Wednesday, August 26, 2020
Vol. 12, No. 47
pelika Observer O
Opelika, Alabama
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OPELIKA MAYOR GARY FULLER WINS FIFTH TERM By Opelika Observer Staff Opelika’s Mayor for the last 16 years, Gary Fuller, re-won his seat on Tuesday. Fuller received 66% of the votes, 4,800, and Tiffany Gibson-Pitts received 34%. Fuller was originally elected in 2004 and was a council member before that. Over his last several years as mayor, Fuller worked with a council that recruited jobs to the city, created new homes for the area, expanded the high school, created the Opelika Sportsplex, created a new police department and municipal court facility, among other things. During the Opelika Chamber of Council Forum for candidates on Aug. 12, Fuller said that he will continue to recruit new jobs to the city, in addition to the more than 4,000 he has already. “My business experience, knowledge and relationships are what set me apart from my opponent,” he said. Recently, the city approved a new library and created the community relations special services division for the Opelika Police Department, Fuller said. He said he also wants
to focus on bringing more Pre-K programs to the area. Fuller said he believes that lowering crime starts at home and in school. “That’s why this firstclass Pre-K is so important that we start these kids very, very young,” he said. “And then we need programs for the children." Fuller beat Tiffany Gibson-Pitts for the mayoral position. Gibson-Pitts currently serves as the Opelika Ward 2 council member but will vacate that seat when Councilwoman-elect Erica Norris takes office in November. "I deeply appreciate the confidence our citizens expressed today with their vote," Fuller said. "My campaign team, led by Barry Whatley, did an amazing job! It was certainly a different campaign because of COVID-19. We didn’t do the citywide door to door out of respect and concern for our citizens and my wonderful volunteers. I believe we were able to successfully communicate our message with local radio and newspaper advertising, direct mail and social media. I commend Councilwoman Tiffany Gibson-Pitts on her excellent campaign." Turn to A2 for photos from election night.
Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer
Bonnie Plants, Inc. relocates headquarters to Opelika ship with investments by Bonnie across several key areas of the Last week, Bonnie university – including Plants, Inc. (Bonnie), the Harbert College of broke ground on a Business and the Colstate-of-the-art corlege of Agriculture. porate headquarters Relocating Bonnie’s building that will bring headquarters from about 60 jobs to OpeUnion Springs to the lika. In addition, Bon- Auburn-Opelika area nie and Auburn Uniwill be used to help versity have entered enhance associate into a formal partnerrecruiting and retention Courtesy of Bonnie Plants, Inc.
efforts as the company continues to grow and expand. “The decision to relocate to Opelika was made easier by the strong partnership and support we received from city leadership,” said CEO of Bonnie, Mike Sutterer. The new Bonnie See PLANTS, page A3
Business Over Breakfast addresses census, virus Kathie Boyd Britt, Business Council of Alabama, and Jeremy The Opelika Cham- Arthur, Chamber of ber of Commerce held Commerce Associaits quarterly Business tion of Alabama, were over Breakfast meet- the two invited guest speakers for the Busiing Tuesday mornness over Breakfast ing to discuss small event. businesses and how Glynn Smith, Chevthey handle everything from the census rolet Buick-GMC was the presenting sponsor to the coronavirus for the event, along pandemic.
By Hannah Lester
hlester@opelikaobserver.com
with Baxter International, First South Farm Credit, Max, The Opelika-Auburn News and S&S Termite Pest Control, LLC as gold sponsors. The Census: Britt echoed what many have said in Alabama - it is important See BREAKFAST, page A3
Index OPINION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A4
SPORTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B1
SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY. . . . . . . . . . A7
POLITICS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B5
RELIGION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A11
CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B8
COMICS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A14
PUBLIC NOTICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B9
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A2 August 26, 2020
OPD announces Pettaway promotion Courtesy of the Opelika Police Dept. The Opelika Police Department is pleased to announce the promotion of Detective Brandon Pettaway to the rank of Sergeant. Sgt. Pettaway has been with the Opelika Police Department since July 2015. He is currently serving as an investigator in the Vice & Narcotics Section and was part of the FBI Safe Streets Task Force. With his promotion, Sgt. Pettaway will be
reassigned to the Patrol Division, where he will serve as a shift sergeant. He will be responsible for helping run the operations of his shift, managing major crisis situations and most importantly, mentoring patrol officers who work for him. Command Staff believe Sgt. Pettaway’s leadership skills will make him successful in this next chapter in his career. Please join us in congratulating Sgt. Pettaway on his well-deserved promotion.
Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer
Smiths Station unveils The Junction dings or parties, Copeland said. Additionally, the farmer’s market will be able to meet at The Junction. On Saturdays, The Junction will be home to live entertainment, Copeland said. The project was completed with help from contractors, builders, electricians, etc., many of whom worked at half-price, the mayor said. “We want to thank every single builder that helped on this, there’s at least fifteen of them out here,” he said. “Thank you for all your hard work and creativity.” Over the last two years the council has worked to make The Junction a reality. “We don’t have a public place to gather … this is kind of an outdoor community center,” he said. “With what we’re living in now with COVID, it’s best to keep your social distancing as well as be outside.”
By Hannah Lester hlester@opelikaobserver.com
Although the coronavirus pandemic makes it difficult for people to gather together, the city of Smiths Station is looking to the future. Thursday, the city held a ribbon cutting for its new event center, The Junction. “It’s our gift as the current council of the city of Smiths Station to give back to our community,” said Mayor Bubba Copeland. “We believe it’s very, very beautiful.” The Junction is currently set up with several picnic tables set up in front of a large TV screen, platform and fireplace. “This is a public place for people to come together,” Copeland said. “You know, you can have a family picnic here.” The Junction will be used for city events, as well as things like wed-
PETTAWAY
Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer
TRINITY UNITED METHODIST HONORS OFD
Photo special to the Observer Members of Trinity United Methodist Church of Opelika recently honored the Opelika Fire Department with 75 kindness cakes. Martha Hill, second from right, and Jennifer Jones presented the cakes from Trinity as a thank you to the firemen.
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A3 August 26, 2020
City of Opelika releases plans for upcoming road resurfacing Courtesy of the City of Opelika The City of Opelika and the engineering department have released a list of roads that are estimated to be resurfaced in the 2020 fiscal year, weather and pandemic permitting. List of Streets: • South Long Street (Frederick Road to Donald Avenue) • Hamer Place (Jeter
BREAKFAST >>
FROM A1
that citizens take the census and businesses encourage their employees to do so. “What we really need each of you in this room is just talk to the people that you work with,” she said. A member of the audience asked why it is so difficult for so many to take the census. Britt explained that many citizens have a fear and distrust of sharing their information, or they feel it may take longer than it actually does. If census numbers are low, however, there will be consequences for Alabama. “Federal funding, it comes down as a direct result of the numbers,” she said. Additionally, Alabama’s congressional representatives are determined by census numbers. Alabama has not had less than seven in decades, Britt said. “We are in jeopardy of losing not jut one, but maybe two seats,” she said. This will all affect local businesses. “When you’re looking to bring in industry, and you’re looking to bring in
PLANTS >>
FROM A1
building, which is slated to open late 2021, will be in the Tiger Town Corporate Park in Opelika, and will have several sustainable features including a 10-foot-high indoor living wall that will naturally purify air in the office. “I am pleased to welcome Bonnie Plants to our community. We are honored that a long-standing company like Bonnie is making an investment in our local economy,” said Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller. “This will bring jobs and enhance the quality of life for the residents of Opelika.” The move to Opelika will also facilitate Bonnie’s new partnership with Auburn University. This partnership will create additional awareness of Bonnie as a po-
Avenue to end) • Dickson Street (Andrews Road to Westpoint Parkway) • Norman Court and Street (Andrews Road to cul-de-sac) • Four Courts off Douglas Street (Albert, Mitchell, Southers, McCray) • Sedgefield Lane (Grand National Parkway to the end) • Gateway Drive (Society Hill Road to Marvin
Parkway - Patching) • South 10th Street (Columbus Parkway to Avenue B) • Avenue A (South 10th Street to South 9th Street) • Avenue B (South 10th Street to South 9th Street) • North 8th Street (2nd Avenue to North Railroad) • North 7th Street (2nd Avenue to North Railroad)
• Sandray Drive (India Road to Bengal Drive) • Pine Avenue (Northhills Drive to Rocky Brook Road) • North 3rd Street (2nd Avenue to 6th Avenue) • North 2nd Street to 5th Avenue (2nd Avenue to N 3rd Street) • North Railroad (North 6th Street to North 5th Street) • Samantha Lane (Lori Lane to Gwynne’s
Way) The contractor has already communicated that due to the coronavirus and being short on workers, they cannot give an estimated time frame of when these projects throughout the city will begin. The city’s engineering department is continuing to monitor the situation and will keep the public informed. “The city will com-
municate any road closures and when work will begin through its website and social media,” said Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller. “We appreciate your patience while we make these improvements to our great city." For more information, contact Scott Parker, City of Opelika Engineer, at 334-705-5450 or sparker@opelika-al. gov.
new businesses, retail, restaurants, etc, they look at your numbers, they look at how many people are here,” Britt said. Citizens can take the census through the end of September. The Pandemic: Like the rest of the world, small businesses in Opelika have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic. In addition to having to close when everything shut down in March, many businesses lost employees, revenue and more. Many are still concerned about shutting down again or what would happen if they were sued. “The eighth supplemental emergency proclamation dealt specifically with liability protection,” Arthur said. “… We’re obviously concerned about the pandemic and its effect on your businesses and the liability that you may or may not face from frivolous lawsuits.” Britt said that businesses are concerned that they could do everything right and follow all guidelines and still be sued if a patron caught the coronavirus. Arthur said the legislation would make
this very difficult, however. A member of the audience urged Britt and Arthur to support businesses staying open. Many businesses have to be aware of employees who’s chil-
dren are at home. Two thirds of the children in Alabama have both parents in the workforce, Arthur said. Additionally, only 63 percent of daycares have reopened. The unemployment money from the state
is something that has helped many citizens of Alabama but frustrated others, Britt explained. After the pandemic, citizens claiming unemployment could gather around $875 a week from the government.
“If you do the math on that, there were people that were making about $21.87 an hour on unemployment,” Britt said. “There was a thought there that obviously that disincentivized people to go back to work.” The bills and packages that are being debated in government will trickle down to the local business level, the effects felt whether they are passed or not. “There are so many ifs ands and buts in these packages that it really is kind of hard to decipher whether you qualify, what you qualify for, when you qualify, how you qualify,” Arthur said. The engagealabamabusiness.com website will be hosting a virtual guidance event on Wednesday and Thursday, however, to help businesses through the packages. Businesses can register on the website. Each quarter, the Opelika Chamber of Commerce honors one local business with the ‘Small Business of the Quarter’ award. This year, Angel’s Antiques, won the award. Bill and Conny Brewer, the owners, accepted, with their daughter Angel.
tential employer for Auburn students and alumni with the goal of increasing internships and full-time recruiting. “Auburn University is nationally recognized with strong, talented faculty, student and alumni networks, and is an ideal partner for Bonnie and its future,” Sutterer said. Bonnie Plants has made a gift to support two newly endowed scholarships at Auburn that will be given annually, one to a student in the Harbert College of Business studying business analytics and the other in the College of Agriculture for a student majoring in horticulture. This partnership also includes support for Auburn’s Center for Supply Chain Innovation. Bonnie will participate with several other major companies in a public-private partnership to foster
innovation and technology advancements in supply chain – a mission-critical function for Bonnie. Additionally, this partnership will give Bonnie the opportunity to focus on recruiting interns and fulltime positions that will ensure Bonnie can continue to attract the most talented students and alumni to join the Bonnie team. This will include working with the central career center and the career center in the Harbert College of Business. “We are grateful for this commitment from Bonnie Plants to not only support our students and faculty, but also to partner with our Center for Supply Chain Innovation,” said Annette L. Ranft, dean of the Harbert College of Business. “The supply chain program is ranked among the top in the coun-
try, while business analytics is among our fastest growing programs. This investment will increase our ability to remain at the forefront of research and discovery as we prepare students to meet future industry challenges.” Bonnie will focus on engagement with students and faculty to help solve real-world challenges in areas such as product development, logistics and analytics. This will include guest speakers for the classroom and faculty events. Bonnie will also provide inkind support for multiple gardens across campus and outreach projects. Bonnie Plants is the leading brand of live vegetable and herb plants for home gardeners in the United States. Bonnie was founded in 1918 on the principle of providing access for home gardeners
to grow fresh food. What started as one small farm in Union Springs, Alabama, has grown to a national brand with 4,000 peak season associates and over 80 greenhouse growing operations, selling plants in all 50 states. Bonnie plants are available at all major retailers along with direct-to-consumer sales through bonnieplants.com. Auburn University is a nationally ranked land-grant institution recognized for its commitment to world-class scholarship, interdisciplinary research with an elite, top-tier Carnegie R1 classification, life-changing outreach with Carnegie’s Community Engagement designation and an undergraduate education experience second to none. Auburn is home to more than 30,000 students, and its faculty and research partners collab-
orate to develop and deliver meaningful scholarship, science and technology-based advancements that meet pressing regional, national and global needs. The City of Opelika is conveniently located in east central Alabama along the I-85 corridor between Atlanta and Montgomery and adjacent to the thriving Auburn University. Opelika presents unparalleled opportunities for business, commercial, retail and industrial development, as well as an exceptional quality of life. With exceptional schools, a cost of living well below the national average, superb sports and recreation opportunities and as home to many top companies, Opelika is a great place to call home and own a business. Opelika. More Than Expected. Nothing Less Than Genuine.
