Opelika Observer 05-06-2021 E-edition

Thursday, May 6, 2021

Vol. 13, No. 30

MAY 8, 2021

WWW.OPELi KA-AL.GOV

pelika Observer O

Opelika, Alabama Noon Tunes every Wednesday in May at Courthouse Square

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

Opelika boys track & field win AHSAA 6A State Championship PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY OPELIKA CITY SCHOOLS

The Opelika boys track & field team won the AHSAA 6A Outdoor State Championship in Gulf Shores, Florida last weekend. For the whole story, read D. Mark Mitchell's column on page B1

Local man uses CPR to save life

Free concerts return this summer with Summer Swing, Noon Tunes Contributed by Opelika Parks and Recreation

By Hannah Lester hlester@ opelikaobserver.com

Opelika Parks and Recreation is bringing its two outdoor concert series back this summer. Summer Swing and Noon Tunes will begin the first week in May. Both of these outdoor concerts are free and open to the public.

Summer Swing takes place every Tuesday night at Monkey Park. The series kicked off on May 4 and will run through Aug. 3.

Prior to each concert, Opelika’s miniature train, the Rocky Brook Rocket, will give free rides around the track beginning at 6:30 p.m. Music begins at 7 p.m. and will last an hour.

This year’s concerts will feature

There was prickling in the back of Jon Brasher’s mind.

Something was wrong.

Brasher was driving down the road, on his way to a Lowes, when he passed a truck driving erratically down the road. It eventually stopped in the middle of the road.

The driver of the truck ran from his seat, leaving the door ajar, to the passenger side.

A nagging thought — something’s not right here — passed through Brasher’s mind. But he kept driving.

“I couldn’t get that thought out of my head that ‘something bad is happening,’” he said.

He turned around and came back to the scene — the traffic light on Dean Road in front of Auburn Junior High.

a variety of musical acts including local favorites Route 66, Kidd Blue, Crossroads and Muse. The Elvis and Neil Diamond tribute artists are also voyaging to Opelika again this summer.

Outside food and beverages are allowed, but Laura Leigh Chesser, public relations coordinator for Opelika Parks and Recreation, suggests grabbing a hamburger or hotdog from the Opelika Band Boosters for

dinner.

“The band boosters run our concession stand for us during the concerts, and their hotdogs are so good they have inadvertently been branded as ‘Summer Swing hotdogs’,” said Chesser. “I’ve seen people who have to miss a concert to attend a ballgame or some other obligation, but they still swing by the park to grab a hotdog when See CONCERT, page A3

The driver was standing on the passenger side.

“I don’t know CPR,” Brasher heard the driver say to someone on the phone.

Now, to back the story up a little bit, Brasher had recently taken a CPR course with his son.

“My son was the one who wanted to take the course,” he said. “And I wanted to do something with him.”

The course, run

by Randy Boone of CarePoint, went over all the basics of CPR. It hadn’t come in handy for Brasher until he saw that truck.

“I looked in the truck and the guy in the passenger seat, who turned out to be the driver’s father, was laid back over the console and he was just limp,” Brasher said.

“And I said, ‘we’ve got to get him out on the

ground.’”

Brasher jumped into action.

“We got him down on the ground, and he was gasping, and his eyes were halfway open and he was dead,” he said.

Brasher started trying to rouse the man, with no response, so he started CPR compressions.

“I was just praying out loud, ‘Lord Jesus please don’t let this man die,’” he said.

An Auburn Police Officer arrived on the scene and began helping Brasher with CPR before EMTs arrived.

“They shocked him once and the machine started saying don’t shock, don’t shock,” Brasher said. “They weren’t seeing any signs of life but the machine was seeing it.”

See CPR, page A3

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

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

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY. . . . . A7

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

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

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

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

PUBLIC NOTICES. . . . . . . . . . . . B11

May 11 at 7 p.m.

Lee-Scott Academy will be performing Jazz, Swing Rock, Ballads and more.

A2 May 6, 2021

The Cup and Saucer expands with menu in The Well

By Hannah Lester hlester@ opelikaobserver.com

Well’s website. “She began at a home show, where she quickly sold out of her homemade bread, chicken salad and signature Mediterranean Chicken Pasta casserole. Encouraged by friends and a recent divorce, she began taking orders and jumped in with both feet.”

The Cup and Saucer, unlike many businesses, was actually able to open its second location during the coronavirus pandemic.

See THE WELL, page A3

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED TO THE OPELIKA OBSERVER

The Cup and Saucer took the healthiest items from its menu and joined The Well — collaborating to provide a space of health, inclusivity and wellbeing in Opelika.

The Cup and Saucer already had a base of operations, regular customers and a full menu when it joined The Well.

Lisa French opened

The Cup and Saucer in 2004 as a business that provides fully-prepared meals for sale, along with catering.

Originally, French began the business in her garage, providing prepared meals to the community.

“Wanting to be available to her children, [French] began to develop a business concept of providing healthy hand-prepared meals for families,” said the Cup and Saucer bio on The

Drive-Thru Victory Laps Against Cancer held last Friday night

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / OPELIKA OBSERVER

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A3 May 6, 2021

Ambulatory Surgery Center opens at EAMC-Lanier Contributed by EAMC Outpatient surgical services returned to EAMC-Lanier in Valley this week through a joint venture between EAMC and five physician shareholders. Known as the EAMC-Lanier Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC), the facility offers outpatient surgery for patients who meet specified ASC requirements.

The facility, which was renovated in 2020 after originally opening in 2010, houses four operating rooms, one procedure room, two recovery areas and a central sterile department. It also has a new C-arm radiographic machine with a vascular package that will assist physi-

THE WELL

>>

FROM A1

The main kitchen and market is located at 555 Opelika Road in Auburn, and the mini market at The Bodegas at Midtown is located at 1188 Opelika Road in Auburn.

French took a couple of the salads that Cup and Saucer offers, along with a whole 30 chicken salad and began selling them inside The Well, as a smaller, third location, either a sit-down or to-go lunch option.

The Well opened on

CPR

>>

FROM A1

The EMTS transported the victim to the hospital, who had a heartbeat at that point, and Brasher was left on the scene — shaken.

Brasher sent a text to Boone, who had taught him CPR: “I just did CPR on a man having a heart attack. I don’t know if he is going to make it.”

Boone and Brasher both attend Lakeview Baptist Church and had remained friends.

“I called Jon immediately to lend an ear and find out what the circumstances were,” Boone said.

“When he answered, you could still hear the nervous energy in his voice. He told me what happened ... as he described the situation, his voice began to crack with emotion and he said, ‘I didn’t realize I would respond this way.’

“I assured him that he had just seen

cians during certain surgeries. A new ultrasound machine has also been installed for tests and procedures.

To start, surgeons with the EAMC-Lanier ASC will focus on orthopedic, gastroenterology and general and vascular surgery procedures. Some examples include outpatient orthopedic procedures, colonoscopies, endoscopies, hernia repairs, gall bladder surgery and vascular surgery.

“Our priority at EAMC-Lanier ASC is to serve our surgical patients and their families in a convenient, comfortable and professional setting,” said Jimmy Norman, ASC administrator. “Our facility will complement the surgical offerings

at EAMC and maintain the same quality of care seen in a traditional hospital setting.

We will continuously evaluate and improve the quality and value of our services. We are excited about offering this service to patients in Chambers, Lee and other surrounding counties.”

There are eight surgeons practicing in the ASC, with each having one or two days dedicated to their outpatient procedures. Other physicians are actively being recruited to join the ASC with the hopes of expanding the specialties offered. The ASC is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. eastern time.

The physicians practicing at the

Avenue A in Opelika in 2021 and is a collection of businesses inside one inclusive space.

There are other art products for sale, such as prints, jewelry and clothes. But there is also food: donuts, salads, teas and lattes. And each business is owned or ran by women.

“I thought that it was such a neat and interesting concept to have a collaboration of a bunch of different, small, cottage-type vendors and we really weren’t in Opelika, or had an outlet to reach people in Opelika,” French said. “And I

just thought it would be a neat way to get our name in Opelika, but also, just to be a part of having that collaboration of women with businesses that they started.”

Only recently had Cup and Saucer been offering salads at its own location.

“We had so many people ask for, ‘I really want a good salad, we need a good place to get a good salad togo,’” French said.

The takeoff for The Well and for Cup and Saucer’s salads was almost overnight, she said.

“I had no idea that there would be such a demand for salads and our Whole 30 chicken salad and different lunch options,” French said.

The Well is located at 824 Ave. A, Opelika and is open: Monday: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Tuesdays - Thursday: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Friday - Saturday: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

This is the seventh in a series of articles on the different businesses that are located inside The Well.

and done something extraordinary and that we often are not prepared for how we might react. I reassured him that, based on what he shared with me, he and the other responders, had done everything needed to give the victim the best chance of survival that morning.”

Brasher said that in the moment he wasn’t even thinking about the situation or what he needed to do — he was just responding as needed.

“It didn’t hit me until later, like when I was driving away,” he said. “That’s when it suddenly becomes very real what had happened.”

Later — he contacted the victim’s employer to check on him, and see if he had lived. He was alive! The victim did need open heart surgery, however, but had lived, and was alert.

The officer who had arrived on scene shared the victim’s wife’s

number with Brasher.

“So I called her and talked with her for a while, and he was in surgery and she was waiting to hear how things were going,” he said.

They shared with Brasher that he was released from the hospital and was doing okay.

“Sudden cardiac arrest is more common than we would like to believe,” Boone said, who recommends taking a CPR course and then refreshing it every two years.

Brasher said that the class helped him to learn step by step what he would need to do in that type of situation.

“Over 1,000 people in the U.S. each day will need the aid of a bystander and EMS personnel, and the most likely place for this to happen is at home or

at work,” Boone said.

“This means that the most likely person in need of your help will be a friend or loved one. CPR and AED training teaches you how to recognize when someone needs lifesaving treatment, how to properly perform CPR and how to use an AED to correct a lifethreatening heart rhythm.

“As a CPR Instructor and business owner, Jon’s story is my ‘why.’ I started teaching because I knew that laypeople have a greater opportunity to save Sudden Cardiac Arrest victims than even EMS providers. I knew that ordinary individuals, like Jon, are frequently put in situations where they can do extraordinary things like performing CPR to save someone’s life.”

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CONCERT

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FROM A1

they’re on their way to where they’re going.”

Noon Tunes takes place every Wednesday in May at noon at Courthouse Square.

Concert goers can pick up lunch from a downtown business or bring a picnic lunch of their own to enjoy at the square.

This year’s Noon Tunes series will feature The Wilson Bros, Larcus “Silky Tone” Fuller, Muse and Martha’s Trouble, ensuring a variety of music genres that are sure

M.D.* Patrick Martin, M.D. John S. Thomas, M.D.* *ASC shareholder

to please all ages.

Concert goers should bring a blanket or lawn chair to Summer Swing and Noon Tunes so they can kick back and relax while listening to music.

Both concert series would not be possible without Opelika Parks and Recreation’s partnerships with the Opelika Chamber, the OA News, the Opelika Observer, 97.7 Kicker FM and Fox Sports the Game 910-1310 AM. For a full listing of each concert schedule please visit www.opelikaparks. com.

1 OUT OF 10

ELDERLY PERSONS AND ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES ARE BEING:

Abused, Neglected or Exploited 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

Contact the Alabama Department of Labor to

file claims and get more information.

LABOR.ALABAMA.GOV Funding provided by the USDOL, ETA, Federal WIOA. An Equal Opportunity Employer/Program.

Auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

Thereʼs no excuse for

ELDER ABUSE

“This project was supported by Subgrant #18-VA-VS-050 #16-VA-VS-076 awarded by the Law Enforcement / Traffic Safety Division of ADECA and the U.S. Department of Justice.” The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice or grant-making component.”

A4 May 6, 2021

M

y mother once told me that the most beautiful things in life are often the things that go unnoticed. And I’ve been thinking a lot about that.

I believe she’s right.

After all, I’ve never known Mama to be wrong.

Mama was right when she told me to always wear clean undies. She was right when she told me to never eat yellow snow. I believe she was right about nearly everything.

As it happens, this morning I read about a few beautifully unnoticed things. These items came to me in the form of emails.

I receive a lot of emails. Many of these messages come from people I’ve never met, who live in places I’ve never been. These perfect strangers write to me about small events that took place; microscopic happenstances that go

Unnoticed unseen by society.

Like the woman from Michigan who told me about a young single father who lives in her building.

The father needed a ride to work because his car died and he couldn’t afford a cab. His jobsite was located nine miles away. So he walked.

This became a routine.

The man arose each morning and hoofed nine miles. Then he walked home after work.

He was walking 45plus miles every week.

Until last week.

Last week an older woman who drives a truck for a courier service had been noticing this man each morning.

She pulled over and offered him a ride.

The man said no he’d be fine, and he kept walking. But the lady insisted, she did everything short of begging him to get in.

He got in. When she dropped him at work she asked, “What time you

SEAN DIETRICH get off, hon?”

He told her.

She smiled. “I’ll be waiting right here to take you home.”

She’s been giving him rides all week. No charge.

I received another message from an elderly man in northern California who said he was out for a walk when he saw a teenage boy by the side of the road, clutching a bloody arm. The kid was clearly injured.

The old man approached the kid. The teenager was Latino, and

One Good Way to Love Your Neighbor

T

he word “herd” became an acceptable part of my vocabulary in childhood.

My dad was an honorable man who served others by farming. By the sweat of his brow, he wrestled with the ground to produce the food with which he fed his family.

Beginning with a bull and a few cows, dad finally came to own a herd of cattle. There is no telling how many bales of hay I helped him feed that herd with until I left home at age 18.

A few years later the word “herd” took on a negative connotation for me. An early mentor, E. Stanley Jones, convinced me that an authentic Christian must

R

emember the NBC Sunday Night at the Movies? Way back in the 70s and 80s, NBC had a running Sunday night schedule featuring made for TV movies and miniseries. Advertisements played for days ahead with teaser trailers that promised a “family event” that just could not be missed.

They were sometimes sappy and dramatic, often over the top, but usually boasted a stellar cast.

I remember hurrying home from church service, fixing a plate of leftovers from our huge Sunday lunch, and racing to my spot in front of the huge console television that took up half the living room.

The familiar notes that

WALTER ALBRITTON not follow “the herd” but follow Christ. Of course Brother Stanley was not speaking of cattle but people whose beliefs and behavior are determined by their group, or gang, or mob. The herd mentality is the way of the prevailing culture, which usually conflicts with the ways of the Lord. To live in “the Way” of the

Lord, I must reject the influence of the herd and let Christ guide my life.

This meaning of “herd” comes to mind often these days when I come across the phrase “herd immunity,” which is the goal of the current vaccination effort in our nation. We can achieve herd immunity when a major part of our population has been vaccinated.

At that point most of the population will be immune to the deadly COVID-19 virus, thus bringing to an end the current pandemic. So, in this sense, the word “herd” has regained a positive meaning for me.

We need a herd mentalSee ALBRITTON, page A5

couldn’t speak much English.

So the old man whipped out his cellphone. He called his ex-wife in Pennsylvania, who is a retired highschool Spanish teacher.

It bears mentioning: the old man hadn’t spoken to his ex in over 20 years. When she heard his voice you could have knocked her over with a quesadilla.

The old man put his ex-wife on speaker and she translated a very confusing conversation from across the North

American continent.

It turns out the kid’s arm was severely broken when he fell from a moving vehicle. Thanks to the marvels of cellular communication, and one totalmente increíble exwife, the man was able to get the kid help.

One more for you.

A guy outside Alexandria, Virginia, found a stray dog in his neighborhood. The dog was female, with a sagging midsection and a thickened belly.

The old girl had been reportedly stealing cat food from local porches and nosing in garbage cans.

The man tailed the old girl into nearby woods one day where he found a litter of wiggling newborn puppies nestled in a pile.

That afternoon, he coaxed the old girl to let him carry her puppies home using an old Radio Flyer wagon. The mother followed close behind.

He set the dogs up in his

den with blankets and quilts.

And it gets better.

A few days later, a couple of kids were wandering the neighborhood, handing out posters for a lost dog. They knocked on the guy’s door; he responded by introducing them to their missing dog and nine newborn puppies.

Both kids erupted into a mess of saltwater and snot. “We thought she got hit by a car!” they said.

The old man plans to keep one of the puppies.

One last story before I go. A guy in Texas sent this one.

Dan and his girlfriend, Cherilyn, have been volunteering at a small homeless shelter. Last month, while serving food to dozens of hungry people, Dan asked Cherilyn to marry him publicly, in front of the shelter’s dining room.

She said yes.

See DIETRICH, page A5

Thank you to my children, for training me up

“T

rain up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not stray from it.” Proverbs 22:6 I have always seen these words from my parent to child point of view. Always thinking to myself, “I must train them up properly.

I must lead them and show them the way.”

And a lot of this is true, until you take a step back on a random Tuesday and see that the lovely, childish eyes in front of you are the ones leading the way.

I quickly realized, I know nothing about parenting except to love them.

If anyone is being trained here, it is me. I am being sharpened and refined by these precious people I call my children. They are the

BRADLEY ROBERTSON lanterns leading the way.

Let’s start with the littlest one, because the last shall be first, right?

The other night, snuggled in my bed, staring at each other on white pillows, Shep told me this story, “Mom, did you know that when my coach asked me to play third base I really didn’t want to but I didn’t tell him that… and when he asked me to play catcher

I didn’t really want to do that either… because sometimes we just have to try something new don’t we?”

I stared back into his sweet, small face and wanted to fall into a puddle of glorious tears.

You see, behind this new sight of “trying” is a child that walked away from his friends this fall back to a lower grade at school because he could not read. Not because he didn’t want to read, or because he didn’t work hard, but because his brain simply struggles with putting letters together to make words.

Shep’s tender heart was torn this year, in more ways than one. I watched his frustration and anger and shame of not measuring up and I’ve seen him feel See ROBERTSON, page A5

Commercial Break opened every NBC Sunday Night would play while the iconic peacock would spread its wings across the screen, and the narrator (whose name I never knew, but whose voice I can still hear to this day) would say just enough words to get us hooked and make it impossible to turn the channel.

My favorites were North and South, Winds of War, Roots and Fatal Vision. Then there was the yearly showing of two of my favorite classics: The Sound of Music and The Ten Commandments. I may not be able to remember what I had for dinner last night or my driver’s license number, but there are some scenes from all of these that I can recite verbatim.

Maybe that makes me some kind of cinematic idiot savant – like Rain Man? If so, I’m okay with that.

Now here we are well into the 21st century, and the NBC Sunday Night at the Movies isn’t something the typical teenager can even imagine. Movie night now involves using a jailbroke firestick on a smart TV to access just about any movie, TV series, documentary or YouTube video that you can think of. My best friend and I will settle on the couch with his daughters and my daughter, choose a film or series, turn subtitles on or off and stop or start it at will. Meanwhile every girl in the room has a phone that is playing yet another

WENDY HODGE video or movie or game simultaneously. They have taken multitasking to a phenomenal level.

My best friend and I shake our heads and laugh. We still need help with the remote.

I miss those Sunday nights in front of the TV finally getting to see the movie you’ve waited so long for – planning our whole night around it, eating on a TV tray (this was the only time

that was allowed in my home) staring at the screen.

And the commercials – I even miss the commercials. Not just for the nostalgic value, though I could watch commercials from the 70s and 80s for hours.

I know this because there actually is an entire “movie” compiled of nothing more than vintage commercials that I found while perusing the ten zillion options available on Netflix, Hulu and all the other “channels” whose names I can’t even pronounce. Watching them brings back memories of Cabbage Patch Dolls and Easy Bake Ovens, jelly shoes and pleated jeans, Lite Brite and Viewmaster, Pac-Man cereal and Hubba Bubba

bubble gum ... things I had long ago forgotten but are still as familiar to me as if I just got home from middle school band practice.

“You know what I really miss?” I asked my best friend just before we settled in for our latest movie night with the girls.

“What’s that?” he asked.

“Commercial breaks,” was my answer.

I thought he would look at me with his head tilted to the side as he always does when he’s trying to determine what exactly is going on in my head. But he grinned and said, “I KNOW! Me too!”

We talked about how he’d race his brother and sister to the bathSee HODGE, page A5

A5 May 6, 2021

Lee County resident awarded United Way Lifetime Volunteer Service Award Contributed by United Way of Lee County, Inc. Eric Canada, a 30 plus year United Way of Lee County volunteer has been awarded the Frank M. deGraffenried, IV Lifetime Volunteer Service Award.

This award, named in honor of Chief Frank “Buddy” M. deGraffenried, IV is reserved for recognizing individuals who have gone above and beyond in their service to United Way and commitment to making Lee County a better place.

“It is such a tremendous honor to receive the

DIETRICH >>

FROM A4

Immediately after the proposal, many of the homeless onlookers were so overcome with emotion that several began digging into their rucksacks and ragged

ROBERTSON >>

FROM A4

like he cannot go on.

He held all this and still holds it today. Any yet he speaks, “sometimes we just have to try something new, don’t we…”

His perseverance is something I never knew at his age, nor do I know very well today. And still he holds on, my littlest one, teaching me.

Now Sister, where do I even begin with you?

Your never wavering grit like your father?

ALBRITTON >>

FROM A4

ity when it comes to the COVID-19 pandemic!

Last fall my dear friend Jere Beasley introduced me to Dr. David Thrasher, a highly respected physician in Montgomery whose counsel regarding the coronavirus has been a valuable resource to our community. My wife, while a patient in a local hospital, tested positive for the virus in late November and died at home 19 days later. Two days after my wife’s positive test, I also tested positive for the virus.

HODGE >>

FROM A4

room and how I’d rush to the kitchen to get a refill or another helping and how we’d listen the entire time straining to hear the familiar NBC refrain that meant the last commercial was over. He’d jump over a chair. I’d race around the La-Z-Boy. We lived many miles apart, but we had the same commercial break rituals – us and every other family we knew.

“Yeah, I’d forgotten how fun that was – the anticipation,” he said, still smiling.

“Exactly. Somehow we all felt more ...

award named for Chief deGraffenried,” Canada said.” Frank was such a great person, volunteer and friend. I am incredibly humbled to be considered in this category with Frank and the previous winners of this award.”

Canada is a champion for this community and has been a tremendous friend to United Way. Having served numerous positions on the Board of Directors and Campaign Committee, Canada has made an everlasting mark on his community. “The most rewarding part of working with United Way has been

knowing how much we are helping people in our community,” Canada said.

“The agencies in our community are doing fantastic work with people who need a hand. I have met so many wonderful, devoted and loving people in our community.”

Canada’s extensive volunteer work within the community helping with the aftermath of the 2019 Lee County Tornadoes, help with local Census efforts and food distribution during the early months of the pandemic were also lauded.

“When I was growing

up, our family was very poor and we received help from several United Way agencies. My wife, Ellen, and I believe that United Way is the most effective way for us to help families in our community. I don’t believe that one of us can do everything, but I know that all of us can do something. It is also important to us that we raise our children to know that it is important for us to help and serve others.”

The Frank M. deGraffenried, IV Lifetime Volunteer Service Award was awarded to Canada on April 28, 2021.

pockets for impromptu wedding gifts.

The people in rags formed a single-file receiving line and gave their humble scrapyard gifts to the happy couple, along with well wishes and occasional tears.

Among the gifts Dan received were an iPhone charger, a plastic cup, a slightly used sudoku book, a warm can of Coke, and a hand towel that was apparently confiscated from a Hampton Inn and Suites.

“I’ve never been

so moved,” said Dan. “These people gave us some of their only possessions.”

Well, I could keep going, but I’m running out of space. So I won’t tell you about the birthdays, retirement parties or about the Little Leaguer

who rescued a turtle with a cracked shell this week.

I won’t tell you about the young woman who, on a whim, quit her supermarket job to teach piano and voice lessons, and now makes a living doing something she

loves.

Neither will I tell you about the old lady who, for the first time, met the child she gave up for adoption 56 years ago.

What I will tell you is this: Mama was right.

Your strong will and voice that’s not scared to speak up? What about all the ups and downs of growing up as a 12-year-old girl in a culture that looks so unsteady?

Add in meeting a standard for teachers and your peers and your self and where does that leave us both?

It leaves us snuggled up in your bed holding on tight. Learning to be still. Learning to trust the arms that hold us.

Learning to have fun, learning to let things

slide and eating a lot of Chick-fil-A. We know for certain how much we need each other, not just to work and perform but to stop and embrace what can never be replaced, us.

And there is the boy-man, Braxton.

Taller than I, sharp and handsome. He is like a machine. A well-oiled tractor that never stops running, always thinking, always moving, always eager to reach for the unknown. When life gets in his way, I have learned to step to

the side and let him pass on through.

For strong minds prefer to learn on their own, and I have learned to be okay with that.

I have learned that I cannot control every bit of life. This boy-man has learned to listen and pay attention to his own abilities mixed into the world. I could not have taught that if I tried.

And yet he sits quietly on our front porch at sunset, petting the dogs and takes it all in saying, “isn’t this just the best.”

He is right, they are all right.

Children are the iron that sharpen the Mother.

They are the light that leads us to another good day.

Thank you Sheppy for teaching me about real courage. I will wear my armor too and then I will be brave, just like you.

My sweet Sissy you have showed me the real beauty of “constant faith and abiding love”. We will never, ever give up on each other. And the sweetest piece of me

will always be you.

Braxton, you know everyday that you are enough for this world.

You know that you are the only you and aim want to keep it that way.

You are so right buddy.

You are teaching me to just be me and in the process, loving me as the best Mother for you.

So maybe we are all just leading each other?

I think I like it that way.

Happy Mother’s Day to all of you! May we all continue to learn and grow as children and mothers do.

With the approval of my personal physician, Dr. Spencer Coleman, I met with Doctor Thrasher at Jackson Hospital and received the infusion which he recommended.

I had zero side effects and praised God for the kindness and encouragement of Doctor Thrasher. After waiting the recommended 90 days, I received in April the first and second Moderna vaccine shots at Adams Pharmacy in Wetumpka, and again have had no side effects.

This week Doctor Thrasher, in a COVID-19 update, shared a disturbing response to the question, “How close are

we to herd immunity?”

As April ends, 95 million Americans, about 29% of our population, have been fully vaccinated.

Thirty-seven percent of adults over 18 have been fully vaccinated and 68% over 65. Forty-three percent of our population have received at least one vaccine shot. In recent days our nation has administered more than three million vaccine shots per day. Doctor Thrasher estimates that herd immunity will not be achieved until 75 to 80% of the population has been vaccinated.

While this is good news, it is disturbing to learn from Doctor

Thrasher that “Alabama is dead last in the number of people vaccinated.

Only 22% of Alabamians are fully vaccinated and only 56% over the age of 65.” Nineteen percent of Alabamians have received at least one shot.

I am not surprised that our state is last among the other states in vaccinations. I hear people say they are not going to get vaccinated for several reasons.

Some say they don’t need it because they are younger than 65, but that is foolish; more and more younger people are contracting the virus.

Some say they have had

the virus and are now immune. That is faulty thinking; a person can get the virus more than once. Thrasher says he “has personally seen seven patients that have had the virus twice and one of them died.”

Doctor Thrasher offers a compelling appeal to fellow Americans to get vaccinated so that we can achieve herd immunity. I join him in that appeal and invite all of us who are fully vaccinated to encourage others to get vaccinated. There is now an adequate supply of the vaccine in our country and anyone in the United States who wants

to get vaccinated can do so. Now that I am fully vaccinated, I will continue wearing a mask in public places and use what influence I have to encourage people to get vaccinated.

What does it mean to love your neighbor? In these days, one specific way to love your neighbor is to get vaccinated. It is a small but significant way for each of us to do our part to help America reach herd immunity. Few of us will ever get invited to walk out on an athletic field and sing “God bless America.” But you can hum it while you are being vaccinated!

together. The good old days ...” I sigh.

“You want a commercial break?” he asks.

“I think I do,” I respond.

He picks up the remote and says, “Watch this.” He hits the Pause button, and the movie freezes. Four heads turn and look at us, four pairs of eyes squinting a bit, all of the daughters in the room wondering if we’ve mistakenly sat on the remote again or forgotten where the volume button is.

“Commercial break!” he says.

Blank expressions from all sides. “Um, what?” one of his asks.

“Commercial?” my own daughter says.

My best friend pulls out his cell phone and opens the timer app.

“You’ve all got 90 seconds to get refills on popcorn and drinks and go to the bathroom.”

This is met with silence. No one moves.

All four of them blink rapidly at us as if we are speaking German.

“When this timer goes off, I will hit play. If you don’t want to miss what happens next, you better choppity chop.

Ninety seconds starts now!”

With that, they rise from the couch, slowly at first. A couple of them go to the kitchen.

One heads to the bathroom. The other stands in the living room as if

she can’t quite decide if we’ve all lost our minds. And then the giggling starts. Ice tumbles into glasses. “Can you grab me a cookie?” one calls to another.

Someone knocks on the bathroom door and says, “Hurry up!” Feet shuffle and the giggles get louder.

“Close your eyes,” my best friend says. And we both do. “Can you hear it?” he asks. “It’s Sunday Night at the Movies all over again.”

And it’s like music – his girls and mine – together on a commercial break.

Now if we can only find the Play button before the girls get back.

A6 May 6, 2021

‘Break the Biases’: Becoming the Beloved Community

By Hannah Lester hlester@ opelikaobserver.com The AsianAmerican community was rocked in March when a shooter visited three separate Atlanta massage parlors and let loose a spray of bullets.

Many questioned whether the shooter had been raciallymotived to hate crimes against Asians, despite what police said.

Auburn’s Becoming the Beloved Community met again recently to discuss hate crimes against Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders and Asians, and held a conversation for the tough issues.

Becoming the Beloved Community was born from the mind of Rev. Dr. Joan Harrell, professor at Auburn and founder of Becoming the Beloved Community.

Since its conception, the group has met to discuss issues that prevent Auburn, and the world, from “becoming the beloved community,” including “Becoming the Beloved Community in the Midst of Racism, Inequality and COVID-19,” “Becoming the Beloved Community: Black Sacred Music, the Civil Rights Movement and the Black Church” and “Becoming the Beloved Community Amid the Fragility of Democracy and White Supremacy.”

The last panel on hate crimes against Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders and Asians (AAPI) featured Richard Lui, anchor and journalist for MSNBC/NBC News; Dr. Suhyun Suh, associate professor emerita

and coordinator at the Korea Corner; My Ly, podcast editor for the Auburn Plainsman and undergraduate student in Journalism; MyoungGi Chon, associate professor of public relations; Juliane Vo, undergraduate student in pregraphic design and psychology and the president of Spectrum; Dr. Nighet Ahmed cofounder and advisory board member for International Women for Peace and Understanding and Kerry Baharanyi, MSW, LICSW, PIP, Soul Affirming Counseling LLC. “We find ourselves here tonight with the intentional responsibility to gather, to listen to the voices of members of the AAPI community,” said Joan Harrell, founder of the Becoming the Beloved Community movement.

Harrell asked Lui why hate crimes have increased against the AAPI community.

And the simple answer, Lui said, is that he doesn’t know.

“We look for the data and the facts,” he said. “I don’t know the answer.

There’s not a lot of data out there … But, when it comes to why we have more antiAsian crimes, and incidents and racism, we don’t have the data. And so, there’s an opportunity to invest, to find out.

Has it always been this high? Or was it always high and now it’s increasing? Is it high because now we document it and the community is telling its story?”

The facts do show, however, that hate crimes have risen again Asian Americans Chon said. In fact, they rose 145% in 2020,

but overall hate crimes dropped 6%, he said.

In America’s largest cities, 49 anti-Asian the crimes were reported in 2019, he said, while in 2020, there were 120.

Chon took his information from two websites, the Study of Hate and Extremism by CSUSB (www.csusb. edu/sites/default/ files/FACT%20 SHEET-%20AntiAsian%20Hate%20 2020%203.2.21.pdf) and the FBI (www. uccr.fbi.gov/hatecrime).

According to the FBI, Chon said, 57.6% of the victims were racially targeted.

“The victims were targeted because of the offender’s bias,” he said. “So I think this is the clue to prevent future … anti-Asian crimes.

We need to break the biases from the offenders.”

Suh shared a hard truth — Asian Americans are often treated as foreigners — even if they have lived their whole life in America.

“When we look Asian, we are Asians, not recognized as Americans,” she said.

“We, and our sons and daughters and our grandsons and granddaughters are treated as foreigners.

This is a reality that there is a perpetual foreigner perception for Asian-Americans in the United States.”

Her own nephew was victimized on Auburn’s campus, a student who lived in a campus dorm.

“He was sitting, relaxing by himself in the backyard of the dorm, at night around 11 o’clock,” she said. "Three white students passing by approached him and suddenly physically attacked him, hitting

Smiths Station celebrates Arbor Day PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF SMITH STATION

The city of Smiths Station, Smiths Station Ruritan Club and Home Depot of Phenix City celebrated Arbor Day by planting Dogwood Trees and Azalea Bushes throughout the Swing Park located next to the Smiths Station Government Center. Pictured are city staff, Ruritan Club members and Home Depot representatives.

him repeatedly in the head. It was on campus. He was taken to the local hospital after the incident, fortunately he did not suffer major injuries, aside from a few bruises and scars on his face.

However, the mental scars stayed within him and the rest of our family.”

Ahmed shared the story of her son, who at 13 years old saved a woman’s life at the Atlanta airport by CPR, who was pulled aside before boarding to undergo a security check.

“It was even more troubling that the same 13-yearold boy, who was invited by the thenmayor Bill Ham and received a standing ovation at the Auburn City Council was later apprehended by on Auburn University campus by three police officers and asked to provide identification,” she said. “He had been working for the Auburn University photographic services to document the new buildings, but was stopped by the police who wanted to check his camera bags and see and check his legal status.”

Viisha P. Souza focused on the racism against Pacific Islanders, too. For instance, during AAPI month, she said there will not be a lot of pacific islander voices given a platform.

“We need to be very careful in making sure that when we’re grouping two identities together such as Asian American and Pacific Islander voices, that we’re actually hearing from all the voices and not just one racial construct.”

Listening, and hearing, is part

of what will be necessary to becoming the beloved community, Souza said.

Vo, an undergraduate Auburn student, said that her family was one of three Vietnamese families in her area growing up.

“My dad told me no matter where I was, if I could find another Vietnamese person, they’d be a friend who would help me out,” Vo said.

Vo said she felt that at Auburn, there were fewer Asians to connect with, and even fewer Vietnamese people.

“I’m usually having to defend my views, or my experiences, from my peers, who, while not malicious, are ignorant of other world views because of their own limited experiences and it’s tiring because too many times I’ve had to explain what systemic oppression is or what intersectionality is or what the mild minority myth is and why it’s actually hurting not just Asians but all other minority groups and it’s so tiring to have to do that all the time,” Vo said.

Ly, a sophomore student on Auburn’s campus, said while growing up, she thought she could convince friends that she was not culturally different from them, which led to isolation.

Additionally, she said she was raised in a bi-lingual household with different expectations than at school.

Despite challenges, home was a place of understanding, Ly said, and leaving home to come to Auburn was difficult.

“Because I spent so much of my

childhood trying to fit in, and being in Auburn, I felt a lot of pressure to act a certain way or be a certain way, as an Asian woman surrounded by primarily white students, so I tried my best to be just that,” she said.

Ly said that she realized she was forgetting certain Vietnamese words, like sock, which was jarring.

Growing up, Ly said she was always extremely protective of her parents, even more so since the coronavirus pandemic began.

“I’m always making sure [her mom] is being treated properly, and I guess, protected,” she said. “So I have to stay very aware of our surroundings.”

Ly said she learned about microaggressions young.

“Events like this, where we’re able to share our story and speak out about these things, they just really have to make some sort of impact and I think that’s all we can do is hope and continue to share our voices,” she said.

Baharanyi said that this is a culture of violence. But also a culture of love and each person is given a choice, to choose violence or love.

“These times are really tough, but they’re really educational,” Lui said. “And as we live through what I call a selfish pandemic … as we live through a viral pandemic, a racial pandemic, we’re also living through a selfish pandemic. Hate and violence has become way too cheap. And the way we battle that, one way, is by talking and finding truth. And that’s what journalism is.”

Opelika E vents, Society & Food

Upcoming Events: May 8 - On Tap May 16 - Ballet Academy presents Cinderella June 5 - Burger Wars

Laura Cooper is ‘mom to many’ at unique center for children, youth PHOTO BY ANN CIPPERLY

Ann Cipperly

Southern

Hospitality

W

hile Laura Cooper has a child of her own, she is also a “mom of many” as the executive director of the Lee County Youth Development Center (LCYDC) in Opelika. Laura has served in this position for 21 years at the center that has helped thousands of children and youth over the years. It is the only facility of its kind in the nation and maybe the world.

When Laura is home on weekends, she enjoys being in the kitchen, cooking for her husband, Arthur, and her grown son, Kyle, when he visits. She finds being in the kitchen and baking to be relaxing.

The Sweet Potato Pound Cake is one of her favorite desserts to bake,

and she will share with friends.

She enjoys looking at cookbooks and has found some of her favorite recipes in church cookbooks, especially one a friend gave her from a church in Harlem.

Meals are simple during the week as Arthur, who is sales manager for Lynch Chevrolet Cadillac, works long hours. He will help with breakfast on Sunday mornings.

Laura developed a love of cooking from her mother, who was a wonderful southern cook. “It was southern cuisine at its finest, and we didn’t know,” Laura said. “She had a garden and planned her meals with many fresh vegetables.”

The ninth of ten children, Laura grew up on a farm in south Alabama. Her father was a farmer and laborer, while her mother was a housewife. “They taught about treating people the way we wanted to be treated,” she said, “and a work ethic to understand that there is no free lunch, which is the core of who I am today.”

When Laura’s older siblings had children, she would babysit and dream of one day having a house full of of her own. Growing up, Laura also championed those who struggled to fit in or had the most problems, having a heart “for the least of these” at a young age.

She attended the University of Alabama,

AUBURN-OPELIKA TOURISM LAUNCHES BURGER BATTLES THIS MAY Eat burgers. Vote for your favorite. Repeat.

Contributed by AOTourism The area’s top chefs and restaurants are putting their best burgers to the test this May in a new competition: introducing Burger Battles!

In honor of Burger Wars, Opelika’s annual burger grilling competition coming up on June 5, Auburn-Opelika Tourism has expanded the competition. The public will decide the grand champion when they vote for their favorites throughout the month of May. Beginning May 1 through June 5, patrons can dine at participating restaurants during normal business hours, order the featured burger, and vote for their favorites on Auburn-Opelika Tourism’s social pages. Be sure to follow @AuburnOpelika on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter to cast your vote.

Participants include Zazu Gastropub, Auburn Plaza, The Waverly Local, Robs Ribs, Bow & Arrow,

Laura Cooper, executive director of the Lee County Youth Development Center in Opelika, serves as a “mom of many.” Since opening in 1973, the facility has helped thousands of abused, neglected children and youth and is the only place like it in the nation and perhaps the world.

majoring in human development. A year after graduating, Laura and Arthur married. His family was in car sales, which brought them to Lee County in 1983.

Laura later graduated from Auburn University with a master’s degree in community agency counseling.

LCYDC became a reality when Jane Walker learned that children were being taken to jail if there was no place else to go. She felt she had to do something

er descriptions and hours of operation, and start planning your meals accordingly.

Feel good about eating local and get a jump on your burger judging skills just in time for the Burger Wars event on June 5. Learn more about Burger Battles and Burger Wars here.

For more information or questions, contact Cat Bobo at cat@aotourism. com.

went directly to her mentor and co-founder of the center, Jane Walker, who supported her for the position.

Since Laura became the Executive Director, the center has experienced tremendous growth and is unique with a complete, wide spectrum of services from prevention to treatment and everything in between. The center serves over 6,000 at risk individuals annually.

See CIPPERLY, page A7

Celebrate Mom all weekend long

By Wil Crews sportscrews@ opelikaobserver.com Looking for a different and fun way to celebrate Mother’s Day this year?

Opelika Parks and Recreation and the Kreher Preserve and Nature Center in Auburn can help.

For the mother and daughter duo’s out there, Opelika Parks See MOM, page A12

The Hound, Lucy’s, Acre, La Cantina, Café 123 and Niffer’s.

The 11 burgers will go head-to-head in Burgers Battles. Is your mouth watering yet? Many of the participating restaurants use locally sourced ingredients from the beef to the bacon to the made-fromscratch aioli. Check out the Burger Battles Breakdown for a full list of participating restaurants, burg-

about it, and enlisted the help of Cecil Moreman.

After getting land donated, they campaigned to have a property tax passed, which was unprecedented. LCYDC opened in 1973.

Laura went to work at LCYDC as a case aide “homemaker” in 1983, offering direct services to families. She then became coordinator of the residential treatment facility in the mid-1980s.

When the position for executive director opened in 1999, Laura

A8 May 6, 2021

MAKING THE GRADE - OSKAR’S CAFÉ My Mama Barbara Patton (By the way, she is not the former mayor of Opelika, but I think it’s cool that they share the same name.) is an outstanding Southern cook, as were my grandmothers, Vivian Brooks McEachern Adamson, Mama’s Mama, and Pearl Coker Patton, Daddy’s Mama. Unfortunately, the history of great cooks in my family has stopped with me.

I can cook, but I really don’t like to cook. As I’ve mentioned before, I just love to eat.

Some of my fondest memories of family meals center around Mama’s amazing Saturday night catfish suppers. Daddy and Granddaddy Patton ran a trotline in the backwater of the Tallapoosa River in Alex. City from the 1950s (before my time) until Granddaddy died in 1976. After that, Daddy continued to fish his trotline until the late 1980s. During that time, my niece Lindsay and my nephew Ryan, who were in single digits, LOVED to go fishing with Daddy and cried if they missed an opportunity to go with him.

Once Ryan, who was about 5, held a catfish in both hands, looked it squarely in the face, and said, “Fish, my Granddaddy’s going to cut your head off.” All members of the Patton family are serious about their food. That trotline really helped supplement the food budget for my parents.

A typical catfish fry had Mama standing on her feet for at least three hours. She used a big, dark (formerly silver) pot with a wire handle to cook catfish, French fries and hushpuppies. When she was feeling really good, she might even fry the most delectable onion rings. Mama’s onion rings were lightly breaded, crunchy and delicious; they didn’t consist of ten layers of breading before you get to the onion as I see in many restaurants. After you’ve had the best, you don’t want the rest.

Mama made her food as grease-less as possible by draining her catfish on good old-fashioned Piggly Wiggly paper sacks. The paper drew off excess grease, which made the food even tastier. The only onion rings that came close to being like Mama’s were

at Barnes’ Openhearth Restaurant, which unfortunately closed some years ago.

Mama retired from cooking catfish suppers for two reasons. The main one was because Daddy gradually gave up his trotline. Also, Mama and Daddy started going to Red’s Catfish in Clay County. Red’s fish was the closest to Mama’s that I have ever tried; people from Atlanta, Georgia, even came to the restaurant although it was out in the middle of nowhere and surrounded by a cow pasture.

All that being said, my husband Mike and I really enjoy catfish; however, we haven’t found a great catfish restaurant here in Lee County. I even asked my sweet church family from Central Baptist, many who are from Lee County, if they knew of any such place, and they only remember places that have closed.

For instance, the former Good Ol’ Boys had great catfish before the restaurant closed, much to our dismay.

However, I was happy to read in a recent Opelika Observer article that new owners are reopening Good Ol’

Spring Stroll- 2021 Garden Tour Contributed by Lee County Master Gardeners The Lee County Master Gardeners Associ-

ation proudly presents Spring Stroll – a garden tour featuring 10 private gardens in Auburn and Opelika. The tour will take place on Saturday,

May 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday, May 16 from 1 to 5 p.m.

The gardens on this See GARDEN page A12

Piedmont Fertilizer Co. Inc. 201 2nd Ave. • Opelika, AL SINCE 1910

Nothing better for your lawn exists

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY MIKE WALLACE

By Stacey Patton Wallace

Boys soon and plan to still have catfish on the menu. Mike and I will have forks in hand, happy with anticipation.

Until that great day, let me recommend a nearby restaurant which serves terrific catfish as well as other tasty entrees: Oskar’s Café on Highway 49 in Dadeville.

Besides great food, Oskar’s service staff is always top notch. Our last two servers, Madolyn and Savannah, were sweet, attentive and helpful. Also, I appreciate the fact that all of Oskar’s employees wear masks.

Oskar’s is Mama’s favorite place to eat

in Tallapoosa County.

Recently, Mike and I took Mama to Oskar’s to meet my niece Captain Brittney Patton, who is currently stationed at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. As I have mentioned before, Brittney is my hero because she serves in our nation’s Army. She was visiting both her Daddy and Mama’s families in the great state of Alabama.

Mama, as usual, ordered a fried catfish filet, onion rings, coleslaw and hushpuppies.

Mike duplicated her order, except he chose French fries instead of onion rings. Brittney opted for a veggie plate,

and while I do love Oskar’s catfish, both fried and grilled, that day I was in the mood for the hamburger steak with gravy and onions, fries, salad and a roll.

Also, when you dine at Oskar’s, you MUST try the fried cheese balls. Just that item is worth the trip. I hadn’t even heard of fried cheese balls until about five years ago, but trust me, Oskar’s knows the best way to cook this mouth-watering appetizer.

Before our appetizer and entrees came, we laughed and talked, enjoying old family stoSee OSKAR page A12

A9 May 6, 2021

A10 May 6, 2021

Lee County residents get dapper for Storybook Farms' annual 'Derby Day' PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / OPELIKA OBSERVER

Families venture out for Keep Opelika Beautiful's 'Garden in the Park'

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / OPELIKA OBSERVER

A11 May 6, 2021

CIPPERLY

>>

FROM A11

In addition to health and psychiatric clinics, the agency operates a Learning Center, Clinical Services Center, six community-based programs, six residential care programs, along with therapeutic foster homes and independent living apartments. The partnerships with Auburn University, Southern Union, United Way, local schools, governments and other entities are vital to advancing the center's mission.

In 2017, the Chanticleer Learning Center was built for children who do not live at the center, but may be

RECIPES

>>

SMOTHERED CHICKEN Recipe from the kitchen of Sylvia Woods of Sylvia’s Restaurant. She has been called the “Queen of Soul Food,” and this is one of her family’s signature recipes.

Two 3 ½ lb. frying chickens, each cut into 8 pieces 1 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. salt, divided 1 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, divided 2 cups plus 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour, divided 1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying, plus more if needed 2 large onions, coarsely chopped 2 green peppers, cored, seeded, and coarsely chopped 2 celery ribs, coarsely chopped Trim excess fat from the chicken pieces and sprinkle 1 tsp. of the salt and 1 tsp. of the pepper on them.

Season 2 cups of flour with remaining 1 Tbsp. salt and 1 Tbsp. pepper.

Dredge chicken pieces in flour to coat all sides. Shake off any excess flour.

Heat oil in a deep heavy skillet (cast iron is perfect) over medium-high heat until edge of a chicken piece dipped into the oil gives off a lively sizzle. Add as many chicken pieces to skillet as will fit without touching.

Fry until pieces are browned on all sides, about 6 minutes total.

Adjust heat as necessary to keep a lively sizzle without over browning. Remove fried chicken to paper towels to drain and repeat with remaining pieces, adding more oil, if needed.

Pour off all but 4 Tbsp. of drippings from skillet. Reduce heat to medium and add onions, peppers, and celery to skillet.

Cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and tender, about 10 minutes.

struggling in Opelika and Auburn schools, and who need less distractions and more one on one time. Every day the center is educating about 50 students from 10 to 19 years of age.

“Once COVID hit,” Laura said, “a lot of our day school students started learning at home.

Residential students have stayed. When public schools closed, the private school on campus here never closed. Last year we were afraid but determined to keep on our assignment, which was take on the least, last and lost among us, so we could not abandon that.”

With COVID, they had to pull back on going to movies and activities.

Students were taught skills and things they can do to relax, including baking, writing, art and being in nature.

“After 21 years, I still feel a passion for what I do,” Laura said, “and I am energized by the young people here.”

Laura works to help young people understand their struggles are just part of life. There are going to be problems of the heart regardless of the situation. Youth for Christ and churches help them find the strong anchor is faith when troubles and struggles in life come along.

“As I watched my children struggle,” she added, “the struggles they had 20 years ago pale in

comparison to what they have now. We bring in children whose parents have been impacted by crystal meth, oxytocin and crack. If a pregnant mother is on oxytocin, the child will likely have brain damage. The children have chemical imbalances. We have to work closely with our psychiatrist and administer medications to quiet their nerves to rest.

“I am a mother hen to my core,” Laura said.

“I have lots of alphabets behind my name, but one that makes the most sense to me and describes my purpose in life is mom, mother of many. I really take it into my soul when I see the children struggling. I

look in their eyes and see potential and am inspired and energized all over again.”

Laura, who had wanted a houseful of children, would take Kyle to the center on weekends.

“The children, there were his brothers and sisters growing up,” Laura said, recalling good memories. Now, Kyle works in safety services at the center.

“Mother’s Day is special, and you don’t have to have had a baby by birth to be a mother,” Laura said. “I feel like what has propelled society forward is mothers.

Certainly, dads have a key role, but they too had to have a mother.

“I am energized that

I am able to change the world, one child at a time,” said Laura. “I believe that I am fulfilling an assignment God planned for me. I hope everyone can find their life purpose whatever it is. From a young girl, I was a person that people would come to, to talk about problems, and I always wanted to help them.

“God knew what my gift was. He was preparing me along the way.

He requires me to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly that my work glorifies Him. I don’t think I landed here by chance.”

Cipperly can be reached at recipes@ cipperly.com.

Move vegetables to one side of skillet and sprinkle remaining 2 Tbsp. flour over other side of skillet. Cook flour until golden brown, stirring constantly, taking care not to let the flour bum.

Slowly pour in two cups water and stir until the gravy is smooth.

Divide chicken between two heavy skillets with lids or place them all in a large Dutch oven.

Top with gravy and vegetables and cover tightly.

Place over medium heat, bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook about 15 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and chicken is cooked through.

Check seasoning and add salt and pepper as necessary. Serve chicken with some of the gravy and vegetables over each piece. Pass extra gravy at the table.

Serves four.

salt and a generous amount of pepper.

Add the oil to skillet and heat until shimmering. Add 1 Tbsp. of butter and swirl to melt. Add beef and sear until mahogany brown on all sides, about 8 minutes total.

Transfer skillet to oven. Roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center registers 125 degrees. for medium-rare, about 25 minutes.

Meanwhile make ragout: Heat two Tbsp. of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add mushrooms and spread out evenly; increase heat to high.

Let mushrooms cook, undisturbed, until browned, then shake the skillet to flip them over.

Add additional butter along sides of skillet as mushrooms cook if skillet seems dry. Continue to cook until nicely browned, about 5 minutes.

Add onion and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 2 minutes.

Season mushrooms with 1/2 tsp. salt and some ground black pepper; add the thyme.

Pull skillet off heat and add Madeira.

Return skillet to heat and scrape up any brown bits from bottom with a wooden spoon. Add heavy cream and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and keep warm.

When beef is ready, transfer to a cutting board, tent loosely with aluminum foil, and let rest for 10 to 15 minutes.

Slice beef across grain crosswise.

Arrange on a platter and serve with the mushroom ragout.

1 Tbsp. baking powder ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter or margarine 1 ½ cups sugar 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract 2 large eggs 1 cup milk Topping: 1/4 cup (½ stick) plus 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter or margarine 1 cup brown sugar One 15-oz. can sweetened pineapple slices One 6-oz. jar maraschino cherries, drained and stems removed Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Sift flour and baking powder into a medium bowl and set aside. Cream together butter, sugar, vanilla, and eggs with an electric mixer. Add dry ingredients to wet, alternating with milk, and mix well after each addition.

For topping, melt butter or margarine in a 10-inch castiron skillet over medium-high heat.

Remove from heat and sprinkle brown sugar over butter.

Arrange pineapple slices in pan, placing cherries in the center of each pineapple slice. Spoon batter into skillet.

Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until center is set. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a plate.

Serve warm.

½ cup flaked coconut 1 cup chopped pecans Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream butter in a large bowl. Add sugar gradually, beating well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Add sweet potatoes, beating well.

Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl.

Add flour mixture to creamed mixture gradually, beating well after each addition. The batter will be stiff. Stir in vanilla, coconut, and pecans. Spoon batter into a well-greased 10-inch tube pan.

Bake for I hour and 15 minutes or until the cake tests done when a wire cake tester is inserted in the middle, Cool cake in pan for 15 minutes. Remove from the pan and let cool completely.

simmer until tender.

Remove from heat.

Place potatoes in a large bowl, cover with plastic, and place in refrigerator to cool.

Peel potatoes and cut them into 1-inch cubes. Place potatoes back in the bowl. Add eggs, onions, green or red pepper, celery, mayonnaise, salad dressing, and relish.

Stir until well combined. Add seasoned salt and kosher salt, sugar, nutmeg, and black pepper. Mix again until the seasonings are well distributed. Cover with plastic and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Serves 6 to 8.

ROAST BEEF TENDERLOIN WITH MUSHROOM RAGOUT 2-lb. center-cut beef tenderloin roast Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil 3 to 5 Tbsp. unsalted butter 1 lb. mixed mushrooms, such as shiitake, cremini, or white button, trimmed and quartered 1/2 small onion, chopped 3 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves stripped 1/2 cup Madeira, vermouth, or white wine 1/3 cup heavy cream Optional: Dijon or whole-grain mustard, cracked mixed peppercorns, or Herbs de Provence Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat.

Pat beef dry and season all over with

“MOMMY’S” PINEAPPLE UPSIDEDOWN CAKE IN A SKILLET Recipe from the kitchen of Myrna Sanders Cake: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

SWEET POTATO POUND CAKE WITH COCONUT AND PECANS 1 cup butter or margarine, softened 2 cups sugar 4 large eggs 2½ cups cooked mashed sweet potatoes (about 2½ lb. sweet potatoes) 3 cups all-purpose flour 2 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. ground cinnamon ½ tsp. ground nutmeg ¼ tsp. salt 1 tsp. vanilla extract

POTATO SALAD Recipe from the kitchen of Zana Billue. The secret to keeping the potatoes firm is to boil them the day before you prepare the potato salad.

3 lb. (6 to 8) red potatoes 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped 1 medium onion, chopped fine 1 green or red pepper, cored, seeded, and chopped 1 celery rib, chopped 1 cup mayonnaise 1/2 cup Miracle Whip salad dressing 1/2 cup sweet relish 2 tsp. seasoned salt 1 tsp. kosher salt or celery salt 1/2 tsp. sugar 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper Place potatoes with their skins on in a large pot with just enough water to cover and bring to a boil over high heat.

Reduce heat and

BLACK-EYED PEA SALAD 1/2 cup parboiled rice 10-oz. pkg. frozen baby lima beans Three 16-oz. cans black-eyed peas 1 medium red pepper, cored, seeded, and diced 3 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley 2 Tbsp. lemon juice 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard 1 tsp. sugar 3/4 tsp. salt Prepare rice and lima beans according to package directions.

Rinse and drain the black-eyed peas.

In a large bowl, combine pepper, parsley, lemon juice, oil, mustard, sugar, and salt. Add the rice, lima beans, and blackeyed peas and stir to combine. Cover with plastic and refrigerate for 1 hour before serving. Serves 4 to 6.

HOT CRAB DIP 4-oz. (half of an 8 oz. pkg.) cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup finely chopped onion 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice 1/2 tsp. hot pepper sauce 1/2 tsp. Old Bay seasoning or other seasoned salt 6 oz. fresh or canned lump crabmeat, See RECIPES, page A12

A12 May 6, 2021

Second Saturday in May at Pioneer Park Contributed by Lee County Historical Society Pioneer Park in Loachapoka will again be open on the Second Saturday in May, May 8. Come early and enjoy a garden walk ‘n talk with Dr. Charles Mitchell at 9 a.m. and discover both historic and new things you can grow in your East Alabama garden. There are six gardens at Pioneer Park ranging from Grandma’s Garden to the 19th Century

Crops Garden. All venues will be open and free to the public. Blacksmiths are usually working at the forge, spinners and weavers are upstairs in the Trade Center, and all the museums and historical buildings are open to the public from 9 a.m. until mid-afternoon.

At 1 p.m., the Whistle Stop Pickers usually meet to practice on their acoustical instruments. Historical Society volunteers will prepare a traditional Alabama lunch

in the Cook House at noon for all visitors to enjoy. Pioneer Park and Second Saturdays are hosted by the Lee County Historical Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, presentation and education about local history. All visitors are urged to wear masks and a keep social distance. Most activities will be outdoors, weather permitting.

More information can be found at www. leecountyhistoricalsociety.org/.

Spring Sundown Concert Series in Auburn returns

By Wil Crews sportscrews@ opelikaobserver.com Auburn Parks and Recreation is hosting its annual Spring Sundown Concert Series, an evening of music and fun at the picturesque Keisel Park, beginning this Thursday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Bring a lawn chair or comfy blanket and kick back, relax and enjoy a free concert under the evening sunset.

“It’s a fun family event, so we just want everyone to come out and enjoy themselves,” said Jarrett Jones (title

which is to be figured out soon).

When attending an event, music lovers can expect to hear anything from jazz, blues, R&B and covers of popular songs on from decades past.

The free concert series begins this Thursday with the Auburn High Jazz Band and D.J. Cole performing and runs through May 27.

Concessions will be available on-site along with free inflatables.

Turbulent weather will result in the cancellation of shows.

Onlookers will be

asked to social distance.

“I think everyone has cabin fever because of COVID,” Jones said. “I think we will have nice turnouts each week. It’s just something to do on a Thursday evening, giving people things that are like – back to normal.”

The scheduled lineup is as follows: May 6: Auburn Jazz Band and D.J. Cole May 13: H2O Featuring Louisiana Fred May 20: Blake Brock Trio May 27: Dion Hawkins and the Experience

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY CITY OF AUBURN PARKS AND RECREATION

RECIPES>>

FROM A11

drained Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Place all ingredients except crab in a medium bowl and blend together with a spatula. Stir in crab.

Turn dip into a 1-qt. dish. Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes, or until heated through. Serve with bread, crackers or fresh vegetables.

SOUTHERN BLACK-EYED PEA

MOM>>

FROM A7

and Rec is hosting a tea party on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon.

“I have a 7-year-old daughter so I’m always looking for things for her and I to do together,” said Mandy Johnson, event coordinator for Opelika Parks and Recreation.

The event is open to mothers and daughters of all ages and cost is $10. Wear your Sunday best for this outdoor tea party where you will enjoy snacks, arts & crafts and photo booths.

Registration at the Opelika SportsPlex ends May 5.

“I’m always kind of

GARDEN >>

FROM A8

year’s tour offer a variety of sizes and styles of gardening. There are gardens at Victorian homes and mid-century homes. Visitors will see colorful cottage gardens and serene shade gardens. Several of the gardens are designed to expand their homeowner’s living space by adding outside entertainment areas.

Legacy Garden on 3rd Ave. in Opelika will be open to tour goers. This beautiful garden has sheltered three generations of the same family. When Robert and Lela Lofton returned to Opelika eight years ago, they moved into the home Lela had lived in as a child.

Her mother had lived there and her grandparents had also lived at the house and tended the lovely sweetheart roses and Dr. W. Van Fleet climbing roses.

Colorful borders filled with daffodils, azaleas and other traditional plantings brought back childhood memories.

The Loftons have added their touch of whimsy and joy.

OSKARS>>

FROM A8

ries. However, as soon as the food arrived, conversation stopped.

As my much older brother Jim says, “It was feeding time at the zoo.” The only time the Patton family stops talking is when CROQUETTES 2 cups day-old cooked black-eyed peas 1 large egg, beaten 1/2 medium onion, diced Pinch of baking powder Salt Pepper 1/4 cup milk 1/4 cup vegetable oil, plus more as needed Place peas in a large bowl and mash them to a paste. Add egg, onion, baking powder, salt and pepper

to taste, and milk.

Shape mixture into balls and flatten them.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add patties to skillet and fry to 5 minutes each side, or until crisp and browned. Remove to a large plate.

Add more oil as needed and fry until all croquettes.

Makes 8 to 10 croquettes.

MACARONI AND CHEESE

4 cups dried ziti pasta 10 oz. extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded 12-oz. can evaporated milk 2 large eggs 1 tsp. onion powder 1 tsp. garlic powder 1 tsp. lemon pepper 2 tsp. seasoned salt 1 tsp. Cajun seasoning 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard

looking for things for little girls to do with etiquette,” Johnson said. “… Something that they can dress up, something that is a little more fancy. You know, learn manners, things like that.”

Another fun way to celebrate mom this weekend is reserved for the mother/son duos out there.

This Thursday and Friday, the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center and the city of Auburn are hosting “S’more Fun With Mom,” from 6 to 8:30 p.m. This event is dubbed “Lee County’s mother/son adventure.”

For boys age 4 to 12 and their moms, this fun evening will

include a night hike, cookout, storytelling and of course – s’mores! Mother and son duos will have the opportunity to visit a craft station and create their own keepsake art project, and a photographer will be on site to capture all the moments.

The cost for this event is $30 and registration is available online (http://wp.auburn. edu/preserve/programs/ community-programs/) or on-site. The event will be rescheduled or cancelled in the event of rain, so be sure to watch the Auburn Opelika Tourism Facebook page for updates.

Colorful container gardens are nestled among foundation plantings. A patio was added off the kitchen is a wonderful place for a morning cup of coffee.

Japanese Maples add year-round interest to the garden retreat and a comfortable swing is the perfect spot for an afternoon visit.

Tickets are $30 and may be ordered by going to leemg.org , the Lee County Master Gardeners’ web site, Detailed tour information can be found there. Tour goers who prefer to pay by check may print an order form from the web site or pick up an order form at the Lee County Extension Office in Opelika, Wild Birds Unlimited, University Ace Hardware, The Potting Shed, and The Flower Store in Auburn. Last day for mail order tickets is May 12. The ticket will provide admittance into all 10 gardens and a ticket for a boxed lunch from Chicken Salad Chick on the 15th or 16th. *Auburn University is excited to open the President’s Home

Gardens for touring during the Lee county Master Gardeners’ Garden Tour. No ticket is required to tour the President’s Home Gardens which will be open to the community.

Parking attendants will assist with self-parking at the President’s Home.

Master Gardeners go through training so they can assist and support the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service.

They volunteer their expertise to help and teach others.

All proceeds from this year’s tour will help fund LCMGA’s many projects. LCMGA funds and maintains four Demonstration Gardens in Lee County: Caroline Dean Wildflower Trail in Opelika, the Butterfly Garden at Kreher Preserve and Nature Center, Kiesel Demonstration Garden at Kiesel Park and Grandma’s Garden at Pioneer Park in Loachapoka.

The association funds scholarships to AU horticulture students, supports the 4-H program, plants trees at local schools and offers grants.

the food arrives. As always, all entrées and side items were superb.

Also, once again, Mike and I didn’t need to-go boxes.

Oskar’s makes the grade with an A+ from this retired English teacher. Remember, “Pooh-sized” people NEVER lie about food.

Enjoy!

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

2 Tbsp. butter or margarine, cut into small chunks 1 cup breadcrumbs, optional 2 tsp. paprika Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cook ziti according to package directions and set aside.

Spread a layer of ziti over an 8-inch square baking pan.

Follow with a layer of cheese. Repeat layering, ending with a layer of cheese.

Whisk together evaporated milk,

eggs, onion powder, garlic powder, lemon pepper seasoning, seasoned salt, Cajun seasoning, nutmeg and mustard in a medium bowl. Pour mixture over macaroni and cheese.

Evenly distribute butter or margarine chunks on top.

Sprinkle breadcrumbs and paprika over top.

Cover with foil and bake for 50 minutes, or until a knife inserted comes out clean.

Remove foil and bake 5 minutes longer, or until golden brown.

A13 May 6, 2021

B

everly Gaventa notes how “prayerful thanksgiving dominates 1 Thessalonians.” Paul pauses three times in the first three chapters to give thanks (1:2, 2:13, 3:9). At the end of the letter, he encourages the disciples to “give thanks in all circumstances” (5:18). In all of this, he’s not simply repeating himself or trying to meet a quota—his life is overflowing with gratitude and he has to say something about it! He is modeling the way we are meant to live.

Scott Macaulay lives in Melrose, Massachusetts, where he runs Macaulay ‘s House of Vacuum Cleaners. But that’s not what he’s known for—Scott is known for Thanksgiving.

It started in 1985, when Scott was 24. His parents were getting divorced and to make matters worse, there was absolutely

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

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

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

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

Wednesday worship is at 6:30 p.m.

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

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

A Great Place To Be nothing amicable about it. No one was talking to anyone. With Thanksgiving approaching, he didn’t feel like he could spend it with either parent without alienating the other. But he hated the thought of being alone.

By Bruce Green Scott came up with the Teaching Minister at 10th idea of inviting a dozen Street Church of Christ strangers to come eat with in Opelika him. He placed an ad in the paper to that effect and twelve people showed up to are served, and people can share a Thanksgiving meal visit before dinner. with him. He enjoyed it so As you might imagine, much he has been doing it there are some stories. every year since then.

One year, a woman with The numbers have Parkinson’s came. She swelled as he now feeds hadn’t been outside the anywhere from 60 to 100, nursing home she was in but the concept remains for seven years and paid an the same. Having outambulance $200 to bring grown his house, they her. She was decked out meet in the fellowship room of Scott’s church. He for the occasion and had such a wonderful time brings in couches, recliners, rugs, and fake fireplac- that she cried when it was time to leave. Anes to create an “at home” other year, a man came feel. A couple of rooms are set up where appetizers who had recently lost his

wife. When dinner was over, he put her apron on and helped Scott do the dishes. Then there was the woman who showed up for leftovers because she lived in a car and was too embarrassed by her situation to come in for the meal. She was so touched by the occasion that she sang a moving rendition of Amazing Grace. Finally, there was the year both of Scott’s parents showed up. His mother was dying of cancer and wanted them all to be together. She sat on the couch with Scott’s father, and the two of them held hands like they were an old married couple.

If you show up for Thanksgiving, the one thing you will always be asked to do is to take the time to write on a scrap of paper what you are thankful for. Scott said, “That changes the outlook, from whatever reason they’re

ABOUT BRUCE GREEN coming to the dinner to a positive outlook because you start concentrating on what you’re thankful for.”

He’s right. Giving thanks is like flipping a switch.

We leave behind the world dialed in on acquisitions to step into a universe that is bright with innumerable stars twinkling with the known and unknown we have to be thankful for. To live here, rather than just making occasional visits, is one of the most radical acts we will ever participate in.

The psalmist spoke about entering the temple with thanksgiving and praise in our hearts (Psalm 100:4).

Living with a grateful heart takes us through the gate and into the courts of God. And that’s a great place to be!

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

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

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

To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. — Philippians 4:20

Church Directory 334-749-0461

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

128 East Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-8506 Green Chapel Missionary Baptist 390 Lee Road 106, Auburn (334) 749-4184 High Hope Baptist Church 227 Lee Road 673 334-524-8750 Lakeview Baptist Church 1600 E. Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-7094 Pepperell Baptist 2702 2nd Ave., Opelika 334-745-3108 Providence Baptist Church 2807 Lee Road 166, Opelika 334-745-4608 Union Grove Baptist Church 4009 Lee Road 391, Opelika

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

First Baptist Church 301 S. 8th St. 334-745-5715 First Baptist Church Impact 709 Avenue E 334-741-0624 First Freewill Baptist Church 103 19th St. 334-703-3333 Friendship Missionary Baptist 432 Maple Avenue 334-742-0105 Greater Peace Baptist Church 650 Jeter Ave. 334-749-9487 Heritage Baptist Church 1103 Glenn St. 334-363-8943 Love Freewill Baptist Church 1113 Frederick Ave. 334-745-2905 Ridge Grove Missionary Baptist Church 1098 Lee Road 155 - 334-745-3600 Northside Baptist Church 3001 Lafayette Hwy 334-745-5340 Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Uniroyal Rd 334-749-2773 Purpose Baptist Church 3211 Waverly Pkwy #704-0302 St. James Baptist Church 1335 Auburn St. 334-745-3224 Union Grove Missionary Baptist 908 Huguley Rd 334-741-7770 BUDDHIST Buddha Heart Village 3170 Sandhill Rd. 334-821-7238 CATHOLIC St. Mary’s Catholic Church 1000 4th Ave. 334-749-8359 CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ 2215 Marvyn Pkwy 334-742-9721 Southside Church of Christ 405 Carver Ave. 334-745-6015 CHURCH OF GOD Airview Church of God 3015 Old Opelika Rd 334-749-

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

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

CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ at Cunningham 2660 Cunningham Dr., Opelika 10th Street Church of Christ 500 N. 10th St., Opelika 334-745-5181 COMMUNITY OUTREACH Changing Hearts of Destiny Ministry 936 N. Donahue Dr., Auburn 334-502-4700 METHODIST Auburn United Methodist Church 137 South Gay St., Auburn

334-826-8800 Beulah United Methodist Church 5165 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-745-4755 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Church At Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy., Opelika 334-524-9148 St. Ellis Full Gospel Church 5267 US Hwy 80W, Opelika 334-298-4319 PRESBYTERIAN Trinity Presbyterian Church 1010 India Road, Opelika 334-745-4889

format as the others are formatted NON-DENOMINATIONAL Apostolic Holiness Church 610 Canton St. 334-749-6759 Auburn Opelika Korean Church 1800 Rocky Brook Rd 334-7495386 Beauregard Full Gospel Revival 2089 Lee Road 42 334-745-0455 Christ Church International 1311 2nd Ave. 334-745-0832 Fellowship Bible Church 2202 Hamilton Rd 334-749-1445 Ferguson Chapel Church 310 S. 4th St. 334-745-2913 First Assembly of God Church 510 Simmons St. 334- 749-3722 Garden of Gethsemane Fellowship 915 Old Columbus Rd #745-2686 Grace Heritage Church Opelika #559-0846 Holy Deliverance Church 831 S. Railroad 334-749-5682 Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 1250 McCoy St. 334-737-1488 Living Way Ministries 1100 Old Columbus Rd 334-749-6241 Move of God Fellowship Church 1119 Old Columbus Rd 334-7411006 Connect Church 2900 Waverly Pkwy 334-749-3916 New Life Christian Center 2051 West Point Pkwy 334-741-7373 New Life Independent Church 10 Meadowview Estates Trailer 334-741-9001 Opelika’s First Seventh Day 2011 Columbus Pkwy 334-7373222 Power of Praise, Inc. Church 3811 Marvyn Pkwy 334-745-6136 Shady Grove Christian Church West Point Hwy 334-745-7770

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

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

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

A14 May 6, 2021

Juried Art Show results announced Contributed by the city of Auburn The city of Auburn and the Auburn Arts Association would like to thank artists and community members for taking part in the 16th annual Juried Art Show and Preview Reception.

This free to the public event was held on April 22.

Local and regional artists submitted original works of art from an array of mediums such as paintings, works on

Charles “Butch” Somers Dean

On Monday, April 26, Butch, a loving husband, father, and grandfather, went to be with his Lord and Savior.

Butch was born Jan. 5, 1941 in San Antonio, Texas. He moved to Opelika in 1954. He was a graduate of Georgia Military College and the University of Tennessee – Martin, where he played football. He then became a teacher and coach for seven years before joining Dixie Service Cleaners, where he served as vice president and president before retiring in 2007.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Ella Fay Kelly Dean; father, Charles Somers Dean, II; and his brother William “Billy” Dean.

He is survived by his wife Nancy; children: Bubba (Michele) Dean, Kelly (Jim) Laster, Constance (Mike) Stegmann, Russell Dean; grandchildren: Jessy Alfonso, Bo Dean, Buck Dean, Jake Laster, Maggie Laster, Brittany (Josh) Shirley, Seth Simpson, Brady Dyson, Tina Stegman, Tera Stegman, Tyler Stegman; greatgrandchildren: Charlotte Shirley, and Samantha Shirley.

A celebration of life service was held from 5 to 7 p.m. on May 1 at the Dean Farm.

Food will be provided.

Butch will be buried in Rio Frio Cemetery, Rio Frio, Texas at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family request contributions be made to: Bethany House or M.D. Anderson, Head and Neck Department, Houston, Texas.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home directed.

Eula Will Mayberry

Eula Will Mayberry, born Eula Will Huff on Oct. 20, 1927 in Opelika, passed away

paper, three-dimensional (ceramics/sculptures), mixed-media and photography. All submitted artwork was available for viewing and purchase at the historic Nunn-Winston House in Kiesel Park. Working in conjunction with the 20th Annual Auburn CityFest, the art exhibition remained open to the public during the festival on April 25.

Guests mingled with artists while they enjoyed live musical entertainment by Philip

on April 28, 2021, surrounded by her devoted daughters.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Wilmer B. (Ike) Mayberry, parents, J.T. and Eula Huff and her brother, J.T. Huff, Jr. Eula Will was a faithful and devoted member of Hopewell Methodist Church in Beauregard for 64 years. She spent most of her working years with the Lee County Board of Education, driving a school bus and then managing the cafeteria at Beauregard School.

She absolutely loved getting to know the students and faculty at Beauregard and watching many children grow from kindergarten through graduation.

She loved to cook and bake and was commissioned by many in her community to bake cakes for holidays.

Eula Will (Granny) hosted her family every Sunday for many years to enjoy a meal that she lovingly prepared. It was such a joy for her to have all of her family together as much as possible. Eula Will was so loved by her family and friends and she was absolutely selfless in her love for them.

She is survived by her two daughters, who took great care of her until her last breath, Becky (Morris) Oliver and Kathy (Ronnie) Glover. The delight of her life were her four granddaughters, Melody (Brian) Caldwell, Joni (Trevor) Baker, Kate (Michael) Kendrick and Kaley Glover.

She also had the great pleasure of being blessed with three great-grandsons after many years of being surrounded by only girls. Max Caldwell, Jake Caldwell and Kingston Kendrick brought her so much joy and laughter in her later years. In addition, Eula Will loved several foster children who became part of her family for

Rowton and complimentary hors d’oeuvres provided by The Cup & Saucer. Twelve cash awards, including two $250 awards presented by the Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau, were given to the chosen artists selected by a panel of jurors. Winners are listed below. $250 Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau Merit Awards Bay Kelley – “Toomer’s Corner Sit-in” Scott Melville – “Apples and a Pot of

Flowers” $200 Auburn CityFest Merit Awards Shay Collins – “#533” Penelope RedlichStroik – “Wither Thou Goest” $100 Auburn Arts Association Merit Awards William Blake Brown – “Feelin’ it” Robert Ekelund – “Gladiolas in Blue Vase” Amy Kaiser – “Chattering Vase” Graham Nahikian – “Personal Propaganda” Shelby Newman –

OBITUARIES

a time, under the care of Kate and Michael Kendrick. Her love for children extended past blood relations and everyone in her presence knew they were family to her.

She will be greatly missed, but her loving and caring example will guide and comfort those who loved her for many years to come.

Visitation was held on May 1, 2021 in the Parlor at FrederickDean Funeral Home with a service following in the Chapel at FrederickDean at 3:30 p.m. with Reverend Drue Tubbs officiating. A private family burial was held following the service.

Jane Lanier Blanton

Gavin, 78, of Hickory, North Carolina, died April 27, 2021, at the Hospice House of the Carolina Foothills in Forest City.

A native of Opelika, she was the daughter of the late John Arnold Blanton and Gladys Whatley Blanton. She was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil Edward Gavin, Jr., and her brothers, John Arnold Blanton, Jr., and William Joseph Blanton.

Jane attended Birmingham Southern College and Auburn University, where she earned a bachelor of arts degree. She taught college English classes for several years before marrying her sweetheart, Ed. She was a homemaker who moved around the Southeast as her husband built a career in the textile industry, but her real passion was volunteerism and community service.

She was also a great patron of the arts and drew great joy from supporting local artists. She was an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution in Greensboro. She served as president of the Junior League of Knoxville, Tennessee, and on the board of the Knoxville Arts Council. For many years after moving to Hickory, she was on the planning committee for the Catawba Valley Pottery Festival.

She was a longtime member of the North Carolina Folk Art Society.

She was a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church in Hickory and was named as an Honorary Life Member of the Presbyterian Women there several years ago.

Jane loved her family and friends.

She always had a kind comforting word, delivered in that dulcet Southern accent. She enjoyed gardening, walking and traveling.

She is survived by her sons, Michael Edward Gavin and wife Denise Lavender Parris Gavin of Bostic and John Andrew Gavin and wife Rebecca Ruth Herring Gavin of Leicester; six grandchildren, Andrew Trent Parris of Sunshine, Allison Parris Tate and her husband John Parker Tate of Forest City, James Ronan Gavin of Leicester, William Andrew Gavin of Leicester, Rebecca Maeve Gavin of Leicester and Anna Aisling Gavin of Leicester and three great grandchildren, Logan Andrew Parris of Sunshine, John Eli Tate of Forest City and Emersyn Spring Tate of Forest City.

A celebration of her life will be held at First Presbyterian Church, Hickory, on Saturday, May 22, 2021, at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Whit Malone officiating.

In lieu of flowers,

“The Cloud” Ethel Sell Vaughn – “Little Boy Reading” Alana Whitehead – “Waterfall at Kreher Preserve” Michael Zabala – “My Love” The event would not have been possible without our sponsors, the City of Auburn, Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau and The Cup & Saucer Market and Café.

The Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center offers a variety of opportunities in the Au-

burn area to experience both visual and performing arts, entertain and develop new ideas, cultivate new talent and provide ways for the community to come together.

There are classes and workshops for all ages, art exhibits shown in the center’s gallery, community theatre programs and special events held throughout the year. To learn more about the Arts Center, you can visit auburnalabama. org/arts.

memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 237 2nd St., NW, Hickory, North Carolina, 28601.

McMahan’s Funeral Home of Rutherfordton is assisting with arrangements.

daughters, Kimberly Adams (Mari) of Brooklyn, New York and Jennifer Raley (Daren) of Headland, Alabama, one sister in love, Julie Kircher of Daegu, South Korea, four grandchildren, Ann Katherine and her husband Jacob Lovin of Dothan, Gunnar Hartzog of Montgomery, Gray Hartzog of Opelika and Audrey Claire Hartzog of Opelika, two nieces and one nephew, several cousins and great nieces and nephews.

Keeping Nancy’s wishes, she will have a simple cremation and be placed with her husband in the columbarium at Garden Hills Cemetery in Opelika, Alabama. A celebration of life will be held for her at a later date.

Nancy Watson Adams

Nancy Watson Adams was welcomed into the presence of her Lord and Savior who she loved above all else, on Friday morning, April 30, 2021. Nancy was born Aug. 6, 1949 in Dothan, Alabama to Jerry Frank Watson and Mary Collier Watson. She was a 1967 graduate of Warner Robins High School and attended Wesleyan College. Nancy taught kindergarten for 15 years and loved each and every one of the children she taught. Her students left a special place in her heart. Nancy became a travel agent in 1986 for World Horizon’s Travel.

She later opened her own business with her husband Danny Kay Adams in 1989. Nancy loved to travel and go camping. She loved all animals, especially her pups through the years. Muffin, Peaches, Precious and little Sis were well loved by her. The love for her family and friends is known by all. Her gifts of spice tea and cookies will be remembered by many.

Nancy was preceded in death by her father, Lt. Col. Jerry Frank Watson and her husband of 32 years Danny Kay Adams.

She is survived by her mother, Mary Collier Watson, her daughter, Amy Latta Hartzog and her husband David , two sisters and their husbands Kathy and Danny Boswell of Dothan and Jerrie Lynn and Tommy Bass of Dothan, two brothers, Tommy Watson and David Pillow of Savannah, Georgia, two step-

Carol Sheppard Hannaford

Carol Sheppard Hannaford of Griffin, Georgia was born to the late Hiram Sheppard and Evelyn Rosa Stillwell Sheppard on Dec. 25, 1944 and passed away on April 29, 2021.

She was 76 years old.

Carol was preceded in death by her son, Jimmy Wayne Rowe, Sr., great granddaughter, Candence Rowe; brother, Henry Wayne Sheppard, Sr., sister, Cathy Joan Davis.

Carol is survived by her daughter, Yvonne McChargue, grandchildren, Jimmy Wayne Rowe, Jr. (Cherish) and Lori Rowe, great grandchildren, Ryker Rowe, Jaxson Rowe, Jimmy Clegg and Allison Clegg and brother, James O. Sheppard.

Visitation was held on May 3, 2021 in the Parlor at FrederickDean Funeral Home from 9:30 to 11 a.m. and the funeral service followed at 11 a.m. with Reverends Chris Roper and Jackie Prickett officiating. Interment followed at Garden Hills Cemetery.

A15 May 6, 2021

A16 May 6, 2021

COMICS

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

S

S

School Board Meetings Auburn: May 11 at 6 p.m.

INSIDE • OPELIKA SCHOOLS • LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS • COMMUNITY SPORTS

Lee County: May 11 at 6 p.m.

Opelika: May 25 at 4:30 p.m.

Smiths Station advances to first ever Final Four

On the Mark

By D. Mark Mitchell

OHS BOYS TRACK TEAM WIN 6A AHSAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

T

he Opelika High boys and girls track and field teams travelled to Gulf Shores for the 2021 Outdoor State Meet this past Thursday through Saturday.

Opelika's boys team dominated the three-day meet, winning the championship as they racked up 114.50 points, 71.5 points ahead of second place Scottsboro. The win capped what has been a dominant year for the boys team which won the Indoor State Championships last fall.

Junior Jarell Stinson was standout performer for the boys team. Stinson finished first in the 100 meter, 200 meter and 400 meter dash. Senior Eric Watts and LeDamian Rowell were the other two dogs to finish in first place, winning the long jump and triple jump, respectively.

Watts also came in fifth in the 110 meter hurdles and second in the 300 meter hurdles. Rowell came in second in the long jump, while the two tied each other for third in the high jump. Other dogs who finished within the top-5 in their respective events were senior Justin Shorter, second in the 110 meter hurdles, and senior Trevon Moore, fourth in shot put.

As a team, Opelika won

the 4x400 meter relay event.

Other boys who placed are: senior Dalen Torbert, seventh in the 100 meter and 400 meter dash; senior Caleb Phillips, ninth in the 400 meter dash and seventh in the high jump; junior Kyrian Moss, 18th in the 800 meter dash; Shorter, sixth in the 300 meter hurdles; junior Benjamin Royal, 12th in pole vault; sophomore Kaden Cooper, 13th in triple jump; senior LaJadan Torbert, 13th in shot put and javelin; junior Montae Hutchinson, sixth in discus; Moore, 21st in discus; Senior Sean Smith, 22nd in discus.

Head coach Jimmy Johnson, appeared "On the Mark" sports radio show (FOX Sports the Game 910-1310) Monday morning and talked about the meet.

"I am so happy for our kids,” Johnson said. “All of our assistant coaches attended OHS and understand the successful history. All of the student-athletes represented themselves and Opelika with class. I had two college coaches walk up to me saying they were going to offer scholarship's to our team members. That is my reward, seeing them mature, get an education and See SPORTS, page B4

Smiths Station soccer coach Dennis Jones knows his program isn’t seen as a traditional soccer powerhouse, but he thinks this year’s team has proved its time to start respecting Smiths Station soccer.

“We did what we wanted to do,” he said of making the Final Four.

“We showed the state that we are a defensive soccer program and that we got some good soccer girls coming from this area and that’s what we want. We want to be known as a soccer program and get a little bit of respect.”

The Panthers proved they belong by punching their ticket to the programs first ever Final Four with a 1-0 win over Fairhope on Friday.

The low-scoring affair was a typical Panthers

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY DENNIS JONES

By JD McCarthy For the Opelika Observer

game, where they played stellar defense and did just enough offensively to win.

“We know if we can keep a team from scoring more than one goal, we are going to have a couple of chances to score and usually we can convert at least one of them,” Jones said. “We know that we just have to keep them from scoring, and we will get an opportunity eventually.”

The Panthers have executed this strategy perfectly in their first two

games of the postseason.

The Panthers have yet to allow a goal after they beat Prattville 1-0 before shutting out Fairhope.

Jones has struggled to describe just how good his defensive unit is.

“I’m one-hundred percent completely confident in my defense,” he said. “I just can’t explain it; they just play so well together … They are just so experienced; they are veterans, they’ve been playing together for a longtime. They know how each other plays

and they have each other’s backs and it’s really just a hard thing to score against them.

“They have so much confidence in each other, they are not afraid to step out of their comfort zone in the game because they know somebody is there to have their back.”

One player who has been key in their first two games is Savannah Hattaway. The sophomore midfielder has See FINAL, page B4

Hornets look to bring the sting in area playoffs

By Wil Crews sportscrews@ opelikaobserver.com

Last weekend, the Beauregard Lady Hornets softball team played a three-game tournament as a final tune up before the area playoffs begin today.

“They know what’s at stake,” head coach Scott Meadows said about his team’s menSenior Beauregard softball player, Kat Henson (left), tality heading into the playoffs. “If we can was named as a member on the annual AHSAA North-South All-Star rosters this week. Henson has get them fired up and been a leader for Beauregard all season. In 89 plate they show up wanting appearances she’s has a .463 batting average, a .616 to play and can relax on-base percentage, a .761 slugging percentage and a little bit – just get out there and turn it a .978 fielding percentage in 91 total chances.

loose – we can play with any of them.”

Beauregard lost two-out-of-three games over the weekend, with self-inflicted errors and staunch pitching from the opposition squashing the Hornets.

Beauregard was first defeated by Elmore County (23-10, 6-0), by a score of 14-0. The Hornets were without one of their better hitters, Katie Wilkerson, but the loss “nothing good came out of it,” Meadows said.

Secondly, the horSee PLAYOFF, page B4

B2 May 6, 2021

SUSCC awards Donna Hall Scholarship The Southern Union Foundation is pleased to announce that Kendall Patterson, a senior at Wadley High School, is the 2021 recipient of the Donna Hall Scholarship.

Established in memory of long-time SU supporter Donna Hall, the scholarship is sponsored

by Remax Lakefront of Wedowee and is awarded annually to a future educator who is acquiring the pedagogy and methodology to teach a rigorous, real-world curriculum, wants to inspire students to be successful, independent, critical thinkers and understands the importance of build-

ing a positive and respectful teacher-student relationship. Preference is given to a Randolph County student.

“We are so happy to honor Mrs. Hall’s memory by administering this scholarship,” said Shondae Brown, director of public relations at Southern Union State Community College.

“She was a stellar lady who was a valuable member of our community. We are so honored that her family and friends chose to honor her with a scholarship through the SU Foundation.”

The Southern Union Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that was established to

support and foster the educational and service programs and activities of Southern Union State Community College, thus advancing the mission and vision of the college. The Foundation increases educational access for students through financial support and enables the college to initiate innovative projects to enhance the quality of education.

Anyone interested in helping sustain the scholarship fund can make a contribution to the SU Foundation Scholarship Fund. Donations should be sent to Southern Union Foundation, PO Box 1000, Wadley, Alabama, 36276.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY SUSCC

Contributed by SUSCC

Jerry and Jeff Hall present the Donna Hall Scholarship check to Kendall Patterson.

Area teams show out at state track meet

By Wil Crews sportscrews@ opelikaobserver.com The AHSAA Track & Field State Championships were held this past weekend and a number of Lee County student-athletes earned statewide recognitions.

The 1A through 3A schools’ competition was held in Cullman, Alabama, at Cullman High School, and the 4A through 7A competitions were held in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

To read about the state champion Opelika boys track & field team, and the Opelika girls who tied for fifth place out of 34 participating teams, read D. Mark Mitchell’s column on B1.

3A Beulah The Beulah Bobcats girls’ track & field team tied for 11th with 20 points at the state meet. They finished fourth in both the team 4x400 meter relay, and the 4x800 relay. On the other hand, the boys team finished in 21st place, tallying eight points total. The best finish as a team was No. 11 in the team 4x800 meter relay.

While neither squad was able to finish in the top three – as a team or individually – and put on the podium, a number of individual athletes performed well in their particular events.

For the girls, senior Angelica Calloway had the highest individual finish, placing sixth in the 400 meter dash. Her teammate, junior Myleah Beaty, was the second best individual performer as she placed seventh in the 100 meter hurdles. Beaty also ran 13th in the 300 meter hurdles while sophomore Tymesha Miles has two more years to improve upon her 22nd place finish. In shot put, junior Cara Wood placed 11th while junior Grace Portis placed 17th. Wood also had a strong showing in discus, placing 11th.

Lastly, Portis showcased her versatility with a No. 21 finish in the javelin.

On the boys’ side of things, senior Latravious Wilson had the best day, finishing seventh in the 200 meter dash. Senior Graisan Prestridge placed No. 12 in the 800 meter dash and

18th in the 1600 meter run. Freshman Jacori Tarver flashed his potential with a strong 13th place finish in shot put, and freshman Thet Morris can build off his 23rd place finish in the 300 meter hurdles for three more years.

5A Beauregard The Beauregard Hornets boys’ and girls’ track & field teams placed ninth and tied for third, respectively, at the AHSAA state track & field meet.

“This year’s senior class finished their track careers with an incredible performance at the state meet,” said Beauregard coach Ty Ford. “This senior class has worked hard and led this team through the toughest few years for student athletes to maintain their peak performance due to missing nearly their entire junior season because of the COVID pandemic. To come through that and finish out their careers with a third place finish for the girls and a ninth place finish for the boys in a field of 57 5A schools is awesome.”

Freshman Katie

Wilkerson won the individual javelin competition to be crowned state champion, and senior Keyshon Tolefree came in second in the triple jump.

“Katie Wilkerson came into the weekend seeded as the number three thrower in the state in class 5A,” Ford said. “Earlier in the season I had to convince her to miss a make-up softball game to throw in a meet. I told her then that she had a shot at being the state champion in javelin. When she ripped off her season best throw of 107 feet, 1-inch, that put her in first place. I knew that she was in the driver's seat, and it was just a matter of hanging on.

When all the competitors had thrown their final attempt and her distance stood at the top of the list, I called out her name, threw both fists up in the air and let out a loud yell.

As a ninth grader, I have every confidence that she will get better and hopefully be able to defend her state title three more years. With that, along with several other young talented teammates, she has a high chance of not just

being the javelin event state champion but being a member of a state championship track and field team.”

The best team performance for the boys came in the 4x100 meter relay, where the Hornets placed 6th. They also placed 12th in the 4x400. For the girls, the 4x800 meter relay saw them finish on the podium with a third place bronze medal around their necks. The Lady Hornets also finished fourth in the 4x100 meter team relay, and 10th in the 4x400.

Individual performances for the boys are as follows: 3200 meter run, junior Joshua Len, 14th; high jump, senior Brandon Weatherly, 6th; pole vault, sophomore Braxton Hughes, 6th; triple jump, Weatherly, 5th; discus, sophomore Riley Wilson, 6th; javelin, sophomore Jacob Clark, 14th.

Individual performances for the girls are as follows: 200 meter dash, senior A’Lailah Billingsley, 5th; 800 meter run, freshman Molly Conway, 3rd, senior Josie Wiggins, 4th; 1600 meter run, Conway, 4th, Wiggins,

12th, seventh grader Rolley Len Kirk, 18th; 3200 meter run, Conway, 7th; high jump, senior Alexxia Carter, 12th; long jump, sophomore Akaylin Echols, 19th; triple jump, Echols, 15th; shot put, eighth grader Allison Sheeley, 4th; discus, Sheely, 4th.

7A Smiths Station The Smiths Station Panthers boys track & field team placed No. 24 over the weekend while the girls failed to place. The highlights for smiths were a 14th place finish in the boys 4x400 meter team relay. The boys then followed that up with a No. 15 finish in the 4x800 meter relay.

Siblings Jaxon Prins and Railey Prins were the individual standouts for the Panthers.

The freshman, Railey, placed 15th in the 3200 meter run, and 20th in the 1600 meter run.

Her brother, a senior, placed 24th in the 800 meter run.

Other Panthers who placed include: 300 meter hurdles, senior Rhiannon Sevier, 20th; 300 meter hurdles, junior Tavin Womack, 16th; shot put, junior Malek Harris, 20th; discus, Harris, 21st.

PHOTOS BY JOHN HILLSMAN / FOR THE OPELIKA OBSERVER

B3 May 6, 2021

The quiet gift is the most powerful gift

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

T

oday, May 6, is recognized as National Day of Prayer. This is always observed on the first Thursday of May. This is when our nation turns to God in prayer and love. This is the most powerful action and work we can do right now between the young and old. Prayer brings us all together. Be on the lookout at how our community is celebrating National Day of Prayer.

We are made for prayer. If we go back to the very beginning, we see that prayer and communication with God has always been

central. The Bible clearly describes from God the benefits of prayer.

In personal growth, young children love to bow their little heads and pray. The process of prayer comes naturally to children. They understand that God is love and that love is unselfish. God enables young hearts to grow in understanding, wisdom and the fullness of God. Psalm 34:4-5 — “I sought the Lord and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.” Young fears may seem silly at times, but they are real to their little minds. By giving our

young children the resource of prayer, we provide them with strength, courage and wisdom to face this world. Too, by praying with our children, we receive this same encouragement, strength and joy.

Matthew 7:9-11 — “How much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him." Young children seem to understand that God will grant what they need.

Children are so literal in their understanding of this. Young children become a model for adults.

Children realize that all they need to do is ask for His provision. God welcomes little children.

In Mark 10:14 — When Jesus saw that the disciples were keeping the children away, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as them.” God doesn’t shun children, nor wait until they are older, wiser or more important. He created people to have a relationship with Him from childhood.

Psalm 57:2 — “I cry out to God the Most High, to God, who fulfills His purpose for

me.” God has a purpose for each of us. He promises to fulfill that purpose when we ask.

Young children love and have so much fun looking at themselves in the mirror. Making happy faces, funny faces, sad faces and just normal faces. Psalm 139:14 — “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are your works, and that my soul knows very well.”

Adults and children have a purpose and God fulfills His purpose when we ask.

One conviction that God has quietly laid on this teacher’s heart is when I am stopped behind or to the side of a school bus is to pray for the needs of each child I see getting on or off the school bus. Their teachers and parents are in my prayers too. I am so very thankful for the many years of teaching experiences God has given me so I can discern, by gentle, Godly guidance, the needs of children that I see and meet. Prayers are offered up for troubled and disturbed children; children with low self esteem who feel rejection; for quiet children and outgoing children; for children with learning

challenges; handicapped children; for the bright child who has enthusiasm for learning; for the child who does not have enthusiasm for learning and seems unmotivated; for a child who has just moved into the community and is new at their school. The greatest gift a community can give toward its future is to pray for children.

One prayer activity that is so very simple for children and adults is the Five Finger Prayer, written by Tony Kummer that is used daily in Christian literature in joining the young and old in times of prayer. Each day, in meeting the intercessory needs of others, we use the thumb for praying for family and friends, the pointing finger for leaders and teachers, the tall finger for government and authority, the ring finger, which is the weakest finger, is to remind us to pray for people who are weak and sick, and the little finger, for ourselves and our needs. This gives us a gentle reminder of who to pray for. Too, with children and families is to journal prayers. Write down the prayer request then write down or even draw a picture when the

prayer is answered. This builds faith.

One reminder that we can remind ourselves of as well as our young children is that sometimes adults seem ever so busy to listen to them. It seems that way at times to young children. They truly begin to understand when we come together, the young and old, to pray that our Heavenly Father always has time to listen to us. His phone line is never too busy, he doesn’t delete our e-mails or texts, God always leans in to listen to our prayers. Children who are entrusted in parents’ and teachers’ care to teach and nurture by God seem to understand that God does hear their prayers.

A gentle reminder, this coming Sunday, we celebrate the lives of those we call mother.

Mother hold a special place in our hearts, by blood or choice. On this upcoming Mother’s Day the greatest gift you could extend to mothers is to pray for them and to let them know that you are praying for them. Happy Mother’s Day! Beth Pinyerd Classroom Observer

United Way of Lee County kicks-off Stuff the Bus school supply collection Contributed by United Way of Lee County

Although most of us are dreaming about summer, United Way of Lee County has its eyes set on the start of the school year.

United Way is gearing up for its annual Stuff the Bus initiative, which provides hundreds of children in Lee County a new backpack and school supplies for the upcoming school year.

With nearly 4,000 Lee County students living in poverty, this

program is critical.

To make this year a success, and provide a backpack for every eligible child, they need your help.

Ways to Help: Donate School Supplies – The most needed items this year are: 1-inch three ring binders, colored pencils, composition notebooks (wideruled), dividers, dry erase markers, loose filler paper (college-ruled and wide-ruled), plastic two pocket folders

with prongs, glue sticks, index cards and spiral notebooks (college-ruled).

Donations can be dropped off at United Way of Lee County (2133 Executive Park Dr., Opelika) Rexnord, The Harris Center, The Justice Center, Huff Smith Law, Auburn Chamber of Commerce, Opelika Chamber of Commerce, Auburn Alumni Center, CenterState Bank, Opelika Sportsplex, Bancorp South,

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Auburn Therapy and Learning Center, Trindgroup or Max Credit Union.

Host a Collection Drive – If your gym, book club, friend group, business or sports team is looking for a way to make a difference, host a collection! Donations can be dropped off at United Way of Lee County, or call 334745-5540 to schedule a pickup before June 30, 2021.

Contribute a Financial Donation

– If you’re looking to help a child without the hassle of shopping, visit our website and donate. A $50 contribution “sponsors” one child. Be sure to write “Stuff the Bus” in the comments section when you donate.

For more information, or to donate online, visit www.UnitedWayof LeeCounty.com About United Way of Lee County: At United Way of Lee County, we fight for health, education,

stronger families, and a safety-net of services in times of crisis for people in Lee County.

Our mission is to increase the organized capacity of people to care for one another.

One of the ways we do this in our community is by generating and applying the necessary resources to meet the needs of the community, recognizing that meeting basic human needs should be the overriding consideration in all decisions.

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B4 May 6, 2021

Glenwood rolls into semifinals

By Wil Crews sportscrews@ opelikaobserver.com The Glenwood Gator Varsity baseball team is scheduled to travel to play the Bessemer Academy Rebels today the semifinals of the AISA Class 3A State Tournament.

“I just want these guys to realize what a blessing it is to be at this stage and the opportunity that is in front of them,” said head coach Tim Fanning. “I hope they embrace that and really enjoy it the right way and just be ready to play. If they are better than us and they play better than us and they beat us, then you are okay with that. You don’t want to look back and have any regret.”

The “if” game three between the schools will be Friday “if” necessary. Results were not available at press time.

Before that, Glenwood had a bye in the first round of the playoffs and subsequently swept Clarke Prep two games to zero

SPORTS >> FROM B1 contribute to society.”

The Lady Bulldogs finished ninth with 10 points, but had some strong individual performances over the weekend. Trinity Love won the discus to finish as the only girl state champion and placed third in shot put. Senior Priscilla Perry was third in discus. junior Haley Sanders finished seventh in the 100 meter dash. Junior Brekin Gould placed 18th, 10th and eighth in the 800 meter, 1600 meter and 3200 meter run, respectively. Sophomore Cherdi Daniels and Perry placed sixth and 14th, respectively, in shot put.

As a team, the Lady Bulldogs placed sixth in the 4x100 relay and 14th in the 4x800 relay.

SOFTBALL AREA TOURNAMENT OHS lady Bulldog softball won the area regular season

PLAYOFF >> FROM B1 nets played a welldrilled Wetumpka (32-12, 4-0) team and came up just short, losing 6-4. Ace Madison “Mac” McDonald was on the mound for Beauregard, throwing a complete game while allowing eight hits and just four earned runs. The two runs that proved to be difference came on costly errors.

“If you take the errors out we may win the ball game,” Meadows said. “We didn’t

in the second round at The Swamp on Glenwood’s campus.

“We were ready to play,” Fanning said.

“We came out swinging the bat real well.”

Junior pitcher Colton Dempsey was on the mound for game one – and he brought his best stuff. Dempsey struck out eight, walked one, and despite limiting his opposition to four hits, allowed three Clarke Prep runs in six innings of work as Glenwood won 13-3.

To add to his impressive day, Dempsey hit a three-run “freaking tank” of a home run.

“He had a good first game for sure,” Fanning said of Dempsey.

Also propelling the Glenwood to the win was Garrison McClary, who went 4-for-4 at the plate, and Avery Robinson who was 2-for-2 with two RBIs and two doubles.

“He’d been hurt and he had just come back and hes really come back hot for sure,” Fanning said of Robinson. “He gives us that extra senior arm as

championship, earning the right to host the area tournament which began on Tuesday. The area tournament winner and runner-up advances to the sub-state in Montgomery's Lagoon Park. The championship game was held Wednesday night but results were not available come press time.

FOOTBALL Opelika started spring practice on Monday.

Head coach Erik Speakman will hold practice through May 6 and with a scrimmage 6 p.m. Friday at Bulldog Stadium. The dogs have several positions up for grabs after graduating many starters.

The Bulldogs have over 100 student-athletes participating in spring drills.

AHSAA CENTRAL BOARD OF CONTROL The Alabama High School Athletic Association voted on officers during last week's really hit it real good, but it was good to see both of those games, we saw two good pitchers and that’s what we are going to see in the area tournament.”

The third game of the weekend was undoubtedly the best for the Hornets as the defeated Saint James 7-4. Saint James jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first inning, despite “Mac” standing on the mound for the second game in a row.

However, she allowed only five hits over the course the game and

well that we can count on in the playoffs on the mound.”

Technically the visitors in the second game, Glenwood gave the “home team” an early advantage by making two errors which led to one run in the first inning.

“Fortunately that didn’t hurt us, but you know in tight games those mistakes are magnified,” Fanning said. “The momentum swings in big playoff series are huge; it can take you out of the game.”

However, the Gators had their best pitcher,

meeting. Opelika's Dr. Farrell Seymore was voted vice president for a two-year term. The Central Board of Control is the governing body over the AHSAA. The CBOC named a 7-member committee to find a new executive director after Coach Steve Savarese announced his retirement last month.

In "MY" opinion, the AHSAA has several qualified candidates to replace Coach Sav, without going outside. I believe Associate Director Alvin Briggs is the leading candidate along with Associate Director Kim Vickers. There are others inside the AHSAA that would be a great hire.

D. Mark Mitchell is the Sports Director at iHeart Media, host of 'On the Mark' on Fox Sports The Game 910-1310, Co-Chair of the AuburnOpelika Sports Council, Chairman of the Super 7 and Dxie Boys Baseball State Director. allowed the Hornet bats to take over. The batting leaders were Madison Champion, who went 1-for-1 with a home run and two runs scored, and senior Mikayla Williams, who went 2-for-3 with two runs scored.

“Hoping she’s fixing to start to heat up a little bit,” Meadows said of Williams.

Another lasting positive that came from the weekend was the emergence of eighth grader Lucy Van. Starting all three games at second base, the young infielder

Trevor Horne, on the mound.

“Then I guess Trevor got tired of that,” Fanning said of his defense’s errors.

By games end, Horne had thrown a no-hitter, struck out 13 batters, gone 3-for-3 at the plate with three RBIs and led Glenwood to an 111 victory.

“That was a great last game on his home field for him,” Fanning said of Horne.

Other Gators who helped contribute to the win offensively were Dempsey, who went 2-for-2 with a double, and Robinson, who

FINAL >> FROM B1 been given the job of marking the other team’s best scoring threat, something she has done a great job of according to Jones.

The Panthers goal against Fairhope came from Kylie Pritchett.

Who is really just one of two Panthers who are more offensively focused, Jones admitted.

“Our thing is that we play good defense. My outside midfielders really take pride in playing defense and when we get a few opportunities during the game we are trying to get the ball high to Kylie or Morgan Ritter.”

The goal was enough to punch the ticket to Smiths Stations’ first ever Final Four for either girls’ or boys’ soccer, something that Jones can barely describe.

“To be honest I don’t even have the words for handled 14 of the 15 balls hit her way.

“She may be starting at second,” Meadows said of the Van’s spot in the lineup come playoff time.

Now, Beauregard, the No. 4 seed in the area, play today against the No. 1 seeded Tallassee Tigers. The two teams have met twice before this season with the Tigers prevailing in both competitions.

However, the Hornets have an ace up their sleeve. Tallassee have only seen Beauregard’s best “Mac”, once – some-

went 2-for-4.

Now, the Gators have turned their attention to the Rebels.

“Bessemer has been in the top three of the state all year and we knew they were going to be good coming into this year,” said Fanning. “They returned a lot of guys … you know, having to go there, travelling three hours, it is what it is. We just have to be mentally tough enough to deal with that.”

On paper, the two teams appear to be deadlocked. According to MaxPreps With a record of 19-6,

Bessemer’s 0.76 win percentage is 0.01 behind Glenwood’s. The Rebels have been defiant at home this year, with a 16-1 record. The Gators won’t let that shake them, however, as they have posted a solid 10-5 record on the road this season.

Glenwood averaged 7.73 runs per game in the regular season compared to eight runs per game for Bessemer.

Comparatively, Glenwood allowed, on average, 3.5 runs per game, and Bessemer allowed just 3.4.

“I like our pitching against anybody,” Fanning said. “Our pitching has kept us in every games all year.

It’s just whether we are going to get some timely hitting and play good defense. I think it comes down to our lineup and can we manufacture runs against really good pitching. And that’s how you win championships.

“I just want our guys to be ready because it’s going to take everything they got to win that series.”

it because it’s uncharted territory we are entering,” he said. “I knew that we had just as good of a chance as anybody else and this is big for the program. It kind of solidifies this team as probably the best team in Smiths Station history.”

Next, the Panthers will face a familiar foe in Enterprise on Friday for a spot in the championship game. The two programs played earlier in the year and the Panthers lost 8-3, in what Jones called the “only bad game we’ve had all year.” The game was the Panthers first game back after spring break and was tied at half before Enterprise pulled away early in the second half.

While Jones has plenty of confidence in his team, Enterprise is a challenging matchup due to their team speed, something the Panthers have struggled with at

times.

“They are fast,” he said. “That is one thing that we are not as good against. Enterprise likes to play the long ball and chase and that does prevent some problems for us but we’ve played some fast teams this year and we’ve done ok.”

While Jones knows his team will be in for a challenge, he sees no reason his girls can’t come out on top and play for the AHSAA 7A State Championship on Friday.

“They are going to have to play 80 minutes,” he said. “They are going to have to give it all, they are just going to have to stay in it for 80 minutes. If they take the foot off the gas for one minute anything could happen so it’s just play for the full 80 minutes. I don’t see why we can’t take care of business against Enterprise.”

thing Meadows thinks gives his team a leg up.

“Madison is definitely our go-to on pitching,” Meadows said. “The team just has a different air about them when she’s pitching. As long as she controls those walks, we usually got a chance.”

While Macdonald will be relied on heavily on the mound, fellow senior Kat Henson, who was just named to the AHSAA North-South All-Star team, will be the leader at the plate.

“She’s been our

horse at the plate all year,” Meadows said of Henson.

Furthermore, Meadows said he will be looking to the likes of Champion, Williams, Caroline Willis, Wilkerson and Cooper Watson to step up.

“If we can get all those to heat up a little more at the plate and cut them errors out, we can compete with anybody,” he said. “Hopefully they [the team] will be excited because they know two wins sends us to regionals and two losses sends us packing for the year.”

B5 May 6, 2021

Beulah stumbles into area tournament

By JD McCarthy For the Opelika Observer Throughout the season, the Beulah softball team has consistently played teams above its classification.

The Lady Bobcats have done more than hold their own and coach Stan Pepper is a believer that the tougher schedule prepared his girls for the postseason.

Well, the postseason has arrived and that philosophy will be put to the test this week.

The 20-15 Lady Bobcats swept their area games and as such have a bye straight to the semifinals. They will face the winner of Reeltown and Dadeville, who met in the first round Tuesday afternoon. If Beulah wins that game, the team will play in the championship game Wednesday afternoon.

A loss at any point would drop the Lady Bobcats into the losers bracket where they would face the other remaining team.

Due to their No. 1 seed, the Lady Bobcats

just need to win two games in the double elimination tournament to win the tournament and advance to regionals.

“It’s huge,” Pepper said of being the one seed. “I always want to be the one seed if possible. Try to have a little target on your back, it puts a little pressure on you but at the same time if you are good enough to be the number one seed you ought to be good enough to defend it.”

The Lady Bobcats ended their regular season last weekend in the Tallassee Tournament and dropped their final three games of the regular season.

On Friday, the team lost 4-2 to Wetumpka, and on Saturday, fell to Elmore County 1-0 and Tallassee 9-3.

While closing the season on a three-game losing streak is far from ideal, Pepper is not overly concerned because the Bobcats were once again playing schools several classifications above theirs who also

won their regular season area titles – they had also not played in over a week.

“We hadn’t played in over a week and the girls are tired, we got some injuries, just some bumps and bruises,” he said. “We were facing some high-quality teams and the results were not where we wanted them, but I was pleased with us defensively – we did not hit the ball well. So, we got to figure something out to get the bats going a little bit.”

The Lady Bobcats managed just four hits

against Wetumpka and were playing from behind most of the game.

Wetumpka took a 1-0 in the bottom of the first and added on another run in the fourth.

Beulah tied the game in the top of the fifth but surrendered two runs in the sixth inning and could not answer in the seventh inning.

It was a similar story on Saturday as Tallassee scored two runs in the first inning and another in the second to race to an early 3-0 lead before pulling away in the fourth inning. The

Bobcats were able to tie the game in the top of the fourth, but Tallassee scored four runs in the bottom of the inning to take a commanding 7-3 lead.

Against Elmore County, the Panthers scored the only run of the game in the bottom of the first and the Lady Bobcats were only able to manage three hits.

Brandy Phillips held the Panthers to just one run on two hits and struck out seven batters in six innings in her final start of the regular season.

“We are going to concentrate on hitting in the cage and live hitting but we are going to concentrate on trying to wake the bats up,” Pepper said. “We have a lot of runners getting on base but we are just not stringing together three to four hits to get them in. So, we are just going to concentrate on improving our hitting.”

One of the strengths of Beulah is that Pepper has two pitchers he is confident in throwing against any team they face in Phillips and

Katie Morris.

“I have total confidence in Katie and Brandy,” Pepper said.

“They both have their strengths and are very good in their circle and so I don’t have a problem pitching either one of the teams we are going to play or any team we will play in the future.”

The Lady Bobcats don’t know who they will be playing Tuesday, but Pepper believes if his team does what it is capable of it does not matter. (Probably change this tomorrow morning to say “Beulah played so-and-so on Tuesday, winning 6-0, and await an opponent on Thursday. Results were not available at press time but Pepper said he believes his team is capable of playing their best and winning.”)

“This time of year it’s just a matter of going out and executing your plan and do the best that you can,” he said. “If you do that, good things will happen.”

Gov. Kay Ivey approves a 2% pay raise for teachers, state employees Contributed by the Office of Gov. Kay Ivey Gov. Kay Ivey signed Senate Bill 188, sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr and Rep. Bill Poole, into law, making teacher pay raises official on Tuesday. She also put her signature on House Bill 320 for state employee pay increases. During her state of the state address, Ivey proposed a 2% pay increase for the state’s K-12 and higher education officials, as well as state employees, citing the fact that

TRACK

>>

FROM B3 7A Auburn High Besides Opelika, the Auburn High boys’ and girls’ track & field team performed the best out of Lee County public schools – although Beauregard may beg to differ. The boys made the podium as a team, finishing third with 74 points.

And the girls finished just two spots away from medaling, coming in fifth with 52.50 points.

However, the girls did make the podium in one team event, placing third in the 4x800 meter relay.

They finished fifth and sixth in the 4x100 and 4x400 meter relays, respectively. While the boys did not place highly in any team events (sixth in the 4x800 and ninth in the

Alabama’s teachers rose to the challenges of this past year, and state employees maintained functions of government amidst the pandemic. Upon the successful passage by the Alabama Legislature and her signature making it official, Ivey offered the following statement: “If this pandemic has taught us anything, it reinforced what we already knew – teachers are vital to our student’s learning, and our state employees keep government services operational for the

people of Alabama.

I am proud to sign this well-deserved pay increase to our educators and state workers. I commend Education Trust Fund chairmen Sen. Arthur Orr and Rep. Bill Poole, General Fund chairmen Sen. Greg Albritton and Rep. Steve Clouse, along with the entire Alabama Legislature for their hard work and for approving this raise. It is both fiscally wise and simply the right thing to do after a hard year.

“As we head into the summer months, and the pandemic

continues to ease, we need to do everything we can to support our teachers and educational support staff to ensure that we can fully return to classrooms in the fall.

Alabama schools have shown the rest of the nation that it is possible to be safely back in the classroom, while carrying on the important work of providing Alabama’s children a chance for a promising future. I look forward to continually offering my support to ensure that Alabama students remain on track and moving ahead.”

4x400 meter relay), a number of individuals put their abilities on full showcase.

For starters, Patrick Sweeney placed first in four ambulatory events: the 100 meter dash, 200 meter dash, shot put and discus.

Furthermore, senior Tray Reynolds placed No. 1 overall in the 110 meter hurdles.

Reynolds also placed fourth in the 300 meter hurdles and 13th in high jump. Three others student-athletes received medals as sophomore Maxwell Hardin placed second in the 1600 meter run, junior Charlie Sexton placed second in the 200 meter dash and Jackson Holladay placed third in discus.

Not to be outdone, the girls team had strong individual showings as well, with two girls making the podium in their

respective events.

Seventh grader Abby Merner placed second in the 1600 meter and 3200 meter runs, and freshman Tytiana Sparks placed second in high jump.

The rest of the individual performances from the girls are as follows: 400 meter dash, junior Djamilah Diabate, 19th; 800 meter dash, sophomore Liviy Tole, sixth; 1600 meter run, Tole, 10th, sophomore Sangie Licoln-Velez, 16th; 3200 meter run, junior Lessye Gray, 18th, senior Olivia McAnulty, 19th; 300 meter hurdles, senior Destiny Thompson, 11th; high jump, junior Georgia Von Gal, fifth; freshman Hope Foster, tied for seventh; pole vault, sophomore Emma Earles, fourth; long jump, junior Katelynn Evans, 18th, junior Milan Gardner, 19th,

junior Sophie Turner, 20th; triple jump, Von Gol, ninth, Garner, 14th, Foster, 16th; javelin, junior Caroline Crum, seventh, and junior Erika Hardin, eigth.

The rest of the individual boys’ performances are as follows: 400 meter dash, Sexton, fifth, junior Forest Adams, sixth, senior Michael Reuss, 23rd; 800 meter run, senior Aubrey Lake, fourth, senior Jeffrey Blair, 16th, Nathan Stewart, 19th; 1600 meter run, Lake, 10th; 3200 meter run, Hardin, fourth; 300 meter hurdles, senior Cameron Dowdell, 13th, junior Will Waller, 19th; high jump, sophomore Octavian Brown, 23rd, senior Kamarious Hill, 24th; pole vault, senior Graham Barnett, 10th; long jump,

IVEY Brad Harper, fourth, junior Derrick Tarver, 16th; triple jump, Tarver, fourth, Harper,

14th; shot put, junior Marsalis Carter , 17th; discus, senior Sam Anderson, sixth.

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B6 May 6, 2021

Alabama Statewide: 4-H Growing Alabama’s Future Written and contributed

by Mary Leigh Oliver / ACES Alabama 4-H continues to grow the states future through intentional activities and opportunities for youth.

By guiding young people through constructive use of creativity, learning, optimism and purposeful exploration, 4-H had a successful year.

“We are proud of the hard work of those who make Alabama

4-H happen even in the most trying circumstances,” said Alabama 4-H assistant director Molly Gregg. “As the numbers illustrate, Alabama 4-H is for everyone.”

4-H by the Numbers Alabama Extension director Mike Phillips said he was impressed by the involvement of 4-H members in STEM activities. The 125,721 4-H members are two times more likely to participate in STEM (Science, Technology,

Engineering and Mathematics).

“Through these program activities, the youth of tomorrow are preparing to be the next generation of physicians, engineers, software developers and other-science-based jobs,” Phillips said.

Not only are 4-H’er’s two times more likely to participate in STEM, they are also two times more likely to make healthier choices.

Phillips said Alabama’s population

ranks first in the U.S. in prevalence of stroke, third in diabetes and kidney disease and consistently high in obesity and heart disease.

“The educational programming through 4-H to reduce these health issues is a huge economic and lifestyle benefit for the state,” Phillips said.

Overall, with impressive statistics in STEM and health participation, 4-H’er’s are dedicated to serving their

community. Young people involved in 4-H are four times more likely to give back to their communities than nonmembers.

4-H for Everyone With members from every community in Alabama, 4-H’er’s remain dedicated to learning, advancing and serving others. The opportunities for involvement are limitless.

Gregg said the employees and volunteers who make up the Alabama 4-H

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More Information To learn more about the Alabama 4-H State Impact, check out the Alabama Statewide publication. Also, visit the Alabama Extension website, www.aces.edu.

B7 May 6, 2021

Glenwood complete sweep of Clarke Prep, two rounds away from state championship PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / OPELIKA OBSERVER

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B8 May 6, 2021

Auburn holds spring 2021 graduation in Jordan-Hare PHOTOS BY HANNAH LESTER / OPELIKA OBSERVER

Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics

B9

May 6, 2021

Thursday, May 6, 2021

Inside the Statehouse

T

Some Legislative Issues

By Michelle Key Publisher

STEVE FLOWERS have to be proper refrigeration for certain beverages and numerous other precautions. There can be no delivery to college campuses or their surrounding neighborhoods. This legislation is not the panacea that at home drinkers believe it will be.

Alabamians are also still prohibited from purchasing alcohol from out-of-state under any circumstance. Those Alabama drinkers who delight in garnering select brands of bourbon, scotch, vodka, gin and fine wines must still drive to some other states to get their preferred indulgence.

The perennial legislation regarding the use of medical marijuana for medicinal purposes has been front and center this session. It usually gets passed in the Senate. It always gets bogged down in the House of Representatives. It has become law in most states. However, Alabama is a conservative state, and the Alabama House is a very conservative and deliberative body. Sen. Tim Melson, who is a staunch conservative Republican senator and a physician, is the sponsor. He has seen first-hand how the use of medicinal marijuana has helped his patients.

A good many Alabamians, who have suffered debilitating pain from cancer and other illnesses, can and will attest to using this relief.

Alabama now has an official state vegetable, the sweet potato. The Alabama legislature made it official during the regular session. Alabama has taken heart in creating official emblems and honors over the years. We have an official state fruit, the blackberry. The official tree fruit is the peach. The official crustacean is the brown shrimp. The official amphibian is the red hills salamander.

All in all, it may not be a bad Session.

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.

The Opelika City Council and Mayor Gary Fuller discussed an arrangement letter with Critical Insights Consulting, LLC for OPD's Strategic Initiative during Tuesday night's council meeting. Ward 5 Councilman Todd Rauch said that he believes that this is just another step in the right direction for the future of Opelika.

"I believe the program that Dr. [Chenavis] Evans and Critical Insights Consulting has put together is all encompassing with solution based initiatives along with its 'CIC Policing and Me' curriculum in the Opelika City

Schools," Rauch said.

Ward 1 and Ward 2 Councilmembers, George Allen and Erica Baker-Norris, both had significant questions about the arrangement letter. Allen expressed concerns about moving forward with a second contract with Evans before seeing results from the first contract that was approved last month.

Following the discussion, the council members voted to approve the arrangement letter with a vote of three yeas and two nays.

Another significant agenda item was the discussion and vote on the Bicycle Pedestrian Plan. Following the discussion, the council voted to approve the plan that has been in the works for several

years.

Other business: - The council recognized the Opelika High School track team as the AHSAA 6A state champions.

- The council recognized the following students who were awarded Killgore scholarships: Charles (Will) Beams, Will Bennett, Max Caldwell, Abigail (Abby) Dixon, Benet Harris, Eleanor Wilson, Braxton Harris, Andrew Harris, Leighanna Howell, Imani Poole and Estefania Valencia.

- Fuller presented a proclamation declaring May 2021 as "Bike Month" to Dr. Shirley Lazenby. She spoke on the bicycle-pedestrian See OPELIKA, page B10

Auburn City Council passes short-term rental business license regulations PHOTO BY JOSH FISHER / FOR THE OPELIKA OBSERVER

he 2020 legislative regular session is wrapping up. After this week’s two-days of meeting days, only one final legislative day remains on May 17.

There has been a myriad of high-profile measures addressed during this year’s session. However, the budgets and how state dollars are spent are always the paramount issues on the minds of legislators, especially the budget chairmen.

The elephant in the room, which is on the back of everyone’s mind, is the prison issue. Alabama must have new prisons. The governor wants to and has moved unilaterally to privatize the new prisons. Legislators are skeptical of the open-ended cost and believe the state should own the prisons and a bond issue should be floated to pay for the state’s new prisons.

This skepticism by legislative leaders has resulted in a bill that is meandering through the legislature, which would create a joint legislative oversight committee to review any large expenditures.

The bill would require any non-education state agency or state department to obtain approval from a newly formed oversight committee on obligation transparency for any General Fund expenditures over $10 million.

As the COVID pandemic shutdown began last March, home delivery of groceries and all merchandise flourished.

Everything under the sun began to be delivered to people’s homes, except for alcohol in Alabama. We have very strict laws regarding the sale of alcohol. These laws are administered and upheld by the Alabama Alcohol and Beverage Control Board. Well, there has been a hue and cry from a good many Alabamians who have desired that wine, beer and liquor be delivered to their homes the same as other grocery items. The legislature heard their concerns and adhered to their wishes. They passed legislation allowing for home delivery of alcohol during this session, and Gov. Kay Ivey signed the law.

However, in a recent conversation with Alabama Beverage Control administrators, Mac Gipson and William Thigpen, they are of the belief that very few Alabamians will actually be able to afford this luxury. The legislation calls for very stringent guidelines regarding the delivery process. It will probably be cost prohibitive for delivery companies to participate. There will be costly prohibitions in order to adhere to the ABC’s guidelines. Someone will have to be 21 or older at home to sign for the alcohol.

Delivery drivers will have to have perfect driving records that will have to be void of DUI’s for at least six years. There will

Opelika approves arrangement for Policing and Me curriculumn

By Hannah Lester hlester@ opelikaobserver.com

Ready to talk about short term rentals?

The Auburn City Council amended the city code, chapter 12, to include a category on short term rental business licensing

NOW OPEN

regulations during its city council meeting Tuesday night.

The amended chapter now includes regulations that require an annual business licensing fee set at a certain amount in a short-term non-primary rental or homestay.

The amount will be fixed at “equal to a percentage of gross receipts set at 1/4 of 1% (gross receipts multiplied by .0025 provided that the minimum business license fee shall be $100 for businesses.”

See AUBURN, page B15

Indoor shooting range is open to the public

2195 FIRST AVENUE • OPELIKA

B10 May 6, 2021

D

After 10 women perish in dorm fire, VP Mondale inspired community

uring the 1976 election, it was said that, like a horse, the Democratic ticket was “stronger on its hind legs than its front legs.” After all: Jimmy Carter was a one-term governor of a small Southern state with little time in fulltime public service.

Mondale, of Minnesota, was an eight-year U.S. senator and had been Attorney General of Minnesota (1960-1964).

Mondale’s experience led him to be a trailblazing vice president from 1977-1981. His experience and ties with U.S. senators advanced the president’s programs.

He died in April 2021 at age 93, in Minneapolis.

He was both competent in the White House and motivational in his speeches. After a tragedy at Providence (RI) College, he helped students and faculty recall their “school spirit.”

A Catholic school with approximately 4,800 students today, but fewer then, it was undergoing changes to academics and physical

plant. On December 13, 1977, many students were around though graduation was nearing.

In Aquinas Hall, students were covering the walls and lights; two girls created a manger out of cardboard and paper.

The Center for Fire Research Reports that from January 2020 to May 1, 2021, a total of 92 fatal fires have occurred on a campus, in Greek housing or in off-campus housing within three-miles of a campus. Additionally, of the 92 files documented: 14 were intentionally set; 38 were accidental; and 40 were without a definable cause.

At Providence College, dorm residents were using a high-intensity lamp to highlight a Nativity scene. Around 3 a.m. (don’t forget cell phones were not invented yet) firefighters were called. But in the 38 minutes before a fire truck arrived, 10 young women died.

Eight deaths were from smoke inhalation and

two from jumping out of a fourth-story window trying at the last minute to save themselves.

“I still find it hard to talk about,” Father Brian Shanley, O.P. (then a student) said to The Cowl, PC’s student newspaper. “I remember the night vividly, and I remember the incredible sadness that just descended on the campus and I remember the next day they cancelled classes and brought us to Alumni Hall and Father Peterson (the Colleges’ president at that time) and the mass and preached. I don’t remember what he said but remember sitting there thinking that we’re going to get through this, and that not all is lost.”

Rhode Island’s senior U.S. Senator John Pastore invited the vice president because the Aquinas tragedy impacted Providence College. He told Mondale to focus on the future and the fact that PC was growing with natural attention for its

OPELIKA >>

alcohol license for M & P Enterprise, LLC Dba Zen Steak and Sushi Bar. - The council approved bids for contracts for OPD uniform cleaning and for weed abatements services.

- The council approved a contract for services with Citibot, Inc. for the IT department.

- The council approved the purchase of a Trane HVAC and humidification air system.

- A request from Sawyer Stephens for a refund of occupational fees that were paid in error was approved.

- The council approved an agreement with John Randall Wilson, Architect, for Environmental Services Facility Project.

- The council also approved an agreement by and among the city of Opelika, the AHSAA, the city of Auburn and the A-O Tourism Bureau for the Super 7 Football Championship games.

- A request for an extension of a tax abatement of sales and use taxes for Jo-Ann Stores, LLC was approved, and they also approved additional tax abatements and exemptions for JoAnn Stores, LLC. The

FROM B9 master plan. "This has been a work, 20 years in the making," Lazenby said.

- A proclamation for the third annual Opelika Giving Day was presented to the Community Foundation of East Alabama - Stephen Dawe and James Bush were awarded “Atta Boy Awards"

by Fuller for their exceptional work.

- The council voted to approve a request for a retail liquor and beer on-premise

academic innovations yet with difficult tours.

Ken Moskowitz, who served as a press aide to Ambassador Mondale while in Toyko, Japan, saluted his calmness when dealing with media and the public.

“He was the most centered. Since he had no personal craving to be on TV or interviewed in the press, approach would rely on our recommendation without whether to accept a request. When taping a statement for the media, I don’t believe we ever did a reshoot because vanity never factored in the decision media.”

Mondale is considered the most successful

vice president in that he worked beyond the ideas that Carter gave out to implement. He then got her with senators as he knew them from his elected days.

He was personable, not against compromise and a good teammate.

He deployed the strategies/tactics to survive in ways the somewhat inept president he served did not. (Another powerful VP was Dick Cheney; he knew how to broaden his portfolio, but he made occasional errors.)

Mondale has been sort of a TV quiz show trivia question ever since he was slaughtered in both popular “people” votes and Electorals in 1984.

But he had a richer background than most people know: doing fine work in the Senate for eight years, serving as attorney who supported both justice and mercy; and serving U.S. Ambassador to Japan when rogue American GIs raped a 12-yearold girl and created an international scandal.

But, he calmed people down just as he did at his talk in Rhode Island six months after the 10 young women died.

In his 93 years, Walter F. Mondale kept the faith and made many accomplishments for Minnesota, the U.S., and the world. He was not as famous or transformational as President Reagan, naturally. But he knew something quite important. Even as a dorm named for St. Thomas Aquinas was being repaired he may have said: “There is nothing on this earth more prized than true friendship.” Except maybe a horse with hide legs stronger than front ones.

About Greg Markley: Greg Markley first moved to Lee County in 1996. He has Masters’ in education and history. He taught politics as an adjunct in Georgia and Alabama. An award-winning writer in the Army and civilian life, he has contributed to the Observer for 10 years. gm.markley@ charter.net

company is planning a 5.78-million-dollar expansion of its facility.

- The council voted to approve the construction of a subdivision sign to be located in the rightof-way for Wyndham Village Drive (West).

- The annual MWPP reports for the East and West Sewer Treatment Plants were approved.

- The council approved the annual authorization to levy tax on property located within Opelika.

- The city of Opelika participates in a Bureau of Justice Assistance Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP)

Grant every year and the council approved the application for participation in the program for the OPD. - The council approved a special appropriation to the Community Foundation of East Alabama from the Ward 4 reserve fund to help support O Grows and Opelika Theatre Company.

- The council approved an ordinance to revise the city’s stormwater ordinance to meet new ADEM Requirements.

- The council voted to approve a MOU between the city of Opelika and

U.S. Army Garrison, Fort Benning for Career Skills Program (CSP) Partnership.

- The council also failed to vote unanimously to suspend the rules requiring two readings on an ordinance to amend Section 5.8.3 of the Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual. The ordinance will carry over to the next meeting.

The next scheduled council meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 18 at 7 p.m. Meetings are held in the municipal court building located at 300 Martin Luther King Blvd. in Opelika.

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LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS HELP WANTED Opelika Housing Development, Inc. is currently seeking highly motivated, experienced, and trustworthy candidates to fill the Full-time position of Maintenance Technician for properties in the Opelika,

AL. . area. Duties will include, but not be limited to: Promptly handle unit and facility work orders Complete repairs in a consistent and correct manner Provide excellent customer service Work well with other team

members Willing to clean grounds as needed Be well organized to coordinate and perform unit and site inspections Able to complete make-ready of units proficiently Ideal candidates should have

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B11 May 6, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICES IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO. 2021-215 IN RE: THE ESTATE OF CHESTER DREW GOLDEN, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT TO BE PUBLISHED BY EXECUTRIX Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to MELISSA CHAPMAN GOLDEN, on the 12th day of April, 2021, 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 Executrix.

Legal Run 4/22/21, 4/29/21 & 5/6/21 ––––––– IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA In the Matter of: Gisela Lewis, an alleged incapacitated person TO: Any relatives or interested parties: Lee County DHR has filed a Petition to appoint a Legal Guardian/Conservator for the person of Gisela Lewis. It is ordered that the 17 day of May, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. be appointed on the day on which to hear such petition, at the Lee County Courthouse, 915 South 9th St. Opelika, AL at which time all persons interested may file their notice of appearance and contest the said petition if they deem it proper. Done this the 15th day of April, 2021.

BILL ENGLISH Probate Judge Legal Run 04/22/21, 04/29/21 & 05/06/21 ––––––– ESTATE OF BETTY RUTH LEDBETTER, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT COURT OF PROBATE, LEE COUNTY Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 15th day of April, 2021, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given tat 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 our hands, and dated this the 15th day of April, 2021.

CRAWFORD RAY LEDBETTER, JR. BRENDA FAYE LEDBETTER LUCAS Legal Run 4/22/21, 4/29/21 & 05/06/21 ––––––– IN THE MATTER OF THE CONSERVATORSHIP OF LEWIS WARREN JOHNSON, A NONCOMPIS MENTIS (JENNIFER MARIE SHUMACK, CONSERVATOR AND LEGAL GUARDIAN) IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO.:20215-218 NOTICE OF CONSERVATOR’S SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that Jennifer Marie Shumack, the Conservator of Lewis Warren Johnson, a non compos mentis, has filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, the detailed accounts, vouchers and statements for final settlement of his conservatorship of Lewis Warren Johnson, covering the period from November 15, 2018 through January 1, 2021 and that the 18th day of May, 2021 at 10:00 o’clock a.m. has been appointed as the day for making said final settlement in this Court and that any person interested therein may appear and contest the same if he sees fit to do so.

This the 19th day of April, 2021.

BILL ENGLISH JUDGE OF PROBATE Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP

P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 04/22/21, 04/29/21 & 05/06/21

Guntersville, AL 35976 Legal Run 4/29/21, 05/06/21 & 5/13/21

–––––––

IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of Carl Wayne Ethridge, Deceased Case No: 2021201 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION TO BE PUBLISHED Letters of Administration on said deceased having been granted to Reba Ethridge, Administrator on this the 8th day of April, 2021, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. BY: James E. Hall, Attorney for Administrator.

Legal Run 4/29/21, 05/06/21 & 05/13/21

STATE OF ALABAMA CASE NO. 2021-218 LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT ESTATE OF EVELYN LOUISE WILLIAMS, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF ADMINISTRATOR Letters of Administration of the Estate of Evelyn Louise Williams, deceased having been granted to Herbert M. Williams this 20th day of April 2021, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by the law or the same will be barred.

Herbert M. Williams, Personal Representative Jeffery A. Hilyer 334-745-2564 Attorney at Law P.O. Box 30 Opelika, AL 36803-0030 Legal Notice 04/29/21, 05/06/21 & 05/13/21

–––––––

–––––––

“NOTICE OF LEGAL SERVICE: Michael W. Slocumb & Slocumb Law Firm, LLC. Slocumb Law Firm, LLC. Has been sued in Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court by Raya Greenberger, Case No. 63-CV-2016-900531.

Ms. Greenberger seeks money damages for legal malpractice from Slocumb Law Firm’s representation of her from 2012-2014. Slocumb Law Firm must file an answer on or before June 5, 2021 or default judgment will be sought. Yuri Linetsky, Plaintiff’s Counsel, Civil Law Clinic, (205)3484960, Box 870392, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487.”

Legal Run 04/15/21, 4/22/21, 4/29/21 & 05/06/21 ––––––– STORAGE TREASURES AUCTION ONE FACILITY – MULTIPLE UNITS Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 1412 Opelika Rd, Auburn, AL 36830 Thursday, May 6, 2021 at 10:00AM Jason Pope - Unit Z412 464 Schaffer Rd Boone, NC 28607 Household furniture, boxes, etc The auction will be listed and advertised on www. storagetreasures.com.

Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction.

Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

Legal Notice 4/29/21 & 05/06/21 ––––––– IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE:The estate of Lois Jacqueline Curtis, Deceased Case No. 2021-238 TAKE NOTICE that Letters Administration having been granted to Tyra L. Burnam as Administratrix of the Estate of Lois Jacqueline Curtis, deceased, on the 19th day of April, 2021.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same be barred.

Tyra L. Burnam, Administratrix of the Estate of Lois Jacqueline Curtis, Deceased Legal Run 04/29/21, 05/06/21, 5/13/21 ––––––– IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO.2021-232 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BRIAN LEWIS BENSON, DECEASED PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE’S NOTICE TO FILE CLAIM Letters Testamentary as Personal Representative of the Will of BRIAN LEWIS BENSON, deceased, having been granted to the undersigned on the 19th day of April 2021, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate of said County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law, or the same will be barred.

THOMAS BENSON Personal Representative George M. Barnett Attorney for Petitioner 431 Gunter Avenue

–––––––

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE MARRIAGE OF JENNIFER NICOLE EVERAGE,Plaintiff, vs.

LIONEL KEITH EVERAGE, Defendant, CASE NO.: DR-2021900101.00 NOTICE OF DIVORCE ACTION Lionel Keith Everage, whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer Jennifer Nicole Everage’s Petition for Divorce and other relief by the 21st day of June, 2021, or thereafter a judgment by default may be rendered against him in Case No. DR-2021-900101.00, Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama.

DONE this the 21st day of April, 2021.

Mary Roberson CIRCUIT CLERK LEE COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT Legal Run Dates: April 29, 2021, May 6, 2021, May 13, 2021 and May 20, 2021 LAST DAY TO ANSWER: June 21st 2021 ––––––– IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF: CARROLL EUGENE GRIDER, Deceased Case No: 2021-235 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Tammy Lea Grider Clark, Personal Representative on the 19th day of April, 2021, by Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Tammy Lea Grider Clark Legal Run 04/29/21, 05/06/21 & 05/13/21 ––––––– IN RE THE ESTATE OF: VALDA S. MASSEY, Deceased.

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO.2021 225 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 19th day April, 2021, by Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby give n 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.

CAROL SUE NASH, Executrix Legal Run 4/29/21, 05/06/21 & 05/13/21

–––––––

ESTATE OF CECIL EDWARD BENNETT, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT COURT OF PROBATE, LEE COUNTY Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 23rd day of April, 2021, 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 the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Witness our hands, and dated this the 23rd day of April, 2021.

THOMAS CRISWELL Legal Run 4/29/21, 05/06/21 & 05/13/21 ––––––– IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF ZHENGZHENG WU, Deceased Case No.: 2021-131 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION of said deceased having been granted to JOSEPH MAJDALANI on the 21st day of April , 2021 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 ba rred.

JOSEPH MAJALANI Legal Run 4/29/21, 05/06/21 & 05/13/21 ––––––– Notice of auction of abandoned vehicles.

Best 4 Less Inc. will be auctioning off the below mentioned vehicles on Friday, May 28,2021.

This Auction will be held at 2509 Lafayette Parkway, Opelika, Alabama, 36801 at 10:00 a.m. If you have any questions inNregards to either of the vehicles please give call at 334705-0000.

VEHICLES Year: 2007 Make: BUICK Model: LACROSSE VIN#: 2G4WE587271191828 Year: 2000 Make: FORD Model: EXPLORER VIN#: 1FMYU60E1YUB02932 Year: 2000 Make: FORD Model: EXPLORER VIN#: 1FMZU61E1YUB64303 Legal Run 04/29/21 & 05/06/21 –––––––

Notice of auction of abandoned vehicles.

Best 4 Less Inc. will be auctioning off the below mentioned vehicles on Thursday, May 27,2021.

This Auction will be held at 2509 Lafayette Parkway, Opelika, Alabama, 36801 at 10:00 a.m. If you have any questions inNregards to either of the vehicles please give call at 334705-0000.

VEHICLES Year: 2001 Make: Jeep Model: Grand Cherokee VIN#: 1J4GX48571C540866 Year: 2001 Make: SATURN Model: SEDAN VIN#: 1G8ZH52891Z291878 Year: 2003 Make: Toyota Model: Hatchback VIN#: 2T1LR32E63C073722 Year: 2013 Make: Ford Model: Fusion VIN#: 3FA6P0H71DR129206 Legal Run 04/29/21 & 05/06/21 ––––––– Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 1242 N. Dean Rd, Auburn, AL 36830 Thursday, May 6th, 2021, at 10:00AM Summer Copes 25244 Anderson Estates LOT 15 Opp, AL 36467 bedroom set couch boxes The auction will be listed and advertised on www. storagetreasures.com.

Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

Legal Run 04/29/21 & 05/06/21 ––––––– In the Matter of the Estate of Peggy Jenkins Morrison, Deceased In the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama Case No. 2021-227 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT TO BE PUBLISHED

BY PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 19th day of April, 2021, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court for Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

BILL ENGLISH PROBATE JUDGE Legal Run 4/29/2021, 05/06/2021 & 05/13/2021 ––––––– IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No.: CV-2021900127 HARDWOOD, LLC, Plaintiff, v.

A Parcel of Real Property described as: From the Southeast corner of Section 9, Township 17 North, Range 27 East, Lee County Alabama, run thence North 00° 01’ West 1319.41 feet; thence South 88° 00’ 26” West, 382.18 feet; thence North 19° 51’ 22” West 20.6 Feet; thence North 89° 07’ 04” West 278.54 feet; thence North 02° 11’46”

West 743.69 feet; thence South 74° 51’ 38” West along the Northerly margin of dirt road 367 feet to the point of beginning of the parcel of land here described and conveyed: From said point of beginning, continue thence South 74° 51’ 38” West along said margin of said road 145 feet; thence leaving said road, run North 02° 11’ 46” West, 300 feet; thence North 74° 51’ 38” East, 145 feet; thence South 02° 11’ 46” East, 300 feet to the point of beginning, containing one (1) acres more or less.

And Mary Jackson, and/or the unknown heirs Of Mary Jackson, And Fictitious Defendants A, B, C, D, E, F & G, Being Persons, Individuals, Firms, Associations, Partnerships, Corporations or other Entities, Whose names are otherwise unknown to the Plaintiff, but who claim interest in and to the above-captioned parcel of land, and whose correct names and legal identities will be added

by Amendment when ascertained, Defendants.

NOTICE OF ACTION

To: All Defendants herein, whose whereabouts are unknown and which cannot be ascertained after the exercise of reasonable diligence.

You are hereby notified that on the 21st day of April, 2021, a Complaint to Quiet Title was filed in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama, and the following are the names of all parties to the action: Hardwood, LLC, as Plaintiff; A Parcel of Real Property, described below, as Defendant; and unknown persons or entities who cannot be ascertained after the exercise of due diligence, and which are believed to have claimed some right, title, interest or claim in and to the property described herein.

All persons having an interest in said lands or any portion thereof, claiming any title thereto or any encumbrance or lien thereon, are hereby directed to plead, answer, or otherwise respond to the Complaint on or before the expiration of 30 days after the last publication of this notice, or thereafter suffer judgment by default to be rendered against them, it being intended that this notice shall be used to perfect service against all parties who cannot be personally served with a copy of the Complaint.

Done this the 21st day of April, 2021. /s/ Mary Roberson Mary Roberson Circuit Court Clerk, Lee County J. Brandon Rice Of Counsel, Davis, Bingham, Hudson & Buckner, P.C. 324 East Magnolia Avenue Auburn, AL 36830 Legal Run 05/06/21, 05/13/21, 05/20/21 & 05/27/21 ––––––– IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT NAIRN VANBENTHUYSEN, DECEASED CASE NO.: 2021- 187 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Melisa V. Love and Kristina J Bartsch on the 2nd day of April, 2021, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama.

Notice is hereby given to 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.

J. TUTT BARRETT P.O. Box 231 Opelika, AL 36803-0231 Legal Run 05/06/21, 05/13/21 & 05/20/21

See PUBLIC NOTICE, page B12

B12 May 6, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE >> FROM B11 IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE:THE ESTATE OF CLARENCE P. WRIGHT, DECEASED. TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Tracy Wright, as Executrix of the Estate of Clarence P. Wright, deceased, on the 28th day of April, 2021, 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.

Tracy Wright, Executrix Of the Estate of Clarence P. Wright, Deceased Marrell J. McNeal, Attorney at Law, PC PO Box 308 Opelika, AL 36803 334-745-7033 Legal Run 05/06/21, 05/13/21 & 05/20/21 ––––––– ORDINANCE NO. 008-21 ORDINANCE AMENDING ARTICLE IV OF CHAPTER 7 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA WHEREAS the regulation of stormwater run-off discharge from land development activities in order to control and minimize increases in stormwater run-off rates and volumes, soil erosion, stream channel erosion and non-point source pollution associated with stormwater run-off is in the public interest and will minimize threats to the public health and safety; and

WHEREAS regulation by means of post-construction performance standards and wastewater management will produce development compatible with the natural functions of a particular site or on an entire watershed and thereby mitigate the adverse effects of erosion and sedimentation from development; and WHEREAS the City Council finds and determines that it is necessary to amend Article IV of Chapter 7 of the Code of Ordinances relating to postconstruction stormwater management.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the City Council of the City of Opelika, Alabama, as follows: Section 1. Amendment to Section 7-102. That Section 7-102 of the Code of Ordinances (the “Code”) is hereby amended by adding the following definitions in the appropriate alphabetical order: “City” shall mean the City of Opelika, Alabama.

“Maintenance Agreement” or “Stormwater Maintenance Agreement” shall mean a legally recorded document that acts as a property deed restriction, and which provides for longer term maintenance of storm water management practices.

“New Development” shall mean a land development project undertaking on a previously undeveloped or unimproved site.

“Owner” shall mean the legal or beneficial owner of a site, including but not limited to, a mortgagee or vendee in possession, receiver, executor, trustee, lessee or other person, firm or corporation in control of the site.

“Person” shall mean, except to the extent exempted from this article, any individual, partnership, firm, association, joint venture, public or private corporation, trust, estate, commission, board, public or private institution, utility, cooperative, city, county or other political subdivision of the state, any interstate body or any other legal entity.

“Re-Development” shall mean the expansion, renovation, rebuilding, demolition and

construction or other further improvement of any previously improved tract, lot or parcel of land, or combination of contiguous tracts, lots or parcels of land which are in one ownership, or which are owned by one or more parties, are proposed or planned as a valid subdivision, or project. “Previously improved” includes, but is not limited to, the prior placement, construction, and/or demolition of buildings, roadways, sidewalks, parking areas and other areas of concrete, asphalt, gravel, packed gravel or other material on the subject tract(s), lot(s) or parcel(s).

“Site” shall mean the parcel of land being developed, or the portion thereof, on which the land development project is located.

“Stormwater Management Facilities” shall mean constructed or natural components of a stormwater drainage system, designed to perform a particular function, or multiple functions, including, but not limited to pipes, swells, ditches, canals, wetlands, culverts, street gutters, detention basins, floodplain areas, retention basins, constructed wetlands, infiltration devices, catch basins, oil/water separators, sediment basins, natural and modular pavement.

“Stormwater Management System” shall mean the system of roadside drainage, roadside curbs and gutters, curb inlets, swales, catch basins, manholes, gutters, ditches, pipes, lakes, ponds, sinkholes, channels, creeks, streams, storm drains, post-construction work practices and similar conveyances and facilities, both natural and manmade, located on the development site which are designated for use collecting, storing or conveying storm water, or through which storm water is collected, treated, stored or conveyed, whether owned by the authority or other person.

“Stormwater Management Plan” or “Plan” shall mean a written, detailed set of documents, narratives and maps containing the proposed design, design calculations, construction specifications, affidavits and reports of the individual and collective water drainage systems and post-construction stormwater practices on a specific, proposed land development subject to this article.

Section 2.

Amendment to Section 7-104. That Section 7-104 of the Code shall be amended to read as follows: Sec. 7-104 Postconstruction requirements for new development and re-development (a) The developer, landowner, or authorized representative shall develop and implement post-construction strategies for new development and redevelopment that include, at a minimum, a combination of structural and/or non-structural BMPs designed to require, to the maximum extent practicable, that the volume and velocity of predevelopment stormwater runoff is not significantly exceeded as determined by the authority. Said combination of postconstruction strategies shall be designed to function during a rainfall with intensity up to that of a two (2) year twenty-four (24) hour storm event. This section shall require that responsible maintenance be performed, and the responsibility is assigned to the entity that develops, owns, or manages said grounds and is transferable to the next owner, tenant, or entity or HOA for responsible perpetual care. The developer or landowner is prohibited from removing, relocating or modifying the storm

water facilities located on the property without the prior approval from the City. This includes all structures, improvements, vegetation, pipes. channels or other appurtenances built as part of design and function to treat stormwater before it leaves said property.

The authority shall be provided a legally enforceable agreement that assigns permanent responsibility for post BMP maintenance of structural or treatment control management practices. (b) Prior to the issuance of a permit, the developer or landowner shall prepare and submit to the authority a postconstruction stormwater management plan (the “Plan”) showing in general, how postconstruction stormwater runoff will be managed on the development site. Post-construction strategies/plan may be incorporated into permittee’s BMP plan filed with the authority or in a separate document.

Said post-construction strategies/plan shall be reviewed, approved, and updated pursuant to the same requirements as those of the permittee’s BMP plan. The preliminary or initial plan shall include strategies for post-construction inspection, operation, and maintenance and shall be incorporated into permittee’s pre-project approval, with a statement of inspection/maintenance responsibilities that are transferable to subsequent owners, operators, or HOA who will be responsible for perpetual maintenance. (c) Permittee’s postconstruction strategies/ plan must show proposed final site conditions and describe how the volume and velocity of stormwater leaving the site will be managed after construction is complete to require, to the maximum extent practicable, that it does not significantly exceed the volume and velocity of pre-construction stormwater runoff.

Before a developer/owner/ entity shall give/transfer or legally hand over dayto-day maintenance or operations of roadways, sidewalks common areas, detentions or stormwater device(s), the active performance security and maintenance bond(s) shall cover incomplete items stated above.

This stipulation is also enforced in the Opelika Subdivision Regulations.

This Performance Security shall be 125% of the actual cost of the remaining items as determined by a certified and/or licensed professional for a term of two years. (d) Upon completion, permittee shall file with the authority a certified copy of as-built drawings of any permanent post-construction practices implemented at the site. Such filing shall demonstrate, to the maximum extent practicable, that final post-construction site conditions comply with subsection (a). The authority may also require permittee to provide a method of funding to be established or provided to ensure the long-term maintenance of any postconstruction BMPs. (e) Maintenance of all stormwater facilities shall be ensured to the creation of a formal maintenance agreement that must be approved by the authority and recorded in the Lee County Probate Office. The maintenance agreement shall include the following information: (1) Identification by name or official title. The person(s) for responsible for carrying out the annual inspection and maintenance.

(2) A statement containing the responsibility for maintenance of the stormwater management system unless assumed by the authority.

(3) A provision stating that, if portions of the development site are sold or otherwise transferred, legally binding arrangements shall be made to pass responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the stormwater management system to the appropriate successors in title; these arrangements shall designate for each portion of the stormwater management system the person(s) to be permanently responsible for inspection and maintenance.

(4) A maintenance schedule stating when and how often routine inspection and maintenance will occur to ensure proper function of the stormwater management system.

(5) Plans for annual inspections to ensure proper performance of the stormwater management system between scheduled maintenance activities.

(6) The agreement shall provide for access to the stormwater management system and the land it serves at reasonable times for annual periodic inspection by the authority or authority’s designee and for regular or special assessments of property owners to ensure the stormwater management system is maintained in proper working order to meet the authority’s stormwater requirements.

If the responsible party named in the recorded maintenance agreement is a homeowner’s association or other owner’s association, such as a unit owner’s association, the responsible party shall submit to the authority a copy of a recorded declaration that provides: (1) That the stormwater management practices are part of the common elements of the development site and shall be subject to the requirements of the stormwater management system maintenance agreement and annual inspection plan.

(2) That membership in the association shall be mandatory and automatic for all homeowners or unit owners of the development site and their successors.

(3) That the association shall have a lien authority to ensure collection of all dues from members.

(4) That the requirements of the maintenance agreement and plan shall receive the highest priority for expenditures by the association except for any other expenditures that are required by law to have a higher priority.

(5) That a separate fund shall be maintained by the association for the routine maintenance, reconstruction and repair of the stormwater management system and kept in an account insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or another entity acceptable to the authority.

(6) That the routine maintenance, reconstruction and repair fund shall contain at all times the dollar amount reasonably determined from time-to-time by the authority to be adequate to pay for the probable reconstruction and repair cost (but not routine maintenance cost) of the stormwater management system for a three-year period.

(7) That to the extent permitted by law, the association shall not enter into voluntary dissolution unless responsibility for the stormwater management system is transferred to an appropriate successor. The permittee shall require the developer/owner/ operator to keep records of post-construction BMP inspections, maintenance activities for a period of five (5) years and make them available to the authority upon request.

Section 3.

Amendment to Section 7-104.1. That Article IV

of the Code is hereby amended by adding Section 7-104.1, which section shall read as follows: Sec. 7-104.1 Existing locations and developments. (a) Requirements for all existing locations and developments.

The following requirements shall apply to all locations and developments in which land disturbing activities have occurred subsequent to the enactment of this article.

(1) Denuded areas must be vegetated or covered under the standards and guidelines specified in the BMP Manual and on a schedule acceptable to the authority.

(2) Cuts and slopes must be properly covered with perennial or permanent vegetation and/or retaining walls constructed.

(3) Drainage ways shall be properly covered in vegetation or secured with rip rap, channel lining, etc., to prevent channel or outfall erosion.

(4) Trash, junk, rubbish, etc., shall be cleared from drainage ways (5) Stormwater runoff shall be controlled to prevent pollution of local waters. Current control measures may include, but are not limited to the following: (i) Ponds. (a) Detention pond (b) Extended detention pond (c) Wet pond. (d) Alternative or underground storage methods. (ii) Constructed wetlands. (iii) Infiltration System. (a) Infiltration/ percolation trench (b) Infiltration basin. (c) Drainage (recharge) well. (d) Porous pavement. (iv) Filtering Systems. (a) Bioretention area/rain garden (b) Catch basin insert/media filter. (c) Sand filter. (d) Filter/absorption bed (e) Filter and buffer strips. (v) Open Channel: (a) swales, diversions. (b) Requirements for existing problem locations. When the authority becomes aware of a problem location, the authority shall, in writing, notify the owners of existing locations and developments of specific drainage, erosion or sediment problems affecting such locations and developments and the action required to correct those problems.

The notice shall also specify reasonable time for compliance. (c) Inspection of existing facilities. The authority may, to the extent authorized by state and federal law, establish inspection programs to verify that all stormwater management facilities, including those built before as well as after the adoption of this article, are functioning within design limits. These inspection programs may be established on any reasonable basis, including but not limited to: routine inspections; random inspections; inspections based on complaints or other notice of possible violations; inspection of drainage basins or areas identified as higher than typical sources of sediment or other contaminants or pollutants; inspections of businesses or industries of a type associated with higher than usual discharges of potential contaminants or pollutants or with discharges of a type which may more likely than the typical discharge to cause violations of the authority’s NPDES stormwater permit and joint inspections with other agencies inspecting under environmental or

safety laws. Inspections may include but are not limited to, reviewing maintenance and repair records; sampling discharges, surface water, groundwater and material or water drainage control facilities; and evaluating the condition of drainage control facilities and other BMPs. (d) Correction of problems subject to appeal.

Corrective measures imposed by the authority under this section are subject to appeal.

Section 4.

Amendment to Section 7-105. That Section 7-105 of the Code shall be amended to read as follows: Sec. 7-105. - Inspections.

Share Link Print Download (docx) Email Compare (a) As described in the current Opelika SWMP, all stormwater management facilities must undergo, at a minimum, an annual inspection to document maintenance or repair needs to ensure that post-construction BMP’s are functioning as designed. The permittee must carry out all applicable inspection requirements set out in ADEM’s applicable regulations and NPDES construction general permit.

The permittee shall require the developer/owner/ operator to keep records of post-construction BMP inspections, maintenance activities for a period of five (5) years and make them available to the authority upon request. (b) The authority or its designated agent retains the right to enter property upon which any land disturbing activities are being conducted to carry out its own inspections, investigations, monitoring, observations, sampling, enforcement, and/or to address any complaint.

Furthermore, the authority or its designated agent retains the right to enter property upon which any post-construction strategies have been implemented pursuant to the requirements of this article to carry out its own inspections, investigations, monitoring, observations, sampling, enforcement, and/or to address any complaint in ascertaining whether practices are maintained. Prior to conducting any of the aforementioned activities, the representative(s) of the authority will notify the permittee or an authorized representative at the site, of their presence and anticipated activities on the site. The authority will conduct any such inspection activities at reasonable times, provided however that if the authority has reasonable cause to believe that discharges from land disturbing activities to the MS4 may cause an imminent threat to human health or the environment, inspection of a site may take place at any time and without notice to the permittee, or an authorized representative at the site.

Whenever information from a permittee, site owner, and/or an authorized representative at a site is requested by the authority, said parties may identify certain documents, materials, and/or processes that contain trade secret(s), the inspection of which could potentially jeopardize such trade secret. If the authority has no clear and convincing reason to question the proprietary assertion, omission of such materials, documents and/or processes will be noted by the authority. To the extent practicable, the authority will protect all information which is designated as a trade secret by the permittee, site owner or an authorized representative. (c) The authority may seek appropriate legal remedies from any court with competent jurisdiction over the site for any wrongful refusal by a permittee, site owner, and/ or authorized representative to allow the authority to enter and/or continue an inspection on a site. If a court grants a remedy to the authority, the site owner must reimburse the city all costs and expenses incurred

See PUBLIC NOTICE, page B13

B13 May 6, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE >> FROM B12 in obtaining such a remedy.

Section 5. Amendment to Section 7-106. That Section 7-106 of the Code shall be amended to read as follows: Sec. 7-106. – PostConstruction Maintenance and Integrity. (a) It shall be the responsibility of the owner(s) of land developments to: (1) at all times operate and maintain individual and collective stormwater drainage systems and postconstruction stormwater practices located on their land development, whether or not such systems and practices are identified on the property’s plat, in proper and functional condition as defined by the approved stormwater management plan.

(2) at all times protect said systems and practices from alteration that adversely impacts their function as indicated by the approved stormwater management plan.

(3) perform corrective actions when conditions that can or do occur adversely impact the function of said system and practices, whether said actions are undertaken voluntarily by the owner or required by the City Engineer.

(4) keep records of maintenance activities for a period of at least five (5) years and make them available to the City Engineer upon request.

(5) take all reasonable steps to remove, to the maximum extent practicable, pollutants deposited off-site or in an MS4 conveyance structure. (b) Removal of said systems and practices or the alteration in any way that adversely impacts their approved function and performance standard, without the prior approval of the City Engineer, is expressly prohibited. (c) The responsibilities stated herein shall continue for the owner(s) of land developments until such time as ownership of the property is transferred upon which these responsibilities are immediately transferred to the subsequent owner.

Share Link Print Download (docx) Email Compare Section 6. Amendment to Section 7-107. That Section 7-107 of the Code shall be amended to read as follows: Sec. 7-107.

Enforcement, Generally (a) This article authorizes the following stormwater and nonstormwater discharges: Discharges authorized by, and in compliance with, any separate NPDES permit, discharges from fire-fighting activities; fire hydrant flushing’s; waters used to wash vehicles where detergents are not used; water used to control dust; potable water including uncontaminated water line flushing’s not associated with hydrostatic testing; routine external building wash down associated with construction that does not use detergents; pavement wash waters where spills or leaks of toxic or hazardous materials have not occurred (unless all spilled material has been removed) and where detergents are not used; uncontaminated air conditioning or compressor condensate associated with temporary office trailers and other similar buildings; uncontaminated ground water or spring water; foundation or footing drains where flows are not contaminated with process materials such as solvents; and landscape irrigation.

Furthermore, the use of non-phosphate soap is required by the authority. (b) All discharges not explicitly authorized by this article are prohibited.

Any discharge to the MS4 made in violation of this article or of any condition of a permit issued pursuant to this article shall be subject to correction and/ or abatement in accordance with applicable law.

(c) The state’s phase II MS4 NPDES permit allows the authority to rely upon ADEM for the enforcement of certain violations of this article.

The authority hereby expresses its intent to rely upon ADEM for enforcement of violations of this article, as allowed [in] the state’s phase II MS4 NPDES if and only if the enforcement by the authority becomes futile and a not effective method of resolving a violation of the current ordinances, and thus agrees to promptly notify ADEM upon observing evidence of any known or suspected violations.

Furthermore, no enforcement action will be taken by the authority for a violation of the terms of this article if any of the following has occurred: (1) ADEM has issued a notice of violation with respect to the same alleged violation and is proceeding with an enforcement action with respect to such alleged violation.

(2) ADEM has issued an administrative order with respect to the same alleged violation and is proceeding with an enforcement action with respect to such violation; or (3) ADEM has commenced, and is proceeding with, an enforcement action, or has completed any other type of administrative or civil action, with respect to such alleged violation.

Any determination or resolution made by ADEM with respect to an alleged violation shall be final, and the alleged violation will not be made the subject of any additional enforcement action by the authority for any alleged violations of this article and/or provisions of any permit issued pursuant to this article. However, for violations that have not been appropriately corrected and/or abated pursuant to ADEM’s enforcement action, an enforcement action may be pursued by the authority. (d) Notwithstanding any other provision in this article to the contrary, in the event of an immediate threat to the public health or welfare, the authority may take all appropriate measures to remove or alleviate such threat. (e) In the event of any accidental discharge of a hazardous substance or a significant spill of a hazardous substance to the MS4 which could constitute a threat to human health or the environment, the permittee of the site shall give notice to the authority and the local emergency management authority in the same manner and within the same time as is required by state regulations for notice to ADEM. Absent a compelling public interest to the contrary, it shall not be a defense for the permittee in an enforcement action that it would have been necessary to halt or reduce the business or activity of the site, or any project or facility thereon, to maintain water quality and minimize any adverse impact that the discharge may cause. (f) Whenever the authority finds that any person is in violation of any provision of this article and fails to take corrective action within the specified time, the authority may proceed with the following enforcement action: (1) Stop-work order, revocation of local approvals. No person shall construct, enlarge, alter, repair, or maintain any grading, excavation, or fill, or cause the same to be done, contrary to or in violation of any terms of this policy. In the event that any person holding a permit or approval pursuant to this policy violates the terms of the permit or implements site development in such a manner as to materially

adversely affect the health, welfare, environment, or safety of persons residing or working in the neighborhood or development site so as to be materially detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to property or improvements in the neighborhood, the authority may suspend or revoke the said approval.

(2) Compliance order. When the authority finds that any person has violated, or continues to violate, this article, it may issue a compliance order to the violator, directing that, within a specified time period, adequate structures and devices be installed, or procedures implemented, and properly operated, or other action be taken, to remedy such violation.

Compliance orders may also contain such other requirements as may be reasonably necessary and appropriate to address such violation, including the construction of appropriate structures, installation of devices and self-monitoring and management practices.

(3) Cease and desist orders. When the authority finds that any person has violated, or continues to violate, this article or any order issued under this article in such a manner as to materially adversely affect the health, welfare, environment, or safety of persons residing or working in the neighborhood or development site so as to be materially detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to property or improvements in the neighborhood; the authority may issue an order to such person to cease and desist all land disturbance activities immediately, and direct such person in violation of this article to: a.

Comply with this article forthwith; or b.

Take such appropriate remedial or preventive action as may be required to address properly a continuing or threatened violation of this article.

Section 7.

Amendment to Section 7-108. That Section 7-108 of the Code shall be amended to read as follows: Sec. 7-108. – Warning Notice. (a) When the City Engineer determines that any person has violated or continues to violate any provision of this article or any order issued hereunder, the City Engineer may serve upon that person a written warning notice specifying the particular violation believed to have occurred and requesting that the person immediately investigate the matter and seek a resolution whereby any offending condition will cease. The City Engineer may also include a description of the corrective action(s) he/she deems necessary to resolve the offending condition.

Share Link Print Download (docx) Email Compare (b) The notice shall set forth a deadline of (for example thirty (30) days) by which a written response to the warning notice must be received indicating the person’s plan for corrective action whether said actions are designated by the City Engineer or determined by the person, and the time by which such plan shall be completed. (c) Investigation, corrective actions and other resolutions of the offending condition in response to the warning notice does not relieve the violator or liability for any violations occurring before or after the receipt of the warning notice. (i) Nothing in this section shall limit the authority of the City Engineer to taking any action including notice of violation, emergency action or other enforcement action without first issuing a warning notice.

Section 8.

Amendment to Section 7-109. That Section 7-109 of the Code is hereby amended to read as follows: Sec. 7-109.

Notice of Violation. (a) Whenever the City Engineer finds a violation of a prohibition or a failure to meet a requirement of this article or any failure to comply with a warning notice, the City Engineer may order compliance by written notice of violation. (b) The notice of violation shall contain: (1) The name and address of the alleged violator, property owner, and/or operator.

(2) The address of the premises when available, or a description of the building, structure, land, individual and collective stormwater drainage system and/ or post-construction stormwater practice upon which the violation is occurring or has occurred.

(3) A statement specifying the nature of the violation.

(4) A description of the corrective actions necessary to restore compliance with this article and a deadline for the completion of said actions.

(5) A statement of the penalty or penalties that shall be assessed against the person to whom the notice is directed.

(6) A statement that the determination of violation may be appealed to the City Council, by filing a written notice of appeal with the City Engineer within ten (10) business days of service of notice of violation.

(7) A statement specifying that, should violator fail to restore compliance with this article within the established time schedule, the work will be done by the authority or a contractor and the expense thereof shall be charged to the violator as allowed hereunder and collected as allowed by law. Each act or violation and/or each day upon which a violation shall occur or continue shall constitute a separate offense. (c) Such notice shall require without limitation: (1) The performance of monitoring, analysis and reporting (2) Application for permits and payments of associated permit fees and/or the preparation of design plans.

(3) Vegetative restoration, structure restoration, repair or other combination of individual and collective stormwater drainage systems and post-construction stormwater practices.

(4) Vegetative stabilization, restoration, repair, enhancement or other improvement of areas that drain to individual and collective stormwater drainage systems and postconstruction stormwater practices that are, or may be in the future, adversely impacted by the offending condition.

(5) The abatement or remediation of stormwater pollution or contamination hazards and restoration of any affected system, practice or affected area.

(6) The design and installation of new individual and collective stormwater drainage systems and postconstruction stormwater drainage practices.

(7) That violating discharges, practices or operations shall cease and desist.

(8) The implementation of, or repair of, systems or practices to correct the violation.

(9) Payment of an amount equal to twice any administration and remediation costs borne by the City of Opelika, including cost to administer and execute remedial actions and repair damages that have occurred on public property or on local waterways as a result of said violations. (d) The failure of any person to comply

with any lawful notice to implement corrective actions issued by the City Engineer, which has not been appealed within the time allowed herein, shall be deemed a violation of this article.

Section 9.

Amendment of Section 7-110. That Section 7-110 of the Code shall be amended to read as follows: Sec. 7-110.

Variance. (a) The City Engineer may grant a variance from the requirements of this article if there exists exceptional circumstances applicable to a site such that strict adherence of the provisions of this article will result in unintended consequences. The applicant shall prepare a written request for a variance stating the specific variance sought and the reasons with supporting data, for granting such variance.

This request shall include descriptions, drawings, calculations and any other information necessary to evaluate the proposed variance.

The City Engineer will review the submitted material and make a written determination to approve or disapprove the application within ten (10) working days after receipt of such a request.

Section 10.

Adoption of New Section 7-111. That Article IV of Chapter 7 of the Code is amended by adding a new section to be numbered Section 7-111, which said section shall read as follows: Sec. 7-111.

Appeal of Notice of Violations.

All rulings, requirements, decisions or interpretations of the City Engineer shall be final and binding upon all parties thereto unless properly appealed to the City Council. Any person receiving a notice of violation and wishing to appeal the same shall file written notice in the office of the City Clerk within ten (10) days from the date of the notice of violation. Hearing on the appeal to the City Council shall be held within thirty (30) days from the date of the filing of the notice of appeal.

The decision of the City Council shall be binding.

Section 11.

Adoption of New Section 7-112. That Article IV of Chapter 7 of the Code is amended by adding a new section to be numbered Section 7-112, which said section shall read as follows: Sec. 7-112.

Enforcement Measures After Appeal.

If the violation has not been corrected pursuant to the requirements set forth in the notice of violation or, in the event of an appeal, within fifteen (15) days of an issuance of a determination by the City Council upholding the decision of the City Engineer, then the City Engineer shall enter upon the subject private property and is authorized to take any and all measures necessary to abate the violation and/ or restore the property.

It shall be unlawful for any person, owner, agent or person in possession of any premises to refuse to allow the authority, the City Engineer or any City-designated contractor to enter upon the premises for the purposes set forth above.

Section 12.

Adoption of New Section 7-113. That Article IV of Chapter 7 of the Code is amended by adding a new section to be numbered Section 7-113, which said section shall read as follows: Sec. 7-113.

Cost of Abatement of Violation.

Within thirty (30) days of abatement of the violation, the owner of the property will be notified of the cost of abatement, including administrative costs. If full payment of the cost is not received within fifteen (15) days of the owner’s original receipt

of notification of the cost due and owing, the cost shall be presented to the City Council for assessment as a lien on the property.

The City Council may assess the owner of the facility for the cost of the repair work which shall be a lien on the property.

Section 13.

Adoption of New Section 7-114.

That Article IV of Chapter 7 of the Code is amended by adding a new section to be numbered Section 7-114, which said section shall read as follows: Sec. 7-114.

Emergency Abatement. (a) The City Engineer is authorized to require immediate abatement of any violation of this article that is reasonably believed to be an immediate threat to the health, safety or well-being of the public. (b) When the City Engineer finds that any person has violated, or continues to violate, any provision of this article, and that person’s violation(s) has (have) caused or contributed to an actual or threatened discharge of stormwater, which reasonably appears to present an imminent or substantial endangerment to the health or welfare of persons or to the environment, the City Engineer may issue an order to the violator to immediately cease and desist all such violations and to: (1) Immediately comply with all ordinance requirements (2) Take such appropriate actions as may be needed to properly address a continuing and threatened violation (c) Any person notified of an emergency order directed to it under this section shall immediately take steps to comply and implement corrective actions.

Section 14.

Adoption of New Section 7-115.

That Article IV of Chapter 7 of the Code is amended to add a new section to be numbered Section 7-115, which section shall read as follows: Sec. 7-115.

Violations and Penalties.

It shall be unlawful for any person to violate any provision of, or fail to comply with, any requirement of this article.

Any person that has violated, or continues to violate, this article shall be subject to one or more of the following enforcement actions: (a) Upon conviction, the violator shall be subject to a fine of not greater than $500.00 and/or imprisonment for a period of time not to exceed six (6) months for each violation.

Each act of violation and/ or each day upon which any violations shall occur or continue to occur shall constitute a separate offense. (b) All permit fees will be doubled if construction of the stormwater drainage system begins before a permit is issued. Violators shall perform corrective actions at their own expense for construction begun prior to issuance of the permit that does not ultimately conform to the approved stormwater management plan. (c) Permit holders shall be required to perform corrective actions at their own expense if the City Engineer determines that the stormwater drainage plan does not conform to the record drawing, or is not functioning, or will not function, in proper operating condition during a precipitation event. (d) Failure to pay permit fees may result in the withholding of a certificate of occupancy for the applicable land development or the withholding of any permit approvals or determinations on the applicable development and/or other land developments permitted in the permit holder’s name. (e) Failure to establish permanent perennial vegetation may result in the withholding of a certificate of occupancy for applicable developments. Escrow or bonds may be considered by the authority.

Section 15.

Adoption of New Section 7-116.

B14 May 6, 2021

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B15 May 6, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE >> FROM B13 That Article IV of Chapter 7 of the Code is amended by adding a new section to be numbered Section 7-116, which section shall read as follows: Sec. 7-116.

Injunctive Relief and Civil Remedies. (a) If a person has violated or continues to violate the provisions of this article, the authority may petition the appropriate court for a preliminary and/ or permanent injunction restraining the person from activities which would create violations of this article or compelling the person to perform corrective action and/ or remediation of any violation. (b) The authority may also initiate civil proceedings in any court of competent jurisdiction seeking monetary damages for any damages caused to the public stormwater drainage system or any public properties by any person, including costs incurred for corrective action and remediation, and may seek other equitable relief to enforce compliance with the provisions of this article or force compliance with any lawful orders of the City Engineer. (c) Damages sought by the authority shall include any and all costs of such action including attorney’s fees, trial expenses, court costs and damages to the public stormwater drainage system or any public properties.

Section 16.

Adoption of New Section 7-117. That Article IV of Chapter 7 of the Code is amended by adding a new section to be numbered Section 7-117, which section shall read as follows: Sec. 7-117.

Remedies Not Exclusive; Costs Recoverable by The Authority (a) Remedies listed in this article are not exclusive of any other remedies available under applicable federal, state

AUBURN >> FROM B9 The quarter of one percent is of the total revenue, said City Manager Megan Crouch.

The item was postponed from the last council meeting after Ward 5 Council Member Steven Dixon denied unanimous consent. He wanted to wait and confirm whether he should recuse himself from the vote, given he has run a short-term rental out of his home.

Dixon did recuse himself from Tuesday’s vote.

This business license ordinance will allow the city to begin enforcing the shortterm rental ordinance that the council passed in March. The next step will be that the city sends letters.

“Everybody is going to get a letter that we believe is operating a short term rental that says one of two things, either you’re in the zone that you can lawfully do this and you need to get a business license or you’re in the zone where you may not do this and you need to cease and desist,” Crouch said.

or local law and it is within the discretion of the authority to seek cumulative remedies. (b) The authority may seek to recover in a civil suit for damages all attorneys’ fees, trial expenses, court costs and any and all other costs and losses resulting directly or indirectly from a violation of this article, or any rule, regulation, order or other provision authorized by state law.

These costs or losses may include, but are not limited to, sampling and monitoring expenses, ADEM fines, EPA fines, costs associated with lawsuits of the authority by third party(s) and other costs associated with the enforcement of this article or the corrective actions or remediation stemming from violations of this article.

Section 17.

Adoption of New Section 7-118. That Article IV of Chapter 7 of the Code is amended by adding a new section to be numbered Section 7-118, which said section shall read as follows: Sec. 7-118.

Notices.

Whenever the authority is required or permitted to give notice to any party or deliver a document to any party, such notice or document may be delivered by personal delivery, certified mail (return receipt requested), registered mail (return receipt requested), or a general recognized overnight carrier, to the address of such party which is in the record of the authority or which is otherwise known to the authority.

Section 18.

Adoption of New Section 7-119. That Article IV of Chapter 7 of the Code is amended by adding a new section to be numbered Section 7-119, which said section shall read as follows: Sec. 7-119.

Liability.

Neither the issuance of a permit pursuant to this article, nor compliance

with the provisions of this article, shall relieve any person of the responsibility for damage to any person or property otherwise imposed by law.

Nothing herein shall be construed to require the city or its officials, employees, agents or attorneys to restore or cause the restoration of property damaged by erosion or sedimentation in violation of this article or to otherwise seek or assist others in seeking compensation to private property owners for any such damage caused by a violation of this article. The city and its officials, employees, agents and attorneys shall not be liable for any condition or damages that result from any failure to observe or recognize a hazardous condition, any failure of an approved plan to prevent erosion or sedimentation, or any failure of the city to cause owners and builders to adhere to the terms of this article.

Nothing herein shall be construed to expand the liability of the city or its officials, employees, agents or attorneys nor shall it create any additional, further, different or expanded claim or cause of action.

Nothing in this article shall be construed to limit the authority to enforce rules and regulations regarding: (1) Charges, limits and restrictions on the discharge of waste into the sanitary sewerage system of the City.

(2) Health or sanitation ordinances of the city enforced by the county health department; or (3) Ordinances governing the sanitation of premises where animals are kept.

This article shall be cumulative to and in furtherance of any statutory, common law, or other legal right, duty, power, or authority possessed by the city. Compliance with this article shall not excuse any person from compliance with any other federal, state

or local law, ordinance, regulation, rule or order.

It shall be unlawful for any person to provide false information to the authority when such person knows or has reason to know that the information provided is false, whether such information is required by this article or any approval granted under this article.

Section 19.

Adoption of New Section 7-120. That Article IV of Chapter 7 of the Code is amended by adding a new section to be numbered Section 7-120, which said section shall read as follows: Sec. 7-120.

Severability.

The provisions of this article are severable. If any part of this article is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, unenforceable or unconstitutional, such determination shall not affect any other part of this article.

Section 20.

Adoption of New Section 7-121. That Article IV of Chapter 7 of the Code is amended by adding a new section to be numbered Section 7-121, which said section shall read as follows: Sec. 7-121.

Captions.

The captions of this article in the sections are for the purpose of reference only and such captions shall not affect the meaning of any provision of this article.

Section 21. Full Force and Effect. With the exception of the amendments made herein, all other sections and portions of Article IV of Chapter 7 of the Code shall remain in full force and effect, notwithstanding the foregoing amendments.

Section 22. Effective Date. This Ordinance and the sections hereby amended and adopted shall become effective upon its passage and publication as required by law.

Section 23. Publication.

The City Clerk of the City of Opelika,

Alabama is hereby authorized and directed to cause this Ordinance to be published one (1) time in a newspaper of general circulation published in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama.

ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 4th day of May, /s/ Eddie Smith PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA ATTEST: /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK TRANSMITTED TO MAYOR on this the 5th day of May, 2021. /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR APPROVED this the 5th day of May, 2021. /s/ Gary Fuller MAYOR ATTEST: /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK Legal run 05/06/2021

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MARY LIZA STRICKLAND, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No.: 2021-199 Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to Kenneth Wallace on the 27th day of April, 2021,

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 time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

KENNETH WALLACE Personal Representative Blake L. Oliver Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 368032345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 5/6/21, 5/13/21 & 5/20/21

Following this, there will be a second reminder and then enforcement will begin — fines of $500 for every day of noncompliance or six months in jail, Crouch said.

There will be no grace during football period, either, she said.

The business licensing ordinance passed with Ward 4 Council Member Brett Smith voting against. Ward 3 Council Member Beth Witten said that while she was voting for the ordinance, it did not mean she agreed with the previous short term rental ordinance, that is now law.

“I think it’s very important that we provide the proper tools and processes, which is the business license process,” she said.

Now that the business ordinance has passed, those running short-term rentals can apply for business licenses, said Allison Edge, finance director.

Other Business: - The council commended the Auburn High School Debate Team for becoming Alabama State Tournament

champions.

- The council commended the Auburn High School Girls Tennis Team for winning the 2021 AHSA Class 7A State Champions.

- The council commended Abby Ronson for her year serving as the SGA director of city relations.

- The council authorized submittal of the 2020 municipal water pollution prevent annual report to ADEM

by Morgan Water Pollution Control Facility.

- The council authorized submittal of the 2020 municipal water pollution prevent annual report to ADEM

by Northside Water Pollution Control

Facility.

- The council authorized reimbursement of expenditures for parks and recreation improvements.

- The council approved a contract with Sign World Inc. for the Boykin Community Center for a light-emitting sign for $25,600.

- The council approved a contract with Alabama Power Company for street lighting along Cox Road for over $41,000.

- The council approved a contract with Evergreen Sitework, LLC for repair of a sanitary sewer main near Sam Harris Park for over $38,000.

- The council

approved a contract to purchase furniture for the James C. Buston, III Education and Meeting Center for over $22,000.

- The council approved a contract with Metro Forecasting Models for Auburn Interactive Growth Model Update for $20,000.

- The council approved a quit-claim deed to relinquish a right of way to Lee County — Lee Road 54 and Lee Road 146, property 6214 Lee Road 54.

- The council approved the ‘Back to School’ tax holiday that will take place from July 16-18 and will expect school related items from city

–––––––

––––––– CITY OF OPELIKA ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT May 11, 2021 9:00 A.M. MEETING CHAMBERS OPELIKA MUNICIPAL COURT 300 MLK BOULEVARD A. VARIANCE William Reason, dba Certified Lighting, 2950 Pepperell Parkway, Requesting a 2.0 footcandle variance from the 0.3 footcandle maximum brightness allow at the property line for an internally lighted sign.

NOTE: The City of Opelika complies with the American with Disabilities Acts.

The City of Opelika will make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting.

If you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the ADA Coordinator 72 hours prior to the meeting at ADA@opelika-al.gov or (334)705-2083.

Legal Run 05/06/2021 ––––––– IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF MARK ANTHONY HOWARD, SR., Deceased Case No.: 2021-258 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Sentevella Rene Martin Howard, Personal Representative on the 27th day of April, 2021,

by Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Sentevella Rene Martin Howard Legal Run 05/06/21, 05/13/21 & 05/20/21

sales tax.

- The council approved an ordinance to renew a non-exclusive franchise for Windstream FiberNet, LLC. - The council approved an annexation for 3,389 acres for a property at the western terminus of Academy Drive.

- The council approved a rezoning of The Landings at Academy Drive from Rural to Developmental District Housing.

- The council approved a a rezoning of The Landings at Academy Drive from Comprehensive Development District to Development District Housing.

B16 May 6, 2021

We roast all our coffee in house.

Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

116 S. 8th Street, Opelika

334-363-0390

www.booniehatcoffee.com

Located in Historic Downtown Opelika

334-745-4618

Elliott & Associates Insurance Agency Opelika - (334)745-0888 elliottinsuranceagents.com

“Our Mission is Your Health”

BEAUREGARD DRUGS

WE DELIVER!

• Drive Thru Only • Regular Operating Hours • Please Call Ahead on Refills to Avoid Wait

334-364-9993 | 334-364-9997 7667 Alabama Hwy 51, Suite A, Opelika www.beauregarddrugs.com Mon-Fri 8am–6pm | Sat 9am–12pm | Sunday Closed

This week’s puzzle answers: