Opelika Observer 02-10-2021 E-edition

Wednesday, February 10, 2021

VOL. 13, NO. 19

pelika Observer O

Opelika, Alabama

Celebrating Black History Month

“An award-winning publication for local people, by local people.”

Rezoning in Beat 13 to go to special election

By Hannah Lester hlester@opelikaobserver.com

The Lee County Commission voted Monday night to approve a special election for rezoning Beat 13 in Lee County.

The land in question is located around where the potential quarry proposed by Creekwood Resources, LLC, would be located.

Danielle Ritch, one of the residents fighting the quarry, turned in a petition on Feb. 3 to Probate Judge Bill English with 633 signatures, English said. The petition calls for zoning the land, which could prevent the quarry from being constructed in the area.

Screenshot from live stream of commission meeting

English said there are 2,656 voters in Beat 13. In order to reach the necessary 15% of signatures to call for a special election, the petition needed 399 signa-

tures.

English said he has checked the petition and found that there are at least 445 valid signatures on the petition. Though there are 149 signatures still

Opelika Pickleball Facility Named “2020 Facility Of The Year”

to look into, English found 39 signatures that were invalid.

For a signature to be considered invalid, the person who signed might have not been a registered voter of

Beat 13, they were not listed in the tax map, they signed twice, they live within the Opelika or Auburn city limits, they live within Chambers County or were scratched out, a

document from English said.

The special election must be held within 90 days of the petition being turned in, English said, and cannot occur after 120.

The commission voted to hold the special election on May 18.

“This will only be in Beat 13, it will be a special election, be one question on the ballot and this will be 100% county cost,” English said.

For more information on the potential quarry, read more here: opelikaobserver. com/shady-grovequarry-update/ or here: https://opelikaobserver.com/lee-county-citizens-contin-ueto-fight-potentialquarry/.

City of Opelika receives grant for YIPP Contributed by the city of Opelika

Contributed by Opelika Parks and Rec The Alabama Recreation and Parks

Association (ARPA) recognized Opelika Parks and Recreation at their annual state conference awards ceremony last month.

The new Opelika Pickleball Facility, located at the Opelika SportsPlex and See PICKLEBALL, page A2

The City of Opelika has received a $210,320 grant from the Governor's Local Workforce Areas (GLWA) to fund implementation of the city’s Youth Incarceration Prevention Project (YIPP). This funding is made available to the state from the Federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) through the U.S. Department of Labor and is administered by the Alabama Department of Commerce's Workforce Development Division Gover-

nor's Local Workforce Areas.

The goals of YIPP WIOA are to: • lower the recidivism rate among youth offender participants between the ages of 16-24 to 10% or

less.

• improve participants behavioral health.

• assist youth who do not have a high school degree to earn a GED. See YIPP, page A3

Contents OPINION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A4

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

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY . . . . . A7

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

RELIGION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A13

PUBLIC NOTICES . . . . . . . . . . . .B10

COMICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A14

CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . B15

To nd out more and to stay up to date with developments sign up for the mailing list at protectbeulahstopthequarry@gmail.com

A2 February 10, 2021

Local businesses host ribbon-cutting ceremonies

FROM A1

Aquatics Center, was recognized as the “2020 Facility of the Year” for cities with populations of 15,000 or more.

“Opelika Parks and Recreation is extremely proud to accept this award on behalf of the City of Opelika,” said Sam Bailey, director of parks and recreation. “It is a very prestigious award only given once a year to the best of the best.”

The Opelika Pickleball Facility opened for public use in July of 2019. The facility features 12 stateof-the-art pickleball courts that are individually fenced, allowing for tournament style play.

The entire facility is covered by a large canopy that offers shade and protection from the elements and features LED lighting for nighttime play. Because the facility is situated directly behind the Opelika SportsPlex, players have access to ample parking, bathrooms, lockers, showers and concessions.

El Patron Mexican Grill & Cantina celebrated its move from 2212 Fredrick Road in Opelika to its new location at 2400 Executive Drive in Tiger Town (in the old Logan’s Roadhouse building) with a ribbon cutting presented by the Opelika Chamber of Commerce on Feb. 1.

Insure with a Rose held a ribbon cutting last month. The company opened its office in downtown Opelika at 209 S. 8th St.

pelika Observer

O

Phone: 334.749.8003 editor@opelikaobserver.com Michelle@opelikaobserver.com

Publisher: Michelle Key Associate Editors: Will Fairless and Hannah Lester Marketing: Woody Ross Photojournalist: Robert Noles Associate Sports Editors: Wil Crews, Rick Lanier and D. Mark Mitchell

www.opelikaobserver.com 207 N. 3rd St. Unit B, Opelika, AL 36801 Copyright 2009. All right reserved. Opelika Observer is published weekly

by Opelika Observer, 216 S 8th St. Opelika, AL 36801. Periodicals postage is paid at Opelika, AL. USPS #025104 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Opelika Observer, 207 N. 3rd St. Unit B, Opelika, AL 36801

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

Opelika’s pickleball courts are open to the public 24/7.

Players do not have to be a member of the Opelika SportsPlex to play. Courts are available on a first come, first served basis.

The Opelika Pickleball Facility has hosted two Opelika Auburn Pickleball Club member tournaments and one invitational tournament since opening. They have their second invitational tournament scheduled next month. With 70% of players traveling more than 80 miles to attend the first invitational tournament, Anthony Terling from the Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau estimates the total economic impact generated was $123,500. Additionally, $40,000 was generated through local taxes.

“The sport of pickleball has been great for Opelika,” Bailey said. “We have seen tons of people visit Opelika to play. We have also had plenty of local people who have learned the sport and become pickleball enthusiasts. Opelika is fortunate to have built one of the best pickleball facilities in the nation.”

PICKLEBALL >>

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A3 February 10, 2021

Averitt employees match largest-ever donation of $1,000,001 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Contributed by Averitt Express Matching a record for its largest ever contribution, truck drivers and other employees of Averitt Express once again raised $1,000,001 in 2020 that was recently donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

It marked the sixth consecutive year Averitt employees have either matched or set a record in their donation to St. Jude. The amount equals the $1,000,001 that was given by Averitt in 2019.

The milestone was fueled by weekly contributions from Averitt employees as part of Averitt Cares for Kids, the company’s charitable employee giving program. About 96% of Averitt associates

participate, giving $1 per week to help St. Jude and other important causes. Additionally, the company makes contributions to Averitt Cares for Kids in recognition of associates' accomplishments, participation in community service projects and

life events. “We frequently talk about ‘The Power of One’ — the idea that everyone can make a difference as we work together,� said Gary Sasser, Averitt’s chairman and chief executive officer. “That’s why we continue to

add the extra dollar to our donations. I’m humbled by the giving spirit of our team, and I’m proud of the way our associates use teamwork to help those in need. This is also a great example of what St. Jude founder Danny Thomas once said — ‘I’d rather have a million people give me a dollar than one give me a million.’�

Since Averitt Cares for Kids began in 1987, it has contributed close to $12 million overall to numerous charities, including more than $9 million to St. Jude.

Averitt Cares for Kids completed a $1.5 million endowment to help fund the initial construction of the St. Jude Leukemia and Lymphoma Clinic, where the majority of

St. Jude patients are treated. Averitt associates’ most recent contribution will continue to support the innovative research and lifesaving care at St. Jude, including the Leukemia and Lymphoma Clinic.

More information about Averitt Cares for Kids can be found at AverittExpress.com/ AverittCares.

About Averitt Express Celebrating 50 years in 2021, Averitt is a leading provider of freight transportation and supply chain management with international reach to 100+ countries. In its 50-year history, Averitt has grown from a small, local LTL carrier to a global-logistics provider specializing in deliver-

ing customized transportation solutions that include LTL, truckload, international, distribution & fulfillment, dedicated, production and event logistics services.

Averitt's technology offerings include a full suite of webbased shipping tools, electronic data interchange (EDI), warehouse management systems (WMS) and transportation and operations management systems. Together, these services and technology solutions provide “The Power of One� to shippers, allowing them access to multiple transportation solutions from a single provider. For more information, call 1-800-AVERITT (2837488) or visit AverittExpress.com.

Calling all Marines Billy Stelpflug Detachment meeting monthly at Trinity Lutheran Church Contributed by Ron Russell Members of the Marine Corps League join in camaraderie and fellowship for the purpose of preserving the traditions and promoting the interests of the United States Marine Corps, banding together those who are now serving in the United States Marine Corps and those honorably discharged

YIPP >> FROM A1

• enroll those meeting entrance requirements in job skills training and be hired for a living wage by a local employer.

Lowering the recidivism rate to 10% or less over the next 12 months is significant as the national 1-year recidivism rate is 57%.

YIPP was created in 2019 by the Opelika Commission on Crime and Violence formed

by Mayor Gary Fuller.

from that service.

In early 2000, while shopping in a local grocery store, two Marines, Bill Weidner and Jack Simms, both World War II veterans, met and started talking about the number of Marines they each knew in the Auburn-Opelika area. They decided to form a Marine Corps League chapter in Lee County and invited all Marines they knew to

a meeting. Soon a Detachment was formed, and it was officially chartered on Nov. 14, 2000, with Weidner as the first Detachment Commandant.

Members voted to name the new Detachment “The Billy Stelpflug Detachment #1604,� in honor of a 19-year-old Marine from Auburn who lost his life in the 1983 Beirut, Lebanon, terrorist bombing.

William John Stelpflug attended Auburn schools, graduating from Auburn High School in 1982. Upon graduating from high school, Billy enlisted in the Marine Corps, being assigned to the 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Infantry Regiment. On Oct. 23, 1983, Billy, along with 241 other Marines and servicemen, lost his life when a terrorist drove a truck

loaded with 12,000 pounds of explosives into the headquarters of the 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, collapsing the roof and leveling the building.

Over the years, the Detachment has grown and is involved with many Marine, civic and educational programs in the Auburn-Opelika area.

The Detachment meets on the third Sat-

urday of each month at 7:30 a.m., January through October. The temporary meeting place is the Trinity Lutheran Church on South Gay Street in Auburn.

For more information, visit www. auburnmarines.org, call Bob Johnson, Commandant, at 334-821-7067 or call Ron Russell, Sr. Vice Commandant, at 334887-8478.

Since then, all 87 YIPP program participants have stayed out of the justice system. All have been helped to deal with behavioral health issues such as substance abuse. All are enrolled in a GED program if they have not earned a high school diploma. Many will be enrolled in job skills training courses that will allow them to be hired for a good paying job in Lee County in the future. A total of 150 youth between the ages 16-24 will partic-

ipate in the 2021 YIPP WIOA program.

Mayor Fuller stated, “I am grateful to Governor Ivey for providing the funding we received. This will allow the city to continue and expand YIPP. I’d also like to thank Skip Long, who is managing the YIPP program.

Through his leadership, we were able to acquire the grants needed to make this program possible. “Without question we all have an obligation to give those youth

less fortunate the opportunities to develop themselves and live up to their full potential.

And in turn, this will make our community safer.�

Success of the YIPP effort is due in great measure to the strong support and involvement of many partner organizations such as Alabama Pardons and Paroles, Opelika Alternative School, Lee County Youth Court, the Lee County Youth Development Center, Southern Union State

Community College and area churches.

A YIPP WIOA celebration and program launch is planned for the near future. At a meeting open to the

public, the program action plan and timeline will be reviewed and discussed. The city will post information about the date and location when available.

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A4 February 10, 2021

Oh those tombs I was strolling one day in a lonely graveyard When a voice from the tomb seemed to say, "I once lived as you live, walked and talked as you talk, But from Earth I was soon called away."

Early 19th century American folk song

S

tudies show that Southerners treat their dead differently from how those in other parts of the country do. For one thing, we bury them.

Cremation is getting more popular, but we lag behind the rest of the nation in that category. We mark them – the memorial industry is going great guns down here. And, according to polls, we visit the deceased more frequently than our neighbors to the North and West.

So it stands to reason that if you want to learn about a Southern place and its people, go to the town cemetery. Walk through that “marble orchard,” pay attention and learn.

Notice dates, how they are often clustered together, a sign of one of those epidemics that

A

snowscape. The long Minnesota prairies were covered in powdered sugar. A lone dirt highway cut through the cotton-white flatlands, which were featureless except for telephone poles, cattle fences and an occasional muddy mail truck.

There was a small house seated on this horizon. A one-story, unassuming frame home, with a barn.

Inside this humble three-bedroom lives an elderly widow. She’s lonely. Hopelessly lonely. But then, this is a pandemic. We live in a new world, with new rules. Isolation is the prescribed way of life now, and it comes with consequences. What the virus took from her was her friendships. And her smile.

Not so long ago, she was going to church three times per week, reading Bible stories aloud to kids in Sunday-school classrooms, teaching them to sing about Zacchaeus, who was a wee little man (and a wee little man was he).

Today, her church doesn’t hold services, except online. She hasn’t left the house in months. And she certainly hasn’t been singing.

Hard? Yeah, it’s been hard. Hardest period she’s ever known. As a lifelong farmer’s wife you’d think she was used to solitude. But nobody can truly pre-

By Hardy Jackson visited with deadly regularity. And notice how so many dates run heavily into months like January, February, and March – cold and damp months when pneumonia, the “old folks’ friend,” carried so many away.

And there are the markers themselves, some standing like tree trunks (he was a "Woodsman of the World"). I’ve seen them carved in the shape of log trucks (a major occupation down where I grew up) or with deer on them – if the late-lamented was a hunter. And then there are those with angels or lambs to tell

us that the baby that was a parents' hope is "safe in the arms of Jesus" – long ago there were too many of those.

There are the graves of young people, sometimes with the same date of death, to remind their friends when the car crashed.

And husbands and wives, who could not live long without the other, so didn’t.

There are family plots, some full to overflowing because the mother buried there in the middle told her children that no matter how far away they roamed they had better make

arrangements to be brought back and put down beside her. Because she believed in the bodily resurrection and when judgement day came she had no intention of rising up, looking around, and seeing a bunch of strangers.

Off a ways, under a pecan tree, is a grave that never has flowers on it – he didn't like flowers. He liked Auburn and Mardi Gras, so every football season the stone is festooned with orange and blue and during the week before Lent it is hung with masks and beads.

And there is the

empty grave, with a simple marker saying how the young man who was president of the senior class, captain of the football team, best looking and "an all-around good sport" died in 1944, in France and is buried over there.

Or the grave that would have been fuller if the family of the deceased had followed the instructions set out in her will to have her cats “put to sleep” and laid to rest in her coffin with her. Mortified, her kin discussed getting a lawyer and breaking the will only to be rescued by a town official who said there was an ordinance against burying animals alongside human remains – and even if he was lying (and he probably was) no one asked any questions. Some swamps just don’t need draining.

And that little family cemetery with the road curving around it. It would have gone through, but when the county tried to find out who owned the land, they discovered that the property had been deeded “to the dead” and the dead weren’t about to sign it over. Hence the

curve.

All of these are memorials to the lives well lived and to those cut short. But always to life, which is why, in addition to being markers to memory and loss, these graves are also affirmations and celebrations. Over the years, I have seen enough of them to know that despite the uniqueness of each plot and the person buried there, there is a sameness that reflects the character of the South – its nobility, its flaws and its foibles.

And there is always that one grave to remind us of the really important things. My favorite reads simply, “I am not here. I live in my children.”

And she does.

Oh, those tombs, lonely tombs, Seem to say in a low gentle tone, "Oh, how sweet is the rest, In that beautiful, heavenly home."

Harvey H. Jackson is retired professor emeritus of history, Jacksonville State University.

He can be reached at hhjackson43@gmail. com.

A Wee Little Dog pare you for the social desolation following the loss of a spouse.

Neither does anyone forewarn you that loneliness will slow down your biology, or that your brain will begin firing less rapidly.

But it’s true. Your body becomes tired, you have no appetite, you lose basic conversational skills and your sense of self-image disappears.

Sleep becomes a myth.

So does laughter.

And the pandemic made it worse. No more supermarket runs; her groceries get delivered now. She has the internet, but the screens are making her eyes ache. She has satellite television, but nothing is ever on. She pays for approximately 529 streaming services, but she never watches them and can’t figure out how to cancel subscriptions.

No more Sunday-school songs. No more smiles.

In many ways, these hard times have aged the woman. They have made her listless. Made her ragged. And I tell you all these things so that you can understand the enormity of what happened to her one afternoon a few months ago.

That day, the old woman peeked out her door and saw something sleeping on her porch.

It was 16 degrees on the whistling snowscape, there was crystalline ice on her windows.

A tiny dog lay huddled against her house. He was small,

By Sean Dietrich wiry haired, tucked in a tight ball, back facing the wind, shivering. He wasn’t wearing a collar, there were ticks all over him. And there was something else. He was sick.

Sickened strays are not rare in the Minnesota countryside.

Livestock farmers leave poison out for coyotes in food bowls. It’s tasteless poison, and fast-acting. Sometimes dogs eat it by accident and die before they even know what hit them.

She tried to invite the old boy inside, but the animal could not walk.

So the woman lifted the tiny dog’s limp body.

His little tongue was hanging out. His tail was slack.

When the animal was propped against the washing machine, she surrounded him with electric heaters and a

heating blanket. But he wasn’t responding. He wasn’t eating or drinking. He was too weak to even wag.

That night, she stayed beside him. And because she didn’t know how else to pass the time, she read aloud to him the way she used to do for her kids long ago.

She could see that he was listening to her voice because whenever she paused reading, he would raise his weary eyes to look at her. And she would continue.

He was getting worse. Much worse.

She was positive there was no hope for this wee little creature. He could hardly keep his tiny eyes open. She called a veterinary doctor who said there was likely nothing to be done at this stage.

So the old woman

spent Friday, Saturday and most of Sunday afternoon beside him.

She kept her hands on his scruffy coat. She uttered prayers like, “God, take this tiny animal home.”

Or: “Let him die in peace.”

Or: “Don’t let him suffer.”

Monday evening she went to bed and was convinced he would be dead by morning. But early Tuesday, before sunrise, she awoke from a light sleep to a banging noise. It was a faint knocking sound.

Like a soft bass drum.

She crawled out of bed, dressed herself in the international old-lady outfit —nightgown, housecoat and slippers.

When she opened the laundry room door, she saw a canine tail gleefully banging against the dryer.

BOOM BOOM

BOOM! She didn’t mean to, but she started to weep when she saw his happy little face. Namely, because this old Sunday-school teacher knows a true miracle when she sees one.

She fed him warm milk, soaked bread, cold cuts, cheese, smashed hotdogs and any leftovers she had in the fridge. By the end of the day, he was walking around like nothing was wrong, eating crackers.

And something happened inside the old farmer’s wife’s heart. For the first time in months she felt like celebrating something.

So she did exactly this.

She made spaghetti and meat sauce for supper, with a complicated salad, homemade vinaigrette and garlic bread. She ate an apple hand pie for dessert.

She drank wine. She watched a movie with her new friend beside her. She grinned until her cheeks hurt.

That was two months ago. Today her new pal has his own doggy bed, his own chew toys, rawhides, rubber Kongs filled with peanut butter, a stuffed UPSman doll, and bags of organic dog food which cost about as much as tactical government helicopters.

I asked the old woman if she ever settled on a name for this dog.

“Of course,” she said.

“I named him Zacchaeus.”

A5 February 10, 2021

Wood Duck Nature Preserve installs new signs Photos by Josh Fisher/For the Opelika Observer On Feb. 6, the Opelika Wood Duck

Preserve hosted an appreciation event for the donors that contributed to their project during last years Opelika Giving Day. The group

installed 11 new signs throughout the preserve.

The signs were designed by the AU 2019/2020 Advanced

Graphic Design class of professor Robert Finkel, who has won awards for his design work including a master plan for Gulf

State Park. Logo design, color palette and standardized typography were all selected by the students under Finkel's

guidance. There are nine wayfinding trail signs, an orientation sign on the pavilion and a site ID sign at the entrance.

2-1-1 Day celebrates human service number Contributed by United Way of Lee County Feb. 11 is National 2-1-1 Day This day is used to recognize the free, user-friendly phone number that connects people to critical resources, information and services. This day is designed to bring awareness to the 24/7, easy-to-remember number that can connect callers with human services and resources available in their community.

Lindsey Hines, the 211 Coordinator of East Alabama, commented that in Lee, Russell and Chambers counties, 9,197 referrals were given to people who turned to 2-1-1 for help in 2020. Callers were given referrals for things such as utility assistance, prescription assistance, emergency help or to find the closest food pantry.

They also called for everyday information,

like finding out where to take their child for developmental screenings, how to locate job training or to find free tax filing support, affordable housing options, support groups and volunteer opportunities. After the pandemic, people called 2-1-1 to register for the local food assistance program created and provided by multiple

Lee County agencies.

Without 2-1-1, callers can make an average of eight phone calls to different numbers before finding the services they need. 2-1-1 cuts through the red tape to save providers time and money, while helping Lee, Chambers Russell county residents connect with the resources they’re looking for.

2-1-1 was launched

by United Way 23 years ago as a free way to connect people to essential and local resources. East Alabama 2-1-1 has been helping the residents of Lee and Chambers counties since 2008.

Since 2014, Russell County has been dually served by East Alabama 2-1-1 and United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley 211 in Columbus. East Alabama 2-1-1

has given over 55,367 referrals to those residents since beginning in 2008.

In addition to regular information and referral services offered by the East Alabama 2-1-1 call center, we will also provide connections for callers who have children by offering to connect them to a coordinator for early childhood development and school readiness.

On top of what we do every single day, 211 has started working with the state of Alabama to help connect veterans across the state to resources they need.

So, what happens with a 2-1-1 call?

When you make a free call to 2-1-1, the call is routed to the local 2-1-1 Center.

It's answered by a trained information and referral specialist who discerns your need(s) then searches a comprehensive database of relevant human service referrals. The

2-1-1 specialist explains how to access those services. In the case of a worker who has recently been laid off or whose hours have been reduced, the 2-1-1 specialist may share information about unemployment benefits, job search options, food stamps, food pantries, mortgage or rent help, utility assistance, counseling and other available resources.

United Way of Lee County and United Way Worldwide have been long-standing supporters and the national leaders of the 2-1-1 movement in partnership with the Alliance of Information and Referral Services.

As the largest private funder of the 2-1-1 network, united ways continue to strengthen and support 2-1-1 as another way to build stronger communities and create opportunities for all through the power of information and referral.

EAMC asks patients to observe vaccine clinic guidelines Contributed by EAMC One of the signs most visible upon arriving at the Community Vaccine Clinic says “Please remain in your vehicle until within 10 minutes of your appointment time.” That may not sound like an important request, but it’s almost as critical as having an appointment.

“With us now vaccinating about 1,000 people a day, we have 33 people scheduled every 15 minutes,” said John Atkinson, EAMC spokesman.

“It’s like a well-oiled machine; it runs on things being consistent. When people

arrive too early, the registration area gets backed up and it has a trickle effect on the rest of the clinic.”

Atkinson said people are probably arriving early because they see long lines on national news and they think they will have to wait in line at this location also.

“From start to finish, a person’s vaccination experience at our clinic should be about 25 minutes total — five minutes registering, five minutes at a vaccination table and then 15 minutes of monitoring,” he said.

“This is one healthcare setting where there is no waiting room.”

COVID BY THE NUMBERS 55 – patients hospitalized today at EAMC 8 – patients on ventilators 7 to 12 – The range of positivity rates between EAMC’s testing center, Emergency Departments and AU Medical Clinic.

This is much better than prior months where we were routinely between 15% to 25%.

31 – The percentage that COVID hospitalizations are down in Alabama over the past two weeks 684 – Number of patients who have received monoclonal antibodies in the Covid Infusion

Center 32 – Number of patients receiving monoclonal antibodies who had to be hospitalized (4.7%) 16,737 — Vaccine shots given since December 15.

EXPANDING VACCINE ELIGIBILITY The following groups are currently eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in Alabama (per ADPH): Ages 65 and greater Corrections officers Food and agriculture workers* U.S. Postal Service workers** Manufacturing workers

Grocery store workers Public transit workers*** Education sector (teachers, support staff, higher education) Childcare workers Judiciary (including but not limited to) circuit judges, district judges and district attorneys First responders Healthcare workers *ADPH describes this group as those engaged in the production and supply of food products. Please note that “food service” workers are in Phase 1C which has not been opened yet. **Our interpretation

is that other delivery services fall under “Transportation and Logistics” in Phase 1C. ***Our interpretation is that this applies to mass public transit, such as busses, and does not apply to individually operated vehicles.

For the latest COVID-19 vaccine information from EAMC, visit www.eamc.org/ patient-and-guests/ covid-19-information/ Governor Ivey’s Vaccine Allocation Plan is available at www. alabamapublichealth.gov/ covid19vaccine/assets/ adph-covid19-vaccination-allocation-plan. pdf.

A6 February 10, 2021

Classy Art partners with Million Meal Movement to fight hunger Photos and story contributed by Classy Art Wholesalers Premier wholesale wall art and décor supplier Classy Art, LLC is proud to announce a partnership with the Indianapolis-based Million Meal Movement in their effort to provide nutritious meal packages to food pantries.

Gabriel Cohen, CEO and president of Classy Art, said he was inspired around the holidays last year to come up with a way for his company to give back and make a tangible difference in 2021 and beyond.

Knowing that food poverty is an ongoing concern, exacerbated as the global health crisis continues into the new year, Cohen went on the hunt for an organization that aligned with Classy Art’s grassroots values and where their donation dollars could be maximized. He found a perfect match in the Million Meal Movement, a group that focuses on fighting hunger while encouraging volunteerism and activism. As a result of this partnership, Classy Art has committed to providing one meal to a hungry American child for every single unit sold.

Wishing he started this last year, Cohen says they would have provided over 77,000 meals, but with his aggressive growth goals he intends to supply over 100,000 meals in 2021 alone and many more in the years to come.

“With Million Meal, our donation can be far more important than just another number on a page,” Cohen said, “And it’s a small, independent movement. We liked that they were young like us, we liked their vibe, what they stood for, and definitely the impact they are making.”

The Million Meal Movement was founded in 2007 and is based on two principles: feeding the hungry and providing opportunities for volunteers to be directly involved in the process.

They hold community packing events, where people of all ages can come together to help nourish their neighbors.

Since the group’s inception, the Million Meal Movement has donated nearly 31.5 million meals to fellow Americans by stocking food pantries and banks around the state with pre-packaged boxes of nutrient-rich staples.

Classy Art is working with the movement to see that their donations go towards assisting children, and Cohen is excited to see their contributions in action.

“Million Meal is keeping us very involved in the process,” the wall décor manufacturer said, “They asked us how we wanted the funds allocated, and we indicated that we want to make sure we’re helping children.

With our donations, they’re going to take the materials to a school where students will volunteer to package the meals that will be going directly to that same school and neighboring schools in need of help.”

The overwhelming statistics about hunger and food poverty nationwide mean that Million Meal’s mission and Classy Art’s support are timelier than ever.

It’s estimated that one in every five children in America suffers from food insecurity, and that number has been steadily on the rise.

Members of the Classy Art team were recently able to join a live Million Meals packing event, and Cohen said the experience was unique. He explained that the events function as a cooperative project to package large quantities of food efficiently.

“Volunteers work together to package a

Macaroni & Cheese Dinner or Rice Soy Casserole, for example,” Cohen said, “These nutritious, shelf-stable meals are easy for recipients to prepare, require no extra ingredients aside from water, and feed four individuals. They are fortified, too, so that kids get the nutrition they need.

The macaroni and cheese, for example, has added Vitamin D and calcium.”

Cohen hopes that Classy Art’s involvement with the Million Meals Movement will inspire other businesses to find new connections and take a stand against hunger and other societal issues.

“We aim to feed as many children as we can, but that’s not the only mission,” Cohen said, “We have a core focus at Classy Art (aka mission statement), and that’s to ‘aspire, inspire and create life-long relationships.’

Our main mission is to inspire other organizations to use their power to help those in need. I fear that our culture is too focused on earning profits, but we should have a shared sense of responsibility for the greater good of our community.”

Cohen and the Classy Art team stand firmly behind their own mission and the mission of the Million Meals Movement to conquer hunger through the power of community.

And while Cohen is proud of his business’s success, he knows there is always something more to being an industry leader than profits and the bottom line.

“Money’s great,” he said, “But it’s not a reason to be live your life. I feel that this partnership not only gave meaning and purpose to me as an individual, but it has inspired our entire staff from upper management all the way to our warehouse personnel.”

More About Classy Art: Classy Art is a leader in the wall art/decor field catering specifically to furniture retailers across the country. Their aver-

Classy Art LLC’s CEO Gabriel Cohen, CFO Johnathan Cohen and Indiana Sales Rep PJ Lenfert join the Million Meal Movement’s Shane Scarlett and Kaila Dickinson for a meal-packing event in Indiana.

Classy Art, LLC CEO and President Gabriel Cohen measures out pasta for macaroni & cheese dinners at a Million Meal Movement packing event.

age growth of 50% per year is the result of products that have proven to sell faster at retail through their proprietary process of product research.

This higher rate of sale has increased customer retentions as well as new customer acquisition.

The company carries all subcategories of wall

décor including framed prints, metal, clocks, canvas, tempered glass, and mirrors, and they pride themselves on single week lead times and guaranteed inventory. For more information visit www.ClassyArt.net.

Anyone wishing to learn more about the Million Meal Movement and

how they can get involved should go to the organization’s webpage at, found at www.millionmealmovement.org, to read their story and see the scope of Million Meal’s impact across their home state of Indiana.

Classy Art is headquartered in Texas and has an office in Opelika.

Goodwill to provide free tax preparation services Contributed by Goodwill Goodwill is preparing to help the community during tax season by offering free tax preparation services through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), an IRS-sponsored tax program.

For more than 10 years, Goodwill has provided free tax prep services for the community through a partnership with the IRS. Through that partnership Goodwill recruits and trains volunteers to prepare current year tax returns, prior year tax returns and amendments for house-

holds that earn less than $57,000 annually. In response to the IRS delayed e-file date, Goodwill will begin filing tax returns Feb. 12, 2021 and will run through the end of tax season on April 15, 2021. Current year tax returns will be prepared during tax season, while prior year tax returns and amendments will be completed by appointment after April 15, 2021.

Goodwill is offering multiple ways to get your taxes done for free this tax season as they implement more convenient ways for individuals to file their taxes.

Taxpayers will have

the option to choose between traditional in-person appointments, quick and easy drop-off appointments, virtual tax services, or a “do it yourself” (DIY) option.

No walk-ins will be available this tax season as continued safety precautions remain in place.

The health and safety of staff clients remain a priority and individuals who schedule in-person or drop-off appointments should expect increased sanitization of high-touch areas, social distancing, sneeze guard installations at the front desk and tax preparation stations, temperature scans, and encouraging

the wearing of masks.

Tax services are available at the Midtown Columbus, Opelika, Phenix City, and Newnan Thomas Crossroads locations. To see which options are available at your nearest location or to make an appointment please visit www.goodwillsr.org/vita.

Documents needed for tax filing include: • Social security cards for yourself and all dependents • All income documents • All tax documents • Photo ID • Health insurance for 1095 A/B/C • Form 1098 • Childcare expenses

• 2020 tax returns • Bank account information Individuals who are interested in getting their taxes done for free at Goodwill can visit www.goodwillsr. org/vita to schedule an appointment or find more information about filing options.

About Goodwill Southern Rivers: Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers (GoodwillSR) is one of 156 independent, community-based Goodwill nonprofits across the United States and Canada. Headquartered in Columbus, Georgia,

GoodwillSR serves 50 counties throughout East Alabama and West Georgia. We provide employment readiness training, computer access, educational assistance, skills workshops and more to spur job placement and economic stability in the communities we serve. We can provide these and other programs thanks to the continued donations of giving patrons. We use the revenue generated in GoodwillSR stores to fund the majority of our community services. For more information about Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers, visit www.goodwillsr.org.

Opelika E vents, Society & Food

UPCOMING EVENTS Opelika Theatre Company presents: Arsenic and Old Lace Feb. 19 at 7 p.m.

Feb. 20 at 2 and 7 p.m.

Tickets on sale now

Prepare decadent brownies for Valentine’s Day treats ANN CIPPERLY

Southern

Hospitality

O

n Valentine’s Day, surprise loved ones with a homemade treat.

Chocolate candy and confections are popular for Valentine’s Day, and brownies are probably the easiest to prepare.

Brownies can be embellished with chocolate chips, a peppermint or cheesecake filling and finished with ganache or chocolate frosting with marshmallows for a decadent dessert. Basic recipes can be turned into Brownie Truffles for an elegant confection.

For more indulgence, serve brownies with Chocolate Dipped Strawberries or use them for making sundaes. Top brownies with ice cream

or gelato and drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce or raspberry puree.

A sprinkling of fresh raspberries or strawberries over the sundae and around the plate create an attractive dessert for Valentine’s Day. When selecting chocolate for making brownies, pick a good brand. A good chocolate will make the confection even better. At our house, Chocolate Dipped Strawberries are a favorite accompaniment to the brownies.

We have tried a variety of chocolates for eating and cooking. When traveling, it has been fun to look for chocolate shops. The best we have found were in Brussels,

Belgium.

On one of our traveling adventures, we were staying at a hotel across from NATO, in Brussels, Belgium. The entrance to NATO was lined with flags from the member countries. When we were ready to go into the city to explore and look for chocolate shops, the hotel clerk told us we could catch the nearby train.

We walked to the tracks to find there was nothing but a small sign.

Soon a train arrived and stopped. We got on the train and asked someone seated near the door if the train was going into the city. The man answered, but we didn’t understand the language to know what he said.

Opelika Theatre Company to open “Arsenic and Old Lace” next weekend

By Lofton Wheeles for the Opelika Observer Opelika Theatre Company will be presenting the play “Arsenic and Old Lace” on Feb. 19 and 20 at 7 p.m. The show is a dark comedy that takes place in the early 1940s and revolves around a loving, dysfunctional family and the skeletons hiding in their closet, or in the

case of the Brewster family, the attic.

“Love is the theme of the show,” said Doug Bendinger, who portrays Dr. Harper in the show.

“The Brewster family just has a different way of showing it.”

Opelika Theatre Company is excited and looking forward to putting on the show and entertaining the Opelika community.

“Honestly, I think

Opelika is going to love it,” said Kaytlan Casares, who portrays Lt. Rooney in the show.

“It’s a classic, it’s appropriate for family, the characters are very likeable and it’s fun for the family.”

The show is also the first theatre production Becky Boots, who portrays Aunt Martha Brewster, has ever See THEATRE, page A10

Photo by Ann Cipperly Brownies with peppermint and chocolate topping are a luscious confection for Valentine’s Day. They are even more irresistible served with chocolate dipped strawberries. Brownies can be embellished for a decadent treat and are one of the easiest desserts to prepare.

We thought it must be the right train, so we sat and waited for a conductor to come by to sell us tickets. No one came, and soon the train was stopping again. We quickly got off, being thankful that we didn’t end up in another country. Fortunately, the train stopped in the city of Brussels.

The Belgians are connoisseurs of fine chocolates. We stopped at several shops with assorted

chocolates to sample. We purchased several boxes of chocolates to take home. Godiva had shops, but since we can get that locally, we skipped those.

One of our favorites was Neuhaus, which claims to be the creator of the traditional Belgium praline. The chocolates were divine at every shop and tasted freshly made with European-style butter and cream.

We also went to the bakeries, but they were not as impressive as the ones in Paris. The baked items were displayed without being wrapped.

The doors were open, and flies were in the shop. We passed on the baked items.

The restaurants also had displays of food outside that were not covered. The city was busy, and the Grand See CIPPERLY, page A10

The Girl Whose Laughter Reminds Me of Clarions

By Kayla Evans for the Opelika Observer “The Girl Whose Laughter Reminds Me of Clarions” is a story of lifelong love between Bobbie and Jim, who meet at the age of five.

J. Dunlap wrote a classic southern gothic novel with over 700 pages full of strong family ties, religious beliefs and incorpo-

rated supernatural experiences.

Bobbie, talented in music with an exceptional voice and pitch, proclaims that she and Jim would be married someday. Their time in the early teenage years is rough as they go through many tough trials and struggle with the difference between good and evil.

With Jim’s love for poetry and art, the two

later start a business with the little money they have, but shortly after, they separate.

During this time, Jim begins to grow the company.

After eight years apart, they marry and begin to enjoy their life together and the wealth they gained from the business.

While having the life they always wanted by raising children See GIRL, page A10

A8 February 10, 2021

Mardi Gras in Auburn to look a little different

By Kayla Evans for the Opelika Observer Mardi Gras is still being celebrated in Auburn, but without the throwing of beads and moon pies. Krewe de Tigris members are having a “Yardi Gras” celebration by putting up displays and lights outside of homes around Auburn.

With 14 houses from the Auburn area participating, the houses will be ready to drive by and view from Feb. 12-16.

This is a time for

& Flea Mall

CAMPING LANTERN L IG H T U P VA L E N T IN E ’S D AY W IT H A G IF T FROM A N G E L’S !

(334) 745-3221 | www.angelsmall.info 900 Columbus Pkwy | Opelika, AL 36801 Open Everyday 10-6CST & Sunday 1-5CST

family and friends to get together and drive to each house to celebrate Mardi Gras.

There will be yard signs that say “Yardi Gras” to show which houses are participating.

“Either their front porch will be made into a float or their yards will be all decked out with different things from Mardi Gras,” said Michelle Held, president of Krewe de Tigris. “Purple, gold and green are the official colors of Mardi Gras. Some will have themes, and some are just a little bit of

everything.”

This year’s king and queen of Mardi Gras are participating in Yardi Gras with more of a royal-themed house.

“It’s just a way for us to give back while trying to keep everyone as safe as we can,” Held said.

The original Mardi Gras parade was scheduled for Feb.13, but was canceled after careful consideration.

More information about the event can be found at krewedetigris.com or on their Facebook page.

A9 February 10, 2021

Opelika City Schools First class Pre-K Alabama’s Voluntary Pre-K Program · Pre-registration

ALABAMA’S NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED FIRST CLASS PRE-K IS PREPARING FOR ANOTHER EXCITING SCHOOL YEAR! • Opelika City Schools is accepting online pre-registration applications for 2021-2022 school year (https://alprek.asapconnected.com). Choose Opelika City Schools/Opelika High School. If you need assistance with accessing the online application, contact OCS Pre-K at 334-741-5623.

• Enrollment is open to all children four years of age on or before 9/2/2021* (children who are eligible for kindergarten are ineligible).

• Enrollees must provide a copy of the child’s birth certificate (the certificate may be uploaded into the online pre-registration site or submitted directly to OCS Pre-K).

• Enrollees must provide two current proofs of residence (copies of power, water, or gas bill may be uploaded into the online pre-registration site or submitted directly to OCS Pre-K).

• Opelika City Schools Pre-K students must reside within Opelika city limits.

• No Registration Fee is required for this program.

PRE-REGISTRATION DATES January 15 - March 9, 2021 For OCS Pre-K: select Opelika High School/ Opelika City Schools

REGISTRATION/FORMS Go online to https://alprek.asapconnected.com.

Complete the Pre-Registration Form and submit birth certificate and two proofs of residence.

MORE INFORMATION Visit www.children.alabama.gov and see Pre-Registration Info under First Class Pre-K.

ACCEPTANCE TO THE PROGRAM Acceptance is strictly through a random drawing to be held on March 10 at 10 a.m. at Opelika High School. Parent/Guardian does not have to be present at drawing. Notices will be emailed beginning April 16.

• Upon enrollment, child’s immunization record must be provided.

• No child will be denied participation on basis of income, sex, race, color, national origin, or disability.

Alabama’s nationally recognized First Class Pre-K

*An opinion of the Attorney General states in effect that under the common law one’s age is preparing for another exciting school year! is computed by including the day of birth so that a given age is attained the day before the birthday anniversary. ~ Ala. Code §16-28-4(1975) Interpretation based on Report of Attorney General of Alabama October-December 1963, Volume 113, page 20.

A10 February 10, 2021

Love chocolate? Join the Chocolate Crawl Contributed by the Opelika Chamber of Commerce February is the shortest month, yet it is filled with lots of love, surprises and of course chocolate! The Opelika Chamber of Commerce is hosting the inaugural Chocolate Crawl the week of Feb. 8–15, 2021, with several of our amazing members.

These members are going all out to show you a little love by treating you to chocolate truffles, chocolate chip cookies, chocolate roses, chocolate covered Oreos, chocolate turtles and so much more! Drop by participating businesses for a sweet chocolate bite.

While there, support your friends and neighbors by doing a little

shopping.

Whatever the question, chocolate is the answer. Participants are listed below.

Butcher Paper BBQ 128 Columbus Parkway, Opelika Variety of Chocolate Treats Gigi's Cupcakes 3794-G Pepperell Parkway, Opelika Chocolate Cake Truffles La Cantina 870 N. Railroad Ave., Opelika S’more Kits Niffers at the Tracks 917 S. Railroad Ave., Opelika Sweetheart Rolo Pretzels Ware Jewelers 2163 Tiger Town

Parkway, Opelika 111 S. College Street, Auburn Chocolate Long Stem Roses & Chocolate Coins Rock N’ Roll Pinball 815 S. Railroad, Opelika Ferroro Rocher’s Chocolate Eleve – Auburn Dental Spa 1575 Professional Parkway, Auburn Eminence Organics Belgian Chocolate or a choice of brushing your teeth with their infamous Theodent Chocolate toothpaste Maria’s Jewelers 231 S. 8th St., Opelika Panera Bread

1550 Opelika Road, Auburn Mini Chocolate Cookies

Hot Chocolate (add your favorite “spirits” for an additional charge)

Resting Pulse Brewing Co. 714 First Ave., Opelika White & Chocolate Godiva Pudding Cups & Chocolate Cupcakes

Moe’s Southwest Grill

State Farm - Kathy Powell 1725 Opelika Road, Auburn Chocolate Truffles Taylor Made Designs 120 S. 8th St., Opelika Chocolate Covered Oreos John Emerald Distilling Co. 706 N. Railroad, Opelika

2574 Enterprise Drive, Opelika Chocolate Hug University Ace Hardware 2101 E. University Drive, Auburn Tony’s Chocolonely Individually wrapped chocolates Staffing Connections 2107-C Pepperell Parkway, Opelika Brownies, Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Donuts, Cupcakes Heritage Gifts & Gourmet 108 S. 8th St., Opelika

Chocolate Bites About the Opelika Chamber of Commerce Founded in 1941, the Opelika Chamber has been serving the Opelika business community for over 75 years. Under the leadership of Ali Rauch, the president and CEO, a staff of four works diligently to be the prominent, focal business organization supporting economic growth while sustaining a better quality of life for the community through multiple partnerships. The Opelika Chamber of Commerce promotes and fosters economic and business success and maximizes member investment, while enhancing the community.

AACT and Kreher Preserve invite you to Frogbull Academy Outdoor Winter Mini Terms

starting at 3 p.m. If you are late, you will miss your escort and you can only attend during your assigned term. Check your ticket time and plan your travel time wisely. There are no refunds for tardiness.

Ticket-holding Sorcerers under the age of

16 must be accompanied by a Sage (ticket holding adult). Sages will need to stay with their Sorcerers. You are welcome to participate in the Quizzicalish game or stand at the sidelines and cheer.

Masks are required, and magical attire is

welcome. Everyone will stay at the distance of physical safety.

At times you may be asked to don the gloves of Germs be Gone.

Please report to the Table of Temperature Checking at the main entrance of the Kreher Preserve 15 minutes

before your assigned Term Time. There, you will be directed to the Tea Cozy of Assignment where you will be sorted into your “Dormitory” (the team you will be on for the Quizzicalish game).

After your Quizzicalish game you will attend Potions Class and then go to Charms Practice.

As you depart from your last class you will be allowed to choose two items from Ms. Peach’s Toothsome Treats Table. You are welcome to stay and enjoy the rest of the Kreher Preserve for as long as you would

that hungry anyway after eating so much chocolate. We took a taxi back.

No more trains.

After we returned home, I looked for Belgian chocolates that we had enjoyed. I found a box of Neuhaus, but it was not the same since it was prepared for a long shelf life.