A4 August 26, 2020
Getting the endorsement of a founding father
N
otice how folks who want to make other folks stand up and take notice will insist that whatever point they are trying to make was first made by one of this nation’s founding fathers? Seems like everyone with a cause feels that the endorsement by a Jefferson or Adams, Hancock or Henry, is all they need to give their cause credibility. Makes you wonder if there's not a book out there with founding fathers listed and cross-referenced by category and cause. A sample entry might be: "Dumb Baby Names: See Button Gwinnett, Georgia signer of the Declaration of Independence." Maybe I oughta compile one. The best of all the
founding fathers, the one whose endorsement tops the rest, is George Washington. If Washington said it, or did it or just considered it, surely it is something all of us should say, do or consider. We have elevated him to secular sainthood, made shrines of the places he slept, holy relics from the bits and pieces of his life. Abe Lincoln wore a ring containing a sliver of wood from the great man's coffin. William McKinley did Lincoln one better and carried about a lock of Washington’s hair. Remember, back in the ‘60s when Jerry Rubin and Abby Hoffman organized the Youth International Party – “Yippies” – a bunch that made self-respecting hippies reconsider their
By Hardy Jackson career choice? Among the many things Jerry and Abby advocated was the legalization of marijuana. And when good and decent folks suggested that was a bad idea, the “Yippies” announced that they only wanted to smoke a little grass like George Washington did. What was good enough for the father of our country was
M
R
ibs. That’s what I need right now. Big, fat, juicy, thick, obscenely greasy, dangerously smoky, cardiac-distressing, country-style ribs. Here’s the thing. Today was supposed to be our barbecue blowout rib contest. It would have been held in an Alabama state park, open to the public and very fun. I’m totally serious. Before the coronavirus hit, we were toying with the idea of throwing a rib contest on National Relaxation Day. Which was today. It would have been easy to participate, free to attend, everyone would’ve been cheerful and nobody would have been trying to sell you timeshares in Key Largo. We would have had live music by a band that didn’t suck. A beer
By Bradley Robertson every other year. And although you could not actually see any smiles, the sense of fun, togetherness and safety could be felt from every adult and child. I dropped them off, told them I loved them and left the school just
ated, was declared to be “spicy and aromatic” – words not usually associated with whiskey, but what the heck, the guys doing the recreating were pros, so they should know. And for these pros, who are spending over $1 million to excavate the site and rebuild the distillery, being at that spot was something akin to a religious experience. “For me, it’s like standing on hallowed ground,” was how Jerry Dalton, Jim Beam’s master distiller put it. And being so moved Dalton and his buddies have vowed to make a couple of barrels of the brew, age it, bottle it and sell it to raise money to help protect and preserve Mount See JACKSON, page A5
UNDER THE SURFACE
Masked School Children = Hope y dear and busy children started school two weeks ago. After months and months of quarantine, farm life and a few getaways, it was time. Time for routine, time for normalcy and time for these kiddos to get an education. I was beyond excited and they were too. From a mother’s perspective, the first day did not look too different from any other year, except for the mask factor. Every single teacher and member of the faculty or administration was wearing a mask, making it a new normal for school 2020-2021. The day felt just as sweet and nostalgic as
surely good enough for his descendants. You see, someone had discovered that Washington, like so many colonial planters, grew hemp to make bagging and rope, and the hemp he grew was good old American cannabis. So the “Yippies” assumed that if he grew it, he smoked it. The fact that there was no evidence
to suggest that Washington or any other founding father was doing dope mattered little to Ruben, Hoffman and company. They had their “endorsement” and they waved it like a flag. I thought of this when I heard that the Distilled Spirits Council had recreated the whiskey that George Washington made at Mount Vernon. Yep, the foundingest of our founding fathers ran off "shine." Like so many of our way-back ancestors, Washington supplemented his income with the profits from distilling, and when he died the business was bringing in over $100,000 a year in today’s money. Run with slave labor, the operation produced a product which, recre-
like any other year. I had no distress and no worries. My positive efforts and prayer had worked. The kids were happy and so was Mom. The days following this pleasant school beginning have not looked much different. The fun and eagerness are still present, and they appear more in tune with the responsibility they hold. They are more thoughtful to be on time and they are more willing to do the work. Since beginning our school year, children have already contracted COVID. This was inevitable. See ROBERTSON, page A5
T
he setting was perfect. Sun sparkling on the lake, white clouds hanging low and puffy in the bluest sky you can imagine, and not another soul in sight. All around me the symphony of the lake played softly – frogs croaking to each other, birds calling and chatting from one tree to the next, and the water rolling onto the bank and sliding back into itself with a slap and a gurgle. I sat in a chair with Lake Harding spread before me and my timeworn copy of ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ in my hands, stretched out in the sun… just breathing and so grateful to be in that place at that moment. I couldn’t have chosen a more
By Wendy Hodge ideal spot in the whole world to spend an afternoon. “I think I’ll slip into the water and just float around for a while,” I suggested to myself. “Sounds lovely,” I answered my own thoughts. A movement in the air caught my eye, and I looked up to see a heron swooping low to the water. He landed just a few feet in front
of where I sat. I was motionless, afraid to startle him away. With his blue head feathers standing up, he looked like a punk rocker from the 80’s. He tilted his head to one side and stared at me as if to ask “Exactly what ARE you doing on MY riverbank?” I barely breathed – I so wanted this beautiful creature to stay put. He either didn’t see me as a threat or didn’t really see me at all, because he turned his back and strutted on his long, pencil-thin legs ever so slowly, keeping parallel with the shoreline. His tail feathers were an even darker blue than the ones on his head, and his chest was silvery white. His wings stayed tucked in, and his feet seemed
RIBS truck. And—here was my favorite part—there would’ve been dogs. These would have been shelter-dogs who needed families. Like the rescued dog I just met a few days ago. His name was Bill. Bill’s original owner was the kind of upstanding citizen who left Bill in an outdoor kennel for six weeks without much food or water. Bill survived on rainwater and even ate dead leaves. When rescuers found him he was underweight and had mange so bad he couldn’t open his eyes. I don’t want to say anything ugly here, but cruelty toward animals is the blackest of evils. So at my rib contest these shelter-dogs would be spiffed up, spanking clean, walking around on leashes. They’d be greeting kids, licking babies, eating free meat
By Sean Dietrich chunks. Anyone who wanted to adopt a dog like Bill could take him home THAT DAY. Also, anyone who wanted to be a judge could be one. And I mean, literally, anyone who could prove they had a pulse. At least this was the idea. Food-wise, the only rule to the contest was that it was solely about ribs. No pork. No brisket. No tofu. And it would’ve been great. People milling
around, classic-country music playing, everyone chewing, laughing, grinning. I can almost hear the sophisticated culinary conversations in the crowd now: “Hmmmm, what a piquant, and vaguely robust mouth feel!” “Indubitably.” “I give it five stars.” “Mom, can we adopt a dog?” Anyway, the reason for the nothing-butribs rule is that some people are surprised at how many different
varieties and styles of ribs there are. In fact, it blows some peoples’ minds when they discover the Wide World of Ribs. Some folks go their whole lives thinking there is only one kind. These poor souls. I don’t mean to toot my own kazoo here, but I have actually judged a few barbecue competitions in the southeast. And so far, I’ve only been chased out of two towns. Also, I have sampled ribs in almost every U.S. state—I wear this as a badge of pride. Some men collect stamps. I collect LDL cholesterol. Eating regional ribs has become a serious hobby of mine. In fact, the first things I do when I arrive in any new locale is: 1. Find some ribs. 2. Use the bathroom
at an insurance office. That’s right. Not only am I a barbecue guy, I am a road-trip bathroom connoisseur. And I have found that the cleanest public bathrooms in America are always—without exception—in smalltown insurance offices. Think about it. When you’re on a highway and you need to relieve yourself you usually pull over at an interstate exit. Your choices are bleak. You have the rundown truck stops or the scumsucking gas stations. And you just know these bathrooms contain four or five rare strains of tetanus. But the insurance offices. They have doilies on their toilet seats, scented candles, and little bookshelves with inspirational litSee DIETRICH, page A5
A5 August 26, 2020
JACKSON >>
FROM A4
Vernon. To their credit, the group has not made more of what they are doing than what it is – an exercise in histori-
ROBERTSON >>
FROM A4
I think we all knew it was going to happen, it was just a matter of when. And “when” came extremely fast– within the first seven days of school. And here we are in 2020. Children wearing masks to school and children being quarantined for COVID. The truth is, we cannot hide and we cannot live in fear. Not only do parents need a sense of hope and normalcy, but the children need it too. We all know that we are at risk, yet we are
HODGE >>
FROM A4
to glide in the shallow water. His head ducked down into the water a couple of times, the water running off his head and wings as he straightened up, and then he would glide a few more steps down the shore, as graceful as a ballerina at the Bolshoi. I sat there in my front-row seat, smiling and feeling like I’d been given a gift I didn’t even know to ask for. Once again, the heron dipped his head into the water, and this time he brought something up in his dagger-like beak. “He caught himself a fish,” I thought. “How sweet – the circle of life and
DIETRICH>>
FROM A4
erature. Read “Guideposts,” enjoy a Thomas Kincade painting, relax. Let it flow. But remember, should you ever decide to try this trick, don’t just march into an office and announce to a roomful of agents that you have an urgent need to
cal restoration. The fact that Washington made, sold and probably drank whiskey is relevant today only in that it helps us understand the economy and culture of early America. It
gives us the same insight into life in the late 18th century as does the fact that our founding father made his whiskey with the labor of enslaved African Americans. That Washington did both
– distilled whiskey and owned slaves – should not be taken as an endorsement of either practice today. You can get into a lot of trouble trying to make things done and said in a different
time and context apply to modern situations. Would our founding fathers do and say today what they did and said back then? We don’t know. And neither do all those folks who say they do.
And if anyone asks, that should be our answer. Harvey H. Jackson, professor emeritus of history at Jacksonville State University. He can be reached at hhjackson43@gmail.com.
all willing to take that leap. In 1933, during the darkest times of the Great Depression, it was President FDR who said, “The only thing we have to fear, is fear itself…” What the people needed above money and work was Hope. They needed a driving force to get the country moving. The Hope that FDR brought to the American people helped to drive their minds and hands back to a promising future. My children, by beginning school, carry and feel that same Hope. They are seeing children absent from
school due to COVID, yet they stand tall, with grit and perseverance. They know and feel the weight of the world, yet they choose to go on. I sat back and admired all my children this past week and thought, “how strong and brave these kids are for choosing to fight even though they know what’s at stake.” I had a moment with Shep recently that struck this idea into me. In his dark room, snuggled in bed, I lay down with him, cheek to cheek. His baby face, still young and soft, reminded me of his earlier days when
none of this even mattered. I stayed close with him and looked deep into his eyes and said, “I am so proud of you buddy. Did you know that? Did you know that you are very brave when you are at school? You are a strong boy. I know that it is not easy, but you are doing a great job.” He smiled so tenderly at me, looking directly into my eyes. I realized that I was his Hope and what he does not know that he is my Hope too. We have too much Hope to fall into a depression and just
enough to keep us away from fear. Hope lies in the endurance and faith of these children returning to school. They know what is going on, and still they choose to press on to better things. Are we pressing on to better things too? I believe we have much to learn from these masked school children. They are our Hope and future. When you see a child this week, tell them that they are doing a great job. If you see them in passing, wave to them. If you like to send letters, send a handful to chil-
dren of all ages. If you know them personally, give them a call and just say, “You sure are great, you know that?!” Call or text a college kid and tell them they, too, are conquerors. Do whatever it takes to reach out to a child; they are the shining light of our future. And while you’re at it, give yourself a pat on the back too. Better yet, take these words from my heart to yours: “You are doing a great job! You really are. It is not easy, but you are overcoming every single day. You are a light to the world.”
all that.” And then he turned to face me, and hanging from his mouth was not a fish. It had four legs, four paws, and a tail. It was a rat. A big one. I may have squealed like a little girl. I most definitely curled myself into the fetal position. The heron did not appreciate my reaction. He picked up his pace and strutted quickly toward the dock, dropping the rodent with a nasty sounding plop. The heron leaped onto the dock and turned toward me one more time. He raised one wing as if he was saluting me, and then he spread both wings and lifted himself as easily as you and I take a breath. He soared across the water
onto the opposite shore and disappeared from view. I forced myself to look back at the water. The rat was still there, floating just a few feet from where I sat. I’m not sure if he was dead or just pretending to be. Maybe he was deeply shocked and terrified. “I know the feeling,” I said out loud. I looked around me, and everything looked different, as if I’d put on someone else’s glasses. What was so tranquil and peaceful a few minutes before, now seemed slightly sinister and downright creepy. “I almost got in the water right in that very spot!” I thought. “Would that rat have swam by me? What else is swimming
or crawling or slithering around out there? How fast can I launch myself out of this chair and run back in the house??” Thankfully there was no one there to see me as I sprinted to the porch, covered with goose bumps, and doing my own little dance of revulsion. I sat on the porch, slowly regaining my composure, laughing at my own fear and picked up a newspaper. There was a story on the front page about a woman who lived just around the bend from where I was sitting. She had been out boating with a family member and, for reasons no one can explain, had jumped into the boat in the dark of night
knowing full well that she could not swim. She had drowned, her body staying hidden in the dark waters for two days. My best friend and I were out on the lake that night. We’d taken his boat out to do some fishing at sunset. The flashing lights of rescue boats turned the water red as we made our way back to the house. We’d wondered at the time what was happening. And now we knew. While we were laughing and making more precious memories, someone was fighting the current and struggling to cling to this world. While we were very much alive, they were facing death. My favorite
floating spot, in front of the lake house and under the big oak tree, is a refuge. But it’s also a life and death struggle for creatures too numerous to count. Life and death – two opposite sides of the same coin, and only a breath apart. Someone like me – an over thinker, a worrier – can take that kind of knowledge and let it turn to fear. But fear is a choice, and I am choosing today and every day to live with joy and gratitude. With a conscious awareness of what lies beneath the surface, I am grateful for lakes and boats and chattering birds and sun on my skin and my best friend. I am grateful for every moment on this side of the coin.
write your name in the snow. No. You have to be polite. Ask about new coverage policies, show some interest, listen to their spiel. Nod your head a lot. Be patient. Courteous. Try not to pee your pants. Then politely excuse yourself and go enjoy the serenity of the world’s cutest bathroom.
Usually, after I visit the small-town insurance restroom, I immediately hunt for ribs. I will eat ribs wherever I find them. I once bought ribs from an old man grilling in front of an auto garage in the middle of the New Mexico desert. Some of the best ribs I’ve ever had. I’m not choosy. Then again, I’m not a cultured guy, either.
In fact, I’ve discovered something about myself when it comes to ribs: I’m extremely easy to impress. The only thing I look for in a rib is that it’s not made from soy. So I don’t care if they are Saint Louis-style, short ribs, back ribs, loin ribs, spare ribs, baby backs, riblets or rib tips. The sauce can be sweet, tangy, spicy,
mustardy, black-peppery, Alabama mayo, South Carolina red, Louisiana five-alarm, loose, thick, runny or 40-weight synthetic grade. I even like naked ribs. So it’s a shame we weren’t able to do the National Relaxation Day Rib Contest this year, not that anyone would have cared anyway. There are plenty of more important
things going on in the world. Oh well. Maybe some other time. Maybe when this virus is over and life goes back to normal. If it ever does. In the meantime, if you’re looking for a friend, you could always adopt a lonely dog who desperately needs someone. There are a lot of dogs like Bill out there.
KNOW your status MANAGE your health DIETRICH LIVE your best life >>
FROM A5
1 OUT OF 10
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“This project was supported by Subgrant #18-VA-VS-050 #16-VA-VS-076 awarded by the Law Enforcement / Traffic Safety Division of ADECA and the U.S. Department of Justice.” The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice or grant-making component.”
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A6 August 26, 2020
ALABAMA BILLBOARD ICON ANNOUNCES CAMPAIGN CHALLENGING PUBLIC TO DESIGN BILLBOARD Alexander Shunnarah Launches “Design-An-AlexanderShunnarah-Billboard Shunnarah, President and CEO of Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys. “We’re excited to see the people’s creativity. We are looking for a billboard design that’s bold, impactful, easy for drivers to read and unique.” Contest Rules: All billboard designs must stay within brand guidelines. They must include the following: • The firm’s disclaimer* • Contact information: 1-800-229-7989; www.shunnarah.com • The firm’s logo
Courtesy of Lillian Brand The man behind thousands of billboards in Alabama (and surrounding states), Alexander Shunnarah, is inviting the public to design a new look for his iconic billboards. The highly recognized face is the founder and chief executive officer for one of the nation’s leading trial attorney firms, headquartered in Birmingham and is frequently referred to as “the king of Alabama mass-marketing.” Alexander Shunnarah launched “Design-An-AlexanderShunnarah-Billboard” on Aug. 20– challenging the community to design their own spin on the legendary billboards. Submissions are due by Sept. 30, 2020 and contestants will be asked to use their creativity to design a “Shunnarah-worthy” concept, good enough to plaster on billboards across the state. The winner will
receive a $500 VISA gift card and IF their billboard is approved by the firm, they will
have the chance to see their design used across the state. A second-place winner
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will receive a $300 VISA gift card and an Alexander Shunnarah “Swag Pack”. A third-place winner will receive a $150 gift card. This is the first time Shunnarah has ever opened up billboard designing to the general public. “We want to hear from designers, artists and fans; designs don’t have to be done digitally if someone wants to send in a drawing, we’d love to see that too,” said Alexander
How to Enter: • Submit your final designs to pr@asilpc. com along with the following: • Title of your design • Full name, age, and contact information • Detailed description giving the reasoning behind your design choice for the Alexander Shunnarah billboard. By submitting your billboard design, the individual grants Alexander Shunnarah the license and right to use, modify and reproduce the artwork for any promotions, and on any medium by Alexander Shunnarah or relating to Alexander Shunnarah or Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys. For more information on this campaign, please contact Krista Conlin Robinson at krista@kcprojects.net.
About Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys is committed to protecting the legal right to be compensated for individuals who have suffered loss, accidents, or injuries the chance to rebuild their lives after misfortune. The practice was founded on the belief that the civil jury system is the best means to provide compensation and deter wrongdoers from injuring others in the future. With over 300 attorneys and staff, the firm has a vast knowledge and experience in handling all types of claims for clients who have been injured. The firm consistently recovers substantial settlements in lawsuits involving personal injury, auto accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, wrongful death, social security disability, pharmaceutical litigation, drug recalls, medical devices and mass torts throughout the United States. The premier, award-winning, and nationally recognized firm has represented over 40,000 clients and recovered over $700 million for them to date. The firm prides itself on providing outstanding legal advice and excellent representation for their clients.
Opelika E vents, Society, & Food
UPCOMING EVENTS • Sept. 5 - Storybook Farms Kentucky Derby Day starting at 2 p.m.
Treat family to delectable dishes from local excellent cooks Ann Cipperly
Southern
Hospitality
N
ow that school has started, the slower pace of summer is over. It’s back to the rush of getting to school or virtual classes online, homework and to bed early. Cooking a tasty, nourishing meal that children will enjoy can be challenging. Three excellent cooks are sharing family favorite recipes for delicious dishes that children (and grandchildren) will especially relish. AnnaLee Gardner of Opelika has been teaching her daughter, Lillian, to cook since she was 2 years old. Lillian now attends second grade and helps her
mother in the kitchen. AnnaLee’s son, Miles, is 3 and learning to cook. AnnaLee enjoys adapting and creating her own recipes. She is sharing three of their favorite recipes. Two of the recipes can be prepped and frozen for a quick meal later. A former teacher, AnnaLee currently works part-time with Cordoba’s Landscaping Construction as the landscape maintenance manager. Her husband Aaron is employed at East Alabama Medical Center as a nurse anesthetist. Amanda Wunderlich homeschools her five
children, Emma, David, Ethan, Liya and Jack. She has had a love of cooking ever since she was young. Amanda has a degree in restaurant and hotel management from Auburn University and baked cakes for the original Gourmet Tiger for a few years. Her husband, Jared, is a pharmacist. The children enjoy spaghetti and tacos so much that she makes them almost every week. She is sharing two recipes that they also enjoy, Bacon Corn Pasta and Sheet Pan Fajitas. Amanda doesn’t make many casseroles since Liya is allergic to
Women’s Hope 37th Annual Banquet Courtesy of Women’s Hope Women’s Hope Medical Clinic, a non-profit organization in Auburn, is hosting its 37th annual banquet as a virtual event this year. Titled “Stories of Hope,” this event will feature testimonials from families served by the clinic. Premiering Aug. 25th at 6 p.m., the banquet will be available to view on Facebook, YouTube
and the organization’s website. Pre-registration is encouraged in order to receive updates and instructions for sharing the event online. Women’s Hope Medical Clinic has served the Lee County and greater East Alabama community for over 37 years by providing free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, parenting education and material support to families facing
unplanned pregnancies. Women’s Hope would especially like to thank the Auburn-Opelika community for helping them remain in operation to serve clients during the pandemic this year. Donors, community supporters and anyone interested in learning more about this event are encouraged to visit www.womenshope. org/banquet for more information.
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Photo courtesy of AnnaLee Gardner AnnaLee Gardner of Opelika enjoys cooking for her husband, Aaron, and their two children, Lillian, a second grader, and Miles, 3. She has been teaching the children how to cook. AnnaLee is one of three cooks sharing recipes that children will enjoy.
cheese. Skillet recipes are easier to adapt because she can take out some for Liya before adding dairy at the end. Connie Collier Pearson is sharing recipes that have “stood the test of time” with her children and grandchildren. Connie’s husband, Dr. Steve Pearson, is semi-retired but still practices veterinary
medicine two days a week in Hartselle. He is a 1972 graduate of Auburn veterinary school, while Connie graduated from Auburn in 1971, and two of their three children are Auburn graduates. Generally, the Pearsons visit our area to attend Auburn football games and they have friends here. Connie
graduated high school in the same class with Judy and Jere Colley of Opelika. Connie and I met at a media event for travel writers in South Carolina. We discovered that along with travel writing we both have a love of cooking for our families. Since Connie has a big family with 14 grandSee CIPPERLY, page A10
Storybook Farm to host 12th annual Derby Day By Wil Crews SportsCrews@ opelikaobserver.com
Storybook Farm is hosting its 12th annual Derby Day on Saturday, Sept. 5. Derby Day is the nonprofits’ biggest yearly fundraiser and is the largest Kentucky Darby party in the state of Alabama. The funds raised from the event go immediately to the nonprofits’
day-to-day operations and are critical to the sustainability and survival of the Farm. (quote) The event will feature a live stream of the 146th running of the Kentucky Derby from Churchill Downs. As usual, the event will feature a silent auction – played out through an app, opposed to the typical on-paper method – featuring a number
of items. And a best dressed and spectacular hat award will be given out to the most dapper of the attendees. The Derby Day is scheduled as follows: 2:00 p.m. Gates open 4:00 p.m. Most Spectacular Hat and Dapper Dan Award Presentations 4:15 p.m. Joe Lovvorn, Alabama House of Representatives See STORYBOOK, page A8
A8 August 26, 2020
STORYBOOK >>
FROM A7
speech. Last call to register for Live Auction 4:40 p.m. Live auction begins 5:30 p.m. Live coverage from Churchill Downs 5:50 p.m. 146th Kentucky Derby 6:15 Silent auction concludes The original May 2
date of the Kentucky Derby was postponed due to the coronavirus and Storybook postponed the event to coincide with the race itself. Tickets and sponsorship funds are tax deductible but non-refundable. Both can be purchased at https://one. bidpal.net/derby2020/ ticketing Tickets are limited and the event will
take place within 42,000-square-feet outdoor space, providing ample space for each individual to socially distance. Face masks will be required (and provided). Temperature checks will be performed upon guest arrival and hand sanitizer stations will be placed throughout the farm. This event will be rain or shine.
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A9 August 26, 2020
Opelika native opens new salon By Will Fairless Associate Editor
Matthew Arnold, a lifelong Opelika resident with 25 years of experience in the hair styling business (which 25 years include owning Dimensions Studio in Auburn for 15 years and opening a second Dimensions location), has opened his own salon at the edge of Opelika’s historical district. Salon 1010, located at 1010 Renfroe Ave., offers a personal hair
styling experience. The building was renovated for a massage institute that eventually gave up the space. As a result, it is divided into what Arnold calls “semi-suites,” rooms with walls almost but not quite reaching the ceiling. Clients of Arnold’s each get a semi-suite to themselves during their appointments. “What we do offer that’s different, especially now with COVID, is we have individual semi-suites,” Arnold said. “If you
want to be closed off, if you want to come in for a semi-private session, we can close the door and you can feel safe. We offer something that a lot of other places can’t, because we can close you off and separate everybody.” Currently, Arnold only has one other stylist, Hannah Kimbrell, working for him (Salon 1010 only just opened two weeks ago), but there are enough rooms to give at least two more stylists their own space to
give the salon’s clients 1-on-1 attention. Arnold is most proud of the shampoo area, which features three reclining cushioned seats, each with its own adjustable sink. “Where I splurged with my money, really, is the shampoo area. That’s gonna be a comfort zone,” Arnold said. The same room will also soon feature an adjustable chair/table that will be used for waxing, if that service appeals to any of 1010’s clients.
Arnold grew up in Opelika, and the building at 1010 Renfroe Ave. was a landmark in his youth, within biking and walking distance from his childhood home, in which he now lives. He said he feels lucky to be able to start his own business in the same area in which he grew up. “To be the only commercial business remaining in the edge of the historical district, to me, is extremely nice, and it’s really important to me to have something over here that’s nice,” he
added. Willow Tree Boutique has just moved into the same building and will have a symbiotic business relationship with 1010. Owned by Becky Stillwell and Stephanie Kennedy, Willow Tree does a lot of its business online, but will conduct whatever necessary in-person business in this location. To schedule an appointment with Arnold, call or text him at 334703-9787. Kimbrell can likewise be reached at 256-750-1043.
Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer
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A10 August 26, 2020
CIPPERLY>>
FROM A7
children and number 15 is due in November. I felt she had plenty of special recipes children
RECIPES BACON CORN PASTA Amanda Wunderlich Adapted from Cook’s Country This recipe comes together quickly, and it is very adaptable. Many times I’ll add leftover chicken or shrimp at the end. 1 lb. campenelle or penne pasta 8 slices of bacon, chopped 12 oz. bag frozen corn, thawed 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 cup heavy cream 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil 1/3 cup grated Parmesan Cooked chicken or shrimp, chopped, optional Bring large pot of water to a boil and add the pasta and a tablespoon of salt to the water. Boil until the pasta is al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water before draining pasta and returning to the pot. Meanwhile, cook chopped bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove the bacon and reserve 2 Tbsp. of bacon fat in the skillet. Add corn and 1 tsp. salt to the skillet with the bacon fat and sauté until bright yellow. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add cream, 1/4 cup basil, 1 tsp. pepper and simmer until slightly thickened. Pour sauce over the pasta and add the parmesan, bacon, remaining 1/4 cup basil, and the reserved cooking water. Stir well until combined. Add chicken or shrimp if desired. SHEET PAN CHICKEN FAJITAS Amanda Wunderlich Adapted from Our Best Bites 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into strips 1 onion, sliced 2 bell peppers, sliced 3-4 Tbsp. olive or canola oil 2 tsp. kosher salt 1/2 tsp. pepper 1 tsp. smoked paprika 1 1/2 tsp. cumin 1 1/2 tsp. chili powder 1 tsp. oregano 1 tsp. garlic powder 1 lime 1 bunch cilantro, chopped Tortillas Toppings such as sour cream, cheese, guacamole Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Spray a half sheet pan with nonstick spray. Mix the salt and all the spices together in a small bowl. In a large bowl, place chicken, onion and bell peppers. Drizzle oil and sprinkle spices over the chicken mixture. Toss to coat evenly. Spread the mixture on the sheet pan in an even layer and roast about 20 to 25 minutes or until chicken is done. Squeeze lime juice and sprinkle cilantro over everything. Serve with tortillas and toppings. EASY PINEAPPLE TACOS AnnaLee Gardner 1 to 1 1/2 lbs. ground beef Taco seasoning of your
will enjoy, as will the entire family. Connie likes making casseroles and often uses convenient products. While she enjoys cooking, Connie anticichoice (I use the mix below) 1 cup pineapple fruit cup with juice (I use the kids lunch cups) Flour tortillas Toppings: salsa, lime juice, sour cream If you plan to use the taco seasoning listed below, be sure to salt and pepper your meat as you brown it. Cook through and drain the beef and add the seasoning mix. Pour the container of pineapple in juice into meat mixture. If you are making more than 1 pound of meat, you may want to use 2 of the small pineapple cups. The juice will make the sauce with your seasoning. Allow to simmer for a few minutes. Serve the meat mixture on flour tortillas with your salsa of choice (mango or pineapple salsas are good), lime juice, sour cream, salt and pepper to taste. Taco Seasoning 2 tsp. chili powder 1 and 1/2 tsp. cumin 1 tsp. garlic powder 1 tsp. oregano 1/2 tsp. onion powder Remember to season your meat with salt and pepper first. Mix this and sprinkle desired amount on meat. Add more chili powder for a kick. PEPPER STEAK FOR FREEZER OR COOK SAME DAY AnnaLee Gardner 2 lb. top round steak 1 bell pepper, seeded and sliced 1/4 cup reduced sodium soy sauce 1 Tbsp. garlic powder 2 tsp. onion powder 1/8-1/4 tsp. ginger (your preference) 1/8 cup sugar (only use 1 Tbsp. for keto) 1 can 14.5 oz. diced tomatoes 1/2 cup water 1 Tbsp. cornstarch (only use 1 tsp. for keto) Ziplock freezer bag Place steak in a gallon size freezer bag. In a measuring cup, mix soy, water and seasoning. Next whisk in sugar and cornstarch to mixture. Pour marinade over steak in the Ziplock bag. Add tomatoes and sliced peppers to the bag. Press out air and seal. To cook the same day, allow steak to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours if you can. I have cooked it immediately after mixing, but the marinade is better over time. If you are making freezer meals for later, label Ziplock bag and freeze. Cook entire bag in a slow cooker for 6 to 8 hours on low. Serve over rice. If frozen, thaw overnight and cook as directed. I have also subbed chicken for the steak, and it’s good too!
STROMBOLI FOR NOW OR FREEZE FOR LATER AnnaLee Gardner
pates sitting around the table for conversation with food being important but secondary to the interaction and sharing. Before becoming a travel writer, Connie
was a private piano teacher, a public-school music teacher, then a Southern Baptist missionary in Ecuador. She is now on her fourth career.
While both of us are grounded from traveling now, you can read about the places Connie has been on her blog (ThereGoesConnie.com.) Look over the follow-
ing recipes and enhance meals this coming week with these dishes for wonderful suppers with your family. Ann can be reached at recipes@cipperly.com.
8 oz. ricotta cheese Italian seasoning, to taste Garlic powder, to taste 1 refrigerated pizza crust Pizza toppings of choice 1 bag mozzarella shredded cheese or Italian mix cheese Small pizza sauce for dipping In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese and desired amount of Italian seasoning and garlic powder to taste. On a large space or cutting board, line your work surface with nonstick foil. Press out pizza crust into a rectangle over the foiled workspace. Spread the crust with the ricotta mixture. Leave a 1/2 to 1-inch edge all around the crust. Top ricotta with desired pizza toppings (we like pepperoni and olives), then top with most or all of the cheese. Fold the long edges to the center and press them together in the middle. pinch middle and both ends together. You may bake then or wrap it in 2 layers of foil, label and freeze for later. When I make these, I usually make two and freeze one for later. If frozen thaw overnight, unwrap foil and place on a baking sheet. Bake in the oven on 400 for 15 minutes, remove from the oven and brush with melted butter and sprinkle with 3 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese. Bake for an additional 5 minutes. Allow to cool for a few minutes and cut into slices and serve with marinara. Note: I find when it is frozen sometimes the cook time will vary. I usually cook on 300 for 5 minutes and then bake at 350 and tent with tin foil if it gets too brown.
degrees and grease a cookie sheet. Mix first three ingredients together until smooth, then fold in chocolate chips. Drop by spoonful onto the cookie sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Cool on a wire rack while the next batch bakes. Makes about 3 dozen.
Mix those 4 ingredients together and pour into a greased 13 x 9-inch casserole dish. Then, mix: 1 cup Bisquick 2/3 stick butter, melted 1 cup milk Pour over the chicken mixture and bake at 375 degrees for about an hour, or until bubbly and brown on top.
minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove cake onto a wire rake to cool completely, about 1 hour. Lightly dust (or thickly dust) with confectioner’s sugar. Serves 12.
4-INGREDIENT CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES Connie Collier Pearson This is a must have recipe if you are a member of the Grandmother Club. As a member of that esteemed club for almost 20 years, I always keep the ingredients handy. Not only are these happy treats to have ready when grands walk through the door, they are perfect when you have a few who want to join you in the kitchen and “help.” It is a no-fail recipe that is guaranteed to produce happy memories. 1 box cake mix – yellow, white, German chocolate, chocolate, almost any kind will do 2 eggs ½ cup vegetable oil 2 cups chocolate chips or white chocolate chips, or peanut butter chips or even M & M’s that match the season (red/white/ blue for 4th of July, red/ green for Christmas, brown/yellow/orange for fall, etc.) Preheat oven to 350
BAKED ITALIAN SPAGHETTI Connie Collier Pearson This is a very economical way to serve a lot of people. I often double the recipe because I can always freeze the leftovers – if there are any. For the grandkids, I would probably leave off the bell pepper and then just serve this with garlic bread and lots of napkins. They would be happy campers. I take it to families at church, and I serve it frequently to guests. 1 large (15 oz.) can tomato sauce 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste 1 lb. lean ground beef 1 large onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 pkg. dry spaghetti sauce mix (deepens the flavors) 3 cup water 1 large bell pepper, chopped Salt and pepper to taste 8 oz. thin spaghetti 2 ½ - 3 cups cheddar cheese, grated In a large skillet or pot, brown ground beef, chopped onion and chopped bell pepper. Add remaining ingredients except spaghetti and cheese. Simmer slowly for 2 hours, adding more water when necessary. Cook spaghetti until tender. Drain and rinse. Coat a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish, with non-stick spray, then spread the spaghetti on the bottom. Top with sauce, then with grated cheese. Bake at 350 degrees until it is bubbly and the cheese is melted. It will take much less time to bake if you put it in the oven just after you finish the other steps. If you prepare it the day before, take it out of the refrigerator in time to come to room temperature. Then bake about 25 to 30 minutes. Serves 7-8 people. EASY CHICKEN POT PIE Connie Collier Pearson This recipe was given to me by a fellow teacher. I fix this when I am tired and just want something comforting and easy. With this and a quick salad, we are set. If you use canned chicken, you can always have the ingredients in your pantry. 1 can Veg-All, drained 1 can cream of mushroom soup 1 can chicken broth 2 chicken breasts, cooked and chopped (or use 1 or 2 cans of chicken)
HUNGRY JACK CASSEROLE Connie Collier Pearson This is great for hungry children and teenagers. Try doubling this recipe (everything except the biscuits) and use a 9 by 13-inch dish. Our daughters now serve this often in their own homes, and it is a big hit with the Cousins Camp crew every year. It is a hit to take to new moms or friends having a crisis. 1 lb. ground beef 2 Tbsp. brown sugar 1 tsp. salt 16 oz. can pork and beans, not drained 1 Tbsp. onion, minced ¾ cup barbecue sauce 1 can flaky biscuits (probably was originally Hungry Jack biscuits.) 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Brown meat; drain. Stir in sugar, salt, beans, onion and barbecue sauce and pour into a casserole dish. Cut biscuits in half. Place cut side down around edge of casserole. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 375 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes or until brown. Serves about 4. CHOCOLATE CHIP BUNDT CAKE Connie Collier Pearson I always try to keep the ingredients for this cake on hand. It is great for grandkids and taking to friends who need a pick-me-up. For my daughter, who is a chocoholic, I smear on a can of prepared chocolate frosting after it cools, rather than merely dusting it with confectioner’s sugar. 1 box yellow cake mix 1 (3.9 oz.) instant chocolate pudding mix 1 (8 oz.) container sour cream ½ cup vegetable oil ½ cup water 4 large eggs, lightly beaten 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips Confectioner’s sugar Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a Bundt pan or spray with non-stick spray. In a large bowl, put cake mix, pudding mix, sour cream, oil, water, and eggs and beat at low speed for about 30 seconds. Increase speed and mix for another 3 minutes. Fold in the chocolate chips and pour into prepared Bundt pan. Bake about 40 to 45
TASTY LAYERED SALAD Connie Collier Pearson I always get compliments on this salad. Once I served it to some neighbors, and the husband asked for a plastic carry-out bowl to take with him for his lunch the next day. That felt like high praise. 1 small head lettuce, chopped 10 oz. pkg. frozen green peas 1 head cauliflower, chopped ½ lb. bacon, fried crisp and crumbled (go ahead and fry more if you would like – it is hard to have too much bacon) 1 envelope Good Seasons dry Italian dressing mix 1 ½ cups to 2 cups mayonnaise 2-3 cups cheddar cheese, grated Layer ingredients in a large salad bowl in the order listed, spreading the mayonnaise to “seal” the salad. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight. Toss just before serving. Note: Connie sprinkles the dry Italian dressing mix over the lettuce, peas, cauliflower and bacon, then covers with the mayonnaise and cheese. You can mix the dry dressing mix and mayonnaise together, but Connie feels the vegetables have more of the flavor with it sprinkled over them MY MOTHER’S SPECIAL ORANGE CONGEALED SALAD Connie Collier Pearson This recipe brings back beautiful memories of loving times at my mother’s table. I hope you will enjoy it too. 2 small boxes orange Jell-O (or 1 lemon and 1 orange) 1 ½ cups hot water 1 ½ cups cold water 1 small can crushed pineapple, drain and reserve juice 3 bananas, chopped 1 cup miniature marshmallows. Mix hot water and Jell-O, let cool for a few minutes. Add cold water, pineapple, bananas and marshmallows. Pour into a casserole dish and place in refrigerator to congeal. When it has congealed, make this next layer. Reserved pineapple juice ½ cup sugar 2 Tbsp. flour 1 well-beaten egg Cook until thick in a double boiler. Let cool, then spread over Jell-O. Top Layer Whipped cream or 9 oz. Cool Whip 2 cups grated mild cheddar cheese, grated Spread whipped cream or 8 oz. Cool Whip on top of cooked layer and spread generously with mild cheddar cheese (about 2 cups). Refrigerate.
Hearing the message of Numbers
I
watched a little bit of a show recently called Major League Fishing. It follows a professional fishing circuit of the same name and this particular episode featured a tournament at Lake Fork Reservoir in Texas. In the few minutes I watched, they caught one big fish after another! No one went more than a few seconds without catching something. If you didn’t know anything about fishing, you would have
Church Calendar • 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. • 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. • 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 fb copelika.com/media
thought it was an aerobic exercise. The book of Numbers (and the Bible for that matter) is not like that! It makes it clear that following God isn’t an endless series of fireworks to post on social media for everyone to ooh and aah over—it’s about pursuing Him through all seasons (including hardship – see 11:1) and all circumstances. Naturally, some occasions are more colorful and appealing than others.
By Bruce Green Teaching Minister at 10th Street Church of Christ in Opelika
Watching the cloud of God’s presence rise up in the air signifying it was time to break camp was probably a
little more exciting for Israel than getting up every morning to go out and gather manna. But living as His people meant they were to follow Yahweh: • when it was ordinary as well as when it was extraordinary, • when there was obvious progress or seeming regression (Numbers 21:4), • when it was popular and when it wasn’t, • when they were fatigued as well as when they were refreshed, • and when they
could see everything clearly or when they were in a fog. I don’t know about you, but that list sounds a lot like my life. I guess in this regard, things haven’t changed very much in terms of what it means to follow God. That’s why Numbers still speaks to us today. Take some time to listen to its message. You can find more of Bruce’s writings at his website: atasteofgracewithbrucegreen. com.
Verse of the Week
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
A11 August 26, 2020
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3-4 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
Church Directory
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 METHODIST Auburn United Methodist Church 137 South Gay St., Auburn 334-826-8800 Beulah United Methodist 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
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 PRESBYTERIAN Trinity Presbyterian Church 1010 India Road, Opelika 334-745-4889 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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A12 August 26, 2020
OBITUARIES Donald Adolph Spriggs Sr. Mr. Donald Adolph Spriggs Sr., 82, of Opelika passed away Aug. 18 at his residence. A graveside service will be held 10 a.m. Aug. 21 at Garden Hills Cemetery with Reverend Jeff Redmond officiating, visitation will begin 9:00am prior to the service at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. Mr. Spriggs is a native of Valdosta, Georgia but has lived most of his life in the Opelika area. He was a member of Parkway Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife: Mildred Cannon Spriggs; sons: Michael (Faith) Spriggs, Donnie Spriggs, Randy Spriggs; step-son: Michael Abernathy; granddaughter: Crystal Abernathy; great grandchildren: John Kinney, Kaitlyn Kinney; brothers: Ronnie (Kay) Spriggs, Paul (Mary Alice) Spriggs; brother-in-law: Doug Clayton; and several nieces and nephews. James “Jim” Lyle Mynes James Lyle Mynes “Jim” was born Nov. 22, 1925 in Huntington, West Virginia and died Aug. 17, 2020 in Auburn, Alabama. Jim was a patriot and was always moved by his country and its flag. Jim joined the U.S. Army at a young age of 14 and served in Europe as an infantryman during World War II, and was recalled during the Korean Conflict and
retired from the Alabama National Guard. Jim attended Marshall College and loved the Thundering Herd. He also loved the Crimson Tide, attending every game he could from the east coast to the west coast. He love golf. He loved to travel with his wife, whether to Hawaii, Europe, Orange Beach, or places in between. During his career, Jim was a lobbyist and retired from International Telegraph & Telephone as Vice President working from Decatur, Alabama. Jim was a man that never met a stranger, always had a smile, laughed easily, and was a man well met. He was a Paul Harris Fellow as a Rotarian, The Master of the Decatur, Alabama Masonic lodge, a Shriner an Elk, and a member of the Moulton Street Coffee Culture Club in Decatur, Alabama. He was the essence of a family man, and truly loved his daughter and son-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He is survived by his loving wife of 73 years, Margaret Dunn Mynes; daughter, Beverly Mynes Pettey (Bob), grandchildren, Robert Hicks Pettey, III (Candace), Sheridan Pettey Briskman (Josh); Gregory Mynes Pettey (Michelle); and great-grandchildren, Robert Hicks Pettey, IV; Emma Lawrence Pettey; Williams Lyle Briskman; Joshua Mayer Briskman; Ann Thompson Pettey; and Adeline Margaret Pettey. He is preceded in death
by his parents, Phillip Sheridan Mynes and Lillian Stevers Mynes; sisters, Mabel Mynes Nance; Ruth Mynes Gordon; and Helen Mynes Lively; and great-grandson, Gregory Mynes Pettey, Jr. There was a graveside service open to friends and family at 12 p.m. at Garden Hills Cemetery with Reverend Jack F. Lovelace of First Baptist Church, Decatur, Alabama, officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Food Bank of East Alabama, 355 Industry Drive, Auburn, Alabama 36832 and Storybook Farms, 300 Cusseta Road, Opelika, Alabama 36801, or any other charity. Brenda Fuller Reese Brenda Fuller Reese, 67, of Smiths Station, Alabama, passed away on Aug. 18, 2020 at her family farm. A funeral service was be held at 11 a.m. on Aug.21 in the Chapel of Vance Brooks Funeral Home in Phenix City, Alabama with Reverend Jared Owens and Reverend Tom Owensby officiating. A private interment followed in Philadelphia Baptist Church Cemetery. The family received friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Ms. Brenda was born on Aug. 8, 1953 in Columbus, Georgia, the daughter of the late William L. “Buddy” Fuller and Betty Slappey Fuller. Brenda was a lifelong
resident of Smiths Station, Alabama where she enjoyed crafting, cooking, community service and her farm. She was a beloved wife, mother, and sister who lived for her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Ms. Brenda was an active member in the Lee County Farmers Federation Women’s Committee, Farm City, and served as an election Inspector for many years. She was also a faithful member of Glenn Anthony Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia. She was preceded in death by her parents, William L. “Buddy” Fuller and Betty Slappey Fuller, and her in laws A. O “Buddy” Reese, Sr. and Patricia King Reese. She is survived by her husband of 42 years, A. O. “Butch” Reese, Jr., her daughters Sonya Lehman and Rhonda Clark; her sisters Paula Fuller Evans and Laura Fuller Shuffield; five grandchildren: Rebecca Lehman, William Lehman, Zachary Lehman, Kelsey Martin and Nathan Clark, two great grandchildren: Kole Martin and Kollins Martin; her nephews Dalton Evans, Wesley Shuffield, and Jason Shuffield and many extended family, close friends, and her Glenn Anthony Church family. To sign the online guest register visit www.vancebrooksfuneralhome.net.
Bette Bassett Corley Mrs. Bette Bassett Corley, 86 of Opelika, passed away on Aug. 21, 2020 at Arbor Springs in Opelika. A graveside service was held at 11 a.m. on Aug. 24 at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Broughton, Alabama. Visitation was held Aug. 23, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. Mrs. Corley is survived by her daughters: Nan Ogletree (Billy) of Opelika, Lisa Sims (Dickie) of Auburn, and Kim Walters (Dan) of Auburn; son, Steven Corley (Carol) of Carrollton, Georgia; grandchildren: Kyle Corley, Kody Corley, Kaley Corley, Will Ogletree, Gullatte Hunter, Alex Hart, Corley Sims, Chandler Syal, Bentley Sims, Wright Walters, Hannah Walters , and five great grandchildren. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory directed. Ruth Elaine Young Royer Ruth Royer of Opelika was born to the late Ruth Gladys and Willard M. Young in Freeborn County, Minnesota on Nov. 19, 1930 and passed away at Arbor Springs on Aug. 19, 2020. She was 89 years old. She was a member of Auburn United Methodist Church and Grace United Methodist Church. She raised her family in Kansas City, Kansas and later retired to the south in order to be closer to
family. Ruth devoted her life to teaching, she had a servant’s heart and taught every grade at least one year. She taught regular classes as well as special education, she had a fantastic sense of humor, and she left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She will be dearly missed, Ruth was active in the Lions Club and Toastmasters, as well as the Methodist Women's Circle. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leland H. Royer. She is survived by her children, Jan Drummond (Dan), Randy Royer (Tricia), Dave Royer (Natalie); grandchildren, Danielle and Turner Drummond, Mandy Royer (Donnie), Shanna Moriarty (Chuck), Kristy Bass (Thomas), Shannon Key (Travis), Aaron Royer, Cameron Royer (Shiane), and Kaylynn Peel (Tyler); great grandchildren, Maxx, Cooper, Hadley, Madilyn Ruth, Hollie and Kason; sisters, Edith Grosland and Bonnie Boyle (John); brother, Russell Young, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members. Visitation was held in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home on Aug. 24, from 10 to 10:50 a.m. Funeral service was held in the Chapel at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home on Aug. 24, at 11 a.m. Interment followed at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.
A13 August 26, 2020
EAMC provides COVID-19 update Courtesy of the East Alabama Medical Center
Editor's Note: All information correct as of Monday, Aug. 24 POSITIVITY RATE INCREASES Of the more than 2,000 phone calls received at 528-SICK last week, 566 people were tested and 101 were positive for COVID-19. That equates to a positivity rate of 17.8%, which is just short of the 18.5% rate (353 out of 1905) seen during the three weeks prior to the mask mandate. This past Friday provided a glance at one of the higher percentage days. EAMC tested 139 people that day, and 41 tests were positive, for a positivity rate of 29.5%. “We hope this is just a temporary uptick as our grade schools and
colleges return for the new school year,” stated John Atkinson, EAMC spokesman. “The mask mandate was really making a difference with calls and testing, as well as hospitalizations. In the past, increased calls and testing have led to increased hospitalizations a couple of weeks later. Our fingers are crossed that we break that trend this time.” AU MEDICAL CLINIC UPDATE Throughout most of the summer, the Auburn University Medical Clinic had a positivity rate between 5% and 10%. Last week, it jumped to 24.1% as 217 of the 901 people tested had a positive result for COVID-19. Of that total, 200 were Auburn students. “This did not surprise us; we were expecting this” said Dr.
Fred Kam. “Likewise, we were expecting most of the students who tested positive to have mild symptoms and not require hospitalization, and that so far is exactly what has happened.” Kam explained the next steps involved. “Our challenge right now is for each person to educate themselves on what they need to know, what they should be doing and then holding themselves and those around them accountable for wearing masks, physically social distancing and frequently sanitizing their hands. Our strategy is simple: test, isolate, trace, quarantine and educate.” REMINDER ON CALL CENTER HOURS AND TESTING EAMC’s 528-SICK call center is currently open Monday through
EAST ALABAMA MEDICAL CENTER WELCOMES
Daniel Barlow, M.D. FAMILY MEDICINE
Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If the clinicians in the call center determine that you meet the criteria for a COVID-19 test, you will be given directions to the test site and a specific time slot for your test. The test site does not accept patients without an appointment.
EAST ALABAMA MEDICAL CENTER WELCOMES
Nathan L. Mendoza, M.D. UROLOGY
Daniel Barlow, M.D. recently joined the team at Primary Medicine Associates. Dr. Barlow earned his medical degree from the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, and completed one year of general surgery training at DartmouthHitchcock prior to entering and completing a family medicine residency at Mercy Medical Center in Redding, California. Dr. Barlow is originally from Salt Lake City, Utah, and decided to practice medicine at EAMC after hearing about the organization from his brother, Michael Barlow, who is the population health manager at EAMC. After spending time in the Auburn/Opelika area and meeting other staff members, Dr. Barlow knew EAMC would be a great fit.
Nathan L. Mendoza, M.D. recently joined the team at Urology Associates of East Alabama. Dr. Mendoza earned his medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine, and completed his urology residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Dr. Mendoza is originally from Hutchinson, Kan. He chose to pursue a career in urology because he enjoyed the opportunity to treat a wide variety of patients as well as the surgical aspect of urology, specifically robotic surgery. Dr. Mendoza enjoyed his residency at UAB, and is excited to join EAMC to continue caring for patients in Alabama.
Dr. Barlow has been married to his wife, Kristie, for 11 years. They have four children, Emery, Adelynn, Aubrey, and Liam. In his spare time, Dr. Barlow enjoys spending time outdoors with his family exploring, reading, wood working, and following sports.
Dr. Mendoza has been married to his wife, Marissa, for eight years. They have two boys. In his spare time, Dr. Mendoza enjoys running, woodworking, playing guitar, watching Kansas basketball, and spending time with his kids.
PRIMARY MEDICINE ASSOCIATES 2375 CHAMPIONS BLVD AUBURN, AL 36830
UROLOGY ASSOCIATES OF EAST ALABAMA
334-821-2708
eamc.org
121 N 20TH STREET, BUILDING 19 OPELIKA, AL 36801
334-749-8146
eamc.org
A14 August 26, 2020
COMICS
“Life is worth living as long as there’s a laugh in it.” ― Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
S
By Rick Lanier for the Opelika Observer
By D. Mark Mitchell
At first glance things looked pretty normal. It was Friday night, the Hornet faithful were filing in to Ram stadium to watch Beauregard open their 2020 football season while the players were on the field stretching. After a closer look, however, the effects of the new protocols and mandated changes of Alabama’s COVID-19 “Safer at Home” policy were easy to recognize. There were no smells of hamburgers and hotdogs cooking on a grill, nor the aroma of freshly
n Alabama, it’s hard to beat high school football on Friday nights. Fans across the state of Alabama root for their favorite high school teams. Last Friday was a special moment for thousands of people; high school football started in Alabama. The Opelika Bulldogs (1-0) opened the 2020 football season, defeating Stanhope Elmore 20-17 in Millbrook last Friday night. This was the first time either high school has been able to compete against an opponent since last fall. Football players, coaches, band members and cheerleaders were on hand. Spectators, limited in number due to COVID-19, enjoyed an Opelika win in a close game. Stanhope Elmore took the lead with 3:14 left in the opening quarter when Antonio Trone ran seven yards for the TD. Opelika’s Eric Watts answered with a 61-yard touchdown run. Baker Rowton added the PAT, tying the game 7-7. Midway through the second quarter, the Dawgs mounted a 97-yard scoring drive. Taylor Love scored on a six-yard TD run with five minutes left in the first half. Rowton’s extra point failed, and OHS
led 13-7 at halftime. The Mustangs scored 10 straight points to open the third quarter. QB Trey Killingsworth hit DJ McGhee for a 52-yard scoring pass. Jacob Bryant added a 37-yard field goal to put Stanhope up 17-13 with less than four minutes left in the third quarter. Opelika’s defense would shut the Mustangs down in the fourth quarter while the Dawg offense made the game-winning score. Opelika junior quarterback Malik Finley ran 15 yards on fourth and nine and scored the game-winning touchdown. Rowton’s PAT made the score 20-17. The Mustangs’ final drive ended with a missed 35-yard field goal. Eric Watts finished with 154 yards and two touchdowns, Finley was 5 of 8 for 59 yards and added 41 rushing yards on six carries. Opelika travels to Duck Samford Stadium Friday to play rival Auburn, with a 7 p.m. kickoff. AHS defeated Park Crossing 46-28 at the Duck last Friday night. This will be the 95th meeting between the two schools, the first of See SPORTS, page B4
Inside • opelika schools • lee county schools • community sports
Hornets Drop Opener
On the Mark
Opelika wins nail biter
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Sept. 8 Lee County Board of Education Meeting will be on Zoom at 6 p.m.
popped popcorn in the air. The Hornet marching band was absent from the student section and members from different households were sitting at least six feet from each other and wearing face coverings. Since March, every high school in America has been dealing with the questions and uncertainties of a pandemic. Is it safe to bring students and teachers back? How do we conduct virtual classes? Can we allow high school sport to go forward? So many questions, some unanswered still. After last year’s 1–9 season, Beauregard’s
coaching staff was looking for answers too. Would the experience of playing so many freshmen and sophomores last year produce dividends this year? Who would emerge as leaders from the adversities of a young football team, including last year’s 27-0 shutout loss to the Rams? What impact, if any, did the new COVID-19 protocols have on team preparation? Initially, both sides of the Hornets’ effort looked promising. Valley took the opening kick-off and set up shop on their own 31 yard line. Beauregard’s
first defensive stand was impressive and the unit appeared ready for the challenge ahead, swarming the Rams and forcing a punt after three plays. The Hornets offense looked to be on track as well, but their initial drive stalled after five plays. Unfortunately, what followed, on both sides of the ball, did nothing to answer questions. 210 Valley after the first quarter of play. 35-0 at the half. 42-0 after three, and finally, after the outcome of the game was well determined, Beauregard put together See HORNETS, page B4
Gators Win High Scoring Opener By Wil Crews sportscrews@opelikaobserver
After a 9-4 season in 2019, one that saw Glenwood reach the third round of the regional playoffs, the Gators opened their 2020 campaign at home against the Bessemer Academy Rebels with a 37-25 win. The game was a story of two opposing offensive philosophies. The Gators ran the ball with ferocity, finishing with a whopping 418 yards on the ground. On the other hand, the Rebels’ preference for progress was a passing onslaught – totaling 272 yards through the air. Glenwood won the first coin toss of the season and boldly opted to receive the ball. The striking decision paid off
as quarterback Jackson Griner handed the ball to running back Tye Robichaux as he scampered into the end zone for a 10-yard touchdown. An ideal start, the Gators led 7-0. On the Gators first defensive showing of 2020, the defense had two tackles for loss, stifling the run and forcing a three and out. The game score remained the same until late in the first quarter when the Rebels scored – but missed the extra point – to make it 6-7 Gators. The second quarter was all Gators as the home team added a field goal and two more scores on the ground. The Rebels finally found some rhythm on offense and responded with 33 seconds left in the second quarter. Glenwood
Photo courtesy of LeAnn Walton took a 23-12 lead into half time. The second half opened with a lengthy drive from the Rebels that began at their own 38-yard line. The drive was thwarted on the Gators seven yard line as Glenwood forced
turnover on downs, busting into the backfield, gang tackling the Rebel runner for a twoyard loss. However, the Rebels still managed to strike first in the third quarter with a 33-yard See GATORS, page B4
B2 August 26, 2020
CFC raises $25,699 for Samaritan's Feet
PLAYER OF THE WEEK The City of Opelika is proud to sponsor the Opelika High School Player of the Week. We applaud you for your HARD WORK and DEDICATION on and off the football field.
SWEAT. COURAGE. HEART.
IT’S THE OPELIKA WAY.
GO DAWGS! ERIC WATTS
Running back Eric Watts rushed 20 times for 154 yards and two TD’s in the 20-17 win.
Photo courtesy of Cornerstone Family Chiropractor Thanks to more than 70 businesses and individual donations, $25,699 was raised for Cornerstone Family Chiropractor’s ‘Back 2 School Bash.’ That equals 1,028 new pairs of shoes that were distributed this past weekend.
Beauregard Player of the Week
#23 TRENT JONES Jones made his presence known on offense, as a running back, and on defense, as a linebacker. He played both sides of the ball for the entire game.
#myOpelika • #beOpelika www.opelika-al.gov 2018 observer
“Our Mission is Your Health”
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B3 August 26, 2020
Auburn University OLLI collaborates to celebrate OLLI Day Alabama August 20, Announces Statewide Collaboration Courtesy of Auburn University
Auburn University joined The University of Alabama and The University of Alabama in Huntsville for a virtual celebration of OLLI Day Alabama on Aug. 20. They also announced OLLI Alabama Shares, a program for sharing virtual classes among the three campuses. Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes, or OLLIs offers member-centered courses, volunteer opportunities and social interaction for people over 50. OLLI is founded on the belief that lifelong learning enhances one’s quality of life. There are over 120 OLLIs in the US,
with at least one in every state. There are three OLLI campuses in Alabama, each with satellite campuses in their area. To highlight all that OLLI has to offer Alabamians, Gov. Kay Ivey proclaimed Aug. 20 OLLI Day in the state. A virtual information session was held Aug. 20 highlighting OLLI programs across the state and outlining the new OLLI Alabama Shares program that will continue even after the pandemic has ended and classes begin to meet in person again. “When Covid-19 arrived in Alabama three weeks before the beginning of OLLI’s Spring term, we marshalled our technology
committee, dedicated staff and stalwart membership to Zoom ahead into this brave new world of online classes,” said Scott Bishop, director of OLLI at Auburn University. There has been something of a learning curve for everyone, but the outcome has been that many OLLI members have become much more technologically savvy in order to maintain their connections to family, community and to their lifelong learning classes. “In this trying time of home confinement, I am grateful to OLLI for providing online sources of intellectual stimulation, as well as a continuing sense of community and contact
with people I could not see by any other means,” said Larry Gerber, cochair of OLLI at Auburn’s Curriculum Committee. Auburn University’s OLLI is not unique in pivoting to take classes online, and since all three OLLIs in Alabama – Auburn University, The University of Alabama, and The University of Alabama in Huntsville – have online class offerings this fall, the three campuses are each sharing three classes with the others. “The six classes offered to us from our sister OLLIs across the state have strengthened and diversified our already robust fall class offerings,” said Barbara Daron,
program coordinator for OLLI at Auburn. “We look forward to future collaborations. We have learned that OLLI members are indeed lifelong learners, and now that we have embraced Zoom classes, the possibilities are endless.” Registration for OLLI at Auburn plus the collaborative classes from UA, UAH and AUM is open now through Wednesday, Sept. 9. Register online at www.auburn.edu/olli or
call our registration line at (334) 844-3135. Fall 2020 classes are held from Sept. 14 – Nov. 6, all via ZOOM. Join for another way to learn. OLLI at Auburn is a program of the Office of the Vice President for University Outreach at Auburn University. OLLI administrative offices and select classes are located at the historic Sunny Slope property, 1031 South College St. in Auburn.
Three seniors who can step up for Auburn in 2020 By Wil Crews sportscrews@opelikaobserver
Part one of a four-part series: Mildly put, Auburn’s 2020 roster has some large holes to fill. SEC Defensive player of the year, Derrick Brown, his defensive counterpart Marlon Davidson, offensive linemen Jack Driscoll and Prince Tega Wanogho, cornerback Noah Igbinoghene, and safety Daniel Thomas were all drafted. Senior wide receiver Sal Canella is gone, and with him his fortunate habit of making one spectacular catch a game. Fifth year wideout Will Hastings fulfilled his destiny, signing with the Patriots. And the Tigers also lost two starters in the secondary in senior defensive back Javaris Davis and the team’s leading tackler in 2019, safety Jeremiah Dinson. Just to name a few. But, there is still plenty of potential for this year. So, who is going to step up for the Tigers? Ultimately, it will start and end with the revamped offensive line.
However, I believe there are three seniors, none of which are pass blockers, who are critical to Auburn’s success this season. If this team wants to contend for an SEC and National Championship, these guys have to show up. 1. Big Kat Bryant – Defensive End: No one expects Auburn’s defensive line to match the production of last years. But, if the Tiger’s defense wants to maintain their reputation of a deserving-to-be-feared unit, Big Kat Bryant will have to be a focal point. In 2019, Brown and Davidson combined for 11.5 sacks and 23 tackles for loss. Big Kat, on the other hand, had nine quarterback hurries but struggled to finish plays, registering just 1.5 sacks and two tackles for loss. One could argue that it is going to be even harder to get to the quarterback with the absence of Brown and Davidson, but with two All-Americans playing in front of him, it’s no wonder his numbers weren’t great. Big Kat has the All-American potential; it’s time to show it.
Photo courtesy of AU Athletics
2. Eli Stove – Slot Receiver: Eli Stove can heat up faster than the household appliance with which he shares a name. Defenders, thou shall be cooked. No, but for real. Stove reminds me so much of Ryan Davis, Auburn’s all-time leader in receptions and breaker of Minkah Fitzpatrick’s ankles. Stove had a nice bounce back year after a knee injury forced him to redshirt in 2018. Stove, Seth Williams and Anthony Schwartz are the only three players listed as wide receivers that registered more than three catches in 2019. Williams is a potential 1st round pick and Schwartz may be the fastest man alive, meaning they will get a lot of attention. Therefore, Stove has to thrive in his slot niche.
If he can be a good safety valve for quarterback Bo Nix and provide the occasional big play on screens, the Tigers’ offense could be one of the best in the country. Can you imagine a three-play drive that starts with screen to Stove, followed by an end around to Schwartz and capped off with a fade to Seth Williams? Did someone say heaven? 3. T.D. Moultry – Buck: This one is a wild card. While he has competition from sophomore Derrick Hall, in my opinion, Moultry’s experience give him the edge. Moultry is a former five-star recruit who hasn’t lived up to expectations. He was banged up at the beginning of 2019, but even after getting healthy, he finished the season with
only one sack and four tackles. Nick Coe was slated to start at buck to begin last season, but a series of off-thefield troubles resulted him only starting one game. The dominance of Brown and Davidson concealed the glaring hole that was left by his absence. But this year, the defensive line needs all the help it can get. If Moultry can tap into the potential that so many saw in him coming out of high school, then Kevin Steele’s defense might have a secret weapon. If not, he could quickly lose his spot to Hall and the team could suffer for it. Honorable mentions: K.J. Britt – Middle Linebacker: I hesitated putting Britt on here because he’s an AllSEC linebacker who will show up and make big plays all season – no
question. However, with no Chandler Wooten and a talented but young linebacker group, Britt will shoulder a ton of responsibility. Tyrone Truesdell – Defensive Tackle: Similar to Big Kat, Truesdell has big shoes to fill. He would have been in the top three, except defensive ends typically have more upside and impact than defensive tackles. Members of the secondary: Despite losing four starters from last season, Auburn’s secondary appears to be in decent shape. Younger guys will start in front of these seniors, but nonetheless, they will have a role to play. Last year, Malcolm Askew and Jordyn Peters were backup safeties and Devan Barrett, after beginning his Auburn career on offense, was a backup corner. Barrett played in seven games, Askew in six and Peters made only 11 tackles with one pass deflection. Look for one or two of these guys to break out and become important rotational contributors to the Tigers’ secondary.
B4 August 26, 2020
PACE Presents Annual Scholarship Awards Courtesy of PACE
Each year, People of Action for Community Enrichment (PACE) awards scholarships to two deserving seniors who display financial need, leadership, academic achievement and outstanding community service. PACE scholarship applications are sent to each high school counselor in Lee County, scholarship application information is posted in local churches, and the Scholarship Committee chairperson can also be contacted by email at PACELeecounty@ gmail.com. This year’s recipients of the PACE scholarship are two outstanding students,
JAKEYLA COLLINS Nakia LaShay Stinson and Jaykela Shanise Collins. Stinson was a senior at Opelika High. She is described as a fast learner, hard worker and natural leader. She is an honor student and participates in several extracurricular
NAKIA STINSON
activities. Stinson is certified in Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers and has actively participated in community health-oriented projects. She can also be described as a trailblazer; she will be the first in
her family to pursue training beyond high school. Stinson plans to attend Southern Union College and pursue a degree in the healthcare field. Collins was a senior at Auburn High School. She is described as
Nature Made Funds Food Bank of East Alabama’s Backpack Program Courtesy of Pharmavite, LLC
Nature Made announced earlier this week a give back program to support organizations dedicated to providing food and nutrition education to students in need at community schools near company locations in Alabama and California. Part of that program includes funding the Food Bank of East Alabama’s Backpack Program, which provides hungry children with nutritious and easy-to-prepare food to take home on weekends and school vacations when other resources are not available. A typical
HORNETS >>
FROM B1
two scoring drives that revealed a small glimpse of what could be. In the end, the score was 49-13 Valley. Beauregard’s offense couldn’t find its rhythm. Good plays nullified by penalty, good drives thwarted by turnovers, inconsistent play at key positions. Flashes of real good here and there, and
SPORTS >>
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which meetings was in 1917. Opelika holds a three game edge over Auburn, 47-44-3. The two teams are 5-5 in the last 10 games with OHS winning 21-13 in 2019. Auburn High’s Adam Winegarden enters his sixth season as head coach and Director of Football Operations. Winegarden is 45-17, including 6-5 in the playoffs and 2-3 versus Opelika. Game tickets are
backpack contains a variety of child-friendly, easy-to-prepare food including protein, fruit
“Opelika is an extremely important community to Nature Made and we’re proud to
schools in the greater Los Angeles area and educates over 45,000 students each year. About Nature Made Nature Made® is the leading vitamin and supplement brand in traditional retail scanning outlets. Manufactured by Pharmavite, Nature Made was the first line of dietary supplements to earn the United States Pharmacopeia’s (USP) Verified Dietary Supplement mark – independent verification that products meet stringent quality criteria for purity and potency. Visit NatureMade.com for the latest news and offerings.
cups, snacks, cereal and milk. Opelika, AL is home to the company’s newest manufacturing facility which opened in 2013. “COVID has laid bare the inequities many schoolchildren and families face even under normal circumstances,” said Jeff Boutelle, CEO of Pharmavite, makers of Nature Made vitamins and supplements.
help ensure that children can spend more time focusing on their education versus wondering where their next meal is coming from.” Nature Made also made donations to Los Angeles Unified School District’s Grab & Go Food Relief program and EnrichLA, a school garden non-profit that works with over 90
by game’s end, the Hornets had managed 325 yards of total offense (172 passing/153 rushing), a good deal of which coming in the last four minutes of the game. Defensively, the Hornets were gashed up front by Valley’s speed in the run game. There were bright spots; at times the defense swarmed to the ball and made plays, especially LB Trent Jones, who looks well equipped for the position
(he also played RB on offense). The defensive backfield played well in defending the pass, but overall the Hornets searched for answers most of the night. By all accounts, it was not the night Beauregard was hoping for. Was it as simple as first game jitters and missed opportunities on the road? Hopefully. Could it have been the lingering effects from new protocols and routines? Maybe. Are there more
questions that need to be answered? For sure. Happy that Friday night football, albeit a different version, is back? Definitely! Beauregard plays its home opener next week as they take on the Tigers of Handley High School (Roanoke) on Friday, Aug. 28, 2020. Hornet stadium is located at 7343 Ala. Highway 51, Opelika, Alabama 36804. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CST.
limited to parents of student-athletes participating Friday night, including football players, band members and cheerleaders. Fans can go online at www.gofan.co to check the status of purchasing tickets. If Opelika’s allotment of tickets is not purchased by parents, they may be available at the end of the week. Fans can listen to Opelika games on WKKR 97.7 Kicker FM, online at kickerfm.com/ listenlive or download the IHEARTRADIO App on smart phones. You can watch the live
stream of Opelika games on the NFHS network, by going online at www. nfhsnetwork.com. Set up a free account and search “Opelika.” The OHS games are free thanks to the Orthopaedic Clinic. Clinic CEO Terry Rosenthal, along with Dr. Adam Dooley, Dr. Raymond Godsil Jr., Dr Geoffrey Hancy, Dr. Frazier Jones, Dr. Ryan Palmer, Dr. Michael Shiels and Dr. Trent Wilson, should be thanked for the incredible financial gesture. The Orthopaedic Clinic continues to be the leader in
Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine in East Alabama. The Orthopaedic Clinic provides trainers at 14 high schools including two at Opelika. Wilson serves as the Bulldog Team doctor, traveling with the team each week. Opelika is blessed to have a community partner like the Orthopaedic Clinic. D. Mark Mitchell is sports director for iHeart Media, Alabama Dixie Boys State Director and vice president of the A-O Sports Council.
thoughtful, disciplined, and a hard worker. Collins is an excellent student and has high standards for herself. Collins stated that she has a gift for working with children by guiding and directing them in a positive way and making them feel better about themselves. She is currently pursuing an International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma and plans to attend Auburn University in the fall. Her career goal is to work in some capacity with children. The recipients of the PACE scholarship must not only demonstrate academic excellence but also a commitment and desire to serve their
community, be a positive role model, and have a sincere desire to help others. Both of this year’s recipients, Stinson and Collins, have demonstrated these high qualities. PACE is a group of men and women who sponsor youth programs such as the PACE Reading Club and Back-to-School Retreats. PACE also supports the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lee County, March of Dimes, Food Bank of East Alabama, Department of Human Resources Clothe-aChild Project, Project Graduation and other community-minded organizations.
Opelika Theatre Company to host K.I.D.S Act 2
Photo courtesy of OTC Pictured above is a member of the children’s production of Wonderland that was staged in August 2016. By Michelle Key Publisher
K.I.D.S Act 2 is a newly created program for children in kindergarten and up designed to engage children in the art of theatre. The drama and musical theatre classes are scheduled to start on Sept. 8 and will be held one day per week. For children from kindergarten to 9 years
GATORS >>
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touchdown run. The Rebels attempted the two-point conversion – but failed. The Gators offense then kicked back into stride, responding with a big run of their own. An explosive 44-yard dash put Glenwood ahead 30-18. From there, the Gators barrel rolled to the finished. The game was all but locked up the with another rushing score, stretching the lead to 19 as Glenwood powered ahead, 37-18. The Rebels scored once more late in the fourth quarter for what can only be chalked up as a moral victory. The game ended with two knee downs by Griner as the Gators chewed up nearly seven minutes of clock on their final drive. Final score: Glenwood 37, Bessemer 25. Griner was undoubtedly the player of the game, finishing with 243 yards rushing and three touchdowns on 16 carries. The Gators
old, classes will be held from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. For those ages 10 and up classes will be from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. The cost for the classes is $45 a month with a registration fee of $20. Social distancing will be practiced and classes will be limited. For more information or to register call Executive Director Marty Moore at 334-663-2593. were committed to the run throughout the game, throwing only 10 times, completing two for 11 yards. Robichaux added to the rushing total, finishing with 176 yards and one touchdowns on 20 carries. Both teams finished with two turnovers but Glenwood head coach Jason Gibson will hope to see more discipline from his team next week. The Gators had 14 penalties for 91 yards, but were solid enough on both sides of the ball to nullify the consequences. Next week, Glenwood travels to Atmore, Alabama to take on last years’ Regional Champions, the Escambia Cougars. Both teams enter the game 1-0. The Gators will hope for better fortunes in this year’s matchup, as the teams last meeting in 2015 was a 41-0 blowout win for Escambia. Kickoff is set for Friday, Aug. 28 at 7 p.m. CST at 268 Cowpen Creek Road, Atmore, Al, 36502.
Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics
B5
August 26, 2020
Wednesday, August 26, 2020
Inside the Statehouse Legendary Liberal U.S. Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black was from Alabama
The most enduring legacy a president will have is an appointment to the United States Supreme Court. A lifetime appointment to the high tribunal is the ultimate power. The nine Justices of the Supreme Court have omnipotent, everlasting power over most major decisions affecting issues and public policy in our nation. President Trump has had two SCOTUS appointments and confirmations. This is monumental. These appointments may be his legacy. The only Alabamian to ever serve on the U.S. Supreme Court was Hugo Black. It may come as a surprise to you, since Alabama is today considered one of the most conservative places in America, but Hugo Black was arguably one of the most liberal Supreme Court justices in history. He was also one of the longest-serving justices. Black was the fifth longest-serving Supreme Court Justice. He sat on the Supreme Court of the United States from 1937 until his death in 1971. Nearly 35 of his 85
Highly contested council race yields three runoffs
BAKER-NORRIS By Opelika Observer Staff
STEVE FLOWERS years on Earth were spent on the Supreme Court. Hugo Black, like most folks of that era in Alabama history, was born on a farm. Black was from rural Clay County. He was the youngest child of a large family. He worked his way through the University of Alabama Law School under the tutelage of President George Denny. He shoveled coal to stoke the furnaces at the university.
Ward 1: Opelika’s City Council Ward 1 race will require
Photo courtesy of Opelika Chamber of Commerce
’20 Under Forty’ Class of 2021 introduced to Opelika City Council The ‘20 Under Forty’ Class of 2021 was introduced to Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller and the city council during last week’s city council meeting. The program is under the direction of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce, and its mission is to bring together a diverse group of individuals who, through their knowledge, experience and talents, will both complement and challenge one another. - approved a request by Main Street for the annual On the Tracks event to be held on Oct. 9 - held a public hearing on the amendment of Zoning Ordinance Section 2.2, 7.3 – to add Section 8.28
other in the runoff, which will be held on Oct. 6. Jamie Lowe: Lowe is Opelika’s See ELECTION, page B6
See FLOWERS, page B7
hlester@opelikaobserver.com
- voted to designate city personal property as surplus and to authorize disposal. - voted to approve a request for a refund of Occupational License Fees to Sawyer Stephens - voted to approved a request for a refund of sewer service fees at 1998 1st Ave. - approved the purchase of a Zoll X-Series Defibrillator - Sole Source - FD. - approved the purchase of furniture for Covington Recreation Center - approved a change order for the Fire Training Facility - approved resolutions for tax abatements, exemptions and a project agreement with Bonnie Plants, Inc. and AFICC - held public hearing and voted to approve
a runoff between Jamie Lowe and Robert Allen. Lowe took 40% of the vote to Allen's 30%, but since neither reached 50%, they will face each
New grocery store coming to downtown Auburn
By Hannah Lester
By Michelle Key Publisher
SMITH
weed abatement assessments for the following properties: · 206 Byrd Ave. · 308 Brannon Ave. · 509 1st Ave. · 810 Williamson Ave. · 1733 1st Ave. - held public hearings and voted to approve resolutions for the demolition of properties located at 509 1st Ave. and 1400 2nd Ave. - approved a resolution authorizing the new job classification and description for a Community Relations Specialist with the Opelika Police Department - approved a resolution to authorize a fire hydrant rental agreement with the Utilities Board of the City of Opelika See CITY COUNCIL, page B6
Auburn City Council was busy Tuesday night approving a new grocery store for South Gay Street, extending the student housing moratorium and approving a new restaurant near downtown Auburn. Downtown Grocery: The council approved a resolution for conditional use
approval for a grocery store on South Gay Street. Griswold asked if the nearby businesses had shown any reaction to the proposal. Planning Director Forrest Cotton said that the city had received no feedback, but that the businesses had been notified. The city’s e-packet specified that the business will use 28,864 square feet for the grocery store and 5,495
square feet for retail. Although parking is not required in this zone, the store proposed 141 parking spaces, the e-packet said. Although the council did not specify this, nor did the city’s e-packet, included drawings and layouts named the grocery store as a Publix. Student Housing See GROCERY, page B8
B6 August 26, 2020
Letter to the Editor
T
he Libertarian Party of Alabama just received word from the Secretary of State’s Director of Elections, Clay Helms, that Jo Jorgenson and Jeremy “Spike” Cohen have met the signature requirements to be on the Alabama Ballot for November 3rd as Independent Candidates. My most sincere gratitude goes out to all the volunteers that braved this Alabama heat and humidity and collected petition signatures, from Mobile and Baldwin County, and Lee County, where 150
signatures were collected, to Birmingham, Huntsville, and all points in between. Petitioning can be a difficult job and certainly takes some people out of their comfort zones, but YOU did it! Thanks to YOU, Alabama voters have another option on their ballot this November. A very special thanks to our Secretary, Thadeus Freed, for taking on the hat of Ballot Access Coordinator. Mr. Freed spent many hours on the phone coordinating with volunteers, arranging pick up times and driving from his home
in Florence to the Secretary of State’s office in Montgomery. It is a very stressful job, but Mr. Freed handled it like a pro. My thanks, also, to the LNC Ballot Access Committee members, and Jo Jorgensen for POTUS campaign team for working with us towards this goal. With this effort behind us, we can take a moment to breathe and start planning for a big push in 2022. We want to see Libertarians filling the 2022 ballot. Congratulations, everyone! YOUR hard work got the job done. Laura Lane, LPA State Chair
CITY COUNCIL >>
FROM B5
- approved a resolution for a special appropriation of $2,500 to the Opelika Chamber of Commerce for the 20 Under Forty program with each councilperson allocating $500 of their discretionary funds for the program - approved a resolution for a special appropriation of $2,500 to the Opelika Chamber of Commerce for the Lee County Young Leaders program with each councilperson allocating $500 of their discretionary funds for the program - approved a resolution for a special appropriation of $5,000 to the Opelika Learning
City of Smiths Station releases unoffical municipal election results ELECTION>>
FROM B5
youngest candidate at 20 years old. He has laid out his platform, with a focus on education, safety and economic development. After the results came in, Lowe expressed his excitement. “I’m feeling great, I’m feeling great," Lowe said. "I got the bulk of the votes. I came in first and I’m ready to do it again.” Lowe said he was not nervous before the totals were announced. “I’ve only gotten positive feedback from the community when I was going out door to door. So, I felt confident pretty much all the way through. And my opponents ran a good, clean campaigns, particularly George Allen. George Allen ran a good, clean campaign.” The Opelika Chamber of Commerce forum event two weeks ago allowed each candidate a chance to share their platforms and ideals. Lowe said during the forum that crime is a problem for the city of Opelika but that he would focus on involving the youth in the community to help stop crime. Secondly, in education, Lowe said he would like to see a Pre-K classroom in each public school. “The city of Opelika [recently] received a grant from the state office that gave us two Pre-K classrooms and that’s a wonderful program,” he said. George Allen: Allen, who has served several local committees and foundations outlined his Ward 1 goals: jobs for citizens, eradicating poverty and homelessness and education for children of the city.
“Opelika is a growing city, but it’s not perfect,” Allen said. “I’ve served as a poll worker in Ward 1 for many years and talked with the voters about their various concerns, some of which have gone unaddressed. If elected, I will be a consistent voice for the unheard, regardless of age, race or gender.” Allen is currently a fundraising member for the J.W. Darden Foundation, a member of the Lee County Voters League and Youth Organization, a member of the Reactivation Committee for the Lee County Branch of the NAACP and he serves at Covington Recreation. Ward 2 Erica Norris was elected on Tuesday to represent Ward 2 on the Opelika City Council. She received 60% of the ward’s votes to Oscar Penn III’s 40%. She is the Vice President-elect of the Alabama Association of Public Personnel Administrators and the Diversity and Inclusion Chairperson of the East Alabama Society of Human Resources Management. Norris has said that she wants to focus on partnering with educational institutions to create more activities for young people and senior citizens, providing training to the Ward 2 workforce and addressing crime and poverty in Ward 2. “I am so excited to have an opportunity to earn the vote of the people of Ward 2 and to be given a chance to serve them,” BakerNorris said, “In a time of so much uncertainty, I am certain of this: I am called to serve.” Ward 2 had a 20.3% voter turnout. Ward 3
The election for Ward 3’s city council representative will also be sent to a runoff in October, as no candidate received more than 50% of the vote on Tuesday. The runoff will be between Robert Lofton, who received 46% of the vote and Michael Carter, with 33% of the vote. Ward 3 had a 30.1% voter turnout. Michael Carter is a professional facilitator for Leadership and Diversity and Inclusion programs for an international S&P 500 organization. While campaigning, Carter said that he would focus on "lead, live, work and play." He also said he’d like to bring a new technology and innovation park to Opelika. Robert Lofton is a retired citizen of Opelika who has said he can give his full attention to the city. Additionally, Lofton was a business owner which he said gives him valuable experience to apply to city council. “I’ve worked physically and I’ve worked with budgets, large budgets,” he said. “I’ve learned to actively listen. You have the information I need to be an effective councilperson to represent you well.” Lofton and Carter will face-off again in October. "We ran a real hard race, people worked really really hard," Lofton said. "We’re just gonna have to go out and work a little bit harder to win this thing. We’re still gonna say our same values are full time councilman, hard work, honesty, integrity, transparency, that’s our plan, and we’ll just work until we win it.” Ward 4 Eddie Smith had been elected representative of Ward 4 for the Opelika
City Council. In a city election cycle that is highly contested, the incumbent Smith ran unopposed. Smith is an Opelika native and graduate of Opelika High School, Auburn University and the LSU School of Banking of the South. Smith has demonstrated community leadership to Opelika for the past 25 years. He has served as president of the Opelika High School All Sports Booster Club, the co-chair of Envision Opelika and served on the boards of the Opelika Arts Association and the Achievement Center Foundation Inc. Additionally, Smith served as president of the Opelika Jaycees, Opelika Kiwanis Club and the United Way of Lee County as well as board chairman for the Opelika Chamber of Commerce, the Achievement Center Board of Directors and on the boards of Camp ASSCA and Opelika Dixie Youth Baseball. For 20 years, Smith also served as the treasurer for the Lee County Youth Development Center. Smith currently serves as president of the Auburn Bank’s Opelika branch. Ward 5 The election for Ward 5’s city council representative will also be sent to a runoff in October, as no candidate received more than 50% of the vote on Tuesday. David Canon and Todd Rauch will face off in October. David Canon, who received 25% of the vote, has represented Ward 5 since he was first elected in 2010. He has graduated from Auburn University, The Alabama Banking School and the LSU School of Banking of the
Center for the Positive Behavior Dog Pound program with each councilperson allocating $1,000 of their discretionary funds for the program - approved a resolution to submit a ADECA grant application for the Youth Incarceration Prevention Program - voted to approve an ordinance for the annexation of 11.3 acres located in the 3800 Block of Hamilton Rd - held the first reading of an ordinance to amend Zoning Ordinance Section 2.2, 7.3 and to add Section 8.28, 8.28.1. - held the first reading of an ordinance to amend zoning and ordinance map to rezone 21.9 acres located at 3001 Hi Pack Drive
- voted to suspend the rules requiring two readings and approved Ordinance No. 019-20 to grant a non-exclusive franchise to the Utilities Board of the City of Opelika - voted to reappoint Henry J. Stern Jr. to the Celebrate Alabama Cooperative District, with a new term ending Aug. 27, 2024 - voted to reappoint John Marsh, Debbie Purves and Jimmy Sharp to the Downtown Redevelopment Authority. The new terms will end on Aug. 19, 2026. Opelika city council meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday nights of every month. The next council meeting will be held on Sept. 1.
Courtesy of the City of Smiths Station
representing Place 3, Steve Lansdon received 137 votes (42%), William Spear 97 (29%) and Kamarcus Adkins 95 (29%). In the race for Place 5, Victoria Green received 206 votes (60%) to beat Diane Holman Stein, who received 134 (40%).
Smiths Station's municipal elections were held Tuesday. Mayor F.L. "Bubba" Copeland was declared the winner of the mayoral race earlier this month, as he was unopposed. In the race for city council member South. “My goal, or vision, of Opelika is to keep Opelika the greatest city in Alabama to live, work, play, raise a family, go to church and retire,” Canon said. He said there are several projects he wants to see through before he leaves the city council, which include completing the extension of the Sportsplex Connector from Andrews Road to U.S. Hwy. 431, improving efforts to regulate speeding on several streets in Ward 5 and helping find the best location for an additional public school in the north side of Opelika. "I'm glad I'm in the runoff," Canon said. "I understand it was the biggest turnout in Ward 5 history, and I didn't get as many votes as i wanted to get, but I got enough to get in the runoff. Now I've got my sights set on winning the runoff. It's been done before, and I'm gonna do it this time. I'm still gonna run on the same principles I ran on before. I know my way around things and how to get things done. What I did not do this time is I did not enlist enough people to help me, and that's what the younger generation knows how to do, so that's what i'm gonna do this time. What I do best is do my job. I'm looking forward to October 6." Todd Rauch, who received 43% of the vote, is a U.S. Army veteran who holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Auburn University and is currently the Vice President of the Community Foundation of East Alabama. Rauch said he wants to create online forums so people have a platform to tell the council about their
issues and so the council can update the people on the city’s business. “It’s important for you to understand what my passions are, and that is: my faith, my family, my country and my community,” he said at the candidate forum two weeks ago. “I’m committed to fostering a culture of public engagement because if you have issues, as your city councilman, I expect you to call me first.” He said that he would like to expand and diversify industry in the Opelika Industrial Park, provide resources to Opelika city schools and prioritize infrastructure improvements, among other things. "The idea of our campaign is that the right candidate puts in the hardest work," Rauch said Tuesday night. "We have the most to prove to the voters to make sure that they understand that I'm doing this to take their voice to city hall. And make sure that the issues that affect their day-to-day life are talked about in the city government. "During the campaign, while we were out campaigning, we got a digital speed sign put up on Lee County road. That's an issue that they've been dealing with for years with speeding and log trucks, so even while we're campaigning, we're still doing stuff to take care of stuff that the city government hasn't done in years; that's what we're about. When people complain about issues, I go out there and see them first hand. I want to talk to the people. I can see it in their face and hear it in their voice, and I just want to make sure that's conveyed in the city government."
B7 August 26, 2020
96% of eligible black Alabamians are registered to vote. Where is the NYT now? By Greg Markley For the Opelika Observer
Several years ago, the vote was much lower than usual in Tuscaloosa for an election in March. But Alabama’s Secretary of State quickly found out why. “Normally, a good portion of students vote,” said John Merrill. “But that year the Democratic and Republican primaries were during Spring Break.” Not even the famed Million Dollar Band could incite students to vote. Merrill is now in his sixth year as the 53rd occupant of his constitutional office. He has seen real progress in voter registrations and in voting itself. He credits his staff and the respective elections officials who are the on-thescene key in ridding most elections of malfeasance. In Alabama, 96 percent of eligible African Americans
are registered to vote, with 91 percent of eligible whites also registered. The New York Times somehow missed this. CNN’s Anderson Cooper must be chasing another story in muddy waters. But a state with a racist past has only 4 percent of eligible black voters not signed up. In 2008, 76 percent of blacks who were registered voted. In 2016, 71 percent of all registered voters in Alabama voted. That’s not good enough for NPR? “Some people say that ‘one vote doesn’t make a difference,’” Merrill said.“But they are wrong.” The 2018 Clay County Sheriff race
was tied after the first vote count, and it was also tied in a recount. Republican Jim Studdard won the contest in a coin toss after he and Democrat Henry Lambert each received 2,680 votes. This quaint way of getting a winner is legitimate since Alabama law states an election can be resolved through “games of chance.” Merrill, raised in Hef lin, learned politics from his father, a longtime probate judge. Merrill attended court sessions and witnessed how attorneys dealt with cases when he was five. At the University of Alabama, Merrill received a double major—history and politics. He interned for both Congressman Bill Nichols and later for U.S. Senator Howell Hef lin. The Secretar y of State’s off ice has registered 1.6 million new voters, as of Aug. 14, since Secretar y Mer rill took off ice on
Januar y 19, 2015. In 2020, there are 3.6 million registered voters, including 1.6 million new ones and others who registered before Mer rill took over. Putting that in perspective, these new voters represent four times the combined populations of Bir mingham and Montgomer y (2010 Census).They also represent one-four th of Alabama’s population (4.9 million). Earlier this year, the 1 millionth person registered electronically. “Good fellows are a dime a dozen, but an aggressive leader is priceless,” said Red Blaik, a legendary college football coach. (At West Point, Blaik coached for 18 seasons compiling a 121–32–10 record). Aggressive leaders Nick Saban, Crimson Tide, and Gus Malzahn, Auburn Tigers, proved Blaik’s quote correct: They led one of the most successful
voter registration campaigns via a TV commercial encouraging voters to get registered. Once when casting a ballot, I thought I hadn’t filled in the little checkbox fully. So I blackened the part I missed at first. The election monitor tore up my sheet and gave me a new one. That was a quick solution. Provisional ballots can be voted if a voter is outside of his and her assigned jurisdiction, left off the poll list or if the voter’s name has already been marked off the list for requesting a ballot. To me, provisional ballots are a great idea that allow people with the problems above to eventually vote. Merrill met John Lewis, the voting rights hero, for the first time in February 2016 in Washington, DC. “He was a senior congressman and quite busy but John was very generous with his time with me.”
He met Lewis every year since, usually at the Edmund Pettus Bridge reenactment of the 1965 dramatic bridge-crossing in Selma. “During our many visits together, he always left me wanting to do more to ensure that every person, regardless of race, religion, gender or status, had the opportunity to vote in free and fair elections,” Merrill said. “John Lewis was faithful— and then some—to people who elected him.” Yet, most of us have voted for candidates who won yet disappointed us. For example, the 2018 Clay County sheriffs race, voting is often a “game of chance” or even a coin toss. Markley has lived in Lee County for 20 of the past 24 years. An award-winning journalist, he has Masters in education and history. He taught political science as an adjunct in Georgia and Alabama.
FLOWERS >>
Court. He was one of nine justices appointed by President Roosevelt during his 13 years as president. It is hard today to imagine that Alabama could produce such a liberal judge. However, during this era of American history, Alabama’s congressional delegation was one of the most liberal in the nation, as evidenced by the fact that they embraced FDR and his New Deal. Black was a liberal New Dealer in the Senate and liberals were pleased by the Justice from Alabama’s tenure over the next 35 years. Liberals regard Black as one of the most influential Supreme Court Justices of the 20th Century. Black was a part of the court decision that declared school racial segregation illegal in the famous Brown v. Board of Education decision. He was the author of numerous opinions upholding Civil Rights. Black was known for his liberal policies. It was interesting and probably unbelievable to most Americans that Alabama’s only contribution to the Supreme Court was one of the most liberal Justices. In many ways, our current Democratic U.S. Senator, Doug Jones, is very similar to the late Justice Hugo Black. If truth were known, my guess is that one of Jones’s idols is Hugo Black. Jones is a
Birmingham, pro-labor, pro-civil-rights, criminal defense lawyer with a background as a prosecutor. He was appointed a U.S. Attorney by a Democrat president. Jones has, throughout his legal career, been a national Democrat. With Jones’s 2017 election to the U.S. Senate, he became and is still a darling superstar among the national Democratic elitists. He is the only Democratic Senator from the Deep South. The liberal Democrats in California and New York adore and admire him. Indeed, the vast majority of his campaign money derives from California and New York zip codes. His defeat of the ultra-conservative, anti-gay-marriage judge, Roy Moore, has made him a national Democratic rock star. It is very likely that Democrat Joe Biden will win the White House. If that occurs, look for Jones as a potential cabinet member. Even though, at age 64, Jones is not the ideal choice for a Supreme Court appointment, it is not out of the realm of possibility. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in more than 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve can be reached at www.steveflowers.us.
FROM B5
PLEASE JOIN US AUGUST 6
Get to Know the Opelika Police Department Recording available on YouTube (opelikacitygov)
SEPTEMBER 3
Improving Relationships with Our Youth
SEPTEMBER 24
How We Can Better Communicate and Improve Community Relations MUNICIPAL COURT BUILDING 6 - 7 p.m. Space limited to maintain social distancing (First come first serve) Live streamed via city YouTube channel For more information, email lkrehling@opelika-al.gov.
He graduated Phi Beta Kappa. Black began practicing law in Birmingham at 22 years old. He became a Jefferson County Prosecutor and then World War I broke out. He served in the war and rose to the rank of captain. In 1926, at age 40, Black was elected to the U.S. Senate. Prior to that he had been a practicing Labor lawyer and won his seat with the help of organized Labor, especially in Birmingham. He arrived in the Senate at the beginning of the Great Depression. During his entire tenure in the Senate, America was in the throes of the Depression. Folks who endured this era were marked by it. It made all southern politicians progressives and new dealers. Franklin Delano Roosevelt came to the White House in 1932. His New Deal was the most legendary political accomplishment in American history. Black became one of FDR’s staunchest allies. He voted for 24 out of 24 of Roosevelt’s New Deal programs. Alabama benefitted mightily from FDR’s New Deal, especially rural Alabama and the Tennessee Valley. Roosevelt rewarded Alabama’s junior senator with a coveted seat on the Supreme
B8 August 26, 2020
FEMA Announces Lost Wages Grant for Alabama Courtesy of the FEMA News Desk
EMA Administrator Pete Gaynor approved Alabama for a FEMA grant under the Lost Wages Assistance program. FEMA’s grant funding will allow Alabama to provide $300 per week -- on top of their regular unemployment benefit -- to those unemployed due to COVID-19. FEMA will work with Gov.a Kay Ivey to implement a system to make this funding available to Alabama residents. On Aug. 8, 2020, President Trump made available up to $44 billion from FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund to provide financial assistance to Americans who have lost wages due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, the state
of Alabama agreed to administer a lost wages program for its citizens who are unemployed due to COVID-19. FEMA looks forward to working with the governors of additional states who agree to administer a lost wages program to bring financial relief to unemployed Americans. To see a list of states previously approved for lost wages assistance, go to: (www.fema.gov/ fact-sheet/lost-wages-assistance-approved-states) To learn more about FEMA’s lost wages supplemental payment assistance, visit: (www.fema. gov/fact-sheet/fema-lost-wages-supplemental-payment-assistance)
GROCERY >>
FROM B5
Moratorium: The Auburn City Council voted to extend the current student housing moratorium through Dec. 23. The council originally put the moratorium in place in February and extended it on May 19. The moratorium places a hold on new student housing developments, private dormitories and academic detached dwelling units in the city of Auburn. Originally, the moratorium was set to give the city of Auburn staff time to develop a plan for the city moving forward to reduce the amount of student housing. The moratorium has now been extended twice. Kelley Griswold, Ward 2, asked the council if it could set the moratorium to an indefinite time period, instead of continually extending it. City Manager Jim Buston said that the council should keep an end date in mind, but that it could end the moratorium before that specific date if it so chose. The council could also extend it again, if it wanted, Buston said. “We hope that won’t have to be,” he said. “As you see in your packet, we do have some time frames for bringing things to you, at least time frames for going to the planning commission then coming to
you.” Zoning Ordinance Changes will be discussed by the planning commission on Sept. 10 and public hearings will be held. Following this, the zoning changes will be introduced to the city council. “I think it’s in all of our best interest, I think we all want to get this settled, talked about, debated and move on from this when we can and that was the thought when we started this moratorium in the winter, is to give the community the answers that they need so the city of Auburn can move on,” said Auburn Mayor Ron Anders. Guthrie’s: The council approved a resolution for conditional use approval for a Guthrie’s Restaurant on North College Street. The approval did not come easily, there was a lot of discussion from both council members and members of the public. The property is located in the Urban Core District, but Guthrie’s is proposing a drivethrough. This had council members and two members of the public concerned. “I just wanted to say that I hope the council considers the negative impacts of additional road service uses in the urban districts,” said Stone Ray, from Birmingham. “And I ask that the council please see this request as a decision based on principal. The principal that we already understand road service
uses, particular drive through restaurants, are problematic in urban districts and against the goal that we have established in the downtown masterplan.” Ray said he believes that a drive-through is taking a step backward in the progress downtown Auburn has made. “I’m very worried about introducing another auto-focused development so close to where we are now going to have hundreds and hundreds of new downtown residents who are going to be walking around that area, walking to campus in the next year or two,” said Scott Berson, Auburn resident. “Considering that the downtown master plan does not encourage drive-throughs in this area.” One of the lot owners, however, said he supported the resolution. “My sister and I own two of the three lots involved in this lease arrangement with Guthrie’s,” said Mark Meagher, one of the lot owners. “This property has been in our family for five generations, we would like it to continue that into a sixth generation. That is our objective so I’m urging you tonight to pass this resolution.” Previously on the property, 200 North College Street, was the Sani-Freeze and before that, The Doll House. “I once heard Dr. Charles Hendrix describe Auburn as a combination of Mayberry and Camelot and I think that description fits my
memories of Auburn perfectly,” he said. “But last week’s planning committee meeting, I heard one committee member refer to Auburn as an urban core. Somehow, I cannot see Auburn ever being fondly remembered as the loveliest urban core on the plains.” Parker Lewis, who is representing Guthrie’s, said that because the building already had a drive-through installed, it makes sense for this property to continue as a drive-through. “I think it’s important to note here that this store is going to be Guthrie’s flagship store,” Lewis said. “It is in the urban core. We’re absolutely going to increase and improve pedestrian access to this site. We’re going to have outdoor seating; we’re going to have screening of the parking lot. This use is not so much to bring a bunch of cars downtown, it’s simply a matter of trying to capture the cars that are already downtown.” Lewis said the business expects that 90% of customers will be pedestrians, not vehicle customers. Although the vote was close, the resolution was approved. Other Business: - The council approved a resolution for an indoor recreation use for Donahue Crossing Axe Throwing at 1667 Shut Jordan Parkway. - The council adopted the transportation plan as part of the Rebuild Alabama Act.
LOCAL CLASSIFIED ADS HELP WANTED Project Engineers (Opelika, AL) needed to custom design, develop, install & maintain factory automation system projects. Req. BS in Mechanical Engineering or closely related & 1 year closely related exp. Resume to Hana Factory Automation, 304 Fox Run Ave. Opelika, AL 36801 ------------HELP WANTED: Resident Services Coordinator Opelika Housing Development, Inc. is currently seeking highly motivated, experienced, and trustworthy candidates to fill the Full-time position of Resident Services Coordinator. Duties will include, but not be limited to: Oversee and coordinate programs offered by Resident Services. Develop a variety of educational and economic empowerment support services, activities, and programs for residents. Coordinate activities and provide case management for Family Self-Sufficiency
(FSS) Program. Develop partnerships with community service providers in order to efficiently deliver services to residents. Contact residents who may be sick or in need of assistance to determine services needed, and make appropriate referrals. Maintain records and prepare reports. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in social work, social sciences, or closely related field plus 3 years of progressively responsible work in human services or social work, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Prefer experience in public housing. Other: Valid Driving License Ability to be insured under the Authority’s vehicle policy To apply please visit our office, located at 1706 Toomer Street, Opelika, AL 36801 or complete an application on-line at http://www.opelikaha. org/Default.asp?ID= 123&pg=Employment +Opportunities
------------HELP WANTED: Opelika Housing Development, Inc. is currently seeking highly motivated, experienced, and trustworthy candidates to fill the Full-time position of Accounting Assistant. Duties will include, but not be limited to: •Maintain fiscal records, generate payments, prepare periodic/special reports, operating statements, etc. 1. Process invoices for payment in accordance with established procedures, i.e. code, verify that needed documentation is present, enter data into system 2.Verify that purchases are properly documented and approved in accordance with established procedures 3.Review and process contractor payment requests on a weekly basis 4 Resolve discrepancies in invoices, charges, and payments by contacting vendors, employees, or other appropriate means 5.Process credit rent utility reimbursements in
accordance with established procedures 6. Prepare Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) landlord payments and utility payments for participants in accordance with established procedures 7. Assist Senior Accountant with daily accounts receivable reports, including miscellaneous deposits, and take appropriate action to resolve any underlying problems or issues 8. Coordinate with bank officers to correct any errors resulting from direct deposits, charges, etc. in order to ensure the integrity of the bank account balance 9. Prepare and assist in preparing a variety of periodic and special reports 10. Post tenant rent charges for the beginning of each month. 11. Generate 1099’s annually, in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations, as needed Education: High school or equivalent (Required) License or certification: • Driver’s License
• Ability to be insured under the Authority’s automobile insurance policy • Ability to be covered under the Authority’s fidelity bond To apply please visit our office, located at 1706 Toomer Street, Opelika, AL 36801 or complete an application on-line at http://www.opelikaha.org/ Default.asp?ID=123&pg= Employment+Opportunities ------------HELP WANTED: Maintenance Mechanic Opelika Housing Development, Inc. is currently seeking highly motivated, experienced, and trustworthy candidates to fill the Full-time position of Maintenance Technician for properties in the Opelika, AL. . area. Duties will include, but not be limited to: · Promptly handle unit and facility work orders · Complete repairs in a consistent and correct manner · Provide excellent customer service · Work well with other team members · Willing to clean grounds as
needed · Be well organized to coordinate and perform unit and site inspections · Able to complete makeready of units proficiently Ideal candidates should have at least 3 years of experience in apartment maintenance (or similar skills). Candidates should have an understanding of and repair capabilities in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, painting, appliance repair, and/or other tasks related to maintaining the communities in excellent condition. HVAC Certification not required, but preferred. This position will offer competitive pay and benefit package. Education: · High school or equivalent (Required) License or certification: · Driver’s License (Required) · HVAC Certification (Not required, but preferred) To apply please visit our office, located at 1706 Toomer Street, Opelika, AL 36801 or complete an application online at http://www.opelikaha. org/Default.asp?ID=123&pg= Employment+Opportunities
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B9 August 26, 2020
PUBLIC NOTICES --------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE:THE ESTATE OF TERRY WAYNE SKINNER, DECEASED. TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Frances Susan Skinner, as Executrix of the Estate of Terry Wayne Skinner, deceased, on the 20th day of August, 2020, by the Honorable Bill English. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same be barred. Frances Susan Skinner, Executrix Of the Estate of Terry Wayne Skinner, Deceased Marrell J. McNeal, Attorney at Law, PC PO Box 308 Opelika, AL 36803 334-745-7033 Legal Run 08/26/20, 09/02/20, 09/09/20 --------------ORDINANCE NO. 018-20 ORDINANCE ANNEXING CERTAIN PROPERTY INTO THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA (11.3 acres located at the intersection of Flintwood Lane and Hamilton Road) WHEREAS, on the1st day of July 2020, David G. Fichtner, (hereinafter referred to as the “Petitioner”) being the owner of the property hereinafter described, did file a Petition for Annexation (the “Petition”) with the City of Opelika, Alabama, a municipal corporation, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit “A”, requesting the annexation of certain property owned by the Petitioner as more particularly described below; and WHEREAS, said Petition did contain the signatures of all owners of the described territory and a map of said property showing its relationship to the corporate limits of the City of Opelika; and WHEREAS, the territory to be annexed is contiguous to the existing corporate limits of the City of Opelika and does not embrace any territory within the corporate limits of another municipality, and when annexed into the City of Opelika will form a homogenous part of the City; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Opelika finds and determines that it is in the best interest of the public that said property be annexed into the City of Opelika and it does further determine that all legal requirements for annexing said real property have been met pursuant to Sections 11-42-20 through 11-42-24, Code of Alabama (1975). NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Opelika, Alabama as follows: Section 1. The City Council of the City of Opelika, finds and declares as the legislative body of the City of Opelika that it is in the best interest of the citizens of the City of Opelika, and the citizens of the affected area, to bring the territory described in Section 2 of this Ordinance into the corporate limits of the City of Opelika. Section 2. The boundary lines and corporate limits of the City of Opelika, Alabama be, and the same are, hereby altered, rearranged, and extended to include within corporate limits of the municipality, in addition to the lands now included, all of the following territory: Lot 4, Willie Bryant Subdivision, according to and as shown by map or plat of said subdivision of record in Town Plat Book 11, at Page 45, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama.
The above described parcel contains 11.3 acres more or less and is located at the intersection of Flintwood Lane and Hamilton Road (the 3800 Block of Hamilton Road) Section 3. A map or plat of a survey describing the territory annexed and showing its relation to the corporate limits of the City of Opelika shall be attached to this ordinance, marked Exhibit “B” and made a part hereof. Section 4. The Clerk of the City of Opelika is hereby authorized and directed to file with the Probate Judge of Lee County, Alabama, a certified copy of this ordinance, together with a certified copy of the petition of the property owner and the Clerk is further directed to take all necessary and proper steps to perfect the annexation of said territory herein described. Section 5. This ordinance shall be published as provided by law in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Alabama. Section 6. The territory described in this ordinance shall become a part of the corporate limits of the City of Opelika upon publication of this ordinance as set forth in Section 5 above. ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 18th day of August, 2020. /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 19th day of August, 2020. /s/Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR APPROVED this the 19th day of August, 2020. /s/Gary Fuller MAYOR ATTEST: /s/Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK Legal Run 08/26/2020 --------------SYNOPSIS OF AN ORDINANCE WHEREBY THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA, GRANTS TO THE UTILITIES BOARD OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA THE NON-EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO USE THE RIGHTS-OFWAY TO CONSTRUCT, ERECT, INSTALL, RENEW, REPAIR, MAINTAIN AND OPERATE A WATER SYSTEM WITHIN THE PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF- WAY SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE ORDINANCE 1.On August 18, 2020, the City Council of the City of Opelika, Alabama, adopted Ordinance No. 019-20, the purpose of which is to grant to the Utilities Board of the City of Opelika, a public corporation (the “Board”), for a thirty (30) year period from the effective date, the non-exclusive right to utilize the rights-of-way in the corporate limits of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) in order to construct, erect, install, renew, repair, maintain and operate a waterworks plant and water distribution system for the distribution and/or sale of potable water to its customers in accordance with and subject to the terms and conditions of the ordinance. 2.The Board is also required, among other requirements, to indemnify the City and maintain certain types of insurance coverage. 3. A copy of Ordinance No. 019-20 may be obtained from the Office of the City Clerk of the City of Opelika, Alabama, during normal business hours. Publication of this Synopsis is done by or at the direction of the City Clerk of the City of Opelika, Alabama, and at the expense of the
Board. Legal Run 08/26/2020 --------------STATE OF ALABAMA IN THE PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY CASE NO. 2020-306 RE: ESTATE OF DAVID EDWARD JOHNSON, DECEASED: NOTICE OF PUBLICATION Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 17th day of August, 2020, by the Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Sharon Johnson, Executor Legal Run 08/26/20, 09/02/20, & 09/09/20 --------------NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF GRADY OGLE, DECEASED PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY CASE NO. 2020-276 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of the Estate of GRADY OGLE deceased having been granted to James Ogle, on the 10th day of August, 2020, 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. James Ogle Legal Run 08/26/20, 09/02/20 & 09/09/20 --------------IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF EDWARD LEON WHITMAN, Deceased PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO. 2020-140 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Letters of Administration of said deceased having been granted to KATHLEEN WHITMAN, the 12th day of August, 2020 by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate, Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given than 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. Attorney for Petitioner: J. Matthew Williams ESQ. The Anderson Law Firm, LLC 7515 Halcyon Pointe Drive Montgomery, AL 36117 Personal Representative Kathleen Whitman 341 Lee Road Opelika, AL 36804 Legal Run 08/26/20, 09/02/20 & 09/09/20 --------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IJN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF NANCY ANN NASH, DECEASED CASE NO.: 2020-281 NOTICE OF HEARING Please take notice that on the 7th day of October, 2020 at 10:00 a.m., a hearing will take place at the Lee County Courthouse, located at 215 S. 9th Street, Opelika, Alabama 36801 on the Petition to Probate Estate of Nancy Ann Nash, filed by Terry Taylor through his attorney, Ben C. Hand at which time you may appear and contest the same if you see proper to do so. A copy of this Order shall be mailed or otherwise delivered to the parties and counsel of record. DONE this the 12th day of August, 2020. Hon. Bill English, Probate Judge Lee County, Alabama Legal Run 08/26/20,
09/02/20 & 09/09/20 --------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF JIMMY L. ALDRIDGE, Deceased. CASE NO. 2020-291 NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary, having been granted to Troy Aldridge, as Executor of the Estate of Jimmy L. Aldridge, deceased, on the 12th day of August, 2020, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Troy Aldridge Executor of the Estate of Jimmy L. Aldridge, deceased Legal Run 08/26/20, 09/02/20 & 09/09/20 --------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF MARTIN ALLEN ROMANISHAN, DECEASED. CASE NO. 2020-302 NOTICE TO CREDITIORS TAKE NOTICE THAT Letters of Testamentary were granted to Levi Romanishan, as Executor the Estate of Martin Allen Romanishan , deceased, on the 14th day of August, 2020, by the Hon. Bill English NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Legal Run 08/26/20, 09/02/20 & 09/09/20 --------------IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF NATALIE S. JONES, DECEASED. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No: 2020-282 Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 10th day of August, 2020, 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. SUSAN JONES MCGWIER Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 08/26/20, 09/02/20 & 09/09/20 --------------STATE OF ALABAMA IN THE PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY CASE NO. 2020-306 RE: ESTATE OF DAVID EDWARD JOHNSON, DECEASED: NOTICE OF PUBLICATION Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 17 th day of August, 2020, by the Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Sharon Johnson, Executor Claud E. (Skip) McCoy, Jr., Esq. Attorney for Executor Johnson, Caldwell & McCoy, LLC 117 North Lanier Avenue,
Suite 201 Lanett, Alabama 36863 (334) 644-1171 Legal Run 08/26/20, 09/02/20 & 09/09/20 --------------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 on Thursday, September 10, 2020 at 10:00 AM William Allison Unit# 211 9660 Tuskeegee St. Notasulga, AL 36866 household items Mark Brumbeloe Unit# 256 194 Winterset Ln Notasulga, AL 36866 Books and boxes Wendy Drost Unit# 267 2207 Franklin St Auburn , AL 36830 furniture from house, boxes, wardrobes Brianne Laureen Atkinson Unit# B25 420 N Dean Rd Apt 106 Auburn, AL 36830 Paintings and small furniture, boxes Chudney Trimble Unit# J126 35021 County Rd 2 Shorter, AL 36075 washer dryer mattresses boxes Selena Ware Unit# L149 1355 Commerce Dr Apt 108 Auburn, AL 36830 10x20 three bed rooms 2 couches w/d deep freezer fire place coffee and end table lamps and Corey Ogletree Unit# O174 387 Webster Rd Lot 83 Auburn, AL 36830 queen bed sectional couch 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 08/19/20 & 08/26/20 --------------NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE Default having been made in the payment of that certain promissory note and the terms of that certain mortgage executed by AUGUSTA J. FLOURNOY to FIRST NATIONAL BANK, WEST POINT, GEORGIA, now known as CAPITAL CITY BANK, dated the 7th day of November, 2000, which mortgage was recorded in Mortgage Book 2751, Page 332, 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 September 3, 2020, 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: Commence at a 1-/2” iron pin found at the Southeast corner of the Southwest quarter of the Northwest quarter of Section 19,Township 20 North, Range 29 East, Lee County, Alabama; thence run North 00° 15’ 37” East for a distance of 493.14 feet to an iron pin on the South margin of the right-of-way of Lee Road 372; thence run North 02° 27 ‘42” East for a distance of 123.60 feet to an iron pin on the North margin of the right-of-way of Lee Road 270 and the point of beginning of the parcel to be described herein. FROM THIS POINT OF BEGINNING, thence run in a Southeasterly [sic] direction along said margin on the arc of a curve to the right having a radius
of 606.62 feet for an arc length of 176.81 feet (chord South 80° 00’ 21” West for 176.07 feet) to a concrete right-of-way monument at P.C. Station 0+04; thence run South 88° 16’ 56” West along said margin for a distance of 154.62 feet to an iron pin; thence run North 00º 24’ 58” West for a distance of 264.73 feet: to an iron pin; thence run North 86° 27’ 19” East for a distance of 331.96 feet to an iron pin; thence run South 00° 20’ 07” West for a distance of 250.07 feet to an iron pin and the point of beginning, containing 2.010 acres, more or less, and subject to all easements and restrictions of record and being further described as Parcel “B” on that certain survey for Virginia Yarbrough Leak prepared on 7/10/96 by James L. McCrory, Ala. Reg. Land Surveyor No. 12493. References: Will Book 21, Page 456; Will Book 27, Page 196; Deed Book 534, Page 349; Deed Book 539, Page 483, Deed Book 2073, Page 172. 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 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 Legal run 08/12/2020, 08/19/2020 & 08/26/2020 --------------IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of Chloe Diana Couvrette Meeks, Deceased Case No: 2020-272 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION TO BE PUBLISHED Letters of Administration on said deceased having been granted to TERRANCE JOSEPH MEEKS, Administrator on this the 30th day of July, 2020, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. BY: James E. Hall, Attorney for Administrator. Legal Run 08/12/20, 08/19/20 & 08/26/20
B10 August 26, 2020
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B11 August 26, 2020
Libertarian POTUS candidate will be on Alabama ballot Courtesy of the Libertarian Party of Alabama
The Libertarian Party of Alabama received confirmation from the Secretary of State’s Director of Elections, Clay Helms, that Dr. Jo Jorgenson and Jeremy “Spike” Cohen have met the signature requirements to be on the Alabama Ballot Nov. 3. Jorgensen and Cohen were nominated during the national Libertarian Party convention in June, the nation’s first completely online national convention. Collecting these signatures is a legal requirement for the Libertarian Party that is not required for the Democrat nor Republican parties. They require only the certified nomination by
their national and state party representatives. However, those same vintage parties that require only paperwork for themselves, are putting additional burden on their challengers. This disproportionate requirement is based on defining the Libertarian Party
as a “Political Action Committee”, instead of a “Political Party”, and effectively excludes the libertarian candidates from including their party affiliation on their ballot. (Refs. Al code sections 17-13-40, 17-5-2, and 17-14-31). Collecting these signatures was quite a
task for the volunteers across the state. Petitioning during a regular election cycle is difficult enough, but in 2020 the coronavirus pandemic made canvassing complicated; masks and social distancing challenged communication and 10 person gathering limits
eliminated rallies and voter drives. Despite all the challenges, the grassroots Alabama libertarians were able to do what no other party in the state has done: get thousands of people to sign their name and say, “I want HER to be an option for POTUS.”
Jorgensen and Cohen are expected to appear on all 50 state ballots and have been touring the country tirelessly, bringing the message of individual liberty and self-ownership to the American voters. Learn more about the candidates at jo20.com.
B12 August 26, 2020
USPS Board of Governors Announces Bipartisan Election Mail Committee Courtesy of The USPS
The United States Postal Service Board of Governors announced today the establishment of a bipartisan Election Mail Committee that will actively oversee the United States Postal Service’s support of the mail-in voting process. The committee will be chaired by Governor Lee Moak, who will be joined on the committee by
Governor Ron Bloom and Governor John Barger. The Postal Service has a long history of effectively helping Americans participate in elections via mailin ballots, which are expected to account for less than two% of all mail volume from mid-September until Election Day. However, because of the ongoing pandemic, many states are anticipating the expanded use of the
mail for voting during the upcoming national election, and in some instances are allowing mail-in voting and no-excuse absentee voting for the first time under statute, and each state has unique requirements and deadlines for ballots under state laws. The Election Mail Committee will use its oversight role to reinforce the strong commitment of the Postal Service to the mail as an important part of
the nation’s democratic process, and will regularly monitor execution of USPS’s work on election mail to ensure that our part of this election process is implemented in the most effective way possible. In a joint statement, the Governors announced: “The United States Postal Service will play an indispensable role in ensuring that those Americans who wish to vote by mail will be able to do so and have
their votes counted. The Governors take our responsibility with the utmost gravity, and we will work to ensure that the Postal Service continues to perform for the American people this election season. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy has the full support of the Governors. He was selected to help bring needed changes to the Postal Service, which has experienced over a decade of financial losses and faces the
need for fundamental reform. The essential public service functions of the Postal Service must be maintained, and the postmaster general’s reform initiatives will help ensure that they can be for many years to come.” The Governors of the U.S. Postal Service: Robert M. Duncan, Chairman of the Board John M. Barger Ron A. Bloom Roman Martinez IV Donald L. Moak William D. Zollars
Postmaster General Louis DeJoy offers statement Courtesy of The USPS
Postmaster General Louis DeJoy issued the following statement last week: “The United States Postal Service will play a critical role this year in delivering election mail for millions of voters across the country. There has been a lot of discussion recently about whether the Postal Service is ready, willing and able to meet this challenge. I want to make a few things clear: The Postal Service is ready today to handle whatever volume
of election mail it receives this fall. Even with the challenges of keeping our employees and customers safe and healthy as they operate amid a pandemic, we will deliver the nation’s election mail on time and within our well-established service standards. The American public should know that this is our number one priority between now and election day. The 630,000 dedicated women and men of the Postal Service are committed, ready and proud to meet this sacred duty. I am announcing today the expansion of
our current leadership task force on election mail to enhance our ongoing work and partnership with state and local election officials in jurisdictions throughout the country. Leaders of our postal unions and management associations have committed to joining this task force to ensure strong coordination throughout our organization. Because of the unprecedented demands of the 2020 election, this task force will help ensure that election officials and voters are well informed and fully supported by the
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Postal Service. I came to the Postal Service to make changes to secure the success of this organization and its longterm sustainability. I believe significant reforms are essential to that objective, and work toward those reforms will commence after the election. In the meantime, there are some longstanding operational initiatives — efforts that predate my arrival at the Postal Service — that have been raised as areas of concern as the nation prepares to hold an election in the midst of a devastating
pandemic. To avoid even the appearance of any impact on election mail, I am suspending these initiatives until after the election is concluded. I want to assure all Americans of the following: • Retail hours at Post Offices will not change. • Mail processing equipment and blue collection boxes will remain where they are. • No mail processing facilities will be closed. • And we reassert that overtime has, and will continue to be, approved as needed.
In addition, effective Oct. 1, we will engage standby resources in all areas of our operations, including transportation, to satisfy any unforeseen demand. I am grateful for the commitment and dedication of all the men and women of the Postal Service, and the trust they earn from the American public every day, especially as we continue to contend with the impacts of COVID-19. As we move forward, they will have the full support of our organization throughout the election.”
Rebecca Rice Cell: 334-703-0801 rebecca@johnrice.info
This week’s puzzle answers: