “My work with the Opelika Chamber of Commerce and Keep Opelika Beautiful have allowed me to make connections that will assist me in working with United Way of Lee County.”

In her new role, Miller said she hopes to educate Lee County residents about how often their lives intersect with United Way and how their gifts touch so many neighbors through partner agencies.

“I want to connect the

dots for people,” she said. “United Way of Lee County fulfills a variety of needs, and the impact is a ripple effect throughout the community.”

Miller, who lives in Opelika with her husband and their three children, succeeds Becky Benton, who will be stepping away after leading United Way of Lee County for 25 years.

“Becky Benton has done a tremendous job of making United Way a lead organization in Lee County,” Miller said. “I look forward to carrying on the great work she has done. I am excited for the opportunity and look forward to serving the residents and agencies of Lee County.”

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A4 June 2, 2022

Homecoming

N

SEAN DIETRICH

ineteen kids came romping up the golden staircase, taking two steps at a time, sprinting toward the motherof-pearl gates. It’s a wonder they didn’t knock Saint Peter over onto his Blessed Assurance.

The children all smelled like little-kid sweat and stinky feet.

Their loud footsteps could be heard echoing from as far away as the Andromeda Galaxy.

The children were accompanied by two teachers.

“Slow down!” yelled Ms. Garcia, 48, who headed up the rear of the class.

Ms. Garcia taught at Robb Elementary

School for 23 years.

She died using her body to shield her students from gunfire.

She was found with students still cradled in her arms. Two days after the attacks, her grief-stricken husband passed from a massive heart attack.

“No pushing!” hollered Ms. Mireles, 44, who was close beside Ms. Garcia.

“I’m not gonna tell you twice!”

Ms. Mireles taught fourth grade. She was trained in special education. She taught for 17 years. Her children idolized her.

She was the woman responsible for integrating students with developmental

disabilities into regular classrooms at Robb.

She, too, leapt in front of gunfire for her students.

The children’s voices were loud.

They brought so much energy into this celestial place that crowds of seraphim began to gather at the gates until their feathers ruffled.

“The kids from Uvalde, Texas, are here,” the angels were murmuring among themselves.

Everyone up here has been expecting these tiny celebrities, of course. These kids have been on everybody’s minds. The Boss himself is a huge fan of these kids. They say he has been waiting at the gate for their triumphant arrival since about 3,000,000 B.C. And here they came.

The doors opened.

Their little faces burst through the hallway of life into life everlasting. And all eternity cheered. It was an immortal roar so loud it shook planets from their orbits and knocked the rings off

Saturn.

Among the new arrivals was Jose Flores, 10. Jose is a baseball lover. He had just received an honor-roll certificate a few hours before the shooting.

There was Uziyah Garcia, 9. Uziyah is crazy about football.

He can catch any pass you throw at him.

Amerie Jo Garza, she turned 10 a few weeks ago. She is a jokester and loves art. She, too, was on the honor roll.

Xavier Lopez, 10, known for his sense of humor. He loves dancing. Before the shooting, he was looking forward to school letting out for summer so he could go swimming.

Annabell Rodriguez, 10, and Jackie Cazares, 10. They’re cousins.

They’re the ones holding hands.

Rojelio Torres, 10.

He’s a whip-smart little boy. His face could light up entire continents.

Eliahana Torres, 10.

A softball phenom. She was looking forward to playing in the final

softball game of her season on Monday.

Jailah Silguero, 10.

She loves making videos for her friends.

The night before the shooting, she said she didn’t want to go to school the next day.

Jayce Luevanos, 10.

Before he died, every morning he would wake up and make his grandparents a pot of coffee. The family dog was obsessed with him.

Ellie Garcia, 9. Her favorite colors are pink and purple. She enjoys cooking and makes a mean chalupa.

Nevaeh Bravo, 10.

Her name is “heaven” spelled backward. This place was made for her.

Lexie Rubio, 10, loves sports. She received a good-citizen award shortly before the shooting. She wanted to become a lawyer someday.

Makenna Elrod, 10. Blonde. Loves gymnastics, dancing, and singing. Wild about animals.

Alithia Ramierz, 10, enjoys art, and is very good at painting. A ray of sunlight in a dark world.

Layla Salazar, 10.

Each morning when her father drove her to school in his pickup, he played “Sweet Child O’ Mine” on the radio.

Layla knew all the words.

Tess Mata, 10, was saving up a container of her dollar bills for the family’s upcoming trip to Disney World.

When the Boss saw them he called their names. Each one of them. His voice was so loud that time was halted and mountains crumbled. The kids ran straight for him.

He squatted low and threw his arms open. Nineteen 9-and10-year-olds piled straight into him and plowed him over.

They crawled all over him. His laughter was thunder. His tears were hurricanes. His joy burned brighter than the sun itself. His sorrow was the Arctic Ocean.

“Welcome home,” he said, and his words split the foundations of heaven and earth in two.

This world just won’t be the same without them.

A New Perspective

BY ALLIE FOX

M

OPINION — emorial Day is normally recognizable by the beach trips, cookouts and lazy lake days celebrated as we welcome summertime.

But today I had the honor of attending the Mayor’s Memorial Day Breakfast at the Auburn University Hotel and Conference Center in downtown Auburn, followed by the memorial at the Veterans monument on Ross.

While the event at the hotel was a beautiful event and the staff at the hotel and the mayor’s office did a terrific job with this event, the highlight was three gentlemen I met while waiting for others to arrive at the monument. I had the honor of talking with them about their lives and their service. And

today, I would like to tell you about them.

As I walked up, these two older gentlemen in uniform come up to me to shake my hand and introduce themselves.

Damon and Ron Wallace asked me to take some photos of them in uniform with their rifles and to talk for a few minutes.

Damon asked me if I knew what the pin on his hat was for, I reluctantly told him that I did not because my family didn’t have a heavy military background. He said “That’s alright, I’m gonna tell you if you don’t mind.”

Then he tells me of his brothers, gestures to Ron and his brother, and then about his son. His son was a fallen soldier that had recently been laid to rest in Town Creek Cemetery. After I took the photos I thanked him for sharing his

story with me. Ron asked if he could have some photos as well,

he was here from Tennessee to be a part of our ceremony. I

TEXTILE MILLS ASBESTOS CLAIMS

handed them my card and quite honestly expected that to be the end of it.

Moments later Ron is waving me over again, asking me if he can talk to me for a moment in the shade. I obliged, and he proceeded to ask me the story behind each of my visible tattoos, and told me he will remember this forever. He told me of his time working for Delta at the Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, how many beautiful and interesting tattoos he had gotten to see and the wonderful stories he had heard while working there.

He then tells me he wants me to know that I am loved by at least one person and that one person was him.

In a world full of hate and anger, it can get easy to judge others based off of appearance or

the crowd they are associated with, but how wrong we can be. I didn’t leave my house this morning expecting to have any meaningful interaction with the attendees of this event, but I was wrong.

What that man said to me will be with me forever. He cared enough to tell me I mattered even though it could’ve been very poorly received. As we remember those who have fallen for their service, take a moment today to be kind to a stranger. You don’t know what others have weighing on them and simple kindness can change the course of their entire day. This kind man spoke to me with passion and empathy and I will never forget it. Thank you to all who have served in our military.

And to Ron Wallace, I will never forget you either.

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A5 June 2, 2022

The Loachapoka Boys

BY JAKE GONZALEZ FOR THE OBSERVER AUBURN — A deep rust colored truck that is falling apart at the joints creeps into the parking lot that sits just outside a dark green pond with a red barn on the hill above. The truck screeches to a halt and a couple of boys jump out of the doors and start unloading sweet yellow corn for the farmers market.

Auburn University holds The Market at Ag Heritage Park, a growers-only farmers market, during the summer on Thursdays

from 3 to 6 p.m. For Mark Foshee, research assistant IV for the Plant Science Research Center at Auburn Univeristy and current operator of the market, it has always meant just a little more.

“We were looking for something to do other than just sling burgers,” Foshee said. “If it wasn’t for [The Market at Ag Heritage Park], I would still be trying to sell sweet corn in that Winn Dixie parking lot.”

Mark and his brother, Luke, started selling sweet corn at the market to pay for their tuition at Auburn in the

summer of his freshman year. Mark has been operating the market since 2019 and has been trying to provide the same things he was when he was a vendor.

“Honestly, I feel like its a once in a lifetime deal,” Mark said as he spit into a bottle. “When I was a approached with running it three years ago, it was a resounding ‘Absolutely.’”

Mark remembers not knowing what to do at all when he and his brother first started selling sweet corn.

Their original plan was to go set up in the Winn Dixie parking

Raising Awareness

FROM A1 PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

Kiwanis Welcomes Auburn's Graba PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA — Auburn University Gymnastics coach Jeff Graba spoke to the Kiwanis Club of Opelika last week. Check the club's Facebook page to keep up to date with future speakers and events.

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emphasize the impact that lady had on them and helping “a couple of imbeciles” get started.

He said he wants to be able to help every vendor the way that he was helped. If that means they need water or chairs just signal him and he is there with whatever you need.

“We counted our money after the first market we went to,” Foshee said. “We were like ‘Oh my gosh! We made a couple hundred dollars.’ Which now doesn’t sound like much but to a couple of imbeciles who had know idea what they

GLYNN SMITH >>

OPELIKA — Sister's of Promise Chapter #442 Order of the Eastern Star celebrated Autism Awareness Month with a walk around Opelika's Courthouse Square.

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lot and just sell it out of the back of their truck. When he heard about the Market at Ag Heritage park he called up and was able to get a spot.

The Foshee brothers recalled not having a table or a sign, just a bed full of sweet corn in their rust colored truck.

“I can’t remember the lady that ran it,” Mark said. “She found us a table and made us a little sign that just said ‘Sweet Corn from The Loachapoka Boys.’ I hope our vendors feel welcome. Especially, our new ones.”

The Foshee brothers

GLYNN SMITH HISTORY Smith grew up in Douglas, Georgia, where he worked in his father’s service station from age 13 to 20 (most times until 9 p.m. at night). There he gained a general knowledge about cars and hard work.

He graduated from Coffee High School and South Georgia College. In 1975, he moved to the Auburn-Opelika area.

After finding a place to live, Smith used the $7000 he had left in savings to purchase a couple of inexpensive cars, which he then reconditioned himself and sold for a good profit. Since that worked well, he bought more cars,

reconditioned them and sold them.

On April 1, 1976, Smith got a business license to operate a wholesale car business. For the next 6+ years, he sold 15 to 30 cars a month which he reconditioned himself at his home. In 1983, he acquired his first place of business, not a car lot but a location to recondition and wholesale the cars. In 1985, he built a car lot for wholesaling and retailing used cars. At that time, still mostly a one-man show, he was selling 80 to 100 units per month, mostly wholesale.

A lot of the tradeins were being purchased from the local Chevrolet dealer who kept trying to sell the dealership to Smith. In June of 1992, Smith

were doing, it was a lot.”

That is Mark’s goal while running the market. Make it as easy as possible for vendors to get started and to sell their products. Whether that is juicy, bright red tomatoes, goat cheese or jams and jellies.

“To this day, I’m hoping,” Foshee said.

“Some little kid is gonna call and say, ‘Hey. I don’t have a sign or table. I don’t even know if my truck can get it there, but if I get it there can I sell it?’

I would go get my truck and help them haul it here to sell it.”

bought the Chevrolet dealership and renamed it Glynn Smith Chevrolet. Prior to the purchase, the dealership had been Kilpatrick Chevrolet, which was originally Tatum Chevrolet.

Because of the success and customer satisfaction scores from Chevrolet, Smith was awarded the Buick/GMC franchise in Opelika in February 2010. As has been its history, Glynn Smith Chevrolet Buick GMC has continued to grow.

CELEBRATE NOW On June 1, 2022, from 10 a.m. til noon, Glynn Smith Chevrolet Buick GMC celebrated 30 years of serving East Alabama and West Georgia sales and GM Certified service and parts.

The community was invited to be there for the ribbon cutting, chat with Glynn Smith and his experienced staff, enjoyed refreshments and got a peek at the future of this long-term business located at 600 Columbus Parkway in Opelika, exit 62 off of I-85.

A6 June 2, 2022

Honoring The Ones That Gave All PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA — The city of Opelika held its annual Memorial Day event at the Courthouse Square this week to honor fallen soldiers and remember some of Opelika’s finest.

PHOTOS BY ALLIE FOX FOR THE OBSERVER

AUBURN — The city of Auburn held its Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday. A wreath was laid at the veteran's momumnet in Auburn.

E vents, Food, & SocietyNews

UPCOMING EVENTS: 06/04: TOUCH A TRUCK FROM 9 A.M. TO NOON IN DOWNTOWN OPELIKA 06/04: OPELIKA ART HAUS ART MARKET FROM 10 A.M. TO 4 P.M. AT 500 N RAILROAD AVE. 06/04: BURGER WARS AT 11 A.M. IN DOWNTOWN OPELIKA 06/04: COVINGTON CHILDREN’S CARNIVAL FROM 11 A.M. TO 2 P.M. AT 213 CARVER AVE.

Winners Announced In 47th Annual Heritage Cooking Contest PHOTO BY ANN CIPPERLY / FOR THE OBSERVER

Ann Cipperly

Southern

Hospitality

O

n a recent sunny afternoon at the Mount Olive Primitive Baptist Church on Society Hill Road, participants in the 47th annual Heritage Cooking Contest were busy adding last minute touches to their dishes for judging. This year, recipes for meat sliders were featured in the competition, sponsored by the Lee County Women's Leadership Committee, a division of Alabama Farmers Federation. A different category is selected every year for the contest, which spotlights

Alabama commodities and agricultural products.

Winners were Jackie Henderson, first place; Mary Richburg, second place; Carole Clements, third place; and Jamie Lazenby, honorable mention.

Jackie will compete in the state contest this fall with her winning Roast Beef Sliders.

These are quick and easy, delicious sliders with deli roast beef and provolone cheese spread with a horseradish sauce on dinner rolls or Hawaiian sweet rolls.

Then, a savory topping

with Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar and poppy seeds in a butter sauce is poured over the top before baking.

For the contest, Jackie tested the recipe on family and staff at church and city hall.

They all gave it a thumbs up.

A member of the Women’s Leadership Committee for 16 years, Jackie has a love of cooking for her three children, four grandchildren and greatgrandson. She was the lunchroom manager at Beulah School for 37

Sundilla Concert Series and Radio Hour to Present Friction Farm CONTRIBUTED BY SUNDILLA ACOUSTIC CONCERT SERIES AUBURN— Modern-folk duo Friction Farm will make their Sundilla debut on Friday, June 3. The show will begin at 7:30 p.m. at Pebble Hill. If weather permits, it will be an outdoor show.

Advance tickets are $15 and can be found at Spicer’s Music, Ross House Coffee and online at sundillamusic.com. Admission at the door will be $20. Free coffee, tea, water and snacks will be available, and

if the concert is outdoors, The Chill Spot will be on site selling hot dogs, tacos and frozen treats. Attendees are always welcome to bring their own favorite food or beverage.

Friction Farm is a husband-and-wife team of traveling troubadours. Aidan Quinn and Christine Stay combine storytelling, social commentary and humor to create songs of everyday life, local heroes and quirky observations.

Their lyrically rich, harmony-driven songs earned them spots

as Kerrville New Folk Finalists, Falcon Ridge Emerging Artists and South Florida Folk Festival Songwriter winners.

Friction Farm’s latest album, “Evidence of Hope,” reached No. 10 on the Folk Radio Chart.

Friction Farm said they feel at home on the road and on stage.

Audiences lean into their stories, laugh at their humor, are inspired to do a little good in the world and sing along once in a while. That's easy to See CONCERT, page A9

OPELIKA — Winners in the 47th annual Heritage Cooking Contest featuring meat sliders are, from left, Jamie Lazenby, honorable mention; Carole Clements, third place; Mary Richburg, second place; and Jackie Henderson, first place. Jackie will compete in the state contest in the fall. years.

Mary Richburg, who is chairman of the Women’s group, prepared cranberryturkey sliders for the second place winning entry. She created this recipe using leftover foods from Thanksgiving to make snacks for watching the Auburn-Alabama

football games. Keep this recipe handy for anytime you have leftovers, especially during the holidays.

A tasty spread with cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, minced ginger, orange zest and horseradish is spread on dinner or Hawaiian rolls, then topped with sliced

turkey and a mixture of cranberry sauce, orange marmalade and green onions for a delectable slider.

Mary and her husband, Mahlon, have a hay production and registered Angus and SimAngus cattle operation. Mary enjoys canning and freezing See CIPPERLY, page A10

Sweetland Amphitheatre to Hold Skybox Giveaways for Grace Potter and Old Crow Medicine Show CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF LAGRANGE LAGRANGE – Sweetland Amphitheatre announced it will be hosting two exclusive skybox giveaways for upcoming concerts

by Grace Potter and Old Crow Medicine Show.

Those who purchase four to eight tickets to the Grace Potter concert on June 2 and/ or Old Crow Medicine Show concert on June 10 will automatically be entered to win an upgrade to sit in the venue’s exclusive

skybox area. This upgrade includes access to the VIP suite with a dedicated bar, VIP bathrooms, complimentary hors d'oeuvres

by Chef Tara Ogletree, a parking pass and a view of the show from a premium skybox.

If you purchase a pack of four tickets, you will be entered once. If you purchase a pack of six tickets, you will be entered twice and if you purchase a pack of eight tickets, you will be entered three times to win.

If you have already purchased four to

eight tickets to either show, you will automatically be entered.

The winner for the Grace Potter show will be announced May 31.

The winner for Old Crow Medicine Show will be announced the following week.

For more information on Grace Potter, Old Crow Medicine Show or any other 2022 concert, go to sweetlandamp.com. Sign up for the email list, Sweetland’s E-Club, on sweetlandamp.com to hear the latest news and specials, including See AMPHITHEATRE, page A9

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A8 June 2, 2022

Making the Grade: All I Do is BBQ PHOTOS BY MIKE WALLACE

STACEY PATTON WALLACE

T

AUBURN — wo weeks ago, Barbara Patton, my sweet Mama, went to be with the Lord.

Overwhelming grief and insomnia have been very difficult. However, I rejoice that Mama is with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, is together again with Daddy and will NEVER experience pain anymore. Also, God has brought me comfort and peace through His Word, prayers and sweet, loving people. Please pray for Mike, my family and me.

Thank you so much.

In two past columns, I thanked the techs, nurses and doctors at East Alabama Medical Center for taking such wonderful care of Mama. Also, I would like to thank EAMC’s terrific social workers, Brittany and Lynn for being so helpful and compassionate.

Last, I want to thank the amazing staff at Bethany House Hospice (Compassus) in Auburn for taking such loving care of Mama. Phoebe, Dr. Abrams, Q., Tracey, Dawn, Judy, Jennifer, Frances, Susan and others

whom I didn’t get to meet, you are certainly in the right profession.

You loved on Mama, did as she asked and made her last two days on Earth comfortable and pain-free; I will always love and appreciate you for that. May God bless these wonderful health care providers. Bethany House Hospice is such a blessing to our community.

Mama, I will miss you every day of my life, as I do Daddy. However, I know that one day, the Lord will call me home, and I will be with you and Daddy forever. It is an honor and a privilege to be your daughter. As our dear friend Dottie Meacham says, “I love you to the moon and back.”

Like my parents, I am from the great state of Alabama; therefore, I am a big fan of Southern cooking. It is my very favorite type of cuisine, obviously. A while back in The Observer, I read

about a new place to enjoy the food of my people … All I Do is BBQ at 1625 East University #116 in Auburn.

Boy, was I glad that Mike and I went there a few weeks ago. We met

helps Sharon, who cooks the amazing food. They were wonderful and really made us feel welcome.

Mike ordered the chopped pork sandwich.

Remember, Mike rarely eats dinner (lunch).

one of the owners, Kimverly Rogers (Her husband Kenzie is co-owner) and Sharon V. Dowdell, Kimverly’s Mama.

Kimverly waits on customers up front and also

Again, I don’t understand him, but I love him anyway.

I ordered a REAL Southern dinner (lunch): pork ribs, collard greens, mac ‘n cheese and corn-

bread. Also, I was really excited that All I Do is BBQ serves my favorite beverage in the world: Diet Dr. Pepper. They get extra points for that.

Oh, my two times.

Everything was DELICIOUS. My mouthwatering ribs were lean and tender. Also, Mike loved his chopped pork sandwich. In addition, I spoke to some of Lee County’s heroes while we

were there. Members of the Lee County Sheriff’s Department arrived before we did, and I asked them how they liked their meals. All of them said everything was great.

Sergeant Shelia Threat said, “It was amazing … soothing, comforting and elevating.” There you go.

Run and do not walk to All I Do is BBQ. Besides our delectable dishes, the restaurant offers diners: beef ribs, grilled and baked chicken and fish along with various side dishes. Since I was having blood work done soon for diabetes, I didn’t order dessert, but I was really tempted.

All I Do is BBQ serves red velvet, key lime and caramel cakes and sweet potato pie. I hope to jump on one of them next time.

All I Do is BBQ is closed on Sunday. The restaurant is open on Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

All I Do is BBQ 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. Wallace may be reached at retiredlangarts2020@gmail.com

Comedian Ron White to Perform at Sweetland Amphitheatre Oct. 9

CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF LAGRANGE

LAGRANGE – Sweetland Amphitheatre has added another act to its 2022 lineup: Comedian Ron White.

Comedian Ron “Tater Salad” White is a classic storyteller, relaying tales from his real life ranging from growing up in a small town in Texas, to sharing stories of his daily life, to becoming one of the most successful comedians in America. White rose to fame as the cigar-smoking, scotch-drinking funnyman from the Blue Collar Comedy Tour phenomenon, but since 2004, he has established himself as a star in his own right. Over

the past nine years, he has been one of the top three grossing stand-up comedians on tour in America.

During this time, all four of his comedy albums have charted at No. 1 on

the Billboard Comedy Charts. He is a three-time Grammy-nominated comedian and has sold over 10 million albums solo and as part of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour.

For more information on White, as well as the other 2022 shows, go to sweetlandamp.com.

Sign up for Sweetland’s E-Club, the venue’s email list, on sweetlandamp.com to hear the latest news and specials, including presale codes, before anyone else.

This service is free of charge.

Sweetland Amphitheatre's 2022 concert year would not be possible without the support from its sponsors. This year’s presenting sponsor, once again, is Kia. Other sponsors include Coca-Cola, 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, Air Force Heating & Air, Eley Digital, Courtyard by Marriott, Beacon Brewery Co., Southern Cart, Wingate by Wyndham and Callaway Foundation.

Sweetland Amphitheatre will announce additional shows for 2022 in the weeks ahead. For more details on upcoming shows, please visit www.sweetlandamp.com and join the E-club.

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.

To keep up with the latest news involving the city of LaGrange, go to www. lagrangega.org or follow on Facebook at facebook. com/lagrangegagov, Twitter at @lagrangegagov and Instagram instagram.com/cityoflagrangega.

A9 June 2, 2022

WELR to Host ARRL Field Day CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER RANDOLPH COUNTY — Everyone is invited, even if they do not possess a FCC-issued amateur radio license.

THE EVENT:

FROM A7

presale codes, before anyone else. This service is free of charge.

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

bama, on Highway 431 2 1/2 miles north of Walmart Hosted by the Randolph County Emergency Radio Club ABOUT THE EVENT: ARRL Field Day is the most popular on-

LaGrange, Troup County, Air Force Heating & Air, Eley Digital, Courtyard

by Marriott, Beacon Brewery Co., Southern Cart, Wingate by Wyndham and Callaway Foundation.

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-

AUBURN — Grace Potter, left, will perform June 2, and Old Crow Medicine Show will perform June 10. events within walking latest news involving seat amphitheatre com/lagrangegagov, distance of restaurants, the City of LaGrange, provides an intimate, Twitter at @lagrangego to www.lagrangeopen-air concert setting shops, hotels and atgagov and Instagram ga.org or follow on for star-studded perfor- tractions. at instagram.com/cityomances and community To keep up with the Facebook at facebook. flagrangega.

the-air operating event in amateur radio.

Be prepared for emergencies!

You can learn how to communicate even when cell phones and the internet don't work.

MORE ABOUT THE RAN-

DOLPH COUNTY EMERGENCY RADIO CLUB: The Randolph County Emergency Radio Club is a community service.

We provide emergency communications at no charge to surrounding local communities

as part of our amateur radio hobby.

All Amateur Radio Operators are required to pass an exam and are licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

AMPHITHEATRE>>

ARRL Field Day 2022 June 25 through 26 (All day Saturday until Sunday morning) The event is being held at: WELR Radio Station in Roanoke, Ala-

THE MARKET AT AG HERITAGE PARK Every Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m. at AG Heritage Park located at 620-A S. Donahue Dr. in Auburn

O GROWS FARMERS MARKET Every Tuesday from 3 to 6 p.m. outside the Southside Center for the Arts located at 1103 Glenn St. in Opelika.

Special Olympic Sendoff Friday CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF AUBURN LEE COUNTY — Local law enforcement agencies support Lee County Special Olympics through fundraising, coaching and the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run. This year, they will also support the

organization with a National Athlete Send-Off on Friday, June 3, just before 3 p.m.

Five Lee County Special Olympics athletes will attend the National Games in Orlando, Florida, this year on June 4 through 10, including Justin M., Gabby G.,

Brooke O., Tyler S. and Denise A. The athletes will compete in powerlifting, bowling and track.

Join us as we wish them good luck with a grand send-off. The send-off will be held on the front steps of the Auburn Police Department at 141 N. Ross St. in Auburn.

not touring, he does some woodworking and she bakes. They have a big garden and a small orchard at the sustainable home they designed and built in South Carolina. That they bother to garden though away from home half the year tells you all you really need to know about these two. Once upon a time they had the sort of careers their parents could brag about. Quinn has a degree in geology and managed to put people first in his corporate career. Stay was once a materials engineer but much

prefers studying the molecular bonds of words and music.

The two also read a lot. Friction Farm released an album of songs inspired by books and, although they don’t plan another, they continue to use books as a source of inspiration. In order to help promote a love of reading and promote literacy among children under age 10, Friction Farm has also written and recorded a collection of songs inspired by children’s books.

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

SUMMER SWING - EVERY TUESDAY NIGHT Opelika's Summer Swing is back!

JUNE 7 - CROSSROADS Concerts are held at Municipal Park at 7 p.m.

Hamburgers and hotdogs provided by Opelika Band Boosters and lemonade provided by SouthState Bank will be available from 6:15 to 7:30.

Camp Hill Marketplace Come out and buy your fresh produce, honey, jams and hand-crafted items at the Camp Hill Marketplace, a state-certified farmers market Every Thursday, 8 to 11 a.m., June 2 through Oct. 20, rain or shine, at Mount Lovely Baptist Church at 21900 Senator Claude Pepper Dr., Camp Hill, (AL Hwy 50). Potential vendors contact Sharon at 256-749-5100 to apply to join.

CONCERT>>

FROM A7

do, with songs that have been described as “infectiously hummable tunes” with “intricate harmonies which are reminiscent of 1960s classics with a modern twist.” Perhaps Rich Warren of The Midnight Special puts it best: "Their well-written songs cover a wide gamut, and their delivery is spot-on. They should be much better known.”

Quinn is from Berkeley, California, while Stay hails from Woodstock, New York. When

Worship with us on Sunday!

8:30 AM

Traditional Service

9:30 AM

Sunday School Gathering

10:30 AM

Contemporary Service

10:30 AM

Chapel Service tumcopelika.org

(334) 745-2632

800 2nd Ave Opelika, Alabama 36801

A10 June 2, 2022

CIPPERLY >>

FROM A7

vegetables in the summer months.

The Richburgs both taught in Auburn City Schools for 40 years. Mahlon taught agriscience at Auburn Junior High and Auburn High School, while Mary was an elementary school teacher and guidance counselor.

They have two children, George and Katie.

Carole Clements received third place for her Corned Beef/Swiss Cheese Sliders. These go together quickly by layering sliced Hawaiian rolls with thousand island dressing, very thin slices of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and sweet pickles for a flavorful

CIPPERLY RECIPES >> ROAST BEEF SLIDERS

Jackie Henderson First Place 12 slider buns (like dinner rolls or Hawaiian sweet rolls) ½ cup mayonnaise 2 Tbsp. prepared horseradish 1 lb. thinly sliced deli-style roast beef 6 slices sharp provolone cheese 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted ½ Tbsp. packed light brown sugar 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard 2 tsp. finely minced sweet onion 1 Tbsp. Worcester shire sauce ½ tsp. coarse salt 1 Tbsp. poppy seeds Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9 by13-inch baking dish.

Split the buns down the middle, keeping them intact if they came stuck together, and place them into the baking dish.

In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and horseradish. Spread evenly on the bottom side of each bun, and then top with the roast beef, cheese and top portions of the buns.

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together. Once the brown sugar has dissolved into the butter, remove the pan from heat and then whisk in the mustard, onion, Worcestershire and salt.

Spoon the butter mixture over the sandwiches and then sprinkle them with the poppy seeds.

Loosely cover the sliders with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake until the top buns are golden brown, and the cheese has melted, about 8-10 more minutes. Serve warm.

CRANBERRY-TURKEY SLIDERS

Mary Richburg Second Place 8 oz. cream cheese, softened ½ cup mayonnaise ¼ cup Dijon or spicy mustard 2 Tbsp. minced fresh gingerroot 1 Tbsp. grated orange zest 1½ tsp. prepared horseradish, optional 1 cup whole-berry cranberry sauce

slider.

Carole has enjoyed cooking for her family over the years. Her husband Bill was a veterinarian, and they kept horses at their War Eagle Farm. When their daughters, Cheryl and Cynthia, were growing up, they rode show horses and received many awards.

After the girls were grown, Carole and Bill began racing thoroughbred horses.

Their horses raced in Texas, Chicago, Baltimore, New York, Florida and at Churchill Downs in Louisville, but not in the Kentucky Derby.

Carole worked at Auburn University in the animal science department for 36 years.

Since retiring, she has

¼ cup orange marmalade 4 green onions, sliced 2 packages (12 oz. each) Hawaiian slider rolls, sweet rolls, or 24 dinner rolls, split 1½ lb. thinly sliced cooked turkey 12-14 Romaine lettuce leaves Beat cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth. Beat in mustard, ginger, orange zest and horseradish, if included.

In another bowl, mix cranberry sauce, orange marmalade, and green onions.

Spread cream cheese mixture onto roll bottoms and tops. Top with turkey, cranberry mixture, lettuce and roll tops.

CORNED BEEF / SWISS CHEESE SLIDERS

Carole Clements Third Place ½ lb. very thinly sliced corned beef ¼ lb. thin sliced baby Swiss cheese 18 Hawaiian slider rolls 12 oz. jar sauerkraut, drained 12 oz. jar thousand island dressing Sweet pickles, optional Slice rolls into halves.

Spread both sides with dressing. Layer corned beef, Swiss cheese and optional ingredients.

Close rolls.

Place rolls on baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 2-4 minutes to warm.

Serve and enjoy!

CHICKEN SLIDERS

Jamie Lazenby Honorable Mention 1 lb. cooked chicken, chopped 8 oz. pkg. pepper jack cheese 1 box Hawaiian Sweet Rolls Stuff chicken and cheese in rolls.

Sauce: 1 stick butter, melted 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 1 Tbsp. poppy seeds Mix all ingredients together and brush on top of rolls. Bake at 350 for 15 to 20 minutes.

MACARONI AND CHEESE CASSEROLE

Carolyn McConnell Carolyn won the county cookoff with this recipe several years ago.

enjoyed traveling. She has been active in the Lee County Women's Leadership Committee and at Farmville Baptist Church.

Jamie Lazenby has been involved in the Women’s Leadership Committee for many years and has been a first-place winner several times. Her Chicken Sliders received honorable mention as another yummy choice.

Chopped, cooked

chicken and pepper jack cheese is stuffed into Hawaiian Sweet Rolls and then topped with a butter sauce enhanced with Worcestershire sauce and poppy seeds before baking for a tasty slider.

In the sewing and craft completion, Jackie Henderson’s pumpkinthemed wreath was the winner of the Alabama Commodity Wreath Contest. For the Quilted Pillow Covers Contest,

8 oz. pkg. macaroni, cooked and drained 12 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, grated ¼ cup mushrooms, optional ¼ cup chopped onion ¼ cup chopped bell pepper ¼ cup chopped pimento 3 Tbsp. melted butter 1 can cream of mushroom soup 1 cup mayonnaise Topping: Ritz crackers, crushed Combine all ingredients except topping with cooked macaroni. Pour into casserole this. Top with crushed crackers.

Bake at 325 degrees for 20 minutes.

1 small can creamstyle corn 1 tsp. baking powder ¾ cup sweet milk 1 small onion, chopped ½ cup cooking oil 2 eggs ¾ cup grated cheese 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped Mix all ingredients.

Pour into a well-greased skillet. Bake at 400 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes.

STRAWBERRY CHESS BARS

Mary Richburg Crust: 1 box strawberry cake mix ½ cup unsalted butter, melted 1 egg 1 cup diced strawberries Filling: 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened 2 eggs ½ cup unsalted butter, melted 4 cups powdered sugar 1 tsp. vanilla extract Heat oven to 350.

Lightly spray a 9-inchby-13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

In a large bowl, stir the cake mix, melted butter and egg together to make the crust. Fold in one cup diced strawberries.

Press or pat this mixture evenly into bottom of the prepared pan.

In another large bowl, use a mixer to beat the cream cheese until smooth.

Add eggs and mix well. Add butter and mix well.

Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until combined. Mix in vanilla.

Pour filling over the crust.

Bake 40 to 50 minutes or until the edges are just firm and lightly golden brown but the middle is still jiggly.

Cool completely before slicing into squares.

MEXICAN CORN BREAD

Jackie Henderson 1½ cups corn meal

EASY BAKE CHICKEN

Carolyn McConnell 2 ½ to 3 lb. fryer, cut up, or chicken breasts 1 can cream of mushroom soup 1 envelope onion soup mix Pace chicken pieces in a shallow greased baking pan. Cover chicken with cream of mushroom soup. Sprinkle onion soup mix on top. Cover with foil.

Bake at 400 degrees for 50 minutes to 1 hour.

Can place under broiler to brown, if desired. (Do not place glass dishes under broiler.)

CHICKEN PARMESAN SLIDERS

Mary Richburg 12 pack Hawaiian rolls 12 large chicken nuggets, breaded chicken tenders, or homemade breaded chicken 1 cup marinara or favorite pasta sauce 6 slices mozzarella cheese 3 Tbsp. melted butter 1 tsp. garlic powder 1 tsp. Italian seasoning 2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan Cook chicken according to package directions or cook homemade breaded chicken. Set aside to cool a bit.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease bottom of a 9 × 13 baking dish.

Cut Hawaiian rolls horizontally in half without separating rolls; place bottoms in dish and bake for about 3 minutes –just enough to slightly toast the bread so that it doesn’t get soggy.

Place a cooked chicken piece onto each one of bottom rolls and then top with marinara followed by the mozzarella cheese and top halves of the rolls. Cooked chicken pieces may be trimmed

Jackie made an orange and blue quilted pillow cover using gathered fabric circles, and yo-yo shapes, stitched on a blue background.

Using a Fresh from the Farm theme, Jackie highlighted farm-raised fruits and vegetables on her winning entry in the Commodity-Themed Lap Blanket Sewing Contest.

Ann Whatley serves as secretary for the Lee County group and is on the board as a member at large for the Alabama Farmers Federation State Women’s Leadership Committee.

The Women’s Division was organized to promote agricultural products and commodities, as well as to provide an opportunity for

women to participate in policymaking.

The local Women’s Leadership Group donates to various charities, including Big House, Battered Women Shelter and the Veterans’ Association. It keeps a project going all the time.

All four of the slider recipes are winners to keep on file for quick lunches and suppers during the summer months served with slaw, broccoli salad or potato salad. These are also perfect for tailgating or watching football games at home in the fall.

Along with the winning recipes, members of the group are sharing other favorite recipes to enjoy over the summer months.

to fit, if needed. Large chicken nuggets usually fit each roll and make the sliders more consistent.

Mix melted butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning, and then brush it evenly over top. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan.

Cover dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes.

Uncover, and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes or until buns turn golden brown.

Let the sandwiches cool on the counter for at least 5 minutes before serving. They are steaming hot! Sliders may pull apart easily, but you can also use a sharp spatula or knife to cut them at the separation lines.

Note: The quality of chicken that you choose will make a difference in taste and how the sliders turn out. I prefer chicken tenders or homemade breaded chicken; children often like the large chicken nuggets. Use what works best for you!

green pepper until beef is browned.

Drain away excess grease.

Add undiluted soup, tomatoes, beans, chili powder, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Stir well to combine.

Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Serve topped with cheese Serves 5-6.

PUFFS FOR CHICKEN SALAD

Jackie Henderson 4 eggs 1 cup flour (plain) ¼ tsp. salt 1 stick butter 1 tsp. sugar 1 cup water Bring water and butter to boil. Add flour; stir until it forms a ball.

Add 1 egg at a time.

Add sugar and salt. Mix until smooth. Drop ½ tsp. on lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 30 to 35 minutes. Makes about 60.

Split sides and fill with chicken salad

QUICK CHILI

Mary Richburg 1 ½ lb. ground beef 1 medium onion, chopped ½ large green or red bell pepper, chopped 10.75-oz. can condensed tomato soup 28-ounce can whole tomatoes, undrained and chopped 16-ounce can kidney beans 1 Tbsp. chili powder or to taste 1 tsp. salt ½ tsp. pepper ½ tsp. garlic powder 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook ground beef, onion and

CHEESE CRISPS

Jackie Henderson ½ lb. butter, softened ½ lb. cheddar cheese, grated 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 cups Rice Krispies 1 tsp. salt ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper Mix all ingredients.

Roll into small balls. Flatten with the bottom of a glass. Bake on ungreased cookie sheet at 350 for 10 to 15 minutes.

BUTTERMILK SALAD

Carolyn McConnell 1 large box sugar free (or regular) orange or strawberry Jell-O 1 large can crushed pineapple in its own juices 2 cups buttermilk 13 ½ oz. carton Cool Whip ½ cup chopped nuts Combine the first two ingredients in a saucepan and heat until Jell-O is dissolved. Add buttermilk and mix well.

When mixture is cool, fold in Cool Whip and nuts. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

PARKER HOUSE ROLLS

Jackie Henderson 2 cups water 4 rounded Tbsp. shortening ½ cup sugar 1 tsp. salt 2 pkg. yeast 2 eggs About 4 cups flour Add shortening, sugar and salt to 1 cup hot water. Mix and let cool.

Dissolve yeast in the other cup of water (lukewarm). Combine with other liquid and add in enough flour to be able to handle well.

Place in a covered bowl and let stand in refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

When ready to use, roll out, cut, and brush with melted butter; fold over and let rise for at least 1 hour. Bake in a 400 degree oven for 15 or 20 minutes.

A11 June 2, 2022

Listen Up!

WALTER ALBRITTON

D

RELIGION — ozens of football players are on the practice field exercising. They are talking to each other. Suddenly they hear a loud voice saying, “Listen up!” It’s the coach asking for their attention. The players gather around their coach to listen to his directions. Their success as a team depends on how well they listen to

the coach.

Jesus told parables to crowds of people. There was a life lesson in each parable, but Jesus left it up to the people to discern the lesson. He often concluded by saying, “Let anyone with ears listen!” Afterward, he would explain to his disciples the parable’s lesson. On one occasion he quoted the Prophet Isaiah who explained that though many people have eyes, they do not see, and “though hearing, they do not hear or understand.”

There is a real sense in which Coach Jesus, now the Living Christ, is saying to our broken world, “Listen up! You have ears; use them and listen to me.” That brings me to an important question:

If you are willing to listen, in these days, can you really hear Jesus speaking?

Those who have read the Bible know the Living Christ spoke to his disciples, and to Saint Paul, many times. And the early church grew because the disciples listened and followed his directions. Christian history, of course, is full of stories about people who were listening when Jesus spoke to them about his will for their lives. But does Jesus speak to people today?

Yes, I know He does because He spoke to me this morning. He said, “I know you are weak because of your age, but I’m glad you are not complaining. I am going to give you a new body

before long, so just be patient. I gave you the strength to serve me yesterday, and I am giving you the strength to serve me today. I am taking care of the birds feeding outside your window, and I will take care of you. Don’t give in to worrying. Keep trusting me to give you the power to love herding people into the Kingdom. Don’t be afraid of anything because I am with you.” I was so happy I wanted to dance around the room, but my legs were not up to it.

Sunday, I worshipped with friends who celebrated the work of Coralie McDavid, a woman who is 95 years young. For the past seven years, she had prepared food, literally thousands

of meals, for the poor who enjoy daily a hot meal at Mercy House in west Montgomery.

Jesus gave her a team of “angels” who have, with love, helped her cook a truckload of good food.

In expressing her gratitude for being honored, Coralie explained that when she heard about the need at Mercy House, she began praying, and all she could hear were three words, repeated over and over, “Feed my sheep.” That, of course, was Jesus speaking.

Coralie was listening.

And she began cooking and delivering food.

Those of us hearing her knew we were listening to a woman to whom Jesus had spoken. As surely as He had spoken to Saint Paul, He had

also spoken to Coralie.

Jesus spoke to me when I was 17. He said, “I want you to be one of my preachers.” I said, “Lord, I know how to clean a chicken house. I know how to feed slop to hogs. I know how to milk cows. But I don’t know how to preach. Are you sure you want me to be a preacher?” He replied, “Walter, all you need to do is say yes, and I will take care of the rest. Trust me.” I believed Him, said yes, and now I have been preaching for 72 years, though I am still learning how to preach.

What is Jesus saying to you? Whatever it is, just say yes and trust Him. Believe me, He will take care of the rest.

Listen up now!

Jeff Sevchuk (Sandra), Ryan Dixon and Gracie Mayne. Great grandchildren Ireland, Cheyenne, Jocelyn and Robert.

Although she may no longer be with us, her light and love will always remain to comfort and guide us.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or a favorite local

charity. Casual attire is welcome.

Visitation was held Wednesday, May 25, from 5to 7 p.m., with the funeral service being held on Thursday, May 26, at 11 a.m..

Services were held at Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home in Opelika.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bonnie Sevchuk, please visit our floral store.

OBITUARIES BONNIE SEVCHUK Bonnie was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She left this world surrounded by her family for God’s Kingdom on May 23, 2022 at the age of 81.

She was a Christmas Eve baby, born to L.J. and Gertrude Nichols DeFee in 1940. She grew up on cattle

ranches around the rural areas outside of Montgomery. She had a humble but proud childhood that taught her lessons she carried forward throughout life.

She attended Sidney Lanier High school and Southern Union.

She worked and met her future husband, Robert Sevchuk, in Montgomery. The family quickly grew with the addition

of three children, eventually settling in Opelika for over 50 years. She had several careers culminating with her retirement from Uniroyal/ Michelin.

She was a longtime active parishioner of St. Mary’s church. She always loved gardening and flowers. She enjoyed trips to Florida, sailing on cruise ships and even fishing. She

never slowed down and always had things to accomplish. The simplest things in life had the uncanny ability to bring her the greatest joy.

She is preceded in death by the love of her life, Bob Sevchuk.

She is survived by her son, Robert Sevchuk Jr (Suzanne) and daughters Cynthia Dixon and Sheryl Mayne. Grandchildren

Pepperell Baptist to Host Zoomerang VBS CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA — Pepperell Baptist Church, located at 2702 Second Ave. in Opelika, is excited to host another Vacation Bible School this summer. Circle on your calendars June 6

through 9, 2022, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. You can register at pbcopelika.org for “Zoomerang” where we will be exploring the jaw-dropping beauty of the Great Barrier Reef, the arid temperature of outback afternoons, the architectural marvels of Australia’s modern cities

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

Your Full-Service Funeral Home

and the fascinating eucalyptus forest, home of the koalas.

At “Zoomerang,” children will marvel at God’s World of the unforgettable wildlife, cultures and beauty of Australia while exploring the wonder and value of life. Children will be

welcomed each night with a snack supper, Bible teaching, music, crafts and exciting recreation. Come join us during a week of love, fun and fellowship. If you have any questions you can call Pepperell Baptist Church at 334745-3108.

First Freewill Baptist to Host VBS in June

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA — First Freewill Baptist Church will kick off this year’s Vacation Bible School (VBS) with a celebration that includes a free hotdog and water slides on Saturday, June 11, from noon to 2 p.m.

Attendees should bring bathing suits and towels.

VBS will be held

Monday through Friday, June 13 through 17, from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Supper will be served Monday through Thursday. On Friday, the children will wear their free T-shirts to perform what they have learned and see a puppet show. Cupcakes to follow.

First Freewill Baptist Church is located at 103 19th St., on the corner of First Avenue, in Opelika.

A12 June 2, 2022

The Fellowship of His Sufferings

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

A

RELIGION — s we read through the gospels, we come across a number of things that are said to be involved in following Jesus. Here are a few: • being born again (John 3:3-5), • loving God with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength and your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:34-40), • receiving the kingdom like a child (Mark 10:15), • forgiving others (Matthew 6:12-15).

There are more, but you get the idea.

However, there are

none that are more emphatic or grab our attention quite the way Jesus’ statement in Luke 9:23 does. There He says, “Whoever wants to be My disciples must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”

Part of it is how forcefully it is stated.

There’s nothing elective, optional or negotiable about it — you “must.” There’s also the consistency that’s involved. This is not something we do one time, occasionally or even quite a bit — it’s “daily.”

Then there’s just the sheer depth of Jesus’ call. We are to deny ourselves and take up our cross. There’s no wiggle room there — it means we crucify everything in our life that gets in the way of following Christ. It’s all quite intense.

But there’s something more that needs to be seen. While the text calls for an intense response on our part, there is also

an element of intimacy involved in it that is easy to overlook. After all, Jesus chose to couch our following of Him in the very terms of His mission for God. He called us to what He was called to. The call to take up the cross is an invitation to share in His suffering. And it was through such suffering that Jesus, as a man, learned the obedience that brought glory to God (Hebrews 2:10, 5:8-9). Can we expect to learn it any other way?

Paul didn’t think so.

In Philippians 3:10 he talks about his desire to know Christ and “the power of His resurrection, and fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death” (NASB). There are plenty of people who want the joy or the peace of Jesus, but not as many who want to share in the pain of Jesus — but Paul was one of them.

He recognized the intimacy factor of the cross and suffering and

was all in.

When we think about those people who are our closest, truest friends, they are the ones who will suffer with us, aren’t they?

They wouldn’t think of leaving us alone in such a situation. No matter what happens to us, they will be there and share the burden with us. They are the “friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24), and praise God for friends like that. That’s the kind of friend Jesus is to us and the kind we would like to be to Him, isn’t it?

In John 14-16, we have a record of some of the final things Jesus had to share with His disciples before He went to the cross.

He spoke of His return to the Father, the coming Spirit and the hardships they would face. He told them to love each other and that: Greater love has no one that this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You

are My friends if you do what I command.

I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business.

Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from My Father I have made known to you (John 15:13-15).

The possibility of being considered a friend of Jesus is staggering, isn’t it? (If it isn’t, it should be.).

Nonetheless, there is the Holy One saying this to a group who knew their share of struggles collectively and as individuals. Yet Christ spoke of them as His friends.

In the end, I think that’s how carrying the cross should be viewed by us. It is a privilege our Lord and Friend invites us to.

Let’s know Christ and the fellowship of His suffering.

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

ABOUT BRUCE GREEN 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 In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid.

What can mortal man do to me?

— Psalm 56:4 Place your ad here!

Email: editor@opelika observer.com Call: 334-749-8003 Place your ad here!

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

CHURCH DIRECTORY APOSTOLIC HOLINESS God’s House of Prayers Holiness Church 301 Highland Ave., Opelika 334-749-9672

334-887-8506 Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 3089 Judge Brown Rd., Valley 334-710-2117

334-749-0461 CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ at Cunningham 2660 Cunningham Dr., Opelika

BAPTIST Bethesda Baptist Church 201 S. 4th St., Opelika 334-745-7528

Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church 650 Jeter Ave., Opelika 334-749-9487

10th Street Church Of Christ 500 N. 10th St., Opelika 334-745-5181

Beulah Baptist Church 5500 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-705-0538

Green Chapel Missionary Baptist 390 Lee Road 106, Auburn (334) 749-4184

Cooperative Baptist Fellowship 128 East Glenn Ave., Auburn

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.

High Hope Baptist Church 227 Lee Road 673 334-524-8750

Church Of Christ 2215 Marvyn Pkwy., Opelika 334-742-9721 Southside Church Of Christ 405 Carver Ave., Opelika 334-745-6015

Pepperell Baptist 2702 2nd Ave., Opelika 334-745-3108

COMMUNITY OUTREACH Good Sheperd Anglican Church 3015 Opelika Road, Opelika

Providence Baptist Church 2807 Lee Road 166, Opelika 334-745-4608

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

Union Grove Baptist Church 4009 Lee Road 391, Opelika

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

Fresh Foods...And A Whole Lot More!

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

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

A13 June 2, 2022

COMICS

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

A14 June 2, 2022

S

INSIDE B1 - B8:

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

SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS AUBURN: JUNE 14 AT 6 P.M. LEE COUNTY: JUNE 14 AT 6 P.M. OPELIKA: JUNE 24 AT 4:30 P.M.

OHS Students Selected to Participate in National Program CONTRIBUTED BY OCS

ON THE MARK D. MARK MITCHELL

OHS Graduation Exercises

O

Association held its quarterly Central Board of Control meeting last week.

The CBO is the governing body for the AHSAA. Board members voted to “table” the decision to go from area to region, which was announced at the last central board meeting.

Board members cited multiple reason why the decision was rescinded, such as: They needed to do more research. Many schools were forced to travel further with region schedule versus area schedules which in turn causes teams to travel further on school nights, the high cost of gas prices and allowing the baseball, softball and soccer committees to ask their coaches which they prefer.

In my opinion, the AHSAA Central Board of Control made the right decision because the original move was met with anger and frustration by many administrators and coaches.

The board also approved reclassification for spring sports.

Opelika’s new Area includes Auburn, Central and Smiths Station. This is not a See SPORTS, page B2

DRIVER summer as they conduct research on Polymer Recycling. In addition,

ROGERS they will attend planned Cohort Team Activities such as tours of the

OCS Honors Retiring Educators

OPELIKA — Retirees were honored during a retirement ceremony at Jeter Primary School before Opelika City Schools’ regular board meeting Tuesday, May 24.

PHOTOS BY KENDYL HOLLINGSWORTH THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA — pelika High School held graduation exercises for the class of 2022 last Friday night at Bulldog Stadium.

Dr Farrell Seymore, new OCS superintendent, presided over his last graduation ceremony as OHS principal.

Opelika City Schools made more administration changes this year than in the past 15 to 20 years.

Seymore was hired as new superintendent, Kelli Fischer was promoted from OHS assistant principal to principal, Tiffany Yelder returned to OCS from Pike Road Schools as the new assistant superintendent and Allyson Gregory was promoted to assistant principal at OHS. Jamie Williams was named the first full time AD for the entire system, including OMS and OHS. This is the first time in history OCS has a full time athletic director over OMS and OHS history.

I will give you a run down of other changes within the system in the coming weeks.

AHSAA REVERSES CHANGES IN BASEBALL, SOFTBALL AND SOCCER The Alabama High School Athletic

OPELIKA — Opelika High School rising juniors, Anthony Driver Jr. and Hannah Rogers, have been selected to participate in a National Science Foundation Research Experience and Mentoring (REM) Fellowship 2022 Summer Program with the Auburn University School of Engineering.

Driver and Rogers will be mentored by Auburn faculty and graduate students for six weeks this

Motion Capture Lab and Wind Tunnel and receive Professional Development on topics ranging from safety training to oral and written technical communications as well as applying to college, resumes and elevator speeches.

Being selected has also earned them a cash stipend for their participation in the program and a trip to Washington, D.C., next spring to present their results to REM fellows from across the country.

Congratulations to these two outstanding OHS students.

OPELIKA — The board of education recognized Superintendent Dr. Mark Neighbors and Assistant Superintendent of Administration Kenneth Burton, who are retiring. From left to right: Neighbors, board Chairman J. Kevin Royal, Burton.

LEE COUNTY HELPING FAMILIES INITIATIVE

BY KENDYL HOLLINGSWORTH KENDYLH@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

LEE COUNTY — Students and families across the county will receive extra support year round thanks to a new program that aims to help students stay on the path to a bright future.

The Helping Families Initiative (HFI) began in Mobile County in 2003 and has since branched out to serve residents in 27 counties across Alabama, with the program pending in seven more, according to its website, www.hfialabama.com.

The purpose of HFI is

to identify at-risk youth and provide prevention and intervention services to help them achieve academic success.

“We see HFI as an opportunity to assist our schools, and also as a way to intervene with those children on a path to the juvenile justice system,” said Lee

County District Attorney Jessica Ventiere. “Our goal is to help students avoid the criminal justice system while fostering their overall well-being.”

Ventiere said Lee County began implementing HFI in 2021 with Director LeKeisha See LEE, page B3

Excellence. Innovation. Compassion.

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

www.theorthoclinic.com

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

B2 June 2, 2022

English Conversation Classes Offered at Auburn Public Library

Missing Piece?

How Auburn’s Basketball Roster is Shaping Up for Next Season

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

CONTRIBUTED BY CYNTHIA L. LEDBETTER WITH ENGAGEMENT AND OUTREACH AUBURN PUBLIC LIBRARY

AUBURN— The Auburn Public Library will host a six-week, community English conversation class this summer.

Classes will be offered Mondays at 6 p.m. beginning June 13 through July 25. Classes will not be held on June 20 or July 4.

The class offers participants an opportunity to cultivate international relationships and improve English language skills in a fun and relaxed environment.

Lessons will be designed with the intermediate English learner in mind,

but all are welcome to join.

All lessons are designed and taught by Auburn University graduate students under the supervision of Dr. Jamie Harrison, associate professor of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Education, and Dr. Cynthia Steele.

The course is free and open to the public. Those interested in attending are required to register and may do so online.

Space is limited to 20 in-person participants. A distance option will be available via Zoom.

For more information, contact the Auburn Public Library atlibraryevents@

auburnalabama.org, Harrison at jlhoo69@ auburn.edu or Steele at csteeleedu@gmail.com.

ABOUT AUBURN PUBLIC LIBRARY Happy 75th Anni­ versary, Auburn Public Library! The library was established in 1947 to serve the residents of Auburn, Alabama.

Today, it provides resi­ dents with a collection that reflects the diverse and dynamic interests of our community, with ac­ cess to public technology and information resourc­ es and with programs and activities that con­ tribute to an engaged, literate and informed society. The Auburn Public Library is located at 749 E. Thach Ave.

FunCarts of Opelika

0660 funcart.opelika com

CLIPPERS

OPINION — It’s spring and that means it is time to clean house. Under head coach Bruce Pearl, the Auburn University basketball team has done well with its spring cleaning thus far.

“Out with the old and in with the new” rings truer than ever in today’s age of one-anddone college basketball players; and for Auburn, the “old” consists of the departing Jabari Smith Jr., Walker Kessler and Devan Cambridge, all significant contributors to the 2021-22 team.

Smith is projected to be a consensus top-3 pick, Kessler grades as a round-one selection as well and Cambridge transferred to Arizona State with his brother in search of more playing time.

Pearl is no stranger to replacing big-time talent.

Just last season, after losing five contributing players from the 2020-21 team, Pearl signed Smith (the No. 2 player in his class), and convinced Kessler, K.D. Johnson and Wendell Green Jr. to transfer into the program from other schools.

Pearl has worked his magic again this offseason, with the urgency for refreshing the squad climbing as program expectations continue to rise. Smith’s and Kessler’s production will by no means be easy to replace — the two combined for 28.3 points, 15.5 rebounds and 5.57 blocks per game last season — but the Tigers have made multiple additions this offseason to remedy their absence.

The incoming freshman class for Auburn, which ranks top-20 nationally by multiple outlets, includes: forward Yohan Traore, guard Chance Westry and guard Tre Donaldson.

Following the firing of LSU head coach Will Wade, the 6-foot-10-inch, 225-pound Traore acted

SPORTS >> FROM B1 surprise because OHS played in the same area prior to adding class 7A. DIXIE JUNIOR BOYS (13U) WORLD SERIES COMING TO OPELIKA The 2023 Dixie Junior Boys World Series will be help at Opelika's West Ridge Park in late July.

Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller, ESG TeamOpelika President Michael Hilyer, Parks and Recreation Director Sam Bailey, Parks and Rec Athletic Director Melissa Martin, Joey Motley along heard

in step with the exodus from the program and de-committed from the Bayou Bengals. Pearl and his staff quickly ramped up the recruiting effort and convinced the fivestar Glendale, Arizona, native to come to The Plains. Westry and Donaldson, both four-star guards, figure to enter Pearl’s plan as quality depth and rotational options in year one.

As of now, the scholarship players returning to the Tigers from the 2021-22 season include: Johnson, Green, Jaylin Williams, Chris Moore, Zep Jasper, Allen Flanigan, Babatunde Akingbola and Dylan Cardwell. Throw in Moorhead State transfer forward Johni Broome — 2022 Ohio Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Year — and the three freshman, and Pearl has a war chest of talent.

The Tigers have one remaining scholarship to offer after missing out on another former LSU commit, Julian Phillips, earlier in May. Much like last year, the current roster looks fluid, as Pearl has multiple players at each position he could trust. The Tigers’ most apparent weakness is a carry-over from last season: three-point shooting.

The Tigers shot 31.8% as a team from threepoint range last season, a number that ranked No. 270 out of 350 qualifying teams. That was with Smith’s 42.9% threepoint shooting.

Pearl’s best addition this summer were Traore and Broome, both tall players who offer little when it comes to outside shooting. Westry and Donaldson should be decent shooters in their own right, but the Tigers cannot rely on two freshmen to fix and entire team’s shooting woes.

The Tigers could bank on Flanigan to return to his 2020-21 form, that K.D. Johnson will find more consistency or that Jaylin Williams increases his efficiency with increased volume … but all

three of those options feel like the toss of a coin.

Auburn needs something certain; an experienced transfer; someone who could preferably play multiple position (shooting guard and small forward) and is a lights-out shooter from three-point range.

A couple of names to keep an eye on are Baylor small forward transfer Matthew Mayer. The fifth-year, 6-foot-9-inch “guard” comes with four years of experience, including two deep NCAA Tournament runs and a 36% three-point shooting percentage over the past two seasons with the Bears. The biggest issue with bringing in Mayer, being the established player that he is, could be working him into the rotation without sacrificing the minutes and development of younger role players. A smaller wing option is Malachi Smith, who at 6-foot-4-inches, entered the transfer portal after a senior season at Chattanooga in which he shot 40.7% from threepoint range. Those are just two marquee names floating around, with Auburn’s proven record in the transfer portal, the Tigers should have no issue convincing someone to come the Plains.

So, as it stands, and if last year is anything to go off of, a potential 2022-23 Auburn lineup could look a little something like this: PG – Zep Jasper/Wendell Green Jr.; SG – K.D. Johnson/ Tre Donaldson; SF: Allen Flanigan/Chance Westry/ Chirs Moore; PF – Jaylin Williams/Johni Broome; C – Yohan Traore/Dylan Cardwell.

That 11 men deep already. However, Pearl used an 11-man rotation at time early last season, so he it won’t be overly difficult for him and his staff to work out the minutes. How ever the situation shakes out, Auburn looks reloaded for the 2022-23 season.

The roster could measure up with the best in the nation. And the Tigers might not be done yet.

a proposal from AO Tourism Anthony Terling and myself, to host the WS in 2023.

The group unanimously agreed hosting the Dixie Junior Boys World Series would be a perfect fit for Opelika and West Ridge Park.

The 12-team double-elimination bracket features 11-State winners and host Opelika.

DBB Inc. Commissioner J. Sandy Jones was pleased to have Opelika interested in hosting the ‘23 WS. “The city of Opelika has been involved with Dixie Baseball for over 40 years and it’s an honor to play one

of our World Series in Opelika,” Jones said.

This is the first announcement of the DBB World Series coming to Opelika. Stay tuned for more details and the official press release.

Opelika hosts the 2022 DBB State Tournament on Harrelson Field at West Ridge Park, July 8.

D. Mark Mitchell is the sports director at iHeartMedia, host of “On the Mark” Fox Sports the Game 9101310, co-chair of the Auburn-Opelika Sports Council, chairman of the Super 7 and Dixie Boys Baseball state director.

B3 June 2, 2022

Alabama STEM Council to Strengthen STEM Teacher Preparation Across the State Through UTeach CONTRIBUTED BY ALABAMA STEM COUNCIL

BIRMINGHAM— The Alabama STEM Council will direct an initial $4.5 million legislative appropriation to launch four new UTeach STEM teacher preparation programs at fully accredited public Alabama colleges and universities and to further expand the UABTeach program at the University of Alabama Birmingham.

The STEM Council is partnering with the UTeach Institute at the University of Texas at Austin and the Alabama Commission on Higher Education to manage a competitive call for proposal process and provide program implementation support to selected higher education partners.

Qualified institutions will be eligible to receive up to $3 million in funding over five years to recruit and prepare secondary STEM teachers.

“Alabama has a decades-long crisis in the shortage of science and math teachers, and I know firsthand how UTeach

solves the problem,” said Lee Meadows, executive director of the Alabama STEM Council. “Alabama can’t wait any more for enough STEM teachers to show up for our students. We need proven strategies that recruit undergraduates to STEM teaching, provide them excellent preparation and get enough of them out so that every student has a caring, competent, qualified STEM teacher.”

The initiative is part of comprehensive efforts in Alabama to improve STEM education. The Alabama STEM Council, formed in 2020, is leading efforts to improve the STEM education pipeline leading to a strong STEM workforce. It has recently launched STEM teacher externships, a Scale Up program for STEM initiatives and a proficiency dashboard showing STEM student performance in Alabama’s school systems.

The Alabama legislature has added this appropriation to their recent support of STEM education through efforts such as the

TEAMS Act to increase STEM teacher pay and the Alabama Numeracy Bill to improve K-6 student performance in mathematics.

Rep. Danny Garrett, chair of the Alabama House Ways and Means Education Committee, commented: "Sen. Ar­thur Orr, my counterpart in the Alabama Senate, and I are supportive of an initial five-year commitment to the UTeach program and strategy as a means of addressing the teacher shortage in Alabama. The UTeach program has been successful in other states.

Along with other measures recently enacted by the Alabama legislature, including increasing overall teacher salaries, raising pay for math and science teachers and providing additional classroom support, we are optimistic that expanding UTeach programs across the state will encourage more people to choose teaching as a profession. We are particularly focused on providing quality instruction in the lowest performing and most disadvantaged

ALBBAA’s Best Fish Photo Contest returns for 2022

ALABAMA — This photo of Joey Anderson and this 9.4-pounder was entered into the Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association’s 2021 Best Fish Photo Contest. For this year’s contest, photos can show any type of fish caught in the Black Belt during 2022. The contest ends Aug. 31.

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

MONTGOMERY — The Alabama Black Belt

Adventures Association (ALBBAA) wants to see your fish photos again this year.

The 2022 Best Fish Photo Contest allows anglers of all

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ages to showcase how they enjoy the bountiful fishing in the Black Belt.

“The Black Belt is the See FISHING, page B7

schools in our state."

The new programs will be based on UTeach, a renowned university-based STEM teacher preparation program founded at the University of Texas at Austin. Since 2008, the UTeach Institute has partnered with 49 universities in 23 states and the District of Columbia to strengthen university-based preparation of secondary STEM teachers through UTeach, which provides math and science undergraduates with research-based, clinically intensive teacher preparation and continued support in their early teaching careers. The UTeach program is uniquely designed to lower barriers and provide incentives for undergraduate STEM majors to consider teaching as a career. UTeach teachers average longer classroom careers than graduates of other teacher preparation programs, and nearly 70% of UTeach graduates teach in Title 1 schools. An independent study found that students of UTeach teachers outperform their

LEE

>> FROM B1 Presley and Assistant Director Amanda Amat coming onboard Dec. 1.

“We had to build our program from the ground up,” she added. “The first few months were spent developing the framework and building relationships with each of the school systems. We are continuing to grow and develop the program.”

HFI connects and encourages collaboration between the district attorney’s office, the county’s three school systems and several community partners.

The partnership means students and their families will have better access to resources such as academic and parenting support, mentoring, mental health care, job and life skills training, housing, clothing, food, utilities, child care and domestic violence help.

By addressing these concerns, HFI seeks to provide families with greater stability and decrease students’ risk of suspensions, dropouts, substance abuse and juvenile arrests.

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peers in science and math achievement.

“The UTeach Institute is thrilled to have the opportunity to add Alabama colleges and universities to the national network of UTeach programs working together to strengthen STEM teaching and learning in the U.S.,” said Kimberly Hughes, director of the UTeach Institute. “The current challenges across our educational systems are unprecedented, and the need for excellent teachers has never been greater. The students who join UTeach programs in the next couple of years are going to stand out as some of the most pur pose-driven teacher leaders out there.

They are going to change how students learn math and science. They are going to inspire their students to see themselves as future scientists, mathematicians, engineers, doctors, nurses and even future teachers themselves.”

ABOUT THE ALABAMA STEM COUNCIL The Alabama STEM Council was formed on

September 21, 2020, by Gov. Kay Ivey’s Executive Order No. 721. The coun­ cil members represent leaders from Alabama businesses, education and state government. The Council’s work builds on and extends Alabama’s Roadmap to STEM Success by advising on ways to improve STEM education and STEMrelated career awareness and workforce pathways.

ABOUT THE UTEACH INSTITUTE The UTeach Institute works to improve second­ ary STEM teaching and learning through national expansion of the UTeach secondary STEM teach­ er preparation program to colleges and universi­ ties. Over 15 years, the institute has employed a comprehensive approach to successful program de­ velopment in higher edu­ cation settings and serves as the national hub to a networked community of 49 universities implement­ ing UTeach programs.

Learn more at uteach-in­ stitute.org.

According to Ventiere, there are more than 23,000 students attending 35 schools across Lee County’s three school districts. In Lee County HFI’s first two months, more than 100 student referrals had been submitted through schools, parents and other agencies, according to a press release from the district attorney’s office.

Once a family is referred to HFI, the organization reaches out to offer services. Each family is then paired with a case officer who helps to create an “individualized and comprehensive plan for success.” This includes identifying the family’s needs and securing help through community resources, according to the Lee County district attorney’s website.

The case officer will then continue to work with the family, offering support as they work toward their goals.

“Great strides have been made in less than six months,” Ventiere said. “I’m looking forward to seeing all this program will grow to be and all of the students and

families that will be positively impacted by Lee County HFI. “HFI will be working hard through the summer growing relationships with schools, partner agencies, students and families.”

Following its success as a school-community partnership in Mobile County, Alabama HFI saw its first outgrowths in 2007 in Montgomery and Alabama’s 19th Judicial Circuit, covering Autauga County, Chilton County, Elmore County and Tallassee City schools. It then became an incubator program of the University of Alabama’s Center for Community-Based Partnerships (CCBP) in 2014 before falling under the umbrella of Volunteers of America Southeast in 2016.

Now, HFI receives support from local funding sources and a direct appropriation from the Alabama Legislature, according to the program’s website.

For more information on HFI or to make a referral, visit www. leecountyda.org or call 334-737-3446.

B4 June 2, 2022

Beulah Seniors Graduate PHOTOS BY ED SIKORA / FOR THE OBSERVER

BEULAH — Beulah high school's class of 2022 bid farewell to their alma mater as the group celebrated the turning of the tassel and the conclusion of an impactful time in their lives.

The 2022 Panthers Celebrate PHOTOS BY MATT AUTSTIN / FOR THE OBSERVER

SMITHS STATION — The Smiths Station High School Class of 2022 graduated on May 24. The ceremony was held at the Columbus Civic Center in Columbus, Georgia.

B5 June 2, 2022

Class of 2022 Leaves 'The Dawg House'

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA — Opelika seniors are barking goodbye to the Bulldogs. They walked the stage last week, ready to take on their next challenges with diplomas in hand.

B6 June 2, 2022

AHS Students Celebrate Graduation

PHOTOS BY JERRY BALLAS / FOR THE OBSERVER AUBURN — Auburn seniors said their goodbyes to teachers, friends and classmates but are holding onto the memories of their high school experience. These Tigers donned their blue robes and walked the stage last week in their ceremony.

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B7 June 2, 2022

PACE 2022 Scholarship Awards

ALISSA WILLET CONTRIBUTED BY BETTY REESE

LEE COUNTY — Each year, PACE (People of Action for Community Enrichment) awards two scholarships in the amount of $500 each to two deserving seniors who display financial need, leadership, high academic achievement and outstanding community service. ​T he 2022 PACE Scholarship recipients are Orah Preston (Opelika High

LESLIE SERANNO BELLO

School) and Alissa Willett (Opelika High School).

PACE also provides an annual $1,000 George D. Echols Community Service Scholarship in memory of George D. Echols, former PACE president and community activist.

This scholarship is given to a student who has made a positive impact in their schools or communities by demonstrating exemplary leadership, drive,

ORAH PRESTON

integrity and citizenship through service in the community as a volunteer.

The 2022 George D. Echols Community Service Scholarship recipient is Leslie SerannoBello (Auburn High School).

Information about both scholarships and about PACE is available on the website - www.paceleecounty. com. Rev. Clifford Jones is the current president of PACE.

FISHING >> FROM B3 perfect place to experience to the joys of fishing,” said Pam Swanner, executive director of the Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association.

“Seeing the smile on someone’s face after they’ve experienced the thrill of reeling in a fish and enjoying the great outdoors is truly special. We can’t wait to see the entries to this year’s contest.”

Photos submitted for the contest, which opens May 28 and runs through Aug. 31, can show any type of fish caught in the Black Belt during 2022. All photos for the contest must be entered through the Alabama Black Belt Adventures’ website.

The contest winner will receive a prize package that includes a guided fishing trip

for a day on Lake Eufaula sponsored by Tony Adams of Gone Fishing with Tony and a two-night stay at Lakepoint State Park.

Voting will also be conducted exclusively on the same page, www.alabamablackbeltadventures.org/ bestblackbeltfishcontest/.

Visitors to the contest webpage may vote once per day, per entry, per IP address. In the case of any dispute, the decision of ALBBAA is final.

ALBBAA reserves the right to approve or disapprove of the photo submitted. Cause for disqualification of photo can include, but is not limited to, the following: · The photo content presents the subject in an unethical or disrespectful composition. · The photo content is perceived to cast a negative perception of hunters or anglers

and their contribution to the management of wildlife. · Voting violation which imposes an unfair advantage to others. · Previous winners of the Best Fish Photo Contest from the past three years are not eligible to take home the prize.

Anglers are also reminded to comply with all fishing laws, including purchasing a valid Alabama fishing license.

“The Black Belt is filled with public access points to fantastic fisheries — from Lake Eufaula to Miller’s Ferry to the mighty Tombigbee River and anglers often visit the lodges across the Black Belt in search of a trophy bass," Swanner said.

"No matter how anglers fish in the Black Belt, we hope they’ll find a way to hook a fish, create a lasting family memory and snap a photo to enter into the 2022 Best Fish Photo Contest.”

B8 June 2, 2022

2022 Summer Fun, Safety and Family, We Welcome You!

M

BETH PINYERD

emorial Day has come and gone and summer days are upon us, we can set the ground rules for each of our families to have an enjoyable, safe, funfilled summer.

Classroom Observer has observed that the local churches are providing Vacation Bible Schools again during the day and in the evenings.

Summer camps are being advertised all around town. It is so good amid what we have gone through with COVID, nation stresses and ongoing world stresses that we are beginning to get back to the family fun days with our children.

We love to look forward

to our water days, picnic days, watermelon days, cooking out days and ice cream days.

So, Wednesday, June 1, is a good day to celebrate “National Say Something Nice Day” in our families. Children truly need kindness, happiness and positivity to enrich their lives. One thing that I have written about before is the term “POP.” This does not refer to soda, popcorn or fireworks, but it refers to being Positive, Optimistic Peacemakers within our families.

Even our youngest children can understand POP. Explain to your children that “positive” is looking for happiness

in our world and in each other. When we think of optimism, we think of hope and faith.

Practicing peace cuts down on arguments and disagreements with families and friends and encourages everyone to try to get along.

Even though summer officially starts on Tuesday, June 21, this year we can already feel the seasonal summer heat, see honeysuckle flowers and smell their sweet fragrance, listen to the katydids at night, as well as listen to the dry summer wind rustling through a summer evening as the earth cools down from a hot summer day. It will be good for children to be able to play and enjoy being outside this summer. Here are a few simple summer safety tips I want to review as you take care of your children during the summer. These are gentle reminders.

1. When children are running and playing outside in the heat, it is so important for them to be dressed appropriately with light-colored and lightweight clothing.

Clothing should allow the children to be cool.

2. In preventing heat stress in children, be sure he or she is very well hydrated.

Encourage your child to drink as much water, juice and different flavored drinks as possible.

3. Have your children play quiet games, rest, read, look at appropriate programs on television, video or DVD during the heat of the day.

4. Have your child stay out of direct heat and try to find shade. Each child requires a different scale of protection according to the color of their skin and age.

5. During late afternoons or evening hours of summer, make sure your child is properly sprayed with insect repellant.

6. Please remember to put helmets on your young children when they are riding bicycles. Go over the safety rules your child needs to follow when riding a bicycle.

7. When you are doing summer mowing, be sure your child stays at a safe distance from the lawn mower since the mower could kick up a rock or stick.

8. Be sure to walk in safe areas in the woods, along lakes, ponds and oceans. I know we like to go barefoot in the summer, but it might be better to leave the shoes on until you can assess the safety of the area.

9. Try to always have

a first aid kit with you to pack basic supplies you will need before going swimming, playing, picnicking and having plain old summer fun outdoors.

This month of June has many days for us to happily reflect back and remember. June 3, 1965, was our first walk in Space. Astronaut Edward H. White opened the hatch to the Gemini 4 and floated out of the cabin to be the first American to take a walk in space.

Transportation has come such a long way.

On June 4, 1896, Henry Ford test drove his “Quadricycle.” This was the first automobile he ever drove or designed.

Wow. What would Henry Ford think of our automobiles today?

This Sunday, June 5, is National Gingerbread day. Heat up the oven and bake some delicious gingerbread cookies accompanied by a cold glass of milk.

June 6 is recognized as National Yoyo Day. The first Yoyos were made out of wood, metal or even beautifully painted metal disks. On April 12, 1965, the Yoyo became the first toy to go into outer space.

Have a Yoyo party. Baby Boomers can be kids again. We all remember

the Yoyo tricks of “Walking The Dog.” Yoyos are great outdoor toys.

June 6 is celebrated in America as the “First Drive-In Theater” day on the grounds of Camden Drive-In. It was in Pennsauken, New Jersey. Oh, in Opelika and Auburn, I can remember like it was yesterday that my Daddy and Mama would drive us out to the drive-in theater on 1470 Opelika Road. We had an old white Ford, but you would think we three children were riding in a limousine. No air conditioning except lowering of the window and letting the winds blow. Speakers were put in our car windows while we enjoyed a movie bigger than the sky.

Buttery boxed popcorn and an icy cold soda were our summer treats.

Thank you, drive-in theaters, for giving us summer family fun and community. This same idea can be adopted in your neighborhood by inviting friends to enjoy a good wholesome movie with families as you look up at the moon and the stars on a starry summer night. Here is to a fun-filled 2022 summer!

Classroom Observer Beth Pinyerd

St. Luke A.M.E. to Hold Juneteenth Celebration CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER OPELIKA— Historic St. Luke A.M.E. Church, located at 1308 Auburn St. in Opelika, will celebrate Juneteenth on Saturday, June 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

CST. The celebration will include food, music, local vendors and more. The celebration will take place on the grounds of St. Luke A.M.E. Church and will move indoors in the event of rain. The event is free and open to the public.

L ee County & A labama Politics

B9

Nov. 24, 2021

Thursday, June 2, 2022

Inside the Statehouse TV Still Drives the Vote

A

STEVE FLOWERS

fter the 1960 Kennedy vs.

Nixon classic presidential contest, television became the medium for political campaigns.

TV became the new campaign strategy in Alabama in 1962. George Wallace, Big Jim Folsom and Ryan DeGraffenried used TV that year for the first time. Unfortunately for Folsom, his use of TV was the demise of his storied political career.

His appearance on a live 30-minute paid television show was one of the most colorful stories in Alabama politics. He came on TV drunk as Cooter Brown. That’s a story for another day.

Wallace and Folsom were used to campaigning one-on-one and asking folks for their vote. They stumped and had rallies in every county and hamlet in the state. However, in the end, they succumbed to the politics of TV. It has not changed but become more pronounced over the last 60 years. This 2022 campaign for our open senate seat is nothing more than a TV show.

TV has become such an integral part of getting elected to a U.S. Senate seat that it appears that what you do now is just raise money, or if you have a lot of your own money, spend your own money and buy and design effective TV ads. The day of actually campaigning appears to be over. The only candidate who made an effort to campaign in every county, shake hands and meet folks was Katie Britt. By the way, she is the only real Alabamian in the race.

Katie Britt’s grassroots campaign organization is what propelled her to an incredible commanding lead heading into the June 21 runoff.

It looked for a while in our U.S. Senate race that a real outsider, Mike Durant, would be in the June 21 runoff with Katie Britt. However, the original frontrunner, Mo Brooks, clawed back to claim second place.

As a lifelong follower of Alabama politics, I long for and yearn for the day when state candidates actually got out and met and talked with Alabamians one-on-one. Not to sound too provincial or old-fashioned, I believe that a person who wants to be Alabama’s U. S. Senator ought to really know Alabama and the people of the state. They ought to at least know what’s important to folks in our state from Mobile to Scottsboro and Dothan to Tuscaloosa. They ought to know the intricacies and nuances of places and what industries and federal dollars mean to their locales. They need to know how important military dollars are to Huntsville, Montgomery and the Wiregrass and also how much agriculture means to rural Alabama. In short, they should know some folks in Alabama if they are going to be their U.S. Senator.

With Katie Britt in the runoff, she has truly campaigned and not just been a phantom TV candidate who flew in from New Hampshire or Colorado and tried to buy our Senate seat and run as a celebrity POW hero.

If we want to elect someone to our U.S. Senate seat who is a celebrity and knows nothing about how to be a U.S. Senator for Alabama, then we have some folks that are qualified and are real celebrities and real Alabamians. We have two who come to mind who are a lot more famous and would be better. They are real Alabamians. Allow me to suggest Lionel Richie and Randy Owen.

Lionel Ritchie was born and raised in Tuskegee and spent the first 25 to 30 years of his life in Macon County before he became world famous.

Randy Owen, the legendary lead singer, and founder of the band Alabama, has never left his home in Alabama. He is Alabama born and bred. He still lives in DeKalb County, where he was born. He walks his land and takes care of his prized black angus cattle every day.

These two guys are real, sure enough Alabama celebrities and would make a lot better Senator for Alabama than some semi-Alabamian.

See you next week.

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s lead­ ing 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.

Commission Creates Working ARPA budget

BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

LEE COUNTY — The commission has now officially created a working budget for some of the county’s American Rescue Plan Act funding.

The county has close to $32 million total to spend. $10 million of that has been designated as ‘revenue replacement’. The remaining $21.9 million plus is to be spent on COVID19-related uses.

The commission held a work session last week to determine commission members’ priorities.

The Investing in Alabama Counties program is part of the Association of County Commissions of Alabama, which the

county voted to be a part of. So, 4.64% of that $21 million funding will be used for the IAC fee, according to the working budget.

Other uses include $1.3 million for ventilation in the Justice Center.

While specific amounts were not designated to things like water projects, broadband, EMA Communications Equipment, etc., County Administrator Holly Leverette came up with percentages based on the priorities from the commission members during their work session.

The working budget she presented designates 63% of that funding to water projects, 15% to broadband, 5.92% to ventilation in the Highway

Department Complex, 1% to ventilation in the Deed Room of the County Courthouse, 2.9% to EMA communications equipment/ response and 1% for metal detectors with temperature readings.

In Tuesday’s discussion, however, District 1 Commissioner Doug Cannon said he wanted to see more money allocated to broadband.

“I’d like to see water go to 50%, broadband go to 25%, allocate that,” he said.

District 3 Commissioner Gary Long expressed concern with this because the broadband project costs are unknown right now, and that information will not be released until later.

“I just have an issue See FUNDS, page B10

Provisional Ballot Results Are In

BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM ALABAMA — Auburn Council Member Jay Hovey beat incumbent Tom Whatley for Alabama Senate District 27 after provisional ballots were counted Tuesday.

Hovey received four provisional ballots in Lee County while Whatley received six. However, once combined with the other two counties — Tallapoosa and Russell — Hovey came out ahead by one vote.

Whatley still has time to ask for a recount, though; for now, Hovey has won the seat.

“Well it’s obviously a little surreal,” Hovey said. “… You know, we’ve joked this whole week, after the fact, that every vote counts

NOW OPEN

and obviously it comes down to one vote and it’s never been more true.”

The results have not been certified by the secretary of state as of press time.

Hovey and Whatley are both natives of Lee County and Hovey said having the support of Lee County “means the world to me.”

“I appreciate everyone in Lee County showing up and supporting me,” he said. “It’s obviously something to be very proud of. My whole team is very proud of the results.”

Now, there is a democratic candidate, Opelika resident Sherri Reese, who will run against Hovey in November for the senate seat.

“As it comes down to today, that one extra [vote] makes all the difference,” Hovey said.

In the local Lee County

Commission races, John Andrew Harris maintained the lead he had on Richard LaGrand Sr. for Lee County Commission District 5, since both candidates received four provisional votes.

Lee County Commission District 4 will face a runoff between Tony Langley and Robert Ham. The third candidate, Greg Boddie, received the most provisional ballots of the three candidates with nine votes while the other two both received three.

Other results from the provisional ballots in Lee County are as follows.

These are only provisional votes and only in Lee County.

REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES: Governor: See VOTES, page B10

Indoor shooting range is open to the public

2195 FIRST AVENUE • OPELIKA

B10 June 2, 2022

In the U.S. Senate, silence is not always golden

OPINION — n Moonstruck (1987), Cher’s character is at the opera and dating her fiance’s brother. She sees her father Cosmo with his mistress. Cosmo tells Johnny, “I have my eyes open.” Cosmo: “Oh yeah? Well, stick around.”

Johnny: “I don’t know what you mean.” Cosmo: "That's the point. I’ll say no more.” Johnny. “You haven’t said anything!”

Cosmo. “That’s all I’m saying.”

During Ketanji Brown Jackson’s hearing as

Supreme Court nominee and Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall’s recent testimony, neither answered certain questions from U.S. senators.

Jackson and Marshall became “stars” in viral videos. They were as uncomfortable as Cher’s dad in Moonstruck’s opera scene.

Jackson, 51, was appointed a U.S. Circuit Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for D.C. in 2021. A native of Washington, D.C., she earned a law degree from Harvard University

and was an editor at the Harvard Law Review.

She had clerkships with Supreme Court Associate Justice Stephen Breyer and two others. Jackson was once vice chair of the U.S. Sentencing Commission. When sworn in at SCOTUS, she will be the first black woman to serve on the highest court.

The confirmation hearings were peppered by attention-getting questions by senators, to include U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee. Blackburn asked the nominee, “Can you provide a definition for the word ‘woman’?”

Jackson, surprised, said: “No, not in this context.

I’m not a biologist.”

Conservatives on Twitter, who likely skipped the rest of the video, were shocked. They might have sought something such as “a woman is an adult female human being.”

Jackson was not clear on the definition because she would have to be partial as a justice for such a case. My grand uncle, a policeman in the 1930s and 1940s, often testified in court, and a lawyer would ask him

FUNDS >>

internet-cable companies to determine where they put broadband.”

Cannon buckled down and said he believes this is why Lee County needs to designate more toward broadband because companies will not be going to more rural areas where people are in need of that service.

“What has been recommended to us is to set money aside, determine how much we want to set aside and then let the IAC put together kind of a map of Lee County as to areas that the states’ money and those companies are going to fill those gaps, and then we can come back in with the money we’ve set aside and then look at where it seems economically feasible for us

to go in,” Leverette said.

Long also said that Lee County doesn’t know what water projects will be approved either. Cannon expressed that he would like to see the water projects encompass expansion to residents who don’t have it.

Leverette suggested designating 58% to water and the remaining 6% into the broadband category.

Long and Cannon both agreed.

Now, this has not been officially allocated, therefore the commission did not vote on the working budget.

The $10 million revenue replacement funding was voted on Tuesday night, however. The county voted to designate $7 million of this, or 70%, toward construction planning for the

GREG MARKLEY

I

FROM B9 raising broadband and we don't have a clue what the costs will be,” he said.

He expressed concern that the costs wouldn’t be as high as anticipated and the county will be left with leftover money that they then can’t go back and designate to water, of which the costs will be high, he said.

“We’re still waiting to see what the state’s going to do,” Leverette said. “… The way they’re going to do it is they’re going to allocate money, basically like a grant. The cable companies are going to basically come to the state and request, fill out an application and request money and it will be really up to the

VOTES >> FROM B9 - Kay Ivey - 12 - Lindy Blanchard - 8 - Tim James - 5 - Alan Odle - 3 U.S. Senator Katie Britt - 17 Mo Brooks - 8 Mike Durant - 3 U.S. Representative 3rd Congressional District Mike Rogers - 21 Michael Joiner - 4 Attorney General: Steve Marshall - 17 Harry Bartlett Still III - 5 State Senator District No. 13: Randy Price - 16 John Allen Coker - 1 State Representative District No. 38: Debbie Hamby Wood - 6 Micah J. Messer - 5 Associate Justice of the

Supreme Court Place 5: Greg Cook - 12 Debra Jones - 11 Secretary of State Jim Zeigler - 11 Wes Allen - 8 Ed Packard - 3 Christian Horn - 2 State Auditor Rusty Glover - 12 Andrew Sorrell - 6 Stan Cooke - 4 Public Service Commission Place No. 1: Jeremey Oden - 7 Brent Woodall - 5 John Hammock - 5 Stephen McLamb - 3 Public Service Commission Place No. 2: Robert McCollum - 12 Chip Beeker - 4 Robin Litaker - 4 State Board of Education District Place No. 2: Tracie West - 16 Alex Balkcum - 9

Circuit Court Judge 37th Judicial Circuit Place No. 1: Jeff Tickal - 19 Eli Beaver - 8 Lee County Commission District 4: Greg Boddie - 9 Tony Langley - 3 Robert Ham - 3 Lee County Board of Education District 2: Larry Boswell - 1 Rusty Courson - 0 DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES: Governor: Malika Sanders Fortier - 6 Yolanda Rochelle Flowers - 5 Patricia Jamieson - 1 Arthur Kennedy - 0 Chad ‘Chig’ Martin - 1 Doug “New Blue” Smith - 1 U.S. Senator: Will Boyd - 7 Brandon Dean - 4

his occupation. That was for the stenographer’s record. Still, he was dressed in beat cop regalia and held a billy club!

On April 7, 2022, Jackson was confirmed for the U.S. Supreme Court, by a vote of 5347. This included three Republican senators making a courageous stand of bipartisanship for a well-qualified nominee. The GOP senators are Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Mitt Romney of Utah.

Steve Marshall, 57, easily won the Republican primary last week as he seeks a second term as attorney general. He is a relatively new convert to the GOP. He spent his first ten years as Marshall County district attorney as a Democrat, switching allegiances just in December 2011.

Marshall’s big victory in the primary will be followed by a somewhat smaller win in November, as his reelection campaign will be one of his greatest hours. Unfortunately, the viral video I referred to shows a grown man afraid of stating the

obvious — that the man he calls president is “duly elected.” Marshall wants to say voting fraud was committed but he has no evidence that hasn’t already been litigated and debunked.

If he knows about a fraud, Marshall must give evidence. But he does not. So the Republican recruit that he was in December 2011 has become the most important lawyer in Alabama who is too timid to say “duly elected” and will remain hush-hush on this. I am glad he finally acknowledged the president is Biden, but how did Joe get there, Steve, from divine intervention or a SWAT team operation?

Marshall agreed with Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D.-RI) over and over that Joseph R. Biden of Delaware is president.

Yet when asked why he would not say “duly elected,” Marshall never said those two words.

Finally, Whitehouse asked: “Are you skipping the language 'duly elected,' are you answering that way purposely?”

Marshall again said only that Biden is U.S. president.

It’s obvious that in the

Senate hearing, Marshall was concerned about 2024, when associates of former President Trump will scour videotapes to make sure that ambitious state officials are loyal to the disloyal “Stop the Steal” campaign. That will likely be tied to Trump’s expected campaign for reelection.

Marshall did not use “duly elected” because of 2026, when he will be term-limited. He doesn’t want MAGA conspiracy theorists to mess up his march to the Governor’s Mansion. Also waiting for a move in June or July, is Ketanji Brown Jackson. She is delayed because Breyer has not moved out. Maybe in her first session there will be a gender case in which justices debate terms such as “man” and “woman.” We can only count the days.

Greg Markley first moved to Lee County in 1996. He has master's degrees’ 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 11 years. gm.markley@charter.net .

new Highway Department Complex.

Another $500,000, or 5%, has been designated to the Environmental Services Fund 140 for the volume of call increase.

Finally, 7% was allocated for an access road for the Beauregard Parks.

The remaining 18% was left undesignated for now, though a discussion ensued on possibly using this for broadband if necessary.

There was also the possibility of using it for parking lot lighting for the county’s parks, Leverette suggested.

District 2 Commissioner Ross Morris said he liked this option but would like to see a dollar amount.

OTHER BUSINESS: - The commission heard a report from Lee

County Sheriff Jay Jones and Opelika Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Ali Rauch for the ‘Forward Opelika’ Initiative from the chamber.

- The commission voted to approve an appointment to the Cemetery Preservation Commission.

- Oline Price presented the annual report for litigations and insolvencies.

- The commission approved the purchase of 20 AR rifles for the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

- The commission voted to approve a speed limit reduction for Lee Road 307.

- The commission voted to approve the final plat approval for the Gentry-Lee Road 37 subdivision.

- The commission voted to approve the final plat

approval for the Broken Ridge Subdivision.

- The commission voted to approve Leverette as the duly authorized representative for the Beulah Park.

- District 4 Commissioner Robert Ham added an item to the agenda to provide an update on the Plainview Volunteer Fire Department, which needs assistance and asked the commission to consider options to help.

- Price asked to add an item to the agenda to approve a mapping position for Lee County: a certified mapper or in lieu of being an Alabama certified mapper, five years experience and a bachelor’s degree. The position is budgeted but the commission asked for more time to review and tabled the item.

Lanny Jackson - 2 State Representative District No. 82: Terrence Kareem Johnson - 2 Pebblin Walker Warren - 1 Lee County Commission District 5: Richard LaGrand Sr. - 4 John Andrew Harris - 4 State Democratic Executive Committee (Female) District No. 79: Laticia T. Khalif - 1 Nancy Carlton Bendinger - 0 Alexia Wax Thomas - 0 State Democratic Executive Committee (Female) District No. 83: Patsy Boyd-Parker - 2 Jasponica Florence - 2 State Democratic Executive Committee (Male) District No. 81: Ira J. Moss - 0 Messiah

Williams-Cole - 0 State-wide Amendment:

Yes - 10 No - 3

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B11 June 2, 2022

ON JUNE 21, RE-ELECT

ROBERT HAM Keep Robert Ham working for the people

Ham has lived in Lee County since 1973, as a servant for the people of District 4.

When the 2019 Beauregard Tornados devastated the county, he took seven months off work to help his community. Ham is a conservative Christian who has been self-employed in Lee County for over 40 years.

He is the developer of Meadow Lakes Estates, Sam’s Club and the Sports Academy Complex.

His interests include traveling, golfing and racing.

“I am very pleased to have served as your county commissioner for the past 12 years and I am asking to serve you for four more years with your vote on June 21. If you have any problems that I can help you with please call me at 334-319-0691”

— Robert Ham.

Ham’s list of service opportunities and accomplishments in office include: • Led the process of building the Beulah Senior Center, the Beulah Recreation Park and the Beauregard Recreation Park • Started the spayed and neuter program seven years ago Co-Founder and current Board Member of Mercy Medical • Co-Founder and current Board Member of Northridge Shelter for Women • Co-Founder of Friends of the Community • Past President and Treasurer of Lee County Kawana’s Board • Executive Board Member of the Alabama County Commission Association.

• Executive Board of the Alabama County Commissions Association three times

B12 June 2, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICES IN THE PROBATE APPOINTMENT COURT FOR LEE OF PERSONAL COUNTY, ALABAMA REPRESENTATIVE IN RE: The estate of CASE NO. 2022-244 Terry Wayne Worley, Letters Testamentary of Case No. 2022-274 said Barbara T. Askew, Deceased. deceased, having been TAKE NOTICE that granted to Sabrina Askew Letters Administration Poe this 16th day of May having been granted to 2022, by the Honorable Marrell J. McNeal as Bill English, Judge of Administrator of the the Probate Court of Lee Estate of Terry Wayne County, notice is hereby Worley, deceased, on the given that all persons day of, 2022. having claims against said NOTICE IS HEREBY estate are hereby required GIVEN that all persons to present the same within having claims against the time allowed by the law or said Estate are hereby the same will be barred. required to present the Sabrina Askew Poe, same within the time Personal Representative allowed by law or Legal Notice 5/19/22, the same be barred.

5/26/22 & 6/2/22 Legal Run 05/19/2022, ------------05/26/2022 & 06/02/2022 Administrator of the IN THE MATTER Estate of Terry Wayne OF THE ADOPTION Worley, Deceased PETITION OF DANIEL Legal Run 05/19/22, HUSTON SPRADLIN 05/26/22 & 06/02/22 AND MARIESA ------------CARLISLE SPRADLIN IN THE PROBATE IN THE MATTER COURT OF LEE OF THE ESTATE OF COUNTY, ALABAMA VERA W. STORY, CASE NO.: 2022-260 Deceased PUBLICATION NOTICE In THE PROBATE TO Any potential father of COURT OF LEE E.G.C. COUNTY, ALABAMA Please take notice that a Case No: 2022-143 petition for adoption was Letters Testamentary on filed in the Probate Court the estate of said decedent of Lee County, Alabama having been granted to

by Daniel Huston Spradlin the undersigned on the and Mariesa Carlisle 15th day of March, 2022, Spradlin on May 4, 2022, by the Hon. Bill English, for the adoption of E.G.C., Judge of the Probate Court born on November 10, of Lee County, Alabama, 2012, Opelika, Alabama notice is hereby given to Samantha Margaret that all persons having Carlisle. claims against said estate A hearing has been set in are hereby required to the Lee County Probate present the same within Court, Opelika, Alabama. time allowed by law or the Should you intend to same will be barred. contest this adoption ANDREW STEPHEN you must file a written WEAVER response with the attorney Personal Representative for the petitioner, Hon. Robert H. Pettey Jason Riggs, P.O. Box Samford & Denson, LLP 954, Auburn, AL 36831 P.O. Box 2345 and with the Clerk of Opelika, AL 36803-2345 the Probate Court of Lee (334) 745-3504 County, Alabama as soon Legal Run 5/19/22, as possible but no later 5/26/22 & 06/02/22 than thirty (30) days from ------------the last day this notice is published.

NOTICE TO Dated this the 5th day of CREDITORS May 2022.

ESTATE OF HON. BILL ENGLISH GREGORY MARK JUDGE OF PROBATE CARLTON, LEE COUNTY, DECEASED ALABAMA PROBATE COURT Legal Run 05/19/2022, LEE COUNTY 05/26/2022 & 06/02/2022.

CASE NO. 2022-125 ------------NOTICE TO CREDITORS Notice of auction of Take Notice abandoned vehicles. that LETTERS BEST 4 LESS will be TESTAMENTARY of auctioning off The below the Estate of GREGORY mentioned vehicles on MARK CARLTON are JUNE 21, 2022. This hereby granted to William Auction will be held Leslie Carlton on the 12th at 2509 LAFAYETTE day of May, 2022, by the PARKWAY, OPELIKA, Honorable Bill English, ALABAMA, 36801 at Judge of the Probate Court 10:00 a.m. If you have of Lee County, Alabama. any questions in regards to Notice is hereby given either of the vehicles that all persons having please claims against said estate give call at 334-705-0000. are hereby required to Vin # present the same within 1N6AD0ER6DN733935 time allowed by law or the 2013 NISS FRONTIER same will be barred.

Legal Run 05/26/22 & William Leslie Carlton 06/02/22 Legal Run 5/19/22, ------------5/26/22 & 06/02/22 ------------IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY, ALABAMA LEE COUNTY IN RE:The estate of Roy PROBATE COURT Thomas Britton, Jr., ESTATE OF Deceased.

BARBARA T. ASKEW, Case No.2022-285 DECEASED TAKE NOTICE that NOTICE OF Letters Administration

having been granted to Michael A. Britton as Administrator of the Estate of Roy Thomas Britton, Jr., deceased, on the 17th day of May 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.

Michael A. Britton, Administrator of the Estate of Roy Thomas Britton, Jr., Deceased Legal Run 05/26/22, 06/02/22, & 06/09/22 ------------IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BRENDA MARIE BUMBY, DECEASED. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABMA CASE NO: 2022-293 Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 20th day of May, 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.

JASON THOMAS BUMBY Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 5/26/22, 06/02/22 & 06/09/22

with community groups and non-profits. The programs and projects are funded by the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The Program Year begins October 1, 2022 and ends September 30, 2023.

The City of Opelika will hold a public hearing at 4:00pm on Monday, June 13, 2022 at the Municipal Meeting Room, 300 MLK Boulevard, for citizen input and questions concerning PY2022 Action Plan activities which is currently in progress. For each year of the Five-Year Consolidated Plan, an Annual Action Plan must be developed to identify programs and projects that the City intends to accomplish.

The 2022 Action Plan portion of the Consolidated Plan details the programs and projects that are proposed for funding. Supposing continued funding of present operations (with adjustments based on funding fluctuation) the below potential activities have been provided: Housing Services Emergency Home Repair — $60,811 Home Ownership — $50,000 Public Services Utility Assistance —$16,405 The Community Market — $22,320 Public Facilities Sidewalk/Streetscape — $37,000

------------IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DAVID LEE RIVENBARK, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO. 2022-295 NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to David Lee Rivenbark, Jr., on the 23rd day of May, 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 the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

BILL ENGLISH, PROBATE JUDGE Legal Run 06/02/2022, 06/9/2022 & 06/16/2022 ------------PUBLIC NOTICE OF HEARING ANNUAL ACTION PLAN PY2021 The City of Opelika announces anticipated funding under the CDBG Program Year 2022 an estimated $258,169 of Federal grant funds for activities benefiting low-to moderate income persons through housing rehousing services, neighborhood revitalization, public services, and working

Rehabilitation Opelika Main Street — $20,000 Administration — $51,633 Grant Total — $258,169 Public participation and comment is invited either in writing or in person.

A draft and proposed version of the Plan is available for review at the Opelika Public Library at 1100 Glenn St., City Hall at 204 S. 7th St., or the Public Works Facility at 700 Fox Trail beginning Friday, June 10, 2022.

Comments and concerns can be forwarded to the address below and must be received by the department no later than 4:00 pm on Tuesday, July 12, 2022.

Public Comment Point of Contact: Lisa Thrift Community Development Administrator Planning Department City of Opelika Public Works 700 Fox Trail Opelika, AL 36801 lthrift@opelika-al.gov If special accommodations are needed to participate at the hearing by persons with disabilities, please call the City’s ADA Coordinator at 334-7052083 at least forty-eight hours in advance.

Legal Run June 2, 2022 ------------IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF DOROTHY JEAN COCHRAN, deceased Case No.: 2022-297 NOTICE TO

CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION of said deceased having been granted to Marcus Phillip Cochran on the 25th day of May, 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.

MARCUS PHILLIP COCHRAN Legal Run 06/02/22, 06/09/22 & 06/16/2022 ------------IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF RUDOLPH JEROME SHORT, Deceased Case No.: 2022-298 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Jeremy Keith Short, Personal Representative on the 25th day of May, 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.

JEREMY KEITH SHORT Legal Run 06/02/2022, 06/09/2022 & 06/16/2022

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B13 June 2, 2022

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B14 June 2, 2022

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