On a trip to Dallas, we came across a small Neuhaus shop. We were

surprised to see that the chocolates were almost $50 a pound.

We purchased a couple of pieces, but it wasn’t as good as in Belgium.

We weren’t paying that price anyway.

The next best thing to fine chocolate candy is a dessert made with chocolate, and brownies can be loaded with chocolate for a sublime treat.

When using chocolate squares for making brownies, notice the number of ounces on the box. For years, Bakers’ boxed chocolate squares were one ounce each. The box was changed from eight ounces to four, and the squares are different.

That messed up a lot of recipes.

If you want to substitute one ounce of unsweet-

ened chocolate for cocoa, use 3 Tbsp. cocoa and 1 Tbsp. butter or shortening. Research shows everyone agrees on this.

If you are not a chocolate fan, a couple of the following recipes feature brownies without chocolate. If you have heart cookie cutters, you can cut the brownies into a Valentine shape.

Make this Valentine’s

Ann Cipperly can be reached at recipes@ cipperly.com.

in his second production with Opelika Theatre Company.

“I’ve always had an interest in theatre since I was in junior high.”

Jones said. “So when I was approached for the show, I was thrilled.

It’s a privilege that they allow me to be involved because the cast is so talented. The theatre company is one of the things that make Opelika a great place.”

Opelika Theatre Company also hopes to put on a program that gives the Opelika community an escape from what’s going on in the world.

“This is our opening show for the season,” said Opelika Theatre Company Executive Director Marty Moore.

“Everyone suffered greatly last year with this horrible pandemic. We are one of the few theaters who’ve

been able to reopen using social distancing guidelines with our audiences and cast. I think people are ready to ease out and try to regain some normalcy to their lives.”

“They miss things like theatre, concerts and festivals. This will give them the opportunity to step out of their box and something to enjoy. And it’s also a great date idea for

Valentine’s Day weekend.”

The show will also have the option of being live-streamed on Feb. 19.

“When you order tickets through Venmo or PayPal, you need to state on the order it’s for the live stream,” Moore said. “You will be sent a link, afterward, that will activate the live stream before the show starts.”

The show will open on Feb. 19 at the Southside for the Arts. Tickets for the show are $20. Opelika Theatre Company’s Venmo is @opelikatheatrecompany and their PayPal is opelikatheatrecompany1@gmail. com. The show will follow social distancing guidelines set by the CDC regarding seating, face coverings and sanitation.

into concert tours.

The entire book shares the story of two people who explore free will, good versus evil and the nature of God. J. Dunlap began writing the book in 2016

and wrote a little bit every day for a year.

The next few years consisted of editing and rewriting parts of the books. On May 1, 2020, the book was published.

“It’s a story about good and evil, but it’s

also a love story and has supernatural love,” J. Dunlap said.

Born in 1941 in Abbottsford, he grew up in a small Georgia community. His family has lived there since the 1820s, and he fell

in love with the place and the nature that surrounded him. As a philosophy major at Auburn University, he found his love of philosophy and later moved to Lee County with his wife.

“The Girl Whose Laughter Reminds Me of Clarions” can be purchased on Amazon at www.amazon. com/GIRL-WHOSELAUGHTER-REMINDS-CLARIONS/ dp/B087CVXTCF.

Contributed by AACT Auburn Area Community Theater and the Kreher Preserve and Nature Center are pleased to invite you to attend Frogbull Academy’s Outdoor Winter Mini Term sessions on Saturday, Feb. 13. Join AACT’s Young Performers cast of “Sally Cotter and the Censored Stone,” the upcoming parody of a well-known book series, for this magical experience.

One-hour Terms begin promptly every 15 minutes starting at 1 p.m. with the last Term

CIPPERLY

>>

FROM A7

Place was crowded. In one area of the city, flags were hanging from the countries in NATO. We stayed in the city for dinner, but the food where we ate was not that good. We asked for a menu in English, but the dish was different from expected. We were not

THEATRE

>>

FROM A7

appeared in. “It’s been fun meeting new people and stepping out of my comfort zone and trying something new,” she said.

The show also features a known public figure in Lee County. Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones portrays Mr. Witherspoon, the superintendent of Happy Dale Sanitarium,

GIRL

>>

FROM A7

and donating to charities, they begin to hold meetings to tell people of their hardships. Bobbie turns the meetings

like; there are lots of magical things there to discover.

In case of rain at the time of the event, we will return your fee.

If it rains earlier in the day, then prepare for a “Muddy Puddle Day,” and choose your clothes and footgear wisely.

Tickets are $7.50 per person and must be purchased in advance.

You can purchase tickets and find information at www.auburnact.org or by calling 334-246-1084.

The Kreher Preserve and Nature Center is located at 2222 N. College St. in Auburn.

Day memorable with a scrumptious brownie dessert, and let your children or grandchildren help. Don’t forget to share your homemade treat with others. An elderly shut-in would receive much joy for being remembered on Valentine’s Day.

A11 February 10, 2021

RECIPES

>>

BROWNIES WITH PEPPERMINT AND CHOCOLATE TOPPING A friend who lived in Hawaii gave me this recipe years ago. It has been a family favorite.

Brownie Base: 4 oz. (4-oz. box) unsweetened chocolate squares 1 cup butter, softened 4 eggs 2 cups sugar 1 tsp. vanilla 1 cup all-purpose flour Frosting: ½ cup butter, softened 1 box powdered sugar 4 Tbsp. milk 2 tsp. peppermint extract Topping: 4 oz. (4-oz. box) squares unsweetened chocolate squares 4 Tbsp. butter Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt chocolate and butter on low heat; add eggs, which have been beaten with the sugar. Stir in vanilla and flour. Line a 12 x 18-inch rimmed cookie sheet (or similar size) with foil and coat with nonstick spray.

Bake for about 10 to 13 minutes or until brownies are set and start to pull away from the sides. Do not over bake. Cool.

To make frosting, cream butter and add sugar alternately with milk. Add peppermint extract. Spread over cooled brownies. Chill.

In a small saucepan, melt butter and chocolate. Drizzle over frosting; spread with a knife or back of a spoon to cover completely. Chill until topping is set.

Store in refrigerator.

Freezes well. Partially thaw to slice or the chocolate topping may crack.

CHOCOLATE DIPPED STRAWBERRIES FOR GARNISHING BROWNIES ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate, dark chocolate or white chocolate chips 3 Tbsp. heavy cream 12 long-stemmed strawberries Extra chocolate for drizzling, optional Place chocolate and cream together in a bowl over simmering water until just melted. Stir and remove from the heat. Dip each strawberry in the chocolate and place on waxed or parchment paper to set. To set quicker, place in refrigerator.

To decorate, melt semi-sweet or white chocolate in microwave and place in a plastic bag. Cut the end of one corner and drizzle over dipped strawberries.

BROWNIE TRUFFLES Bake just the brownie base for the Brownies with Peppermint and Chocolate Topping or the cocoa brownie base for Brownies with Chocolate Chips and Pecans. To make the truffles quicker, you can bake brownies from a boxed mix.

Once the brownies have cooled, use a scoop or tablespoon to dip a spoonful to roll into a ball (don’t use the edges since they are drier). Place the brownie balls on a cookie sheet that is lined with wax paper or foil.

Melt milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate or white chocolate chips and dip each ball.

Once they are dipped, place back on the cookie sheet.

At this time, they can be garnished with finely chopped nuts, colored sprinkles or a half of a maraschino cherry. They can also be drizzled with a different type of melted chocolate. Place the melted chocolate in a plastic bag and cut little off one corner to drizzle.

Let chocolate set or place in refrigerator to set quicker.

They will look like fine truffles. Can be frozen.

BROWNIES WITH CHOCOLATE CHIPS AND PECANS Cocoa Brownie Base: 2 cups sugar 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa ½ tsp. baking soda ½ tsp. salt 1 cup butter, melted 4 eggs 2 tsp. vanilla Embellishments: 2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 cup chopped pecans, optional Line 13 x 9-inch baking pan with aluminum foil and grease lightly. Stir sugar, flour, cocoa, soda and salt; set aside. Mix melted butter or margarine, eggs and vanilla until smooth. Add to flour mixture and stir until moistened. Fold in chocolate chips and nuts.

Spread batter into prepared pan. Bake in preheated 350-degree oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted one inch from center comes out barely moist. Do not over bake. Cool on wire rack.

When completely cool remove from pan, peel off foil and cut into squares.

Makes about 2 doz-

en.

Rocky Road Brownies: 1 jar (7 oz.) marshmallow creme 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips As soon as the brownies are baked, spread marshmallow crème over the top and sprinkle chocolate chips. Return to oven for 2 minutes. Remove and pull knife through topping to marble cream and chocolate.

RED VELVET BROWNIES WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING Carol Pridgen 4 oz. bittersweet chocolate baking bar, chopped ¾ cup butter 2 cups sugar 4 large eggs 1½ cups all-purpose flour 1-oz. bottle red liquid food coloring 1½ tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. vanilla Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line bottom and sides of a 9-inch square pan with foil, allowing 2 to 3 inches to extend over sides. Lightly grease foil.

Microwave chocolate and butter in a large bowl on high 1½ to 2 minutes or until melted and smooth, stirring at 30 second intervals.

Whisk in sugar. Add eggs, 1 at a time, whisking just until blended.

Stir in flour and next 4 ingredients. Pour mixture into prepared pan.

Bake for 44 to 48 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool completely on wire rack.

Lift brownies from pan, using foil sides as handles; gently remove foil. Spread Cream Cheese Frosting on top of brownies.

Cream Cheese Frosting: 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened 3 Tbsp. butter, softened 1/8 tsp. salt 1 tsp. vanilla 1½ cups powdered sugar Beat cream cheese and butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy.

Gradually add sugar and salt, beating until blended. Stir in vanilla.

ROCKY ROAD BROWNIES WITH CHEESECAKE FILLING One of our children’s favorites. For an event, I decided to double the cheesecake filling, and they were gone in five minutes.

Brownies: ½ cup (1 stick)

butter 1 oz. unsweetened chocolate 1 cup sugar 1 cup all-purpose flour ½ cup or more chopped nuts, optional 1 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. vanilla 2 eggs Filling: 6 oz. cream cheese, room temperature ½ cup sugar 2 Tbsp. flour ¼ cup butter, room temperature 1 egg 1 tsp. vanilla 1/3 cup chopped nuts, optional Topping: 2 cups miniature marshmallows Frosting: ¼ cup butter 1 oz. unsweetened chocolate 2 oz. (remaining from the 6 oz. in the filling of an 8-oz. pkg.) cream cheese, room temperature ¼ cup milk 1 box powdered sugar 1 tsp. vanilla Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray.

For making the brownies, melt butter and chocolate in a saucepan, being careful not to burn. Remove from heat. Add remaining brownie ingredients.

Spread evenly in pan; set aside.

To make the cheesecake filling, combine ingredients.

Spread over brownie layer. Bake 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Sprinkle marshmallows over top; put back in the oven for two minutes.

Meanwhile, make the frosting by placing butter, chocolate, cream cheese and milk in a saucepan; heat until chocolate melts. Add sugar and vanilla.

When brownies with marshmallows come out of oven, pour frosting over top and swirl to blend.

Cool before cutting into bars.

MOTHER’S FUDGE TOPPED BROWNIES Sara Mason 4 oz. squares unsweetened chocolate 2 sticks butter 2 cups sugar 4 beaten eggs 1 cup flour ¼ tsp. salt Melt chocolate and butter. Add sugar, eggs and flour with salt. Bake in oblong greased pan at 400 degrees for 5 minutes and reduce heat to 350 and bake 20 minutes.

Ice with the following fudge frosting.

Fudge Topping: 2 oz. squares unsweetened chocolate 1 cup milk (can use

evaporated milk) 2 cups sugar 1/4 stick butter Melt chocolate with milk and cook until custard consistency. Add sugar and cook until a soft ball forms in a little cold water. Add butter.

Cool and then beat until thick. Pour over cooled cake.

BUTTERSCOTCH BLONDE BROWNIES Pat Fox 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly 1 ½ cups firmly packed light brown sugar 2 large eggs 2 tsp. vanilla extract 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. kosher salt ¾ cup butterscotch morsels ¾ cup chopped pecans or walnuts Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick baking spray with flour. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.

Whisk in eggs and vanilla.

In another medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add egg mixture to flour mixture, stirring to combine. Gently stir in butterscotch and walnuts. Spread batter in prepared pan, smoothing top with an offset spatula.

Bake until golden brown and a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean, approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool completely in pan on a wire rack.

Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.

PEANUT BUTTER BROWNIES Barbara Arrington 3 eggs 1 cup butter, melted 2 tsp. vanilla extract 2 cups sugar 1¼ cups all-purpose flour ¾ cup baking cocoa ½ tsp. baking powder ¼ tsp. salt 1 cup milk chocolate chips Filling: 2 pkg. (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened ½ cup creamy peanut butter ¼ cup sugar 1 egg 2 tsp. 2% milk In a large bowl, beat eggs, butter and vanilla until smooth. Combine dry ingredients; gradually add to egg

mixture. Stir in chocolate chips. Set aside 1 cup for topping. Spread remaining batter into a greased 13 x 9-inch baking pan.

In a small bowl, beat cream cheese, peanut butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and milk on low just until combined.

Carefully spread over batter. Drop reserved batter by tablespoonful over filling. Cut through batter with a knife to swirl.

Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean (do not over bake). Cool on a wire rack. Chill until serving.

Makes 3 dozen.

PAM’S KAHLUA BROWNIES Pam Hope 1 pkg. refrigerated sugar cookie dough 2 eggs, lightly beaten 19.5 oz. pkg. milk chocolate brownie mix ½ cup cooking oil 1/3 cup Kahlua or any coffee liqueur 1 cup semisweet or bittersweet chocolate pieces Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Press sugar cookie dough in bottom of 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan; set aside.

In a large bowl combine the eggs, brownie mix, cooking oil, and coffee liqueur until just combined. Spread batter over sugar cookie dough. Sprinkle with chocolate pieces.

Bake for 40 minutes or until edges are set.

Cool in pan on a wire rack. To serve, cut into bars. Makes 24 brownies.

DESIREE’S BROWNIES WITH CHOCOLATE ICING 2 cups sugar 1 cup butter, room temperature 4 eggs 1/3 cup cocoa 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. salt 2 tsp. vanilla 1 cup chopped pecans Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream sugar and butter; add eggs one at a time beating well. Combine dry ingredients then vanilla and pecans.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in a 13 x 9-inch pan which has been greased and dusted with flour. Start cooking icing when brownies are removed from oven.

Chocolate Icing: 1 ½ cups sugar 1/3 cup milk 1/3 cup butter ¼ cup cocoa 1 tsp. vanilla Combine first four ingredients. Cook and stir until a full boil. Start timing and cook 1½ minutes. Remove from heat; add vanilla. Beat until thick enough to spread on the brownies while they are warm.

A12 February 10, 2021

Horace King's architectural legacy

By Ann Cipperly For the Opelika Observer

B

orn a slave in 1807, Horace King became one of the most successful engineers and architects in east Alabama and across the South, constructing bridges and buildings, including the house at Spring Villa. Today, King’s extraordinary talent is showcased in the freestanding, three-story spiral staircase at the State Capitol in Montgomery.

Horace grew up on the King Plantation, his master’s home, in Cheraw, South Carolina. His mother, Susan, was the daughter of a black female slave and a full-blooded Catawba Indian, while his father, Edmund, was a halfbreed Indian.

When their master died in 1829, the family was sold to John Godwin, who was establishing himself in construction and bridge building. An enterprising young businessman, Godwin saw opportunities as new lands were opening on the shores of the Chattahoochee River.

By 1832, Columbus was a growing town, and Girard (now Phenix City) had just been settled. The only means of crossing the swift waters of the Chattahoochee was by ferry.

When news reached Godwin of plans to build a bridge across the Chattahoochee, he quickly submitted a bid of $14,000 to build a Town lattice truss bridge. After the bid was accepted in March 1832, Godwin and King moved to Girard and began working on the bridge in May. In his 20s, King supervised the construction of the Dillingham Bridge, the first bridge to span the Chattahoochee. When the 900-foot covered bridge was completed in early 1833, Godwin and King were established as expert bridge builders.

With King’s superior skills and master workmanship, Godwin made bids on other contracts to build bridges and public buildings. In 1838, they constructed the covered bridge spanning the Chattahoochee at West Point and also the one at Irwinton (Eufaula), which was over 800 feet in length.

Photos courtesy of Thomas French Jr.

In addition, they built the bridge at Tallassee and constructed the Russell County Courthouse and the Muscogee County Courthouse in Columbus.

When the Harrison Freshet flood occurred in 1841, the Dillingham Bridge was washed downriver and rested in cotton fields.

Records reveal Godwin’s bid of $2,000 to rebuild was above the lowest bid. The city council awarded the bid to Godwin because of his timetable for finishing the bridge. King rebuilt the bridge in five months.

Over the years, a bond developed between King and Godwin. King was respected as a partner and friend, not a slave.

In 1839, King married Frances Thomas, whose mother was a free black woman. Frances was also of black, Indian and Caucasian ancestry. They had four sons and one daughter, who were educated at home by private tutors. When his sons were older, they worked with their father at the construction sites.

Not only did King supervise the construction projects and make innovative changes in designs himself, he worked well with people whether they were also slaves or free.

As King’s reputation spread, he impressed businessmen throughout the South. In the early 1840s, State Senator Robert Jemison Jr. of Tuscaloosa, who owned several businesses, joined Godwin and King on several projects.

While King’s success continued, Godwin had suffered major setbacks financially by investing in the Girard-Mobile Railroad, and his health was failing.

Godwin feared King

could be taken and sold to settle his debts. He petitioned for King’s freedom with the help of Jemison. The Alabama General Assembly released King from slavery Feb. 3, 1846, and he became a free man.

King’s success grew as he built the bridge across the Flint River at Albany, Georgia.

Bridges were also built in Georgia, Mississippi and South Carolina.

After the State Capitol in Montgomery burned in 1849, King worked on rebuilding the structure.

He built the impressive spiral staircase.

Among other projects, he supervised the construction of the Alabama Insane Hospital in Tuscaloosa, which was one of the most extensive building projects before the Civil War. In 1850, King also built the house at Spring Villa for Godwin’s daughter, Mary, and her husband, William Penn

Yonge. The house with its long span was King’s specialty.

Records show that King also built the first courthouse and jail in Opelika.

When Godwin died in 1859, King provided for his family. To express his friendship with Godwin, King purchased a marble shaft for $1,000, erecting it over his grave. The inscription on the monument reads, “This stone was placed here by Horace King, in lasting remembrance of the love and gratitude he felt for his lost friend and former master.”

Perhaps the only slave who honored his former master, King’s act of admiration is recorded in Ripley’s Believe It or Not! The Civil War years were difficult for King.

His wife died in 1864.

King was hired and paid in Confederate money to build a rolling mill. He supplied the

Confederacy with logs, oak beams, wooden pegs and lumber for the construction of the ironclad gunboat Jackson. King and two of his sons also worked on the construction.

When Union troops were passing through Girard near the end of the war, they took two of King’s best mules.

King received his mules back, with apologies, after he proved to them he was a Mason.

After the war, King and his sons formed the King Brothers Bridge Company. Much of their business in the early years was rebuilding bridges and factories destroyed by Wilson’s raiders at the end of the war.

He is credited with building nine bridges across the Chattahoochee River, four at LaGrange, Georgia, four in Alabama, nine or more in Mississippi and one in South Carolina.

King was highly regarded in his business and personal life.

Although he protested, King was elected to represent Russell County in the State Legislature in 1867. King was one of the managers of the election at Girard.

He urged everyone who presented a ticket with his name on it to “scratch it off.” He won anyway.

When he failed to attend the first session due to work, friends urged him to attend.

King fulfilled his duty. He was reelected without campaigning, serving until 1872.

King introduced several bills in the legislature. One bill provided for the relief of laborers and mechanics. Another required convicts sentenced to hard labor to work on public high-

ways.

He also served as magistrate for Russell County, a registrar in Girard and as a compiler of the census of Russell County.

In the 1870s, the King family moved from Russell County to LaGrange. His company built several buildings there.

King worked to establish a school where former slaves could be taught trades. King and his oldest son strongly pushed education, believing “ignorance breeds poverty.”

In his retiring years, the former slave enjoyed life in LaGrange raising and riding horses. King died May 27, 1885.

Although all of the major bridges he built are gone, history remembers him as a superior bridge builder and one of the most outstanding engineers in the South.

In 1989, the University of Alabama named King to the Alabama Engineers Hall of Fame.

When the Rev. Francis L. Cherry wrote of King, he remembered him with words such as “honor,” “integrity,” “superior capacity,” “intelligence” and “unimpeachable trustworthiness.”

Overcoming many barriers, King broke free of bondage to triumph in success and became a person admired and respected by all races and classes.

Information for the article gathered from Horace: The Bridge Builder King by Tom Lenard, Cherry’s History and Alabama Heritage. Tom Lenard of Opelika created a documentary on Horace King, which won the Houston International Film Festival and Charleston International Film Festival.

Opelika Chamber to host Health & Fitness Series Contributed by the Opelika Chamber of Commerce It is time to invest in your health. The Opelika Chamber of Commerce’s Women’s Business Council is hosting a Health and Fitness series to learn some tips on getting healthy and reducing stress. The first session

is Yoga and Nutrition on Feb. 17 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Opelika Sportsplex and Aquatics Center.

This first event will feature experienced nutritionists Noelle Steward and Leah Judice from East Alabama Medical Center, a short yoga session and healthy shakes and teas, courtesy of Mid-

town Nutrition.

Most people know good nutrition is when your body is getting the right nutrients, vitamins and minerals it needs to keep a healthy weight, but the benefits of good nutrition is so much more than weight.

The EAMC duo will give great tips on how to eat well that will

help reduce the risk of some diseases, high blood pressure, cholesterol and so much more.

Eating a well-balanced meal is important, but so is keeping your physical and mental health in check.

Yoga Instructor Cathy Henry from the Opelika Sportsplex and Aquatics Center, will

lead attendees in some yoga poses that combines physical postures, breathing techniques and meditation or relaxation.

