The Observer 10-20-2022

‘On the Road to Good Health’

BY KENDYL HOLLINGSWORTH KENDYLH@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

OPELIKA —

Health care is about to become more accessible to Opelika’s underserved communities.

Four years after First Transit donated a bus to the cause, that bus has been renovated and converted into Opelika’s Neighborhood Mobile Wellness Clinic. The walk-in mobile clinic will offer routine screenings like blood pressure checks and glucose monitoring, as well as screenings for chronic illnesses — all for free, no appointment necessary. Social services will also provide referrals to community resources as needed.

The clinic is set to begin visiting Opelika’s Jeter and Carver communities on Tuesdays and Fridays, respectively, by the begin ning of December.

“It’s just a wonderful thing to see this come together,” said Laura Grill, president and CEO of East Alabama Health (EAH), at a ceremony Oct. 12.

Auburn, Opelika Mayors Pen Letter to the Editor

“I’m very anxious to see this get on the road because it’s all about pro viding access to care —

Out

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

OPELIKA — Out Tha Mudd Boxing is hosting a See DEFENSE, page A5

On The Tracks is Back Wine Event to be Held in

CONTRIBUTED BY AUBURN MAYOR RON ANDERS AND OPELIKA MAYOR GARY FULLER

LEE COUNTY —

To the Editor:

In the 1950s, over 50% of American workers were unionized. Today, the percentage of American workers who are unionized is approximately 10%. The numbers for just the pri vate sector are even less

at approximately 6%.

The public sector which was hardly unionized in 1950 now has a third of its workers unionized.

Why have workers over the past 70 years in the private sector decided that they don't need third party repre sentation? I believe it is because workers, espe cially in today's modern manufacturing environ ment, realize that the

companies they work for pay fairly and treat their employees with respect.

The recent headline in [the] newspaper announcing that GE Aviation, part of one of the nation's greatest companies, is facing a unionization effort by some of its employees was distressing.

The South has benefit ed greatly by companies

CONTRIBUTED BY OPELIKA MAIN STREET

OPELIKA —

Opelika Main Street’s annual On the Tracks wine trail returns to downtown Friday, Oct. 21 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Presented by Stone Martin Builders, this year’s event features multiple

Giving families more

unique wine stops. At each stop, attendees will get to taste a wide array of wine options.

“On the Tracks is a great way to explore downtown while enjoying a great array of wine,” said Opelika Main Street Executive Director Ken Ward. “On the Tracks is also a great opportunity to check out the many small

businesses that call down town home.”

Live music, a photo booth and caricature drawings will also be at the event. Tickets are available for sale at www.opelikamain street.org, at the event and at The Gallery on Railroad.

2022 SPONSORS: Stone Martin Builders, See WINE,

Out Tha Mudd Boxing Owner Rod Welch (right) teaching sparring.

ANDERS FULLER

East Alabama Health, Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller and others gathered at Fire Station No. 1 in Opelika on Oct. 12 to introduce the new Opelika Neighborhood Mobile Wellness Clinic.

Photo from last year's On the Tracks wine event.

LEE COUNTY —

Another "food fight" is underway as the annual Beat ‘Bama Food Drive kicked off on Sept. 30. For the past 28 years, Auburn University and the University of Alabama have competed with each other prior to the football game to see who could collect the most food for their local food bank. It began as a relatively small-scale event and has grown to become one of the largest food drives in the state.

Last year, Auburn took the win with a record-set ting 352,389 pounds of donated foods compared to 319,437 pounds for Alabama.

This year’s competi tion runs from Sept. 30 through Nov. 17, and it promises to be fierce as Auburn fights to hold on to the win for the Plains and Tuscaloosa attempts

Annual Beat ‘Bama Food Drive Begins

to take it back.

Donated food will be used to help the Food Bank’s senior programs, soup kitchens, emergency food pantries, missions and rehabilitation cen ters that are served by the Food Bank of East Alabama and the West Alabama Food Bank.

The competition is primarily a student-or ganized activity but is strongly supported by the local community, with

food drives at many local businesses and public schools. Also, a number of local grocery stores help to facilitate community donations by allowing the Food Bank to place barrels in the store lobby during the food drive.

Locations of collection barrels (updated regular ly):

• Winn-Dixie on S Col lege Street, Auburn

• Winn-Dixie on Fox Run Parkway, Opelika

• Sam’s Club, Auburn

• Kroger, Auburn

• Kroger, Opelika

• Food Bank of East Alabama, Auburn

• Community Market, Opelika

• Numerous locations on Auburn University's campus.

For a list of updated donation locations, visit www.foodbankofeasta labama.com and click on “Beat ‘Bama Food Drive.”

Auburn Arts Association to Host yART Sale Nov. 5

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER BY SARA CUSTER, CULTURAL ARTS ADMINISTRATOR

AUBURN —

The Auburn Arts Asso ciation (AAA) will host a "yART Sale" on Nov. 5 at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center (JDCAC) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The yART Sale is a creative spin on the tradi

tional yard sale, featuring the secondhand sale of art pieces, art supplies, books, unusual items and quirky treasures. As the JDCAC prepares for renovations, it is clearing out lots of creative pieces and supplies that need a new home.

All proceeds from the yART Sale serve as a donation to the AAA and help fund cooperative art

education programs such as art camps, professional opportunities for area artists, community-based arts initiatives, schol arships and the AAA’s exhibition program.

For more information, please contact the JDCAC at 334-501-2963, fol low the AAA on Face book and Instagram or visit auburnalabama. org/arts.

Pictured is the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, located at 222 E. Drake Ave. in Auburn.

CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF AUBURN

AUBURN —

Auburn Public Safety Services is holding its annual Auburn Toy Drive campaign designed to assist families in the Auburn community by providing Christmas gifts to children in need, ages 2 through 8.

Anyone wishing to register a child to receive a gift can do so at the Auburn Police Depart ment at 141 N. Ross St. Registration days are Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

The last day to register will be Oct. 26, 2022. To participate in the program and receive assistance, a

Auburn Holding Holiday Toy Drive

parent or legal guardian must provide their picture ID, the child’s birth certificate and a copy of a current utilities bill: light bill, water bill or lease/ rental agreement.

Anyone wishing to

donate to the Auburn Toy Drive can drop off an unwrapped gift at any Auburn Fire Department station or the Auburn Police Department until Dec. 3, 2022.

Individuals purchasing

a gift to be donated can leave it unwrapped and drop it off at one of the listed locations. Helpers will sort the gifts into age-appropriate catego ries; delivery is scheduled during the week before

Christmas. During this holiday season please remember those who may be less fortunate. All donations are extremely important. As always, be reminded that no mon etary donations can be ac

cepted, but any purchased gift is appreciated.

Questions regarding the Auburn Toy Drive campaign can be directed to Debra Hoyett at the Auburn Police Depart ment at 334-501-3117.

Pet Fights Cancer with Help from Magic Bullet Fund

BY KENDYL HOLLINGSWORTH KENDYLH@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

OPELIKA —

One local dog is in need of the community’s help to beat cancer.

Baller, a 10-year-old sharpei and pitbull mix, has a cancerous mass on his right thigh. The mass requires sur gery to remove so the cancer will not spread, but with the estimated cost of treatment out of his family’s budget, owner Wendy Lowery researched her options and turned to the Magic Bullet Fund for help.

