Opelika Observer by OpelikaObserver

pelika Observer O

Vol. 12, No. 03

Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019

Opelika, Alabama

“By local people, for local people.”

Opelika City Council approves historic pay raise for police department personnel, OPS lineman

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

City of Opelika’s annual Veterans Day Celebration scheduled for Nov. 11 Special to the Opelika Observer

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

By Morgan Bryce Editor A warm round of applause followed the Opelika City Coun-

cil’s unanimous vote to approve a pay raise effective immediately for all Opelika Police Department personnel, which they can expect to see as a part of their

mid-November paychecks. Conversations about pay raises for OPD personnel began inter-

Community mourns death of Sharon Gess Gess and her brother killed in double homicide Sunday

See Raises, page A3

The city of Opelika will hold its annual Veterans Day celebration on Nov. 11 at City Hall. “Veterans Day is a time to honor the bravery and sacrifice of all veterans and their fami-

lies,” said Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller. “We are indebted to these selfless men and women. I invite you to come out and be a part of our celebration and personally thank our local veterans.” The morning begins See Veterans, page A5

Butcher Paper BBQ, city of Opelika and Opelika Observer win awards from EAACEPD last week

By John Atkinson and Morgan Bryce Opelika Observer The EAMC family and the Lee County community are in mourning following the tragic and untimely death on Sunday of Sharon Gess, the hospital’s director of the Emergency Department and Emergency Medical Services (ambulance service). “Our hearts are shattered to hear this news,” President and CEO Laura Grill said earlier this week. “Sharon was a much beloved member of our hospital family. Please be in

Photo special to the Opelika Observer

prayer for her daughter and other family members.” Jane Fullum, Vice President of Patient Care Services, which includes the Emer-

gency Department and EMS, added this tribute. “Sharon was a light; a warm, sparkling light. She was there See Gess, page A5

Index

OPINION.....................................A4 SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY..............A7 RELIGION..............................A13 CALENDAR..................................A14

Photo by Richard Couch/Submitted to the Opelika Observer

By Morgan Bryce Editor The East Alabama Area Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities held their annual

COMICS.....................................A16 SPORTS..................................B1 PUBLIC NOTICES..........................B12 POLITICS...................................B15

awards luncheon last Tuesday at EAMC’s Education Center to commemorate the work of businesses, entities and individuals who help advance their cause.

EAACEPD chairperson Steve Smith kicked off the event with an introduction and reminder that October is “National Disability EmploySee Awards, page A5

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What’s Up? www.doughornroofing.com • 334-744-5246

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A2 Oct. 23, 2019

Keep Opelika Beautiful to host free Recycle and Shred Day Oct. 26

Wells Fargo presents A-O Habitat for Humanity with $10K grant

Special to the Opelika Observer Keep Opelika Beautiful will host a free “Recycle & Shred Day” on Oct. 26 from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Northside Recycle Center, which is located at 600 8th Ave. This is the site of a former fire station and is one block from Municipal Park. The document shred will be held in conjunction with River Mills Shredding Service of Columbus. All shredding for this event will be done onsite. Paper clips and staples do not have to be taken out, but

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer Special to the Opelika Observer Auburn-Opelika Habitat for Humanity received a $10,000 grant from Wells Fargo to help support the building of Habitat home No. 69 in Auburn. “Wells Fargo has a long legacy of serving and supporting communities, and they have long been one of the most generous corporate foundations in the U.S.,” said Executive Director of AuburnOpelika Habitat for Humanity Mark Grantham. “We’re grateful for their generosity and look forward to getting started on this project.” Wells Fargo District Manager Craig Busby joined Auburn-Opelika Habitat for Humanity members recently to present a $10,000 check

to the organization. “Supporting our local Habitat for Humanity affiliates is an extremely important way to help strengthen our communities,” Busby said. “Earlier this year, Wells Fargo announced a commitment to donate $1 billion through 2025 to address the U.S. housing affordability crisis, including homelessness, available and affordable rentals, transitional housing and home ownership, and this is just one way we can work toward that goal.” Auburn-Opelika Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, nondenominational Christian housing organization. By building with volunteer labor and offering zero-interest mortgages, Habitat works with low-income families to

help them build equity toward a stable future. “The Habitat program is based on a founding principle of offering families a hand up,” said Auburn-Opelika Habitat for Humanity Board Vice President Cathey Donald. “Our qualified partner families work very hard to participate in the Habitat program by saving a down payment, volunteering 500 sweat equity hours, making a nonprofit mortgage payment, and participating in home ownership and financial classes.” Volunteers are welcome to visit www.auburnopelikahabitat.org/ get-involved/ for more information on opportunities to get involved. Wells Fargo team members will be working with Habitat on the build of this home.

paper will need to be removed from binders. There is a 10box limit. This event is only open to Lee County residents. No documents from businesses will be accepted for shredding. Other items accepted at the Northside Recycle Center include electronics, aluminum cans, cardboard, newspaper, plastic and steel cans. This recycling center is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, call KOB Director Tipi Miller at 334-749-4970 or send email to tipi@keepopelikabeautiful. com.

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

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Publisher: Michelle Key Editor: Morgan Bryce Marketing: Doug Horn and Woody Ross Photojournalist: Robert Noles Phone: 334.749.8003 editor@opelikaobserver.com Sports Writers: Rick Lanier and Michelle@opelikaobserver.com D. Mark Mitchell

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

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A3 Oct. 23, 2019

New Auburn State Farm Agent Kali Chadick donates to community By Natalie Salvatore For the Opelika Observer Opelika native Kali Chadick knew when she returned to Auburn to start her own State Farm Insurance Agency that she wanted to give back to her beloved community. After graduating from Auburn University and working in different roles as an employee of State Farm, Chadick became a small-business owner of the only State Farm agency in that part of town. Her father has been a State Farm agent for almost 50 years. “I grew up and knew I wanted to be a State Farm agent,” Chadick said. After serving for the Women’s Hope Medical Clinic of Auburn at the Church of the Highlands

on a Serve Day, Chadick decided on the first direction she wanted to take in donating to the community. Her own personal experiences, such as being adopted, connected her with this local, non-profit resource center. “It was clear that God was leading me to support them and to be a part of their incredible community work,” Chadick said. For more than 36 years, Women’s Hope has been providing confidential, free-of-charge services to women, as well as to men and families, as they all navigate through the pregnancy process. The clinic offers services such as parenting programs, support groups, ultrasounds, pregnancy tests and prenatal care.

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

“We went back and forth about what we wanted to donate specifically to, and we were really interested in the dad program that they do,” Chadick said. During a pregnancy, Chadick said sometimes, fathers can feel removed from the situation, especially if the women are unmar-

ried. With this fatherhood program, dads can attend parenting and budgeting classes to increase their involvement with the mother and baby. When fathers complete 13 hours of educational programming, they earn a brand-new crib for their baby. Women’s Hope Executive Director Daria

Monroe said this program seeks to empower fathers and help them realize they are important parts of their families. One month ahead of the agency’s grand opening in September, one of their first initiatives in donating with Women’s Hope was the Quotes for Good campaign. For every insurance quote Chadick gave with the mention of Women’s Hope, she raised $10 for them. The total donation to Women’s Hope of $840 will go towards buying approximately six cribs for these fathers. “Women’s Hope Medical Clinic is thankful to Kali and State Farm for this generous gift. We would also like to thank everyone who participated in Quotes

for Good,” Monroe said. Chadick said they plan to do this again sometime in the spring in conjunction with some of their spring events. As of Oct. 15, they are doing the same thing, but with Toys for Tots instead. This campaign will end on Dec. 15. The Quotes for Good Campaign is a way to support local charities. “Even Toys for Tots, we made sure the money we raised for that is going to stay local and go to local kids,” Chadick said. Chadick encourages any local charity that would like to partner with her agency and help donate to reach out. The agency’s number is 334-539-9820, and it is located next to the new Hamilton’s at 1849 Ogletree Road, Suite 300.

Roberts named chief of staff at EAMC Special to the Opelika Observer Every two years, an active staff physician is voted in by the medical staff to serve as the new chief of staff at East Alabama Medical Center. Last month, Michael Roberts, M.D. was officially announced as the physician who will fill this role from Oct. 1, 2019 – Sept. 30, 2021. It seemed like a natural next step

Raises, from A1 nally within the last two years, according to Mayor Gary Fuller, part of a plan to hire and retain the best law enforcement and ensure lasting security for Opelika citizens. “Our citizens deserve the best police officers. Opelika is such a wonderful place to live, work, worship, raise our families, educate our children and play,” Fuller said in a statement. “We expect our police officers to live here and become immersed in our community. This will help keep great officers in Opelika.” In the past, newly hired officers would make nearly $40,000 annually. With the approved pay raise, that salary is bumped up nearly 13% or $5,000 to $45,000. Following are projected pay-raise figures provided by the city, broken down by rank, hourly pay, first mini-

for the 44-year-old who was born at Lee County Hospital (now EAMC) in the early morning hours of March

30, 1975. That was a Sunday—Easter Sunday—and also National Doctor’s Day. Born to Don and Lorna Roberts, Michael lived in Alexander City for the first 10 years of his life while his father was the head football coach at Benjamin Russell High School. After 10 years in Tallapoosa County, Robert’s family moved to Opelika in 1985 where Don had a couple of different posi-

mum and maximum salaries: - Chief of Police - $47.60 hourly rate/$99,000 (first minimum)/$148,500 (maximum) - Assistant Chief of Police - $43.75 hourly rate/$91,000 (first minimum)/$136,500 (maximum) - Police Captain - $39.90 hourly rate/$83,00 (first minimum)/$124,500 (maximum) - Police Lieutenant - $28.10 hourly rate/$63,000 (first minimum)/$94,500 (maximum) - Police Sergeant - $25.87 hourly rate/$58,000 (first minimum)/$87,000 (maximum) - Police Officer II - $22.75 hourly rate/$51,000 (first minimum)/$76,500 (maximum) - Police Officer I - $21.41 hourly rate/$48,000 (first minimum)/$72,000 (maximum) - Officer in Training - $20.07 hourly rate/$45,000 (first minimum)/$67,500 (maxi-

mum). Police Chief John McEachern said he believes these pay raises place OPD among the top-five highest paying departments in the state, something he believes will pay dividends for years to come. “For too many years, the Opelika Police Department has been known for its great training and/or equipment provided for the officers, only to lose those officers to other departments due to pay issues,” McEachern said. “As police chief, I have always been very thankful and appreciative of the support given (OPD) from the mayor, city council and all citizens of Opelika. The police department can not do its job without the support of everyone, and we are very fortunate to have that support.” During the same meeting, the council meeting approved a pay raise for Opelika Power Services lineman. For more information, visit www.opelika-al. gov.

Roberts

tions in Opelika City Schools before serving as principal at Opelika High School from 1989 to 1998. Michael joined the OHS football team as placekicker and still holds a record or two. From there, he decided to attend A.U.—Anderson University in Anderson, Indiana. Michael again was the placekicker and kicked all four years for the A.U. Ravens. More

importantly, he earned a pre-med degree and was accepted to medical school at UAB. After graduating from UAB with his medical degree in 2001, Michael completed a three-year residency there in internal medicine. After a short stint at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Birmingham, he joined Internal Medicine Associates in Opelika in 2008 and became a hospitalist at

See Roberts, page A5

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Photo by Opelika Observer staff

EAMC. Coming home to EAMC meant joining his grandfather, Rev. Loren Sutton, who has served as an associate chaplain at the hospital—both officially and unofficially—for more than 40 combined years. Sutton said seeing Michael named as chief of staff makes him and his family proud. “Michael treats everybody the same,” Sutton said. “He knows

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A4 Oct. 23, 2019

Bar Food

am at a bar. It’s loud. There is live music. And cheeseburgers. I missed dinner tonight because I was making a speech at a dinner banquet, which is ironic when you think about it. Everyone at this big banquet was eating hors d’oeuvres, sipping expensive chardonnay and chowing down on Maine lobsters the size of baby grand pianos. I could hardly keep my mind on my speech because the ballroom was full of people in tuxedos, all wearing little plastic bibs, making a chorus of slurping, sucking, licking sounds. A woman at the head table who looked like Queen Elizabeth II was wearing a bib. She kept asking me, “Now, how exactly were you invited to this dinner again?” Each time I answered, she would get this far-away look in her eyes and start sucking meat from a lobster leg like a baby Wolverine. So I felt out of place. I felt even worse when the waiter informed me that the bar didn’t stock Natural Light.

By Sean Dietrich Pretty soon, Queen Elizabeth forgot all about me. Butter sauce dripped down her chin, all over her bib. She would lick her hands violently when she didn’t think anyone was watching. And I don’t mean just her fingers. This woman was actually licking her forearms and her tennis bracelet. When my speech was done, the last thing I wanted was to stick around and eat lobster with the Royal Family, so I found a beer joint that was open late. Which is where I am now. It’s a dump, and there are lots of people here. There’s a guy playing guitar. He plays a rendition of “Brown Eyed Girl” and sings in a voice that is faintly reminiscent of the late Daffy Duck. The lady bartender gives me a menu and asks, “What’re you so dressed up for?”

Shh...I’m hunting for wabbits

“I was just at a banquet.” “Wow. Fancy pants.” “You shoulda seen them eat lobster.” She taps my menu. “Make sure you try our onion rings. They’re famous.” So I order a cheeseburger, onion rings and a three-dollar beer. My father was an onion ring connoisseur. I never understood why he was so crazy about onion rings, but he could tell everything he needed to know about a restaurant based solely upon their onion rings. He would rate them on a scale of 1 to 10. There is a young man next to me at the bar who looks sad. He is staring at his beer. He orders a burger and onion rings, but he doesn’t touch them. I try to make conversation, but he’s not going for it. He’s not here long. Soon, a young lady walks through the door. His demeanor changes. He’s happy. They hug for a long time. He orders her a vodka cranberry. They move to the dancefloor. I overhear them ask the guitar player to See Dietrich, page A6

ell, we just finished one of the hottest months of the year. It was too hot for me to get out and check out some of my hunting places, but with cooler weather on the way, it will be easier to make it to the woods. First things first, as hunting season starts, do you have your hunting licenses and know Alabama hunting season laws? If not, go check out www. outdooralabama. com where you can find out all about the hunting and fishing seasons in Alabama. Alabama’s bow hunting season opened Oct. 15, kicking off the 2019 deer hunting season. Gun season starts Nov. 23, but please check the zone where you are hunting as some hunting laws have changed this year. One such change is that Alabama hunters are allowed to hunt with bait, but they must be on privately owned or leased land and purchase a

By Robert Noles

$15 license. Back to “wabbit” hunting. I have done some poor man’s rabbit hunting. One time a friend and I when out rabbit hunting in west Lee County. I had a single-barrel 12-gauge shotgun and he had an old auto-load shotgun, but we did not have a hunting dog. As you walk along and find brush or fallen trees, one kicks around as the other watches for the rabbit to run out. We didn’t have any luck that late afternoon, and before we knew it, the sun was going down. As we walked back toward the vehicle, we were trying to find the road on the ridge. We crossed that ridge several times going back and forth but no road. We did not realize the road had curved

off the ridge. We finally saw a light in the distance. As we walked toward the light, we realized the light was in a person’s yard. The nice lady knew where we had come from and was kind enough to tell us how to get back to our vehicle by road. We were about three blocks away according to her, but as we walked, it was more about 10 miles back going by road. Getting back to the vehicle, it was dark and cold. No rabbits but the enjoyment of walking, being in the woods, being with a friend and making memories. Most of all, it taught both of us to know the place we were hunting so we wouldn’t get lost again. As hunting season approaches, make sure your gear is ready, hunting land is ready, that you’ve sighted your weapon and remember hunter safety. P.S. Oh, by the way, I had problems with my “R’s” when I was young and called them wabbits.

Catalog season – hide ‘em from the children

his is the catalog season. The days get shorter, the nights cooler, the leaves turn, the catalogs arrive. They seem to increase with each year, a testament to marketing efficiency and the ability of companies to identify customers and reach out to them. I recall once, back in the 1970s, listening to an end time preacher going on about how something in Revelation said that one day the Antichrist would be able to learn all about you from what you buy. Although he went out on a limb and said Henry Kissinger was the Antichrist (he missed

that one, but at the time I wasn’t so sure) his prediction that records of what we purchase would be collected and made available to folks who did not have our best interests at heart continues to ring true. I think of this when the catalogs arrive. And arrive. And arrive. The fact that over half of these catalogs deal with home decorating and women’s clothing leads me to believe that my wife and daughter are the ones being tracked. Some of these also include gadgets to make life easier (my lovely loves those) and stuff for the dogs, which in time, I am sure they

will be receiving catalogs of their own. However, the biggest batch of catalogs have to do with Halloween. Halloween, in case you did not know, is a big money maker. Not as big as Christmas, or even Mother’s Day, but at $5 billion in annual retail sales, “Ghosties, Ghoulies, and Longlegged Beasties” make the cash registers ring. So it is not surprising that a company that sells such would market big-time as All Hallows’ Eve approaches. In the pile was only one that was obviously sent to me, a catalog that advertises itself as being just loaded with “Ideas For Active, Healthy

By Hardy Jackson Living.” Which means, simply put, “Ideas For Old Folks.” Other catalogs may sprinkle among its items stuff for the geriatric set – comfy shoes, pistachios without shells (you know how hard it is for old fingers to open those things) – but those are mainly something for the folks for whom the catalog is intended to buy for Me-Maw or

PaPa. This catalog, however, was full of old people stuff – or so I thought. On the cover was advertised a complete DVD set of “The Dean Martin Variety Show” while over further on was the King James Bible, also on DVD. Starts out with man and woman in a garden and ends with revelations (a beginning and end that I always found as amusing as it is accurate). Included were conveniences for all the afflictions of aging. Disposable Adult Bibs for those who dribble when they eat or drink. Other disposable products for those who dribble when they do

other things – a lot of products address that issue. All sorts of “sound amplifiers” for those who need hearing aids but are too cheap or vain to get one. Clocks and caller IDs with big numbers. Protection against the things that scare old folks – identity theft, home security and stray dogs. And things to help you sleep. One of these was advertised right next to an “inspirational clock” that plays “Amazing Grace” every hour. The message, I suppose, is that if you take the sleep aid that we advertise See Jackson, page A6

The Blind ‘Selfie’ Collector and Tiger Woods

ran Lebowitz, a witty writer and outspoken New Yorker, said in 2010 that her friend, a renowned art collector in Manhattan, destroyed a $120 million Picasso when his elbow cut through the canvas and tore it. The art collector was partially blind. When Lebowitz asked a bunch of people which Picasso it was, they said: “The one worth many millions!” No one told him what the painting was about: They focused on the money, and the prestige of owning such a work. This led Lebowitz to remark that: “There is

By Greg Markley

no more suitable and potent image-symbol for our time than the image of the blind art collector.” She added: “If you were going to write a history of the era, you should call it “The Blind Art Collector and Other Stories.” Like the sight-challenged art collector, they care most about what something is worth, or how show-

ing it to others makes them more popular. We like to “keep up with the neighbors,” but may not really enjoy things we own beyond their making us feel good as we climb the social ladder. As an example, I saw a photo in the New York Times of many visitors taking selfies at the Museum of Modern Art. Only a few were engaging in the “quiet contemplation” good art demands. East Alabamians are fortunate to have a fine trio of museums: the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art at Auburn University; the Museum of East

Alabama in Opelika and the Lee County Historical Society Museum in Loachapoka. If you want to take a selfie, good, but please make an effort to explore the museums in depth. Go beyond the selfies! MOMA is among the top attractions in New York City, according to Travel Advisor. The staff must move people along, but surely they allow serious art lovers to stay admiring a painting for at least 20 minutes. This museum is popular because of its focus on artwork, such as “Starry Night” by Vincent Van Gogh, which is iconic af-

ter being featured in movies and pop culture. “It’s as if taking a photo of a work in a museum means ‘seeing’ it to a viewer, even though someone like me worries that taking the photo replaces it in the slow and thoughtful way I would ideally wish,” said Ann Temkin, Chief Curator of Painting and Sculpture at the museum. “And the problem with all the photo-takers is that they make it impossible for someone who wants to do that kind of looking to do so.” Here’s the Tiger Woods angle. The

legendary golfer did not take his first selfie until June of this year! He struggled for a few seconds, and then found how it works. Perhaps thousands of people have taken selfies with Tiger, but the Masters champion had never taken one of himself. “It’s nice, isn’t it,” he said of restrictions on cell phones at the Masters. Other times he felt uncomfortable, as somebody might forget to shut off their phone. At the Augusta, Georgia event, there were cell phone banks set up for safe use, See Makrley, page A6

pelika O Observer Gess, from A1 to lead, coach, mentor and encourage as a woman, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend. Sharon genuinely cared for her employees, loved her family, and trusted in God to give her strength for her journey. She always gave the best of herself in everything she did. She will be missed so much by so many, but her presence will be felt throughout this organization for generations to come.” EAMC Director of Support Services Randy Causey shared his final memory and interaction with Sharon in a Facebook post earlier this week. “I cannot find the words that come close to describing how sad that we as an EAMC family are after what we have experienced in the last several hours. Simply put, a bright light has gone out. We are heartbroken with the tragic loss of this brilliant and beautiful woman. At the end of our last (business) meeting on Thursday, she hung back to chat in private and last words to her were, ‘I love you Sharon, you always have my back.’ That is the kind of the person, friend and coworker she was. I watched her walk down the hall, never knowing that would be the last time. Fly high, flash your smile and take charge. We will put our faith in God, as she clearly did and begin to move forward on this difficult journey

Veterans, from A1 with a breakfast from 8 to 9:45 a.m. for veterans and their families at Niffers at the Tracks, located at 917 S. Railroad Ave. in downtown Opelika. The breakfast is free for veterans. The celebration begins at 10 a.m. Guest speakers are Army Col. Richard Pelham and USMC Col. Chris Richie. They will speak on “Veterans: Why We Serve – Past, Present and Future.” The Opelika High School Choir will also perform. Pelham, an Opelika native, is a U.S. Army Officer assigned to the faculty of the United States Air Force Air War College at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery. He is in the Department of Leadership and Warfighting, where he teaches strategic leadership

A5 Oct. 23, 2019

Awards,

without her. That is exactly what she would want us to do,” Causey said. Sharon joined EAMC in September 2000 as a staff registered nurse on Med/Surg and was later promoted to charge nurse. From 2003 to 2005, she served as a house supervisor and then transferred to the Progressive Care Unit, where she was the unit manager until 2007. When an opening for the director of the Emergency Department occurred that year, Sharon was chosen to step into that high-profile role. On top of that, the role of EMS director was added to her responsibilities in 2015. Her successful healthcare career stemmed from being highly motivated and educated. Sharon graduated from Auburn University with a bachelor’s in psychology in 1994 and earned her bachelors of science in nursing in 2002. When EAMC offered the opportunity for employees to seek an master’s of business administration from Auburn UniversityMontgomery, Sharon jumped at the chance and graduated with that degree in 2012. Sharon’s positive attitude also helped pave the way for her success. She was fond of living by this mantra: “When I look around and think things over, all my good days outweigh my bad. Thank you Lord, I won’t complain.” Sharon was 48 years old. Investigation into Sharon’s death Macon County

authorities found the bodies of Sharon and her brother William Gess Jr. at a Notasulga residence on Sunday afternoon, with Coroner Hal Bentley confirming that they were shot to death at approximately 1:40 p.m. that day. Their brother, Aaron Flynn Gess, who is considered a person of interest in this case and has a documented past of mental illness and “Aaron Flynn Gess is a person of interest in an active homicide investigation that occurred Oct. 20. in the Notasulga community. (He) has a history of mental illness and has made threats to resist any type of apprehension,” Alabama Law Enforcement Agency representatives wrote in a statement. Authorities told media outlets that Aaron is driving a 2019 Kia Optima with Alabama license plate 46AT885 and is possibly in the Atlanta area. As of Tuesday afternoon at press time, there have been no arrests or further developments in this case. Alabama Law Enforcement Agency officials request individuals who have additional information or have encountered Aaron to call 334-270-1122.

and the profession of arms, future concepts in air power and theater strategy and campaigning. His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (2nd Award), the Army Meritorious Service Medal (3rd Award), the Army Commendation Medal (4th Award), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star and the NATO NonArticle 5 Medal, along with various other awards. Pelham is married to Opelika native Christy Stanfield and they have two children. Richie is the Marine Corps Advisor to Air University, a faculty instructor in the Department of Leadership and Warfighting and the Director of the Air War College Executive Leadership Series. He has served in 19 countries and is an award-winning author published in

military professional journals and has been honored as a key-note motivational speaker on several occasions. In the event of rain, the program will move inside City Hall to the City Council chambers. Immediately following the program, the Museum of East Alabama, located at 121 S. 9th St. in downtown Opelika, will host a special reception to honor all veterans. All city offices will be closed on Nov. 11 including Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library. The Opelika SportsPlex will be open from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m., and all garbage and recycling schedules will be pushed back one day. For more information, contact city of Opelika Community Relations Officer Leigh Krehling by email at lkrehling@ opelika-al.gov or phone at 334-7055136.

from A1

Aaron Gess

ment Awareness Month.” The East Alabama committee is one of 13 others statewide that is under the Alabama governor’s guidance and umbrella of the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services. Their service area includes Lee, Chambers, Macon, Randolph, Russell and Tallapoosa counties. After enjoying a catered lunch, guests enjoyed a presentation from keynote speaker Penny Foster, who is one of the founders of the Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama. Mark Coxwell of Butcher Paper BBQ received the Partnership of the Year Award. Through a partnership with the Easter Seals Achievement Center, his business is now a community-based job-training site for the organization. Mayor Gary Fuller was recognized with the Public Service Award for he and his administration’s efforts to make Opelika “one of the country’s most business and family-friendly cities by 2023,” according to Smith. “Mayor Fuller is leading in this effort daily to bring awareness to serving individuals with disabilities. It is no longer a conversation, it is at the forefront of planning, implementing and championing current and long-term goals to change the culture and provide people with disabilities the independence they need to advocate for themselves on a

Roberts, from A3 how very important every employee is at the hospital. The way he acts, the way he lives, is a real credit to his parents.” As chief medical officer and a peer of Roberts, William Golden, M.D. says this honor for Roberts is well deserved. “Dr. Roberts has been very engaged in improving the quality

daily basis,” Smith said. The Observer was honored with the committee’s Media of the Year Award for coverage of developments at Easter Seals. Publisher Michelle Key said she was humbled for her media outlet to receive this recognition. “Our ultimate mission is to provide news ‘by local people, for local people’ to our readers. We love to cover and spread the word about the good work happening at places like the Easter Seals Achievement Center in our community that benefits people with disabilities,” Key said. “To receive this honor lets me know that our organization is keeping the public informed on things they want to know about that are happening in their backyard.” Smith and department commissioner Jane Burdeshaw presented each winner with plaques and challenge coins. Following is a list of other award winners: Advocate of the Year - Alicia Ogletree Collaboration Award - RAPA Educator of the Year - Ashley Brown, a special needs educator within the Horseshoe Bend School System Employee of the Year (Large Business) - Abbey Willis, a local teenager with autism who works for AMC Carmike Tiger 13 Employee of the Year (Small Business) - Kittie Smith, who works for Willow Point in Alexander City Employer of the Year (Large Business) - Dollar Tree

stores in East Alabama/West Georgia Employer of the Year (Small Business) - SAGE Dining Services Partnership of the Year - Butcher Paper BBQ for their partnership with East Seals to be a community-based, jobtraining site Student of the Year - Mary Bergman, an Auburn High School graduate who is currently enrolled at Opelika’s Southern Union campus and plans to pursue an art degree at the University of Montevallo and Youth Leadership - Luke York, an Auburn High senior and son of Opelika Middle School Principal Keith York. He is involved with his school’s SGA group, member of a local guitar club and is employed at Chappey’s Deli. Event sponsors were: Achievement Center Easter Seals, Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, EAACEPD Committee, EAMC Education Center, Children Rehab Services, Jackie Johnson Employment Services, Premier OB/GYN, The Orthopaedic Clinic, Greater Peace Baptist Church, Lilies Pediatric Dentistry, Porter Residential, The Auburn-Opelika Korean Church, State Sen. Randy Price, EAMC, RAPA, Price Service Center, Inc., Si02 Medical Products, Auburn Bank, Borbet Alabama, Southern States Bank and Walton Law Firm. For more information about the committee and its functions, call Smith at 334-705-2037 or visit www.rehab.alabama. gov.

of care at EAMC over the past few years with his work in the ICU and with leading a team to improve care in sepsis management.” “Dr. Roberts is recognized as a skilled clinician and leader by his peers,” Golden added. Roberts said he is thankful to be the new chief of staff. “We have an amazing group of physicians here at EAMC, who are passionate about medicine and seek to provide the highest quality care to their

patients,” Roberts said. “I am honored to have the opportunity to serve this medical staff in this role.” The role of a chief of staff A chief of staff serves as a liaison between the medical staff and the hospital board; works with the hospital CEO and chief medical officer to develop policies, coordinate care and enforce the policies of the by-laws; heads the medical executive committee and serves on other committees of the medical staff.

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pelika O Opinion

A6 Oct. 23, 2019

Children’s science museum to open in Auburn-Opelika area next spring By Bradley Robertson For the Opelika Observer Lee County is about to embark on something incredible for mothers, fathers, grandparents and nearly anyone, but especially children. The first Children’s Museum of the area is set to open in Auburn this coming spring, the “AO Discover: AuburnOpelika Children’s Hands-on Science Center.” “We’re going to offer something for everyone in the family,” said center owner and creator Katie Murrah. “We’re going to have self-guided tours, field trip experiences, community days; STEM, coding and robotics camps for kids, hands on explorations and so much more.” To go along with the new AO Discover center, a STEM preschool will a join the space, which is also set to open this coming spring. “Auburn Day School will provide a chance for students to have active, hands-on instruction in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) and will have active instruction on arts and language every day,” Murrah said. Murrah’s vision for this community stems from her own childhood of learning and curiosity and grows into today

Jackson, from A4 then that clock won’t keep you awake. But let me warn you folks, if one of these comes to your home, don’t leave it out where the kids can see it. In between the sections advertising solutions to urinary problems and a host of back-pain-relief doo-dads are a couple of pages featuring things you wouldn’t expect to find in an old folks catalog.

Markley, from A4 away from the fairway. No text messages, Facebook posts, Tweets, etc. were allowed. Since 2010 those have been permitted at other PGA Tour venues, but the Masters is the most famous golf event, and tradition is preeminent. They want Augusta National to keep golf as the focus. “I always like no cellphones,” said golfer Brooks Koepka to the Charleston, SC Post and Courier. “You don’t have to deal with text

as she experiences life with her 3-year-old daughter. Murrah and her family moved to Auburn nearly three years ago after her husband obtained a faculty position at Auburn University. “I’m from North Mississippi, I actually grew up on a farm just south of Tupelo,” Murrah said. “I completed my undergraduate from Mississippi State and attended graduate school at the University of Virginia.” Murrah received her master of education degree in educational psychology with an emphasis in gifted education. She was a gifted specialist at Clark Elementary School in Virginia for five years. Murrah then became the Director of Admissions and Marketing at Peabody School, also in Virginia, a pre-K through eighth-grade private school for gifted kids. “I loved all those experiences. I loved working with kids but I found out I loved working with parents too,” Murrah said. Since moving to Auburn, Murrah has been able to see and experience a lot as a new mom. “After being in this area and seeing what was offered, it led me to want to bring a STEM pre-school to the area. Through Auburn Day School, we want to focus on critical think-

ing skills and we want students to be able to make connections. We want students to know why they are learning what they are learning and how it connects to their world,” Murrah said. Murrah believes learning isn’t about mastery but about progress. “We want to develop thinking skills, reasoning skills and problemsolving skills. I believe in getting excited and finding the joy in learning. You want to make sure that your child is in a place that is enriching, engaging and joyful. You want them to love school and love learning and you want to start that as early as possible.” “AO Discover and Auburn Day School will partner together to bring educational experiences for children, parents, grandparents, for the whole family, for the community,” Murrah said. AO Discover will be open to the public for a wide variety of services, most notably the exhibits and hands-on fun for all ages. “Some permanent exhibits we’re hoping to bring are pixel-pegs, a giant light bright wall, pneumatic tubes, a racetrack LEGO building table… a glass art wall and a unique dramatic play exhibit. Kids and parents can work together to complete different challenges. We

Yep, there they are, living color and vibrating, and (thank the Lord) non-returnable. Included is a fourhour DVD titled “A Lifetime of Better Sex” – I suppose it takes four hours to get the message across if you have to repeat yourself (“What did he say honey?” “Shut up and listen. He’s gonna say it again, just for you.”) Which got me to thinking about how, back a while ago, our legislators, our protectors of public morals, our defenders of us

from ourselves, passed legislation that naughty objects such as these could not be sold in Alabama stores. A dumb law, someone pointed out, because you could get them through the mail. And sure enough, here they are. I wonder how many legislators are on this mailing list? Harvey H. (“Hardy”) Jackson is Professor Emeritus of History at Jacksonville State University. He can be reached at hjackson@ cableone.net.

messages. It’s nice to put it away a bit.” But Masters champion Phil Mickelson rethought his position, which had, like Koepka, been anticell phone. “It’s really been a good thing for the Tour, and I think at some point, the knowledge base of fans will be such where they will be able to have their phones,” Mickelson commented. Smartphones and various cell phone capabilities are constants in our lives, whether we support their use at museums, on golf courses, or in designated classrooms at

Auburn University or Southern Union. Among celebrities who do not use cell phones are Tom Cruise, Elton John, Oprah Winfrey and Jesse Ventura. But they must have assistants who field their calls. And who wants to twist Jesse “The Body’s” arm to get him to join our smartphone-using crowd? Greg Markley has lived in Lee County for 18 of the last 23 years. An awardwinning journalist, he has master’s degrees in education and history. He has taught as an adjunct in Georgia and Alabama.

want families to be able to come back and visit the same exhibits again and again and be able to try new challenges and try new things each time,” Murrah said. There will also be traveling exhibits to keep the program fresh, new and dynamic. With AO Discover being a nonprofit organization, there also comes the need for community support and involvement. “We can’t wait to bring this amazing programming to the community but we definitely need support. We are hosting our first big fundraiser, ‘Harvest Discovery Experience,’ on Nov. 9 from 9 a.m. to 5p.m. at R&R Landscaping, which is located at 12359 Co Rd 188 in Waverly,” Murrah said.” Tickets can be purchased for the event which includes a full day of fun for kids and parents. “We will have STEM activities, a community art project, music activities sponsored by Spicer’s Music, a nature exploration trail, a meet and greet character party, popular food trucks and drinks. 100% of proceeds form Harvest Discover tickets will go to support the non-profit to bring the very first Children’s Science Museum to our area,” Murrah said. Every ticket purchased will also be entered to win one of

Dietrich, from A4 play something slow. The musician agrees, then selects a ballad that is not neither soft nor sweet. In fact, it sounds more like tactical ground missiles being launched from a nuclear silo. So the young couple wanders outside to the empty parking lot. There, they slow dance together beneath a streetlamp with nobody watching. The bartender asks me, “Hey, where’s the guy who was beside you? Did he leave?” I point out the window to the couple. The bartender sees them. She smiles. Her eyes are wet. She calls a server over. I overhear her say to the server, “She’s back.” “Where was she?” the server asks. “She was getting treatment in Texas.” This is all she says. She boxes his food and pours his beer into a plastic cup. I keep my eye on the dancing lovers. They stop swaying. They lean against the side of a white Nissan. They are look-

Murrah the 10 prize packages, which include a trip for five to Great Wolf Lodge and a spa package. Attendees do not have to be present to win. There are volunteer opportunities for the Harvest Discover event as well as an art contest for all Auburn-Opelika students grades kindergarten through second and a machine building contest for third graders. Murrah’s enthusiasm for this endeavor is stunning. Her heart is on the parents and children of this great community. “I love teaching students. I love working with parents. I love working with families. And I have a threeyear-old who I love

being with. I just want to do my part in providing the most engaging, enriching and exciting educational experience that I can. I feel like this will be something beneficial for all of us,” Murrah said. “To see the joy on the parents faces, to see how much their children can do, gives me chills…these kids will amaze us every time. It’s going to be an amazing ride,” Murrah added. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.aodiscover. com and www.auburndayschool.com. Email Murrah at kmurrah@ aodiscover.com. Event information can also be found on their Facebook page “AO Discover.”

ing at the stars. He’s holding her. Another server asks, “Who is she, again?” “That’s J.T.’s girlfriend.” “Is that who the vodka cranberry was for?” “Yeah. I guess her treatment’s over.” “No, not over. My mother had the same kind she’s got. You never quit holding your breath. It’s never over.” “How long was she at MD Anderson?” “A little while.” “I have a friend who beat cancer.” “Cancer sucks, man.” The guitar player is now playing “Runnin’ With the Devil” by Van Halen in a style that sounds exactly like a North Atlantic whale mating with a semi-truck on I-65. I pay my bill and leave a tip. Before I go, the bartender stops me. “Hey,” she says. “Can you give this box of food to them on your way out?” She nods to the couple. I am a writer, so I say sure. On the way to my vehicle, I hand the man his Styrofoam box. I hate to interrupt an intimate mo-

ment. I have enough of my mother in me to think about trying, but I chicken out. All I see are two people who don’t want to let each other go because there’s no telling what would happen if they did. They open the box. They split the hamburger between themselves. The young man lifts an enormous onion ring and says to me, “Hey! Have you tried the onion rings here? On a scale of 1 to 10, they’re a 10.” How do you like that. Sometimes you learn things about yourself when you least expect it. You learn what you’re made of. You learn about sadness. And joy. And love. But tonight, I learned that I’d rather eat onion rings with good people than eat lobster with the Queen. Sean Dietrich is a columnist, and novelist, known for his commentary on life in the American South. His work has appeared in Southern Living, the Tallahassee Democrat, Southern Magazine, Yellowhammer News, the Bitter Southerner, the Mobile Press Register and he has authored seven books.

Opelika E vents, Society, & Food

CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

• Oct. 25 - 3rd annual AuburnOpelika Wine Trail • Nov. 3 - Downtown Holiday Open House in downtown Opelika • Nov. 9 - Auburn CHILI Fest • Nov. 11 - Cities of Auburn, Opelika’s Veterans Day Services

Enterprise plans centennial honoring boll weevil for peanut crops Ann Cipperly’s

Southern

Hospitality

his year is the 100th anniversary of the Boll Weevil Monument in downtown Enterprise, which was erected to show appreciation to the insect, as it changed farming from cotton to peanuts. Growing peanuts brought prosperity to the farmers. While it reminds visitors of their agricultural past and present, it is the world’s only monument to an insect. The monument features the statue of a woman holding a pedestal with an enlarged boll weevil

perched on top. At the base of the monument appears the inscription: “In profound appreciation of the boll weevil and what it has done as the herald of prosperity, this monument was erected by the citizens of Enterprise, Coffee County, Alabama.” The monument was dedicated on Dec. 11, 1919 at the intersection of College and Main Street, the heart of the town’s business district. Enterprise is planning a celebration on Dec. 11 this year for the anniversary. According to Ron

Smith of Auburn University for the Encyclopedia of Alabama, “the weevils first entered the United States from Mexico in 1892. They reached Mobile County in 1910 and had infested the entire state by 1916. Alabama’s economy was almost entirely based in agriculture, with cotton being the primary cash crop, when the weevil arrived. During the first half of the twentieth century, the state’s economy was devastated. “Some historians maintain that the boll

Photo by Ann Cipperly In the center of downtown Enterprise, the Boll Weevil Monument is a reminder of the area’s agricultural past and present. When the boll weevil destroyed the cotton, farmers were forced to plant other crops, mainly peanuts, which brought prosperity. Enterprise is planning a celebration on Dec. 11 for the 100th anniversary of the monument. The annual National Peanut Festival in Dothan is scheduled for Nov. 1 to 10.

weevil was the most important event in Alabama history until the mid-twentieth century, eclipsed only by the Civil War.” The boll weevil caused farmers to switch from growing cotton to peanuts. One of my grandfathers was a peanut farmer in south Alabama. My mother grew up on the

farm and remembered when her father would drive to town in one of the few cars in the area to pick up field workers. Mom and her sisters helped my grandmother prepare huge meals for the workers. Mom remembered that they sold their peanuts to Planters. When she was a teenager,

the family moved to Opelika. Now, the Wiregrass is known as the “Peanut Capital of the World.” The 76th National Peanut Festival will be held in Dothan Nov. 1 to 10. It is the nation’s largest peanut festival and is held every fall to celebrate local peanut farmers and the harSee Cipperly, page A11

Auburn/Opelika chapter of Unity Wellness Center to host annual race/ 100 Black Men of America to walk at Auburn’s Town Creek Park Nov. 9 Special to the host 10th annual ‘Black Tie Opelika Observer The Unity Wellness Scholarship Gala’ on Nov. 8 Center’s annual “World By Morgan Bryce Editor

The Greater Auburn/Opelika chapter of the 100 Black Men of America is holding their 10th annual Black Tie Scholarship Gala Nov. 8 at Greater Peace Baptist Church’s Family Life Center. Greater Peace pastor and chapter president Rev. Clif-

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer ford Jones said the event averages nearly 250 guests and serves as a fundraiser for

their organization that endeavors to gift See Gala, page A10

Aids Day 8K and 1-Mile Run/Walk” will be held Nov. 9 from 8 to 11 a.m. at Town Creek Park in Auburn. Run, jog or walk a scenic eight-kilometer (five-mile) route through the moderately rolling hills of Auburn. The race will start and finish at Town Creek Park. Strollers and dogs on leashes are welcome and encouraged. All proceeds are donated to Unity Well-

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer

ness Center’s Client emergency assistance fund. The World AIDS Day 8K is in honor of all those living with HIV

and who have died from AIDS-related illness in the Auburn-Opelika area. See Race, page A8

Monday-Saturday 11 AM - 8 PM

pelika O Observer

A8 Oct. 23, 2019

Lee-Scott Academy to stage Auburn ACT heads to Tuscaloosa three shows of ‘Elf the Musical, for theatrical competition, to Jr.’ Nov. 1, 3 and 4 host free preview Oct. 24 By Morgan Bryce Editor

Christmas is coming early to Lee-Scott Academy, as their performing arts group will stage three shows of “Elf the Musical, Jr.” in the school’s cafetorium Nov. 1, 3 and 4. According to the academy’s Upper School Art and Drama teacher Tricia Oliver, this is her 19th production in 13 years at Lee-Scott. The show’s runtime is 75 minutes with no intermission and its cast is comprised of 45 students in the third through seventh grades. Adapted from the beloved Christmas film

of the same name starring Will Ferrell, the story’s protagonist is Buddy, a young orphan who accidentally finds himself aboard Santa’s sleigh one Christmas night. He grows up at the North Pole, unaware of the fact that he is human and is raised as an elf. As an adult, he desires to reunite with his birth father, later traveling to New York City where he not only learns about the true meaning of family but also the spirit of Christmas. “We chose Elf the Musical, Jr because it just looked like such a fun show and the timing would be perfect,” Oliver said. “The whole theme of

the show is about spreading joy and everyone knows that Buddy the Elf is always happy and smiling. We hope that our audiences leave with a joyful heart and ready to spread their own Christmas cheer while singing the tunes from the show.” Showtimes are 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 1 and 4 and 2 p.m. on Nov. 3. Tickets can be purchased online via www. lee-scott.org or at the door on the day of the show, costing $15 for reserved seating, $10 online and $12 at the door. For more information, call 334-821-2430. The school is located at 1601 Academy Drive.

Special to the Opelika Observer Auburn Area Community Theatre will participate in the Alabama Conference of Theatre’s annual play festival held on Nov. 2 at Theatre Tuscaloosa with a one-act play titled “An Ongoing Examination of the True Meaning of Life.” A preview performance and send-off will take place at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center on Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. There is no charge for this event. “We’ll recreate how it is done in competition. We’ll blow the whistle and start the stopwatch to time the whole set-up and take-down of the set. It’s challenging,” said AACT Artistic Director Andrea Holliday. The play was a crowd favorite at AACT’s Summer Shorts showcase last August.

“It has really evolved,” said Director Terry Kelley. “The actors are constantly trying new things, new ideas, and getting new laughs. It’s been a wonderful process.” Every entry must comply with festival rules: All of the set and props must fit into a 10-foot square taped on the stage floor. The set-up and take-down must take fewer than 10 minutes, and the performance can last only an hour. Three adjudicators will then comment and make suggestions on all aspects of the performance and select the winning entries. “It is a rare experience for an actor in community theatre to get feedback and constructive criticism from theatre professionals from around the country. Everyone who has been to competition is inspired by the judges’ comments, and they bring what they learn back to our group,”

Holliday said. AACT actors Madison Richards, Christine Schumock and Jay Amling will compete against other community theatres from around the state, and one entry will be selected to represent Alabama and compete against 10 Southeastern states. In alternate years, the competition culminates in a national theatre festival hosted by the American Association of Community Theatres. AACT has previously taken entries to competition, receiving numerous individual acting awards. AACT won the Alabama Conference twice and placed second at the Southeastern Conference in 2011. For more information on the festival, AlabamaConferenceofTheatre. org. To learn more about the AACT, visit www. auburnact.org.

Photo special to the Opelika Observer

Race, from A7 Awards will be presented to the top-three overall male and female runners and to the top male and female in each age group (18 & under, 18-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51+). Online registration closes at 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 7. After that, individuals may register

on Nov. 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. or 3 to 6 p.m. at Unity Wellness Center, located at 122 N. 20th St. in Opelika (encouraged) or on race day starting at 6:30 a.m. Race-day registration will be $40 and only cash or checks will be accepted. The race will take place in the rain, but in the event of thunderstorms, the race will be canceled. No refunds will be given.

The one-mile walk will start at 8 a.m. and will not be timed. The eightkilometer timed race will begin at 8:30 a.m. Bathrooms are located close to the start and finish area. For more information, call race director Jessie Schwiesow at 334-7493593 or visit www.unitywellnesscenter.org. The park is located at 1150 S. Gay St. About the Unity Wellness Center

Based in Opelika, the Unity Wellness Center (UWC) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) and Lee County United Way agency. Their purpose is to provide services to individuals and families infected or effected by HIV advocate on behalf of persons who are HIV-positive or living with AIDS and conduct outreach and education efforts for a wide variety of targeted populations and locations.

pelika O Observer

A9 Oct. 23, 2019

‘3rd Annual Shine Prom’ lights up the night Rainy skies could not dampen the spirits of attendees, volunteers

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

22nd Annual “Bill Anthony Memorial, Battles for the Armory” Civil War Reenactment in Tallassee, Alabama November 8th, 9th, & 10th, 2019

Third annual ‘Loachapoka Life Changers 5K Walk/Fundraiser’ By Morgan Bryce Editor The third annual "Loachapoka Life Changers 5K Walk/Fundraiser" will be held Dec. 7 at 7 a.m. on Loachapoka High School's campus. Organized by Auburn High School graduate and Loachapoka resident Belinda Jackson, the event is under the Lee County Relay for Life umbrella and benefits the work and research conducted by the American Cancer Society. Jackson, who is a

cancer survivor, said the lack of a cancerawareness event closer to Loachapoka inspired her to create this event. "I went to one of (Loachapoka's) town-hall meetings and I asked if they would be interested. They ended up being very interested and excited about it," Jackson said. "The town and high school have been very influential in helping this be successful." Currently, Jackson is seeking donations and sponsors. She encourages those interested in donating

to do so by visiting the American Cancer Society website www.cancer. org or by calling the Lee County Relay for Life group at 334-538-9508 and specifically mentioning Jackson's walk. Sponsors are appreciated, and Jackson said she is specifically looking for a group to handle T-shirts. Those interested can contact her via email at Loachapoka5KWalk@yahoo.com. The registration deadline is Nov. 30. Loachapoka High School is located 685 Lee Road 61.

Sponsored by The Tallassee Armory Guards, SCV Camp 1921 Gibson’s View Plantation Tallassee, AL School Day November 8, 2019 ($5 per student) “Bill Anthony Memorial, Battles for the Armory” Reenactments start @ 2PM on Saturday & Sunday School Day Reservations: Call Nan Todd @ 334-324-8655 or email wacqradio@elmore.rr.com or call Randall Hughey @ 334-283-6888

pelika Observer O The Local Table: Friends for soup A10

Oct. 23, 2019

am not one to choose favorites, but in the genre of seasons, Fall is at the top. I love all the vibrant colors and all the warm food! Fall is the perfect time of year to hang out in the kitchen and serve up something hearty and tasty! It’s also the perfect season for fellowship with friends and gathering around the table. We often want to get together for dinner out or wine with the gals, but what about the sweet, southern intimacy of our own home? We are in a busier place and time than just 10 and 20 years ago. We place more activities on our plate and we do more running around than ever before. So when then, do we decide to stop and celebrate each other? Laura McKay and Jenny Galimore met more than 10 years ago while teaching together at a local pre-school. Laura recalls that one of the first things that sparked their friendship was food. “We spent our day with 2-year-olds, but somehow we usually

Gala, from A7

By Bradley Robertson ended up talking about the next meal we were cooking.” Jenny agrees, “soon after we started teaching together, we would start talking about what we were making for dinner that night. Laura started sharing some of her recipes with me, and I quickly found out I had hit the jackpot with this friend who was an amazing cook!” One of the first recipes Laura shared was vegetable soup. Both women, having small children at the time and busy husbands, found this dish to be a winner among everyone. Jenny says, “from the moment I got this recipe

school seniors across Lee County. Each year, they give $500 scholarships to approximately seven or eight students.

scholarships to high

from Laura and made it, I knew it was going to be on our dinner rotation. I love it, because it makes a huge pot which can be shared or frozen for another meal. It also sneaks in lots of veggies that my children might not eat otherwise. An added bonus is that it can be made in the crock pot.” The idea of recipe sharing is becoming a lost art. With the creation of Pinterest and easy to find Google searches, women actually writing and sharing a recipe is forgotten. I was given my grandmothers’ recipe box years after her passing. Whenever I open it and see her writing, and the years of wear on her cards, I’m taken back to her kitchen, ages ago, and can almost see her labor of love over her food. And how often do we actually cook together with our friends? Laughing, dicing and sharing all of life. I’m almost jealous of the ladies from long ago, I’m certain every joy and tear was shared in a kitchen and over food, coffee or tea. “Cooking with a friend

just makes it even better,” says Laura. “It also feels like working together to accomplish something and the end result, a tasty meal, gets to be enjoyed together. I think women cook less in general because everyone is so busy, but I think we are missing out on a lot of fellowship. Taking the time to slow down and share a meal together, from start to finish, allows for more time to really enjoy each other’s company.” Jenny says, “I feel like we have so many distractions these days that keep us from being able to get together and cook or share a home cooked meal. Recipes and food are something we all love and enjoy! Sitting around a table with family and friends that you love and having conversations while eating make cooking and preparing those recipes all worthwhile. As your children get older, lots of conversations happen around the dinner table. The same is true for friends, we learn a lot about one another

through dinner table conversations.” What a unique gift as well, when a recipe has been handed through many women. Laura recalls this recipe was originally passed to her from her mom. Her mom got it from her best friend who got it from her mother-inlaw. Laura says it makes it even sweeter knowing a recipe has been passed through many women who don’t even know each other. What special people would you gather around your table this season? Perhaps it’s a good time to think

The theme of this year’s gala is “Entrust Faithful Men Who Will Be Able to Teach Others,” and 100 Black Men of Amer-

ica Vice Chairman Albert Dotson will serve as the keynote speaker. A meal will be served, scholarship winners recognized as well as a special Veterans Day tribute. Programming within the 100 Black Men of America focuses on mentoring, education, economic empowerment and health and wellness. They work

to help area youth strive to improve in these area by mentoring at area schools and through the church’s “Be What You See” program for children in the third through eighth grades held on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month from 10 a.m. to noon. “(I believe) that our organization has

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AuburnBank’s Tiger Town Kroger location has

out of our busy norm and prepare something simple and warm with dear friends. Find your favorite soup recipe and invite over dear friends, perhaps someone you miss. Chop and stir, laugh or cry and enjoy time to celebrate each other in this beautiful life we lead. Bradley Robertson is a local mother, wife and creative. She’s an Auburn University graduate, loves good food and getting outside with her family. Bradley enjoys feature writing, as well as southern culture and lifestyle writing.

Photo by Bradley Robertson

had a major impact on our youths in Lee County. Through ‘Be What You See,’ the program provides individuals who are accomplished in their field with the hope that youths see them want to ‘be what they see,’” Jones said. Jones added that several Macon County residents like the concept and plan to implement it in Tuskegee. Tickets for the gala are $60 each for individuals or $480 for a table of eight. Those interested in purchasing tickets can call 334-444-0882 or 334749-9487. The ticketpurchasing deadline is Nov. 2. For more information or to register for the Be What You See program, call 334749-9487. The church is located at 650 Jeter Ave.

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pelika O Observer Cipperly, from A7 vest. The majority of all the peanuts grown in the United States are grown within a 100mile radius of Dothan. The festival hosts family events, including amusement rides,

Recipes Peanut Butter Biscoff Pie 2018 1 st Place Adult Pies Donna Turner of Ozark Pie shell: 8-oz. pkg. Biscoff cookies, crushed fine ¼ cup butter, melted 3 Tbsp. sugar Filling: 1 cup heavy cream 4-oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened 1 cup Biscoff spread 1 cup creamy peanut butter 1 cup powdered sugar 14-oz. can sweetened condensed milk 1 tsp. vanilla Drizzle: Melted peanut butter Melted Biscoff spread Pulse cookies in food processor until finely crumbled. Add to melted butter and sugar. Press into bottom of a 9-inch pie pan. Refrigerate. With mixer on mediumhigh, beat heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Transfer to another bowl and refrigerate. In the mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, Biscoff spread and creamy peanut butter. Beat until light and fluffy. Reduce mixer to low and beat in powdered sugar, sweetened condensed milk and vanilla until smooth. Gently stir 1/3 of the whipped cream into the filling, then the remaining whipped cream. Pour into shell. Refrigerate 3-4 hours. Spread or pipe additional whipped cream on top of pie. Drizzle with melted peanut butter and melted Biscoff spread. Peanut Butter Banana Pie 2018 1st Place Student Pies Megan Chandler of Webb 1 ready-to-use graham cracker crumb crust 3 bananas, sliced ¼ cup orange juice 2 cups 2-percent milk 5.01 oz. pkg. vanilla pudding mix Peanut butter topping: 8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature 1 cup powdered sugar ½ cup creamy peanut butter 8 oz. Cool Whip, thawed ¼ cup mini chocolate chips Garnish: Mini chocolate chips Chopped peanuts Slice bananas and put in ¼ cup orange juice. Drain bananas and place on bottom of pie crust. Pour milk into large bowl. Add dry pudding mix. Beat with wire whisk for 2 minutes or until well blended. Pour vanilla pudding on top of bananas in pie crust. For the peanut butter topping, mix cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Add ½ cup peanut butter and mix well until smooth and creamy. Take the Cool Whip and ¼ cup mini chocolate chips and fold into peanut butter mixture. Do not over stir. Place peanut butter topping on top of pudding. Top with chopped peanuts and mini chocolate chips.

concerts, livestock shows, animal attractions and plenty of peanuts. The Peanut Festival’s recipe contest will be held Oct. 24. Categories will include cakes, candies, cookies, cupcakes, pies and miscellaneous. Dr. George Washington Carver was the guest speaker at the

Peanut Butter Fudge Cake 2018 1st place Student Cakes Rebecca Starling of Shorterville 1 box yellow cake mix 1 cup water ½ cup peanut oil 3 eggs ½ cup creamy peanut butter ½ cup chocolate syrup 3 Tbsp. creamy peanut butter (in addition to peanut butter previously listed) 4 to 5 Tbsp. milk 1 cup powdered sugar 2 Tbsp. chocolate syrup 15 miniature peanut butter cups, unwrapped and cut in half Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. In a large bowl, mix together cake mix, water, oil, eggs and ½ cup peanut butter with an electric mixer on low for 30 seconds, then on medium for 2 minutes. Scrape sides of bowl as needed. Remove 2/3 cup of the batter and stir in ½ cup of chocolate syrup to make the peanut butter fudge batter. Spread half of the plain peanut butter batter in the bottom of the baking dish. Top with the peanut butter fudge batter. Spread the remaining plain peanut butter batter on top and use a butter knife to swirl the batter. Bake for 28-33 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack. In a medium bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of peanut butter and 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Add powdered sugar and mix until smooth. If needed, gradually add milk until glaze is desired consistency. Spread over top of cake and drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup. Sprinkle peanut butter cups on top. South Alabama Boiled Peanuts 2 to 3 cups raw peanuts in shells 1/2 to 1 cup salt Water to cover Wash peanuts and place in a stockpot. Add salt and water to cover. Bring water to a boil. Let them boil for three hours. Taste the peanuts. If they are not salty enough, add more salt. If the peanuts are not soft enough to suit your taste, boil them longer. Drain and serve. Store in refrigerator. Oven Roasted Peanuts 2 cups raw peanuts in shells Place peanuts one layer deep in a shallow baking pan. Roast in a 350 degree oven for about 20 to 25

first festival held Nov. 10, 1938. Dr. Carver from Tuskegee Institute was known internationally for his development of more than 300 products from peanuts. The festival was held yearly through 1941 and then postponed until after World War II. It returned in 1947 and has been held annually

minutes. Remove one or two from the pan to test to see if they are roasted enough for your taste. Homemade Peanut Butter Place roasted peanuts to a food processor. Process peanuts for about 45 to 60 seconds. Scrape sides of the processor bowl with a spatula and continue processing for 2 to 3 minutes. The peanut butter mixture will be smooth. Can add salt, honey, maple syrup or brown sugar to taste. Wiregrass Peanut Caramel Tart 2 cups crushed vanilla wafers (about 60 wafers) 1/3 cup butter, melted 20 wrapped caramels 15 miniature Snickers candy bars 1/2 cup caramel ice cream topping 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, divided 2 cups salted peanuts, chopped 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips Additional chopped salted peanuts In a small bowl, combine wafer crumbs and butter. Press onto the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan. Place on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. In a heavy saucepan, combine caramels, candy bars, caramel topping and 1/4 cup cream; cook and stir over low heat until smooth and blended. Remove from heat; stir in peanuts. Spread over crust. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. In a microwave, melt chocolate chips and remaining cream; stir until smooth. Spread over caramel layer. If desired, sprinkle with additional peanuts. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or until serving. Peanut Butter Chocolate Éclair Cake 1 box chocolate graham crackers (there will be a few graham crackers left over) 2 (3 ¼ -ounce) boxes vanilla instant pudding 1 cup peanut butter 3 ½ cups milk 1 (8 oz) container Cool Whip 1 can chocolate frosting or homemade chocolate frosting Spray bottom of 9 x13 pan with cooking spray. Line the bottom of the pan with whole graham crackers. In a bowl using an electric mixer, mix pudding with milk, peanut butter; beat at medium speed for 2 minutes. Fold in whipped topping. Pour half the pudding mixture over graham crackers. Place another layer of whole graham crackers on top of pudding layer. Pour over remaining half of pudding mixture and cover with another

every year. Today, the event has grown to a 10-day festival. A variety of family events are held, including concerts and agricultural attractions, among others. The Peanut Festival is held on the fairgrounds in Dothan on U.S. Highway 231.

A11 Oct. 23, 2019 The fairgrounds offer more than 200 acres, two exhibit buildings, an amphitheater, an open air arena and an agriculture complex. For further information on the Peanut Festival, contact 334-793-4323. For additional information on Enterprise’s Boll Weevil Centennial Cel-

layer of graham crackers. Heat the container of prepared frosting, uncovered for 1 minute. Pour over top of cake. Refrigerate several hours before serving.

tines of a fork into the cookies to form crisscross pattern on top. Bake until very lightly browned, about 10-11 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool.

Salted Nut Squares (Payday Candy Bar) Gayle Harper 3 cups salted peanuts without skins 3 Tbsp. butter 2 cups peanut butter chips 1 can Eagle brand sweetened condensed milk 2 cups miniature marshmallows Place half of peanuts in an ungreased 11 x 7 x 2 baking pan. In a saucepan melt butter and peanut butter chips over low heat. Add milk and marshmallows. Cook and stir until melted. Pour over peanuts. Sprinkle remaining peanuts over the top. Cover and refrigerate. Cut into bars.

Creamy No Cook Peanut Butter Pie 1 cup powdered sugar 1 cup natural-style creamy peanut butter 8-oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened 14-oz. can sweetened condensed milk 12 oz. frozen whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed Two (6-oz.) graham cracker crusts Chocolate sundae syrup Salted peanuts for garnish, optional Combine powdered sugar, peanut butter and cream cheese in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until smooth. Add milk; beat until combined. Fold in whipped topping. Divide mixture evenly between crusts; chill 8 hours or until set (pies will have a soft, fluffy texture). Cut into wedges; drizzle with chocolate syrup. Garnish with salted peanuts, if desired.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie National Peanut Board 2 medium frozen bananas, sliced 1 cup low fat milk 1 Tbsp. cocoa powder 4 Tbsp. peanut butter, creamy Blend all ingredients together in blender until smooth. (For larger batch use a food processor or an immersion blender with partially thawed frozen bananas or fresh bananas.) Lower Alabama Peanut Butter Cookies 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature 1 cup granulated sugar 3/4 cup light brown sugar 1 cup creamy or chunky peanut butter 3 cups all-purpose flour 2 large eggs, room temperature 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. salt 1/3 cup granulated sugar, for rolling Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugars on medium speed until smooth. Slowly add eggs and mix on high, making sure to scrape the sides of the bowl. Mix until combined, about 1 minute. Add in peanut butter and vanilla, and mix until incorporated and smooth. In a separate bowl, sift dry ingredients together. Pour into egg/peanut butter mixture and mix on low. Cover dough and chill in refrigerator for 2-4 hours. When ready to bake, line two cookie trays with parchment paper Form balls out of the dough (balls should be comprised of about 1- 1/2 tablespoons of dough) and roll in a bowl of granulated sugar. Place 2 inches apart on baking sheet and press the

Peanut Snack 3 cups Crispix cereal 1/2 cup salted peanuts 1/3 cup packed brown sugar 1/3 cup corn syrup 1/4 cup peanut butter In a large bowl, combine cereal and peanuts; set aside. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine brown sugar and corn syrup. Microwave on high for 30-60 seconds or until sugar is dissolved, stirring several times. Immediately stir in peanut butter until smooth. Pour over cereal mixture and toss to coat. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto waxed paper. Cool. Crock-Pot Chocolate Peanut Clusters Rhonda Boothe 16 oz. salted peanuts 16 oz. unsalted peanuts 12 oz. pkg. chocolate chips 24 oz. pkg. block almond or chocolate bark 1 container German sweet chocolate Place in crock-pot in order listed. Do not stir. Heat 3 hours on low. After 3 hours, stir and drop by teaspoons on wax paper. Cool. Store in airtight container. Meri’s Honey Roasted Peanuts Cooking spray 3/4 cup sugar 1 Tbsp. honey 3 Tbsp. water 2 tsp. vanilla extract Kosher salt 2 cups unsalted raw

ebration, go to www. VisitEnterprise.com or call 334-389-1554. Following is a selection of recipes from the 2018 National Peanut Festival cooking contest and others in honor of Alabama farmers who still grow peanuts. Ann Cipperly can be reached at recipes@ cipperly.com.

peanuts Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly coat a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. Combine sugar, honey, 3 tablespoons water, the vanilla and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large heavy-bottomed pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring with a wooden spoon, until sugar dissolves completely. Add peanuts and cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture begins simmering, about 1 minute. Turn heat to medium high, continue cooking, stirring constantly, until sugar mixture starts to dry out and clings to nuts, 2 to 4 more minutes. Pour onto the prepared baking sheet and spread in an even layer. Bake until the sugar coating begins melting, about 5 minutes. Continue baking, stirring occasionally, until the nuts are golden brown and glazed in spots, 6 to 8 more minutes. Remove baking sheet from the oven and stir nuts to distribute the caramel. Let cool on the baking sheet. Store, covered, at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Food Ratings Cakeitecture Bakery 124 S. 8th St. Opelika Score: 100 Taco Bell 2400 Pepperell Parkway Opelika Score: 98 Bojangles 2520 Pepperell Parkway Opelika Score: 96 Zaxby’s Restaurant 2089 Frederick Road Opelika Score: 96 O’Charley’s 2501 Gateway Drive Opelika Score: 96 Keo’s Restaurant 203 Opelika Road Auburn Score: 92 El Patron Mexican Grill 2212 Frederick Road Opelika Score: 92 Cheeburger Cheeburger 160 N. College St. Auburn Score: 92 Brick Oven Pizza 2520 Enterprise Drive Opelika Score: 91

pelika O Observer

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OBITUARIES James W. “Jim” Turner Jim Turner passed away peacefully Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2019 at the age of 95 years. Jim was born on Oct. 15, 1924 in Griffin, Georgia, to James Webb Turner and Mattie Lou Thames Turner. The family moved to Opelika, Alabama in 1926 and where Jim spent the next 93 years. He attended Northside Grammar school, later graduated from Clift High School early in January of 1943. Jim at 17 enlisted in the Navy to proudly serve his country. Jim’s immediate commitment to his country took Jim away before his class graduated and his father accepted his diploma June 1943 from Clift High School in his absence. Jim completed Corpsman Training and was assigned to the 103rd Fleet Hospital in the South Pacific theatre as a Pharmacist Mate 3rd Class. He served 31 continuous months duty with the Surgical Unit of the 103rd in the Philippines, Espiritu Santo, Leyte, Solomon Islands and Guam. He was honorably discharged in January of 1946 attaining the Corpsman rank of Pharmacist Mate 1st Class with 36 months proud Navy service. A long 43 day trip across the Pacific on slow moving Navy LST boat landed Jim back home in San Francisco at only 20 years old and still too young to vote. Post war Jim enrolled at Alabama Polytechnic Institute, (Auburn University), as a Forestry Major and he started his 40 plus year career with the U. S. Post Office in Opelika. He delivered mail within the city for several years and transitioned to a rural mail route in his favorite part of Lee County; the Marvyn, Beauregard and Society

Hill communities. The 113 mile mail route along mostly dirt roads allowed him to attain a National Safety Council award of the “Million Mile Club” and attaining 25,000 hours and that great distance without mishap. Sometimes the young folks along the route left “surprises” for him in the mail boxes and his more mature patrons often provided jellies and breads for his enjoyment. More than just a job Jim’s mail route connected him to many lifelong friends who he greatly cherished. His Marvyn family celebrated his 90th birthday with an epic “pig- pickin” barbeque attended by over one hundred of those dear friends. He was an avid outdoorsman and immensely enjoyed that freedom. Fishing at Palmer’s Pond, arrowhead hunting with Bob Lett, making sausage / growing tomatoes with Newt Ingram and enjoying eating Billy Capps sausage were favorite pastimes. He certainly loved the hunting and riding his 4-wheeler ATV on the farm with Buddy Satterwhite and the many friends he came to know and love over his lifetime in Lee county. Jim was a charter member of Lee County Rod and Gun Club and the Rural Mail Carriers Association. He loved being a part of the original Tyler’s morning coffee club on Geneva Street. Later at the Opelika Burger King his tight group would be known as the Second Avenue Think Tank. He cherished many a good joke and laugh with close friends at morning coffee sessions. He had a special place in his heart for the good conversations and times with his friends at the Marvyn “Round Table”. Jim is predeceased by his

parents, his wife of 54 years, Patty Northington Turner and his beloved bird dogs, Jack and Pudding. He is survived by his daughters, Jane Turner Poe (Bill), and Joan Turner Williams (Sammy), his grandchildren Sam Williams (Heather), Katie Williams Smith (Brandon), his great grandchildren, Smith Williams and Annaleigh Williams. His brother Ted Turner, his sister Mary Ann Dorsey (Walter), his nephew and nieces, Doc Dorsey (Amy), Lou Dorsey Hamlet (Dennis), Missy Turner, Alice Turner Machi’n (Koki), cousins David Bass, Patty Bass and Anna Mary Ellerbee. He leaves behind some very special friends, Buddy Satterwhite, Hunter Lett and a multitude of others that he considered family as well as his loving caregiver Jeannine Little. His life’s journey touched so many and they in return were touched by him. Mr. Jim or “The Captain” as known to many will be sorely missed. His recollection and telling of the history of Opelika and Lee County will greatly be missed by more than just his close friends. Jim’s graveside service will be Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019, at 3 p.m. at the Gardens Hills Cemetery in Opelika with visitation at Jeffcoat-Trant, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to your favorite charity or to one of the Beauregard Community Groups Tornado Relief organizations. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory is directing.

Cecil Earl Arington Cecil Earl Arington of Opelika, Alabama was born to the late William Marion and Lucile Gorham Arington in Lee County, Alabama on August 5, 1928. He passed away peacefully at Arbor Springs Health Center on October 16, 2019. He was 91 years old. He is preceded in death by his loving wife Mary Jean Noles Arington. He is also preceded in death by six brothers – William Raymond, William Blake, Augustus Lloyd, Marion Clyde, Ralph Linwood and Raymond C.; and seven sisters – Claire Poole, Ruby Duppstadt, Grace Black, Dorothy Sumners Ross, Eunice Manning, Mary Nell Adkins, and Lola Jean Marion “Earl” Sumners Marion “Earl” Sumners, age 94, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 15, 2019, surrounded by family, in St. Johns, Florida. He left this earth to join the Lord and the love of his life, Ileta Sumners, who proceeded him in death on December 20, 2017. Earl was born on February 19, 1925, to Elijah and Pearl Sumners in Hale County Alabama; brother to Morris and Emory Sumners and his sisters Eula McCullum, Stella Davis, and Charlotte Hudmond all who have proceeded him. From his birth till his death Earl Sumner was cherished and loved by the people of Opelika Alabama. He was a passionate fan of the Alabama Roll Tide football team and Atlanta Braves baseball team. He was a treasured member of the First United Methodist Church of Opelika for 68 years where he served our Lord Jesus Christ. Earl was a respected poJohn D. Foshee John D. Foshee of Opelika was born to the late F.L. and Grace Sayers Foshee on February 6, 1944 and passed away at East Alabama Medical Center on October 14, 2019. He was 75 years old. He was preceded in death by his fist wife, Judy

Owsley. He is survived by his sons; Stanley (Sheila) of Auburn, AL, Steven (Virginia) of Newport, TN, Stewart of Deming, NM, and Spencer (Barbara) of Auburn, AL; nine grandchildren; Amy Arington Tays (Nathan), Terese Arington Sheppard (Mitchell), Sarah Arington, Jeb Arington (Lauren), Nicole Shisler (Allen), Leah Arington, Samuel Arington, Sydney Arington, Carson Arington and seven great-grandchildren as well as, numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members. The family would also like to thank special friend, Pat Mandler for her love and care to the family. Cecil was a Korean War veteran who served with the US Army 76th

AAA Gun Battalion, he worked many years as a self-employed carpenter and retired as the Facility Development Manager at East Alabama Medical Center in 1994. He was a loving husband and father and will be dearly missed. His infectious smile and humble spirit always brightened those around him. Visitation was Monday, Oct. 21, 2019 in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home from 10 to 11 a.m. Funeral services followed in the Chapel at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home at 11 a.m. Reverend Michael Adkins officiated. Burial was at Garden Hills Cemetery immediately following the service. The family had a private repass after the graveside service.

lice officer for the Opelika police department for 21 years, and was an expert marksman, having won many shooting competions. A wing of the new Opelika Police Department was dedicated in his honor on September 27, 2019. Earl spent his life dedicated to helping those in need through his 30 years of work with the Opelika Exchange Club. He was devoted to serving his country, including 4 years in the Navy during WWII and 31 years combined with the Army Reserves and the Alabama National Guard. In 1990, he was called to return to service for the Alabama National Guard during Desert Storm Operations and at age 67 proudly served his county again. There was no stopping this celebrated man from serving his country and hometown. Earl took great joy in helping start the school Safety Patrol Program, and in 1958 he escorted the Safety Patrol to Washington D.C and continued to

do so until 1966. Earl was responsible for too many accomplishments to list, but was proud that the USS Alabama sits today in Battleship Park thanks to his efforts and Former Gov. George Wallace. Earl is survived by his daughter Angela Kesner, Granddaughter’s Andrea Pooley and Tanya (Steve) Reese, his Great Grandchildren Joshua Edgerton, Jessica Reese, Kaitlin Willis, Erika Reese, and Steven Reese, and two great-greatgranddaughters Breanna Willis and Arianna Willis (unborn); and many beloved nephews and nieces. In lieu of flowers in his honor; please make donations to the First United Methodist Church and the Opelika Exchange Club in support of the Opelika Little League. Viewing was at the Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home Oct. 20 from 4 to 6 p.m. and the funeral services were at First United Methodist Church Oct. 21 at 2 p.m. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home directed.

Foshee; second wife, Betty Foshee, and son Jimmy Foshee. He is survived by his sons, John S. Foshee and wife Tammy, Jason Foshee and wife Michelle, and Justin Foshee; daughter, Melanie Dawn Thomas and husband (Holt); 5 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren; sister, Margaret

McGar; brothers, Wayne Foshee and wife Azalea, and Freddie Foshee. Visitation was Oct. 17, in the Parlor at FrederickDean Funeral Home Parlor A funeral service was held in the Chapel Oct. 18, at 11 a.m. Pastor Kim McGar officiated. Interment followed at Garden Hills Cemetery.

Sandra D. Barber Sandra D. Barber left this world on October 11, 2019. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She is survived by a loving husband of 29 years, Michael Barber; three children: Rhonda and Diana Williams, Lisa and Tom Bremer, Michael and Jenifer Clark; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews . She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Inez Williams; two brothers, Billy and Henry C. Williams; and her sister, Shirley Rawls.

Don Hansana Don Hansana, 76, of Opelika passed away at his home on Friday, October 11, 2019. Born in Vientiane, Laos, Don moved his family to Alabama in 1980 in order to provide a better life for his wife and children. Never one to sit still, he could always be found working on a home project, tending his garden, or enjoying a little fishing. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He is survived by his wife, Thene Hansana; children, Mott Hansana (Lat), Olay Hansana (Ashley), and Lemon Hansana ·(Bina); grandchildren, Eric Hansana, Ali Hansana, and Sahil Hansana. He also leaves behind many extended family and friends. All services were held at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home, located at 1500 Frederick Road, Opelika. Visitation was Oct. 18, 2019 from 4 to 6 p.m. A traditional Lao Buddhist service was held Oct. 19, 2019 at 1 p.m.

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n the second half of 2 Corinthians 3, Paul continues to refer to Moses as he speaks to the Corinthians. It seems likely that the false teachers opposing Paul were overemphasizing Moses and the law and underemphasizing the covenant brought by Jesus. This would explain why Paul continues on the Moses track as he contrasts the fading glory of Moses’ ministry with the “surpassing glory” (v. 10) of “that which lasts” (v. 11). Strictly speaking, Paul is not arguing the new covenant’s superiority to the old—that’s assumed. He’s building on that assumption by pointing out the greater glory of the superior covenant.

Opelika

amily &

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

this was what Paul used as his basis for speaking about Christ in the synagogue). Remember, it wasn’t what they were reading but how they were reading that made the difference. When they internalized the message and allowed the Spirit to write on their hearts it led to life and freedom (v. 17). When the message wasn’t, it led to death (see 4:3-4

Church calendar

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

ANGLICAN Anglican Church of the Good Shepherd 2312 Center Drive Unit D #758-6749 ASSEMBLY OF GOD Bridge Church 1000 Lee Road 263, Cusseta #742-0144 AME Mount Zion AME Church West Point Hwy #749-3916 St. Luke AME Church 1308 Auburn St. #749-1690 St. Paul AME Church 713 Powledge Ave. #745-6279 Thompson Chapel AME Zion 187 Columbus Pkwy #749-8676 BAPTIST Abundant Life Baptist Church 1220 Fox Run Ave. Suite B #7064421464 Airview Baptist Church 2301 Airport Rd. #745-6670 Antioch Baptist Church 605 W. East Morton Ave #742-0696 Bethesda Baptist Church 201 S. 4th St. #745-7528 Bethel Baptist Church Hwy. 29 Sasser Rd #745-4865 Central Baptist Church 1611 2nd Ave. #745-2482 Community Baptist Church 154 N. 16th St. #745-6552 Cornerstone Missionary Baptist 500 N. Railroad Ave. #742-2008 Eastview Baptist Church 1208 Spring Dr #749-9595 Farmville Baptist Church 3607 Alabama Hwy N. #887-7361 First Baptist Church of Opelika

Oct. 23, 2019

eligion

I can only imagine

He sees Moses’ veiling himself as preventing Israel from seeing the truth of the covenant’s diminishing glory—and that a similar veil remained over Israel in his time when the Torah (Moses) was read and Christ wasn’t seen in it (v. 1415). This goes back to his discussion in the first part of the chapter about how the covenant brought by Moses had remained an external letter to them rather than being internalized and leading to life. In the same way, most of Israel in Paul’s day was doing the same thing. But not all! “Whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away” (v. 16). Even if they were reading the Torah! (After all,

• Pepperell Baptist’s youth program meets on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 7 p.m. This is an evening of prayer, Bible Study and discussion. For more information, contact youth and children’s pastor Ryno Jones at 334-745-3108. • Oct. 25 - Trinity Presbyterian Church will host a “Reformation Weekend” event on Oct. 25 to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. For more information, call 334-745-4889 or visit www.tpcopelika.org. The church is located at 1010 India Road. • Nov. 3 - First Baptist Church of Opelika is sponsoring a 7-on-7 soccer tournament Nov. 3 from 1 to 7 p.m. at the Opelika

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SportsPlex. Registration is free and can be filled out on cupofnations.net/ auburn. The deadline to register is Oct. 23. • Nov. 10 - The David Phelps Family Band has rescheduled their performance at First Baptist Church of Opelika. The concert begins at 6 p.m. For more information, call 334-745-5715. The church is located at 301 S. 8th St. • Nov. 17 - Lakeview Baptist Church will host Dr. Danny Akin for a “Doctrine of Christ Seminar” Nov. 17. For more information, call 334-8877094. Events can be emailed to the Observer at editor@opelikaobserver. com.

314 S. 9th St. #745-6143 First Baptist Church 301 S. 8th St. #745-5715 First Baptist Church Impact 709 Avenue E #741-0624 First Freewill Baptist Church 103 19th St. #703-3333 Friendship Missionary Baptist 432 Maple Avenue #742-0105 Greater Peace Baptist Church 650 Jeter Ave. #749-9487 Heritage Baptist Church 1103 Glenn St. #363-8943 High Hope Baptist Church 227 Lee Road 673 Liberty Baptist Church 2701 West Point Pkwy #749-9632 Love Freewill Baptist Church 1113 Frederick Ave. #745-2905 Ridge Grove Missionary Baptist Church 1098 Lee Road 155 #334-745-3600 Northside Baptist Church 3001 Lafayette Hwy #745-5340 Pepperell Baptist Church 2702 2nd Ave. #745-3108 Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Uniroyal Rd #749-2773 Providence Baptist Church 2807 Lee Rd 166 #745-0807 Purpose Baptist Church 3211 Waverly Pkwy #704-0302 St. James Baptist Church 1335 Auburn St. #745-3224 Union Grove Missionary Baptist 908 Huguley Rd #741-7770 BUDDHIST Buddha Heart Village 3170 Sandhill Rd. #821-7238

where Paul speaks of his gospel being veiled). Paul goes on to say that with our “unveiled faces” (i.e., hearts and minds open to the Spirit), we are able to “contemplate the Lord’s glory” (v. 18). With our hearts open in such a manner, the Spirit is able to write on them in regard to “the Lord’s glory.” In other words, we see God and Jesus in ways we never imagined as unbelievers. And this should continue throughout our life. As this happens, all of us (not just a single person like Moses), find ourselves “being transformed into His image with ever increasing glory” (v. 18). While the glory associated with Moses was

diminishing, the glory associated with Jesus is “ever-increasing” (v. 18). The closer we come to God the more we reflect His glory. This says something powerful and needed about our life in the wilderness. The Lord is with us in an intimate way—revealing His glory and transforming our lives into His image. Environment is not omnipotent— God is! In the midst of whatever we face, as we live with hearts open and minds alert, we are able to see the Lord’s glory and experience His lifechanging grace. You can find more of Bruce’s writings at his website: atasteofgracewithbrucegreen.com.

Fall church activities in the Auburn-Opelika area Oct. 27 - Trunk or Treat at Beulah United Methodist Church at 4 p.m. C.S.T. Oct. 27 - First United Methodist Church of Opelika will host its annual fall festival Oct. 27 from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at 2506 Oak Bowery Road. The event will include bingo, face painting, inflatables and Mrs. Story’s hot dogs. Oct. 30 - Trunk or Treat at Pepperell Baptist Church will take place on Oct. 30 from 5 to 7 p.m. The community is invited to attend. For more information, call 334-745-3108. The church is located at 2702 2nd Ave. Oct. 30 - Trinity United Methodist Church Fall Festival from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The event will include inflatables, trunk-or-treat and more. Oct. 30 - Tenth Street Church of Christ will host its annual Trunk or Treat event beginning at 7 p.m.

CATHOLIC St. Mary’s Catholic Church 1000 4th Ave. #749-8359 CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ 2215 Marvyn Pkwy #742-9721 10th Street Church of Christ 500 N. 10th St. #745-5181 Southside Church of Christ 405 Carver Ave. #745-6015 Church of Christ 2660 Cunningham Drive CHURCH OF GOD Airview Church of God 3015 Old Opelika Rd #749-9112 Church of God 114 17th Place #7496432 Tabernacle Church of God 3 Oak Court #745-7979 CHURCH OF NAZARENE Opelika Church of Nazarene 1500 Bruce Ave. #749-1302 EPISCOPAL Emmanuel Episcopal Church 800 1st Ave. #745-2054 HOLINESS Eastside Emmanuel Holiness Church 86 Lee Road 186 Opelika, Ala. 36804 JEWISH Beth Shalom Congregation 134 S. Cary Dr. #826-1050 LATTERDAY SAINTS Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints 510 Groce St. #742-9981 METHODIST First United Methodist Church of Opelika 702 Avenue A #745-7604 Hopewell United Methodist 1993 Lee Rd 136 #745-0460 Pierce Chapel United Methodist

8685 AL Hwy. 51 #749-4469 Pepperell United Methodist 200 26th St. #745-9334 Trinity United Methodist Church 800 Second Ave. #745-2632 Wesley Memorial United Methodist 2506 Marvyn Pkwy #745-2841 PENTECOSTAL Full Gospel Pentecostal Church Hwy. 29, PO Box 1691 #741-8675 Gateway Community Church 2715 Frederick Rd #745-6926 PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian Church of Opelika 900 2nd Ave. #745-3421 Trinity Presbyterian Church 1010 India Rd #745-4889 SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST Outreach Seventh-Day Adventist 1808 S. Long St. #749-3151 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Apostolic Holiness Church 610 Canton St. #749-6759 Auburn Opelika Korean Church 1800 Rocky Brook Rd #749-5386 Beauregard Full Gospel Revival 2089 Lee Road 42 #745-0455 Christ Church International 1311 2nd Ave. #745-0832 Church of the Harvest 2520 Society Hill Rd #745-2247 Church at Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy #705-0505 East Congregation of Jehovah Witnesses 1250 McCoy St. #737-1488 Emmanuel Temple of Deliverance 207 S. Railroad Ave. #745-6430 Faith Alliance Church 3211 Waverly Pkwy #749-9516 Faith Christian Center 600 S. 8th St. Faith Church 3920 Marvyn Pkwy #707-3922 Family Life Christian Center

601 S. 7th St. #741-7013 Father’s House Christian Fellowship 214 Morris Ave. #749-1070 Fellowship Bible Church 2202 Hamilton Rd #749-1445 Ferguson Chapel Church 310 S. 4th St. #745-2913 First Assembly of God Church 510 Simmons St. #749-3722 Garden of Gethsemane Fellowship 915 Old Columbus Rd #745-2686 Grace Heritage Church Opelika #559-0846 Holy Deliverance Church 831 S. Railroad #749-5682 Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 1250 McCoy St. #737-1488 Living Way Ministries 1100 Old Columbus Rd #749-6241 Move of God Fellowship Church 1119 Old Columbus Rd #741-1006 Connect Church 2900 Waverly Pkwy #749-3916 New Life Christian Center 2051 West Point Pkwy #741-7373 New Life Independent Church 10 Meadowview Estates Trailer 741-9001 Opelika’s First Seventh Day 2011 Columbus Pkwy #737-3222 Power of Praise, Inc. Church 3811 Marvyn Pkwy #745-6136 Shady Grove Christian Church West Point Hwy #745-7770

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

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

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A14 Oct. 23, 2019

Community Calendar: Events around town

• Oct. 24 - 4 p.m. - East Alabama Board of Realtors Ribbon Cutting and Business after Hours • Nov. 5 - 10 a.m. - State Farm Insurance – Eric McDade • Nov. 7 - 5 to 7 p.m. - CenterState Bank - Business After Hours

Ongoing: • Village Friends/Village Values is a nonprofit organization that supports seniors who prefer to stay in their own homes as they grow older. For info or to schedule a presentation to your group, call 334-2094641. For the website, Google “village friends village values.” • The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR chapter is appealing for sweaters, jackets, trousers, shirts and socks, women’s clothing, soft soap in individual containers, shaving supplies, disposable razors, denture cleanser, toothpaste and toothbrushes, DVDs, games, books and magazines to take to veterans at the CAVHCS in Tuskegee. The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR Chapter regularly visits veterans living in assisted living, the homeless domiciliary and psych (trauma) ward in Tuskegee. Donations are tax deductible and will be much appreciated. Pick up is provided. Please call Linda Shabo at 8876659 or at 256-3071449. Mondays: • The Lee County Voters League meets the first Mondays of the month at 6 p.m.

at Bethesda Baptist Church located at 201 S. 4th St. Opelika • The John Powell American Legion Post 18 and Auxiliary meets the third Monday of every month at 7 p.m. at 910 West Point Parkway in Opelika. • The Opelika Community Band practices from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Auburn High School band room. Everyone is welcome, amateurs and professionals alike. • The Touched by Suicide Support Group meets the first Monday of every month at 5:30 p.m. at the East Alabama Medical Center Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway. For more information, contact Deborah Owen, EAMC’s director of Psychiatric Services at deborahowen@ eamc.org. • The fourth Monday of each month, a community grief support group meets from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center. No reservations are necessary; everyone is welcome. For more information, call 8261899 or 502-0216. • T.O.P.S (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly), a weight loss support group, meets every Monday from 5:30 to

7 p.m. at the Covington Recreation Center, 213 Carver Ave., Opelika. For more info contact Mary Johnson, 749-1584. • The Lee County Commission meets the second and last Mondays of each month at the courthouse beginning at 5 p.m. • The Commercial Horticulture Extension Team organizes webinars to provide quick updates for producers on various topics of interest. Whether you are interested in the proper way to plant fruit trees or have questions in turf management, these webinars cover a wide range of subjects. Webinars are streamed live via Panopto on the last Monday of every month starting in January and ending in November. During the presentation, participants can send questions via email. The webinars also are recorded and stored in the archive on the Beginning Farmer website. Webinar topics include: trap cropping for reducing squash insect pests, cowpea curculio updates, nutsedge control, introduction to potting mixes in ornamental container production, dealing with drought in com-

mercial horticulture crops and many more. To view the full schedule, please visit www.aces.edu/anr/ beginningfarms/webinars.php. Please send questions during the presentations to Ann Chambliss, thameae@ auburn.edu. For questions regarding the webinar series or for providing suggestions, please email Dr. Ayanava Majumdar at bugdoctor@ auburn.edu. Tuesdays: • Ballroom Dance Classes at the Opelika SportsPlex from 7 to 8 p.m. every Tuesday. Instructor is Cody Wayne Foote. For more info, call Diane at 749-6320. • The East Alabama Old Car Club meets every first Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Monarch Estates Clubhouse, located at 1550 East University Drive, Auburn. A program of interest to the old car enthusiast is presented. Car ownership is not required. • The Opelika City Council meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 7 p.m. Meetings are preceded by nonvoting work sessions that typically begin between 6 and 6:45 p.m. • Every second Tuesday, a country, gospel and bluegrass music jam session is held at Pierce Chapel United Methodist Church in Beauregard. The event is free and open to the public. Those who play an instrument should bring it and plan to join in. The jam session is held from 6 to 8 p.m. 8685 Alabama Highway 51. • A Grief Support Group meets at Oak Bowery United Methodist Church Tuesdays at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. for anyone

Upcoming Events • Oct. 22 at 5 p.m. - Kids eat for 99 cents at Niffer’s • Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. - Brains and Brews Trivia at Red Clay Brewing • Oct. 23 at 5 p.m. - Burger Night with half-pounder burgers and a side for $6.99 at Niffer’s • Oct.23 at 5 p.m. - Wine Down Wednesday at The Bottling Plant Event Center • Oct. 23 at 6 p.m. - Pints and Paints at Red Clay Brewing • Oct. 24 - Build your own burger and side starting at $5 at La Cantina • Oct. 24 at 5:30 p.m. Taste of

N’awlins at The Bottling Plant Event Center • Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. - Trivia Night at Niffers • Oct. 24 and 25 from 5:30 - 7:30 - Halloween Enchanted Forest at the Kreher Preserve and Nature Center • Oct. 25 - Fright Nights at the Arboretum. “Hocus Pocus” at 6:30 p.m. | “The Craft” at 8:30 p.m. • Oct. 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. - Tour de Fright at the Opelika SportsPlex. Parents and children 12 and younger are invited to take a ride on the haunted walking trail!

• Oct. 25 at 9 p.m. - The Mix Tape at The Corner Bar • Oct. 25 at 8:30 p.m. Kudzu Voodoo at Eighth & Rail • Oct. 26 - Free Comic Book Day at Almost Anything • Oct. 26 and 27 - Sidewalk Record Sale at 10,000 Hz • Oct. 28 at 8 p.m. - Open Mic Night at Irish Bred Pub • Oct. 28 at 6 p.m. - Halloweentown Movie at the Plex • Oct. 29 at 5:30 p.m. - Fall Festival and Children’s Carnival at the Opelika SportsPlex. For childrem 12 and younger. • Oct. 29 at 5 p.m.

- Kids eat for 99 cents at Niffer’s • Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. - Brains and Brews Trivia at Red Clay Brewing • Oct. 30 at 5 p.m. - Wine Down Wednesday at The Bottling Plant Event Center • Oct. 31 from 6 to 8 p.m. - Fall Festival Trunk or Treat at SUSCC • Oct. 31 from 5 to 8 p.m.- City of Opelika Trick or Treating • Oct. 31 -Downtown Auburn Trick or Treating from 6 to 8 p.m. • Oct. 31 at 7 p.m. - Trivia Night at Niffer’s.

dealing with the pain of loss and feeling the need for support on their journey as they attempt to bring order and wholeness back into their life. Attendance and participation is strictly voluntary for any and all sessions. There are no fees or charges involved. The church is located on U.S. Highway 431 – eight miles north from Southern Union State Community College and Opelika High School. For more information, contact Bill Parker at 459-0214 or 706-5189122. • The Auburn Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol meets every Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Auburn University Regional Airport. The Civil Air Patrol is a nonprofit organization that is Congressionally chartered to be the civilian auxiliary of the Air Force and focuses on three missions: aerospace education, cadet programs and emergency services. For more information visit www.auburncap. org or find the organization on Facebook. • East Alabama Gem & Mineral Society meets the fourth Tuesday of every month at 5:45 p.m. Meetings are held at the Covington Rec. Center, located at 213 Carver Ave. in Opelika. Wednesdays: • The second Wednesday of each month, a Community Grief Support Group meets from 10 to 11 a.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center. No reservations are necessary. For more info call 8261899 or 502-0216. • The John Powell American Legion Post 18 and Auxiliary hosts Bingo every

Wednesday at 6 p.m. • Every Wednesday is Wine Down Wednesday at the Bottling Plant Event Center from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursdays: • American Legion Auxiliary Unit 152 meets the first Thursday of every month at 11 a.m. at Niffer’s Place, 917 S. Railroad Ave. in Opelika. • The Teal Magnolias Gynecological Cancer Support Group meets the second Thursday of every third month at 6 p.m. at EAMC Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway. For more information on the Teal Magnolias, email tealmagnoliasAL@ yahoo.com or find them on Facebook. • Opelika-Auburn Newcomers’ Club provides a variety of programs for the betterment of the Auburn/Opelika community to assist women transitioning into the area or to help women adjust to recent lifestyle changes. The club meets on the third Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. for a luncheon at various local restaurants. Please call or email Cheri Paradice at 334-737-5215 or cheri.paradice@ gmail.com for more information or luncheon location of the month. • T.O.U.C.H. Cancer Support Group meets the third Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. at EAMC’s Health Resource Center. This is a support group for people living with any type of cancer or their families and friends. Call 334-528-1076 for more information. Email editor@opelikaobserver.com to place your community events.

F.O.P. Lodge #21 hosting ‘Toys for Tots’ program during month of November Special to the Opelika Observer

F.O.P Lodge #21 is hosting a Toys for Tots program. People can register between 4:30 and 7 p.m. on Nov. 4, 6, 7, 12 and 13 at 1307 Saugahatchee Lake Road in Opelika. The applicants will need to bring the following documents at the time of registration: children’s birth certificates, proof of residency, stateissued picture ID or

passport and courtissued guardianship papers if the applicant is not the children’s parent. The child/ children must be between the ages of 2 and 9 years old. If the children are currently on another Christmas program list or if they have been on the F.O.P. Lodge #21’s program for three of the past five years, they will not be eligible for the program. For more information, call 334-7377110.

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Crowds fill Opelika’s downtown for Opelika Main Street’s ‘On the Tracks’ event Saturday Photos by Robert Noles/ Opelika Observer Opelika Main Street’s 26th “On The Tracks” event was held in downtown Opelika last week. Guests enjoyed food and beverage samples through a tour of many of downtown’s businesses. “We get a lot of out-of-town visitors that come to this event, and it’s a great economic driver for our community for local small businesses to get big exposure to a large crowd,” said Opelika Main Street Director Ken Ward.

‘Think Pink Walk’ held Saturday at Opelika’s Spencer Cancer Center

Guilt-Free Screen Time Schedule your breast screening today. eamc.org/mammo

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

A16 Oct. 23, 2019

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COMICS

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

Opelika Schools & Sports Inside • opelika schools • lee county schools • community sports

Friday’s Football Schedule

Opelika v. Vigor @ 7 p.m. Beauregard at Tallassee @ 7 p.m. Beulah at Pike Road @ 7 p.m. Smiths Station at Prattville @ 7 p.m.

Alexandria Holloway named Beauregard High School’s homecoming queen on Friday night

On the Mark By D. Mark Mitchell

Opelika secures Region 3 title Friday

he Opelika High School football team (7-1 overall, 5-0 in region play) beat Stanhope Elmore 38-14 at FosheeHenderson Stadium in Millbrook last Friday, earning the Bulldogs the Region 3 Championship. OHS has won or tied for the region championship each year since 2014 when the 7A classification was formed. The Mustangs took an early lead when linebacker Anthony Toby intercepted a Opelika pass and returned it 42 yards for a touchdown fewer than four minutes into the game. The PAT was good, giving Stanhope Elmore a 7-0 lead. Opelika answered, with Brody Davis throwing a 28-yard TD

pass to Jamius Mitchell. Baker Rowton added the PAT, tying the game at 7-7. The Opelika defense would not allow Stanhope Elmore to run the football and establish anything offensively. Opelika added another TD after Brody Davis ran 52 yards down to the Stanhope 2-yard line. Erik Watts scored on the next play, plunging in from two yards out. Rowton added the PAT for a 14-7 lead. Place kicker Marshall Meyers extended the Bulldog lead by kicking a 41yard field goal in the second quarter 17-7 at halftime. The Bulldogs continued to control the game in the See Sports, page B5

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer The Beauregard High School Homecoming Court was announced last week. The homecoming winner, Alexandria Holloway, was announced at halftime of Beauregard’s game Friday night v. Carroll on Richard L. Brown Field. The following young ladies were chosen by their fellow classmates as this year’s Homecoming Court representatives: Holloway, Tamarrah Bryant, Angela Rivera, Erica-Lee Harman, Minka Isom, MacKenzie Musgrave, Jada Capes, Ansli McDonald and Miracle Prickett.

Hornets soar over Eagles By Rick Lanier Opelika Observer

Last Friday night, alumni from Beauregard High School classes of 1980, 2000 and 2010 filled Hornet Stadium to celebrate their 40, 20

and 10-year homecoming reunions, respectively. They came to reminisce with Hornets from years past, to watch the pageantry of this year’s homecoming celebration and to cheer on their foot-

ball team for their final home game of the 2019 season. After an auspicious start, the Hornets would not disappoint, as they totally dominated the game to snap their eightgame losing streak

and easily handle the Carroll (Ozark) Eagles 46-22. On the Hornet’s first possession, quarterback Cason Blackmon scrambled to his right under

See Beauregard, page B5

Dadeville puts clamps Opelika native, Morris Avenue student wins national vegetable-growing competition earlier this month on Beulah’s offense, Bobcats lose 35 - 14 Special to the Opelika Observer

By Morgan Bryce Editor Beulah extended its losing streak to four games during Friday’s difficult 35-14 loss to region foe Dadeville. The first half got off to a promising

start, with Beulah scoring early on a 10-yard Jaquavion Johnson run, which was set up on a nearly 40-yard gallop by senior running back Chris Person. Later in the first quarter, Beulah

quarterback Kolt Abney connected with Quay Moreland for a 25-yard TD pass to extend their lead to two touchdowns. The ensuing two-point conversion was unsuccessful. See Beulah, page B5

Morris Avenue Intermediate School third-grader Shelby Morgan was selected as the Alabama state winner of the National Bonnie Plants Cabbage Program earlier this month, winning a $1,000 scholarship. This year, more than

See Morgan , page B3

Morgan

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B2 Oct. 23, 2019

Beauregard earns first win of 2019 season over Carroll

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.

Senior wide receiver Omar Holloway was selected as the Opelika High School Player of the Week. In Friday’s 38-14 win at Stanhope Elmore, he hauled in five receptions for 72 yards and a touchdown.

IT’S THE OPELIKA WAY.

GO DAWGS! #myOpelika • #beOpelika www.opelika-al.gov

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

2018 observer

Beulah Player of the Week

Beauregard Player of the Week Donquavious Moreland was selected as the Beulah Player of the Week. In Friday’s 35-14 home loss to Dadeville, he rushed 11 times for 49 yards and caught three passes for 38 yards and a touchdown.

Junior linebacker Cameron Hodges was selected as the Beauregard Player of the Week. In Friday’s 46-22 homecoming win over Carroll, he returned a fumble for a touchdown to help spark his team’s rout of the Eagles and earn their first win of the season.

of the

Week Congratulations from

Lee Co. Revenue Commissioner Oline Price Opelika 215 S. 9th St. Opelika 334-737-3655

Smiths Station 2366 LR 430 Ste. 140 Smiths Station 334-664-0296

Auburn 1266 Mall Pkwy Auburn 334-737-7298

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B3 Oct. 23, 2019

Tips in helping ‘The Discouraged Learner’

Beth Pinyerd

he best lesson I learned as a young secondgrade teacher happened to me late on a Friday afternoon back in 1980. I “thought” I knew the teaching methods I had learned in college that would encourage any young students to do well in all their subjects. I was hung up with new teaching techniques, bulletin boards with the latest fads and theories of teaching in different ways. But, as I graded the last spelling test

for that week, I slowly wrote a failing grade on the student’s paper. I sat at my desk feeling defeated in realizing that half my class had failed their third week of spelling tests. What was I as a teacher doing wrong? I was so discouraged! As I started preparing my backpack to go home with a heavy heart, I heard the clicking of little feet coming down the hall toward my classroom. I went to the door to meet the student.

came over to me and gave me a big hug and thanked me for spending time with her and understanding her. As this little girl traveled through her journey with cancer, she shared her progress with her friends in our class that year. We made each step of her recovery a celebration! The lesson I learned as a young teacher was that it wasn’t the material things that teach students, but it is the heart of the teacher and the time spent with each student that makes a class succeed. This little girl truly snapped me out of discouragement for my class. She had given me back my hope! Even though I had a large class, I knew the Lord would redeem my instructional strategy as we regrouped and pushed the reset button. Because the first report card for many of our local schools has recently come out,

I wanted to share a few tips I hope will be helpful for students and families. When a child is having a hard time learning, have understanding and empathy. 1) Take time to talk to your child. As a teacher, I deeply appreciate when parents want to meet with me in a conference and share anything that may affect their child’s learning. Parents and teachers are a team in the education of a child. 2) Break assignments down step-by-step. For example, divide a spelling list of words to learn day-by-day. This can be applied to other subjects as well until the child is able to master the assignment. Praise them while being positive and specific with them. Being their enthusiastic cheerleader is the encouragement the child may need. 3) Have your child focus on the big pic-

ture of learning. When we are discouraged in trying to learn and master a subject that is difficult, we develop a narrow tunnel vision in trying to get from Point A to Point B. Point out examples of things that apply to what they are learning. For example, people that may be heroes to them such as sports’ figures, scientists, explorers, singers, actors/actresses or historical figures who overcame discouragement and learning disorders will encourage a child. 4) Share happiness and joy when a child may be discouraged. When I work and tutor students one-on-one, I find that laughter and a sense of humor overrides the tensions of discouragement and enlightens the child to want to learn. I hope these few common sense tips help to reset the button of discouragement to encouragement!

Childhood Civility

aper is rolled out over school lunch room tables. Easels, sketchbooks, stilllife drawing props and various other studio necessities are arranged before the school bell rings. The beginning and end of my week is marked this way. After the bell, excitement fills the halls, and there is a rush as students descend into the lunchroom eager to engage in the creative process. They bring with them stories of their day. Some tell of exciting events, and express their anticipation of the upcoming holiday, while others harbor somber sentiments regarding

disheartening experiences that had befallen them. Just last week, I greeted my class and presented the question, “please tell me something interesting that you have experienced this week.” The prevalent topic was, of course, Halloween, fall festivals and candy. Amid the joyful chatter, another approached me and explained, “Ms. Sarah, someone said that my artwork wasn’t good…” After consoling this student with compassion, and thoughtful advice, I encouraged everyone to gather around for a group conversation. The conversation began as I asked each

Morgan, from B1

classrooms whose teachers have signed up for the program online at www.bonnieplants.com. If nurtured and cared for, kids can cultivate, nurture and grow giant cabbages, some much bigger than a basketball, tipping the scales, at more than 40 pounds. “The Bonnie Plants Cabbage Program is a wonderful way to engage children’s interest in agriculture, while teaching them not only the basics of gardening, but the importance of our food systems and growing our own,” said Bonnie Plants CEO Stan Cope. “This unique, innovative program exposes children to agriculture and demonstrates, through hands-on experience, where food comes from. The program also affords our youth with some valuable life lessons

one million third graders in the 48 contiguous state got hands-on gardening experience, growing colossal cabbages with high hopes to win “best-in-state” and receive a $1,000 scholarship towards education from Bonnie Plants. Morgan was one of 15,641 students statewide to participate, and her prizewinning cabbage was randomly selected by representatives from the Alabama Department of Agriculture. Each year, Bonnie Plants, the largest producer of vegetable and herb plants in North America with 70-plus greenhouse facilities across the country, trucks free O.S. Cross, or “oversized” cabbage plants to third-grade

I was so surprised to realize it was one of my female students who had been absent for several weeks because of chemotherapy to treat her fast-spreading leukemia. She said to me, “Mrs. Pinyerd, I want to take my spelling test.” At 4 p.m. on a Friday afternoon, this little girl had come to take her weekly spelling test after having chemotherapy in Atlanta all day! As I looked at her frail little body, with white chalky medicine on her lips, a nice little Sunday dress, a white knit hat to cover her little head because chemotherapy had caused her hair to fall out, and black shiny Sunday shoes, she laid down her spelling paper. Holding her pencil, she trembled but was determined to take her weekly spelling test. As she finished writing the last spelling word and I graded it, I wrote 100 with smiling faces all over her paper! She

student a series of questions, “how do you define art, and what does art mean to you?” I encouraged each young artist to think before answering. I also impressed upon them the importance of civility and how we might encourage it by practicing civility through conversation spoken mindfully. Each student reverently waited their turn to answer and contribute to this discussion. I grew aware that our talk continued well into our brush painting exercise. No one seemed to mind. At the end of our class, students had not only achieved drawing and beauti-

in nurture, nature, responsibility, selfconfidence and accomplishment. We’re certainly extremely proud of Shelby (Morgan) ... and we are grateful to have the opportunity to provide our youth with this enjoyable and

fully painted studies; they had grown to understand their fellow classmates better. Through art they practiced civility, and mindfully considered diverse reactions to art and ways that they might react compassionately to others too, even when art might be misunderstood. Sarah West serves the Opelika Observer as a contributing columnist, with written works of Cultural Arts relevance and prose. She is a preservation and conservation advocate, activist and visual artist of American Illustration with a focus on regional narrative painting. She is the founder of the

enriching opportunity and engage their interest in the art and joy of gardening.” For more information about the company, visit www. bonnieplants.com. It is located at 1727 Alabama Highway 223.

By Sarah West Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, a center for cultural art in Smiths Station and Alabama’s premier fine-arts destination. She is the appointed Official Artist to the city of Smiths Station, a Lee County syndicated columnist and the director of her art center’s Cultural Arts Outreach Initiative, which partners

with local schools to make the arts accessible to all. She also serves a chief curator to the City of Smiths Station’s City Hall Art Galleries. She is a founding member of the Smith Station Historic Commission. She is a member of the Women’s Philanthropy Board- Cary Center, Auburn University College of Human Science. She is an elected member of the Society of Illustrators-NYC. She mentors art students of every age through weekly classes at her studio located in the heart of Smiths Station. To learn more about her work and activism visit, www. thesarahwestgalleryoffineart.com.

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Call 1-619-332-4014 or email cancerAL@breakinginjurynews.com FREE SCREENING for breathing problems

1 OUT OF 10 ELDERLY PERSONS AND ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES ARE BEING:

Looking Ahead.

Abused, Neglected or Exploited

We share with our neighbors a common goal—the health, education and well-being of people statewide.

If you suspect this is happening to someone you know, please report it to Adult Protective Services by contacting your local DHR office or calling the

ADULT ABUSE HOTLINE at 1-800-458-7214

HELP STOP THE ABUSE

IF YOU SEE IT, REPORT IT

Poarch provides over 9,000 jobs to Alabamians, pays millions in state taxes each year, and makes charitable contributions reaching nearly $9 million annually. We are proud to be a partner in Alabama’s progress. ALABAMA NATIVES. ALABAMA NEIGHBORS. PoarchNeighbors.com pci-nsn.gov

Thereʼs no excuse for

ELDER ABUSE

“This project was supported by Subgrant #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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B4 Oct. 23, 2019

SUSCC’s Shondae Brown completes policy fellowship program Special to the Opelika Observer Shondae Brown, Southern Union State Community College’s public relations director, was among 14 Alabama and 13 Mississippi community college administrators who recently completed the Community College Policy Fellowship Program. The Community College Policy Fellowship Program is a 10-month professional development program sponsored by the Mississippi Community College Board and the Alabama Community College System and directed by Tyson Elbert of AdvocacyBuild, LLC. The curriculum focuses on four national program

pillars: policy, leadership, networking and advocacy. Comparative elements of both state systems are highlighted throughout the program year as well. The CPFP cohort met throughout the academic year to discuss state and national policies on education and to determine successful ways to advocate on behalf of Alabama and Mississippi college students. The fellowship program culminated with a trip to Washington D.C., for the Washington Advocacy Seminar, enabling the cohort to meet with education policymakers. The 2019 Mississippi and Alabama CPFP cohorts focused on three policy issues/

requests: (1) Protection of the Federal Pell Grant program, particularly max-Pell and the Pell surplus. Fellows will also request that students be able to use Pell for short-term certificate programs. (2) Secondchance Pell, specifically the passage of the REAL Act, which currently has bipartisan support. (3) New funding commitments ($150 million) for the Strengthening Community College Training Grants (SCCTG) to build on the success of the Department of Labor’s Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training Grants (TAACCCT) program. While in Washington, D.C., the Fellows

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer Pictured with Brown (center) are Boone Kinard, director of government relations for the Alabama Community College System (left) and Tyson Elbert (right). met with every member of Mississippi and Alabama’s congressional delegations. They also visited the

Association of Community College Trustees, the American Association of Community Colleges, the

American Enterprise Institute, the Center for American Progress and the Vera Institute of Justice.

Alan Hinds to be OLLI at Auburn’s featured speaker on Oct. 30 Special to the Opelika Observer Alan Hinds will present The Battle of Mobile Bay for OLLI’s Alabama Bicentennial Lunch and Lecture Series on Oct. 30. The Battle of Mobile Bay occurred late in the war in August 1864. It pitted two of America’s most distinguished admirals in a dramatic duel between fleet and fortress. There was the clash of ironclads against wooden vessels, the perils of mines and of a naval squadron battling a fleet despite

being outgunned 6 to 1. There was great seamanship and classic mistakes. It included both high heroism and great chivalry. For Civil War historians, the Battle of Mobile Bay represents much more than the determined cry, “Damn the Torpedoes! Full Speed Ahead.” For Alabamians, it is the state’s most significant battle of the war. Through his battle charts and narrative, Hinds stair-steps the audience through each crucial stage of the battle. Hinds grew up in Mobile and moved

to Lee County five years ago after 35 years in Indiana. A former president of the Indianapolis Civil War Roundtable, he has given his presentation to history groups in Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Ann Arbor and Purdue and DePaul universities. He has also participated in the General Lew Wallace Museum lecture series. Hinds is an Auburn University graduate and holds an MBA degree from the University of South Florida. After retiring as a captain in the Air Force, he worked in corporate human

resources, served on his city’s council and later taught business at a community college. He has been active in OLLI since 2015. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Auburn University (OLLI at Auburn) hosts its Alabama Bicentennial Brown Bag Lunch and Lecture Series from 11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts and Humanities, also known as Pebble Hill, which is located at 101 S. Debardeleben St. in Auburn. Lunch begins at

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11:45 a.m. and participants should bring their own meal. Coffee, tea and water will be provided. The program begins at 12:15 p.m. The series is made possible by a grant from the Alabama Bicentennial Commission and is cosponsored by the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts and Humanities. The program is open to the public at no charge. OLLI at Auburn is a program of the Office of the Vice President for University Outreach at Auburn University. OLLI’s

administrative offices and select classes are located at the historic Sunny Slope property located at 1031 S. College St. For more information regarding this event or to learn about becoming a volunteer faculty member, volunteer service assistant or sponsor, call Shawnee McKee, OLLI Administrative Support, at 334-8443146 email at olli@ auburn.edu or visit www.olliatauburn.org, call administrative support at 334-8443146, olli@auburn. edu or visit www. olliatauburn.org.

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B5 Oct. 23, 2019

The Oaks middle school, varsity teams conclude successful seasons last week Special to the Opelika Observer

The Oaks Middle School team won their last game against the Lafayette Cougars of LaGrange 24-12. After a harrowing few moments when Oaks QB J. D. Dallas went down with a broken femur early in the first quarter, Jagger Scott filled the quarterback spot going 7-for-11 passing with only one interception. Keaton Murphy was his main target, pulling in two receptions of his four targets for 31 yards. Jayden

Beauregard, from B1 pressure and threw a floater that was picked off by the Eagle’s safety on the Hornet’s 42yard line. Three plays later, the Eagles found pay dirt over right tackle to take a 7-0 lead. However, on the Hornet’s next possession, Blackmon marched the Hornets down field in quick fashion. On 2nd-and-7, Blackmon took the snap, stood up and fired a laser to the speedy Jaion Goodson on a slant, who took it 19 yards for the score. The point-after try was no good as Beauregard closed the gap to 7-6. On Carroll’s first possession of the second quarter, Hornet defensive end

Beulah, from B1 Dadeville came roaring back, as Tiger quarterback Lane Smith completed two passes for TDs to give his team a 14-12 halftime advantage. Early in the third quarter, a Dadeville three-and-out on offense led to a punt. However, the snap went above the punter’s head and

McKee had two catches as well, contributing 88 yards and one touchdown. McKee also had two carries for 106 yards and two touchdowns. Noah Childree also added 57 yards and a touchdown on five carries. Defensively, The Oaks was led by Noah Childree, who finished with with 19 tackles and a fumble recovery. Younger brother Landon had 13 tackles and a fumble recovery. Scott had nine tackles, two forced fumbles and a quarterback hurry. Murphy had

six tackles, two sacks and three quarterback hurries while McKee added nine tackles. Varsity The Oaks Varsity squad had a rough night at Harvester’s homecoming game Friday. With more than 200 yards deleted by penalties, the Oaks lost 34-8 in Douglasville, Georgia in their last regular season game. Senior Jaxxon Scott went 9-for-20 passing with three interceptions for the night. Scott connected with senior Lane Starling

three times for 55 yards. Ryan Decker pulled down the only touchdown on a seven-yard jump ball. Decker also had 71 yards returning three punts and Starling also had a stellar 40-yard punt return. Scott had 139 yards on 11 carries and led The Oaks defensively with 11 tackles, one caused fumble and one fumble recovery. Starling had eight tackles, a deflection and a fumble recovery. Daniel Adams had seven tackles, caused a fumble and had a quarterback hurry.

K.J. Malloy made a jarring tackle on an Eagle running back, forcing a fumble that was scooped up by Hornet’s linebacker Cameron Hodges who raced 60 yards for another Beauregard score to make the score 13-7 – the Hornets never looked back from there. Late in the second quarter, Blackmon again rolled to his right under pressure, but this time, he found Hornet receiver Tyler Gordon in the back of the end zone for a 36-yard touchdown to give Beauregard a 20-7 lead. By the end of the first half, Beauregard had rushed for 93 yards, passed for 102 more, scored 20 points and held their opponent to seven points. The second half proved to be more

of the same. Carroll took the kickoff and was driving deep into Beauregard territory when the Eagles quarterback fumbled and Justin Smith pounced on it to put the Hornets back in business. Eight plays later, running back Ashton Moss took the hand-off, jumpcut to his left and scored on an 11yard scamper to put the Hornets ahead 26-7. After a three-andout defensive stand by the Hornets, they put together an impressive 10-play drive capped off by Blackmon’s oneyard quarterback sneak. Hodges raced around right end for a successful twopoint conversion and Beauregard’s lead was stretched to 34-7. As Coach Rob Carter began mak-

ing wholesale substitutions on both sides of the ball, the Beauregard faithful might have caught a glimpse of the future when quarterback Kyan Malloy entered the game and scored on runs of 39 and 33 yards on consecutive possessions. “It was a great win and to win it like we did. I’m just so happy for those kids who worked their tails off every day. We told them to keep working, good things are coming and they never gave up,” Carter said. Beauregard travels to Tallassee High School to take on the Tallassee Tigers on Oct. 25 for their final game of the season. Tiger Stadium is located at 502 Barnett Blvd. in Tallassee. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

out of the endzone for a safety, tying the game 14-14. That was the last bit of momentum Beulah would sniff in the second half, however. Fewer than six minutes later, Smith added his third TD of the night, giving Dadeville a 21-14 lead, which they would carry into the fourth quarter. Turnovers and an inability to stop a potent Dadeville offense saw the Tigers

score two more touchdowns to salt away the Bobcats. Offensively, Beulah finished with 273 yards of total offense, with 218 coming on the ground. Person led with 98 yards on 15 carries, followed by Moreland’s 49 yards and Johnson’s 39. Abney completed 6-of-17 passes for 55 yards and a touchdown to go with two interceptions. Defensively, Jacob Sellers led the Bobcats

with six tackles (one for a loss). Jeremy Conway and Andruw Coxwell racked up five tackles each. Austin Billingsley maintained a 32.5 yards-per-punt average on four punts. With the loss, Beulah falls to 3-5 overall, 1-5 in region play. The road does not get easier for the Bobcats, who will travel to take on the undefeated Patriots of Pike Road this Friday night. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

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Sports, from B1 second half, adding three scores in the third quarter to end any thought of a Mustangs’ comeback. Omar Holloway caught a 58-yard TD pass from Davis, Mitchell added his second TD on a 2-yard run and Zack Collins scored the last points on a 43-yard TD run. Rowton added all three PATs. Stanhope scored a TD with 11 minutes left in the game on an 11-yard run. The two teams used the running game the rest of the game in order to keep the clock running. SENIOR NIGHT The Bulldogs host the Vigor Wolves (4-4) Friday at Bulldog Stadium in the last regular season game. Opelika will celebrate “Senior night” prior to the 7 p.m. kickoff. Opelika recognizes seniors in the band, on the football team and cheerleaders. Vigor enters the game on a two-game losing streak with losses to Faith Academy and Citronelle. The Wolves also lost to Blount and Jackson. Vigor defeated Wilcox Central, Satsuma, Murphy and LeFlore. Vigor has scored 148 points while yielding 135 points. Compare that to Opelika’s 239 points scored and 136 points allowed. The Wolves are in Class 5A and both teams have no common opponents. Vigor played for the 5A State Championship last year but this year’s team is totally different. Look for Opelika to honor the seniors with a good win and finish with an 8-1 regular season record heading into the playoffs. The Bulldogs have an open week prior to hosting a first-round playoff game on Nov. 1. VOLLEYBALL Opelika Volleyball team (12-7) played in area tournament Tuesday night in Alexander City at Benjamin Russell High School, but no results were available at press time. The Lady Bulldogs play Russell County at 4:30 p.m. The winner

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advances to play Benjamin Russell in the finals. The top-two teams advance to the state playoffs. CROSS COUNTRY Opelika’s cross country teams ran in the “Auburn Tiger Classic” last weekend at Keisel Park. The girls were led by sophomore Breckin Gould’s fifth-place finish, with a time of 20:03.80. Opelika’s Chas Brewer (freshman) 26th-place finish was the highest for the boys. OPELIKA PARKS & REC CONSIDERING OFFERING BASEBALL LEAGUE FOR TRAVEL TEAMS The Opelika Parks and Recreation is considering having a 13 to 15-year-old baseball league for travel teams or anyone wanting to put a team in the league. The league is similar to Dixie Boys but teams will pay a “league-entry fee” to participate in the league which plays its games during the week. Those interested can contact D.Mark Mitchell at foxonthemark@yahoo.com, Melissa Martin at mmartin@opelika-al.gov or by calling 334-705-5560. FRESHMAN TEAM The Opelika freshman football team defeated Valley 27-22 in Valley Monday night. The Bulldogs started the scoring, setting up the TD with a pass to George Meyers covering 40 yards. Kaden Cooper scored a rushing touchdown the next play. Meyers added the PAT to help Opelika lead 7-0. Opelika scored two more TD’s on runs for Meyers and Cooper. They extended the lead to 21-6. The Freshman Dawgs scored another TD in the second half while the Rams added two scores. J.C. Perry was named defensive player of game, Cooper earned offensive award. The win ended the Freshman team’s season at 6-2 D. Mark Mitchell is sports director for iHeart Media, Alabama Dixie Boys State Director and vice president of the A-O Sports Council.

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B6 Oct. 23, 2019

pelika O Observer

Opelika volleyball sweeps Valley 3-0 to end regular season last week

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer The Opelika High School varsity team ended its regular season with a 3-0 season sweep of the Valley Rams. Coach April Roberts recognized the following seniors on her Lady Bulldogs squad, pictured left: Molly Randolph (#21), Kayla Fourtenbary (#11), Raeden Gagliano (#18), Mia Counts (#8), Claire Worth (#3) and Gabby Cannady (#12). Finishing with a 12-7 record, they advanced to the area tournament at Benjamin Russell Tuesday, where they will play Russell County. Results were not available at press time.

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NIFFERS AT THE TRACKS (917 S. RAILROAD AVE, OPELIKA) (Free to all veterans and their families)

VETERANS DAY SERVICES • 10 A.M.

CITY HALL • PUBLIC INVITED “Veterans: Why We Serve - Past, Present and Future” Army Colonel Richard Pelham & USMC Colonel Chris Richie

VETERANS RECEPTION • 11:30 A.M.

MUSEUM OF EAST ALABAMA (121 S. 9TH STREET, OPELIKA) MILITARY DISPLAYS & REFRESHMENTS

B8 Oct. 23, 2019

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and to our community partners for making Habitat around the Heart silent auction & dinner our largest fundraiser of the year. You helped us raise more than $60,000 dollars which is 25% above the proceeds received from last year. Together we build homes, community & hope. As we complete home #67 & #68 in Opelika, with your help, we prepare to build home #69, #70 & #71 in Auburn. Our partner families work hard to volunteer 500 hours, save a down payment, complete home owner and financial management classes & make a nonprofit mortgage payment that is recycled to build more homes. Thank you all, Auburn Opelika Habitat for Humanity Board

Judy & Jay Jones Matt & Becca Jones Aaron & Madeleine Friend All Anonymous Donors!

Thank you to all our community partners who contributed to make our silent auction a big success.

Thank you to The New Blossom Shop for the beautiful floral arrangements.

For more information visit Auburn Opelika Habitat for Humanity on Facebook or www.auburnopelikahabitat.org

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B9 Oct. 23, 2019

AUBURN-ALABAMA FOOD FIGHT ‘Beat Bama Food Drive’ continues Special to the Opelika Observer

Another food fight is under way as the annual “Beat Bama Food Drive” kicked off on Oct. 1 and running through Nov. 21. For the last 25 years, Auburn University and the University of Alabama have competed with each other prior to the Iron Bowl to see who could raise the most food for their local food bank. It began as a relatively small-scale event, but has become one of the largest food drives in the state. Last year,

Alabama took the win with 309,194 pounds of donated foods compared to Auburn’s 255,916 pounds. This year’s competition promises to be fierce as Auburn fights to bring in the win for the Plains and Tuscaloosa attempts to hold on to it. The winner and final results will be announced at the Auburn-Alabama game on Nov. 30. Donated food will be used to help the Food Bank’s senior programs, soup kitchens, emergency food pantries, missions and rehabilitation centers

that are served by the Food Bank of East Alabama and the West Alabama Food Bank. The competition is primarily a studentorganized activity but is strongly supported by the local community, with food drives at many local businesses and public schools. Also, a number of local grocery stores help to facilitate community donations by allowing the food bank to place barrels in the store lobby during the food drive. Following are collection barrel locations: Auburn - CSL Plasma

- Earth Fare - Food Bank of East Alabama - Kroger - Winn Dixie - Numerous locations on Auburn University’s campus Lanett -Kroger Opelika - Community Market - Marriott Hotel - Tiger Town Kroger and - Winn Dixie. For a list of updated barrel locations, visit www.foodbankofeastalabama.com and click on “News & Events.” The food bank is located at 375 Industry Drive.

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OLLI to host reading by Michael Martone on Oct. 25, workshop on Oct. 26 Special to the Opelika Observer Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Auburn University (OLLI at Auburn) will host a reading by one of Alabama’s most inventive and prolific writers, Michael Martone, professor of creative writing at the University of Alabama on Oct. 25 at 5 p.m. The reading will be held in the café at the Jule Collins Smith

Museum of Fine Art, located at 901 S. College St. A reception and book signing will immediately follow at the historic Sunny Slope, home to OLLI at Auburn, located at 1031 S. College St. Auburn University Bookstore will be present to sell books. The reading and reception are free and open to the public. Martone was born and grew up in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He attended

Butler University and graduated from Indiana University. He holds the MA from The Writing Seminars of The Johns Hopkins University. He has published 25 books and has appeared in a multitude of journals around the country. Best known as a shortstory writer, he has also published prose poetry, memoirs and essays, including two volumes of nonfiction writing about the Midwest.

In addition to the reading, Martone will lead a writing workshop on Oct. 26 at Sunny Slope from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Coffee, tea and pastries will be available beginning at 8:30 a.m. While the Friday reading is free and open to the public, the Saturday workshop will be $25 for OLLI members and $50 for non-members. Seating in the workshop is limited. Go to the OLLI

website www.auburn. edu/outreach/olliatauburn/ to register for the workshop. The reading is one of three free programs OLLI is offering the community to celebrate 30 years of lifelong learning at Auburn University. OLLI at Auburn was founded as AUALL in 1990 and became Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Auburn University when it received an endowment grant

from the Osher Foundation in 2010. This series will continue in February 2020 when OLLI at Auburn will present a reading and workshop by Georgia writer Janisse Ray, followed in April by Alabama writer and Auburn University alumna Margaret Renkl. The series is made possible by the Alice M. Leahy Memorial endowment and a grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts.

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B10 Oct. 23, 2019

Senators Jones, Alexander propose major reforms to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Special to the Opelika Observer

Sens. Doug Jones (D-Ala.) and Senator Lamar Alexander (RTenn.) have announced legislation that would make long-overdue reforms to the lengthy and often intimidating process of applying for federal student aid to help pay for college. Their bipartisan proposal was included in a broader package of higher education reforms introduced by Senator Alexander called the Student Aid

Improvement Act of 2019. The senators’ proposal would reduce the number of questions on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) from 108 to between 17-30. The FAFSA process determines what financial aid a student is eligible for, including loans, grants and work-study opportunities, in addition to some colleges using it to determine scholarship recipients. The proposal would not impact the FAFSA

application for the upcoming 2020-2021 school year, which was available Oct 1. “Aside from college applications, this may be the most important form a student and their family complete before heading off to school. As a father with three children who went to college, I know firsthand how difficult and frustrating this form can be. It’s no wonder so many students who might qualify for aid are intimidated from even applying. With

the reforms Senator Alexander and I are proposing, we hope to fundamentally change this process and make it easier for future students to access funding that will make their dream of attaining a degree possible,” Jones said. “There are 20 million families, including 400,000 in Tennessee, that fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, every year. Tennessee’s former Gov. Bill Haslam told me it’s the single

biggest impediment to more students enrolling in Tennessee Promise, our state’s free, two-year college program,” Alexander said. “After five years of bipartisan work, it’s time for Congress to finally make it easier for those families to apply for federal financial aid by simplifying the 108-question FAFSA to just 17-30 questions,” said Senator Alexander, Senate HELP Committee Chairman. Last year, Alabama high school gradu-

ates left $57.5 million in federal aid dollars on the table by not submitting a FAFSA application. According to Alabama Possible, only 49.9% of students completed the form. Jones’ state offices will once again host FAFSA workshops throughout the state for constituents who have questions about how to fill out the form. Details about those events will be announced at a later date.

‘Tipoff at Toomer’s’ held last Thursday in downtown Auburn

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Photos by Todd Van Emst/Auburn Athletics On Thursday, fewer than seven months after Auburn’s historic March Madness run, Toomer’s Corner was once again full of Tiger basketball fans. They weren’t rolling the trees this time, though. They were watching basketball on the corner of College and Magnolia as a part of the inaugural Tipoff at Toomer’s event. Members of the men’s and women’s teams participated in three-point shootouts, 3-on-3 tournament and dunk contest. “This took a lot of work. A lot of resources to try to have a really fun experience celebrating Toomer’s Corner. This is a place we celebrate right here in the center of town. We’ve had so many great celebrations here after wins, we just thought let’s tip the season off here with all of our friends and family,” said Coach Bruce Pearl.

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pelika O Observer

B11 Oct. 23, 2019

HAAS Corporation donates $15k to Southern Unionâ€™s technical division Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer Darrin Pruitt of HAAS Corporation presented Southern Union State Community College President Todd Shackett with a $15,000 donation to aid with equipment and material purchases and scholarships for the collegeâ€™s technical division. Pruitt and Shackett are flanked by students in the industrial maintenance program, along with Technical Division Dean Darin Baldwin and instructor Alvin McCormick (far left).

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B12 Oct. 23, 2019

PUBLIC NOTICES IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MABLE G. THOMAS, DECEASED. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 17th day of September, 2019, 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. GLORIA ANN THOMAS Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 10/09/19, 10/16/19 & 10/23/19

IN RE THE ESTATE OF: DORIS LEE ADAMS, Deceased. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO. 2019-B-243 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 30th day of September, 2019, by Hon. Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. SANDRA N. SMITH Executrix Legal Run 10/09/19, 10/16/19 & 10/23/19

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF JERRY E. MEARS, DECEASED. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Billy Edward Mears, as Executor of the Estate of Jerry E. Mears, deceased, on the 2nd day of October, 2019, 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. Billy Edward Mears, Executor Of the Estate of Jerry E. Mears, Deceased Marrell J. McNeal, Attorney at Law, PC PO Box 308 Opelika, AL 36803 334-7457033 Legal Run 10/09/19, 10/16/19 & 10/23/19

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA - FAMILY COURT DIVISION: JUVENILE A.N.S. (DOB: 12/01/2004) JU-2014-025.04 NOTICE OF PETITION & SERVICE BY PUBLICATION TO: The unknown father, of A.N.S. bom at Grady Health System, Atlanta, GA on 12/01/2004 to Susan Nicole Stafford and later adopted by S.S. The legal Custody of A.N.S. was vested with Lee County DHR on 03/01/2018. The unknown father must answer the Petition to Terminate his parental rights within 14 days from the last date of Publication of this notice with the Court Clerk located at 2311 Gateway Dr, Opelika, AL 36801 or a final judgment may be rendered in Case JU2014-025.04 terminating his parental rights and placing said child for adoption. Mary Roberson, CIRCUIT CLERK Hon. Margaret A. Mayfield Attorney for Lee County DHR P.O, Box 809, Opelika, AL 36803 (334)745-0333 Legal Run 10/02/19, 10/09/19, 10/16/19 & 10/23/19

Notice to Contractors Federal Aid Project No. TAPAA-TA17 (922) City of OPELIKA, LEE COUNTY, Alabama Sealed bids will be received by the City of Opelika at

204 S. 7th Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 2p.m., 12, November 2019, and at that time publicly opened for constructing the following: PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS ON CARVER AVE, FROM HARPER PLACE TO CLANTON STR., ON CLANTON STR, FROM CARVER AVE TO THE END OF THE PROJECT LIMITS, SIDEWALKS, CURB and DRIVES. The bracket estimate on this project is from $150,000 to 300,000. This bracket range is shown only to provide general financial information to contractors and bonding companies concerning the project’s complexity and size. This bracket should not be used in preparing a bid, nor will this bracket have any bearing on the decision to award the contract. The principal items of work are approximately as follows: clearing; pavement and concrete demolition; earthwork; Storm structures; Erosion control measures; Traffic control measures; sidewalk and driveways. The entire project shall be complete in 60 working days. To be eligible for considerations, bids must be submitted on complete original proposals made available by the owner. Bid documents (including plans and proposals) are available at 700 Fox Trail Road Opelika, Alabama 36803. No bid documents will be distributed later than 24 hours prior to the scheduled opening of bids. A cashier’s check (drawn on an Alabama bank) or bid bond for 5% of the amount bid (maximum of $50,000.00) and made payable to the City of Opelika must accompany each bid as evidence of good faith. It is not required that a contractor be licensed in order to submit a bid; however, prior to award of a contract, proper proof of all applicable licensures must be provided by the Contractor. Proof of insurance coverage of the types and amounts as set forth in the project specifications will be required of the contractor, and any and all subcontractors, prior to beginning work. The contractor will be required to perform work amounting to at least 30% of the total contract cost with his own organization. Contractor prequalification is not required to bid on this project. However, the award of the contract will not be made to any bidder who, at the time of the award, is considered by the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) to be disqualified from bidding, nor to any bidder who is an affiliate of or has a corporate officer, director, or principal owner who is a corporate officer, director, or owner of, another person who is presently disqualified by ALDOT. Further details and definitions regarding this provision are included in Section 102 of Special Provision 18-LPA3. This is a Federally Funded project through ALDOT. The proposed work shall be performed in conformity with the rules and regulations for carrying out the Federal Highway Act and other acts amendatory, supplementary, or relative thereto. This project is subject to the contract work hours and safety standards act and its implementing regulations. MBE/DBE participation is encouraged; however, no specific MBE/ DBE goals have been established for this project. Minimum wage rates for this project have been pre-determined by the Secretary of Labor and are set forth in the advertised specifications. In accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 78 STAT. 252, 42 U.S.C. 2000D to 2000D-4 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, Part 21, nondiscrimination in Federally-Assisted programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such act, all bidders are hereby notified that if will be affirmatively ensured that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, minority business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in consideration for an award. The right to reject any or all

bids is reserved. Honorable Gary Fuller Mayor Legal Run 10/09/19, 10/16/19, 10/23/19 & 10/30/19

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT - ESTATE OF WILLIAM R. GILLILAND A/K/A WILLIAM ROY GILLILAND, JR COURT OF PROBATE Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 4th day of October, 2019, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Witness my hand, and dated this the 4th day of October, 2019. MARTHA D. GILLILAND Legal Run 10/09/19, 10/16/19 & 10/23/19

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT - ESTATE OF NORMA JEAN PARKER KISER COURT OF PROBATE Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 4th day of October, 2019, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Witness my hand, and dated this the 4th day of October, 2019. MICHAEL HARTWELL KISER CATHERINE HELEN KISER Legal Run 10/09/19, 10/16/19 & 10/23/19

INVITATION TO BID 20002 Sealed bids for the construction of the Geneva Street Improvements shall be received at the Opelika City Hall Conference Room, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m., local time on Tuesday November 12, 2019, and then publicly opened and read aloud. All interested parties are invited to attend. Only bids from competent general contractors will be considered. At the time of contract award, the successful bidder must be a properly licensed general contractor. The attention of all bidders is called to the provisions of State law governing “General Contractors” as set forth in the Ala. Code §34-8-1, et.seq. (1975) and rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto. Bidders must be licensed by the Licensing Board for General Contractors when bids are submitted. Bidders are required to have a State of Alabama General Contractor’s License with a specialty of “Highways and Streets, Clearing and Grubbing, Earthwork, Erosion, Site Work, Grading or Municipal and Utility”. All bidders must submit with their proposal, contractor’s license number and a copy of the license. State law Ala. Code §34-8-8(b) requires all bids to be rejected which do not contain the contractor’s current license number. Evidence of this license shall be documented on the outside of the sealed bid. All bidders shall possess all other licenses and/or permits required by applicable law, rule or regulation for the performance of the work. Drawings and Specifications may be examined at the Office of the City Engineer located at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama, and phone number: 334-705-5450. Bid documents may be obtained from the Office of the City Engineer at no charge as an electronic file if the bidder supplies a storage drive or as an email attachment or electronic drop box. The bidder’s proposal must be submitted on the complete original proposal furnished to him/her by the City of Opelika. All information in the proposal must be completed by the bidder for the proposal to be accepted. A Bid Bond in the amount

of five (5) percent of the bid amount made payable to the City of Opelika must accompany each bid. Performance and Payment Bonds for the full contract sum will be required of the successful bidder. The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids and to waive irregularities. Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to: Lillie Finley, Purchasing-Revenue Manager, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama, 36803-0390. Attn: Geneva Street Improvements LILLIE FINLEY- PURCHASING REVENUE MANAGER CITY OF OPELIKA 204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET (36801) POST OFFICE BOX 390 (36803-0390) OPELIKA, ALABAMA PH: (334) 705-5120 Legal Run 10/09/19, 10/16/19, 10/23/19 & 10/30/19

FORM OF ADVERTISEMENT FOR COMPLETION LEGAL NOTICE In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given that Whatley Construction, LLC Contractor, has completed the Contract for Construction for ALDOT Southeast Region District 66 Complex - Phase II, Salem, Alabama for the State of Alabama Department of Transportation, Owner, and have made request for final settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in corUlection with this project should immediately notify Robinson and Associates Architecture, Inc., 906 South Perry Street, Montgomery, AL 36104, in writing. Whatley Construction, LLC 710 Fox Fun Parkway PO Box 137 Opelika, AL 36803 Legal Run 10/16/19, 10/23/19, 10/30/19 & 11/06/19

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF ) BELVIE JEAN CONRAD ) A/K/A BELVIE J. CONRAD, ) CASE NO.: 2019-C007 DECEASED. ) NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT TO BE PUBLISHED BY EXECUTOR Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to ROBERT J. CONRAD, JR., on the 7th day of October, 2019, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of Probate 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 Executor. Legal Run 10/16/19, 10/23/19 and 10/30/19

IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: JAMES HENRY TATE, Deceased. Case No.: 2019-0-010 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS OF TESTIMENTARY of said deceased having been granted to Derria Franks on the 9th day of October 2019 by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama. Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. DERRIA FRANKS Legal Run 10/16/19, 10/23/19 and 10/30/19

N THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION PETITION OF AKISSEA ARROYO CASE NO.: 2019-B-174 PUBLICATION NOTICE TO: Any potential unknown fathers, address unknown. Please take notice that a petition for adoption was

filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama by Akissea Arroyo on October 8, 2019, for the adoption of H.G.A. born on October 6, 2019 in Columbus, Georgia to Jasmine Symone Arroyo. A hearing has been set for the 18th day of December, 2019 at 10 o’clock am Central time in the Probate Court, Lee County Courthouse, 215 South 9lh Street, Opelika, AL 36801. Should you intend to contest this adoption you must file a written response with the attorney for the petitioner, Hon. Brett Smith, 369 S College Street, Auburn, AL 36830 and with the Clerk of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, as soon as possible but no later than thirty (30) days from the last day this notice is published, or appear on the date of the hearing as set above to contest said Petition. Dated on this the 9th day of October, 2019. Bill Patel HON. BILL ENGLISH JUDGE OF PROBATE LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Legal Run 10/16/19, 10/23/19, 10/30/19 & 11/06/19

MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain Mortgage executed by Mary Carlton Wilson-Hinson, a married woman (“Mortgagor”), in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for SouthPoint Bank (the “Mortgagee”), dated February 21, 2018, and recorded on February 22, 2018, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama in Mortgage Book 4369, Page 550 (the “Mortgage”). Said default continuing, notice is hereby given that the Mortgagee will, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in the Mortgage, offer for sale at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash during the legal hours of sale on November 6, 2019, at the main entrance to the Courthouse of Lee County, Alabama, the following described Real Property situated in Lee County, Alabama (the “Real Property”), to wit: Lots 11 and 12 Sunset Valley Subdivision, according to and as shown by that certain map or plat thereof of record in Town Plat Book 5, at Page 49, in Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama. The Real Property and improvements will be sold “as is, where is” and subject to any rights of redemption existing under federal law, the laws of the State of Alabama or otherwise. The sale is subject to ad valorem taxes. The sale is subject to any easements, encumbrances or other matters of record which take priority over the Mortgage. 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 sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said Mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The Mortgagee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the Real Property and, if it is the successful bidder, to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the Real Property. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. SouthPoint Bank Owner of Said Indebtedness MICHAEL B. ODOM McGLINCHEY STAFFORD PLLC 505 North 20 th Street, Suite 800 Birmingham, AL 35203 Telephone: (205) 725-6400 Attorney for Mortgagee Legal Run 10/16/19, 10/23/19 and 10/30/19

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

CASE NO.: 2019-B-176 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF WARREN S. MARTIN, DECEASED. NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that Letters testamentary of the Estate of WARREN S. MARTIN, deceased, having been granted to WENDY K. MARTIN on the 26th day of September, 2019, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama: Notice is hereby given that all persons having cliams against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Wendy K. Martin Legal Run 10/23, 10/30 & 11/06/19

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of William Glenn Ridgeway, deceased Probate Court Lee County Case No: 2019-B-239 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS TESTMENTARY of William Glenn Ridgeway deceased having been granted to Mary Susan Ridgeway Lovelace on the 10th day of October, 2019 , by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama. Notice is hereby given that all person having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Mary Susan Ridgeway Lovelace James M. Ivins, Attorney at Law 1408 Broad Street Phenix City, AL 36867 Legal Run 10/23, 10/30 & 11/06/19

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF JAMES WILLIAM CARROLL Deceased PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION of said deceased having been granted to Patricia Cook Carroll on the 11th day of October , 2019, 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. Patricia Cook Carroll Legal Run 10/23, 10/30 & 11/06/19

Notice of Sale of Abandoned Automobile Location of Sale Whitt’s Auto 461 Opelika Rd Ste a AUBURN, AL 36830 County -Lee Date and Time of Sale 12/4/2019 8:00 a.m. 2000 GMC Sierra C1500 1GTEK19TXYE104724 Legal Run 10/23/19 & 10/30/19

Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: Extra Space Storage 1242 North Dean Road. Auburn AL, 36830 on 11/11/2019 at 1:30 p.m. Mary Nolen Unit# 368 P.O. Box 1206 Auburn, AL, 36831 Dresser, desk, boxes, household items 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 10/23 & 10/30/19

See Notices, page B13

pelika O Observer Notices, from B12 194 Winterset Ln Notasulga,AL,36866 Many books, boxes, chairs, toys, sporting goods Mark Brumbeloe Unit #256 194 Winterset Ln Notasulga,AL,36866 Many books, boxes, chairs, toys, sporting goods Jordan Taylor Unit #N162 202 1/2 N 2nd St opelika,AL,36801 Totes, boxes, clothing, toddler toys and items Iris Mae Wallace Unit #D64 2102 Crestview St Opelika,AL,36801 Couches, Totes, clothing, small furniture Danielle Jolly Unit #E78 701 Baker Blvd Tuscumbia,AL,35674 Furniture, totes, clothing 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 10/23 & 10/30/19

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF LIZZIE PEARL MARSHALL, DECEASED PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION WITH THE WILL ANNEXD of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 11th day of September, 2019, by the Honorable Bill English, Probate Judge of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having cliams against said estate are hereby required to present

the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Christopher A. Thomlinson, Administrator Legal Run 10/23, 10/30 & 11/06/19

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF OTIS DEWITT ALSOBROOK, III, DECEASED LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Phillip E. Adams, Jr., as Personal Representative of the Estate of Otis Dewitt Alsobrook, III, deceased, on the 11th day of October, 2019, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against said Estate are hereby required to

present the same within the time allowed by law, or the same will be barred. Phillip E. Adams, Jr. /Personal Representative PREPARED BY: Blake L. Oliver Adams White & Oliver, LLP 205 S. 9th Street, P. O. Box 2069 Opelika, AL 36803-2069 (334) 745-6466 Legal Run 10/23, 10/30 & 11/06/19

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF JESSIE L. PINK GUARDIAN - CONSERVATOR’S FINAL SETTLEMENT AND RESTORIATION OF COMPETENCY NOTICE This day came Edward B. Raymon, as GuardianConservator of the estate of Jessie L. Pink, and filed his

B13 Oct. 23, 2019 account, vouchers, evidence and statements for Final Settlement of said Guardianship-Conservatorship estate and for Restoration of Competency. IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the 18th day of November, 2019, at 1:00 p.m., is appointed as the day on which to make such settlement and restoration, in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, at which time all persons interested can appear and contest same if they think proper. WITNESS my hand this 21st day of October, 2019. BILL ENGLISH JUDGE OF PROBATE Legal Run 10/23, 10/30 & 11/06/19

STATE OF ALABAMA IN THE PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY DOCKET NO. 2019-C-026 RE: ESTATE OF DENA

LEE BARNES, DECEASED: NOTICE OF PUBLICATION Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 18th day of October, 2019, 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. Diana Lou Barnes, Personal Representative Claud E. (Skip) McCoy, Jr., Esq. Attorney for Personal Representative Johnson, Caldwell & McCoy, LLC 117 North Lanier Avenue, Suite 201 Lanett, Alabama 36863 (334) 644-1171 Legal Run 10/23, 10/30 & 11/06/19

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pelika Observer O

B14 Oct. 23, 2019

Like crossword puzzles? Sudoku? Play online at www.opelikaobserver.com/puzzles/

This week’s Scramblers Answers: 1. Astute; 2. Tribal; 3. Varnish; 4. Closure - Today’s Word: BACHELORS

Even Exchange Answers 1. Kernal, Kennel 2. Beast, Feast 3. Summit, Submit 4. Puddle, Paddle 5. Reach, React

6.Whole, Whale 7. Gallon, Fallon 8. Apple, Ample 9. Shack, Shark 10.Oldest, Oddes

Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019

Inside the Statehouse Opelika City Council honors Rick Pate, Will Ainsworth, Jack Hawkins three employees for 25 years of service to the city W e have two men who were elected to statewide constitutional offices last year, who seem to be doing a good job. They are both working quietly and diligently in their new posts. Rick Pate was sworn in as the state’s Agriculture Commissioner in January. He followed John McMillan, who served eight years as Agriculture Commissioner. McMillan took a nonpolitical, hardworking, business-like approach. Pate seems to have taken a page from his friend McMillan and appears to have the same non-flamboyant, business-like approach to the job. Rick Pate is a lifetime farmer who seems to have been perfectly scripted for the role of Agriculture Commissioner of Alabama. My observation of Alabama politics is that Alabamians have a way of ascertaining who the real farmer is in the Ag Commission race. Even urban voters tend to select the man who is an agri-business man. Pate fits that bill as an agri-business man. He wants to do a good job as Commissioner of Agriculture and not appear to have his eye on a higher office or in other words, use the job as a stepping stone. He will more than likely serve two four-year terms managing this large and important department and retire to the farm. Rick Pate was born 62 years ago, and grew up working on his family’s cattle and poultry

By Steve Flowers operations in Lowndes County. With his roots in agriculture, it was a natural choice for him to attend Auburn University. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Ag and Horticulture from Auburn in 1978. Pate started and ran a successful landscape company in Montgomery for 36 years. However, he never left his beloved home in Lowndes County. In addition to landscaping, he has a purebred Charolais cattle operation. Rick was mayor of Lowndesboro for 14 years before being elected Agriculture Commissioner. He was on the Town Council for eight years prior to becoming mayor. He has been active in the state Republican Party for decades. Having grown up on a farm, running a business and serving as mayor of a small town, has given Pate a unique perspective to the office of Agriculture Commissioner. He has a genuine concern for the future of agriculture and the people of Alabama. Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth is a man with a different mission. Unlike Pate, he wants to and will seek higher office. In fact, if

Kay Ivey does not run for reelection in 2022, young Ainsworth will be a candidate for governor of Alabama, and my suggestion would be do not bet against him being elected governor. At 38 years old, Ainsworth is one of the youngest Lt. Governors in state history. He was born and raised in Albertville in picturesque Marshall County, to parents who were self- made financially successful folks. He attended Marshall County public schools and then went on to Auburn University. He graduated from Auburn with a degree in marketing. He owns and operates the Tennessee Valley Hunting and Fishing Expo which draws more than 20,000 attendees each year. Prior to entering public service, he worked as a youth pastor at Albertville’s Grace Baptist Church and was a co-founder of Dream Ranch, one of the premier hunting and fishing lodges in the United States. At age 33, he was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives where he served for one term from 2014 to 2018, prior to his election as Lt. Governor in November 2018. After a close Republican Primary victory, he won overwhelmingly in the General Election. He actually received the most votes of any candidate for constitutional office on the General Election ballot. See Flowers, page B16

Located in Historic Downtown Opelika

334-745-4618

By Michelle Key Publisher

Mayor Gary Fuller and the Opelika City Council recognized several employees for their service to the city during last Tuesday’s city council meeting, with three of those individuals having served for 25 years. Todd Angel and Ashley Harmon of the Opelika Fire Department, along with Marty Ogren from the Planning Department, were honored by the mayor and received pins of recognition. More than 20 other employees were recognized for their years of service ranging from five to 20 years. In other business, the council:

Photo submitted to the Observer • approved street closures for the Veteran’s Day celebration on Nov. 11 and for the Lee-Russell Council of Government’s Mardi Gras Walk/Run on Feb. 8, 2020 • approved changes in the city’s code of ordinances pertaining to game rooms and billiard rooms • approved an application from CyberZone Entertainment Center for a

wine and beer on-premise license • held a public hearing on and subsequently voted to approved the vacation of a right-of-way of 1.06 acres of a northerly portion of Waverly Parkway • held public hearings on and then later approved weed abatements for properties located at 514 Old Columbus Road and 1013 See Council, page B16

Lee County Commission approves reappointment of Goode Dorman to Board of Equalization during last Tuesday’s meeting By Morgan Bryce Editor Auburn resident Goode Dorman was unanimously reappointed to the Lee County Board of Equalization during last Tuesday’s Lee County Commission meeting. Dorman’s reappointment came on a recommendation from Lee County Revenue Commissioner Oline Price, who spoke of his consistent attendance to board meeting and his willingness to serve the public. “Mr. Dorman has served close to 10 years on the

Ogletree board and has been an excellent member. This is one of those boards where continuity is imperative and it is important to have people in place who are aware and know what they’re talking about,”

Price said. “It’s truly a labor of love.” According to a description on the county website, the board of equalization is “comprised of three See LCC, page B16

pelika O Observer

B16 Oct. 23, 2019

Report from Washington: What is Happening Behind the Closed Doors?

he big story in Washington right now is happening behind closed doors. House Democrats continue to conduct this sham of an impeachment in a manner that is not open to the public or the media. The only news every-day Americans are allowed to have is cherry picked by the radical Democrats and then filtered through the prism of the left-leaning media. Congressman Adam Schiff, Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, is leading the bogus witch hunt by holding secret partisan meetings and leaking it to “fake news” outlets. This is after he blatantly lied to Congress and the American people by reading a made-up transcript of the phone call between President Trump and Ukraine President Zelensky. This

is on top of covering up contact with the so-called whistleblower. I joined over 125 of my Republican colleagues on Rep. Andy Biggs’ resolution to censure Chairman Schiff’s dishonesty. As this one-sided, rigged sham of an inquiry continues, Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced she will not follow House precedent by holding an inquiry vote on the House floor. All of these dishonest actions clearly demonstrate that the Democratic majority will lie and break the rules to try and impeach our president. When the Democrats took majority of the House of Representatives this Congress, they promised to do the people’s work, but all they do is waste their time on a sham witch hunt.

It all boils down to this: President Trump was fairly elected by the American people and the Democrats just cannot accept it. They will stop at nothing to try to undo the 2016 election and it is a shame. I will continue to stand strongly with President Trump and fight House Democrats every step of the way. Please sign up for my e-Newsletter and the Rogers’ Roundup

Flowers, from B15

been observing lieutenant governors for over three decades, recently said, “Will Ainsworth has learned the rules and presided better than any lieutenant governor I can remember.” These same sentiments were echoed by other veteran state senators. Ainsworth has a bright future in Alabama politics. It also does not hurt that he hails from the vote-rich

and growth-centered Tennessee ValleyHuntsville metro area of the state. Troy University Chancellor Jack Hawkins, Jr. has recently celebrated 30 years as presiding officer of the Troy University System. He has done a yeoman’s job over those three decades. He has left an indelible legacy in Alabama higher education his-

Ainsworth has won the respect and admiration of many of the veteran state senators for his quick grasp of the intricate senate rules. He presides effectively and fairly. State Sen. Jabo Waggoner, (R-Vestavia), who has

by visiting my recently launched new custom website at:www.mikerogers.house.gov. To stay up to date, follow any or all of my social platforms as well. You can like my Facebook page at facebook. com/CongressmanMikeDRogers, follow me on Twitter and Instagram using the handle @RepMikeRogersAL and subscribe to my YouTube page by visiting youtube. com/MikeRogersAL03.

Kenneth and Georgia Aycock of Auburn visited with Rep. Mike Rogers at the “Mornings with Mike” event before touring the U.S. Capitol.

tory. He is the longest serving chancellor of a major university in not only Alabama but the entire nation. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www. steveflowers.us.

Duffy Stewart - REALTOR 1810 E. Glenn Ave. Suite 130 Auburn, AL 36830 Cell 334-444-8041 Office 334-826-1010 Fax 334-826-1049 duffystewartrealtor@gmail.com www.BHHSPreferredAuburn.com A member of the franchise system of BHH Affliates, LLC

LCC, from B15 citizens of Lee County” who hear concerns about the fair-market value of property. Sheriff Jay Jones brought Corrections Deputy Ashley Ogletree before the commission to speak about her contributions and recognize the vital role she plays with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. “We’ve got good people, but she’s one of the really good (people). She works hard every single day,” Jones said. “She represents all that is good with operations in law enforcement.” District 5 Commissioner Richard LaGrand Sr. clarified confusion on a topic from the previous meeting regarding the county’s stance on the public nature of Lee Road 3 near the intersection of Lee Road 188. He successfully made a motion to “reaffirm the public nature of Lee Road 3 despite the fact that the county does not maintain the southern portion of that road.” The commission also approved the signing of two Emergency Management Performance Grant Fund-

Council, from B15 Randolph St. • held public hearings and voted to approve the demolition of structures located at 509 First Ave. and 1113 Lake St. • read a resolution honoring J. Miles Thomas • approved the purchase of a 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe for the planning department • approved the purchase of Microsoft Software for the IT department • approved a refund of sewer assessment fees • approved a memorandum of understanding with East Alabama Health Care Authority for the Mobile Health Clinic • approved an amendment to the Carehere Management Services Agreement to provide telemedicine health services to eligible municipal employees • approved appropriation contracts for FY2020 for the following organizations: - Ala. Cooperative Extension for $12,500 - Christian Care Ministries for $2,500 - Valley Haven School for $2,000

This week’s puzzle answers:

ing Agreements totaling slightly more than $72,000 which was presented by Lee County EMA Director Kathy Carson. In other business, the commission: -approved a re-subdivision of parcel B-100 of the Corbett Property Division, located along Lee roads 250 and 379, on the recommendation of Lee County engineer Justin Hardee -approved a special event retail license for TwentyOne Acres, an event/ wedding venue based in Auburn - approved the minutes from the Sept. 30 meeting -approved the purchase of an advertisement within the biennial Business Alabama magazine -heard first readings for two openings on the Lee County Recreation Board - heard updates on the status of the county’s environmental services director John McDonald and -ratified and approved claims and procurement card transactions from September. The Lee County Commission meets on the second and last Tuesdays of each month at 5 p.m. in the commission chambers on the second floor of the courthouse annex. - EASE for $7,500 - Envision for $20,000 - J. W. Darden Foundation for $5,000 - Downtown Redevelopment Authority for $6,000 and - Domestic Violence Intervention Center for $4,000 • approved a special appropriation for Opelika Main Street for the Christmas in a Railroad Town event for $1,250 • approved an appropriation to the Opelika Industrial Development Authority for the amount of $125,000 • approved a resolution to waive the building permit fees for The Curtis House •voted to introduce and suspend the two reading rule for Ordinance No. 025-19 for amendments to the city’s Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual and then approved this ordinance • voted to approve Chris Duncan to the Special Care Facilities Financing Board for a term ending Nov. 12, 2025 • nominated and voted to approve Rev. James Smith Sr. to the Lee County Youth Development Board for a term ending Oct. 1, 2023.