And lastly, Midtown Nutrition will be on hand with their delicious and nutritious shakes and teas. They make healthy smoothies, shakes, energy teas and aloe shots to help

you lose weight, boost energy or gain muscle.

Presenting sponsors for this event are Chicken Salad Chick and Alabama Power.

Max Credit Union and Railroad Investment Group are the gold sponsors. Register at www. opelikachamber.com. Deadline to register is Feb. 16 at noon.

A13 February 10, 2021

I

Rooting Ourselves in Community

t’s no secret to anyone who spends any time in 1 Corinthians that the disciples were suffering serious problems due to their divisiveness. Paul points this out at the start and returns to it frequently throughout the letter.

I suppose there were several reasons for their fragmentation—they were immature, worldly, and overly-influenced by their culture to think and act as individuals rather than as community—one of the continuing plagues of Western culture.

There are many passages addressing the problem of division, from Paul’s opening salvo in 1:10ff to his extended discussion of

spiritual gifts (12-14).

Throughout this latter section, he specifically takes on their unhealthy individualism when he writes, “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, we were all made to drink of one Spirit” (12:13). With this, Paul goes to their spiritual roots to show the corporate nature of coming to Christ. The one Spirit gave them new life (John 3:5-7; Titus 3:5-7). They came into the one body of Christ. They received the one Spirit.

This is worth thinking about because it challenges the paradigm of how people in the West tend to think about coming to Christ. We

By Bruce Green Teaching Minister at 10th Street Church of Christ in Opelika

see it as an individual act from start to finish. Paul challenges this on three fronts—we share in receiving life from the one Spirit, we become part of the same body and we drink of the same Spirit.

These last two bear a closer look.

There is a false understanding that in conversion we receive the Spirit independent of others—almost like

a transaction at a store.

We present ourselves to God in baptism, He gives us the Spirit, and we go on our way like the Ethiopian did. But Paul informs us that baptism places us into community—the body of Christ. We might come as the result of an individual decision, but we are immediately become part of a community. Then because we are part of the one body, we share in the one Spirit. We do not receive it as isolated or independent entity, we receive it because we are part of the one body where the Spirit dwells. If someone made the decision to no longer be a part of this community—they wouldn’t be taking the Spirit with them because

it only resides in them as they reside in the body.

All of this is a death blow to kind of individualism practiced in the West. The Scripture isn’t against individualism, but healthy individualism is rooted in community. Still working from the body of Christ truth, Paul recognizes that we are different parts of that body (an eye, ear, or arm). But no part exists independent of the body!

To learn to look at ourselves and others through the eyes of community as opposed to lens of individualism is a big step for most of us, but it will significantly enrich our lives and improve our usefulness in the kingdom of God.

Church Calendar

"Dear friends, since God so loved us,

• Church of Christ at Cunningham - meeting at their building at 9:30 a.m. for Bible class, 10:30 a.m. for worship, 5 p.m. for evening worship and 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.

we also ought to love one another."

• St. Marys Catholic Church/ St. Michael’s Church SMCC is having Daily Mass on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 8 a.m. and on weekends they are distributing holy Communion on Sundays from 9:30 to 11 a.m. A Mass is also held on Sundays at 12:30 p.m. at St. Michael's Church over in Auburn. For more information people can call the office at 334-749-8359 or go to the parish website: stmarysopelika.org.

Church Directory

• Union Grove Baptist Church In-person gathering with social distancing. Masks are available.

Sunday worship is at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Wednesday worship is at 6:30 p.m.

Services are streamed live on Facebook — the page is UGBChurch • First Baptist Church Opelika The following are held in-person and online on Sundays.

8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship and Message at The Worship Center 9:45 a.m. Sunday School Hour 11 a.m. Contemporary Service at The 3:16 Center 6 p.m. Evening Worship and Message at The Worship Center 6:30 p.m. Church on Chadwick at Chadwick Lane in Auburn To watch services online, go to fbcopelika.com/media

ABOUT BRUCE GREEN You can find more of Bruce’s writings at his website: atasteofgracewithbrucegreen.com.

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

— 1 John 4:11 APOSTOLIC HOLINESS God’s House of Prayers Holiness Church 301 HIghland Ave., Opelika 334-749-9672 True Deliverance Holiness Church 936 N. Donahue Dr., Auburn 334-502-4700 BAPTIST Beulah Baptist Church 5500 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-705-0538 Cooperative Baptist Fellowship 128 East Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-8506

ANGLICAN Anglican Church of the Good Shepherd 2312 Center Drive Unit D 334-758-6749 ASSEMBLY OF GOD Bridge Church 1000 Lee Road 263, Cusseta 334-742-0144 AME Mount Zion AME Church West Point Hwy 334-749-3916 St. Luke AME Church 1308 Auburn St. 334-749-1690 St. Paul AME Church 713 Powledge Ave. 334-745-6279 Thompson Chapel AME Zion 187 Columbus Pkwy 334-749-8676 BAPTIST Abundant Life Baptist Church 1220 Fox Run Ave. Suite B 706-4421464 Airview Baptist Church 2301 Airport Rd. 334-444-5148 Antioch Baptist Church 605 W. East Morton Ave 334-742-0696 Bethesda Baptist Church 201 S. 4th St. 334-745-7528 Bethel Baptist Church Hwy. 29 Sasser Rd 334-745-4865 Central Baptist Church 1611 2nd Ave. 334-745-2482 Community Baptist Church 154 N. 16th St. 334-745-6552 Cornerstone Missionary Baptist 500 N. Railroad Ave. 334-742-2008 Eastview Baptist Church 1208 Spring Dr 334-749-9595 Farmville Baptist Church 3607 Alabama Hwy N. 334-887-7361 First Baptist Church of Opelika 314 S. 9th St. 334-745-6143

Green Chapel Missionary Baptist 390 Lee Road 106, Auburn (334) 749-4184 Lakeview Baptist Church 1600 E. Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-7094 Pepperell Baptist 2702 2nd Ave., Opelika 334-745-3108 Providence Baptist Church 2807 Lee Road 166, Opelika 334-745-4608 Union Grove Baptist Church 4009 Lee Road 391, Opelika 334-749-0461 CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ at First Baptist Church 301 S. 8th St. 334-745-5715 First Baptist Church Impact 709 Avenue E 334-741-0624 First Freewill Baptist Church 103 19th St. 334-703-3333 Friendship Missionary Baptist 432 Maple Avenue 334-742-0105 Greater Peace Baptist Church 650 Jeter Ave. 334-749-9487 Heritage Baptist Church 1103 Glenn St. 334-363-8943 High Hope Baptist Church 227 Lee Road 673 Love Freewill Baptist Church 1113 Frederick Ave. 334-745-2905 Ridge Grove Missionary Baptist Church 1098 Lee Road 155 - 334-745-3600 Northside Baptist Church 3001 Lafayette Hwy 334-745-5340 Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Uniroyal Rd 334-749-2773 Purpose Baptist Church 3211 Waverly Pkwy #704-0302 St. James Baptist Church 1335 Auburn St. 334-745-3224 Union Grove Missionary Baptist 908 Huguley Rd 334-741-7770 BUDDHIST Buddha Heart Village 3170 Sandhill Rd. 334-821-7238 CATHOLIC St. Mary’s Catholic Church 1000 4th Ave. 334-749-8359 CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ 2215 Marvyn Pkwy 334-742-9721 Southside Church of Christ 405 Carver Ave. 334-745-6015 CHURCH OF GOD

Cunningham 2660 Cunningham Dr., Opelika 10th Street Church of Christ 500 N. 10th St., Opelika 334-745-5181 COMMUNITY OUTREACH Changing Hearts of Destiny Ministry 936 N. Donahue Dr., Auburn 334-502-4700

Church 5165 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-745-4755 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Church At Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy., Opelika 334-524-9148 St. Ellis Full Gospel Church 5267 US Hwy 80W, Opelika 334-298-4319

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

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

Airview Church of God 3015 Old Opelika Rd 334-749-9112 Church of God 114 17th Place 334-749-6432 Tabernacle Church of God 3 Oak Court 334-745-7979 CHURCH OF NAZARENE Opelika Church of Nazarene 1500 Bruce Ave. 334-749-1302 EPISCOPAL Emmanuel Episcopal Church 800 1st Ave. 334-745-2054 HOLINESS Eastside Emmanuel Holiness Church 86 Lee Road 186 JEWISH Beth Shalom Congregation 134 S. Cary Dr. 334-826-1050 LATTERDAY SAINTS Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints 510 Groce St. 334-742-9981 METHODIST First United Methodist Church of Opelika 702 Avenue A 334-745-7604 Hopewell United Methodist 1993 Lee Rd 136 334-745-0460 Pierce Chapel United Methodist 8685 AL Hwy. 51 334-749-4469 Pepperell United Methodist 200 26th St. 334-745-9334 Trinity United Methodist Church 800 Second Ave. 334-745-2632 Wesley Memorial United Methodist 2506 Marvyn Pkwy 334-745-2841 PENTECOSTAL Full Gospel Pentecostal Church Hwy. 29, PO Box 1691 334-7418675 Gateway Community Church 2715 Frederick Rd 334-745-6926 PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian Church of Opelika 900 2nd Ave. 334-745-3421

SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST Outreach Seventh-Day Adventist 1808 S. Long St. 334-749-3151 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Apostolic Holiness Church 610 Canton St. 334-749-6759 Auburn Opelika Korean Church 1800 Rocky Brook Rd 334-7495386 Beauregard Full Gospel Revival 2089 Lee Road 42 334-745-0455 Christ Church International 1311 2nd Ave. 334-745-0832 Fellowship Bible Church 2202 Hamilton Rd 334-749-1445 Ferguson Chapel Church 310 S. 4th St. 334-745-2913 First Assembly of God Church 510 Simmons St. 334- 749-3722 Garden of Gethsemane Fellowship 915 Old Columbus Rd #745-2686 Grace Heritage Church Opelika #559-0846 Holy Deliverance Church 831 S. Railroad 334-749-5682 Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 1250 McCoy St. 334-737-1488 Living Way Ministries 1100 Old Columbus Rd 334-749-6241 Move of God Fellowship Church 1119 Old Columbus Rd 334-7411006 Connect Church 2900 Waverly Pkwy 334-749-3916 New Life Christian Center 2051 West Point Pkwy 334-741-7373 New Life Independent Church 10 Meadowview Estates Trailer 334-741-9001 Opelika’s First Seventh Day 2011 Columbus Pkwy 334-737-3222 Power of Praise, Inc. Church 3811 Marvyn Pkwy 334-745-6136 Shady Grove Christian Church West Point Hwy 334-745-7770

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

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

A14 February 10, 2021

HOW WOULD JESUS DRIVE? Michael J. Brooks It was a number of years ago that eightyear-old Whitney stopped me in the church hallway.

With hands on hips she said, “Preacher, you need to wear your seatbelt!”

Her mother laughed and explained they’d passed me in the city that week and perceptive Whitney saw I was beltless. She couldn’t wait to chide me at church the next Sunday. And justifiably so, since I was at fault.

I thought about Whitney when I spoke from 1 Peter — a book Southern Baptists were studying at the time. Peter wrote, “Having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works which they observe, glorify God . . .” (1 Peter 2: 12).

Christians were ridiculed and lied about in Peter’s day. Nero blamed Christians for the burning of Rome, accused them of cannibalism when they

observed communion and said they were disloyal citizens since they had a higher authority than Rome.

But, Peter insisted, unbelievers must not be able to ridicule us because of the wrong we do. A part of doing right is obeying the laws of the land, including traffic laws.

I took the familiar WWJD (“What would Jesus do?”) bracelet in the message and changed it to HWJD, or “How would Jesus drive?”

I told our congregation that I’m sure

Jesus would drive safely, obey the speed limit and be courteous to other drivers. And if we follow him, we must do the same.

I asked our members how they taught their 15 and16-year-old children to drive, and if they drove the same way. This sobering question is worthy of deep reflection, for many Christians leave holiness at home when they get into their automobiles.

Oh, my. They had the torches, tar and pitchforks out for me after the sermon! Actually,

it wasn’t that bad. But to alleviate the tension, I told our people the kind of car Jesus drove: a Christsler. One of our worshippers spoke up and said, “But the disciples were in one Accord.” Normally parishioners are to say “amen” to the pastor, but this retort was a good one and we all had a good laugh.

But back to the main idea, Christianity is supposed to superintend every part of our lives. Jesus said we’re to seek first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33), and this certain-

ly includes the time we spend behind the wheel. None of us is guiltless, of course, but we must guard our personal example.

I blew it with young Whitney. But now, 20 years later, I still think of her and don’t want to disappoint others with my carelessness or rebellion. We’re called to be Christians 24/7.

Reflections is a weekly devotional column written by Michael J. Brooks, pastor of the Siluria Baptist Church in Alabaster, Ala. The church's website is siluriabaptist.com.

Jr. of Opelika, and his son John Samuel Owens (Nichole) of White House, Tennessee. His grandson Lloyd Kenneth "Trey" Owens, III of Opelika.

His grandson, Aaron Kenneth Owens of White House, Tennessee and his granddaughter Arica Katlyn Abell (Kenny) of White House. His brother Harry Owens (Glenda) of Chattanooga, Tennessee.

He is preceded in his death by his beloved wife, Mary Jill "Polly" Owens of Opelika.

In lieu of flower, donations can be made to Bethany house in Auburn, Alabama.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory directed.

nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

OBITUARIES Patricia Smith Lawler Patricia Smith Lawler, 75, of Opelika, passed away Feb. 1 at Arbor Springs. A graveside service was held 11 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 4 at Little Texas Cemetery with Reverend Russell DeLee officiating. Ms. Lawler was born Nov. 9, 1945 in Macon County, Alabama to O W and Clara Elizabeth Smith. She lived most of her live in Lee County and retired from the City of Opelika. Ms. Lawler was a member of Union Grove Baptist Church.

Ms. Lawler was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Tina Lawler; sister, Juanita Mask; and brother-in-law, Dan Freeman. She is survived by her husband, Ted Lawler; siblings: Betty Freeman, Sandra Henderson, Darleene Hutson, Hugh (Wanda) Smith; friend, Gerald Brooks; brother-in-law, Hoyt Mask; and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers the family suggest memorials be made to Little Texas Cemetery.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home directed.

Steven Russell Thrift Steven Russell Thrift of Opelika, Alabama was born in Washington on Oct. 23, 1957 and gained his wings on Jan. 31, 2021. He was 63 years young.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Sally Baldwin Thrift and brother, Donnie Smith.

He is survived by

his wife of 36 years, Vickie Sheppard Thrift; children, Brittney Thrift, Allen Garrett, and Taunya Ragland (Wayne); grandchildren, Trestin, Isabella, Brycen Garrett, BriAnna JazLynn Cobb, and Josh Cleveland; Father, Andy Thrift, as well as a host of family and friends.

Visitation was held Feb. 4, 2021 in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home from 1 until 2 p.m.

A funeral service was held in the Chapel at 2 p.m. with Steve Richardson officiating. Interment followed at Garden Hills Cemetery.

Verlie Maydene “Dene” Williams Bence Verlie Maydene “Dene” Williams Bence, 86 of Opelika, passed away peacefully on Feb. 6, 2021 in Opelika, Alabama.

Dene was born in Randolph County, Alabama to Malburn Lee and Cora Ellis Caldwell Williams, on April 3, 1934.

She graduated from Wadley High School in May 1952. She and H.S. Bence married October 17, 1954.

Dene loved spending time with her family and friends, and keeping in touch with everyone through Facebook, email and frequent phone calls.

She also loved working in the garden, cooking large meals to entertain family, remembering her “roots” through the study of genealogy, and in general keeping everyone in line; which earned her the

family nickname of “Sarge”. Dene was a member of FUMC Opelika where she was a member of the Poe-Cumbie Sunday School Class, and Joy Fellowship. She also, for many years, volunteered in the church office.

Dene is preceded in death by her parents, Malburn and Cora Williams, her husband, H.S. Bence, her brothers and their spouses; Roy Williams (Verne), Coy Williams (Nell), Howard Williams (Kathleen), Perry Williams (Jane), Noble Williams (Ruth), and her sisters and their spouses; Jean Keye (Melvin) and Louise Nix (Cerrell) as well as a grandson, Jesse Graham Harrison.

She is survived by her daughters Linda (Bill) Dixon of Midland City, Alabama; Lania (Chris) Harrison and Laura (Marrell) Hartley of Opelika; grandchildren Matthew (Hannah) Dixon, Becca (Rob) Colosky, Abbie (Tyler) Davis, Judson (Presley) Harrison, Jordan Harrison, Benjamin “Ben” and Graham Hartley; great-grandchildren Gunnar and Sydney Grace Dixon; Jordan, Justin and William Colosky, and Blair Elise Davis.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to their family and friends for their support, to the staff and caregivers of The Harbor, numerous privately contracted sitters, and to the medical staff and caregivers of Chattahoochee Hospice Care.

In accordance with Dene’s wishes, no visitation will be held. A family graveside service was held at 3 p.m. on Feb. 8 at Mount Gilead Community Church, County Rd. 79, Wadley, Alabama, with Reverend Zenus Windsor officiating.

Lloyd Kenneth "Sonny" Owens Sr A graveside service for Lloyd Kenneth "Sonny" Owens Sr., 75, of Opelika, Alabama was Feb 9, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Rosemere Cemetery. The Reverend Earl Ballard officiated.

Mr. Lloyd Kenneth Owens Sr. who died Feb. 4, 2021 at his lake home in Tallapoosa County, Alabama was born March 7 in Opelika.

Sonny was an Army Veteran, serving in the Vietnam War. He was in the third brigade 25th infantry division where he was a radio telephone operator. He was honored to have served his country and received the Army Commendation Medal for heroism and two Purple Hearts.

Later in his life, he participated with Newnan High School history class where he shared his experiences of the war with students. He enjoyed sharing his experience with these students and helping them understand his duties during the war.

He was a member of several Vietnam Veterans Organizations and a member of the local American Legion in Opelika.

He is survived by his son Lloyd Kenneth "Ken" Owens,

Lillie B. Reese Cooper A graveside service for Mrs. Lillie B. Reese Cooper, of the Beauregard Community was held at 1 p.m. on Feb. 8, 2021 at Creekstand ND Church Cemetery.

Minister Edwin Jones officiated.

Mrs. Cooper passed away Feb. 2, 2021 at Arbor Springs Nursing Home. She was a member of Creekstand ND Church in Salem.

Mrs. Cooper sang in the church choir and was also an original member of the Twin City Silvertones..

She is survived by: a son, Lee Arnold Cooper of Opelika, AL; one grandson; a sister, Ethel Williams of Opelika; three special nieces, Annette Reese of Orlando, Florida, Lori (Jack) Burks and Ghandi (Edward) Daniels both of Montgomery, and a host of

Benjamin Ashmore A graveside service for Mr. Benjamin Ashmore, 58, of Opelika was held at 1 p.m. on Feb. 4, 2021 at Fitten Chapel AME Zion Church Cemetery.

Rev. Mary Robinson officiated.

Mr. Ashmore passed away on Jan. 29, 2021 at Magnolia Haven Nursing Home in Tuskegee. He was a member of Fitten Chapel AME Zion Church.

He is survived by: two sisters, Sharon A. (Robert) Edwards and Annie J. Ashmore both of Opelika; four brothers, James E. (Leola) Ashmore, Reginald L. Ashmore, Winford L. Ashmore and Vantrell L. Ingram all of Opelik; four aunts, Queen Ester Pollard of Opelika, AL, Marjorie Burnette of Atlanta, GA, Maxine Shelton of Dallas, Texas and Ethel M. Nelms of Auburn; two uncles, Lindsey Ingram, Sr. of Opelika, and Charlie Ingram of Dallas; one great aunt, Enthy Jackson of Opelika; three nephews, Octavius D. (Colanda) Bullard of Auburn, Elmarco F. Edwards and Maurice Ashmore both of Opelika; four nieces, Tammy Edwards, Kayla Thomas, Qayla Thomas and Tamika Thomas all of Opelika; three great nieces and four great nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

A15 February 10, 2021

Winners of the Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest announced Contributed by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources The winners of the 2021 Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest are listed below. As usual, the judges had a very difficult time selecting the winning photos from among the thousands entered.

The 2022 contest will be announced later this year.

“The abundant diversity in Alabama’s landscape and native wildlife make it a photographers paradise,” said Chris Blankenship, commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR).

“From the north Alabama mountains to the state’s Gulf Coast beaches, the winning images in this

Photo by John Hillsman, III, Beauregard, Alabama. year’s Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest highlight the natural

beauty of our state.”

Sponsors of the 2021 photo contest include

the Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officers Association

(ACEOA), Alabama State Parks, and the Alabama Tourism De-

partment. Each winner will receive a prize pack and be featured in a traveling exhibit throughout 2021. First place winners in each category will also receive a $50 gift card from Academy Sports + Outdoors (provided by ACEOA). Second place winners in each category will receive a $25 Alabama State Parks gift card. When the 2021 traveling exhibit schedule is finalized, it will be posted on outdooralabama.com.

John Hillsman, III, of Beauregard, received an honorable mention for his entry of the Gulf State Park Beach Pavilion. Hillsman is the band director at Beauregard High School.

For a complete list of winners visit www.flickr.com/ photos/outdooralabama/albums/72157718137637166.

Crappie USA travels to Lake Harding Participants will compete in amateur and pro divisions Contributed by Crappie USA Crappie USA celebrates its 25th Anniversary of providing competitive fishing to crappie anglers in 2021. Lake Harding joins the celebration on Feb. 13, 2021, when anglers will travel from across the country to join the competition.

Presented by Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s, 2021 anglers will be vying for a guaranteed $10,000 payout for one-day events and $20,000 for twoday events. The three two-day events are rescheduled from 2020 because of COVID-19 and will be phased out when completed.

Anglers may also compete in the $50,000 points race and an opportunity to qualify for the Regional Championships and the 2021 Crappie USA Classic. The Regional Championships will all feature a $25,000 payback and the Classic will be highlighted by a $165,000 payback.

Anglers fishing the event will be testing their crappie fishing skills against other anglers and whatever Mother Nature has in store. This event is a Region 2 qualifier in the new CUSA regional competition.

Lake Harding, also known as Bartlett's Ferry Lake, is a 5,850-acre reservoir formed by the Bartlett’s Ferry Dam on the Chattahoochee

River. Lake Harding is a deep lake with a depth of over 100 feet at the dam. It is a power-producing lake, so current can be dependent on the generating schedule.

The lake is populated by both white and black crappie. In fact, the record black crappie was just recorded.

Georgia angler Mickey Peacock set the new lake record with a 3.09-pound black crappie on April 17, 2020.

Local anglers report that Lake Harding crappie fishing is especially good in the spring, so the February Date should be just about right.

The lake has plenty of crooks and crannies to investigate. Regardless of your favorite method for chasing slabs, you should be able to apply it at Harding.

Regional Competition The 2021 Regional Competition is based on four regions with five or six qualifying events in each region.

Each region will have its own championship and points will be tabulated both regionally and nationally. Visit the CUSA website for complete scheduling.

How to Enter Teams may consist of one or two anglers, with a third member allowed if the angler is under the age of 16 years old. Early registration can be accomplished on the

CUSA website at www.crappieusa.com/ Tournament_Registration.cfm. Teams may also enter by calling (502) 384-5924 or by entering at the mandatory pre-tournament seminar on the night before the tournament begins. Entry fees vary by length of tournament. All fees are posted on the website linked above. Late entries are subject to a $25.00 late fee.

Participating anglers must be a member of the American Crappie Association (ACA).

Sign up at www. crappieusa.com/Membership_Information. cfm where the various levels of membership are available. Each membership will include a subscription to the Crappie Digest, the official publication of Crappie USA and one of the top crappie fishing publications in the nation.

Coronavirus Response Anglers will sign up at registration, be given a copy of guidelines for social distancing, be given a copy of the rules and be given their weighin voucher. At that point, they will leave the registration site.

At the weigh-in, social distancing will be maintained in the weigh-in line and only allow a few teams at a time will be allowed to be in the line. Other anglers can wait in vehicles and boats. All staff will be wearing facemasks and we

encourage all anglers and spectators to do the same.

Registration and Seminar Late registration and a pre-tournament seminar will be held the day before the tournament at the Sportsplex & Aquatics Center, 1001 Andrews Road in Opelika.

Late sign-in begins at 5 p.m. and runs to 7 p.m. A National Sponsor Field Test Product Drawing accompanies the seminar starting at 7 p.m. local time. This seminar is open to the public. Those not fishing the event are encouraged to attend this meeting and meet some of the region’s top crappie anglers.

Social distancing rules will apply.

The Weigh-In Site The tournament weigh-in will be held at Po Boys Landing, Lee Road 334, Salem, Alabama. Fishing hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and all anglers are required to be in line by 4:00 pm. This is the perfect opportunity for non-competitors to learn how the big ones are caught.

Interviews of the top 5 teams are conducted following the weigh-in with social distancing rules in effect.

Tournament Host and Lodging Site Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau welcomes all Crappie USA anglers and their guests to the area and

hope that they take the opportunity to enjoy the local attractions.

For more information on the area visit the website at Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau or call 334.501.3281.

Lodging is provided by: [1] Comfort Inn, 811 Fox Run Pkwy, Opelika, Alabama, 334-744-9977 [2] Quality Inn, 1102 Columbus Pkwy, Opelika, Alabama, 334-745-6331 The number of rooms in the area may be limited. It is recommended that participants make their reservations early.

CRAPPIE USA "FREE CRAPPIE KIDS RODEO" A FREE Crappie Kids Fishing Rodeo will be held in conjunction with the tournament at the Po Boys Landing, Lee Road 334, Salem, Alabama.

An adult must accompany all participating children. The event is free to all children 12 years of age and under.

Sign up for the Kids Rodeo is Saturday morning at 8 a.m. with fishing from 9 a.m. 11 a.m. The Crappie USA Kids Fishing Rodeo is a chance for children of the area to get out and enjoy nature, do a little fishing, and win some prizes. All participants are eligible for a chance to win one of the six, Crappie USA $1,000.00 scholarships. The scholar-

ships are awarded annually at the CUSA Classic. To date more than $379,000.00 in scholarships have been awarded.

The Classic Championship The CUSA Classic Championship will be held Oct. 14 - 16 at Lake Hartwell, South Carolina, at Anderson, South Carolina. The 2021 Crappie USA Classic presented

by Bass Pro Shops/ Cabela's features a guaranteed payout of $165,000 in cash and prizes.

National Sponsors National Sponsors of Crappie USA are: Bass Pro Shops Cabela’s, Ranger Boats, Mercury Marine, Mustad Hooks, Minn Kota, Humminbird, Talon, Lake Master Maps, Gamma, B’n’M Poles, Driftmaster Rod Holders, Ego Nets, Brushpile Crappie, Charlie Brewer Slider, Crappie Now Magazine, Jenko Fishing, Big Bite Baits, Crappie Magnet, EFX Graphics, Fin n’ Frames, Crown Trophy, JR Madd Breading, Freaky Franks Tackle, EZ Drift, Allegro Marinades, Pro Controll, Bubba Blade, Flambeau and Smooth Moves Seats.

For more information on the Classic and other CUSA events visit the website at www.crappieusa.com and Crappie USA Tournament Trail Facebook Page.

A16 February 10, 2021

COMICS

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

S

S

Inside • Opelika schools • Lee County schools • community sports

School Board meetings Opelika: March 25 at 4:30 p.m. at 300 Simmons St. Lee County: March 9 at 6 p.m. at 2410 Society Hill Road

Children prepare cards for Valentine’s Day

On the Mark

By D. Mark Mitchell

OPELIKA CAPTURES AHSAA 6A INDOOR TRACK CHAMPIONSHIP

T

he Opelika boys indoor track team won its third AHSAA 6A State Championship in the last four years, Saturday at the Birmingham CrossPlex. OHS scored 81 points, 15 points ahead of runner-up Homewood (66 pts).

The following is a breakdown of the Bulldogs finishing in the top 10 of their event: Jarell Stinson captured first place in the 60-meter dash (6.94), first place in the 400-meter dash.

LeDamian Rowell won the triple jump (47-5.75) and placed third in the long jump (21-4.75).

Eric Watts placed second in the long jump (227.75) and finished fifth in the 60-meter hurdles (8.75).

Dalen Torbert placed fifth in the 60-meter dash (7.08).

Trevon Moore placed fifth in the shot put (44-10.5).

LaDadan Tolbert was sixth in the shot put (44-7.25).

Kaden Cooper was seventh in the triple jump (42-6.25).

Justin Shorter was

seventh in the 60-meter hurdle (8.91).

Charles Brewer placed ninth in the 3,200-meter run.

Congratulations to the Opelika Indoor Track Team, Coach Jimmy Johnson and staff!

OHS BASKETBALL The OHS girls basketball team wrapped up the regular season with a 6159 victory over rival AHS at the Mainstreet gym in Opelika. Lady Bulldog Head Coach Devin Booth continued her dominance over rival Auburn High, splitting the two-game series this year and holding an eight-game advantage since becoming OHS coach.

Opelika was led by Kaitlyn Bryant’s 27 points, followed by Ashanti Thomas (19 points) and LaDajah Hugley, who added 11 points.

Opelika hosted Russell County at 5 p.m. on Tuesday night to begin the Area Tournament.

Results were not available at the time of press.

Winner of Tuesday’s matchup will advance to See SPORTS , page B5

Contributed By Danielle Hayes

Mrs. McBride’s second grade class at Dean Road Elementary and the three-year-old L.E.A.P. preschool class prepared Valentine’s Day Cards for residents of Morningside of Auburn and residents at The Arbors in Gulf Breeze, Florida.

Turn to B3 for more photos

Peter Seok wins 2021 Spelling Bee Photo contributed by Daniel Chesser

Peter Seok, a fourth grader from Ogletree Elementary School, won the 2021 Lee

County Spelling Bee last week.

After 20 rounds of competing against students from 19 different schools in the area, Peter’s winning word

was “calzone.” The next step for Seok will be spelling at the state level, where his vocabulary skills will play a big part in the competition.

Thank you to Laura

Cooper, Sheriff Jay Jones and Dr. Shirley Lazenby for judging the competition and to Opelika High School for hosting this year’s event.

B2 February 10, 2021

SUSCC's Shondae Brown honored for 15 years of service

SUSCC awarded HAAS Scholarship Photo and story contributed by SUSCC

Photo contributed by SUSCC Southern Union State Community College President Todd Shackett (right) presented Director of Public Relations, Shondae Brown (left) with a Phi Theta Kappa award honoring her 15 years of service as advisor of the lota lota Chapter at Southern Union. PTK is an international organization that recognizes academic achievement in two-year colleges.

Goodwill and SUSCC to provide manufacturing industry training and certification Contributed by Goodwill Southern Rivers

Goodwill and Southern Union State Community College (Southern Union State) announced last week that they have partnered together to provide a much-needed job skills training and certification program at no cost to the community.

Goodwill and Southern Union, beginning in January and running through late spring, will be facilitating a virtual manufacturing skills training program known as Certified Production Technician (CPT) 4.0 through the Goodwill Career Center in Opelika.

According to the program developer, the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council, the training and certification program is “an industry-led training, assessment and certification system focused

on the core skills and knowledge needed by the nation’s front-line production and material handling workers.”

“Through this partnership with Goodwill, we are excited and proud to be able to provide this much-needed training and certification program to our community at no cost,” Southern Union State Community College President Todd Shackett stated. “Not only are we helping individuals in our community earn an industry-recognized credential in the manufacturing field, but we are also helping top employers in our area fill much needed positions.”

Through this program, job seekers interested in the manufacturing industry will be able to earn an industry-recognized credential, meet with top ready-to-hire employers and increase their take home pay upon completion of the program. Individuals who are already in the

manufacturing field can earn this credential to help take their careers to the next level. An information session will be held on Feb. 17 at the Goodwill Career Center in Opelika located on Pepperell Parkway. The training is virtual, but in-person information session attendance is required to register.

Safety precautions such as social distancing, frequent sanitizing of high-touch areas, temperature scans and wearing of masks will be in place.

“We are delighted to partner with Southern Union State Community College to make this training available to the community,” Goodwill President and CEO Jack Warden stated. “At Goodwill we strive to uphold our mission of helping change lives through the power of work in any way that we can and through this program we are See GOODWILL , page B5

The Advanced Manufacturing Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) machining program at Southern Union State Community College has received a grant for $12,500 from the Gene Haas Foundation.

The grant will provide financial assistance in the form of scholarships to students who plan to pursue a career in advanced manufacturing. Southern Union is grateful to have the support of the Gene Haas Foundation as it (SUSCC) prepares students for success in this rewarding career.

The Gene Haas Foundation was created by its namesake, Gene Haas, the owner of California-based Haas Automation and co-owner of StewartHaas Racing. Haas began this foundation in 1999 to fund the needs of the local community and other deserving charities.

His commitment to the importance of manufacturing in the

United States incited him to grow his personal foundation and direct his foundation board to focus on manufacturing education and grants for scholarships for students entering the field.

Southern Union is proud to partner with manufacturing leaders, such as the Gene Haas Foundation, to ensure our technical training programs are offering 21st century machining skills.

The scholarships supported by this donation will provide opportunities to deserving students who are enthusiastic about pursuing machining as a career.

Additionally, this will help to construct a pipeline of skilled technicians for the manufacturing companies in East Alabama and beyond.

The gift will be used to fund scholarships for students demonstrating financial need and enrolled full-time in the CNC machining program at Southern Union. Students in

the program will be learning to program and operate CNC mills and lathes as they prepare for their careers in machining with local manufacturing companies.

“I want to thank the Gene Haas Foundation and the Haas Team for their partnership,” said Darin Baldwin, dean of technical education and workforce development. “We have great instructors; great students, and it is great partners like Haas who are dedicated to education that help ensure our students are successful in developing their careers. Together, we make a difference in workforce development in manufacturing.”

Individuals interested in the Advanced Manufacturing program with a concentration in Machining and applying for a Gene Haas scholarship should visit the Southern Union website and fill out the Gene Haas Scholarship application posted under the scholarships tab.

Pictured (left to right): CNC students Miles Parker, Aaron Dodson, Dylan Anderson, Luis Saavedra, CNC instructor Alvin McCormick, SU President Todd Shackett, Jonathan Davis, Huy Nguyen and Braxton Delgado.

B3 February 10, 2021

George Washington and Abe Lincoln Still Teach Children

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Ecclesiastes 3:1.

O

n Monday, Feb. 15, 2021, we celebrate the lives of two famous presidents, George Washington whose birthday is Feb. 22 and Abraham Lincoln, whose birthday is Feb. 12. Every year early-childhood teachers look forward to celebrating the lives of both these famous presidents because history values the integrity and honesty that both these men displayed. Sure, classes enjoy doing the crafts of presidential silhouettes, coloring over the quarter for George

Washington and coloring over copper pennies with Abraham Lincoln’s head and face on it. They also enjoy making log cabins, top hats and eating cherry pie or tarts, to celebrate the fact that George Washington told the truth to his father about cutting down the cherry tree.

Too, we teach our young students that Abraham Lincoln was honest. Even as a young man, he had taken a few more cents from a customer on a product that was more than what was due. He closed the store and

walked quite a long distance to return the correct change to the customer. One of his long-living quotations is that, “truth is your truest friend.”

We, as parents, grandparents and teachers, can cling to the legacy both these men lived and left behind. I would like to revisit teaching honesty to young children on a developmental level and approach.

Don’t punish a young child to tell the truth, if he/she doesn’t understand what truth actually means. In early childhood, the habit of not telling the truth can start as early as toddlerhood or preschool. This is why it is so important as parents and teachers for us to take the time to sit down and teach young children the importance of being honest. This depends on the age of the child in being able to cognitively understand.

Young children love to explore. This is a Godgiven instinct which introduces a young child to new abilities, possibilities, happiness, joy and yes, even sadness. Young children are good little life

observers of what gets them into trouble and what doesn’t get them into trouble.

Why do children not tell the truth? This is the time we need to sit down and spend oneon-one time in getting to the root and bottom of why our children may lie. Let’s examine our adult expectations of a child as a parent and teacher.

Children want to please their parents and teachers. Are our expectations too high for our children? Do they fear of getting into trouble if they have done something wrong? As a teacher, I much prefer to have an honest C, D or F on a test from a young student than a dishonest A because they may have cheated or lied.

These are things for us to consider in helping to teach and mold our children to do what is right. Also, is the child just wanting their way and they lie? This is where we can engage the child in the truth of the matter and encourage them to think of helping others.

Don’t embarrass a child in front of other children or family if you have caught them

in a lie. Have a spot in your home where you and your child can face each other and come to the truth about a circumstance or situation. Hug them and hold them as you prompt them to tell you the truth. If your child does tell the truth, which is a virtue you want to instill and encourage your child for a lifetime, then praise them for telling the truth. If they don’t tell the truth, this is the time to reprimand them in an age-appropriate way where they understand that not telling the truth is unacceptable. Role playing with your children to tell the truth is also a very good way for them to understand that even little white lies can hurt other people and themselves.

Teach them that they can experience the peace that telling the truth can bring.

This is a time too that we parents, teachers and grandparents can share real-life experiences of growing up and to share times that you might have been challenged to make the right decision of telling the truth and how it made

you feel. Children absolutely love to hear stories of their parents growing up and having the same challenges that they are experiencing.

This is where children will certainly enjoy sharing a fable or fairy tale to explain honesty. Young children really relate to Pinocchio because his nose grows longer when he doesn’t tell the truth. Even though young children may chuckle and laugh at Pinocchio’s nose growing, it still drives in the truth that it is not good to tell fibs or white lies to stay out of trouble.

We live in such a very busy world.

Unfortunately, we see dishonesty everywhere, but our children don’t need to experience that if we take the time to MODEL truth. If we consciously try to model life’s truth, that is the best teacher that we can pass down to our children. Just like George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, honesty can be a legacy we can pass down to our children.

Beth Pinyerd Classroom Observer

CHILDREN>> FROM B1

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B4 February 10, 2021

Beauregard Bowling places second in State Championship

By Wil Crews sportscrews@opelikaobserver.com

The Beauregard Boys Bowling team placed second in the Alabama 1A-5A State Championship on Jan 28.

They defeated Corner High School in the first round by a combined score of 1,250 to 1,078 and improved in the second round to beat UMS-Wright by a score of 1,277 to 1,151 to advance to the championship.

The boys ultimately lost in the championship to East Limestone High School by a score of 1,502 to 1,163.

“After regionals I found out we would not have one of our top bowlers, leader and senior Gavin Prickett due to COVID

quarantine,” said Beauregard bowling coach Shane Lake.

“I was worried about the team bouncing back after this loss, but they came together and were able to score their two best scores of the season during the tournament. The boys’ team came in as an underdog and was the bottom seed in each one of their bowling matches. This was a great group of guys who worked hard and came together as a team to make history by being the first boys bowling team to make it to state and the first bowling team at Beauregard to bring home a trophy.”

The Observer wishes to congratulate the Beauregard bowlers on their outstanding achievement.

contributed by coach Shane Lake Pictured left to right: Noah Bishop, Trace Lawrence, Nathan Ferguson, Coach Lake, Eli Wilson, Bo Young, Brodie Barnes and Nate Focht

Opelika Softball ready for tough test to start the season

By JD McCarthy for the Opelika Observer

After an abrupt end to the season a year ago, the Opelika Lady Bulldogs are eager to get back on the diamond.

Opelika will open its softball season with a game at Central on Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. CST before competing in the Tallassee Tournament on Friday and Saturday.

The Lady Bulldogs are a young team that missed out on game experience last year, according to Head Coach Randy Belyeu.

With the team being sophomore-heavy and only playing a handful of games last year, many of them are closer in experience to freshmen than seniors and are still adjusting to the pitching.

In most middle school softball programs, talented pitchers will be elevated to the high school teams, which lowers the level of pitching the girls compete against. This lack of experience caused Belyeu to schedule some tough opponents to start the year to help test his team.

“We frontloaded the schedule and will ease off towards the end to get ready for the Area Tournament,” he said.

While his team may be young, Belyeu thinks they are one of the hardest-working teams he has ever had in his coaching career.

“The way they listen to the coaches and

adapt after every drill is amazing,” he said.

That ability to adapt has come in crucial for their off-season workouts, which had to be changed due to the coronavirus.

Due to the size of their weight room, they were unable to use it over the off season because if one person tested positive, they would all have had to quarantine.

Pitching and hitting were done in groups, and when one group was finished, they were sent home, instead of staying and watching or helping.

Belyeu also purchased neck gaiters for his entire team for practice and the coming games.

Once his team takes the field, Belyeu is really only concerned about his catchers and batters during the game but thinks the rest of the girls should be safe during the games because of the space between them on the field.

As protection against any girls being quarantined and missing games, Belyue is emphasizing versatility and the ability to play multiple positions.

This will make players like K.D. Lee and Libby Gaberlavage important if some of the girls do miss time, as Lee can play several positions and Gaberlavage can play every position.

Belyeu expects to rely on McKay Yountz, Daysia Jones, Sanai Stringer and

Ava Parker as his pitchers for the season, which he views as a strength of this team.

Offensively, the Lady Bulldogs have a deep lineup, and he has been particularly impressed by Jameah Thomas and Parker.

As if there were not enough change going on, the Lady Bulldogs will be competing in a new region this year, battling against Eufaula, Russell County and Valley for the 6A Area 4 crown, none of whom they played last year.

“These girls have a great attitude and put in the work despite the challenges we have faced,” Belyeu said.

Whether fans can attend a game will depend on where that game is. Fans are welcome to attend home games but must buy tickets online at GoFan (gofan.co/ app/school/AL11750), wear face coverings and maintain social distancing.

Road games may be harder to attend as the rules are left to the home school and will depend on how much space they have.

Fans who are unable to attend can follow along on GameChanger (gc.com/team5f7f733ab1bf16 8688000001) and receive in-game updates free of charge.

It also includes their stats, schedule and a roster.

See SOFTBALL , page B5

Smiths Station basketball ready for postseason play

By JD McCarthy for the Opelika Observer

Following one of their best seasons in recent years, the Smiths Station Panthers will do something they have not done in nearly 20 years: host an area game.

Smiths Station (18-2, 3-1) will host Central Phenix City in a Region 4A-7A showdown Wednesday at 6 p.m. CST. The season has been an impressive turnaround for the Panthers, who went 9-16 a season ago and have battled adversity throughout the preparation for the season. They were unable

to have many practices during the summer due to concerns about COVID and had to quarantine twice during the season.

Despite the struggles coming into the season, the Panthers will have a chance to accomplish the goal of winning 20 games that head coach Steven Davis set before the season. Reminder: the goal was set when they were going to play 30 games, not 20.

Now, the Panthers are playing some of their best basketball just ahead of the postseason, closing their regular season with dominant wins over Central,73-46, and

Beauregard, 65-32, last week.

“Heading into the postseason you want to be clicking on all cylinders,” Davis said. “And that definitely made me feel like we are clicking on all cylinders and going in the right direction heading into the postseason.”

The Panthers are a defensive team, and they showed that last week, racking up 45 steals in the two games.

They certainty had plenty of offense too, as Zay Madden scored a team-high 21 points and snagged seven rebounds See SMITHS , page B5

Southern Christian Academy wraps inaugural basketball season

By Wil Crews sportscrews@opelikaobserver.com

Southern Christian Academy has not had a home basketball game all season. That goes for the boys varsity, girls varsity, junior varsity and middle school teams. However, that hasn’t stopped them from competing, and they gave it their all in the final games of their campaign last week.

The week began with the Patriots traveling to Columbus, Georgia to take on the Grace Christian Crusaders. The matchup was only between the varsity boys squads due to a lower than normal turnout for Grace’s basketball this year.

In a low scoring, tight affair, the Patriots just didn’t have enough

steam down the stretch, falling flat in the game’s closing minutes, losing 34-27. Jedd Scott led the Patriots with 13 points from his shooting guard position, junior point guard Luke Humes had a career night, pulling down 10 rebounds and senior center Silas Frick added 8 points in the loss.

Next, Southern Christian took all of their teams for the season finale against coach Ricky Phaturos and the Ezekiel Knights from Montgomery. Coach Jason Scott knew ahead of time how difficult the matchup could be.

“My older boys played baseball for Ezekiel; they played for Ricky,” he said. “He’s a great coach and they really have a top-notch athletic program there

at Ezekiel. I knew we were going to have to bring our best just to keep up with them.”

First up were the middle school girls.

The Lady Patriots fell 25-18 in the first game of what would be a long night for Southern Christain. Point guard Kaylee Walton led the way, scoring 13 of the 18 points for the Lady Patriots.

In the next game, the middle school boys were led by twin brothers Jagger and Jedd Scott. Jedd was an energizer bunny on the court, exciting the bench every time he scored one of his 12 points. Jagger had a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.

In the end, however, it wasn’t enough, as the See SOUTHERN , page B5

B5 February 10, 2021

Lee-Scott Varsity Boys advance in State Playoffs

By Wil Crews sportscrews@opelikaobserver.com

The AISA Class AAA State Playoffs began last week, and the No. 2 seed Lee-Scott Academy Varsity Boys advanced to the quarterfinals with a 63-27 first-round victory over Valiant Cross.

Their counterpart, the No. 2 seed Lady Warriors, received a first-round bye and were immediately slotted into the Elite Eight.

The Boys, however, had to play – and win – to earn that honor.

Thus, on Feb. 2, senior night, the LSA Varsity Boys hosted Valiant in the round of 16.

“You approach it like any other game,” said Lee-Scott Varsity Boys head coach William Johnson. “[There’s] a little bit more added pressure, obviously, but we’re going to play our style, do what we do and prepare. I like where we are.”

Although his team was the favorite, Johnson was wary of his opponent, who he called an “unknown,” due to the fact that

SPORTS >> FROM B1 face Eufaula on Thursday in the Area Finals.

The Auburn High boys’ basketball team blew out Opelika 73-48 in the Mainstreet gym on the OHS campus.

The 25-point loss is one of the most lopsided games in many years.

Interim coach Wesley Button will take his team to play Valley in the Area

GOODWILL >> FROM B2 able to continue putting America back to work by helping local job seekers and local businesses.”

About Goodwill Southern Rivers: Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers

SMITHS>> FROM B4 against Central. Dre Weathers had the most efficient night of anyone, scoring 20 points on 10-of-12 shooting and recording six steals.

The two benefited from some great passes from Donovan Pearman, who, despite his shooting struggles, finished with 15 assists and seven rebounds.

The Panthers had a more balanced scoring attack against Beauregard, with Trevon Taylor and Ahmari Peabody leading the team with 10

Valiant has only played four games this season.

“They will be athletic, they will try and get up and down on us a little bit, but we’re excited about that though,” Johnson said.

The mystery of their opponent quickly faded as Lee-Scott jumped out to an early double-digit lead on their way to a blowout 63-27 victory against the inexperienced Valiant.

“I told our guys, if we shoot the ball well, rebound the ball well and do all the little things, we’re going to be a tough out.” Johnson said in his pre-game press conference.

The players must have been listening, as Lee-Scott outperformed Valiant in field goal percentage, three-point percentage, free throw percentage, rebounds, steals and turnovers forced. The Warriors jumped out to a 14-1 lead at the end of the first quarter and outscored their opponents in every following period.

Three players led the way for LSA Academy

with 11 points apiece: Joseph Horne, Carson Alexander and Dylan Hickman. Alexander shot a scintillating 83.3% from the field while also pulling down a team-high six rebounds; Hickman was a nuisance on defense, finishing with four steals; and Horne’s only missed shot of the game was a free throw. In what was a complete team performance, nine other Warriors finished in the score column.

Fischer Wright was the hot man from threepoint range, adding 6 points on 2-of-5 shooting.

The Boys played their quarterfinal matchup against the No. 1 seed Morgan Academy at the Cramton Bowl Multiplex on Tuesday, but results were not available at press time.

“We need to be ourselves and try to do all the little things better than our opponent,” Johnson said.

“Protecting the paint will be the most important part of the game, so we need to defend and rebound.”

SOFTBALL >> FROM B4

2021 Varsity Softball Schedule Date

Opponent

Location

Departure

Time

Feb 11

Central-PC

Away

3:00 pm

4:30 pm

Feb 12/13

Away

1:00 pm

TBA

Away

TBA

TBA

Feb 16

Tallassee Tourney Smiths Station RR Benjamin Russell

Away

2:00 pm

4:30 pm

Feb 18

Reeltown

Away

2:30 pm

6:00 pm

Feb 19/20

Away

TBA

TBA

Feb. 23

Central PC Tourney Auburn

Home

N/A

6:00 pm

Feb 25

Central-PC

Home

N/A

6:00 pm

March 2

Russell County

Away

2:00 pm

6:00 pm

March 9

Beulah

N/A

6:00 pm

March 10

Marbury

Home Teacher Night Away

1:45 pm

5:00 pm

March 11

Eufaula

Home

N/A

6:00 pm

March 12/13

Away

TBA

TBA

March 23

Prattville Christian Auburn

Away

3:00 pm

6:00 pm

March 25

Valley

Home

N/A

6:00 pm

March 26/27

Away

TBA

TBA

March 30

Alex Wilcox Memorial Benjamin Russell

Home

N/A

6:00 pm

April 6

Russell County

Home

TBA

6:00 pm

April 8

Valley

Away

2:30 pm

4:30 pm

April 9/10

Home

N/A

TBA

April 13

Opelika Round Robin Eufaula

Away

2:00 pm

6:00 pm

April 15

Beulah

Away

3:00pm

6:00 pm

April 16/17

Beauregard Tourney Reeltown

Away

TBA

TBA

Feb 15

April 20 April 29

April 6

Home

6:00

Alabama Christian Area Tourney

Away

1:30 pm

4:00 pm

??

TBA

TBA

Regionals

??

TBA

TBA

State

Montgomery

Senior Night

Tournament tonight, and the winner will advance to face Eufaula on Friday for the Area Tournament final.

The Opelika boys’ basketball program has been in a precarious situation since the beginning of the year.

OHS Athletic Director Mike Pugh hired Emannuel Brown as head coach.

Brown replaced John Wadsworth after 13

years as head coach, despite not being a head coach in two years. He had head coaching experience but resigned at Dothan High before going to Rehobeth as strength and conditioning coach, running back coach and JV basketball coach.

Brown abruptly resigned after an 0-4 start and never moved his family to Opelika.

He commuted to and

from Dothan. Opelika’s boys travel to Valley Wednesday for the first round of the Area Tournament. Winner will advance to face Eufaula Friday for Area Tournament final.

SPRING SPORTS TENNIS The OHS boys Tennis team opened the season with an 8-1 win over Benjamin Russell. Opelika’s girls lost 6-3.

Winners for the boys in singles: No. 1 Connor Mullins No. 2 Andrew Hudson No. 3 Max Caldwell No. 4 Charles Gagliano Doubles Winners: No. 2 Will Fuller/Max Caldwell OHS then picked up three forfeits to make it 8-1.

Winners for the girls in singles: No. 2 Laura Tyson Daffin

No. 4 Allison Bearden Winners in doubles: No. 1 Daffin/Laney McTier D. Mark Mitchell is the Sports Director at iHeartMedia Host of “On the Mark” Fox Sports the Game 910-1310 Co-Chair of the Auburn-Opelika Sports Council Chairman Super 7 and Dixie Boys Baseball State Director

(GoodwillSR) is one of 156 independent, communitybased Goodwill nonprofits across the United States and Canada.

Headquartered in Columbus, Georgia, GoodwillSR serves 50 counties throughout

east Alabama and west Georgia. We provide employment readiness training, computer access, educational assistance, skills workshops and more to spur job placement and economic stability in the communities we serve. We can provide these and other

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

About Southern Union State Community College: Southern Union State Community College, an open admission, public two-year college and member of the Alabama Community College System, provides quality and

relevant teaching and learning in academic, technical and health science programs that are affordable, accessible, equitable and responsive to the diverse needs of its students, community, business, industry and government.

Levi Marchio had 10 points and an impressive seven steals.

The Scott twins had another nice game with Jedd scoring 12 and Jagger one-upping his performance from the previous game with 10 points and 12 rebounds.

The final game of the night was anything but merciful. The Patriots began to show their fatigue as some players were warming up for their third game of the night. The Patriots kept it close early, but faded down the stretch, falling to Ezekiel 62-29. Jedd

Scott had a team-high 9 points. Humes and Marchio both added 7 points and double-digit rebounds. And senior Silas Frick went out on a high note, finishing with 10 boards.

“We had a tough first year but all the kids learned a lot and never lost hope,” Scott said.

“They fought the good fight; they finished their race. The one thing this was for us was a great learning opportunity for these kids who are new to the game. I feel like we will have an incredible foundation to build off of after this season.”

points apiece. Peabody also pulled down nine rebounds. This game, it was Devyn Pearman who led the way defensively, forcing eight of the Panthers 27 steals.

“We are a defensive team, and we want to make you turn the ball over, but balance is very important,” Davis said. “Defense wins you games, but offense puts you in place to win the games.”

Now that the regular season is complete, the Panthers are focused on their matchup with Central, which will be the third time they play this season. Despite

winning the first two games, 73-46 and 57-48, Davis expects it to be a tough game.

“It’s a rivalry game, they are going to make adjustments from the last game and so are we,” he said. “It means so much to me,” Davis said of the success. “I’m extremely happy, I’m extremely satisfied and I’m really happy for the kids.”

The No. 3 seed in Region 4A-7A Smiths Station Varsity Girls were in action Tuesday night in a first-round playoff matchup against Central. Results were not available at press.

SOUTHERN>> FROM B4 Patriots fell 45-31.

In the third game of the night, the JV Girls had the toughest time.

Scoring only 5 points in four quarters, the Lady Patriots lost, 275. Rhema Creel had four of the five points, and Aliyah Frick pulled down a teamhigh 11 rebounds.

The fourth game of the night was the closest. The JV boys squad took the much deeper and much more experienced Knights to the wire, losing a 37-32 nail-biter.

B6 February 10, 2021

Active Auburn Presents: Tails and Trails Fun Run, Bark in the Park to follow

By Wil Crews sportscrews@opelikaobserver.com

Active Auburn, a community-wide campaign dedicated to promoting health and wellness, is sponsoring the first ever Tails and Trails Fun Run, accompanied by the ninth annual Bark in the Park, at Kiesel Park on Saturday, March 20.

Bring your best running shoes and your favorite running “pawtner” for this fun, easygoing event that is bound to be a dog-

gone good time for any canine lover in the Auburn-Opelika area.

“We just want people to come out and enjoy themselves,” said Active Auburn Coordinator Sarah Cook. “And we want the dogs to come out and be able to run it.”

The Tails and Trails 3K Fun Run will begin at 8 a.m., followed by Bark in the Park from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Last year was going to be the first year, then COVID happened, so now we are doing it

again,” Cook said. “So we are tying it into the ninth annual Bark in the Park.”

Although the race will not be competitively timed, prizes for the top three finishers overall will be awarded. If prizes don’t interest you personally, consider the fourlegged companions, who can win the prestigious “best dressed” award for showing up in an eye-catching costume.

“I’ve seen dogs in all kinds of costumes,

so I’m excited,” Cook said.

Winners will be announced at 8:45 a.m. under the white pavilion.

Online registration for the race has already begun.

Early Bird Registration is $15 and runs from Jan 4. to Feb. 26.

After that, late and day-of registration is $25 and runs from Feb. 27 to March 15.

In order to be guaranteed a t-shirt, participants must register by Friday, Feb. 26.

A limited number of t-shirts will be available to late registrants on a first-come, firstserved basis at packet pickup. Packet pickup for the race will be on Thursday, March 18, and Friday, March 19, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Harris Center, located at 425 Perry St. in Auburn. Picking up race packets prior to the race is mandatory.

The race course route will be posted at activeauburn.org and auburnalabama.org/parks on Feb. 26.

Don’t forget to stick around for Bark in the Park to enjoy playtime with the pups and a variety of vendors promoting responsible dog ownership. The Lee County Humane Society will be there with adoptable dogs; vets will be doing free microchipping; booths will be set up with pup accessories; and non-profits will be there to show support.

For race updates and announcements, go to @activeauburn on Facebook.

Senior Night Spotlight: Elite Eight Exit: Lee-Scott Lady Warriors Trinity Christian

By Wil Crews sportscrews@opelikaobserver.com

Senior night ceremonies for high school athletes are a special time. They are the representation, and the acknowledgment, of all the hard work that it takes to get to that point.

Trinity Christian had their senior night on Jan. 25. While all senior nights are remembered by the players, anyone in the gym that night will never forget it.

Facing off against Southen Prep, Trinity was leading late in regulation. Disaster seemed to strike when the Eagles gave up two scores in rapid succession because of careless

turnovers. Hope was nearly lost. Down two with 4.5 seconds remaining, Trinity had one more chance.

Head coach Paul Stith drew up a play to get Brandon Riddle open for a three pointer or to get fouled. The inbounds pass went to Riddle and just as Stith drew up, he was fouled. Riddle sank two-of-three at the line to send the game into overtime. In overtime, with what must have seemed like a past-life experience, Riddle was once again fouled on a three-pointer and put on the free throw line with a chance to win the game. This time, he finished it, and Trinity secured the 7574 overtime win. Rid-

dle finished with 29 points – it’s easy to see why Stith kept drawing up plays for him.

Lewis Reeves had 23, Daniel Adams had 16 and Connor Hammett had 11.

The next day Trinity was back in action as they traveled to face Holy Ground in Georgia. Riddle and Reeves were productive again, pilling up a combined 35 points in the 45-26 win. The Eagles then lost to Ezekiel, 79-48, on Feb. 2.

Trinity traveled to Georgia for the regional tournament on Tuesday to play Covington Academy in the Region 1-A second round. Results were not available at press.

By Wil Crews sportscrews@opelikaobserver.com

Winning their final two regular season games and earning a first round bye in the AISA Class AAA State Tournament, the Lee-Scott Academy Lady Warriors entered the playoffs with momentum.

On Monday afternoon, with a trip to the state semifinals on the line, the No. 2 seed defending champions LSA faced off against No. 1 seed Clarke Prep.

Having already played each other in November, with Clarke Prep winning 42-17, Lady Warriors head coach Corye Ivatt said she expected a new challenge this time around.

“I think it’s kind of a

fresh slate,” Ivatt said.

“I don’t expect them to play the same as they did when we played them in November. We don’t expect to play the same either. So I think it’s kind of a different ball game.”

Lee-Scott began the game well, leaping out to an early 8-4 lead after the first quarter. However, Clarke Prep ended the half on a fiery run, sparked by their defense, to take a 14-11 into the half.

The deficit hovered around there until the game’s final moments.

With 9.6 seconds remaining, Lee-Scott trailed 30-28. The Lady Warriors sent Clarke Prep to the free throw for a one-and-one free throw situation. The

first shot missed and it looked like Lee-Scott could grab the rebound for one final chance to tie or win the game.

However, a scramble for the ball resulted in an out of bands call, the last touch coming from a Lady Warrior. Timeout Clarke Prep. The teams returned to floor and Lee-Scott was forced to foul again, sending Clarke Prep to the free throw line, this time for two shots. Grace Davis sank both of her free throws to ice the game and secured the 32-28 win for Clarke Prep.

After winning the state title last season, the LSA Lady Warriors were officially bounced from the playoffs in the Elite Eight. Congrats on a great season ladies!

Auburn’s Allen Greene recognized by NCAA for work in diversity and inclusion Contributed by Kirk Sampson/AU Athletics

The NCAA Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee, in conjunction with the office of inclusion, is recognizing Auburn Director of Athletics Allen Greene and four other individuals as Champions of Diversity and Inclusion for their work in supporting ethnic minorities and other underrepresented groups and individuals.

The honor was created in 2015 to recognize those who have a commitment to advocating for and advancing others in inclusive efforts around athletics. Gen-

erally, one individual is honored quarterly, but with the social injustice and inequities seen throughout 2020, the MOIC and office of inclusion chose to honor multiple people.

The other honorees including Greene are: Tommy Amaker, men’s basketball head coach, Harvard; Jen Fry, community supporter, JenFryTalks; Jacqie McWilliams, commissioner, Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association and John Nicklow, president, New Orleans.

“As we move through this challenging time in our country’s history, the committee wanted to

recognize five people who lead from different seats within and around college athletics,” said Dena Freeman-Patton, chair of the MOIC and deputy athletics director/ chief operating officer at New Orleans. “They have been champions for diversity and inclusion throughout their careers and continue to do what is right in 2021. They have been inspirations to our student-athletes and administrators in athletics, and they play a big part in molding our industry and our country. MOIC applauds them for their intentions and bravery in such unprecedented

times. Leading with conviction and courage moves us all to a better place in athletics and certainly as we look to the future.”

Individuals were nominated based on how they are influencers in promoting diversity and inclusion; how they are assisting in diversifying pipeline opportunities in their senior or influential position; how they are providing support to underrepresented populations; and their consistency in supporting diversity and inclusion initiatives.

“What a tremendous honor to be recognized by the NCAA via the Minority Opportunities

and Interests Committee,” Greene said. “The acknowledgment of an individual’s impact is the result of the impact of many, whereby the desire for change is stronger than the desire for one’s personal gain.”

Along with leading Auburn Athletics, Greene is co-chair of the Black AD Alliance, which was formed last summer to create more opportunities for ethnic minorities at administrative levels in Division I athletics. Greene met with his Auburn coaches last year following social injustice protests and opened discussions about current issues. He also

addressed the turmoil publicly with video messaging focusing on continued efforts to educate, develop and support student-athletes during and after the unrest and as the country moves into the future.

The Champions of Diversity and Inclusion will be formally recognized at the 2021 Inclusion Forum, which will be held virtually June 2-4. MOIC and the NCAA will recognize additional Champions of Diversity and Inclusion later this spring.

For more information or to read the full release from the NCAA, visit here.

B7 February 10, 2021

OHS & AHS hold signing day ceremonies

Lee Greg signs with the University of West Alabama

Quay Nelms signs as a preferred walk-on with Troy University

Noah Warren signs with Shorter Univeristy Photos contributed by Auburn City Schools

LaDajah Huguley signs with Chipola College in Marianna, Florida

Kaitlyn Bryant signs with Chipola College in Marianna, Florida

Eric Watts signs with Itawamba Community College

Jakai Stephens signs with Faulkner University

Eric Thomas signs with Dodge City Community College

Ty Robinson signs with Dodge City Community College

Anthony Martin signs with Dodge City Community College Tori Roberts signs with Dodge City Community College

Photos by Robert Noles / Opelika Observer

B8 February 10, 2021

OHS Senior Night: Boys fall, Girls win at buzzer

Photos by Robert Noles / Opelika Observer

OHS Boys Indoor Track team wins State

Photos by Robert Noles / Opelika Observer

Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics

B9

February 10, 2021

Wednesday, February 10, 2021

T

Big Issues Facing Alabama Legislature

he 2021 legislative session has begun. It will be a monumental and difficult session. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the logistics of just meeting will be a task. House members will be spread out all over the Statehouse to adhere to distancing requirements. It is still uncertain as to how press and lobbyist accommodations will be handled.

A new virtual-voting console system has been installed to allow for House members to vote since not all will be on the House floor. There are myriad issues that have to be addressed. Last year’s session was abbreviated and adjourned before the halfway point due to the pandemic outbreak. Therefore, it has been almost a year since the legislature has met.

There are hundreds of local bills that have to be addressed for cities and counties. Alabama’s archaic constitution does not allow for home rule.

All power rests with the legislature.

Therefore, local governments have to come with hat-in-hand to the legislature to make vital decisions.

There are also cursory but urgent economic development incentive laws that need updating. The State Senate, led by Sen. Greg Reed (R-Jasper), has made a priority of passing legislation that will limit and probably prohibit lawsuits against business stemming from COVID-19.

The paramount issues will be reapportionment, gambling and prisons.

The major issue facing the legislature is the Tar Baby known as the prison problem. The governor and legislature have been grappling with the prison problem for several years.

Given the legislative absence, Gov. Ivey has made executive decisions that some legislators are not totally enthralled with, especially regarding prisons.

The governor thought they were on the course to addressing the state’s overcrowded, understaffed and violent state prisons. However, the U.S. Department of Justice sued the state in the U.S. District Court in Birmingham in December. The suit alleges that Alabama violates the constitutional rights of prisoners by failure to protect them from assaults and abuse from other inmates, excessive force by correctional officers and failure to provide safe and sanitary conditions.

This litigation is not unique to Alabama. The Justice Department has made a practice of overshadowing

Ivey talks COVID, gambling in State of State

By Will Fairless Associate Editor

STEVE FLOWERS state prisons. Other states have been sued over similar situations.

Overcrowding seems to be the over-riding culprit. Federal Courts have ordered states to reduce their prison populations because of overcrowding. California was given this mandate.

Alabama prisons hold more than 15,000 prisoners in facilities designed for fewer than 10,000. Ivey has proposed building three men’s prisons and replacing many of the 13 current prisons. She faces contention and opposition from legislators on this issue. She now will have another Big Brother looking over her shoulder: the U.S. Justice Department and the federal courts.

Ivey’s response to the federal suit is that it is premature and that the state has been striving to resolve the crisis. Indeed, the Legislature and the Alabama Department of Corrections has stepped up recruiting of correctional officers and increased pay and bonuses to address the staff shortage.

It has cracked down on contraband with a program called “Restore Order,” which uses predawn raids by law enforcement officers to search for weapons, drugs, cell phones and other prohibited items.

Ivey said the new prisons will have better security and better technology and will allow for more education and rehabilitation programs. The new prisons will also allow for modern surveillance cameras and convex mirrors that can detect violence problems.

Hopefully, the Governor and Legislature will address the omnipresent issue of gambling. Alabama has grappled with gaming for decades. Most of the concentration has See FLOWERS, page B13

Opelika City Council tables animal ordinance changes

By Michelle Key Publisher

The Opelika City Council voted unanimously to table the proposed changes to the city’s animal ordinance during last week’s council meeting. The proposed ordinance would have potentially allowed the shooting of animals and birds that were determined to be a nuisance under strict guidelines.

Mayor Gary Fuller made the request to See ANIMAL, page B13

Governor Kay Ivey delivered her annual State of the State address on Feb. 2.

The address was broadcast live and a transcript of the address is available at governor.alabama. gov/assets/2021/01/ SOTS-2021-OfficialCopy.pdf.

Ivey thanked the legislature for its work during the pandemic: “Thank you for working with my Administration and me as, together, we have looked for good ideas and solutions to the challenges and demands of this past year.”

She also thanked the people of Alabama: “I know I speak for every elected leader throughout the state when I say we all owe the people of Alabama a debt of gratitude for their willingness to work with us as we have navigated one of the most challenging years in our state’s history. . . . Despite all that was thrown at us, Alabamians remained grounded and kept our resolve. You never gave up.”

Ivey thanked healthcare workers and first responders, as they were on the front lines against the COVID-19 pandemic and eight federal disaster and emergency declarations.

Regarding the future, Ivey said she wants to set big goals, that she wants the state of Alabama to not just get back to where it was before the pandemic, but to eclipse that point.

She said that one of

the first bills she wants to pass is one that will ensure that nobody who received CARES act funding has to pay any state income taxes on that money. “After all, these monies were meant to tide people over until the economy recovered; it was never meant as an opportunity to grow the state’s bank account,” Ivey said.

She then mentioned two other bills that she says are top priorities: one to renew the economic development incentives that Alabama has used for years and another to protect business and medical communities from frivolous lawsuits that might come as a result of COVID-19.

Ivey said that she hopes to address issues of broadband and internet connectivity that were exposed by COVID-19.

She proposed that over $50 million go to mental health crisis centers in the state to expand their facilities.

Ivey spoke of the strength of the automotive industry in Alabama by citing the successes of Mazda Toyota in Huntsville, Hyundai in Montgomery and Honda in several cities in the state.

She announced some plans to improve the state’s highway infrastructure: “I’m proud to announce we are moving forward with a project that other governors have talked about but, until now, no one has been able to do. Later this year, we’re going to turn the shovel on a long-discussed four-lane Highway 43 from Thomasville to

Tuscaloosa. This will provide interstate connectivity and economic development opportunities for many rural counties in Alabama’s Black Belt between the cities of Mobile and Tuscaloosa. I am also pleased to announce plans to connect two more rural counties with four-lane access in Geneva and Fayette counties – and plans for others are under development.”

She mentioned the Alabama Prison Program, which aims to replace the state’s aging and failing prison infrastructure, as she put it.

Ivey announced that she signed leases on two new prisons in Escambia and Elmore counties.

The following are Ivey’s comments on the issue of gambling: Since 1999, over 180 gambling bills have been introduced in the Alabama Legislature.

“However, you’ve not had a chance to make your voice heard. Last year, I asked the people of Alabama to trust me to gather all the facts on what has been endlessly debated in our state but never adopted.

“My first action was to establish a working group of some of Alabama’s most distinguished citizens to present us the facts so we can make the most informed decision possible. I’m proud of the work of this group, and they have delivered a comprehensive analysis of both the benefits and drawbacks of expanded gambling.

“I’ve never been an See COVID, page B13

Auburn Council names meeting room after Jim Buston

By Hannah Lester hlester@opelikaobserver.com

The Auburn City Council voted to rename a meeting room in the Engineering Services Building after recently retired City Manager Jim Buston.

The room will be named the James C. Buston, III Education and Meeting Center.

Buston retired Jan. 31 after 25 years with the city of Auburn.

“Several council members had an

interest in doing something,” said current City Manager Megan Crouch. “I was asked for an opinion of the staff on it and I gave that opinion that Jim’s legacy and one of his biggest legacies for the city is he’s about employees and he’s about education of our employees and advancing ourselves.”

The vote to rename the room passed, though two council members voted against the item.

“As ya’ll know, I’ve previously expressed my desire that we implement some kind of a policy for naming city property after individuals, and in the absence of such a policy, I must object to this resolution,” said Ward 2 Council Member Kelley Griswold.

Ward 1 Council Member Connie Fitch Taylor agreed with Griswold, though she said it SeeBUSTON, page B13

B10 February 10, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICES ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Sealed proposals (One Copy) will be received by the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind at the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind Regional Center located at 432 East Jefferson Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36104 until 2:00 p.m. local time on Thursday February 18, 2021, for A New Regional Center for Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind Opelika, Alabama at which time they will be publicly opened and read.

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at 10:00 am. The conference will be held at the site. The site is located at the intersection of Waverly Parkway and Dunlop Drive in Opelika, Alabama. Contractors bidding this project are encouraged to attend the Pre-Bid Meeting and walk the site and examine all existing conditions prior to submitting their Proposal.

A cashier’s check or bid bond payable to the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind in an amount not less than five (5) percent of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000, must accompany the bidder’s proposal.

Performance and Payment Bonds and evidence of insurance required in the bid documents will be required at the signing of the Contract.

The Contract Documents and Plans may be examined at the office of the Architect located at 624 South McDonough Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36104. Electronic images of the documents are available via the architect’s Drop Box. It will be the Contractor’s, Sub-Contractor’s, Vendors, etc. responsibility to check the BDW Dropbox for Addendums, etc. related to the project.

Send all RFI’s and request for the Dropbox link to the attention of Frank McKinnon. Email: fmckinnon@ bdwarchitects.com.

Bids must be submitted on proposal forms furnished by the Architect or copies thereof. All bidders bidding in amounts exceeding that established by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors must be licensed under the provisions of Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama, 1975, and must show evidence of license before bidding or bid will not be received or considered by the Architect; the bidder shall show such evidence by clearly displaying his or her current license number on the outside of the sealed envelope in which the proposal is delivered.

The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive technical errors if, in the Owner’s judgment, the best interests of the Owner will thereby be promoted.

The project is being bid EXCLUDING SALES TAXES and requires the Contractor to comply with the requirements of Act 2013-205 which was signed into law on May 19, 2013. The Contractor and Owner will be required to apply for Certificates of Exemption with the Alabama Department of Revenue which will handle administration of the Certificates. The Contractor shall account for the tax savings on the Accounting of Sales Tax ABC Form C-3A-Sales Tax form included in the Specifications behind the Proposal form. Failure of the Contractor to complete

this form and include with their Proposal shall render the bid non-responsive.

The Contractor shall be responsible for paying the Alabama Building Commission Building Permit Fee as per the included Alabama Department of Finance Real Property Management Division of Construction Management Permit Fee Re-Inspection Fee Calculation Worksheet.

Contract Time: Project must be completed within 300 calendar days from the “Notice to Proceed”.

Scope of Work: Work will consist of constructing a new free-standing single-story building consisting of approximately 8,045 square feet of conditioned space.

Awarding Authority: Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind P.0. Box 698 Talladega, Alabama 35160 Architect: Barganier Davis Williams Architects Associated 624 South McDonough Street Montgomery, Alabama Telephone: (334) 8342038 Legal Run 01/27/2021, 02/03/2021 & 02/10/2021

note and the terms of that certain mortgage executed

by William Brad Schwarz to CAPITAL CITY BANK, dated the 12th day of April, 2019, which mortgage was recorded in Mortgage Book 4466, Page 982, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, the undersigned CAPITAL CITY BANK, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash before the Courthouse door of the Lee County Courthouse in Opelika, Alabama, on February 23, 2021, or on such later date as circumstances may require, during the legal hours of sale, the following real estate, situated in Lee County, Alabama, to wit:

may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process.

An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process.”

THIS LAW FIRM IS ENGAGED IN THE COLLECTION OF A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. CAPITAL CITY BANK Mortgagee Donald R. Cleveland P. O. Box 527 West Point, Georgia 31833 706.643.9552 Attorney for Mortgagee Add Legal Run 01/27/21, 02/03/21 & 02/10/2021

Lot No. 4 of Beulah Heights Subdivision in Section 19, Township 20 North, Range 29 East, Lee County, Alabama, according to and as shown by that map or plat of said subdivision recorded in Town Plat Book 9, Page 118, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama. Subject to all easements and rights of way of record.

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This being the same property which was conveyed to Norman D. Schwarz and wife, Margaret Schwarz, both of whom are now deceased, as joint tenants with the right of survivorship, as shown by deed recorded in Deed Book 1601, Page 288, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama. Norman D. Schwarz died in or around 1996 predeceasing Margaret Schwarz, who, by virtue of surviving him, succeeded to fee simple ownership of the above-described property. The said Margaret Schwarz died on August 29, 2007, and her last will and testament was duly admitted to probate in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama.

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ROSIE NELL REESE, DECEASED NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION of said deceased having been granted to Jacqueline Jordan on the 15th day of January 2021, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama.

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

Jacqueline Jordan Legal Run 01/27/2021, 02/03/2021 & 02/10/2021

NOTICE OF ADOPTION PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY CASE NO.: 2019-B-211 2019-B-212 TO: Unknown Father Please take notice that a Petition for Adoption was filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama by Yolanda Evett Jackson on September 12, 2019, for the Adoption of A. J.C. and J. K. C. born July 25th, 2019 born to Brittney Nichole Crump. A hearing has been set for the 27th day of April, 2021 at 10 o’clock a.m. central time in the Probate Court, Lee County Courthouse, 215 South 9th Street, Opelika, Alabama. Should you intend to contest this adoption, you must file a written response within thirty (30) days of the date of the last publication herein, with the Clerk of said Probate Court at 215 S 9th Street, Opelika, Alabama 36801 or appear on the date of the hearing as set above to contest said Petition.

Done this 22nd day of January, 2021.

Bill English, Probate Judge Legal Run 01/27/2021, 02/03/2021, 02/10/2021 & 02/17/2021

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NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF JANIS LEE MARTIN, Deceased PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION WITH THE WILL ANNEXED of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 20th day of January, 2021􀀁 by the Honorable Bill English, Probate Judge 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.

Benjamin H. Parr, Administrator LEGAL RUN 01/27/2021, 02/03/2021, & 02/10/2021

Notice to Contractors Lee County Project No. LCP 41-SRPM-21 Lee County, Alabama

IN RE: MARRIAGE OF STEVEN FARROW, PLAINTIFF VS. LAKESHIA FARROW, DEFENDANT IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO.: DR-2019000030.00 NOTICE OF DIVORCE ACTION LAKESHIA FARROW, Whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer STEVEN FARROW’S Petition for Divorce and other relief by the 12th day of March, 2021, or thereafter judgment by default may be rendered against him in Case No. DR-2019-000030.00, Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama.

DONE this the 10th day of January, 2021.

Mary Roberson, CIRCUIT CLERK, LEE COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT Legal Run 01/20/21, 01/27/21, 02/03/21 & 02/10/2021.

-------------NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF JEROLD EDWARD LANGLEY, DECEASED COURT OF PROBATE LEE COUNTY Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 23rd day of December, 2020, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will barred.

Witness our hands, and dated this the 23rd day of December, 2020.

ANNETTE SUMMERALL LANGLEY Legal Run 01/20/2021, 01/27/2021 & 02/03/2021 -------------NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE Default having been made in the payment of that certain promissory

This being the same property which was conveyed to William Brad Schwarz by deed recorded at Deed Book 2363, Page 786, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama.

Said property is commonly known as 70 Lee Road 374, Valley, Alabama 36854 (Tax Parcel No. 01-04-19-0-000-001.007).

The indebtedness secured by said mortgage has been and is hereby declared due because of default under the terms of said promissory note, and any renewal or extension thereof, and mortgage, including but not limited to the nonpayment of the indebtedness as and when due. The indebtedness remaining in default, this sale will be made for the purpose of paying the same, all expenses of the sale, including a reasonable attorney’s fee, and all other payments provided for under the terms of the promissory note and mortgage.

The mortgagor has been furnished with written notice, mailed by certified mail to the property address at least thirty (30) days prior to the sale date, which notice provides as follows: “Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs

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-------------STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF LEE To Johnathan Gardiner, Asia Hall, Thamani Hall, Tanier Hall, James Stanley, Jovaughn Stanley, Jeffery Meeks, and Jahdyon Ragsdale, last known addresses in or around Acworth, GA, but whose whereabouts are otherwise unknown, and any known or unknown heirs of the Estate of Elmer L. Potts, deceased.

You will please take notice that on the 22nd day of January, 2021 a certain paper in writing, purported to be the Last Will and Testament of Elmer L. Potts was filed in my office for Probate by Sally Lankdord and that the 3rd day of March, 2021 @ 10:00 a.m., CST, was appointed the day and time for

the hearing thereof, at which time you can appear and contest the same, if you see proper.

Given under my hand, this the 22nd day of January, 2021.

BILL ENGLISH, Judge of Probate Legal Run 01/27/2021, 02/03/2021 & 02/10/2021 --------------

Sealed bids will be received by the Lee County Commission at 215 S. 9th Street, Opelika, AL 36801 or mailed to P.O. Box 666, Opelika, AL 36803-0666 until 10:00 AM on February 17, 2021 and at that time publicly opened at the Lee County Courthouse, 215 S. 9th Street, Opelika, AL 36801, for the furnishing and installation of Traffic Stripe and Pavement Markers on various public roads in Lee County, AL. The Entire Project Shall Be Completed In one-hundred and eighty (180) Calendar Days.

Plans and Proposals are available online at http://www.leeco.us/ business/ commission_ office/current_bids.php, or at the Lee County Highway Department (ph. 334-737-7011), 100 Orr Avenue, Opelika, AL 36803.

A Bidding Proposal may be purchased for $5.00. Plans may be purchased for $2.00 per set. Checks should be made payable to the Lee County Commission. Plans and Proposals will be mailed only upon receipt of remittance.

Cashier's check or bid bond for 5% of bid (maximum $10,000.00) made payable to the Lee County Commission must accompany each bid as evidence of good faith.

The bracket range is shown only to provide general financial

information to contractors and bonding companies concerning the project's complexity and size. This Bracket should not be used in preparing a bid, nor will this bracket have any bearing on the decision to award this contract.

The bracket estimate on this project is from $285,780.00 To $349,286.00.

The bidder's proposal must be submitted on the complete original proposal furnished him or her by the Lee County Highway Department. Prequalification is not required.

The right to reject any or all bids is reserved.

Ala. Code § 39-3-5 applies to this project. In accordance with Ala. Code § 39-3-5(a), “…. preference shall be given to resident contractors, and a nonresident bidder domiciled in a state having laws granting preference to local contractors shall be awarded Alabama public contracts only on the same basis as the nonresident bidder's state awards contracts to Alabama contractors bidding under similar circumstances; and resident contractors in Alabama, as defined in Section 39-2-12, be they corporate, individuals, or partnerships, are to be granted preference over nonresidents in awarding of contracts in the same manner and to the same extent as provided by the laws of the state of domicile of the nonresident.”

Legal Run 02/03/2021 & 02/10/2021 -------------NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF BOBBY ALVERSON Deceased PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, CASE NO. 2020-437 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of the Estate of BOBBY ALVERSON are hereby granted to Tab Adams on the 6th day of January, 2021, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama.

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

TAB ADAMS Legal Run 02/03/2021, 02/10/2021, 02/17/2021 -------------STATE OF ALABAMA CASE NO. 2021-026 LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT ESTATE OF DONNA MILLER SPECHT, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Letters Testamentary of said Donna Miller Specht, deceased, having been granted to April M. Olive, this 26th day of January 2021, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by the law or the same will be barred.

April M. Olive, Personal Representative Jeffery A. Hilyer 334-745-2564 Attorney at Law P.O. Box 30 Opelika, Alabama 368030030.

Legal Run 02/03/2021, 02/10/2021 & 02/17/2021 --------------

See PUBLIC NOTICES, page B13

B11 February 10, 2021

Senator Tom Whatley named Chairman of Senate Judiciary Committee Contributed by the Alabama State Senate

The Alabama Senate’s Committee on Assignments announced on Feb. 3 that Sen. Tom Whatley (R-Auburn) will become the new chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

“It is a privilege

to serve the people of my district and the state of Alabama as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee,” Whatley said. “I appreciate the Committee on Assignments and my Senate colleagues for entrusting me with taking on this important role for our

state. Alabamians have a strong belief in maintaining the rule of law. As chairman, I will be a strong advocate for supporting law and order and the brave men and women who serve every day in law enforcement to keep our communities safe.”

Democrats Have Strong Response to Ivey’s State of the State Address Contributed by The Alabama House Democratic Caucus

Following Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey’s annual State of the State Address to the Alabama Legislature, Rep. Jeremy Gray (D-Opelika) delivered a strong response, highlighting key Democratic legislative priorities and offering a glimmer of hope for bipartisanship when possible.

Gray’s speech identified how Alabama’s COVID-19 response exposed and exacerbated foundational weaknesses in the state’s health care system, which is plagued by multiple hospital closures, lacking adequate mental health resources and suffering financially due to the Republicans’ stubborn, partisan refusal to expand Medicaid.

The address expressed the urgency for educational reforms, including needs-based funding for struggling schools, universal access to broadband/high-speed internet and addressing school performance gaps.

“Finally, facing

a poverty gap, an achievement gap and a digital divide, we must remember that we are all still one,” Gray said. “We are an Alabama and we’re an America where every child deserves the opportunity to be taught to their highest potential.”

Democrats are seeking to bolster Alabama’s economy by significantly reducing the Unemployment Tax and putting more money into the Unemployment Trust Fund.

“We support the Growing Alabama Tax Credit and the Alabama Jobs Act to drive economic development and stimulate job creation and growth,” Gray said on behalf of Democratic legislators.

Gray raised concerns over the Republican approach to solving the state’s prison problems, “We cannot build our way out of the systemic failures of our criminal justice system — failures that have led to federal lawsuits and civil rights violations.

Our prison system is broken because we

have not or will not adequately address the underlying and complex issues at play.”

After listing key policy proposals, Gray concluded by remarking, “The fact is the virus itself is not solely to blame for the vast, widespread, diverse and significant series of challenges currently facing Alabama. The pandemic may not have brought them about, but it made them significantly worse.

Failures in health care, education, support for our economy and our criminal justice system made this crisis longer, deeper, more dangerous and more deadly.”

Gray’s address ended on an aspirational note, “And so today, I call on the Governor, my fellow legislators and all Alabamians to not let this pandemic define us. But rather to learn from it — to change — to unite — and to do what it takes to conquer the coronavirus, so that all of Alabama can emerge from this crisis stronger, wiser, healthier and more resilient for generations to come.”

Republican Party reacts to State of the State address Contributed by The Alabama Republican Party

Alabama Republican Party Chairman Terry Lathan issued the following statement at the conclusion of Gov. Kay Ivey’s State of the State address on Feb. 2: “Governor Kay Ivey set forth an agenda with big goals and a bold vision. I have no doubt she will work with the Legislature to have deep discussions to prioritize the needs of Alabamians. I join our Governor in looking ahead with confidence from our leaders.

“We support Governor Ivey’s

three ‘priority bills’ — ensuring there will be no state income tax on CARES Act funding, renewing our economic incentives and providing our business and medical communities COVID-19 liability protection. Additionally, the infrastructure projects laid out by the Governor will improve the lives of people in our great state. From the much-needed four-lane highways through our rural communities to improving mental health services, these efforts are a great focus for all.

“Even with COVID continuing

to greatly impact our state, Alabama’s general fund and education budgets remain in solid shape.

This comes from years of conservative policies from our Republicancontrolled Legislature along with Governor Ivey.

These principled governing decisions will allow Alabama to provide for our citizens during the pandemic.

“We look forward to the Legislature and the Governor’s office working out plans to put Alabamians first. We are greatly appreciative of our elected officials serving in the public arena of service.”

Sen. Richard Shelby to retire Contributed by the Ala. Republican Party

Alabama Republican Party Chairman Terry Lathan issued the following statement following U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby’s announcement that he would not seek a seventh term in 2022: “Alabama has truly been blessed to have U.S. Senator Richard Shelby representing our state in Congress for the last 42 years. He has always fought for what is best for his constituents – from expanding economic opportunities to advancing education and research.

“Senator Shelby has consistently played a major

role in improving so many areas in Alabama: infrastructure projects and prioritizing the deepening and widening of the Port of Mobile, in Huntsville he promoted our hightech and aerospace corridor and guided the future headquarters of U.S. Space Command as its home city, used his key Senate committees to expand and protect our manufacturing sectors and agriculture industries, and prioritized the deep military footprint that is in our state.

“On behalf of the Alabama Republican Party, I offer my gratitude for his many years of public service

and we look forward to seeing what Senator Shelby accomplishes on behalf of our great state in the remaining two years of his term. We have no doubt he will continue to work on our behalf at a nonstop pace as he always has.

“Richard Shelby’s name will be repeated for generations to come when speaking of his deep devotion to Alabama and the massive work he accomplished for our state. We also are thankful for his great supporter and wife of sixty years, Dr. Annette Shelby, who has been a profoundly loyal partner for Alabama by his side.”

Secretaries of State issue support for “Keep Nine Amendment” Contributed by the office of John H. Merrill

This week, a group of 15 Secretaries of State issued their support for the “Keep Nine Amendment” recently introduced in Congress.

The letter, which was sent to Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Speaker of the House Nancy

Pelosi, and Minority Leader of the House Kevin McCarthy, stated the following: "We are writing you today to urge you to pass the “Keep Nine Amendment”, which simply states: “The Supreme Court of the United States shall be composed of nine Justices.”

In recent months, we have heard interest in and e orts to expand the size of the Supreme Court so that it may

lean politically.

Manipulating the size of the Supreme Court for political advantage would undermine both respect for the Court and the checks and balances system we rely on the protect our states and Constitutional liberties.

Election officials turned to the Supreme Court in several instances during the 2020 Election Cycle, and

it is important that they have the ability to turn once again to a fair, unbiased Court in the future, if necessary.

Seeing as this legislation has been introduced and supported by bipartisan members of Congress, we are hopeful you, too, will vote in favor of this amendment to permanently preserve the current number of nine U.S. Supreme Court Justices.

The letter was signed by Alabama Secretary of State John H. Merrill, Alaska Lieutenant Governor Kevin Meyer, Arkansas Secretary of State John Thurston, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, Idaho Secretary of State Lawrence Denney, Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson, Kentucky Secretary of State Michael G. Adams, Louisiana

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin, Maryland Secretary of State John C. Wobensmith, Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson, Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen, Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, South Carolina Secretary of State Mark Hammond, and West Virginia Secretary of State Mac Warner.

B12 February 10, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICES>> FROM B11 IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA In the Matter of: Marquetta Welch, an alleged incapacitated person TO: Any family or interested party: Lee County DHR has filed a Petition to appoint a Legal Guardian for MARQUETTA WELCH. It is ordered that the 4th day of March, 2021, at 1:00 p.m.. be appointed a day on which to hear such petition, at the Lee County Courthouse, 215 South 9th St. Opelika, AL at which time all persons interested can appear and contest the said petition if they deem it proper. Done this the 28th day of January 2021.

Bill English Probate Judge Margaret A. Mayfield Attorney for Lee County DHR Post Office Box 809 Opelika, AL 36803 (334) 745-0333 Legal Run 02/03/21, 02/10/21 & 02/17/2021 -------------NOTICE OF SALE OF ABANDONED MOBILE HOME PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that Camellia Heard, landowner, pursuant to Alabama Code Section 35-12A-1 (et. seq.), does hereby give notice that the mobile home located at 9404 Lee Road 72, Auburn, Alabama 36879, is abandoned. That the last known names and addresses of the tenants/ owners were Lamorris Heard, 9404 Lee Road 72, Auburn, Alabama 36879.

That the mobile home is a white doublewide mobile home, having the serial numbers of GMHGA2020024903A and GMHGA2020024903B, with the approximate dimensions of 32x80 feet.

That the mobile home will be sold at public sale on the courthouse steps of the Lee County, Alabama Courthouse at 11:00 a.m. on March 23, 2021. That Camellia Heard is authorized to bid on and purchase the mobile home.

The purpose of the sale is to collect past due rent and storage fees, notice and sale fees, and attorney fees and costs owed to landowner. Sealed bids will not be accepted.

The contact name and number of the person to call to inspect the mobile home is Camellia Heard, c/o Benjamin H. Parr, (334) 749-6999. //s// Camellia Heard, Landowner Legal Run 02/03/2021 & 02/10/2021 -------------ORDINANCE NO. 00221 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA BY ADDING A NEW SECTION 16-188; ESTABLISHING REDUCED SCHOOL SPEED ZONES; AND PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows: Section 1. Amendment.

That the Code of Ordi-

nances (the “Code”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama, is hereby amended by adding a new section to be numbered16-188, which section shall read as follows: Sec. 16-188 – School speed zones. (a)School Speed Zones--Designated.

The following school speed zones are hereby designated. It shall be unlawful during the hours designated for each such school zone for any person to operate a motor vehicle in excess of the speed limit established for such school zone when school is in session.

OPELIKA HIGH SCHOOL Lafayette Parkway from approximately 350 feet north of Samford Avenue to approximately 830 feet north of Lake Condy Road. 20 mph speed limit during the hours of 7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m.

OPELIKA MIDDLE SCHOOL McLure Avenue from Gwen Mill Drive to Claire Street and Denson Drive from approximately 140 feet north of McLure Avenue to 8th Avenue. 20 mph speed limit during the hours of 7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

MORRIS AVENUE INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL Morris Avenue from Lafayette Parkway to approximately 1100 feet from Lafayette Parkway and Lafayette Parkway from approximately 880 feet north of Morris Avenue to 300 feet south of Morris Avenue. 20 mph speed limit during the hours of 7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. 3:30 p.m.

NORTHSIDE INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL North 5th Street from 7th Avenue to approximately halfway between 6th Avenue and 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue from North 5th Street to approximately halfway between North 3rd Street and North 4th Street. 20 mph speed limit during the hours of 7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

WEST FOREST INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL Waverly Parkway from approximately 1020 feet west of the West Forest Intermediate School driveway to approximately 475 feet east of the West Forest Intermediate School driveway.

20 mph speed limit during the hours of 7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

CARVER PRIMARY SCHOOL Toomer Street from Elm Street to Cherry Avenue and Carver Avenue from Toomer Street to Harper Street. 20 mph speed limit during the hours of 7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

JETER PRIMARY SCHOOL Jeter Avenue from approximately 150 feet west of Fox Run Parkway to approximately

1200 feet west of Fox Run Parkway. 20 mph speed limit during the hours of 7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

SOUTHVIEW PRIMARY SCHOOL Marvyn Parkway from approximately 115 feet north of Hall Avenue to approximately 150 feet south of Gateway Drive and Gateway Drive from Marvyn Parkway to approximately 1150 feet from Marvyn Parkway.

20 mph speed limit during the hours of 7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

OPELIKA LEARNING CENTER Easy Street from Plum Avenue to Jeter Avenue and Jeter Avenue from Easy Street to approximately 50 feet east of Hamer Place. 20 mph speed limit during the hours of 7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

/s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR APPROVED this the 3rd day of February, 2021. /s/ Gary Fuller MAYOR ATTEST: /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK -------------Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 1242 N. Dean Rd, Auburn, AL 36830 Thursday, March 4, 2021 at 10:00AM Lillian Worley unit #222 1118 Rustic Ridge Rd Auburn, AL 36830 Virtual reality machine Devin Schulien unit #703 752 Stanton Dr Auburn, AL 36830 2 beds and a couch

TRINITY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL India Road from approximately 460 feet west of Gwen Mill Road to approximately 825 feet east of Gwen Mill Road and Gwen Mill Road from India Road to approximately 170 feet from India Road. 20 mph speed limit during the hours of 7:00 a.m. 8:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

- 3:30 p.m. (b) School Speed Zones—Penalties for violations.

The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

Upon conviction of a school zone speed violation, the operator of the motor vehicle shall be assessed a fine of double the amount prescribed by law outside a school zone.

Section 2. Severability Clause. If any section, sentence or phrase of this ordinance is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, said holding shall not affect the remaining portions of this ordinance.

Section 3. Full Force and Effect. With the exception of the amendment made herein, all other sections and portions of the Code shall remain in full force and effect.

Section 4. Repealer Clause. All former ordinances or parts thereof conflicting or inconsistent with this ordinance are repealed.

Section 5. Effective Date. This ordinance shall become effective and enforced immediately upon its passage and publication as required by law. Section 16-188 shall be codified in the Code of Ordinances of the City of Opelika.

Section 6. Publication. The City Clerk of the City of Opelika, Alabama is hereby authorized and directed to cause this Ordinance to be published one (1) time in a newspaper of general circulation published in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama.

ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 2nd day of February, 2021. /s/ Eddie Smith PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA ATTEST: /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK TRANSMITTED TO MAYOR on this the 3rd day of February, 2021.

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Legal Run 02/10/21 & 02/17/2021

CITY OF OPELIKA NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARINGS TO: RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA AND ALL OTHER INTERESTED CITIZENS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City of Opelika, Alabama will hold a regular meeting and will be conducting public hearings on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. in the Meeting Chamber at Opelika Municipal Court located at 300 MLK Boulevard, Opelika, Alabama. A Planning Commission work session will be held at 2:45 pm before the regular meeting. The purpose of the public hearings is to receive public comment on the following: A public hearing on a request by Vic Patel and Arthur R. Nettles, authorized representative for AU Hospitality (Vic Patel), property owner, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Opelika Marketplace Development subdivision consisting of 4 lots accessed from Parkway Way. A public hearing on a request by Keith A. Henderson and Arthur R. Nettles authorized representative for Fenderson, LLC, property owner, for preliminary plat approval of the Flat Stone Estates Phase 2 subdivision consisting of 11 lots accessed from Lee Road 483 (Loblolly Drive).

A request by Blake Rice, authorized representatives for Pyramid Financial Trust, LLC, for pre-

liminary plat approval of The Park subdivision plat consisting of 78 lots accessed from McCoy Street and East Johnson Avenue.

A public hearing on a request by Walter C. Dorsey, Jr, authorized representative for the First Baptist Church of Opelika, property owner, for conditional use approval for missionary housing at 907 Avenue B and 314 South 9th Street.

A public hearing on a request by Stephen Benson, authorized representative for Sun Self Storage, Inc., property owner, for conditional use approval for an addition to Sun Self Storage consisting of three storage buildings (5,700 square feet total) at 1615 Thomason Drive.

A public hearing on a request by C. Michael Richmond, authorized representative for The Estate of Rusty Nix, property owner, for conditional use approval for an auto repair business (automobile body and paint shop-Masters Paint & Body Shop), at 3829 Pepperel1 Parkway.

The following agenda items are included as “Other Business” at the February 25th Planning Commission meeting: Blake Rice, McCoy Street & South Fox Run Parkway, C-2, GC, Multi-family Apartments – The Crossings at Opelika, Requesting extension of conditional use approval for six months or August 25, 2021.

All interested persons are invited to attend the meeting/public hearings and be heard. Written comments concerning the above matters may be mailed to the Planning Director at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama 36801 at any time prior to the meeting/public hearings and may be further submitted to the Planning Commission at the meeting/public hearings.

The Planning Commission reserves the right to modify or alter any of the proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and to make its recommendations accordingly to the City Council.

Please contact Kevin Rice, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334705-5132 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability.

PLANNING DIRECTOR Legal Run 02/10/2021 -------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA In the Matter of the Estate of ROBBIE SUE KELLUM, Deceased Case No. 2021-052 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF ADMINISTRATOR AND NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS Letters of Administration on the Estate of ROBBIE SUE KELLEM, deceased, having been granted to the undersigned, JIMMY WAYNE BATES, II, on the 1st day of February, 2021, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of

Probate of said County, 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.

JIMMY WAYNE BATES, II, Administrator, Estate of Robbie Sue Kellum, deceased.

Legal Run 02/10/21, 02/17/21 & 02/24/21 -------------IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MARY K. McKEE, DECEASED. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No: 2021-054 Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 2nd day of February, 2021, 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.

MICHAEL McKEE Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 02/10/2021, 02/17/2021 & 02/24/2021 -------------STORAGE TREASURES AUCTION ONE FACILITY – MULTIPLE UNITS Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 1412 Opelika Rd, Auburn, AL 36830 Thursday, March 4, 2021 at 10:00AM Sohia Hill - Unit M158 470 Finley Dr Auburn, AL 36830 Clothing, boxes, freezer, entertainment center Olivia Floyd - Unit F86 19274 AL HWY 22 Rockford , AL 35136 Furniture, clothes, books, etc Gloria Ann Williams - Unit D69 1095 Princeton Place Auburn, AL 36830 Storing Boxes, crafts The auction will be listed and advertised on www. storagetreasures.com.

Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

Legal Run 02/10/2021 & 02/17/2021 -------------NOTICE OF SALE OF ABANDONED VEHICLE 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Blue Vin Number 1J4HS48N15C554331 Tag Number 5658BF5 Auction Will be held March 15, 2021 Whitt’s Auto Service 461 Opelika Rd Auburn Al 36830 At 8:00 AM Legal Run 02/10/21 & 02/17/2021

B13 February 10, 2021

Lieutenant governor Will Ainsworth announces new aerospace industry programs for students and small businesses Contributed by the office of Lt. Gov. Ainsworth

Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth announced on Monday two new programs that will open doors for qualified high school students, college students and small businesses interested in working within Alabama’s internationally known aerospace industry.

The programs are being offered in partnership with the Alabama Chapter of the Aerospace States Association. The Aerospace States Association (ASA) is a group of elected officials, academics and private sector entities from states with ties to the aviation and aerospace industries. The founding partners of the Alabama outreach programs are Lockheed Martin Space,

COVID >> FROM B9 out-front champion on this issue, but I have always believed that the people of Alabama

BUSTON >> FROM B9 was nothing personal against Buston.

Ward 5 Council Member Steven Dixon said that while he agrees that a policy should be in place for politicians, Buston was not one, so such a policy is not necessary in this case.

Debating the issue as a council is the process, said Ward 3 Council Member Beth Witten.

“Certainly it’s within each council member’s right to vote how they

ANIMAL >> FROM B9 table the proposed changes and stated, “We are working with the USDA Wildlife Services to relocate the vultures near Opelika Middle School and the Calhoun Tennis Center.” Fuller went on to add that the USDA Wildlife Services have both a method and a plan to humanely encourage the birds to relocate somewhere else.

FLOWERS >> FROM B9 focused on whether or not to have a state lottery. While we sat idly by and twiddled our thumbs, every other state in America except the Mormon

Commission approves projects for COVID-19 funds

By Hannah Lester hlester@opelikaobserver.com

Ministries, additional funding support for the East Alabama Food Bank and the possibility of a mobile vaccination clinic,” said a memorandum from Swann to the commission.

The mobile vaccination clinic is uncertain at this time, Swann said, and the county is still working out a plan to make that feasible.

There is $500,000 that has been approved through the grant.

Ten percent would be used administratively through ARM or the Lee-Russell Council of Governments, Swann said.

“Well, I like all of these projects and I’m just sitting here thinking maybe we could do a combination of all three of those

United Launch Alliance, U.S. Space and Rocket Center, National Space Club-Huntsville and the Huntsville-Madison County Chamber of Commerce. Ainsworth is the national chairman of the ASA and hosted the group’s annual conference in Huntsville in 2019.

“For more than a half-century, Alabama has been a national leader in aerospace development and technology, and if we are going to maintain that role, we must develop a new generation of students, individuals and businesses with the qualifications to work within the industry,” Ainsworth said.

“At the same time that we provide opportunities for students and small businesses that need them, we will grow Alabama’s economy and create long-lasting, well-paying jobs in an

area that is expanding exponentially.”

The new two-week internship program will allow high school and college students from across the state to learn about the various companies, programs, and opportunities within Alabama’s aerospace industry. The program will include bringing students to partner facilities, like Lockheed Martin Space and ULA, and allow them to take tours and interact with engineers and business leaders about their career pathways.

The unpaid internship is designed to provide students with opportunities to learn about various jobs in aerospace, educate them about the courses to pursue in school in order to get the job they want, and inform them about the skills and abilities that

companies are seeking.

An application for the Alabama ASA internship program may be found at this link: www.aerostates.org/alabama.html.

ASA Alabama will also provide outreach to small business owners throughout the state who are interested in either starting to work as a supplier or subcontractor in the aerospace industry or expanding their current work in that area.

Small businesses will be invited to participate in forums and supplier conferences designed to connect them with industry contacts and guide them in next steps.

Ainsworth said similar internships and small business programs have been utilized in other states, and he is confident that they can prove successful in Alabama as well.

should have the final say. If established in an accountable and transparent manner, good can come from this effort.

“The current system only costs the state

money and you, the people, don’t benefit in any way. I am confident the Legislature will be thoughtful and deliberate as they debate this issue.

“But let me be

absolutely clear, this must be a transparent process – with no deals being cut under the table. If something does not pass the smell test, I’ll sure let you know.

“I look forward to working with the men and women of the House and Senate to give Alabamians an opportunity to decide, once and for all, if a different approach to

gambling is in the best interest of our state.”

Ivey ended her address by saying that there is nothing that the people of Alabama can’t achieve if they work together.

feel best represents their constituents,” she said.

“So, as far as objecting because there’s not a process, this is the process.”

Mayor Ron Anders said he would be willing to consider a conversation in the future about creating a policy for naming city property.

“But as of tonight, I believe this is a great honor for a man who gave us 25 good years to the city of Auburn,” Anders said.

Mo’Bay Beignet Company: Beignets are coming

to Auburn. The council voted to pass a resolution to authorize an outdoor cafe permit to Mo’Bay Beignet Company for Auburn, LLC. The new business will be located at 155 N. College St., surrounded by other downtown businesses and restaurants.

The permit will allow the business to place tables outside, given that there is still five feet of space for people to walk.

Mo’Bay Beignet Co. Auburn should open sometime this spring,

according to the business’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ mobaybeignetcoauburn/).

The company already has a store opened in Mobile.

For more information, view the website here: www.instagram.com/ mobaybeignetcoauburn/?hl=en.

Other Business: The council approved a contract with the city of Tuskegee to place three 2015 Ford Explorers for sale.

The council approved a contract

to purchase police interceptor vehicle equipment from Emergency Lighting by Haynes for 15 cars for over $120,000.

The council approved a contract with Home MD, LLC to reconstruct the Public Safety Training Center for $18,500.

The council approved a contract to purchase gas masks for the police division for over $34,000.

The council approved the purchase of a pickup truck for the public

works department for over $30,000 from Stivers Ford Lincoln.

The council passed ordinances to establish stop signs in Camden West Subdivision, Farmville Lakes Subdivision, KoullasYoung Subdivision and The Preserve.

The council approved an easement for a property on Samglenn Drive.

The council approved two board appointments to the West Pace Village Improvements District Board of Directors.

Former Fire Chief Byron Prather was honored during the meeting. Prather, a lifelong resident of Lee County, retired on Jan. 31 after more than 35 years of service to the city. The council recognized him with an official proclamation. “We’re going to miss him,” said City Administrator Joey Motley. “He’s done a great job for us. He is a great leader and great gentleman and is a pleasure to work with.”

“It has been a pleasure and honor to serve the citizens of Opelika,” Prather said.

He spoke of the great people with whom he has worked and how he has been blessed. “You gave the opportunity to be the fire chief, and if you hadn't, I would have missed out on meeting even more fantastic people in the city. It has been very humbling, and [I’ve] been very blessed.

Thank you, sir.”

In other business, the

council: - approved a special event retail alcohol license for QL Gewaz Inc Dba Taco Fest.

- approved the purchase of 624 Toter EVR II Carts for environmental services.

- approved the purchase of two 2021 Ford F150 supercab pickups for the public works department.

- approved an agreement with Critical Insights Consulting.

- approved an agreement for emergency

medical care mutual aid.

- authorized the approval of a document for the consent to release the restrictions and the reversion in a deed for property owned by Southside church of Christ.

- approved the OPD new job classifications, job descriptions, adjustments to pay plan & organizational chart.

- approved Ordinance 002-21 by adding a new section 16-188, establishing

reduced school speed zones and providing penalties for violations.

- approved Tim Aja to the Indian Pines Recreation Authority for a term ending on June 7, 2021.

The Opelika City Council meets on the first and third Tuesday nights of every month.

Meetings are open to the public and are held in the Municipal Courtroom located at 300 Martin Luther King Blvd.

state of Utah has created a lottery and more.

Every state around us — Tennessee, Georgia, Florida and Mississippi — has a lottery.

Mississippi funds its government, to a large degree, by every form of gambling imaginable.

In the face of honesty

and fairness, the legislature should clarify and rectify the wrong done to the gaming centers at Macon and Greene counties. The citizens of these two Black Belt counties legally and rightfully voted for a Constitutional

Amendment to allow them to have gambling and electronic bingo. It is a f lagrant disregard of the Constitution for their facilities to be thwarted in their efforts to proceed with their rights and ability to supplement their

county’s needs.

The legislature will need to remove the stranglehold and monopoly that the Indian Gambling Syndicate has on our state in order to proceed with allowing people to vote on gaming.

See you next week.

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist.

His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers.

He served 16 years in the legislature.

Steve may be reached at www.stevef lowers.us.

The Alabama Rural Ministry and the East Alabama Food Bank will receive aid from the Lee County Commission after it passed approval for projects using recently awarded funding.

The county received funding for COVID-19 relief through the Community Development Block Grant program, said Wendy Swann, governmental relations.

The county worked with the city of Smiths Station and the LeeRussell Council of Governments to determine where the money should be used.

“These projects include rental and utility assistance administered through an agreement with Alabama Rural

See LEE COUNTY, page B15

B14 February 10, 2021

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B15 February 10, 2021

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LEE COUNTY >>

(parking, noise, litter) and on occasion for fights and assault related circumstance,” said the county’s packet.

Del Ranch operates at extended hours, sometimes until 4 or 5 a.m.

“A recent canvass of the neighborhood surrounding the Del Ranch found that a majority of the citizens confirming that there have been numerous problems originating from the Del Ranch Bar to include heavy vehicle traffic, loud music, gunshots, yelling and fighting, trash on their property and other nuisance issues,” the packet said.

“All citizens contacted indicated that they would like to see the Del Ranch Bar either closed down or limited in hours or operation.”

Misty Carol, on behalf of Del Ranch, asked the commission to give the business some more time before considering shutting the Del Ranch down.

She said that the business is trying to restore itself to what the original purpose was intended to be. Caroll’s grandmother opened the Del Ranch in the ’70’s.

“After my grandmother passed away, my mom was overwhelmed with distress and she was vulnerable,” she said. “She hired a manager in 2014 to help her with the day-to-day operations of the business. He catered to a different crowd than what my grandmother intended [at] Del Ranch.

We found out he was stealing from her. He

FROM B13 things,” said District 4 Commissioner Robert Ham. The funding would only be applied to residents in unincorporated Lee County, Swann said, not Auburn or Opelika.

Del Ranch Bar and Grill: Sheriff Jay Jones approached the commission Monday to address recurring problems at Del Ranch Bar and Grill.

“Since the opening of the business in the 1970’s the Lee County Sheriff’s Office has responded to the Del Ranch Bar in reference to a variety of calls, most often involving nuisance situations

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had served time for 37 counts of criminal charges against other elderly women. He was embezzling money and misappropriating funds and he was terminated from the Del Ranch in 2019.”

Caroll asked for time from the commission to continue working on the business and fixing its problems.

“Shutting down a business that has been in my family and sustainable for 46 years is not the root cause of the problem,” she said.

Jones said that he agreed with Caroll and he admires a small business that can stay open for decades. However, he receives more calls with problems at Del Ranch than at other bars.

“In the last few years, when the licensing changed in particular, to a club-type license, which allows extended hours and different operational methods, that are restricted under other types of alcohol licenses as issued by the alcohol control board, that’s where we’ve run into some problems,” Jones said.

The sheriff said that although he knows it is a family business, there is a public-safety concern.

He said he was not asking the commission to take any particular action but wanted to make the commissioners aware.

The Del Ranch has begun limiting its hours, Jones said, which has helped eliminate

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some of the problems.

“I’m not trying to close ya’ll’s business down,” said District 3 Commissioner Gary Long. “But I cannot continue to get the phone calls that I get from people because of the noise, people shooting one another, just fighting. It can’t go on.

And so I’m asking you to help me.”

Ham said he does not feel comfortable sending Jones or his deputies into an environment where they could potentially be harmed, knowing the violence that has occurred at the Del Ranch in the past.

“We’ll be glad to get back to the business that my grandmother intended, if ya’ll will just give us some time,” Caroll said.

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B16 February 10, 2021

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This week’s puzzle answers: