The Observer | March 14, 2024

Murals from the Opelika Police Department were featured at a recent Opelika ArtHaus exhibition. The murals, painted by Opelika native and artist Carole Bandy Carson, were commis-

by the Opelika Police Academy Alumni Association.

“Providing access to

compassion-

health care for our community and region is crucial, and this expansion speaks to how important that mission is to our organization,” said Laura Grill,

president and CEO of East Alabama Health. “This project will increase our critical care offerings and allow us additional space to grow, as needed, in the coming years.”

The three floors will be constructed atop the current two-story portion of the hospital known as the West Pavilion. Upon completion, the expansion will offer 67,395 square feet of additional room divided among three floors: a mechanical space located on the third floor, additional space for growth on the fourth floor and 30 new beds on the fifth floor.

Looking closer at the

fifth floor, it will consist of a 20-bed ICU with a satellite pharmacy and a 10-bed unit that can be used interchangeably for step-down or intensive-care patients.

Currently, the first floor includes two cardiovascular operating rooms, 10 CVICU rooms and the Cardiac Rehab department. The second floor has 20 ICU beds and a satellite pharmacy.

Population growth in the region in recent years has underscored the need for more critical care beds at EAMC. This expansion will address that issue head-on and provide space for additional expansion.

Having already been approved for the expansion by the Certificate of Need Review Board, construc-

tion is slated to begin in summer 2024. It has a projected completion date of late fall 2025, with plans

for first patients to be cared for in early 2026. The project is estimated to cost $32.5 million.

Opelika Fire Department receives three new trucks

Auburn-Opelika area earns high rankings nationally for positive industrial growth

on the number of industrial projects announced in 2023.

LEE COUNTY — The Auburn-Opelika area has been recognized for industrial growth by two national groups.

Site Selection Magazine ranked Auburn-Opelika at No. 3 on its list of 2023 Top Metros - Tier 3, which ranked communities with populations over 50,000 but under 200,000 based

The Auburn-Opelika area was the only Alabama metro to make the list, tying for third place with Lima, Ohio, and Saginaw, Michigan. All three areas announced 11 projects last year.

In addition, the Milken Institute ranked the Auburn-Opelika area No. 14 on its list of the 2024 Best-Performing Small

Cities in the U.S.

The Milkin Institute’s index tracks the economic performance of about 400 U.S. metropolitan areas and ranks them based on 13 indicators that cover labor market conditions, high-tech impact and access to economic opportunities.

Auburn-Opelika area’s No. 14 ranking marks a climb of 12 spots from its 2023 ranking at No. 26.

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA — Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller and the Opelika Fire Department announced the city’s three new fire engines are now on the road. The new fire apparatus will be stationed at Station 1 downtown, by the hospital at Station 2 and at the new Station 5 on Gateway Drive.

“When I arrived in 2021, we did a comprehensive look at all of the fire department’s needs and our vehicles were clearly the most obvious,” said Fire Chief Shane Boyd. “Our fire apparatus had an average age of more than 25 years. Once we were aware of our fleet issues, we worked with the city leaders on a comprehensive vehicle replacement plan. Without great leadership from Mayor Gary Fuller and City Administrator Joey Motley and support from the Opelika City Council large, purchases like this are not possible.”

“Safety for our citizens is the most im-

portant thing to us,” said Fuller. “Our first responders deserve the proper tools and apparatus to do a good job for our community. And I like the way Chief Boyd decided to take on this project. Including the firefighters gives them something they can take great pride in.”

The new trucks were customized by a committee of firefighters and fire officers. The city of Opelika, through bid process, used Williams Fire Apparatus and purchased the three Sutphen pumpers, which are built identically and configured uniformly to make daily operations easier on the firefighters, no matter which engine they are on. The fire department chose the color scheme of red and black to mirror the city logo and Opelika High School team colors.

Post-COVID, there has been a 40% increase in the cost of fire apparatus, however Opelika Fire Department was able to get ahead of this increase and saved the city more than $1.6 million.

News from the Chambers of Commerce

Applications open for Opelika Chamber's Minority-Owned Business Scholarships

CONTRIBUTED BY OPELIKA CHAMBER

OPELIKA — The Opelika Chamber of Commerce announces that applications for Minority-Owned Business Scholarships are open.

The Minority-Owned Business Scholarship is an opportunity for a minority-owned business to have their first year of chamber membership sponsored by an area business who has be-come a Minority Business Champion. This provides an opportunity for minorities to grow their business and have access to the many resources and benefits of the Opelika Chamber, including access to healthcare, approximately, $1,000 in free or matching advertising options, free business cards, office supply discounts and so much more through relationships and mentoring connections.

Minority-Owned Business Scholarships are a project of the Minority-Owned Business Council, made up of men and women who cover the spectrum of minority status and who serve as business owners and

representatives in our community. The committee’s purpose is to foster growth and networking for minority businesses through targeted programming and events, as well as to be a resource for minority business owners in our area.

Grandma Val’s Lemonade, owned by Valerie Canady, was one of the first to receive a Minority Owned Business Scholarship. The connection to the Chamber helped her establish an already growing network, get involved with the community to increase awareness for her business, and assisted in taking her business to new heights.

Applications can be sent to Mackenzie Poole at mackenzie@opelikachamber.com or be turned in at the Opelika Chamber of Commerce at 601 Ave. A, in Opelika.

Apply for a Minority-Owned Business Scholarship and learn more about the Minority-Owned Business Council at www.opelikachamber.com/build-bridges/ minority-business-council.

The Observer

Your hometown newspaper created 'for local people, by local people.'

Event Restroom

Trailers and Event Ice

Event Restroom Trailers, located at 209 Alabama St. in Auburn, recently celebrated with a ribbon-cutting. The company has reimagined event sanitation by offering a range of luxurious and meticulously designed restroom trailers that cater to weddings, corporate events, festivals and any event where sophistication, comfort and convenience are paramount. To learn more about Event Restroom Trailers go to www.beveragemgmt.com/ event-restrooms. To learn more about Event Ice, go to www. beveragemgmt.com/eventice.

Silverton Mortgage

Silverton Mortgage, located at 6400 Bradley Park Drive, Suite B in Auburn, recently held a ribbon-cutting. The company recognizes that home loans are as diverse as the people who seek them. It works closely with clients to help find the right program to fit their unique needs, guided by the strong belief that communication is key. The company helps through the entire loan process, from application to closing, managing all aspects in-house. This way, loans close faster. Learn more at www.silvertonmortgage.com.

Auburn Realty

Auburn Realty, located at 600 Cloverdale Drive, Unit D104 in Auburn, recently held a ribboncutting. The professionals at Auburn Realthy see big potential in every moment and care deeply about what they do every day to serve their tenants and owners. They help clients achieve their real estate goals, whether that be finding the perfect apartment for rent or buying a home for the first time. Learn more at www.auburnrealty.com.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

Limited number of tickets remain for Opelika State of the City event

CONTRIBUTED BY OPELIKA CHAMBER

OPELIKA — The Opelika Chamber of Commerce will host the State of the City mayoral address on Thursday, March 28, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Southerly Warehouse.

Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller will review progress the city has made in the past year and will share plans for the future. The event will include a cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres.

The chamber will present awards for Community Partner of the Year, Tourism Partner of the Year and Spirit of Opelika Award. Citizens and business professionals alike are encouraged to attend.

The chamber plans to “paint the town red and black” at this event, so red and/or black cocktail attire is encouraged. The price to attend is $50 for general admission and $75 for VIP tickets, which include a private cocktail hour with special guests and elected officials.

The deadline to register is Monday, March 25, at noon. Tickets are limited and refunds are not available after the registration deadline. Visit www.opelikachamber.com to register and find more information.

Two from Lee County participate in Alabama ALFA Leaders Institute II

AWARDS >> from A1

and reward the creative spirit of excellence in the art of advertising. Conducted annually by the American Advertising Federation (AAF), the AAF Montgomery’s local phase is the first of a three-tier, national competition. Concurrently, all across the country, local entrants vie to win an ADDY — recognition as the very best in their markets. Entries are judged by a panel of visiting creative professionals from outside the area.

Here Molly Girl’s winning work now goes on to compete against winners from other local clubs in one of 15 district competitions. District winners are then forwarded to the third tier, the national stage of the American Advertising Awards.

ABOUT HERE MOLLY GIRL:

Auburn Workforce Development launches career skills program to assist job-seeking veterans

CONTRIBUTED BY CITY OF AUBURN

AUBURN — The city of Auburn Workforce Development has launched the Career Skills Program, a new initiative designed to connect job-seeking veterans with local companies.

Working in partnership with Fort Moore and the U.S. Army Transition Assistance Program, the program helps veterans who

are retiring or leaving the military transition back to civilian life by connecting them with internships and careers with Auburn industries.

“This program is a win-win for all involved — our local companies are looking for great employees, and veterans, particularly coming out of Fort Moore, are often looking to stay in the area and begin a new career,”

said Workforce Development Director Amy Brabham. “By simply connecting them, we help bridge the gap and meet the needs of veterans and our industry base.”

Those interested in participating in or learning more about the program may contact Trevor Cook with the city’s Workforce Development team at 334-501-7303 or tcook@ auburnalabama.org.

Founded in 2016, Here Molly Girl is a full-service marketing and design firm based in Opelika, Alabama. The company’s mission is to create value for clients through thoughtful, creative, strategic marketing. Here Molly Girl serves clients throughout Alabama. For more information about Here Molly Girl, visit their website at www.heremollygirl.com.

Cost to state economy is $614 million annually

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

LEE COUNTY — It turns out hitting the snooze button in the morning can be a costly affair, as staff lateness is costing the American economy over $61 billion a year, a new study suggests.

The research, conducted by The Savvy Wrist, asked 3,000 employees about lateness in the workplace, and found that the average U.S. worker loses 35 minutes per week to lateness, which costs American employers $166 per head, every year, or a whopping $61,126,349,724 nationwide each year.

The cost to Alabama's economy of employee tardiness is a staggering $614 million per year.

In fact, the average Alabamian arrives to work (or logs on) 26 hours late over the course of the year (or 30 minutes per week), costing their

employer $122 per year.

Being a luxury watch website, The Savvy Wrist also decided to delve more into the relationship of watch wearing and time keeping, uncovering some interesting results…

While modern IT practices often involve monitoring employee activity, 77% of respondents viewed the idea of using a smartwatch for monitoring punctuality as overly intrusive. However, 63% admitted they would likely be more punctual if their employer gifted them a luxury watch.

The perception of watch-wearing and professionalism was also examined. More than half of the respondents associated luxury watch wearers, like those donning a Rolex, with business leadership and authority.

Furthermore, 61% felt that sporting a

particular brand or type of luxury watch could influence perceptions of a wearer's professional demeanor in a work environment.

“Our findings paint a timely picture of the economic impact that tardiness brings to our desks, ringing up to a hefty $61 billion a year,” says Ismail Baumy from The Savvy Wrist. “It's a wake-up call that punctuality is more than personal virtue; it's a vital cog in the machinery of our economic success. In the quest for better time management, while smartwatches might tick towards the intrusive, the research also found that the charm of a luxury watch could just be the right 'tick' to prompt punctuality. It's not just about keeping time; it's about keeping faith with the value of every minute.”

Two Lee County residents were among 18 leaders in Alabama agriculture in the prestigious ALFA Leaders Class VI. The group spent Feb. 27 through March 1 in Montgomery, where they met with elected officials, toured state government institutions and learned how agricultural organizations operate. ALFA (Agricultural Leaders for Alabama) Leaders is a two-year, six-session, intensive leadership program of the Alabama Farmers Federation. Participants are selected through an application and interview process. Training centers around agricultural policy, industry leadership, effective communication and organizational involvement. Members of the ALFA Leaders Class VI are pictured on the steps of the Alabama State Capitol with Gov. Kay Ivey (front row, third from left), including Lee County participants Laura Beth Gamache (front row, second from right) and Daniel Mullenix (pictured middle row, fourth from left).

BY KATIE NICHOLS, ACES

LEE COUNTY — Whether

the plan is to file through a tax preparation service or on your own, filing taxes can be daunting. However, there is no need to worry. Portia Johnson, an Alabama Cooperative Extension System specialist, has great tips for getting taxes filed

Filing is Almost Always Necessary

Johnson, a financial resource management specialist, said some taxpayers think that they don’t have to file taxes if they don’t make a lot of money.

“Although some people are exempt from taxes, most people are not,” she said. “If you are under 65 and make more than $13,850 for single filers or $27,700 for married filers, you must file a tax return for 2023.”

Johnson said tax credits can lower the amount of tax owed or increase the amount of a tax refund.

So, filers may get a refund even if they don’t owe any money for taxes. Individuals who qualify for those tax credits must file in order to receive a refund.

Prepare to File Federal Taxes

When preparing to file federal taxes with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Johnson said there

are a few things to do prior to filing:

• Gather tax documents. It is wise to collect tax-related items and information throughout the year to prepare for tax season.

• Store documents safely and securely. It is important to keep tax documents in case you are audited by the IRS.

• Compare tax preparation options. Before filing taxes, it is good to have an idea of all of the options and costs to successfully file.

“Doing these things helps to save time when completing the forms and helps safeguard against omitting information or making filing errors,” she said. In addition to gathering

documents and comparing filing options, first-time filers should also double check that no one else is filing them as a dependent on their return. This is especially important for young adults. Also, first-time filers should seek out tax deductions or credits for which they may be eligible.

File on Time

For most Americans, the deadline to file 2023 federal income taxes with the IRS is Monday, April 15. The earliest taxpayers could begin filing was Jan. 23 — the official start of 2023 tax filing season.

“Generally, the best time to file taxes is as soon as you have gathered all of the tax documents,”

Johnson said. “Filing early can also save taxpayers money since many commercial tax preparers run promotional pricing in late December and early January to attract new or repeat clients.”

Taxpayers who file after April 15 may receive a late fee of up to 5% per month and up to 25% of a tax amount owed. Johnson said it is best to file a tax extension if delays are expected. Extension requests must be filed by April 15. This gives taxpayers until Oct. 16 to file tax returns.

“It is important to note that an extension does not automatically prevent late penalties for taxes unpaid as of April 15,” she said.

Choose How to File

Many people decide to file their own taxes, while others choose to use a tax preparation service or preparer. Johnson said tax filers might consider hiring a professional if they fall into one or multiple of the following areas:

• Own a business.

• Plan to itemize deductions.

• Have other complex tax situations — including extensive investments, multiple properties or other assets — or perform gig or contract work.

Taxpayers that want to file their own taxes will want to have a comfort with financial forms and figures. Also, they need to allow at least five to seven hours of time to prepare and file simple taxes or up to 20 hours to file more complex tax situation.

More Information

Learn more about each of these tips by reading Johnson’s full Extension Brief, Five Tips for Filing Taxes. An additional resource for taxpayers is the 2023 WISE Money Management calendar. This calendar includes a list of documents to keep on hand for tax filing as well as a recordkeeping log. Both of these publications are available at www.aces.edu.

Taxpayers can also contact their county Extension office to connect with a human sciences agent.

FEMA encourages spring weather preparedness

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

LEE COUNTY –Springtime weather brings warmer temperatures and flowers, but also a higher likelihood of severe storms coming through your neighborhood or flood waters running down your streets.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers specific flooding and thunderstorm preparedness activities and information through the FEMA app. By downloading the app, residents can track weather warnings in up to five different locations.

The app can also be used to learn about and practice evacuation routes, emergency sheltering plans and what to do in a flash flood. The app also has a list of supplies needed in case

residents must leave their homes immediately or if services are cut off in their area.

To prepare for the upcoming springtime weather, visit Ready.gov/ plan and use the “Make a Plan” form. The form makes it easy to begin a disaster plan for your household, while also being able to save or send a copy to other family members. By making and practicing your emergency plan, you ensure your family knows what to do, where to go, and what is needed to stay safe in a flood.

Preparation does not have to be expensive. To keep costs down you can also build your emergency supply kit over time, starting with items you may already have in your home including a flashlight, extra batteries, copies of im-

portant documents, water and non-perishable food. Visit www.Ready.gov’s low and no-cost preparedness webpage with additional cost-saving tips.

To see the specific flood

risk of your home, visit the FEMA Map Service Center and enter your street address to learn more about flood risks in your community. You can also find additional resources about flood

maps, flood zones, flood risk and flood insurance.

To learn more about preparing for severe spring weather, visit www.Ready. gov or www.Listo.gov.

Editor's note: You

can also download the Lee County Emergency Management Agency's app for Androids and iPhones. Visit www.leecoema.com/ about_your_ema/lee_county_ema_app.php.

VA expands eligibility for toxin exposure benefits

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

LEE COUNTY — The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) is encouraging all veterans who have been exposed to toxins and other hazards during military service — at home or abroad — to utilize the newest offering from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA).

Beginning March 5, USDVA has expanded health care eligibility to millions of veterans years earlier than initially called for by the PACT Act. This expansion means veterans who served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf

War, Iraq, Afghanistan, the Global War on Terror or any other combat zone after 9/11 will be eligible to enroll directly in USDVA health care without first applying for USDVA benefits. Additionally, veterans who were exposed to toxins or hazards while training or on active duty in the U.S. will also be eligible to enroll.

This expansion makes it quicker and easier for millions of veterans to enroll in USDVA. There is a common misconception that veterans must apply for USDVA disability compensation benefits to become eligible for USDVA health care, which

is untrue. With this expansion and other authorities, millions of eligible veterans can enroll directly in USDVA health care — without any need to first apply for USDVA benefits.

To determine your eligibility, visit the website VA.gov/PACT.

Veterans with questions are encouraged to contact one of ADVA’s 63 Veterans Service Offices or to call 800-698-2411 (TTY: 711).

Hours of operation for your local Veterans Service Office can be found at the website www.va.alabama.gov.

AUBURN — Dan Bailey, a former Fleet Marine Force Hospital corpsman, will conduct an informational session on Camp Lejeune water contamination at the Auburn VFW 5404 Post Headquarters at 131 E. Veterans Blvd., behind Sons’ Ford on South College Street, on Saturday, March 23, at 2 p.m.

As a spokesperson for Lejeune Veterans for Justice, Bailey said he is “reaching out to veterans to shine the truth on the VA misinformation on the Camp Lejeune water contamination, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act and to spread awareness about the exposure to toxic chemicals while station at Camp Lejeune between 1953–1987.”

This informational session is open to the general public, however the focus is on former active duty and dependents of active duty servicemembers who served more than 30 days, not needing to be consecutive, on Camp Lejeune between 1953 to 1987.

Email frank@frankdillman.com for additional information.

S Food ociety & News

BY ANN CIPPERLY

While Kathy Miller Lowe has a love of painting, she also enjoys the home arts, including cooking, decorating, gardening and floral arrangements. Her art includes anything for creating a comfortable home with attractive table settings and centerpieces using flowers from her garden. Kathy enjoys preparing special meals for family and is sharing a variety of favorite recipes from over the years.

When Kathy was growing up in Dadeville near Lake Martin, she spent a great deal of time at her grandmother’s house, which was located next door. After school, she would go straight to her house for a snack and to watch her cook. Her grandmother was a southern country cook and prepared vegetables fresh from the garden at the farm.

Her grandmother cooked every day and always had delicious desserts on hand, such as a lemon pie or banana pudding. She made wonderful homemade biscuits. Kathy has tried making her biscuits in the same dough bowl she used for mixing the flour, buttermilk and Crisco. She feels her biscuits are just not as tender as the ones her grandmother made.

Kathy remembers that her grandmother would get laundry detergent in a large box and would wait until she was there to open it. There would be a piece of china in the box that her grandmother would be excited to have and

Southern Hospitality

Kathy Miller Lowe has love of painting, home arts

use. Now, Kathy has those dishes, and when she uses them they bring back happy memories.

Kathy began cooking after she married and has always prepared assorted garden fresh vegetables like her grandmother. “I feel that cooking is love,” she said. “I enjoy cooking big meals for family. Sometimes when I have cooked a lot, I will call a neighbor or two to come over for dinner.”

Kathy had a vegetable garden for years and would freeze and can the vegetables, as well as make pepper jelly. She now grows flowers for creating still life settings for her paintings and making arrangements for the table. “I do love a pretty table,” she said.

Years ago, Kathy was one of the original owners of Southern Crossing. Her art at the time was growing and drying flowers, then making arrangements and wreaths to sell at the shop.

“We started out trying to be an artist co-op,” she says, “because we all did handmade items, but we realized that we had to fill in with gifts to make it.”

She then began painting furniture, which was popular at the time. She started painting other people’s furniture and buying furniture to paint.

“It was hard work,” Kathy said. “After a while, I thought I would try painting on canvas and enjoyed it.”

Kathy took workshops from well-known artist JoAnne Walker Williams and learned a great deal. She continued to take classes and workshops with artists whose work she admired, as she developed her own style. She has tried painting with watercolors, but her love is painting in oils.

After 20 years, floral stilllife painting has remained Kathy’s favorite to create. She is a colorist and has developed a palette that she uses with small changes. She

arranges the flowers from her garden to paint.

Kathy paints old barns, cows and horses, which reflect her growing up on the farm in Dadeville. She also enjoys painting children playing at the beach and scenes in Auburn and Lake Martin. She recently finished paintings of a tiger and a fox and is working on a landscape painting with horses.

Kathy is part of Studio Sisters that have been painting together at the building next to the Art Haus in Opelika.

“They are each talented,” she said, “and we are able to help each other when stuck.”

Kathy doesn’t paint every day like some artists, as she likes to garden, cook and do other things. Kathy and her husband, Lewis, have enjoyed traveling. She will take photos on trips to paint when they return home.

The Lowes enjoy traveling since their children are grown. They have a blended family with four sons. Ward and his wife Cortney live in

Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Drew and his wife E-Wood live in Auburn. Russell and Yvette have three children, Annelise and Molly and Cason, and reside in Auburn, while Matthew lives in Lafayette and is engaged to Samantha Jackson.

For special occasions when the family visits, Kathy will prepare marinated beef tenderloin with roasted potatoes. Kathy has started oven roasting vegetables including frozen green beans. She doesn’t use a recipe for many of her side dishes. She knows how to prepare cornbread by heart. She also makes a sweet cornbread that is yummy.

“I think cooking, entertaining and gardening are all an art,” she said. “My son works with music, and I feel that is artistic. My youngest son farms with his dad. He is a horticulture major, and I think that is art too. I feel fortunate to know people in all these areas of the arts.

“It feels really good to live in an artistic community,”

she added. “Opelika has always supported the arts and music. I think if you are artistic and want to learn to paint that you can, it just take time to learn. Sometimes that is not until we retire to have time to paint or grow flowers. It makes me happy to do those things.”

Kathy’s art is available at The Gallery on Railroad, Botanic and Facebook. When the there was a fire in downtown Opelika in 2022, she had many paintings in The Gallery that was filled with smoke. Most of her paintings survived, and Debbie Purves, the shop owner, took the paintings home and placed them around her pool to help remove the smoke scent. Later, all of the paintings sold at the fire sale. While there is a fresh supply of Kathy’s art in the newly opened Gallery, she is saddened at the loss of Southern Crossing where her love of art began.

Kathy is busy painting

and taking breaks to travel and prepare wonderful meals for her family. Clip and save her recipes for treating your family to delicious dishes this week.

Sweet Cornbread

This is a very interesting and different bread it is a side dish, and I like it with grilled meats, especially pork.

4 cups Bisquick

1 cup corn meal

2 sticks butter

1 extra stick butter to pour over top, melted

4 eggs

2 Tbsp. baking powder

2 cups milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix ingredients and pour into a 9 x 13-inch greased pan. Bake 40 minutes or until golden brown. Drizzle with melted butter (and honey, if desired).Cut into squares and serve.

Kathy Miller Lowe was one of the original owners of Southern Crossing where she developed her art, beginning with dried floral arrangements and painting furniture. She expanded into painting on canvas and has been creating beautiful oils for the past 20 years. She also enjoys cooking and is sharing her family’s favorite recipes.

PHOTO

'Cheese Curd' update

Opelika's MasterChef Jr. survives second challenge

BY ANITA STIEFEL ANITAS@OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

OPELIKA — After winning the first challenge on last week's premier of MasterChef Junior, Bryson "Cheese Curd" McGlynn of Opelika had a bit of a scare in the second episode, which aired March 11.

"The theme of tonight's challenge is Under the Sea," announced world-renowned chef Gordon Ramsay, host of the show. "It's sink or swim time."

The 11 remaining contestants (one is eliminated weekly) chose a treasure chest, each of which contained a different kind of seafood. The aspiring chefs, who range in age from 8 to 13, had 60 minutes to pre-

pare a tasty, visually-pleasing dish using the seafood contained inside. A twist was that each junior chef had to incorporate a type of seaweed into their dish.

Some of the young cooks' chests contained varieties of fish, while others held squid, baby octopus, lobster, prawns, clams and mussels. Bryson's relief was apparent when he opened his treasure chest.

"I got tuna," Bryson said. "I'm a barbecue and grill guy, so I said why not just do a tuna steak and on the side, good ol' seaweed salad.

"I'm so excited I won the last challenge, but now I've got a target on my back. Everyone's coming for me, so I've just gotta roll

with the punches," said the 11-year-old.

With 15 minutes to go, Bryson had a scare.

"I burnt my rice vinegar, and I'm like, oh no, I cannot serve this to the judges, so I have to whip up a whole 'nother one," he explained. "There's a whole bunch of pressure on me right now ... my nerves are getting the best of me.

"This is not good, this is not good," he said, running back to the pantry for more supplies.

Bryson's dish was not picked in the top three, but neither did it fall into the bottom three, so he will advance to the next round of the competition.

As this week's winning dish, the four celebrity

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

judges picked halibut in yellow curry with white rice and velvet horn seaweed, prepared by 8-year-old Asher of Yakima, Washington, who won an all-expenses-paid seaside vacation in California for his family.

The contestant eliminated was 9-year-old Jason of San Gabriel, California, whose mahi mahi sandwich with french fries and ogo seaweed and gochujang remoulade did not impress the judges.

The remaining 10 contestants move forward to the third challenge next week.

The Observer will provide weekly updates on Bryson's progress. To keep up with the action yourself, tune in to FOX network every Monday night at 7 p.m.

JURIED ART RECEPTION

The Auburn Arts Association invites the public to the 23rd Annual Juried Art Reception on March 15 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, located at 222 E. Drake Ave. in Auburn. The Juried Art Show exhibition features works from local artists from Lee County and adjacent counties. Awards will be announced at the reception, which will recognize the artists who submitted pieces for the exhibition. The reception is free and open to the public.

HATS & HORSES HOOTENANNY

Hats & Horses: A High-Class Hootenanny is set for March 15 at 5 p.m. at Storybook Farms, located at 300 Cusseta Road in Opelika. Enjoy an evening of shopping, elegant cocktails and delectable appetizers, setting the stage for the season’s most anticipated event, Kentucky Derby Day on May 4.

BARK IN THE PARK

Auburn Parks and Rec and CARE Humane Society will host the 12th Annual Bark in the Park: An Event Celebrating Responsible Dog Ownership on Saturday, March 16, at Kiesel Park from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This FREE community event is open to all dog owners and their favorite four-legged friends. The day will begin with the Tails & Trails 3K fun run at 9 a.m. for dog owners and their canine companions. This year, the Tails and Trails 3k is FREE to register and will not be timed. Prizes for the top three finishers overall and awards for the best-dressed pups will be announced at 9:45 a.m. by the starting line. View a race map, register and check out T-shirts from previous years at auburnal.myrec.com.

BATS, BUGS & BIODIVERSITY

Esteemed environmental educator Vicky Beckham Smith of A-Z Animals for the presentation "Bats, Bugs and Biodiversity: Connecting Kids to Parks" at Chewacla State Park has been rescheduled for Saturday, March 16, at 1 p.m. at the Beach Pavilion. The program includes live animal encounters, crafts and engaging activities. This program is offered at no additional cost to the front gate fee, but you will need to pay the fee in advance to secure your spot. Registration for this program is first-come, first-served, and seating is limited. Please bring your own chair. Pre-register at the

website: reserve.alapark.com/register/bats-bugs-biodiversitychewacla.

POETRY SERIES @ PEBBLE HILL

The Third Thursday Poetry Series will be hosted at Pebble Hill, 101 S. Debardeleben St. in Auburn, on Thursday, March 21, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The readings will be by Gregory Pardlo and Laura Spence-Ash.

HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION DAY

The city of Auburn's annual spring household hazardous waste collection day will be held on Saturday, March 23, at the new Environmental Services and Public Works Complex, located at 4277 Wire Road. Auburn residents may bring up to 20 pounds of material per household for disposal at no charge (bring a recent water bill to prove residency). Acceptable items include household chemicals, pesticides, paints, batteries, automobile fluids and more. Computers and electronics will be accepted for recycling, and there will be a shredder on site to safely and securely get rid of old paper documents. Participants are asked to register ahead of time online. For a list of accepted items, a link to register and more information, visit auburnalabama.org/ hhw.

123 ANDRES @ GOUGE CENTER

123 Andres, the Latin Grammy-winning duo for kids, will bring their high energy, interactive concert to the Jay and Susie Gouge Performing Arts Center, located at 910 S. College St. in Auburn, on Sunday, March 24. Tickets are $10 and are available at the website goguecenter.evenue.net.

8TH ANNUAL AZALEA FESTIVAL

Auburn University’s Donald E. Davis Arboretum will host the 8th Annual Azalea Festival on March 30 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Arboretum, a native plant museum and garden, is located at 181 Garden Drive in Auburn. The event, which is free and open to the public, will feature fun activities for all ages, including live music, local art, food trucks, the arboretum’s spring native plant sale and more.

OHS HIRING FAIR

Opelika High School will host a hiring fair on April 9 from

8:30 to 11 a.m., giving businesses an opportunity to speak with students about co-op, part-time and full-time jobs. Interested businesses must register by March 20.

PICKLEBALL SENIOR OLYMPICS

The Opelika Pickleball Club will host the Senior Olympics April 12-14, featuring a round-robin format. For more information go to www.opelikapickleball.com, and follow Opelika Pickleball Club on Instagram.

AUBURN LIBRARY BOOK SIGNING

The Auburn Public Library will host local children’s book author Dr. Sarah “Mimsy” Odom on Saturday, April 27, who will read from her book, “Xantu Learns to Read,” at Family Story Time, which starts at 9:30 a.m. Odom has written a series of children’s books using her grandson as her muse. She also writes devotional and journal motivational books. In addition to her writing, she is the president and chief executive officer for a student educational and motivational consulting company.

SUNDILLA PRESENTS RUTH WYAND

The Sundilla Concert Series will feature a performance by Ruth Wyand on Thursday, March 28, from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, located at 450 E. Thach Ave. in Auburn. Free coffee, tea, water and food will be available, and the audience is welcome to bring their own favorite food and beverage. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $15 with student ID and free for children under age 12. Tickets are on sale at www.sundillamusic.com.

JONATHAN DELY JAZZ @ OCPA

Jonathan Dely with his All-Star Jazz Band will be in concert on Wednesday, April 3, at 7:30 p.m. at the Opelika Center for the Performing Arts, located at 1700 Lafayette Parkway in Opelika. Tickets range in price from $20 to $59 and are available at www.eastalabamaarts.org/tickets.

POETRY @ PEBBLE HILL

A poetry reading will be hosted at Pebble Hill, 101 S. Debardeleben St. in Auburn, on Thursday, April 4, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The readings will be by Rose McLarney and Justin Gardiner.

BRYSON McGLYNN

123 Andres bring family show to Gouge Center

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

AUBURN — Hailed as "[rock stars] for little language learners" by Billboard, the award-winning children's music duo 123 Andrés are headed to the Gogue Center for a Family Series performance — Sunday, March 24 at 3 p.m. in the Woltosz Theatre.

123 Andrés are the husbandand-wife team of Andrés Salguero and Christina Sanabria. Known

for their high-energy concerts in English and Spanish, 123 Andrés seamlessly incorporate language into their performances, encouraging children to sing bilingually, as well as move and dance around.

Highly lauded in the world of children's entertainment, 123 Andrés received the Latin Grammy Award for Best Latin Children's Album for Arriba Abajo in 2016, and just this year won the 2024 Grammy Award for Best Chil-

dren's Music Album for their latest release, We Grow Together: Children's Songs.

All tickets for the 123 Andrés performance are priced at $10 and can be purchased online at goguecentertickets.auburn. edu, by telephone at 334.844.

TIXS (8497) or in-person at the Gogue Center box office, located at 910 S. College St. in Auburn, Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Trinity Christian School presents 'The Sound of Music' March 15, 16

BY NICHOLAS YOUNG FOR THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA — Trinity Christian School will be bringing the hills back to life with their presentation of the musical “The Sound of Music.” The original Broadway play was produced in 1959 and became a massive hit, eventually receiving a film adaptation a few years later in 1965.

The story’s overarching themes of redemption and overcoming adversity were one of the primary reasons that Trinity Christian decided to produce this musical according to music director Carolyn Boone.

The story is loosely based on true events and follows Maria, a young novice at a convent who has been assigned to be a governess for the seven children of widowed Austrian Navy Captain Georg Von Trapp in 1938, as Austria falls under control of Germany's Adolf Hitler.

The heartwarming tale highlights the adjustments of Maria and the Von Trapp family as they get to know one another and as they make decisions regarding their future in war-torn Austria.

As the title suggests, music is a central theme of the play, and it features several catchy tunes that will resonate with the audience. Trinity Christian’s adaptation of this musical will include the unique element of live musicians, a feature that is not often seen in other school plays. Boone said that some students were involved in the orchestra and would have the chance to contribute in this fashion.

“We think that it is really neat that they’re able to use their gifts in that way,” Boone said.

She said she believes that producing this musical has taught students the value of investing in something bigger than themselves.

“It helps them to see

that when we all do something together — we can do something that’s bigger than the sum of one of us…that is an excellent lesson for them.”

Boone commended the students for the work they have put forward despite being one of the smaller schools in the area.

“It’s really special when our school can produce something that’s so wonderfully quality and a classic.”

Trinity's portrayal of the classic play will surely spark feelings of nostalgia for seasoned fans while also introducing newer generations to the timeless classic. The musical will be held at the City Church, located at 2900 Waverly Parkway in Opelika.

Shows will be on Friday, March 15 at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 16 at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tickets cost $13 and are available via QR code or by visiting the school office.

Springer presents Disney's 'The Little Mermaid'

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

COLUMBUS, GA — The Springer Theatre is performing Disney's “The Little Mermaid” now through March 24.

The classic story features impressive set designs and lighting and dazzling costumes that bring the underwater world and its fantastical characters to life.

Alex Allison, Springer resident costume designer, is responsible for ensuring that the costumes “speak” to the audience. The show's star, Ariel, will grace the stage in a collection of costumes, including a mermaid tail that seamlessly blends comfort and mobility, creating the illusion of graceful underwater movement.

“The goal for this show was to balance visual elements with practical considerations, like movement, to ensure that the costumes contribute to the overall enjoyment of the show,” Allison said.

Featured among Ariel's many costumes are those that transition the princess from mermaid to human, as well as a spectacular finale costume for Ariel's last and most meaningful transition.

Disney's “The Little Mermaid” musical features music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard

Ashman and Glenn Slater and a book by Doug Wright. The musical incorporates both familiar songs from the movie and new ones written specifically for the stage production. Tickets are available exclusively via the website at www.springeroperahouse.org, by phone at (706) 327-3688, or by visiting the box office in person at 103 10th St. in Columbus.

Pebble Hill hosts Book Talk to feature Mystic Order

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

AUBURN — The Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities at Pebble Hill will host a book talk by the Mystic Order of East Alabama Fiction Writers on Tuesday, March 19, at 4 p.m.

The Mystic Order of East Alabama Fiction Writers is a group composed of six women: Gail Langley, Mary Dansak, Margee Bright-Ragland, Joanne Camp, Katie Jackson and Marian Carcache. All products

of the deep south, the Mystics find wonder in the ordinary and magic in minutiae, and they shy away from nothing when it comes to their craft — boldly delving into poetry, fiction, essay, biography, memoir, songs, recipes and most recently, podcasting.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will be followed by refreshments. Books will be available for purchase and signing.

Pebble Hill is located at 101 S. Debardeleben St. in Auburn.

The Empty Bowls annual fundraiser set for April 20

BY ANN CIPPERLY FOR THE OBSERVER

LEE COUNTY — Since

the Empty Bowls event was first held in 2014 by the Opelika Rocky Brook Potters, nearly $100, 000 has been raised for the Food Bank of East Alabama to help feed those in need. This year’s event is scheduled for April 20 at the Denson Drive Recreation Center, and the Preview Party will be held April 13 at the ArtHaus.

Tickets are currently available for both events.

“Ihe Preview Party is going to be an exciting event,” said Kitty Greene, chairman of the event. “John Emerald will be providing cocktails and appetizers will be served from restaurants. Music will be provided both by Preston Winkles, who will be playing the keyboard, and other musicians. Each person will receive a beautiful premium soup bowl. The silent auction will include pottery, artwork and 20 gift baskets crafted by Cathy Thomson.”

The Preview Party is scheduled April 13 from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the ArtHaus, 500 N. Railroad Ave. in downtown Opelika. Tickets are $100 each and only a hundred tickets will be sold.

All proceeds from the Preview Party also go to

the food bank. Tickets are available by calling (334) 821-9006 or going to www.

foodbankofeastalabama. com, clicking on /Make a Difference/Donate Funds/ Empty Bowls and then entering Preview Party below the payment info.

While tickets for the Empty Bowls event can be purchased ahead, they will also be available the day of the event on April 20 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Those attending will select a lovely handmade bowl and be served soups and bread in a disposable bowl. Tickets for this event are $15 per bowl. Tickets are available at the Denson Drive Recreation Center in Opelika, Jan Dempsey Recreation Center in Auburn and the Food Bank.

The Opelika and Auburn potters alternate hosting the Empty Bowls every other year. When the event was held by the Rocky Brook Potters in 2022, they raised $45,500 dollars for the food bank, which included funds from the Preview Party.

Sherie Spain is the founder of the local event. While she has retired as the director, she is still teaching pottery at the center and will be contributing to this year’s event.

Spain started the Empty Bowls project in 2014

after reading about the international project to fight hunger. The original Empty Bowls began in 1990 as a class project in Michigan when a high school made ceramic bowls and served soup to raise funds for a food drive. Those attending were allowed to keep the bowls. The idea spread worldwide, and each community holding an Empty Bowls event is independent.

“I contacted the food bank and they liked the idea,” Spain said. “I thought it would be good to get both pottery communities working together.” For Sherie’s work on the event, Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller proclaimed a “Sherie Spain Day.”

“Working on the Empty Bowls project has been very rewarding,” she said.

“Martha Henk at the food

bank has been so wonderful. We are fortunate to have her in our lives. It is amazing to me how many people have volunteered to help. I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have the potters. It is like one big family.”

Richarde Talbot is the new director and leading the Empty Bowls event with a board of volunteers.

“Many people work behind the scenes each year

to make the Empty Bowls event successful,” said Talbot. “It is gratifying to work with so many generous people in the community on a project that helps provide food for vulnerable people in our area.”

Those attending either event will select a handmade bowl, which they can keep as a reminder of the less fortunate in the community.

Tickets

the Opelika Auburn Empty Bowls event on April 20 and the preview party on April 13. Pictured at the Denson Drive Recreation Center are, from left, Sherrie Spain, founder and past director; Kitty Greene, chairman of the Preview Party; Richarde Talbot, chairman of the Empty Bowls and director of the pottery department, and Dian Sutton, instructor for children's classes.

Annie Jr. was staged last week by Opelika Community Theatre as the inaugural Penguin Project show. The Penguin Project is a theatre program designed to introduce young adults with disabilities to theater.

BY SEAN DIETRICH

OPINION —

You might not know this, but a few days ago was a national holiday. A day when our nation traditionally puts aside our differences, stands together in solidarity and brotherhood, from sea to oil-slicked sea, and we celebrate our most cherished national pastime.

Pound cake.

That’s right. It was National Pound Cake Day.

Frankly, I did not know it was National Pound Cake Day until a reader named Phyllis Ratliff, of Oneonta, Alabama, brought this to my attention.

CIPPERLY >> from A7

Buttermilk Pie I usually have these ingredients on hand, so it’s great for a last minute dessert. This is fast, easy and delicious.

1 refrigerated pie crust

1 cup sugar

2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour

2 Tbsp. salted butter, melted

½ cup whole buttermilk

2 large eggs, beaten 1 Tbsp. vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine sugar and flour in a medium bowl. Add remaining ingredients and stir well until blended and smooth. Pour into the unbaked pie crust.

Bake just until the pie slightly jiggles in the middle, about 35 to 40 minutes.

Aunt Betty’s Chocolate

Chip Cookies

1 cup sugar

1 cup light brown sugar

1 cup butter, room temperature

1 tsp. vanilla

3 Tbsp. milk 1 egg

Sean of the South

Phyllis reminded me that today is a critical day in our native heritage.

“We must ask ourselves,”

writes Phyllis, “how many pound cakes sacrificed their lives defending our privilege to celebrate this day?”

Phyllis is absolutely right. Pound cake is an expressly American dish, right up there with Velveeta, and Budweiser. And yet nobody in the news media is even talking about this issue.

One columnist demands to know why.

Contrary to popular notions, apple pie is not our flagship American dish. Forget apple pie.

Apple pie originated in England during the 14th century, shortly after the birth of Cher. Back then, English peasants were so poor that most historians believe the first apple pies were made with apples harvested from the stalls of nearby horse pens.

1 ½ cups self-rising flour

3 cups old fashioned oatmeal

6 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Blend sugars and butter. Add vanilla, milk and egg; blend until smooth.

Gradually add flour to the mixture. Add oatmeal one cup at a time and stir in chocolate chips.

Bake at 350 degrees 12 to14 minutes or until lightly browned.

These stay best in a glass container.

These have been our favorite for years. My sister and her college roommates made these in their dorm kitchen to send to a brother during the Vietnam War.

Apple Crisp

6 Granny Smith apples, peeled and cut up ½ cup sugar

2 tsp. cinnamon

½ tsp. nutmeg Combine above ingredients and put in a buttered baking dish.

Topping:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

Pound Cake Day

Pound cake, on the other hand, is an American cake. It originated right here in the North American colonies.

The first mention of pound cake comes to us in a cookbook entitled “American Cookery,” published in 1796 (HarperCollins).

So this morning, I, for one, am choosing to celebrate this holiday by eating a wedge of pound cake that is roughly the same thickness as the unabridged edition of “Gone With the Wind.”

Pound cake is in my DNA. I have been eating pound cake since I was six minutes old, which was all my grandmother’s doing.

In the hospital delivery room, shortly after my birth, my Granny and her churchlady friends showed up with baked goods and greeting cards. My granny was the kind of domesticated woman who exchanged baked goods and greeting cards for almost any

3 sticks chilled butter (I mix these together with my hands.)

3/4 cup white sugar

3/4 cup light brown sugar

½ tsp. kosher salt

1 cup rolled oats

Combine ingredients and sprinkle on top of apples.

Bake at 350 degrees until golden brown, about 30 to 40 minutes.

Hot Chicken Salad

4 cups diced cooked chicken

½ cup diced celery

½ cup chopped almonds

1 Tbsp. minced onion

1 ½ tsp. lemon juice

1 ½ tsp. lemon zest

1½ cups grated cheddar cheese (save some for the top.)

1 cup mayonnaise

1½ cups crushed potato chips for topping

Mix all ingredients except potato chips. Spread chips over the top .Bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes.

Beef Tenderloin with Madeira Sauce

5-6 lb. tenderloin , oven ready (trimmed but not tied)

Morton Nature’s

occasion, including the onset of daylight savings.

My grandmother allegedly shoved a tiny slice of cake into my infant mouth and I started to gag.

My mother pitched a fit.

“Mama!” said my mother, “it’s too soon to feed my baby pound cake!”

“Why?” said Granny.

“Because he doesn’t even have teeth yet.”

“Neither do I, but you don’t hear me whining about it.”

So my people are extremely serious about our pound cake. We eat it for every community event. We eat it at birthday parties, church potlucks, graduations, weddings, funerals, infant baptisms, real estate closings, etc.

As a boy, everybody’s mothers and grandmothers made their cakes uniquely. And this is what makes them so special.

We had cinnamon pound cakes, orange-currant pound

Seasons Seasoning Blend

Madeira Sauce:

3 Tbsp. unsalted butter

3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour

½ cup Madeira

2 (10.5 oz.) cans beef broth

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Sprinkle seasoning blend on meat and put in a large roasting pan. Roast for 20 minutes. Turn the meat over and roast for another 20 minutes until meat registers 120 degrees on an instant thermometer for rare.

While roast cooks, make the sauce. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk until you have a paste. Add Madeira and broth and cook, stirring until thick.

Let the meat rest before slicing. Sauce can be prepared a day ahead and reheated.

Roasted New Potatoes

I love roasting veggies because they are easy and delicious.

2 ½ lbs. red potatoes, halves or cut in quarters for larger ones

1 or 2 yellow onions, chopped

3 Tbsp. olive oil

2 Tbsp. whole grained mustard, optional Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped, optional

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Toss potatoes and onions in olive oil and mustard, if using. Place on a sheet pan. Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour. Stir occasionally. Top with parsley, if desired.

French Silk Pie

1 cup sugar

¾ cup butter, sliced 3 squares (3 oz.) unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled

1½ tsp. vanilla

3 eggs (pasteurized eggs are best)

1 pie shell, baked

Whipped cream, optional

In a food processor with steel blade, process sugar and butter until smooth and light. With

cakes, chocolate pound cakes, 7 Up pound cakes, strawberry pound cakes, fluffy pound cakes, dense pound cakes, loafshaped pound cakes, pound cakes that weighed more than tractor tires, and miniature pound cakes shaped like Bible characters.

In my house, I grew up with a pound cake perpetually on our counter. It was always within eyeshot.

We sold our mother’s pound cakes at Little League bake sales to earn money for new uniforms. Our aunts and mothers donated pound cakes to raise money for the missionaries. We gave pound cakes to the ill and infirm and shut-ins. I ate pound cake at my father’s wake. Pound cake was not just cake, not to my people. It was code for “I love you.”

My grandmother made beautiful pound cakes, baked in ginormous, domed bundt-cake pans. She was known in three

processor running, add chocolate and vanilla. Add eggs one at a time while processing.

Pour into pie shell and chill for several hours or overnight. Garnish with whipped cream and chocolate curls. Note: Do not consume raw eggs if you are pregnant or have health issues.

Springtime Lemon Cake

1 1/4 cups sugar

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 Tbsp. grated lemon zest, plus ½ cup lemon juice

½ tsp. vanilla

4 large eggs

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. salt

1 cup buttermilk

Lemon Syrup::

½ cup sugar

1/4 cup lemon juice from 2 lemons

Frosting:

6 oz. cream cheese, room temperature

1 ½ Tbsp. grated lemon zest

3 Tbsp. lemon juice

½ tsp. salt

6 cups powdered sugar

Thin lemon slices for garnish, optional

Preheat oven to 350.

Coat a 17 ½ X 12 ½ inch baking dish with nonstick spray; set aside.

Cream sugar and butter on medium speed in a mixer bowl for about three minutes. Stir in lemon zest and vanilla. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda and salt. Combine buttermilk and lemon juice. With mixer on low speed, alternately add flour and buttermilk mixture to batter, mixing well. Spread batter evenly into baking sheet. Bake about 18 minutes or until cake tests done by inserting a wooden pick near the center.

Prepare Lemon Syrup by combine sugar, lemon juice and 3 Tbsp. water in a microwaveable bowl. Microwave on high in 30 second intervals, stirring after each until sugar

counties for her pound cake. I remember when my grandfather was dying. The whole family gathered around his bedside, weeping, and my grandfather bid goodbye to each of us individually.

That night, my grandmother was grieving so deeply she stayed up all night baking a pound cake with her little hands.

That same evening, Granddaddy smelled the wafting scent from the oven, and somehow, miraculously, found strength to rise to his feet. He painstakingly made his way down the stairs, and limped into the kitchen where he managed to cut himself a slice of cake.

Immediately my granny slapped the steaming pound cake from his hands and shouted, “That’s for the funeral!”

Long live the American pound cake. And long live love.

dissolves.

When cake is baked, immediately poke all over with a wooden pick. Brush all over with lemon syrup. Let cool. Prepare frosting by beating cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add lemon zest and salt, beating until combined. With mixer on low, gradually add powdered sugar, beating until combined. Add lemon juice and beat until combined. Spread frosting on cake. Garnish with lemon slices.

Fresh Whiskey Sours

3/4 cup Jack Daniels

Tennessee Whiskey

½ cup fresh lemon juice

½ cup fresh lime juice

2/3 cup simple syrup

Maraschino cherries

Combine the whiskey, lemon and lime juice and syrup. Fill a shaker halfway with ice and two-thirds with cocktail mixture. Shake for 30 seconds and pour into a glass. Top with a cherry.

Asian Grilled Quail

1/4 cup Hoisin sauce

3 Tbsp. Chinese chili sauce with garlic

3 Tbsp. dark sesame oil

3 Tbsp. honey

2 Tbsp. sesame seeds

1 tsp. ground ginger

8 quail, dressed, or 16 quail breasts

1 (14 oz.) can chicken broth

2 tsp. cornstarch

In a large bowl, combine hoisin, chili sauce, sesame oil, honey, sesame seeds and ginger. Add the quail and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Prepare a hot fire in a gas or charcoal grill. Remove the quail from marinating and reserve the marinade. Grill the quail for 30 minutes or until done, turning once. Pour the reserved marinade into a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Meanwhile, whisk the cornstarch into the reserved broth until smooth. Then whisk both sauces together until smooth and thickened, about 1 minute. Serve the sauce with quail.

Eggcelent Easter Scavenger Hunt set for March 23-21

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

AUBURN — Auburn Parks and Recreation will host its Fourth Annual Eggcellent Easter Scavenger Hunt beginning Saturday, March 23, through Wednesday, March 27. The hunt will take place at a city of Auburn park or facility each day.

A clue will be posted on the Auburn Parks and Recreation Facebook page at 8 a.m. each morning of the scavenger hunt. The first clue will lead participants to one of the City’s parks or facilities. Participants will hunt for an Easter egg and must use their phones to scan the QR code on egg to find the next clue. Once they have found all the clues at that location, they will be prompted to enter their name into the drawing for a prize. Only one entry per day is allowed for each participant. Each day you participate is a chance to earn another entry.

Five lucky participants will win a $25 gift card to a local business along with an Easter basket full of goodies. Winners will be drawn at random on Thursday, March 28.

For more information, visit Auburn Parks and Recreation’s Facebook page or go to auburnalabama.org/parks.

Easter calendar of events

BREAKFAST WITH THE BUNNY

Auburn Parks & Recreation will host the 23rd Annual

Breakfast with the Bunny for children ages 3 and under and their adult chaperones on Saturday, March 23, from 8 to 11 a.m. at Kiesel Park. Tickets are $10 per person which includes a buffet-style breakfast from Another Broken Egg, an Easter egg hunt beginning at 9:30 a.m., and balloon animals, face painting, a petting zoo, inflatables, a train and pictures with the Easter Bunny. For more information or to register visit auburnalabama. org/easter-egg-hunt

OPELIKA ADULT EASTER EGG HUNT

Look for clues March 25-29 to find special eggs throughout the city of Opelika. Find an egg and return it to the Opelika SportsPlex for a prize. Clues will be posted by @opelikaparks on Facebook and Instagram. This event is free and open to the public.

OPELIKA FLASHLIGHT EGG HUNT

Children in 3rd-5th grades are invited to hunt for special prizes and golden eggs in the dark during the Opelika Flashlight Egg Hunt, set for 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 28, at the Opelika SportsPlex Amphitheater. Bring a flashlight and a basket. This event is free.

OPELIKA UNDERWATER EGG HUNT

Children ages 6-10 are invited to hunt for eggs in the Opelika SportsPlex pool from 6 to 8 p.m. on March 29. Free swim to follow. Fee is $5 per guest. Must preregister by March 25 at www.opelika-al.gov/913/ParksRecreation.

EASTER ON THE SQUARE

Children in second grade and younger are invited to the largest egg hunt in the area, set to take place on the courthouse square in Opelika on Saturday, March 30. Toddlers will hunt beginning at 10 a.m., followed by four-year-olds and kindergarteners at 10:30 a.m. and first- and second-graders at 11 a.m. The event is free and open to the public.

AUBURN EASTER EGG HUNT

The city of Auburn’s 44th Annual Easter Egg Hunt will take place at the lower fields at Duck Samford Baseball Park on Saturday, March 30. Ages 0-3 will hunt at 10:30 a.m. on Field 10; ages 4-6 will hunt at 10:45 a.m. on Field 9; ages 7-8 will hunt at 11 a.m. on Field 7 and ages 9-10 will hunt at 11:15 a.m. on Field 5. There will be face painting, balloon animals, inflatables and pictures with the Easter Bunny. Admission is $5 per child for Auburn residents and $10 per child for non-residents. Pre-registration is required (walk-ups not admitted) at auburnalabama.org/easter-egg-hunt.

FNF Ministries to present 'Having the Heart to Heal Conference - Family Edition' on March 15-16

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

AUBURN, AL -FNF Min -

istries invites all to its annual "Having The Heart to Heal Conference - The Family Edition," a transformative event designed for families to heal together.

The conference is set to begin Friday, March 15 at 6:30 p.m. and continuing on Saturday, March 16 at 9 a.m. at True Deliverance Holiness Church,

located at 936 N. Donahue Dr. in Auburn. This conference is set to offer a blend of inspiration, education and personal growth through preaching teaching and inspiration. Families are encouraged to participate in this unique event focused on overcoming past struggles and forging a stronger bond through a willing––ness to talk things through and having the faith to do the work to heal.

The conference will feature dynamic keynote speakers, interactive breakout sessions and engaging panel discussions. Participants will gain insights into effective communication strategies, conflict resolution and ways to express emotions constructively while fostering understanding and respect. The ultimate goal of this special gathering is to empower families to reconnect on a deeper level, increase self-awareness

and provide support to enable each member and the family unit to thrive. Registration is required for participation in Saturday's sessions.

ABOUT FNF MINISTRIES INC:

FNF Ministries Inc., a faithbased organization dedicated to healing, delivering, and freeing captives through the word of God. We believe in the transformative power of bibli -

cal principles to change lives. Guided by Ephesians 4:11, the ministry comprises apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers who work tirelessly to teach, preach, and live the word, allowing the community to transform from worldly thinking to a renewed, godly mindset as outlined in Romans 12:3. FNF Ministries invites all families to attend this uplifting event and experience the true essence of healing together.

Upcoming Services

STANLEY CLAYTON CAMPBELL

Friday, March 15, 11 a.m.

First Baptist Church, Opelika

MARIAM G. TURNER

Friday, March 15, 2 p.m.

Palmerdale Cross Baptist Church in Palmerdale, Alabama

BARBARA ANN ZUPON CURRY

Barbara Ann Zupon

Curry, a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away surrounded by her loving family in Opelika, on March 9, 2024. Born in Dysart, Pennsylvania, on Oct. 5, 1937, to Joseph and Anna Zupon, Barbara's journey was marked by her faith, love, and commitment to her family. She was affectionately known as “Tootsie” while growing up in Pennsylvania, and later in life her grandchildren revived that nickname for her.

Barbara's career began as a traveling nurse which took her to various places including Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Washington, DC. She joined the service as a nurse at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida where she met Don Curry who was a doctor at the same base.

Together they built a life in Opelika and raised four children. After all of her children reached school age, she opened Currys women’s clothing store which she ran for nearly three decades.

Barbara was a devout Catholic and member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. Her faith meant everything to her and guided her in everything she did. Whenever prayers

were needed, friends and family always came to her first because they knew of her profound relationship with the Lord.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Dr. Benjamin Donald Curry. Barbara's legacy is carried on by her children - Chris Curry, Jason (Paige) Curry, Anna (Beau) Newman and John (Jenice)

Curry; her grandchildren Gracen, Ethan, Lucy, Peyton and Ben; her brothers Joe “Junior” (Pat) Zupon and Eugene “Smiley” Zupon; her sister-in-law Becky Curry Duke; and numerous nieces and nephews. The entire family will miss her deeply.

The family invites those who knew Barbara to join them in celebrating her life at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. Visitation was held Thursday, March 14,, followed by Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church in Opelika or to East Alabama Food Bank honoring Barbara's deep commitment to her faith and her community.

CHARLES ALLEN BEARD

Charles Allen Beard of Auburn, Alabama, died peacefully on March 8, 2024, at Bethany House.

Allen was born on

Feb. 2, 1938, to Jeff and Maiben Beard in Auburn.

After graduating from Lee County High School, he went on to study business administration at Auburn University and was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity. Upon his graduation, Allen served as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force with the 50th Air Transport Squadron during the Vietnam war.

Allen began his professional career at U.S. Steel, in Birmingham, where he was a manager of the production planning team until a downturn in the economy led him back towards Auburn and to his dream job of owning the famous Tiger Corner Boxcar convenience store. Allen was the unofficial mayor of the Oak Bowery community and impacted countless lives during his tenure at Tiger Corner. Upon retirement, he married his lifelong friend, Molly, and moved to High Point, North Carolina, where they were active members in the community while working in real estate.

Allen was loved by all and shared a passion for cycling - which he did until late in his life. He treasured his wife, Molly, family, friends and the communities in which he called home.

He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Molly E. Miller; son Mason (Kari) Beard of Roswell, Georgia; daughter Maiben Beard of Auburn; step-son Hank (Lisa) Miller of Huntsville, Alabama; step-son David (Denise) Miller of Jackson,

OBITUARIES

Tennessee; brother Jeff (Sue) Beard of Daphne, Alabama; and beloved grandchildren Abby Beard, Brooke Beard, Will Beard, Riley Miller, Meredith Miller, Ryan Miller and Keaton Miller.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Garland Washington ‘Jeff’ Beard and Maiben Hixon Beard and sister, Kitty Sue Gregory.

Services were held on Thursday, March 14, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Auburn United Methodist Church. A graveside service immediately followed at Memorial Park Cemetery. The family respectfully declines the gift of flowers. Instead, donations may be made to the Garland Washington Beard ‘Jeff Beard’ Endowed Fund for Excellence in Auburn Athletics at Auburn University.

CARLY ELIZABETH FLORENCE

Carly Elizabeth Florence entered the sweet hereafter on March 6, 2024. She is survived by her mother Lisa Florence, daughter Guinevere Potts, former spouse William Potts, grandmothers Yvonne Caldwell and Myrtle Florence, special partner Anton Ware and a number of close family members, friends and pets.

She was predeceased by her father William “Bill” Florence Jr.,and grandfathers William Florence Sr. and Ray Caldwell.

Carly was employed by Barrett-Simpson Inc. and graduated from Southern

Union State Community College. As an Opelika native, she was a lover of art, animals and adventures with those closest to her. She was a dreamer, a survivor, a mother, a daughter and a role model. Her soft, delicate voice, kind, caring nature and her clever, gifted wit will be missed by those who had the pleasure of knowing her. Her infectious smile, positive, loving energy and warmth made a lasting impression on those she loved.

A visitation was held at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home in the parlor on Saturday, March 9, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. followed by a graveside service at 1 p.m. at Garden Hills Cemetery.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home assisted with all funeral arrangements.

“I am going away for a while, but I'll be back. Don't try and follow me, 'cause I'll return as soon as possible. See, I'm trying to find my place, but it might not be here where I feel safe.”

LINDA MEDLEY

Linda passed from her earthly life to her heavenly home March 5, 2024, in Titus, Alabama. Linda leaves behind a loving family and many friends.

She is survived by; her son, John Robert Medley Jr. (Robbie) of Deatsville, Alabama, and wife Amanda Medley; her daughter Kimberly Elaine Hammonds (Kim) of Titus, Alabama, and husband Jeff Hammonds; eight grandchildren Mackenzie

Lewis (Liston), William Brady Medley (Jordan), Hollis Medley (Hannah), Katherine Medley, Lillian Price, Sadie Rives, Dylan M. Hammonds and Abigail Conn; eight great-grandchildren; her sister Elaine Hathcock, brothers Alvin Morgan, Henry Morgan and Kenneth Morgan. Special thanks to caregiver and family friend Quita Haggard.

Linda was preceded in death by her husband John Robert Medley Sr., parents Hollis Morgan, Thelma Morgan, sister Sissy Reed. Services for Linda were held at March 11 at Vaughn Forest Church with visitation from 11 to 11:50 a.m. and service to follow. A burial will follow at Kaylor Cemetery.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home assisted with all arrangements.

MIRIAM G. "SUSIE" TURNER

Miriam G. Turner, "Susie" to her friends and "Memi" to her loving family, passed away on Friday, March 8, 2024. Susie was born Miriam Geneva Jayne on March 2, 1936, in Fairfield, Alabama. The youngest of three children, she grew up in the Fairfield area and graduated from Fairfield High School in the class of 1954. She was an avid member of the Fairfield Alumni Association and maintained friendships with many of her classmates. Soon after graduating, she met and married James W.

See OBITUARIES, page A15

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

OPINION —

Icame across a story — perhaps it was more of a parable — you decide for yourself. It was about two girls in their early teens who were best friends. They lived in a small neighborhood that was served by a mom-and-pop grocery

store — the kind where all the customers are known by name. The store could easily be walked to, so it wasn’t unusual for the girls to go there several times a week. Sometimes it was to get something their family needed like milk or bread, but other times it was just to hang out together.

They were at the store one day when they heard something. They went around back and saw a crowd of people gathered around the dumpster. The dumpster had a fire going on inside it with roaring flames and popping noises. Some

people were throwing things into the fire. The girls found some sticks nearby to throw in and then stood there mesmerized by the flames.

For about ten minutes.

In terms of a teenager’s attention span, that can be a long time. But they decided they had seen all there was to see. Plus, the wind had changed direction, and the smoke was blowing into their eyes. They rubbed their stinging eyes as they backed away from the dumpster—not paying any attention to where they were going. Before they realized it, they

were in standing in some-one’s back yard. As they looked around, they saw an elderly lady down on her knees dropping seeds into a small patch of dirt she was working.

“You girls must have been watching the dumpster fire,” she said. “They do that a couple of times a month—but they really aren’t supposed to.” She looked up at the girls and smiled as she continued dropping seeds into the soil.

One of the girls asked her, “What are you doing and why do you look so happy?”

“Well, I’m planting

my garden and I’m happy because I love to see things grow.”

“Can we help you?”

“Of course you can!” She poured some seeds into their hands and showed them where in the soil to put them. When they had finished, she said, “And now that you know where I live, you can come visit the garden any time — because it’s also your garden now.”

That’s exactly what the girls did.

They never went back to see the dumpster fire, but they made it a point to go visit their new friend a couple of times a week and work in the

garden. She showed them how to weed it, water it, stake up the tomatoes, string up the beans, and how to keep the pests away. When things started coming in, they took some of the vegetables home to their families who were quite impressed with what they had done. It was a special summer for the girls and one they would never forget. Good things happen when we stop gawking at the pointless fire and lovingly tend to the garden.

Find more at a-tasteof-grace-with-brucegreen.com.

Bible verse of the week: Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. — Colossians 3:12

CHURCH DIRECTORY

ANGLICAN

The Good Shepherd Anglican Church 3015 Opelika Road, Opelika

APOSTOLIC HOLINESS

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

BAPTIST

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

AFB - Cooperative Baptist Fellowship 128 E. Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-8506

Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 3089 Judge Brown Road Valley 334-710-2117

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

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

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

Providence Baptist Church 2807 Lee Road 166, Opelika

334-745-4608

Shady Grove Baptist Church 2194 Lee Road 177, Opelika 334-476-1531

Union Grove Baptist Church

4009 Lee Road 391, Opelika

334-749-0461

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

The Opelika Church 2660 Cunninghan Dr., Opelika

Church Of Christ 2215 Marvyn Pkwy., Opelika 334-742-9721

Southside Church Of Christ

405 Carver Ave., Opelika 334-745-6015

CHURCH OF GOD Lakeside Church of God 3295 Lee Rd 54, Opelika 334-749-6432

EPISCOPAL- AME

Saint Luke AME Church 1308 Auburn St., Opelika 334-749-1690

EPISCOPAL

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

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

Bridge Church of AL 315 2nd Ave., Opelika 334-363-0552

Church At Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy., Opelika 334-524-9148

Connect Church 2015 West Point Pkwy., Opelika 334-707-3949

Father’s House Christian Fellowship 214 Morris, Ave., Opelika

Living Waters Ministry Center 3005 Lafayette Parkway, Opelika

Southern Plains Cowboy

Church 13099 U.S. Hwy. 280 Waverly 334-401-1014

PENTECOSTAL Gateway Pentecostal Sanctuary 1221 Commerce Drive, Auburn 334-745-6926

PRESBYTERIAN Providence Presbyterian Church 1103 Glenn St., Opelika 256-405-8697

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

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST

Opelika Outreach S.D.A. Church P.O. Box 386, Opelika 334-749-3151

BY WALTER ALBRITTON

In the early days of Jesus’ ministry, John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” Years later, after the resurrection of Jesus, the beloved disciple John has a vision of heaven in which Jesus is “the Lamb.” John’s marvelous words inspire hope in our hearts: "For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (Revelation 7:17).

The holy scriptures teach us that the Lamb of God suffered, bled and died for

Altar call The Lamb in the midst

our sins. But that was not the end of the story. The Lamb was raised up by the power of God. The Lamb, once dead, is alive and alive forevermore. Indeed, the Lamb is Life, and offers life, eternal life, to all who repent and believe. Without Christ the Lamb, we are dead in our sins. Surrendered to the Lamb, we come alive. We have a relationship with the Lamb called “new life in Christ.”

This new life with the Lamb as our Shepherd does not shield us from suffering. In this broken world, we shall suffer. We shall thirst for living water. We shall hunger for living bread. We shall weep when our hearts are broken. We shall become lost in the dark, longing for someone to lead us home. John understood this for he suffered. He was thirsty and hungry. Exiled in a lonely place, he wept and wished for home. He could have given up, but he refused to quit. He opened his heart to God and God gave him

a vision so powerful that it became the last book in the Holy Bible.

This vision enabled John to see that suffering and death will not win the ultimate battle. The salvation of the Lamb overcomes suffering and God wins. Because God wins, the followers of the Lamb share in the victory of righteousness. God rewards our faithfulness with eternal life in his presence. There we will sorrow no more.

There the Lamb will be the Shepherd who feeds us, leads us to fountains of living water and wipes away all our tears.

Our sin troubles us for our lives are stained by our sins. We have no way to cleanse our garments or our hearts. With every other sinner, we cry, “What can wash my sins away?” John knows the answer – “Nothing but the blood of Jesus.” In his heavenly vision, John sees God’s remedy. He sees “a great multitude” around the throne “clothed with

white robes, and palms in their hands.” How did their garments become white? They were washed in the blood of the Lamb.

Palm branches speak of celebration. When we consider God’s boundless mercy, our hearts overflow with praise. Hearts strangely warmed by God’s unmerited love cannot resist the desire to praise and worship the Lamb. Our hearts tremble within us when we lift our voices to pro-claim, “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name.”

John says the Lamb is “in the midst of the throne.” And, praise God, the Lamb is in the midst of our lives every day. He is in the midst when we suffer, when we weep, when we despair of life because of relentless pain. John was testifying to the Lamb’s presence in his own pain and loneliness. He wanted other Christians to remember that no matter how difficult their hardships, the Lamb is in the midst with us.

My friend Al Krinke called from his home in Nome, Alaska. His wife Shirley had died. Al and Shirley were two of the most beautiful Christians Dean and I had ever known. Christ radiated from their lives. Al was a school man, a teacher and a principal, and in retirement a preacher. When Jesus made Al a new man, he got all of Al there was. Al held nothing back. He was sold out for Jesus in every way a man can be. Shirley shared his complete dedication to Jesus. Jesus was everything to both of them. Many people entered into the salvation of the Lamb because of the authentic witness of Al and Shirley.

I intended to console him. Instead, he consoled me. My voice was shaky; his was steady. “Our family is planning a celebration of Shirley’s life,” Al said. “We know where Shirley is now, and we are sure we will see her again. We praise Jesus for that hope.”

Turner, and raised her three children while employed as a secretary and bookkeeper. Her employment culminated as secretary of Dr. Andrew Duckett's office.

Susie served as church pianist at Eastmont Baptist Church, as well as Carson Road Baptist Church. She was an active member of Palmerdale Cross Baptist Church before moving to First Baptist Church in Opelika, AL. In addition to her church activities, Susie liked to travel with family, visit with her numerous grandchildren, paint, draw and was an avid reader. Susie was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Pauline Jayne; her husband, James W. Turner; her brother, Thomas Roy Jayne and her daughter, Carol R. Turner. She is survived by her brother,

Dr. John Jayne {Grace); her son, James W. Turner, Jr. {Linda); her daughter, Linda Monroe {Scott); grandchildren, Michael Lawson {Julie), Sarah Knight {Simon), Jennifer Garrett {Jeff), Alicia Farmer {Ezekiel), Ryan Turner {Melissa) and Adam Turner {Mindie), as well as numerous nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, March 15 ,2024, at 2 p.m. at Palmerdale Cross Baptist Church in Palmerdale, Alabama. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shriner's Children's Hospital.

STANLEY CLAYTON CAMPBELL

Stanley Clayton Campbell, 75 of Opelika, died Monday, March 11. Born June 4, 1948, in Dadeville, Alabama, to Z.Y. and Sadie Campbell, he was

COFFEE & CONVERSATION WITH VFW POST 5404

VFW Post 5404, 131 E. Veterans Blvd., Auburn, next to Ray's Collision off of South College Street, will be open on Wednesdays, 8 to 11 a.m. with coffee, donuts, cake and conversation about service and benefits for all veterans and spouses to stop by.

AUBURN/OPELIKA MOPS IS NOW 'MomCO'

LEE/RUSSELL COUNTY LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP

The group meets every month on the third Wednesday from 1:30 to 3 p.m. The meeting will be held at the AIDB-Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind Opelika Regional Center on 355 Dunlop Drive in Opelika. Every month different topics are discussed to make life more manageable living with low vision.

Contact Shiquita Fulton, M.ED/Vision Rehab therapist for additional details at 334-705-2024, or Melody Wilson, case manager for the blind, at 256-368-3258.

MOPS International changed its name from MOPS, Mothers of Preschoolers to MomCo to include moms of children of all ages. Auburn Opelika MomCo will meet at Pepperell Baptist Church, 2702 2nd Ave. in Opelika at the following dates/ times: Feb. 8, 5:30-7 p.m.; March 7, 9-11 a.m.; March 21, 5:30-7 p.m.; April 4, 9-11 a.m.; April 18, 5:30-7 p.m. Contact Rachel Elrod at (706) 244-5620 or Pastor Zac Gardner or Pastor Josh Elliott at (334) 745-3108 for further information.

NAMI MEETING

NAMI East Alabama, the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), will meet at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, 714 E. Glenn Ave. in Auburn. Curtis Carlton, Director of Psychiatry Service at East Alabama Health will provide an update on the planned new free-standing psychiatric facility. NAMI supports families dealing with mental illness through mutual support, education and advocacy. The public is invited.

I knew from the calming sound of Al’s voice that the Lamb was “in the midst” of his family’s sorrow, comforting them with His Presence. As I put down the phone, God gave me a vision. I saw Shirley, not dead but alive, laughing and singing, with a palm in her hand. And, yes, she was wearing a white robe! I think she was singing the chorus from Handel’s Messiah:

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, and hath redeemed us to God, to God by His blood, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing.

Blessing and honor, glory and power, be unto Him, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb, For ever and ever and ever and ever. Amen.

How marvelous, how wonderful, the joy that awaits those who worship the Lamb!

a graduate of Dadeville High School and later Auburn University. He worked at Ampex for 30 years and later at Opelika Middle School as teacher’s aide. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Gloria, his children: Amanda (Mike) Goad, Brittany Campbell, and Clay (Kasie) Campbell; granddaughter, Lillie; sister Rhonda (Greg) Campbell and brother, Jimmy (Ginny) Campbell; nieces and nephews and cousins.

Stan loved all things Auburn, college baseball, traveling, and the Dadeville Class of ’66. Memorial service to be held Friday, March 15 at 11 a.m., at First Baptist Church Opelika. The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made in his memory to First Baptist Church Opelika for missions.

The Dixie Echoes will be at Airview Church of God the Friday, April 5 at 7 p.m.

Schools & S

On the Mark

Opelika High School roundup

CORRECTION

We would like to offer our sincere apologies to Katie Harrelson for printing her first name wrong last week and also for failing to give her credit for two home runs that she scored during one of the games that was written about.

BY D. MARK MITCHELL OPINION —

SOFTBALL NEWS

OHS

Opelika High Principal Kellie Fischer and Superintendent Farrell Seymore confirmed to me: The Opelika High varsity softball team forfeited the first five games due to playing an ineligible player during these games.

According to Fischer and Seymore, the studentathlete transferred from another Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) member school to Opelika in the fall. The student made the softball team, although no one in the Athletic Department reached out to the Alabama High School Athletic Association to see if the student-athlete met all eligibility requirements and was eligible prior to participate in any OHS activity. The oversight caused the softball team to

forfeit five games, including two wins.

Seymore and Fischer both assured me a plan is in place and this should never happen again. Opelika City Schools, a 7A school, hired a full-time athletic director seven years ago to handle all issues such as eligibility. There are protocols in place by the AHSAA to help when member schools have questions so forfeits and the like do not happen. This is not a good look for Opelika City Schools; Seymore is a member of the AHSAA Central Board of Control, the governing body of the AHSAA. I appreciate Seymore and Fischer for being transparent after I reached out to inquire.

The Opelika Softball team lost at home to Dadeville 8-4 last week. Emily Birmingham started in the circle, pitching four innings and taking the loss despite allowing only three earned runs. Offensively, Jas Smith, Jamiah Williams, Jade Jones, Kali Harper and Jancyn Thompson added hits.

TRACK AND FIELD

Opelika's track and field team participated in the Monday Madness at Montgomery Academy. The

See ON THE MARK, page B4

OHS culinary hosts Tea Party

Alabama Sports Hall Of Fame honors Roy

Parker 2024 Frank “Pig” House Award

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

ALABAMA — The Board of Directors of the State of Alabama Sports Hall of Fame is proud to announce that Roy Parker, an Auburn resident, will be recognized as the 2024 Frank “Pig” House Award recipient at the 56th Annual Induction Banquet and Ceremony on Saturday, May 4, 2024.

The Frank “Pig” House Award is given to someone who has performed outstanding service to sports in

Alabama, and whom the Board of Directors feels worthy of special recognition. The award is named after the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame’s first Chairman of the Board who was instrumental in the founding of the Hall of Fame.

Roy Parker was born in Montgomery, Alabama on June 18, 1944. In 2002, he was voted into the Robert E. Lee High School Hall of Fame. Roy was employed by ALFA Mutual Insurance Company for 39 years as a district claims manager serving Georgia and Al-

abama before retiring in 2006. While at ALFA, he won the District Manager of the Year award nine times. Roy worked with the Blue/Gray Football Classic for 24 years starting in 1954. For 33 years, he has volunteered with the Auburn University Athletic Department working on the sidelines of Jordan-Hare Stadium missing only one home football game since 1989. Roy has been a member of the Auburn Athletic Director’s Club for 12 years and has served on their Board of Directors. He was named

the club’s Member of the Year in 2019. Roy became an honorary member of the Auburn Football Letterman’s Club and the Auburn “A” Club in 2006. Roy cherishes the relationships he has developed and maintained with many coaches and players during his involvement with Auburn Athletics.

Parker joins a distinguished list of others who have been honored by the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame as Frank “Pig” House Award re-

See PARKER, page B3

More than

young ladies ages 4 to 10 years old dressed their best and attended a tea at Opelika High School recently. The event was hosted by the OHS culinary class, who made all the sandwiches, cakes and cookies. In addition to the tea party, the girls played pin the tea bag on the tea pot, tea bag toss, bracelet making and musical chairs. Chef Judy Eldred, Opelika High School culinary instructor, said she was pleased with the turnout and is proud of her OHS culinary students.

HCA students excel at state fine arts competition

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA — Five students from Heritage Christian Academy in Opelika recently competed in the Alabama Christian Education Association (ACEA) state fine arts competition in Birmingham.

Lydia Lawhorn and Cayde Hurtado competed in the Junior High competition on Feb. 29, and Addy Hurtado, Alyssa Endicott and Ashlyn Endicott competed in the high school competition on March 1.

The three high schoolers won the state championship, bringing home the Senior High Music Cup. They placed in all 13 categories, as follows.

Addy Hurtado: Female vocal solo, 1st; classical piano solo, 1st; sacred piano solo, 2nd; New Testament and music theory, 3rd

Ashlyn Endicott: Female vocal solo, 2nd; violin solo, 1st

Alyssa Endicott: Violin solo, 2nd; plucked/strummed string solo (ukulele), 1st; sacred pi-ano solo, 3rd

Addy Hurtado & Alyssa Endicott: Classical piano duet, 1st

Ashlyn & Alyssa Endicott: Sacred piano duet, 1st; small instrumental ensemble, 1st; small vocal ensemble, 1st Handbell ensemble (all three girls), 1st First place winners have the opportunity to compete at nationals in Greenville,

Makayla Jones selected for 2024 AHSAA Student Leadership Team

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA — Makayla Jones, a junior at Opelika High School, has been selected to serve on the 2024 Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Student Leadership Team.

Jones was selected from a pool of over 120 applicants throughout the state and will serve for two years. The AHSAA Student Leadership Team is comprised of 16 student athletes representing eight districts.

“We are immensely proud of

Makayla for her selection to represent our district on the AHSAA Student Leadership Team,” said OHS Principal Kelli Fisher. “She demonstrates outstanding leadership qualities within our school community on a daily basis. In both the classroom and on the court, Makayla is a model student-athlete, leaving no doubt that she will represent OHS with excellence.”

Jones said she is excited to serve in this capacity and hopes to motivate others to show leadership through sports.

“I am a positive person, and I feel like I can motivate others,” she said. “Being a member of the AHSAA Student Leadership Team will give me a great opportunity to inspire others to be a leader.”

Jones is a member of the Opelika High Volleyball Team, OHS Basketball Team, National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta and Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA).

South Carolina in April. Hurtado and the Endicotts also won first in Animal/people photography and Old Testament Bible knowledge at an earlier competition and will have the opportunity to compete at nationals in these events, as well.

In the Junior High competition, Cayde Hurtado won 1st place for sacred piano solo, 1st place for craft, 1st place for New Testament and 3rd place for religious reading. Cayde Hurtado and Lydia Lawhorn won 1st place for handbell ensemble.

Pastor Thad Endicott sent out a special thanks to Trinity Church in Opelika for letting the students practice with their handbells and Mountain View Baptist Church in Birmingham for letting them use their handbells to compete.

“The girls have been involved with the LaGrange Symphony Youth Orchestra and received instruction from Sam Lee (violin), Debbie Smith and Cheri Endicott (piano & voice). We greatly appreciate their investment,” Endicott said.“Our third through sixth grade students will be competing at the ACEA state Elementary Fine Arts Competition in Jemison, Alabama, on Friday, March 15.”

Heritage Christian Academy is a home school cover for members of Heritage Baptist Church in Opelika.

United Way Lee County offers Classroom Enrichment Grants

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA — The United Way of Lee County has announced its second annual Classroom Enrichment Grant program, now expanded to six grants compared to last year's three.

These grants, totaling $600 for first place and $300 for second place, will be awarded to teachers in Opelika, Auburn and Lee County schools, with a first and second place winner in each school district.

The aim of this initiative is to support teachers by funding classroom projects or supplies that would typically come out of their own pockets. Examples include sensory play stations, classroom library books, and flexible seating. The average teacher spends between $500 to $1,000 per year out of pocket on their classrooms, and the UWLC is hoping to help.

To apply for the grant, teachers from the designated school districts can either self-nominate or

be nominated by others. Applications are open from midnight on March 25, to noon on April 5 and are accessible through the United Way of Lee County website at unitedwayofleecounty.com/ceg.

Community members will choose the recipients through online voting, open from midnight on April 8 until noon on April 12, also on the same website. Winners will be announced on April 15 via the UWLC Instagram and Facebook pages. All recipi-

ents will be requested to provide an Amazon "wish list" of items they require, totaling the amount of their grant. The UWLC staff will then purchase and coordinate the delivery of these items with the recipients.

“United Way recognizes that success in life begins with a quality education, so we’re always striving to support local children and teachers in building strong foundations for healthy futures,” said Gabby Thabes, community initiatives spe-

cialist for the United Way of Lee County. “The Classroom Enrichment Grant is unique in that it offers teachers the opportunity to create the personalized learning spaces they desire for their students—spaces that offer fun and nurturing environments for students to pursue their interests and goals. We are thankful to be able to support teachers in our community through the grant and are very excited to hear about the innovative projects they are planning for this

upcoming school year.”

ABOUT UNITED WAY LEE COUNTY:

The United Way of Lee County is a nonprofit in Opelika whose mission is to increase the organized capacity of people to care for one another by generating and applying the necessary resources. They look to improve and strengthen the community by focusing on and funding organizations and programs working in four key impact areas: education, health, crisis and families and communities.

Multicultural journalism program applications open

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

LEE COUNTY — The Alabama Scholastic Press Association (ASPA) is excited to welcome high school media students back for the 2024 Multicultural Journalism Workshop (MJW).

This 10-day journalism intensive workshop gives high school students from multicultural or underrepresented populations the tools and experiences they need to hone their writing, develop new skills in multimedia reporting, design and production, as well as foster relationships with working industry professionals. Students will also be immersed in the rich history of the Black Belt Region of Alabama from museum trips,

walking tours and restaurant visits.

The 2024 MJW program will be held May 31 to June 9 on the campus of The University of Alabama and is all-inclusive (except for student travel to Tuscaloosa) for accepted students. Students in grades 9-12 are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible for consideration. Recently graduated high school seniors who may be enrolled in college but have not yet begun their first semester are also welcome.

Ten (10) total students will be admitted. The application deadline is April 1, 2024. For more information, go to this website link: mjw.ua.edu/?page_id=37 (no www prefix).

Students from Heritage Christian Academy in Opelika brought home an abundance of awards from the Alabama Christian Education Association's state fine arts competition held recently in Birmingham.

MAKAYLA JONES

Southern Union presents 'Footlights: A Broadway Review'

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

LEE COUNTY — The best of Broadway will be celebrated as the Southern Union Dance Department presents a dance concert Thursday and Friday, March 14 & 15 at 7 p.m. in Brazeal Auditorium on SUSCC’s Wadley Campus.

“Footlights: A Broadway Review” is set to popular Broadway tunes, including Cabaret, West Side Story, The Phantom of the Opera, Sweet Charity, Cats, Kiss Me Kate, Anything Goes, Hair and The Wiz. There are also dances from a few more modern Broadway shows, including Legally Blonde, Aida and Once.

This year’s concert features performances by the Southern Union Dancers, high school dancers enrolled in the college’s dual enrollment program and SU Dance Workshop Dancers, as well as Miss Southern Union, Caroline Lybarger (winner of the 2023/24 Language and

Fine Arts Dance Competition), Ally Walker and 12 Vocalists from the SU Show Choir.

Dance styles in the show include jazz, contemporary, ballet, pointe, musical theater and tap. The dancers will be performing works by faculty and guest choreographers Grayson Harris, Andrea Costa, Lindsay Fincher, Jennifer Stone, Kaanan Gay and Nick Thacker.

General admission tickets are $10. SUSCC students, faculty and staff receive free admission with valid ID. The box office opens one hour prior to the performance or tickets may be purchased online at suscc.edu.

Southern Union State Community College serves more than 4,000 students annually at its three campuses located in Wadley, Opelika, and Valley. For more information on the dance department at Southern Union contact Director of Dance, Sonja Fincher at sfincher@suscc.edu.

Nominations open for SUSCC Distinguished Alumni

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

LEE COUNTY — The Southern Union Foundation is accepting nominations for the Distinguished Alumni Award, which recognizes a SUSCC alum who has made significant contributions to society and whose accomplishments and loyalty to the college have honored its legacy of excellence.

Nominations will be accepted until March 24 and may be made

PARKER >> from B1

cipients. They are: Sammy Dunn (2004), Avalee Willoughby (2007), Buddy Anderson (2014), Emanuel “Tubb” Bell IV (2017), Don Hawkins (2020), Reeves Sims (2021), Eddie Conyers (2022), and William Booth (2023).

The 56th Induction banquet and ceremony will be held in the Birmingham ballroom, at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel, on Saturday, May 4, 2024. For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame Museum at (205) 323-6665.

by any individual, friend of the college, former student or employee or current member of the administration, faculty and staff. A nomination form is available by clicking the link on the college’s webpage, suscc.edu. Nominees must have earned an associate’s degree or diploma or completed 45 semester hours (67 quarter hours) at Southern Union, have distinguished themselves through achievement or career advancement, have

demonstrated community involvement and shown loyalty to SUSCC as demonstrated through their interest in and support of the college and its programs.

The winner will receive a medallion and special recognition during the Distinguished Alumni Dinner on Thursday, April 11, at The Farm at Rocky Top in Auburn. A cocktail reception will begin at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and the Awards Ceremony at 7 p.m. Individual tickets

are $100, and patron-level sponsorships are also available.

“We started the tradition of recognizing an outstanding alumnus during our centennial year. Southern Union alumni make countless contributions to our communities on so many levels each and every day,” said Shondae Brown, director of public relations. “This will be our third recognition dinner, and we are thrilled to carry on this tradition.”

For more information about the Distinguished Alumni Award Dinner or nominating someone for the award, please contact Brown at (256) 395-2211, ext. 5145. With campuses in Wadley, Opelika, and Valley, SUSCC is the second-oldest two-year college in Alabama and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees.

The Southern Union Dancers will present "Footlights: A Broadway Review" March 14-15.

Smiths Station bests Opelika in boys soccer

ON THE MARK

from B1

following athletes finished in the top 10 in their event:

GIRLS

12.28 - Tierra Agee, 1st

13.19 - Kahliya Cloud, 3rd

13.60 - Makiah Paschal, 7th

400 METER DASH

1:00.91 - Makiah Paschal, 1st

1:00.94 - Jada Coleman, 2nd

1:03.38 - Kyndall Brundage, 3rd

800 METER RUN

2:31.43 - Caroline Couey, 1st

2:48.35 - Lillie Flenniken, 4th

1600 METER RUN

5:30.39 SB - Caroline Couey, 1st

6:09.61 SB - Lillie Flenniken, 5th

100 METER HURDLES

19.93 - Dasja Kier, 3rd

4x100 METER RELAY

49.77 - Relay Team, 1st

HIGH JUMP

5-2 - Kyndall Brundidge, 1st 4-10 - Tierra Agee, 3rd 4-6 - Kimora Rowell, 6th 4-4 - Calieya Dowdell, 7th

LONG JUMP

13-10 - Calieya Dowdell, 4th

POLE VAULT 7-6 - Jada Frazier, 2nd 7-0 - D'Nya Williams, 3rd

SHOT PUT

25-7.5 SB - Talaja Chambers, 2nd

21-3 SB - Lizavia Edwards, 9th

BOYS

100 METER DASH

11.44 - Tyrese Pitts, 2nd

11.59 SB - Emonte Richardson, 4th

1600 METER RUN

4:50.56 - Brantley Turnham, 1st 5:06.14 - Alexander Burgess, 9th

110 METER HURDLES

21.55- Tayshaun Edwards, 6th

4x100 METER RELAY

43.71 - Relay Team, 4th

HIGH JUMP

5-10 - Davian Jones, 2nd 5-10 - Jaxson Freeman, 3rd

5-8 - Jordan Tolbert, 5th

LONG JUMP

21-7 - Davian Jones, 2nd 20-3 - Leland Bell, 4th

POLE VAULT

11-0 - Brannon Massey, 2nd 10-6Richard Howard, 3rd

OHS BASEBALL

Opelika's baseball team won three out of five games last week, beating BRHS (2-0), Wetumpka (3-0) and Mosely (8-7) and losing to BRHS (2-9) and Tuscaloosa County (1-2).

The Dogs beat BRHS 2-0 in Alex City last Thursday in game one. Davis Ford recorded 15 outs to earn the win. Parker Kilcrease led at the plate with two hits, followed by Ty Hudson, Brody

Jones, Jackson Kilcrease, Ford and T. Johnson who each added a hit in the win.

The Wildcats bested OHS 9-2 in the second game behind nine hits. Kilcrease shined at the plate, slamming three hits, followed by singles from Jones Hudson and Ford. Three OHS players combined to pitch: Floyd, Johnson and Copous.

Opelika beat Wetumpka 3-0 behind excellent pitching from Rudd who earned the win, three walks and struck out six batters. Ford had two hits and one RBI and Jackson Kilcrease added a hit and two RBIs.

The Dogs beat Moseley 8-7 in the first game of the East Alabama Classic. OHS scattered eight hits including three hits from Jackson Kilcrease and hits from Ford, Parker Kilcrease, T Hudson, Judson Cherry and Russell Copous.

Tuscaloosa County slipped by OHS 1-2 last Friday in the East Alabama Classic. The two heavyweights battled for six

innings only to have one run separate a win and loss. Davis Ford continued to shine for the Bulldogs, pitching six innings, allowing no earned runs and striking out five batters. The Opelika baseball team is now 8-4 overall as they prepare to play Chelsea on March 15.

OPELIKA DIXIE BASEBALL

Opelika Parks and Rec will hold summer baseball registration for all 13-,14- and 15-year-olds interested in playing summer baseball. The cost is $45 for city of Opelika residents and $50 for anyone outside the city of Opelika. All players will be placed on a team For more info, email D.Mark Mitchell at foxonthemark@yahoo. com.

D Mark Mitchell is the sports director at iHeartMedia, host of “On the Mark” Fox Sports the Game 910-1319, co-chair of the Auburn-Opelika Sports Council, chairman of the Super 7 and Dixie Boys Baseball state director.

Opelika High School hosted Smiths Station in boys soccer action, with the Bulldogs falling to the Panthers by a score of 3-4.

Opelika, Central middle schools face off in softball, baseball

The Opelika Middle School girls softball and boys baseball teams took the fields against Central from Phenix City last week.

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES THE OBSERVER

Central baseball off to hot start in quest for redemption

BY NOAH GRIFFITH FOR THE OBSERVER

PHENIX CITY –– Central High School baseball is off to a 14-1 start to the 2024 season after finishing as runners up in a 7A State Championship loss to Vestavia Hills last season.

The Red Devils lost eight seniors from that team and are filling big shoes this season, and they’ve heard all about it. They lost 2022 Hitter of the Year Jaxon Yoxtheimer to UAB as a part of a 2023 class that went 103-29 and won the state championship in 2022 before leading them back in 2023.

Nonetheless, Central has turned the page and started strong in head coach A.J. Kehoe’s seventh season with the program.

“This team has a little edge,” Kehoe said.

“They’ve been told by everyone Central has lost too many good players to make it back to the state cham-

pionship. They’ve taken it personally, and they should. They are a new team with their own identity.”

Central’s start earned it a No. 3 ranking in the state behind just Bob Jones and Hartselle going into last weekend.

That was before the Red Devils capped off a 4-0 stretch this past weekend. They bounced back from their only loss of the season to Mill Creek in Georgia with wins over Tuscaloosa County, Moseley from Florida, Helena and Hewitt-Trussville.

“Team description — athletic, competitive and deep,” Kehoe said. “We knew we would have depth, but we also knew the majority of it hadn’t been tested. … Keys to our success will be to stay consistent, continue to stay disciplined in our approaches at the plate and finally to take care of the baseball.”

Kehoe is working with an infield full of seniors —

third baseman Hunter Wippert, first baseman Landon Beaver, second baseman Cason Page and shortstop Brewer Woody — who all played on both state championship teams. Beaver and Wippert recently committed to play college baseball, with Beaver signing to follow Yoxtheimer to UAB while Wippert signed with Chattahoochee Valley Community College in Phenix City.

“Beaver and Wippert will really provide us with the internal leadership we need in order to be successful,” Kehoe said. “Woody, who has made huge gains since last season, really flashes the leather and anchors our middle infield defense.”

A barrage of juniors surrounds them, and a lot of them are settling into new, expanded roles.

Sliding over from right field to center, Emory Yohn has taken over the leadoff spot in the lineup. Cooper Kehoe is in his first season

starting behind the plate, and Cameron Briggs is returning to a busy outfield.

After breaking out on the mound as a freshman, sophomore Cam Norton is joining them in the outfield in addition to his role on the hill. Kehoe is also looking for junior pitchers Brantley Rothrock and Logan Clark to step into heavier roles, and he said that they’ve looked great so far out of the bullpen.

“They are an unselfish

bunch of guys who are really grasping their roles,” Kehoe said. “We have great energy, and our guys play hard. Watching them have fun and play the game hard is fun for me. … They feed off each other, and they have fun fighting together, for each other.”

Central is looking to win its fourth region title in its seventh season under Kehoe. The Red Devils will begin area play against Opelika, facing them on the

road on April 3 and at home on the 4th. The regular season concludes with two games versus Smiths Station – in Panther territory on April 17 and in Devil nation on the 18th before the first round of the playoffs April 26 and 27.

They will do it all with a chance to make their third consecutive state championship after they fell a game short of going back-to-back last season.

Opelika Bulldogs defeat Mosley Dolphins in varsity baseball

On Thursday, March 7, 2024, the Opelika Varsity Boys Baseball team won their non-conference game against Mosley High School (Lynn Haven, Florida) by a score of 8-7.

Central High looks to win its fourth region title in seven seasons under Coach A.J. Kehoe.

AU goes into post-season on a hot streak

BY NOAH GRIFFITH FOR THE OBSERVER

AUBURN –– No. 12

Auburn University men’s basketball (24-7, 13-5) won its last three games in the regular season to lock up a double bye in the SEC Tournament as a No. 4-seed.

"To win 13 games in the league this year is really something," said head coach Bruce Pearl. "I'm really grateful to our players and our coaching staff. This league was daunting. Our fans enjoyed this team.

I'm very grateful for that.”

The Tigers emerged victorious at Missouri before taking down Georgia on Senior Night to rise a spot in the final AP Poll of the regular season. Auburn finished the campaign in a four-way tie at 13-5 in league play, but it surrenders the tiebreaker to Kentucky and Alabama while owning the headto-head with No. 5-seed South Carolina.

Finishing a game up on those second-place tiebreakers, No. 4 Tennessee won the SEC regular-season title, finishing at 24-7 and 14-4 in SEC play. Kentucky took second place, owning head-tohead matchups with both Alabama and Auburn, and Alabama gets the No. 3-seed.

The Tigers also earned several individual AllSEC honors. Senior Johni Broome was named to All-SEC First Team and All-SEC Defensive Team, senior Jaylin Williams earned a spot on the All-SEC Second Team and Aden Holloway was named to the All-SEC Freshman Team.

Auburn will start SEC Tournament play on March 15 at 2:30 p.m. CST in Nashville by facing the winner of No. 5-seed South Carolina’s game against the victor of Arkansas versus Vanderbilt.

The Tigers have lost their first game of the SEC Tournament the past two years, but it will start this

year against a team that it beat by double digits in the regular season. They swept a pair of matchups with Vanderbilt, beat Arkansas by 32 on the road and beat South Carolina at home by 40.

“(In the SEC Tournament), the hardest game to win will be the first one,” Pearl said. “If we can get past the first one, the second or third will actually be easier.”

Following are some highlights from Auburn’s pair of games this past week.

Tuesday, March 5: Auburn 101 – Missouri 72

Chad Baker-Mazara’s recent stretch is just one reason Auburn is going into the postseason "en fuego,” as the Dominican guard likes to say.

In his fourth straight start, the junior recorded his sixth consecutive double-digit scoring game along with four other Auburn scorers in double figures. At the end of a late-night matchup, it was a team effort that helped Auburn surpass 100 points for the fourth time this season.

Auburn kept Missouri’s winless record in league play intact while recording the most points any opponent scored on the Tigers of Columbia all season. In its final true road game of the season, Auburn got its 10th win by 15 or more points in conference play.

The winning Tigers shot 52.3% as a team and hit 25-of-29 free throws in the offensive explosion, led by Johni Broome’s 17 points. Broome led Auburn’s domination down low, as the team put up 48 points in the paint opposed to 22 from Missouri.

With the size advantage in the front court, Auburn’s eight 3-pointers were plenty. Baker-Mazara splashed three of them while putting up 15 points and seven rebounds. Jaylin Williams nailed a few hook shots to match Baker-Mazara’s 15 points, and Dylan Cardwell rocked the rim with 12.

The big men racked up the points, but Auburn’s guards quietly fueled the fire. Denver Jones, Aden Holloway and Tre Donaldson combined for 11 assists to just one turnover while adding 28 points. Those guys also swiped a steal a piece, accounting for three of four Auburn steals.

It was smiles all around as Auburn eased to its fourth consecutive win over Missouri. 10 of 11 guys who touched the floor scored, and Auburn stayed hot and healthy heading into its season finale.

Saturday, March 9: Auburn 92 – Georgia 78

Energy seemed easy to come by in Auburn’s final game in Neville Arena this season, as Jones drilled a season-high seven 3-point ers and Williams lit the crowd on fire with several

poster dunks.

Starting out on a 14-4 run, Auburn never trailed in the game and led by as much as 21 in the second half in route to a season sweep of Georgia. Even halftime kept the fans buzzing when a student nailed a full-court putt to win a car from Lynch Toyota.

Jones dropped his career-high in an Auburn jersey with 21 points, leading the team in scoring for the first time this season. His barrage of deep balls helped Auburn notch 189 total points between two matchups with UGA this season, including 25 total 3-pointers.

The Tigers racked up points behind electric ball movement. They assisted

on 29 buckets, leading to 11 threes and a 51.6% shooting night as a team.

In nontypical fashion, the frontcourt led the assist movement with 18 assists between Broome, Chaney Johnson, Williams and Cardwell. Broome and Johnson dished out five a piece. Williams and Cardwell followed with four.

It wasn’t his best scoring performance, but Broome did it all with 14 points, six rebounds and two blocks while matched up against 7-foot center Russel Tchewa. Despite a double-double from Tchewa and Georgia winning the battle in the paint, the Bulldogs hit just seven threes and went 17-for-30 from the free-throw line.

Jones, a junior, stole the

show, but Auburn sent the seniors out with a bang. Along with the surplus of energy from the crowd and a big win, seven Auburn seniors touched the court, and three scored in double figures. Broome scored 15, Williams had 13 and Cardwell finished with 10 to put an exclamation point on Senior Night.

K.D. Johnson also swiped a big steal and converted a tough lay up on the other end while scoring six, and Chris Moore got in on the action with a three. Now a scholarship player, Carter Sobera ended the game on the court alongside walk-on Jalen Harper to wrap up a bittersweet goodbye to Neville Arena without injured senior Lior Berman on the court.

Three Tigers earned All-SEC honors, including (left to right) Johni Broome, All-SEC First Team; Jaylin Williams, All-SEC Second Team; and Aden Holloway, All-SEC Freshman Team.

BY BETH PINYERD

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

OPINION —

Iwould like to remind the readers about special holidays that children and families can celebrate. This coming Sunday, March 17, we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Remember to wear green so you don’t get pinched!

I can remember as a child sitting in beautiful spring clover with the white flowers looking for a four-leaf clover. We all love to see children playing in the white flower clover as they make and share clover necklaces and

bracelets.

In Ireland, the Irish honor St. Patrick with both a holy day and a national holiday. The Irish cherish their beautiful green country-side and remind themselves of the beauty of their country by wearing green. Although it began in Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated in countries around the world with parades and other festive traditions. Key symbols that stimulate a lot of early childhood fun and curiosity are rainbows, fourleaf clovers, shamrocks and leprechauns. A St. Patrick’s Day tradition, St. Patrick used the shamrock’s three leaves to

Classroom Observer

Looking for a four leaf clover

explain the Holy Trinity: the Father (God), the Son (Jesus) and the Holy Spirit.

Schools are enjoying spring breaks and the weather and beautiful flowers are being seen everywhere.

I think we can all agree that we are leaving winter behind as I catch preschool bulletin boards with cute little bunnies with their bundled up cottonball tails facing the blue sky and clouds on the board with the appropriate title “Leaving Winter Behind.” Spring officially begins Tuesday, March 19.

March brings in that good old spring fever of things coming up new. Also, this is the time to plant seeds for spring flowers and grass. April showers do bring May flowers, but the seeds have to be planted first in March. What better time to ask your little one to be your gardening buddy during these beautiful spring days?

Children can learn so very much about our beautiful world when you include them in a lesson. In a few weeks, they will be able to see the results of their digging and planting efforts. So let’s get ready to not only nurture our yards and gardens, but also to nurture our children with

Auburn, Opelika libraries host events for all ages

Auburn Public Library:

Ages 0-2:

• Lullabies for Little Ones, Thursdays 1-1:30 p.m.

For ages 1-2:

• Toddler Tales, Thursdays 9:30-10 a.m.

For preschoolers:

• Untidy Tales, ages 2 to 5 years, Tuesdays 1-1:30 p.m.; Saturday, March 16, 10:30-11 a.m.

• Preschool Story Time, Tuesdays 9:3010 a.m.

• Pre-K in PJs, ages 3 to 5, Tuesdays 1-1:30 p.m. Movers & Shakers, ages 0-5, March 16 and March 30 at 1 p.m.

For children: Puppet shows, Fridays at 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Remaining shows this month include William Wakes up on March 15 and Hugo and the Impossible Thing on March 29.

• S.T.E.A.M Lab, K-3rd graders explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics concepts, Tuesdays 3:30-4:30 p.m.

• Culture Explorers Club, 4th-6th graders explore a different culture Wednesdays 4-5 p.m. Upcoming topics include Venezuela on March 20 and Poland on March 27.

For families:

Family Story Time will be held in the Youth Room on March 16 & 30, 9:30-10 a.m.

• Multilingual Story Time - Mingle with other families, share stories and make new

friends on Saturday, March 23, 2-3 p.m.

For adults: Learn basic Macrame knotting techniques and apply them to create a small, woven craft in the program room March 16 at 2 p.m. Registration is required; call (334) 501-3296.

• Reader’s Review Virtual Book Club meets online monthly to discuss all genres, from fantasy to mystery to mainstream fiction. Upcoming programs include March 19: “The Vibrant Years” by Sonali Dev; April 16: “Secret Identity” by Alex Segura, and May 21: “How Much of These Hills is Gold” by Pam C. Zhang. Registration required online or by calling (334) 5013296. All programs are free and open to the public.

Opelika Public Library:

For all ages:

• Pajama Story Time, Mondays, 6:15 p.m.

• Family Story Time, Fridays 10 a.m. and Saturdays 10:30 a.m.

• Stay and Play – Saturdays 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

• Aim High: Soaring with the Tuskegee Airmen – interactive exhibit on display through April 28, Mondays and Wednesdays 11 a.m.7 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays 9 a.m.5 p.m.

For toddlers (ages 0-2): Baby & Me Story Time – Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m.

For pre-schoolers (ages 2-5):

• Movin’ & Grovin’

time well spent.

A simple explanation of photosynthesis — explaining that it takes soil, sun, water and seeds for plants to grow — can be done before planting. You can draw this on a piece of paper or poster so children can visualize what is going to happen after they plant their seeds.

As a classroom teacher, I have always loved to plant rye grass because it comes up so quick and is such a beautiful green. With Easter right around the corner, this is such a fun neat craft to do with your children: Use a Styrofoam cup. Put pink construction paper ears on the back of the cup or milk carton. You can add wiggly eyes, draw a nose, mouth, whiskers, to the front to make a grassy head rabbit. Children love this seasonal favorite year after year as they water, sun and watch their plant rabbits hop to life with Easter.

In showing children how seeds germinate and grow, try to pick up some large butter bean seeds. Use a small Ziploc bag, wet paper towel and tape. Tape the seeds inside the bag and put the wet paper towel to the back of the taped seeds. Tape the bag up

on a window where the sun shines in.

Over a two week period observe how the sprouts begin to grow. Have your child record his/her observations by drawing what they see. By this experiment children are able to see a root grow which pushes the leaf up to the top. Your young scientists will be totally fascinated by this experiment.

“Planting a Rainbow” by Lois Ehlert for ages two to six is a colorful book you will want to check out at the library or buy at a local bookstore. This book is like a guide, with childappropriate pictures on the whole planting process: buying seeds, arranging a garden, seeing a garden grow and learning different flowers by their colors. Going to the store to buy the seeds can be a learning experience. You and your child can look and choose seeds appropriate for our region of the country. Go to a dollar store to pick up an inexpensive plastic shovel, bucket and water pail. If an indoor garden is chosen by you and your child, a bag of soil will need to be picked up.

Visiting a garden center or nursery to identify different

flowers as well as touching, smelling and identifying different flowers is a wonderful family field trip.

You and your child choose the kind of garden you want to plant. It may be out in the yard, in small pots or an indoor garden. Read carefully the directions on the seed packets to know how deep each seed must be planted. The seed packets will tell you when and where to plant and how much sunshine and water are needed. Children can learn about measuring when planting seeds.

In planting your seeds, take time with your child to also teach them about the seeds they can plant in their little hearts — the seed of kindness, the seed of helping others, the seed of self-control, the seed of patience and the seed of love will help them to grow to be a beautiful flower of a person.

I hope all community families have a good spring season as you spend precious time with your children.

Beth Pinyerd has taught many years in the early childhood classroom. She has a master’s degree in early childhood education.

Story Time – Tuesdays, 4 p.m.

Messy Story Time –Thursdays, 11 a.m.

For children (grades 3-5):

Jr. Robots, second and fourth Thursdays, 4:30 pm.

For children (grades K-5):

• Sewing 101, Monday, March 18, at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

• Woven bracelets and keychains, Tuesday, March 19, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

• Tie-dye tote bag, Wednesday, March 20, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

• Campfire desserts, Thursday, March 21, Noon.

• Egg drop challenge, Friday, March 22, 11 a.m.

For teens (ages 12-18):

Robots, second and fourth Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m.

Teen Sewing 101, Monday, March 18, 4 p.m.

String art, Tuesday, March 19, 5 p.m.

• Teen tie-dye, Wednesday, March 20, 5:30 p.m.

• Teen campfire desserts, Thursday, March 21, 3 p.m.

• Teen egg drop challenge, Friday, March 22, 3 p.m.

For adults and teens:

• Fiber & fabric, first and third Thursdays, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

For adults (ages 18+):

• Qigong, Mondays and Fridays, 10 a.m. Dancercise, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 a.m.

Library Hour for Adults with IDD, first and third Wednesdays, 1 p.m.

All programs are free and open to the public.

L labama Politics ee County & A

Thursday, March 14, 2024

Inside the State House

Few

surprises in March 5 primary results

BY STEVE FLOWERS

OPINION —

There were very few surprises in our March 5 primary results. Since we are essentially a one-party Republican state when it comes to presidential, national and statewide politics, most of the action was in the GOP Primary.

The big winners were Donald Trump, Barry Moore and Sarah Stewart.

As expected, Donald Trump trounced all his GOP “would be” challengers in the Heart of Dixie. The former president received 84% of the vote in our Alabama Primary and will probably win our state by around a 63% to 37% margin in the November General Election rematch against Joe Biden, if indeed Biden makes it to the fall contest.

The biggest surprise was Congressman Barry Moore’s upset victory over fellow GOP Congressman Jerry Carl in the newly drawn 1st Congressional District. These two conservative U.S. House members were thrown into the same district with the federal courts decision to redraw our congressional lines in an attempt to create a new majority minority district.

When the new 1st Congressional District was dictated, it was

assumed by casual observers, pundits and Washington insiders that Jerry Carl would easily win reelection because on paper he was the incumbent. He was the sitting congressman in the old 1st district and two-thirds of the people in that House seat were his constituents. The other one-third of the new district is comprised of the Wiregrass counties of Houston, Henry, Geneva, Coffee, Dale and Covington.

When you corral this conservative Wiregrass region with the very conservative, populous Baldwin County, you have created one of the most conservative Republican congressional districts in the nation. The key to Moore’s slim victory was his ability to penetrate some of the large Baldwin County vote and convince them that he was more conservative than Carl. However, the essential key was that Moore rode a tremendous wave of “friends and neighbors” support from his home folks in the Wiregrass.

He ran through the Wiregrass like a scalded dog. He got a whopping 74% in Covington County, 78% in Houston and Dale counties, 82% in Geneva County and 84% of the vote in his home county of Coffee. Looks like the folks in the Wiregrass stood up and said, “Not so fast Mobile, we would like to have a congressman from our neighborhood if you don’t mind.” Moore beat Carl 52% to 48% and will go back to Washington as the Congressman from the 1st Congressional District of Alabama rather than

the 2nd Congressional District.

Our other three seniority laden and thus powerful Republican Congressman are Robert Aderholt, Mike Rogers and Gary Palmer. All coasted to landslide reelection victories.

Robert Aderholt, a veteran of 28 years in the U.S. House, won with 87% of the vote in his 4th Congressional District.

Mike Rogers, the current chairman of the House Armed Services Committee who hails from Calhoun County and is closing in on 20 years in the U.S. House beat back two opponents with 81% of the vote.

Jefferson-Shelby County Congressman Gary Palmer garnered a very impressive 84% of the vote against two viable opponents in his reelection to his sixth two-year term. He is moving up in power and prestige in the U.S. House.

Justice Sarah Stewart won an impressive 61% to 39%, stomping of her opponent Bryan Taylor in her race to become Alabama’s Supreme Court Chief Justice. She is imminently qualified for this very important position in Alabama government. The Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court not only renders important judicial decisions, along with the eight other members, they are also the administrator of the entire state judicial system. Stewart has served six years as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court and prior to that was a Circuit Judge in Mobile for 16 years.

Twinkle Andress

Cavanaugh was reelected to her fourth four-year

Commission disucsses additional storm shelter

BY HANNAH GOLDFINGER FOR THE OBSERVER

LEE COUNTY — Lee County EMA Director

Rita Smith approached the commission during its March 11 meeting to inform the commissioners of an appropriations request for a community storm shelter.

“As some of you remember, and some may not, Dr. David Rush from Auburn University did a study on locations for community safe rooms and shelters in 2018 and the number one spot, the number one area, was the Beauregard community and then in 2019 that proved to be very true,” Smith said. “… So Sen. [Tommy] Tuberville has some money that needed to be appropriated and spoke with Commissioner [Doug] Cannon about needs in our county.”

Smith said the county requested a community safe room for the appropriations request.

The request must be granted first, Smith said, before there is any necessary

action from the commission. But the request would be a 10% match, Smith said.

“Excited about the opportunity, it’s a good thing for our citizens and the community,” she said. “It will be an 80 person shelter.”

SECURITY:

The commission approved a request from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office to enhance security for the Lee County Courthouse.

The request from Sheriff Jay Jones included a walkthrough scanner that would be placed at the 10th Street entrance of the courthouse on the night of commission meetings. This would be a roll-in and roll-out device that could be utilized was needed.

The request will, hopefully, according to Sheriff Jay Jones, eventually lead to scanners placed at all entrances at all times for the safety of employees.

“As everyone is aware, in recent times and not so recent times, there have been some concerns and actual events that have threatened the security of individuals

attending meetings, particularly government meetings around the country,” Jones said.

OTHER BUSINESS:

• The commission heard from a citizen, Robert Burns, on Lee Road 849. He alerted the commission about a stormwater drain causing damage to his property. County Engineer Justin Hardee then addressed the pipe situation.

• The commission approved an application for three special event licenses for B&B Beverage Management.

• The commission approved updates to job descriptions for the Revenue Commissioners Office.

• The commission approved the bid results for the bridge replacement on CR-245 over Peters Creek.

• District 1 Commissioner Doug Cannon added an item to the agenda on behalf of the coroner. The coroner requested help from the county attorney with open record requests, which was approved by the commission.

Legislature considers bill to require post election audit HB-259 initiated and written by Lee County election integrity advocates

BY DAVID BELL FOR THE OBSERVER

LEE COUNTY —

Alabama District 38

State Rep. Debbie Wood (R-Valley) is sponsoring a bill in the state legislature that would require each county probate judge to conduct a post-election audit after every county and statewide general election to determine the accuracy of the originally reported results of the election. Such audits would com-

mence within five days after the certification of results by the Alabama Secretary of State’s office and be completed within 14 days. The bill, entitled, “The Alabama Post-Election Audit Act,” was initiated by two citizen activists from Lee County. Auburn resident Angela Shepherd, co-chair of the political group known as Patriots First Alabama and founder of a non-profit organization called “Voters

for Election Integrity,” teamed with Lee County attorney Robert Garris in crafting the bill’s language. Garris also served as former manager of elections for Lee County.

The bill specifies that the probate judge of each county “shall conduct a post-election audit consisting of a manual tally of all ballots in not less than 10% of randomly selected precincts for one randomly selected race in each precinct

that appeared on the ballot and is not subject to a recount or election contest.”

First introduced at the end of the 2023 state legislative session, HB259 is patterned after a pilot program implemented by former Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill following the 2022 General Election, whereby a post-election audit was conducted in Dallas, Houston and Marshall counties to verify the

accuracy of election results. During the audit, the probate judge, sheriff and appointed poll workers in each county conducted a thorough examination of the election process. The focus was on a single polling place within each county, and both statewide and county offices were audited. The results confirmed the integrity and accuracy of the elections.

of Rep. Debbie Wood.” HB259 has been assigned to the House Ways and Means General Fund for review.

“Since the bill requires state funding, we are currently waiting for the cost to be determined before we can place it on the calendar for consideration,” said Wood.

FLOWERS >>

FROM B9

term as President of the Alabama Public

Commission with the same 61% to 39% margin of victory as Stewart.

Alabama Court of Civil Appeals Judge Chad

Hanson won reelection to his second term with a 56% to 44% margin of victory.

Rich Anderson defeated

fellow Assistant Attorney General Thomas Govan by a similar 56% to 44% margin in a race for a place on the Court of

“This is not a new concept, but it’s new to our state,” said Garris, who wrote the latest version of the bill. “This is a proposed statewide expansion of the onetime pilot audit conducted by former Secretary of State Merrill.

“I’ve been interested in election security for many years, and I’ve done a lot of research in that area,” Garris continued. “Now, I’m simply following the recommendation of election security experts in other states.”

“Since my initial involvement with the election process in 2020, there were some concerning things that I saw regarding certain discrepancies, such as incorrect reporting,” said Shepherd. “It was through that experience that we formed the idea of bringing forth this bill through the sponsorship

Criminal Appeals. This was an open being vacated by popular jurist Chris McCool who is moving up to the State Supreme

“My concern is the limited time that remains available in this session to get it passed, but I’m hopeful we can, because this type of legislation is much needed in our state.”

The bill is co-sponsored by almost a dozen other state representatives, including Bob Fincher (District 37), Kenneth Paschal (District 73), Rick Rehm (District 85), Jennifer Fidler (District 94), Leigh Hulsey (District 15), Phillip Rigsby (District 25), Kerry Underwood (District 3), Brock Colvin (District 26), Shane Stringer (District 102), Jerry Starnes (District 88) and David Standridge (District 34).

If passed by the legislature, the Alabama Post-Election Audit Act would become effective in October and would apply to the Nov. 5 General Election.

Court.

Next week, we will discuss the most hotly contested race this year, the contest for the new 2nd Congressional District.

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. Flowers served 16 years in the state legislature. He may be reached at www. steveflowers.us.

BY GREG MARKLEY

OPINION —

Itaught a soldier in 2015 at Fort Benning (now Fort Moore) who was a combat survivor of the Iraq war with an interesting name: It was something like “Ahmad Bashar.”

Ahmad, or sometimes Ahmed, means “the praised one.” His last name means in Arabic “the bringer of good tidings.” He was raised in Syria but was just six years old when his Arab father died. He proudly carried his dad’s name, for he loved and admired him. This sergeant was one of my best students.

When the tragedy at the Gaza Strip occurred, it was quickly followed

Israel-Hamas war: Blood and heartache continues

by protests and calls of genocide when the Jews fought back. To me, those protests at American universities, etc. were too soon.

I said to myself, “Why not give the surviving victims time to sort it out.”

Later, I wondered if Americans, whose descendants rode the chants “No taxation if no representation” to a new nation, forgot that nations in our era, too, desire to govern themselves.

Benjamin Netanyahu has been prime minister on and off for 20 years. He was “surprised” that terrorists attacked again just as in October 1973 during Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement). Defense experts criticize Netanyahu and his team for being unprepared. In the United States, we even have people who, almost 23 years after our worst terrorist attack, won’t get on an airplane on Sept. 11 of any year. Why didn’t Israel’s leadership take Yom Kippur as a serious concern?

A CNN story titled “Antisemitic incidents in the US are at the highest level recorded since the 1970s,” by Krystina Shveda, noted that incidents against Jews in America were higher than ever since reporting them began in 1979. Also, in 2022, there was a 69% increase in attacks against visibly identifiable Orthodox Jews.

“Despite the rise of antisemitism, there is still a perception in many people’s minds that Jews are not under threat, that they are successful and wealthy, and are not a targeted minority,” said Mark Weitzman, a scholar of the history of antisemitism and chief operating officer at The World Jewish Restitution Organization.

One out of every four American Jewish adults, not just in the Orthodox category, were targeted in an antisemitic incident ranging from physical attacks to remarks face-to-face or online, a survey by

the American Jewish Committee (AJC) found in February 2023.

Yet in Israel, an eclectic group of hundreds of thousands have protested Netanyahu’s ideas for gutting the Supreme Court, in a country that has no Constitution. “To see this human wave surge through blocked highways shouting ‘Democracy!’ is to glimpse Israeli society in all its variety.”

Photographers have been stamped as unpredictable and offbeat partly because of a character in the 1970s show “Lou Grant.” The photographer character earned the nickname “the Animal.” I have worked with photogs who emulate Animals, but most are reputable and manageable. The one who accompanied me to a synagogue in Germany in 1992 was talented but rather unruly.

Things were going well after he took great photos such as of a large candle Menorah in soft light. I greeted a visitor with “Shabatt

Shalom,” or “Have a peaceful Saturday.”

Our photographer greeted the next man with, “Shaboom, Shaboom” that is slang and disrespectful to people of any faith. He apologized but even today Jews are insulted. That’s despicable.

In a recent article in Foreign Affairs, titled “Why Israel Slept,” Amos Yadlin and Udi Eventful suggest that Netanyahu’s efforts to defang the Supreme Court divided the country so much that the terrorists could and did surprise Israel’s leaders. “Hamas was likely encouraged by the impression that Israel’s internal crisis… had diverted attention from Gaza and significantly undermined Israel’s social cohesion and steadfastness.

“Despite these warnings (by the ministers of defense and national security) conveyed in recent months through a series of letters, Netanyahu chose to disregard them.” It’s probably arrogance at work. I

hope that the Israelis and the Gazans in America can have sensible ideas for their fellows in the State of Israel which will be 76 years old on May 14. There is a term some Middle East people dislike and others do like, that is “Israeli Arabs” (who are Arab citizens). Most media use the term ArabIsraeli to distinguish Arab citizens of Israel from the Palestinian Arabs residing in the Palestinian territories. The soldier I taught at old Fort Benning can safely be called “An Arab-American” because he has one parent who is American. And so it goes.

Greg Markley moved to Lee County in 1996. He has a master’s in education from AUM and a master’s in history from AU. 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 since 2011. gm.markley@ charter.net.

OpEd: Poor People's Campaign mobilizing for election

BY SARAH ANDERSON, DIRECTOR GLOBAL ECONOMY PROJECT OPINION—

Amidst all the nail-biting uncertainty over the 2024 election, one thing’s for sure: turnout will be key. This February, the Poor People’s Campaign announced plans to mobilize a powerful yet often overlooked voting bloc: the 85 million eligible voters who are poor or low-income.

The campaign crunched the numbers and determined that if this bloc voted at the same rate as higher-income voters, they could sway elections in every state. But most voting drives — and candidates — still ignore this segment of our society.

“The conventional wisdom — which isn’t very wise — is that the poor don’t care about voting, but that’s just not true,” said Poor People’s Campaign Policy Director Shailly

Gupta Barnes at a Feb. 5 press conference.

What’s the biggest factor discouraging low-wage people from exercising this basic right?

“Political campaigns do not talk to them or speak to their issues,” explained campaign co-chair Bishop William J. Barber II. “In our election cycles sometimes we have 15, 20 debates for president. In 2020, not one of those — not 15 minutes — was given to raising questions about how the policies of that particular party or politician would impact poor and low-income people.”

The Poor People’s Campaign is organizing to push the concerns of poor and low-income people into the center of the 2024 political debate. Their goal is to mobilize 15 million “infrequent” poor and low-income voters.

Will politicians listen?

At the press conference, pollster Celinda Lake ticked

off one battleground state after another where even a small increase in participation could determine the outcome. She pointed out that in Arizona, 40% of voters are low-wage — and in 2020 the margin of victory was just 0.03%. “You’d have to be a moron to not get this,” Lake said.

What are some of the most pressing issues on the Poor People’s Campaign agenda?

The campaign and the Institute for Policy Studies just co-published fact sheets for the nation and all 50 states on the interlocking problems that hit the poor hardest: poverty and inequality, systemic racism, ecological devastation and militarism. Several speakers spoke about these problems from their own personal experiences.

“I’m tired of companies and billionaires buying politicians who are pushing people deeper into poverty and debt,” said Matthew Rosing of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. “I’ve

put up with the thankless toll of minimum wage retail jobs and back-breaking construction jobs in a state that has 19 billionaires. And because of our flat tax, they pay the same state income tax rate as I do.”

Linda Burns, a former Amazon warehouse assembly line worker, has struggled for basic labor rights and decent health care benefits. Burns was a supporter of the valiant union drive at the Bessemer, Alabama, facility that Amazon eventually crushed through harsh intimidation tactics.

Burns says she was fired for her union activity, which led to the loss of her health benefits right before a needed surgery related to a workplace injury. Today she works 16 hours a day as a caregiver.

“I’ve worked too hard to have nothing,” said Burns. “We have to stand up for our rights.”

Veronica Burton spoke about the economic gulf in her community of Beloit, Wis -

consin. A woman who lives “around the corner” from her is a billionaire while Burton is struggling to pay bills in the face of multiple rent increases and the low wages she earns at an understaffed child care center.

On top of dealing with her own problems, Burton often finds herself trying to help parents of the children under her care. “We’ve had mothers unenroll their children because they can’t afford their asthma medicine,” she said.

These and other organizers in more than 30 states are ready to put on their door-knocking shoes in the lead-up to this year’s election and beyond. “We are not an insurrection,” Bishop Barber said. “But you better believe we are a resurrection — a resurrection of justice and love and righteousness.”

Sarah Anderson co-edits the Inequality.org website at the Institute for Policy Studies.

Athletic director, chief of staff speaks at Auburn meeting

DRIVING >> FROM B9

use a video function or for other activities. In other words, cellular devices are no longer permitted in drivers’ hands, and if they are caught, they are subject to a misdemeanor traffic offense, a fine and points on their driving record.

Drivers can only use a single button or swipe of a finger to answer a call. The hands-free law was passed with a one-year grace period with written warnings until June 2024, when the grace period ends.

Alabama’s new hands-free law is a secondary offense, meaning you first must be observed committing any other traffic offense to receive a citation.

“Distracted driving is one of the fastest growing safety issues on the roads today,” said Allison Green, Drive Safe Alabama coordinator for

2344

EDUCATION

Duty & Military Veterans! Begin a new career and earn your Degree at CTI! Online Computer & Medical training available for Veterans & Families! To learn more, call 866-475-1014 (M-F 8am-6pm ET).

HEALTH/BEAUTY ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS!

Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds. FREE information kit. Call 844-322-9935.

ATTENTION: VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special - $99 + FREE Shipping! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW: 866-505-0828.

FOR SALE

DirecTV Satellite TV Service Starting at $59.99/month! Free Installation! 160+ channels available. Call Now to Get the Most Sports & Entertainment on TV! 844-5947108.

NEED NEW Flooring? Call Empire Today to schedule a Free in-home estimate on Carpeting and Flooring. Call Today! 1-888381-0916.

UPDATE YOUR HOME with Beautiful New Blinds & Shades. FREE in-home estimates make it convenient to shop from home. Professional installation. Top quality

Want help spreading the word about your event? We can help!

editor@opelikaobserver.com (334) 749-8003

the Alabama Department of Transportation. “Distracted drivers aren’t just a threat to themselves; they are a danger to everyone else on the road.”

First offenses will cost drivers $50 and a point on their driving record. The second offense will increase to $100 and two points if the driver violates the hands-free law within 24 months of their first offense.

And if drivers haven’t learned their lesson after three citations, it will cost them $150, and three points will be added to their driving record.

The new hands-free law was passed in memory of Leah Grace Tarvin, CiCi Lunsford and Jay Kendall, three Alabamians whose tragic deaths were concluded by investigations to be related to distracted driving.

ALDOT SHARES THESE TIPS ON HOW TO GO HANDS-FREE:

1. Use Hands-Free Technology — Use Bluetooth

devices or dashboard mounts to keep your phone accessible but out of your hands.

2. Plan Ahead — Set GPS navigation and music playlists before starting your car to minimize distractions while you are driving.

3. Silence Notifications — Turn off notifications, use a “do not disturb” setting or put your phone in airplane mode so you aren’t tempted to look at your phone while behind the wheel.

4. Pull Over if Necessary

— If you must use your phone, drive to a location safely off the road, like a parking lot, before putting your phone in your hand.

5. Put Your Phone Away

— The simplest way to comply with Alabama’s handsfree law is to ignore your phone. Place your phone in the glove compartment, in your purse or in the backseat. If your phone is out of sight, the road is first thing on your mind and in your sight.

- Made in the USA. Call for free consultation: 844-809-9165. Ask about our specials!

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. Plus 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833683-2005.

Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 7-Year warranty with qualifying purchase*. Call 1-877-323-5516 today to schedule a free quote. It's not just a generator. It's a power move.

Safe Step. North Americas #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-theline installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-844-871-6175.

Wesley Financial Group, LLC Timeshare Cancellation Experts Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt and fees cancelled in 2019. Get free informational package and learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. Call 866-605-5915

Portable Oxygen Concentrator May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 866-816-1208

Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one

day. For a limited time, we're waiving all installation costs! (Additional terms apply. Subject to change and vary by dealer. Offer ends 12/31/23 Call 1-877-205-0836.

* Deadline is noon on Tuesdays

Pictured left to right: Kiwanis Club of

President Mike Martin, Speaker John Cohen and

The Rev. John Klein, Ph.D., Rector of Saint James the Great Anglican Church in Smiths Station and Chaplain Lt. Col. United States Army (Retired) gave a presentation entitled, “The Church of England in the American Revolution,” during the March 2024 Meeting of the Richard Henry Lee Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR).

Chapter President Will Mooty is pictured at left.

PUBLIC NOTICES

as: Commence at the intersection of easterly right-of-way of Lee County Highway No. 87 with the southerly margin of a 50-foot dirt road in Section 10, Township 18 North, Range 29 East, Lee County, Alabama, being the Point of Beginning of that tract described in Deed Book 905, Page 182, of Deed Records of Lee County, Alabama; thence run along the southerly margin) of said fifty (50 foot road South 67 degrees 40 minutes East 112 feet, more or less, to the Point of Beginning of tract herein described; from said Point of Beginning, thence continue along said road margin South 60 degrees 40 minutes East 200 feet; thence leaving said road, run thence South 19 degrees 00 minutes West 200 feet; thence run North 60 degrees 40 minutes West 200 feet; thence run North 19 degrees 00 minutes East 200 feet to the Point of Beginning. Located in Section 10, Township 18 North, Range 29 East, Lee County, Alabama, and being a part of that tract described in Deed Book 905, Page 182, of Deed Records of Lee County, Alabama. And Charlie F. Shellman, and/or the unknown heirs of Charlie F. Shellman, And Jessie M. Shellman, and/or the unknown heirs of Jessie M. Shellman, And Charlotte F. Thornton, and/or the unknown heirs of Charlotte F. Thornton And Wanda Chapman, a/k/a Wanda Christine Shellman, a/k/a Wanda Lloyd, and/or the unknown heirs of Wanda Chapman And Kristin Nichole Lloyd, and/or the unknown heirs of Kristin Nichole Lloyd And Zachary Taylor Lloyd, and/or the unknown heirs of Zachary Taylor Lloyd 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 14th day of February, 2024, 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: Hallie Jones, as Plaintiff; Charlie F. Shellman, and/or the unknown heirs of Charlie F. Shellman; and, Jessie M. Shellman, and/or the unknown heirs of Jessie M. Shellman; and, Charlotte F. Thornton, and/or the unknown heirs of Charlotte F. Thornton; and, a Wanda Chapman, a/k/a Wanda Christine Shellman, a/k/a Wanda Lloyd, and/or the unknown heirs of Wanda Chapman; and, Kristin Nichole Lloyd, and/or the unknown heirs of Kristin Nichole Lloyd; and, Zachary Taylor Lloyd, and/or the unknown heirs of Zachary Taylor Lloyd, as Defendants, whose heirs, executors and/or administrators are unknown and cannot be ascertained after the exercise of due diligence,

part of that tract described in Deed Book 905, Page 182, of Deed Records of Lee County, Alabama. 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 28th day of February, 2024 /s/ Mary Roberson Mary Roberson Circuit Court Clerk, Lee County J. Brandon Rice Davis, Bingham, Hudson & Buckner, P.C. 724 North Dean Road,Suite 100 Auburn, AL 36830 Legal Run 03/07/24, 03/14/24, 03/21/24 & 03/28/24

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No.: CV-2024-900020 FAIRPOINT PROPERTIES, LLC, Plaintiff, v. A tract or parcel of land designated: Lot 13 and a portion of Lot 12, B1ock 210, Totten's Official Real Estate Map of the City of Opelika, Alabama, 1930, according to and as shown by that certain map or plat thereof of record in Town Plat Book 2, at page 9, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, further described as follows: Beginning at the Southwest corner of said Lot 13, thence Northeasterly along the Southeastern boundary of said Lot 13 and 12 for a distance of approximately 120 feet; thence leaving said Southeastern boundary at a right angle, Northwesterly for a distance of approximately 190 feet, perpendicular to the Southwestern boundary of said Lot 12, to the Northwestern boundary of said Lot 12; thence in a Southwesterly direction along the Northwestern boundaries of said Lot 12 and 13 for a distance of approximately 121 feet; thence along the Southwestern boundary of said Lot 13, for a distance of approximately 187 feet, to the Point of Beginning, being further described as Lee County, Alabama tax parcel 43-09-0112-4-002-069.000 And Belle Jordan, and/or the unknown heirs of Belle Jordan, And Lillie Mae Smith , and/or the unknown heirs of Lillie Mae Smith, And Lillian Ann Smith, and/or the unknown heirs of Lillian Ann Smith, 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 16th day of January, 2024, 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: Farpoint Properties, LLC, as Plaintiff; Belle Jordan, and/or the unknown heirs of Belle Jordan; and, Lillie Mae Smith , and/or the unknown heirs of Lillie Mae Smith; and, Lillian Ann Smith, and/or the unknown heirs of Lillian Ann Smith, as Defendants, whose heirs, executors and/or administrators are unknown and 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 as follows:

Lot 13 and a portion of Lot 12,

described as Lee County, Alabama tax parcel 43-09-01-124-002-069.000

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 28th day of February, 2024

/s/ Mary Roberson Mary Roberson Circuit Court Clerk, Lee County J. Brandon Rice Davis, Bingham, Hudson & Buckner, P.C.

724 North Dean Road, Suite 100 Auburn, AL 36830 Legal Run 03/7/24, 03/14/24, 03/21/24 & 03/28/24

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

PROBATE COURT Case No.: 2022-008

State of Alabama, County of Lee In the Matter of the Estate of Anoitia Nicole Mason, deceased. Letters of Administration on the estate of said decedent having been granted to Jason Christopher Riggs on the 10th day of January, 2022, by the Probate Judge of Lee County, Alabama, Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same, duly sworn to, in the Probate Court of said county within the time allowed by law or else will be forever barred.

Jason Christopher Riggs Administrator / Personal Rerpresentative of the Estate of Anoitia Nicole Mason, deceased. Legal Run 03/07/24, 03/14/24 & 03/21/2024

Notice of auction of an abandoned vehicle. The Only One, Inc will be auctioning off the below mentioned vehicle on MARCH 1, 2024. This auction will be held at 3601 PEPPERELL PARKWAY, OPELIKA, ALABAMA, 36801 at 10:00 a.m. If you have any questions regarding this vehicle, call 334-745-2166.

VIN# JF2SJABC0JH404892–

2018 Subaru Forester Legal Run 01/25/2024 & 02/0 03/07/24 & 03/14/24/2024

CITY OF OPELIKA NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARINGS TO: RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA AND ALL OTHER INTERESTED

to consider a recommendation to the City Council

proposed text amendments to the Zoning Ordinance: Section

2.2 Definitions; 7.3 C. Use Categories (matrix table); Add

section: Section 8.28.4 Bed and Breakfast 7.Institutional Zone - A public hearing to consider a recommendation to the City Council on proposed text amendments to the Zoning Ordinance: Section

6.4 Purpose and Intent of Zoning Districts; Section 7.3 A. District Regulations; Section 7.3 C. Use Categories (matrix table)

V. Old Business

F. Preliminary Plat - Public Hearing

8.A public hearing on a request by Chao Han, property owner, for preliminary approval of South Lake Bank Parcels Lot 2 subdivision consisting of 45 lots accessed from South Uniroyal Road. This item was tabled by applicant at the February 27th PC meeting.

G. Rezoning – Public Hearing

7a. An agenda item related to a rezoning request is an amendment to the Future Land Use Map for 106 acres accessed from Gateway Drive from light commercial and general commercial land use category to a mixed use category (residential and commercial). If the Planning Commission votes to send a positive recommendation to the City Council to rezone the 106 acres and Council approves the rezoning, then approval of said amendments to the Future Land Use map will be approved. This item was tabled by applicant at the February 27th PC meeting.

7b. A rezoning public hearing to consider a recommendation to the City Council on a request by Blake Rice, authorized representative for Saucier Investments LLC and others, property owners, to rezone 106 acres accessed at Gateway Drive and Cunningham Drive from a C-2, C-3, and R-4 zone to a PUD zoning district. This item was tabled by the applicant at the February 27th PC meeting.

All interested persons are invited to attend the meeting/public hearings and be heard. Written comments concerning the above matters may be mailed to the Planning Director at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama 36801 at any time prior to the meeting/ public hearings and may be further submitted to the Planning Commission at the meeting/public hearings.

The Planning Commission reserves the right to modify or alter any of the proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and to make its recommendations accordingly to the City Council. Please contact the Planning department at 334-705-5156 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability.

PLANNING DIRECTOR

Legal 03/14/2024

IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF WANDA JEAN MCPHERSON f/k/a WANDA

JEAN HARPER, Deceased.

Case No.: 2024- 129 NOTICE TO CREDITOR

Letters Testamentary of

of

by law or the same will be barred.

PHILIP JOHN MOSS Legal Run 03/14/24, 03/21/24 & 03/28/24

IN THE PROBATE

COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of MELVIN WADE PIKE, an incapacitated adult CASE NO.: 2024-118

NOTICE OF PETITION FOR APPOINTMENT OF CONSERVATOR TO HANDLE A SINGLE TRANSACTION FOR AN INCAPACITATED

ADULT TO APRIL LYNN PIKE, CARSON WADE PIKE AND ANY AND ALL HEIRS OF MELVIN WADE PIKE, an incapacitated adult. You are hereby notified that on 21st day of February, 2024, Charlotte Conway filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, a petition for the appointment of conservatorship to handle a single transaction on behalf of Melvin Wake Pike. It is therefore ordered that the 29th day of April, 2024, at 10 o’clock, a.m., electronically via “ZOOM” virtual meeting website has been set and appointed as the day for the hearing of said petition, and the taking of testimony in support thereof, at which time any next of kin can appear and contest the same if you see proper. Please contact the Lee County Probate Court at 334-737-3670 for access to said hearing. Given under my hand on 5th day of March 2024. Bill English, Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama Legal Run 03/14/24, 03/21/24 & 03/28/24

IN THE PROBATE

COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF PAMELA SILVER KREPS, Deceased CASE NO.: 2023-641

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Take Notice that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION of said deceased having been granted to TYLER KREPS on the 1st day of March, 2024,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

LCSO arrests man on multiple charges Auburn Police report several arrests

LEE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

LEE COUNTY —

Within the past several months, Lee County Sheriff’s investigators, Opelika Police detectives, Auburn Police detectives, Harris County Sheriff’s Office investigators, DeFuniak Springs detectives and other agencies have received multiple reports of crimes involving breaking and entering motor vehicles, theft of property, fraud, identity theft, fraudulent use of credit/debit cards, forgery and other crimes. Through a joint effort by these agencies,

Cortney Deshon Malone, 34, of Lafayette was developed as the suspect.

On March 8, Lee County Sheriff’s investigators apprehended Malone at

a residence located in the 700 block of Martin Luther King Drive in Lafayette.

Malone is being charged with more than 30 felony crimes between multiple agencies. He is being held in the Lee County Jail on a $51,500 bond.

More charges are expected through Alabama, Georgia and Florida.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at 334-749-5651 or Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at 334-215-STOP (7867).

OPD seeking ID of theft suspects

CONTRIBUTED BY OPD

OPELIKA — The Opelika Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying four individuals wanted for retail theft, first degree, which occurred at Ulta, located at 2690 Enterprise Drive.

On Jan. 29 at approximately 2:50 p.m., the suspects entered the store and began concealing merchandise. The first suspect, a black female with braids, is seen on surveillance video wearing a black pullover. The second suspect, a black female also with braids, is seen wearing a tan and black plaid jacket, graphic t-shirt, silver necklaces and blue jeans. The third suspect, a black female, is wearing a black hooded jacket, and a black headband. The fourth suspect, a black male, is wearing a hat, navy blue jacket and blue jeans.

If you have any information on this incident or the identity of the suspects, please contact the Opelika Police Department Detective Division at (334) 705-5220 or the Secret Witness Hotline at (334) 745-8665. Tips can be submitted through our Opelika Police Mobile App. You may wish to remain anonymous.

Tips can also be forwarded through Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at (334) 215STOP(7867), toll-free at 1-833-AL1-STOP, or via their Facebook page: www.Facebook. com/215stop or their website: www.215STOP.com.

AUBURN POLICE DEPARTMENT

AUBURN — On March

6, Auburn Police, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force, arrested Derrick Alexander Thomas Jr., age 22, of Auburn on a felony warrant charging him with robbery first degree. The arrest stems from Auburn Police responding to a robbery call near the 500 block of Chadwick Lane on Dec. 13. Officers met with a victim that reported encountering multiple subjects, one of whom threatened the victim with a firearm and took property from the victim.

Investigators developed Thomas as a suspect. A warrant for his arrest was obtained, and he was located by Auburn Police and U.S. Marshals task force members on March 6. Thomas was arrested in obedience to

This Week's Puzzle Answers

the warrant and transported to the Lee County Jail to be held on no bond pending judicial review.

AUBURN — On March

1, Auburn Police arrested Ladairs Obryant Bell, age 28, of Auburn on a felony warrant charging him with rape, first degree.

On Jan. 23, a victim reported to Auburn Police that a sexual assault was perpetrated at a residence in Auburn by a known acquaintance. Bell was identified as the suspect, and after further investigation, an arrest warrant was obtained. Bell was located by APD officers on March 1, and he was arrested in obedience to the warrant.

Bell was transported to the Lee County Jail and held without bond pending judicial review.

AUBURN — On March

2, Auburn Police, with assistance from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, arrested Carson Scott West, age 22, from Wilsonville, Alabama, on a felony warrant charging him with sexual abuse, first degree.

On Jan. 21, a victim reported to Auburn Police that a sexual assault was perpetrated at a residence in Auburn by a known acquaintance. West was identified as the suspect, and after further investigation, an arrest warrant was obtained. West was located by Shelby County Sheriff’s Office deputies on March 1 in Shelby County, then he was transported to Lee County on March 2, and the warrant was executed. West was booked into the Lee County Jail and held on a $5000 bond.

CORTNEY DESHON MALONE

DERRICK ALEXANDER THOMAS JR.

LADAIRS OBRYANT BELL CARSON SCOTT WEST

SUSPECTS

SUSPECT

SUSPECT