“He’s so sweet, Baller,” Lowery said in a video seeking help. “He doesn’t feel very well right now, but if you could help us … we would be so grateful.”

To qualify for assistance, pet owners must fill out an application and meet a couple criteria: The family must truly be unable to afford treatment on their own, and the dog or cat’s veterinarian must verify that the pet has a good chance of surviving at least a year with the treatment. The fund’s

review board also evaluates the pet’s chances of survival.

Baller met the criteria, so the Magic Bullet Fund set up an individual fund for him. Anyone wishing to make a donation may do so online at themagic bulletfund.org or by mail by sending a check to the Magic Bullet Fund at P.O. Box 149, Yorktown Heights, New York 10598. Donations are tax deductible.

While the Magic Bullet Fund will provide assistance to those in need, Found er Laurie Kaplan said it doesn’t pay for the treatment in full.

“We believe that owners should pay what they can toward their pet’s treat ment,” she explained. “Our case manager calculates the amount we will offer to raise. The amount is the full amount needed for the surgery or chemo protocol, minus what the owner can pay, minus a nonprofit dis count from the clinic, minus the part of treatments that have already been done.

“We pay the clinic directly for each treatment on the day of the treatment.

Donations to the fund for a specific pet are used to pay for cancer treatment for that pet, if possible. If the pet does not use all of the do nations, then the remainder goes to our general fund.”

Kaplan said donations to the general fund are crucial for each individual fund that’s established.

“We also need donations to the general fund because when we open a fundraising campaign for each pet, we start it with a ‘gift’ from the general fund,” she said. “Usually our gift is about

half the amount needed.”

Once a pet’s donation goal is met, the pet is moved to the “Pets Funded” page on the website.

Baller’s goal is over $600.

“Cancer is as unpredict able in pets as it is in hu mans,” Kaplan said. “We do not expect miracles for all of the dogs, but we celebrate the ones we get. The real miracle for these families is that they can have more special moments that will become lasting memories and the very important abil ity to say, ‘I fought for my

the renovations.

care in communities that may not have transportation [or] may be reluctant to come to connect to health care, and that’s really to get them into the system so that we can provide health, wellness and education.”

The city of Opelika, East Alabama Health, Auburn University and the Casey Family Foundation partnered to make the clinic a reality, with the help of several busi nesses, organizations, civic groups and individuals who donated their time, funds and other resources.

The finished mobile clinic was open for tours following the press conference and ribbon cutting. The bus touts an exam room, an interview and waiting area, a bath room/changing room and more.

Opelika City Adminis trator Joey Motley, Director of Purchasing and Revenue for the city Lillie Finley and Opelika Community Relations Officer Leigh Krehling spearheaded efforts to raise about $250,000 for

Though the process took “a long time,” Motley said every donation, no matter how small, made a differ ence.

“Everybody from the $2 to the $60,000 — thank you,” he said. “It means a lot, and it was really eye-opening for me to see the generosity for the people in the community.”

The clinic’s biggest donor was Opelika Housing Authority, which donated $60,000. According to Director Matthew McClam mey, the board members recognized the need for a mobile clinic and wanted to contribute as much as possible.

McClammey said many residents struggle with disabilities, low income or a lack of transportation, which holds them back from getting the care they need.

“In a lot of communities — not just those I’m respon sible for — a mobile clinic will provide the opportunity for certain [routine screen ings] that a lot of people don’t get,” he explained. “A simple blood test can tell a whole lot about what a per

pet’s life.’”

Kaplan did just that for her dog, a Siberian husky named Bullet, several years ago. Bullet was diagnosed with lymphoma at 9 years old, but thanks to chemo therapy, diet changes, sup plements and a home care regimen Kaplan created, he beat cancer and lived until he was 14.

At the suggestion of Bullet’s oncologist, Kaplan wrote a book, “Help Your Dog Fight Cancer,” to help others who had dogs diagnosed with cancer. She then started the Magic Bullet Fund so she could use pro ceeds from the book to help owners who couldn’t afford their pets’ cancer treatments.

Kaplan said the Magic Bullet Fund has helped more

son needs. … This bus being able to go to them will help them a whole lot.”

The bus will typically have about 10 to 15 care providers — consisting of EAH staff and local nursing students — on board at any given time, said Sutricia Johnson, EAH director of case management. Johnson will be in charge of patient care on the bus.

As an Opelika native and product of the Carver community, Johnson said the idea of giving back to her community with a mobile clinic was “very meaning ful” to her. She emphasized teamwork and trust building to help the bus “come to life.”

“I think that is very im portant for us to know that it’s going to take a village,” she said. “Yes, East Alabama Health will provide the volunteers. We’re network ing with the local schools of nursing, social work and etcetera to make this vision come to life, but as we all know that this bus is only as good as we pull together to make it.”

But none of that will be possible without the trust of

than 830 cats and dogs since 2005.

“The most rewarding part of running Magic Bullet Fund is knowing that no matter how successful the treatment is — whether the pet survives a very long time, or doesn’t respond to treatment at all — we did help an owner try to fight for his [or] her pet’s life,” Ka plan said. “The alternatives are to euthanize, or watch cancer destroy the pet little by little. I know that if there is hope of success, then try ing is the best thing for the pet and for the owner.”

To donate to the Magic Bullet Fund’s general fund, or apply for financial assis tance to treat another dog or cat, visit themagicbullet fund.org.

the people and communities the mobile clinic will serve.

“We have to build trust,” she continued. “We have to be consistent, and we have to be intentional. With those things, I do believe that the services that we provide on this unit will not only better that community, but we’re hoping to identify chronic disease that otherwise would go undetected so that we can connect them with the resources in the community that we may be aware of. … We’re not looking to give them a handout, but a hand up.”

Following remarks at the ceremony, Laura Eason, EAH chaplain, invited all attendees to help bless the bus by coming to lay a hand on it and joining in prayer.

“Every citizen in the city of Opelika has given some thing to this community, and now the city of Opelika and East Alabama Health has joined together so that we can be able to give back to that community that has done so much for each of us,” Johnson said. “… We’re going to start small, and the Lord only knows where this will lead us.”

P H O T O C O N T R I B U T E D T O T H E O B S E R V E R

Photo from last year's Holiday Toy Drive campaign.

Ten-year-old sharpei-pitbull mix Baller and owner Wendy Lowery.

SEAN DIETRICH

Sunrise in middle Tennessee. It was four in the morning. I left my hotel early to get on the road.

I had a long way to go. There was a light dusting of frost on the Smoky Mountains. I could see my breath.

I turned on the radio and found a station playing Hank Williams’ “Alabama Waltz.”

It was a candid recording from a radio show in the 40s. Hank gave an intro duction to the tune. He says, “This is a song about my home state.”

I cranked up the volume, since Hank Senior was the soundtrack of my boyhood.

Every male in my life idolized Hiram King Wil liams. For years, as a child, I thought Hank Williams was a Bible character who played guitar.

I found the hidden back roads and headed south ward toward my home in Birmingham, Alabama.

If you ask me, the mod est two-lane highways that lead through the Yellow hammer State are among the most scenic corridors in the nation.

I’m not saying this be cause I am biased. I’m say ing this because I’ve driven backroads in 42 different American states. Alabama is up there with the best.

The scenes were arrest

ing.

North central Alabama’s swelling Appalachian foothills were blanketed in the palettes of autumn. The whole world was golden and red. The rivers were polished chrome. It was enough to stop your pulse.

I’ve been having a love affair with this state since my youth. I grew up forty-odd miles from the state line. They called our Florida region L.A. “Lower Alabama.”

I had my first Pabst near the Coosa River. I had my first kiss in Saraland. I caught my first crappie in Houston County. I met my wife near Burnt Corn Creek.

There is something un nameable about the soul of this state. Whenever I enter its borders, I feel something deep within the pit of my stomach. I can’t explain it in words. My sentences would only cheapen things.

The irony is, Alabama gets a bad name. Maybe the worst name of all. I can’t tell you how many tasteless jokes I’ve heard about Alabama during my travels around the continental U.S.

I recently did an author event in Pennsylvania. A person in the audience asked where I lived. I said Alabama. They laughed and said, “Gosh, that must be horrible.”

And they truly meant it. This cut me.

Oh, sure, I could have told them about the Pinhoti Trail at dawn — a trail that connects with the Appala chian Trail. I could have told this person that when you stand in just the right place on the Pinhoti, you can see God looking at you.

I could have told this person about the feelings you get when you’re riding a skiff on Dog River at sundown.

I could have told them what it feels like to go sail ing on a 28-foot sloop near Bear Point.

I could have told them about James Spann.

But I kept my mouth shut.

Another man in the audience said, “Why would anyone in their right mind live in Alabama?”

I just smiled at this per son. Because I didn’t have the heart to tell him that

Pennsylvania isn’t all that different than the Cotton State. I’ve been to Pennsyl vania five times, and I’ve come to this conclusion:

Pennsylvania is just Pittsburgh on one side, Philadelphia on the other and Alabama in between.

People are people. State borders are man made concepts. Don’t believe anyone who tells you otherwise. Every state has their problems. One region is no better or worse than the other.

Still, for whatever reason, Alabama remains the butt of every joke. And belive me, I’ve heard them all:

“Did you hear the Ala bama governor’s mansion burned down? Almost took out the whole trailer park.”

“What do you call 23 John Deeres parked at a Dairy Queen? Prom night in Tuscaloosa.”

“A stranger walks into a bar and says ‘I have an Alabama joke.’ So the bartender stops him and says, ‘Before you tell your joke, son, I’m 6-foot-5, 275 pounds, and I’m from Mobile.

A Fall Oktoberfest for

“The stranger answers, ‘Nevermind, I won’t tell the joke.'

“‘What’s the matter?’ asks the bartender. ‘Are you chicken?’

“‘No,’ says the stranger. ‘I don’t want to explain the joke three times.’”

I never laugh at these punchlines. Because, you see, Alabama is the place of my rebirth. It’s where I found myself. To me, it’s Zion.

I am nothing. I’ve always been nothing. I grew up humble. I was Florida white trash. I have no credi bility. No pedigree. A paltry education. Until one day I met a woman in Escam bia County who believed otherwise.

She told me I was some body. She gave me some thing I’d never had before. Devotion. Confidence. She helped me learn to fly.

I owe my whole career to that fine woman. I owe my whole life to these smalltown folk, to these rivers and to these autumnal hills.

God bless the people of this fine state. God bless the memory of Hank Senior. And God bless Alabama.

Touted as the state's largest Oktoberfest event, Auburn hosted its 11th annual Oktoberfest on Saturday, Oct. 15 at Ag Heritage Park. The event featured more than 60 breweries and several activities and live performances for all to enjoy.

CONTRIBUTED BY AUBURN UNIVERSITY

AUBURN —

Does your child adore horses? Do they always want to learn as much as possible about our equine friends?

Horse U is a handson experience where your child can get to know horses from head to hoof, all while learning a little more about the practices of the equestrian world. This event will have a variety of different stations that will allow children to learn more about the maintenance, nutrition, anatomy and so much more that will leave your child feeling more comfort able around horses and leaving them wanting to know more.

This program is planned throughout the semester by under graduate students in Auburn University’s Department of Ani

Auburn University Invites You to Horse U

mal Science. These students have been working hard to pro vide your child with a quality, fun and educa tional program.

Do you have a highschool-aged equine enthusiast? This year, Horse U is proud to announce an advanced youth program. This program will offer the same educational benefits offered at pre vious Horse U events while allowing for more in-depth discus sion of equine topics.

Horse U is excited to offer an opportuni ty for these students while even giving them insight into equine activities and the College of Agricul ture at Auburn. This event will be held at the Auburn University Equestrian Center on Nov. 5, 2022, from 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Registration opens on Oct. 7 at 8 a.m. and ends on Oct. 17 at 2

slow but good, Welch said.

p.m. Register at aub. ie/horseu22. Be sure to register early, as the event did fill up last year.

Participants will be separated into groups based on age. The prices of admission are as follows: Youth (5 to 13 years) and Advanced Youth (14 to 18 years) — $20; Adult Attending Youth Stations — $30.

Admission price includes lunch, drinks and snacks, along with a T-shirt and goodie bag. Addi tional T-shirts may be pre-purchased for $20. Check-in on the day of the event begins at 7:45 a.m.

For more updates about Horse U, follow its Facebook @Hor seUatAU. If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact: Dr. Courtney Heaton at 334-7289433, or by email at cph0032@auburn.edu.

out in the world.

women’s self-defense class this Saturday, Oct. 22.

Located at 1051 South Fox Run Park way, Unit 3, Out Tha Mudd Boxing LLC is owned and operat ed by Rod Welch, a decorated boxer and boxing coach.

His women’s self-defense class is $20 and can be paid for at Out Tha Mudd on the day of the event. Classes will be underway from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, taking place in 30- to 45-minute sessions throughout the day.

Since Out Tha Mudd opened in August of this year, business has been

WINE >> FROM A1

“It’s been a little slow but it’s starting to build up piece by piece,” he said. “I think as soon as the word gets out, I think it will be a big help for the community.”

Welch said he hopes his self-defense class will provide another avenue for getting traffic to his business, as well as provide what he sees as a need in the community.

“I want to teach them boxing skills that will help them on the street,” he said. “So they can attack their pursuer and then make it to safety.”

Welch ultimately decided to go for ward with hosting a self-defense class when he heard stories

Credit Union, iHeart Media, Autosport Bodyworks and Auburn Opelika Tourism.

ABOUT OPELIKA MAIN STREET:

Founded in 1987, Opelika Main Street assists in the growth of historic

from people he knew about women being attacked.

“A lot of women have been asking me about it,” he said.

“Some people I used to train told me some female friends of their have been attacked.

I said to myself a lot of women do need self-defense … single mothers and especial ly college students.”

In the class, Welch will be teaching wom en the basics of box ing, and how to apply that to self-defense

downtown Opelika through facade grants, beautifica tion projects, small business assistance efforts and various community events. Learn more about Opelika Main Street by going to opelikamainstreet.org.

“I’m showing the basics of boxing and the mobility of moving around — footwork — to help get in and out of certain situations,” Welch said. “It’s impossible to teach boxing in one day, so it’s just enough to take on a person, throw some punches, where to punch on the body, how to drop somebody, what they can aim for. It’s also going to teach them to control their emo tions, because once you do that in certain situations, once you get your breathing under control, you can get a solution out of the situation.

“I always give them a speech, that if you ever need to use this

stuff, if you ever get them to the ground, do what you have to do to get out of that location. Defend yourself and get out of there.”

Welch said that if this weekend’s class goes well, he hopes to have more in the future.

Ultimately, howev er, Welch is hosting the self-defense class — and lowering his membership price to $35 a month — in hopes of exposing more people in the community to the benefits that boxing can bring.

“I’m trying to make it to where everyone can experience box ing,” he said.

desiring the freedom to be competitive and innova tive by moving to South ern right to work states.

GE Aviation is one of the leading aerospace companies in the country, but it faces very stiff com petition. It does not need the red tape that unions always bring with them.

The competition for the industries in Auburn-Ope lika is national, and often international. It would be a shame for a union to try to dictate how the company operates in this ultra-competitive environ ment.

Auburn Mayor Ron Anders Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller

Lab offers fully furnished private offices, co working spaces, mail services, and more, all within the heart of Downtown Opelika Our all inclusive and contract free prices allow you to focus on the important things without worrying about any overhead costs CoLab is perfect for graphic designers, software developers, real estate agents, work from home individuals, and small teams Learn more about us and book a tour to find your best fit by visiting us on the web, or social media

Smith Kastner Wealth Management, Southern States Bank, The Observer, Auburn University Federal

LETTER >> FROM A1

S

Trudy Jackson Hung Shares Family

Ann Cipperly

SHouthernospitality

Pumpkins with or ange and yellow chrysanthemums provide a warm welcome at the home of Trudy and Steve Hung. After living in a variety of places, including Michigan and England, Trudy and her family moved back to the Opelika-Auburn area a few years ago. She is sharing memories of growing up in Opelika and of enjoying her aunt Elizabeth “Lib”

Jackson Salter’s wonderful cooking.

Trudy grew up on Wel come Lane that bordered pecan and apple orchards where her grandparents once had a farm, and where Trudy enjoyed riding her horse. Her parents were Cherry Sue and Henry Carson Jackson. Cherry Sue was an artist, singer and composer with some of her songs recorded by Acuff-Rose. She was also a

beloved community leader. The Cherry Sue Jackson Recreation Park is named in her honor at the Lee County Youth Develop ment Center.

Henry Carson, who owned Piedmont Fertilizer Company, was chairman of the First National Bank of Opelika and was a pas sionate gardener and wood worker.

Trudy attended Lee Academy and was in the

Guthrie’s Opens Newest Restaurant in Opelika

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA —

Guthrie’s, the chickenfinger-only restaurant pioneer, announced last week that its newest restaurant in Opelika is now open at 1305 Columbus Parkway.

“The timing was just right, and we are so excited to offer Opelika residents, families and visitors a chance to experience the absolute best chicken fingers in the world,” said Joe Guthrie, CEO of Guthrie’s Franchising Inc. “We’re chicken finger and friesloving locals that will live and breathe Opelika. From families to workers, little league teams, late night snackers, tailgaters or anyone craving authentic made-to-order chicken fingers and sides —

we’ve got you covered at Guthrie’s. And our signature Guthrie’s sauce — well, it’s just legendary around here.”

For more than 50 years, Guthrie’s has drawn in crowds across the country for its hand-breaded chicken fingers rooted in a tradition of fresh, hot and fast, with a generous dash of southern hospitality. Rounding out Guthrie’s simple, yet classic menu is hand-chopped coleslaw, crinkle- cut French fries, Texas toast and its signature dipping sauce. Guthrie’s history across the South spans generations. To this day, it remains a family-run restaurant business that uses freshly sourced products and ingredients to create its vibrant, yet simple menu.

Since its inception in 1965, Guthrie’s has

become famous for its unique take on chicken fingers and down-home food. Furthermore, the brand’s software, hardware, training and ongoing support and national marketing efforts allows Guthrie’s owners to focus on producing an exceptional product without sacrificing consistency, freshness and quality. With one foot anchored in tradition and the other firmly planted in the future, Guthrie’s has spread to seven states and more than 44 locations.

“There is something simple, something quintessential about Guthrie’s golden fried chicken fingers that everyone can relate to — it’s very strong and powerful,” Guthrie said. “We’ve remained true

See GUTHRIE'S, page A11

first high school graduat ing class of 12 students. Afterward, Trudy attended Judson College for a year before transferring to Au burn University, where she graduated with a degree in art.

“It is interesting how God opens doors for you,” Trudy said. “I thought I wanted to be an architect or veterinarian. All of a sudden, my mom said I was talented with my art and should think about that.”

A love of art was prev alent in the family, and Trudy enjoyed art from an early age. Her grandfather, Carey Orr, was a Pulitzer Prize-winning front-page cartoonist for the Nashville Tennessean and the Chica go Tribune.

After Trudy graduated from Auburn, she taught art at four elementary schools in the Opelika school system. During this time, she spent three summers

attending the Rhode Island School of Design, receiving a master’s degree in art ed

ucation, while specializing in printmaking.

Kreher Welcomes Community for Halloween Festivities

CONTRIBUTED BY KREHER PRESERVE AND NATURE CENTER

AUBURN—

Auburn University’s Kreher Preserve and Nature Center will host its annual Halloween celebration, Hallow een Enchanted Forest, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Oct 20, 21 and 22, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

“In a magical trans formation, the forests of the Kreher Preserve and Nature Center become enchanted for Hal loween,” said Michael Buckman, center man ager. “With the trails lit by sparkling string lights, visitors will step into an enchanted world when they set off on a guided hike to meet the nature center’s wood land creatures.”

Halloween Enchanted Forest is a fun, fami ly-friendly and unique Halloween event. Cos tumed actors, dressed as the nature center’s na tive wildlife, will enter tain visitors with stories and songs of how they “trick or treat” other plants and animals in the forest. The char acters are encountered

along a lighted trail while visitors are led on a guided hike. Upon returning from the hike, visitors may participate in fun Halloween games and crafts, and hot chocolate and s’mores kits will be available for purchase at the campfire. Visitors are en

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

"Wildlife" from a previous Halloween Enchanted Forest event.

See KREHER, page A11

Making the Grade: Zoe's Delight

she was so friendly and helpful.

Zoe told me that Gail and Mike Webster, her grand mother and grandfather, opened Zoe’s Delite in 2002, so this year, the restaurant is celebrating its 20th anniver sary. I liked the “pit” cooked Papa Joe’s sign on the wall. Thankfully, Mike asked about it.

STACEY PATTON WALLACE

Don’t you love going to eateries in your com munity, which have been family-owned and operated for years? About a year ago, I wrote about Buck’s Dairy Quick, just such a place in my hometown of Alexander City (“Eleck” City to the locals). I grew up loving Buck’s chicken snacks, cheeseburger baskets and chocolate nut sundaes.

Well, thanks to my good friend William, I have discovered another terrific family-owned and operated establishment in Opelika — Zoe’s Delite located at 2757 AL Highway 169.

Recently, Mike and I met our friends Jack and William at Zoe’s Delite for supper. I enjoyed talking to Zoe Hurst, the restaurant’s namesake;

Zoe is the great-grand daughter of Betty Malley. Betty and her brother “Papa” Joe opened Papa Joe’s in Opelika in 1978, and it was an Opelika icon for 40 years.

“My Grandma (MeMe) Gail ran Papa Joe’s,” Zoe said. “Then she decided to go out on her own, so Zoe’s Delite was born.”

Chauncey Hurst, Miss Gail’s son and Zoe’s dad, is the main cook at Zoe’s. According to Zoe, only Chauncey, Miss Gail and an uncle know the restaurant’s barbeque sauce recipe, which is the exact same barbeque sauce which was served at Papa Joe’s. Therefore, if you miss the barbeque from Papa Joe’s, come and enjoy it again at Zoe’s Delite. When Mike and I moved to Lee County in 2015, we wanted to try Papa Joe’s, but, unfortunately, it burned down before we had a chance to go there. We were really disappointed because members of our Central Bap

tist Church family said the food there was really great.

Zoe, who recently earned her bachelor's degree in en trepreneurship from Auburn University in Montgomery, will be taking over the family restaurant from her Grandma (MeMe) Gail within the next year. Mike and I know that Zoe will do a great job. Re tired teachers can just tell.

Mike and I loved the elab orate Halloween decorations at Zoe’s. Also, the cozy, ca sual atmosphere made us feel right at home. In addition, the 100 on the Health Depart ment inspection did my heart a lot of good.

Kaylei, our server, was very sweet, patient and helpful. Mike ordered a

hamburger steak with French fries and baked beans. I tried something which was new for me: the original bird dog, which consisted of fried chicken tenders, Swiss cheese and bacon on a hot dog bun. For my side, I chose onion rings.

Jack ordered the sampler platter, which included two chicken tenders, four wings (Jack chose lemon pepper.), two jalapeno poppers and onion rings. He added a small coleslaw. Like Mike, William chose a hamburger steak, fries and baked beans.

Oh, my two times. Every thing was really delicious. My bird dog was great, and I LOVED the thin, crispy onion rings. I’d come back

for the onion rings alone, but you know I’ll eat more than that.

Zoe’s Delite is a definite do-over. (Isn’t alliteration great?) Trust me, run and do not walk to Zoe’s Delite; you’ll be glad you did.

Besides our wonderful meals, Zoe’s Delite also serves: beef liver, country fried steak, pork chips (This is correct.), ham, barbeque (pork) plates, fish filets (2), shrimp, shrimp and fish and a veggie plate.

Zoe’s also has chicken ten ders, livers, gizzards, burgers, hot dogs, specialty sandwich es, salads and soups.

When my A1C (sugar average) goes down (I know; I've been saying that for a long time.), I want to order one of Zoe’s desserts. A little girl was at Zoe’s when we were leaving, and her dessert looked delicious. Again, Lynn Hudson (my endocri

nologist), I promise that I will do better next time. Although, I also promised that last time.

Zoe’s serves ice cream cones, sundaes, shakes, brownie delites, cake, pie or cobbler, pickle pops and the Beauregard Blaster.

Zoe’s Delite is closed on Sunday. The restaurant is open Monday through Satur day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

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

Stacey Patton Wallace, who retired from teaching language arts for 30 years, is a professional diner. Her col umn, “Making the Grade,” will appear each week in The Observer. Stacey may be reached at retiredlangart steacher2020@gmail.com.

PHOTOS BY MIKE WALLACE FOR THE OBSERVER

Opelika

Fall Boogie Brings the Beats

Wall

historic downtown Opelika across sever

CIPPERLY >>

FROM

After 13 years of teaching in the Opelika schools, Tru dy married Steve, a faculty member of Auburn Univer sity, who had just accepted a special assignment offer from Ford Motor Company in Michigan.

What Trudy and Steve initially expected to be a few years in Michigan turned into 27 years away from Alabama. Steve took on various assign ments from Ford and its parts-making spinoff, Vis teon Corporation. He also spent a few years helping Clemson University set up its International Center for Automotive Research (CUICAR), and then returned to Michigan to work as a consultant.

Steve’s work took him to various places around the

CIPPERLY RECIPES >>

AUNT LIB’S FOOL PROOF ROLLS

1 cup Crisco (melted) in 1 cup boiling water

Add ½ cup sugar

Cool and add:

2 pkg. yeast dissolved in 1cup lukewarm water

2 eggs beaten with 2 tsp. salt

About 5 cups all-pur pose flour

Melted butter

After adding yeast, add eggs, then enough flour to make a soft dough. Place in refrigerator. Let rise 2 hours or may be stored in refrigerator for a day or two before making rolls.

Roll dough and cut, then, dip into melted butter fold over . Let rise about an hour.

Bake at 350 to 400 de grees until done.

Enjoy with your favor ite jelly, jam or honey. They will melt in your mouth!

GARLIC CHEESE GRITS

1 cup grits

4 cups boiling water

1 tsp. salt

½ cup butter

6 oz. roll garlic cheese (see note)

2 eggs, beaten ½ cup milk

Dash of cayenne pepper

Cornflake crumbs

Butter to dot on crumbs

Cook grits in boiling water until thick. Remove from heat. Stir in butter and cheese until melted. Mix eggs, milk and pep per; add to grits and stir well. Pour into buttered casserole and cover with crumbs. Dot with butter.

Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 45 to 55 min utes. Serves 6.

Note: A 6 oz. roll of garlic cheese is no longer available. Instead add about a cup of shredded cheddar cheese and minced garlic to taste.

TOMATO ASPIC 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin

3 ½ cups V-8 juice, divided

4 Tbsp. lemon juice

4 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

2 Tbsp. horseradish

world, including a one-year stay in England, and Trudy would sometimes travel with him. One of Trudy’s fondest memories of En gland was getting to play the church bells of the local chapel shortly before mov ing back to the U.S. In 1999, Trudy’s and Steve’s daughter, Abby, joined the family. Abby, like her mother Trudy, de veloped a love and mastery of horseback riding. She also developed into a com petitive figure skater. Visits “home” to see family in Opelika — and a couple of visits to Auburn University during football season — triggered a love for Auburn. Abby followed in her moth er’s footsteps to enroll at Auburn University.

Eventually, Trudy and Steve would decide that 27 years was a long interpreta tion of “a few years.” They moved back to the Ope

½ cup sliced pimen tos

Stuffed olives

1 tsp. salt

Few dashes Tabasco

Dissolved gelatin and ½ cup V-8 juice. Heat remaining 3 cups V-8 juice to boiling. Remove from heat, add gelatin and stir until dissolved. Add remain ing ingredients.

Pour into 4 cups oiled mold. Refrigerate until firm. Serve 6 to 8 people.

RAW CRANBERRY RELISH

A wonderful accom paniment for meat! 4 cups cranberries 2 delicious apples, sliced

Orange peel of ½ orange 2 large oranges 1 ½ cups sugar

Put cranberries, ap ples and orange peel through food processor (coarse blade). Cut orange sections into small pieces; add to cranberry mixture. Add sugar; mix well. Refrig erate. This will keep for days in the refrigerator and in the freezer for months. Makes 5 cups.

SPINACH CASSEROLE

10 oz. pkg. frozen chopped spinach

2 eggs, beaten

2 Tbsp. milk

1/4 cup cottage cheese

1/4 cup grated sharp cheddar

1/8 tsp. salt

1/4 herb season stuff ing mix

Pierce package of spinach several times. Place on a paper plate. Microwave at high for three minutes or until spinach can be sepa rated.

Combine eggs, milk, cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, salt, stuffing mix and spinach.

Spread mixture even ly in a greased 1 - 1 ½ quart glass casserole. Microwave at high 5 to 7 minutes. Let stand 2 to 3 minutes before serving. Makes 4 serv ings.

lika-Auburn area in the fall of 2019, where Steve works through their consultancy, KonseptWerks, to help new technology startups com mercialize their ideas.

At their home, Trudy has decorated with family memories. Her grandfa ther’s Pulitzer-winning car toon is framed, along with his other famous cartoons. She placed them around the house, and downstairs they are arranged as an art gallery. Other meaningful décor in her home includes furniture and wood turnings made by her father. In the dining room, placemats made from photos show case views from their home in England.

Since she moved back home, Trudy has seen many changes in the area.

“I am glad to be back, and it has taken a while to adjust,” she said. “I look forward to waking up every

morning. We sit on the screened porch to drink coffee and walk around the neighborhood.”

Trudy has become in volved in the community with PEO, a book club and Blue Stockings Study Club. She enjoys walking and playing golf with Steve.

While Trudy has trav eled the world and lived in various places, she is finding joy being home and surrounded by memories of family and good times. If she wants to prepare a special meal, her Aunt Lib’s recipes are available for cooking up another memory of happy times on Welcome Lane.

Throughout her life, Tru dy was heavily influenced by her father’s older sister, Elizabeth “Lib”, who also grew up in Opelika. She moved to Auburn after marrying Elmer Salter. Her “Aunt Lib” taught Trudy

many life lessons.

“Aunt Lib really opened my eyes to God, and readily opened up Bible verses to me,” she said. “When I did something wrong, she would bring up a Bible verse and tell me that I needed to think about it. She was a strong Christian. God was first in her life. She would tell me to put first things first and everything else will fall into place. She told me if I didn’t put God first, then I was doing it on my own.”

In addition to life lessons, Trudy said she learned a lot about cooking from Aunt Lib and looked forward to going to her house for meals. Trudy said she has wonderful memories of her aunt’s tender yeast rolls, fried chicken, eight-layer Lane cake and pineapple sherbet. Her aunt also made homemade jams, jellies and relish. It was a joy for Tru

dy to go to her house and watch Aunt Lib cook.

After her Aunt Lib passed away, Trudy went through her recipe box and made copies of the recipe cards. A year later, she assembled them in a cook book and drew illustrations to create a book cover.

Trudy gave the assembled books to others in her ex tended family.

“My Aunt Lib was al ways willing to listen, share views, ideas and, of course, share her special touch in the kitchen,” Trudy said.

“These fond memories led me to compile a collection of a few of her recipes. Her dishes have often been a topic of conversation at our family gatherings. I thought that I should make some of them accessible to all of us.”

A few of Trudy’s favor ites from her Aunt Lib are featured in the recipes.

fruit mixture and stir.

BANANA NUT BREAD

1 stick butter or mar garine, room tempera ture

½ cup oil 2 cups sugar

4 eggs 2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp. baking soda

½ tsp. salt

6 ripe bananas, mashed

1½ cups chopped nuts

1 ½ cups raisins

Cream butter, sugar and oil. Add beaten eggs, nuts and raisins. Mix flour with soda and salt. Add to mixture.

Add mashed bananas. Stir in nuts and raisins.

Pour batter into greased loaf pans. Bake at 300 to 325 degrees about 1 hour or until test done. Baking time will vary according to size of loaf pans.

POUNDCAKE COOKIES

This recipe can be halved.

1 lb. butter, room temperature

2 cups sugar 4 egg yolks

5 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp. vanilla

Cream butter and sugar. Add egg yolks and beat . Add flour and vanilla, blending well.

Shape dough into rolls.

Refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake.

Slice rolls and place cookies on greased cookie sheets. Bake at 350 degrees until lightly brown.

SEAFOOD CHOWDER

1 cup chopped onion

½ cup chopped green peppers

1 clove garlic, crushed

2 Tbsp. oil

Three 8 oz. cans

Hunt’s tomato sauce with mushrooms

1/4 cup rice

1 can shrimp 2 to 7 oz. canned tuna, drained

1 tsp. salt 1 bay leaf

1/4 tsp. thyme

1 qt. hot water

Sauté onion, pepper in oil. Add other ingredi ents and bring to a boil.

Cover and let simmer for one hour. Remove bay leaf before serving. Serves 4 to 6.

CHOCOLATE FUDGE

2 cups sugar

4 Tbsp. cocoa

2 Tbsp. white corn syrup

2/3 cup milk or cream

2 Tbsp. butter

½ tsp. baking powder

½ to 1 tsp. vanilla

Nuts, if desired

Candy thermometer

Ideal temperature for the fudge is 235 degrees.

Mix sugar and cocoa, add corn syrup and cream. Cook, stirring occasionally, until sug ar has dissolved. Cook and stir occasionally until it forms a softball in cold water. Remove from stove, add butter, baking powder and vanilla.

Allow to cool partial ly, then beat until thick (not too thick to pour in pan). Cool and cut into serving pieces.

SPEEDY

CHEESECAKE

Graham cracker

Crust:

½ cup graham crack er crumbs

1/4 cup butter, melt ed

Filling: 8 oz. cream cheese softened

½ cup sugar

Two eggs

1 Tbsp. lemon juice

1 tsp. vanilla

Dash of salt

Topping:

1 cup sour cream

2 Tbsp. sugar

½ tsp. vanilla

To make crust, com bine graham cracker and melted butter. Pat into the bottom of a springform pan or deep dish pie plate.

For filling, beat cheese, adding sugar and eggs. Add lemon juice and, vanilla and salt. Pour over crust.

Combine topping in gredients and spoon over filling.

Bake at 325 degrees until filling is set. Can add fruit to the top, if desired.

ADOBO

2 lbs. pork, cut into pieces about 2 inches long and 1 ½ inches thick

½ cup vinegar

1 head garlic, pound ed

1 tsp. black pepper, ground

4 tsp. salt or soy sauce to taste

2 cups water

1 Tbsp. lard (or short ening)

Place pork in a large saucepan. Add vinegar, garlic, pepper, salt or soy sauce and water. Cover and cook slowly until most of the soup has evaporated and only a fourth of a cup remains.

Drain the soup in a cup and separate the pieces of garlic from the pork and fry in oil until brown. Add the pork and fry until brown. Add the soup and simmer five min utes. Serve hot. Deli cious over rice.

FRUIT SALAD

Three golden deli cious apples, cut into small pieces

Fresh pineapple, cubed, and a little sweet juice

Nuts, chopped Celery, finely chopped

Strawberries, sliced Kiwi fruit, sliced

Mayonnaise

Combine fruit, celery and nuts. Mix mayon naise with a little pine apple juice. Pour over

TEXTILE

CHARLOTTE RUSSE

3 eggs ( separate yokes from egg whites)

½ cup sugar

½ pint whipping cream

1 Tbsp. gelatin soaked in about 1/4 cup sherry, then dissolve gelatin/ sherry in about 1/4 cup boiling water

Whip cream until stiff. Whip egg whites until stiff.

Add sugar to egg yolk mixture. Then pour dis solved gelatin into mix ture and add quickly fold in whipped cream. Fold in egg whites and refrigerate until firm.

Note: Do not consume raw eggs if you are an expectant mom or have health issues.

SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE

3 cups mashed sweet potatoes

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

½ cup milk ½ tsp. salt 1 tsp. vanilla

Topping: 1 cup pecans

1 cup light brown sugar

½ stick butter

½ cup flour

Combine sweet pota toes, sugar, eggs, milk, salt and vanilla and beat until well blended. Pour into greased casserole dish. Combine topping ingredients and sprinkle over sweet potatoes. Bake 30 to 40 minutes at 350 degrees.

any

industrial setting before 1980:

a claim against the

manufacturers.

GUTHRIE'S >> FROM A7

to who we are since the original Guthrie’s opened in Haleyville, Alabama, and then expanded into the very first chicken fingersonly restaurant in Auburn. "While many have copied our approach, we’re still evolving as a restaurant brand even though our menu hasn’t changed. We’re going to be a big part of the Opelika community and the surrounding region. We know that everyone is going to love the freshness and speed of service

that families and friends have come to enjoy for generations.”

The new Opelika Guthrie’s is located at 1305 Columbus Parkway. The restaurant will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. To contact the store, call 334-275-4762 or visit guthrieschicken.com.

ABOUT GUTHRIE’S FRANCHISING:

Guthrie’s was founded in Haleyville, Alabama, in 1965 and, with the launch of its first chicken fingers-only restaurant in Auburn, Alabama, in 1982, the brand has grown to more than 40 locations across six states. Guthrie’s

is dedicated to a simple, yet complex single menuitem format using only the highest quality and freshest ingredients in Fast Casual. This allows franchisees to honor tradition while simultaneously disrupting typical menu diversification to create better opportunities for growth and profitability. Guthrie’s franchisees can expect their initial investment to range from $261,050 to $569,200 excluding real estate costs. For more information about franchising with Guthrie’s, visit guthrieschicken.com/ franchising. Every Wednesday in October at Courthouse Square.

couraged to wear their costumes.

The event runs three days, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, at the cen ter at 2222 N. College St. in Auburn. Hikes depart from the main pavilion at 10-minute intervals beginning at 5:30 p.m. The last hike of the night will depart at 7 p.m. with the event ending at 8 p.m. Tick ets are $10 per person; children 2 and under are free. Tickets are available for presale on the event website. This event will be postponed or cancelled in the event of inclement weath er — watch the KPNC website or Facebook page for updates.

NATURE NIGHTMARES

For true thrill seekers, Kreher has added a new event to its full lineup, too; Nature Nightmares will take place Thurs day, Oct. 20 from 8:30 to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, Oct. 21 and 22, from 8:30 to 10 p.m.

“We are very excited to offer our first scary Halloween event,” Buckman said. “With the lights off, the forest is pitch black. Every little sound or shadow will make you jump. Kreher’s trails will be terrifying at this event.

Nature Nightmares will be a great addition to the haunted events in our area, and it’s sure to frighten even the boldest among us. We’ll have zombies, witches, wraiths and all kinds of haunting surprises.”

Nature Nightmares is a haunted forest hike designed for teens and adults. The trails will be lit dimly or not at all with periodic horror scenes, spooky sounds and thematic lights, including some strobe lights. Volunteer cast members will be stationed throughout the forest with costumes and props to engage and frighten visitors. Anyone interested in volunteer ing can sign up on the event website.

Nature Nightmares’ cast will not include any representations of animals or plants.

“We don’t want peo ple to be afraid of the forest,” Buckman said. “It’s not inherently a scary place, and we want people to be comfortable

going into the forest, even at night. So, we are avoiding any animals or plants in our horrifying cast. No one should be scared of snakes or spiders. We are also making sure that none of the Nature Nightmares props are visible during the day, so our day visi tors can continue to hike without fear — no pun intended.”

The event runs three days, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, at the cen ter at 2222 N. College St. in Auburn. Hikes depart from the main pavilion at 10-minute in tervals beginning at 8:30 p.m. The last hike of the night will depart at 10 p.m. on Thursday and 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $10 per person; partici pants must be at least 13 years of age, and anyone under 19 must be ac companied by an adult. Tickets are available for presale as well as on-site on the day of the event. This event will be postponed or cancelled in the event of inclement weather — watch the

KPNC website or Face book page for updates.

More information is available on the cen ter’s website at www. wp.auburn.edu/preserve/ or the event website at www.aub.ie/enchanted forest and www.aub.ie/ naturenightmares.

The Kreher Preserve and Nature Center is a nonprofit, outreach facility of Auburn University's College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, providing education, recreation and leisure resources for local communities and the region. With nearly 120 acres of preserved forest and waterways, the nature center features over six miles of shaded hiking and running trails, in addition to a year-round calendar of nature-fo cused events, workshops and educational op portunities for all ages. Kreher is open with free admission every day of the year from dawn to dusk. Visit www.auburn. edu/preserve to learn more.

115 years ago AuburnBank was founded on the principles of sound money management and putting the customer first. As we’ve opened our new home in downtown Auburn, those principles still drive everything we do. Come by and help us celebrate our most recent success, and let’s talk about helping you achieve yours.

Located in beautiful downtown Opelika 223 S. 8th St. | 334-749-8003 www.opelikaobserver.com

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What's Happening in Lee County

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Oct. 21, 22, 28, 29, 31: Opelika's Haunted Walking Tour — 6 p.m. at 1032 S. Railroad Ave.

Oct. 25: AuthorDr. Wayne Flynt at Hotel at

Dixie Conference Center

McGinnis

Opelika

NAMI MEETING

NAMI East Alabama, the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), will meet on Nov. 15 at 7 p.m.

NAMI supports families dealing with mental illness through mutual support, education and advocacy. There will be a time for sharing. The public is invited. Meetings are held at 714 E. Glenn Ave. in Auburn.

TRUNK-OR-TREAT

Monday, Oct. 24, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Lee County Justice Center

Join the Lee County Sheriff's Office for a festive and fun Trunk-or-Treat! Trunk-or-Treat with our deputies and enjoy getting up close to your favor ite law enforcement vehicles. All while showing off your family's awesome Halloween costumes! Toys will be available for children with food sensitivi ties. There is no cost for this event.

O GROWS — SATURDAYS AT THE GARDEN

Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon outside the Southside Center for the Arts, located at 1103 Glenn St. in Opelika. Activities will include planting, storytime, crafts or art projects for children and hanging out with the goats.

MOPS International encourages and equips moms of young children to realize their potential as mothers, women and leaders in relationship with Jesus, and in partnership with the local church. Preschool mothers learn to take time out for motherhood during MOPS meetings around a theme and discussion. MOPS helps moms share their experiences and learn more about children’s unique needs from infants to kindergarten.

During MOPS’ meetings, a Moppets program is available for children. This program is taught and facilitated by volunteer childcare teach ers. This program allows little ones to work on lessons, activities, arts, crafts, and play. While the mothers are making friends, their children are too.

Auburn/Opelika MOPS meets twice a month on the first and third Thursday of each month from 9 to 11 a.m. at Pepperell Baptist Church at 2702 2nd Ave. in Opelika. MOPS’ autumn schedule is Sept. 15; Oct. 6, 20; Nov. 3, 17 and Dec. 1 and 15.

The MOPS theme this year is "coming together as friends." You can contact Coordinators Rachel Elrod at 706-244-5620 and Kaela Sexton at 719-351-8093, or you can email auburnopelikamops@gmail.com.

LEE/RUSSELL COUNTY LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP

The group will meet 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 there will be different topics 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.

COFFEE & CONVERSATION WITH VFW POST 5404

VFW Post 5404, 131 E. Veterans Blvd., Auburn, next to Ray's Col lision 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.

F O O D T R U C K F R I D A Y FS O O D T R U C K F R I D A Y S

TRUNK-OR-TREAT

Join us at Pepperell Baptist Church on Thursday, Oct. 27 from 5 to 7 p.m. for a community trunk-or-treat co-hosted with Auburn-Opelika MOPS (Mothers of Pre schoolers). This will be a great experience for the whole family. The children get an early start on candy, parents can pick up a treat at our “parent’s corner” and the whole family can snap a picture with Aubie (who will only be available from 5 to 6 p.m..). We look forward to meeting you. Pepperell Baptist Church is located at 2702 2nd Ave. in Opelika.

CHRISTMAS MARKET 2022

Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022

Auburn United Methodist Church 137 S. Gay St. in Auburn from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

There is no admission to attend. Park ing is available in the church lots on Magnolia and on Gay streets.

Shop local arts, crafts, food, traditional baked goods, frozen soups and casseroles.

For more than 50 years the United Women of Faith at Auburn United Meth odist Church have used all proceeds from their annual Christmas Market to support local area missions.

FISH FRY & BAKE SALE

The Standing Rock, Alabama Fish Fry & Bake Sale is set for Oct. 22, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Central Time at the old Standing Rock Community Center on Chambers County Road 278 in downtown Standing Rock, Alabama. Tickets are $15, and plates consist of fried catfish fillets, french fries, hush puppies, coleslaw, lemons, pickles and onions. Plates are available for dine-in or carryout, rain or shine. For tickets, call 706-333-8559 or 706-586-0252.

Proceeds benefit the Standing Rock, Alabama Community Center Building Project.

AUBURN/OPELIKA MOTHERS OF PRESCHOOLERS (MOPS) UNITE FOR A NEW YEAR!

N D O W N T O W N O P E L I K A

C T O B E R 7 T H & 2 1 S OT C T O B E R 7 T H & 2 1 S T

F irst John is a brief but

into

there’s a good possibility it will overwhelm

with its repetition of a cluster of words.

105

The Joy of Obedience

verses, “know” is used 32 times, “love” is used 27 times, “sin” is used 20 times, “life” and “brother” are used 12 times and “truth” is used 10 times. It’s like an explosion at a word factory. But if you’ll hang in there, you’ll start to see how all of these fit together.

John has told us in the first chapter that we can know we know in regard to the incarnation of Jesus (v. 1-4).

Contrary to the Gnostic influencers, Christ was not an apparition or phantom — he was flesh and blood. John and the other apostles were eyewitnesses who spent three years with Jesus,

so the good news is firmly rooted in reality, unlike the speculations of the Gnostics.

In chapter two, John unpacks “knowing” a little more as he moves us from knowing we can know about Jesus to knowing we know Him. This happens when we follow in His steps (v. 6) and obey His commands (v. 3).

He is emphatic about this, twice mentioning that this is how we know Him (v. 3, 5). He explains that obedience to His word means “the love of God is truly made complete in them” (v. 5). Our love for God completes its circuit. We’re not just loving

BIBLE VERSE

in words and speech, but with actions and truth (3:18). Obedience then is not only how we know we know God, it is also how we love Him.

This resulting assurance of knowing we know Him is fruit that comes from walking in the light. We have fellowship with Him. We are allowing Him work in our lives to produce fruit to His glory (John 15:5-8). In Paul’s words, we are working out our salvation with awe and reverence knowing “it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose” (Philippians

2:12-13).

Jesus told His disciples:

“If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:11).

What joy it is to know God is working in our lives. Don’t let anyone tell you different — there is JOY in obeying God!

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

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. — Psalm 27:14

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 Bethesda Baptist Church 201 S. 4th St., Opelika 334-745-7528

Beulah Baptist Church 5500 Lee Road 270,

The public is invited to Hallelujah Night! First Freewill Baptist Church and The Living Way Ministries’ fall festival will be held on Saturday, Oct. 29 from 6 to 8 p.m. at 3000 Columbus Parkway in Opelika. Wear you costumes and join us for pony rides, hayrides, a petting zoo, games, candy and a cake/ cupcake walk. A hotdog, chips and a drink will be provided, all free of charge. (No gory costumes please.)

Got Questions?

Valley 334-705-0538

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

Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 3089 Judge Brown Rd., 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

High Hope Baptist Church 227 Lee Road 673 334-524-8750

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

Providence Baptist Church 2807 Lee Road 166,

Opelika 334-745-4608

Union Grove Baptist Church 4009 Lee Road 391, Opelika 334-749-0461

CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ at Cunningham 2660 Cunningham Dr., Opelika

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

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

Southside Church Of Christ 405 Carver Ave., Opelika 334-745-6015

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

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

St. Ellis Full Gospel Church 5267 US Hwy 80W, Opelika 334-298-4319

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

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

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

WALTER ALBRITTON

RELIGION —

A young man, less than half my age, called and said, “I would like to talk with you man to man about a personal problem.” We met and talked for a while. He made me feel my counsel was helpful. I felt confident the young man would make the right decision about the

HAZEL SMITH PLUMMER

Hazel Smith Plummer, 91, resident of Ridge Grove, Alabama, passed away on Oct. 13, 2022, at East Alabama Medical Center, Opelika, Alabama. She was born in Chambers County, Alabama, on March 21, 1931.

Family will receive visitors prior to the memorial service, which will be held at Center Baptist Church, 2511 Co. Rd. 33, LaFayette, Alabama.

The memorial service will begin at 3 p.m. CST on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022 with H. Lamar Smith officiating.

Hazel was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie M. and Irene Bence Smith, her husband, William R. Plummer, her brother, Lynn Smith, and her sister, Ruby Mosley.

Hazel graduated from Ridge Grove High School in Chambers County, Alabama, and after completing business college, she worked at Ware’s Jewelers in Auburn and as a secretary at Auburn University. She met her future husband there, and they married in December of 1952. Hazel was an Air Force wife for 24 years, and after her

The Biggest Fool in Town

dilemma he was facing. What impressed me most was not that he thought I was wise, but that he was wise enough to seek the advice of his elders.

The biggest fool in town is the person who thinks he is the smartest man in the room. He knows everything and seeks counsel from no one. Such people have the arrogance of the old Radio Shack commercial: “You’ve got questions. We’ve got answers.” Fools have answers for all questions. The longer I live, the more I realize how little I know.

In counseling my young friend, I tried to avoid giving him

husband’s retirement, returned to Ridge Grove. She worked as a bookkeeper at Lafayette High School, and as Director of the Child Nutrition program for Chambers County. She devoted many hours of service to the Ridge Grove Volunteer Fire Department.

Hazel is survived by one daughter, Gayle Plummer Elliott (Chris) of Tupelo, Mississippi, and two sons, William Charles Plummer (Donna) of Smiths Station, and Jeffry Alan Plummer (Mary) of Montgomery, and one sister, Linda S. Giddens (Wayne) of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, three sisters-in-law, Betty Barfield (Doug) of Opelika, Cissy Crim (Dewey) of Atlanta, Georgia, and Martha Smith of LaFayette, Alabama, along with her best friend, Mevelyn Andrews White, of Auburn.

Her six grandchildren were the joy of her life: Amy Salyer (Luke) of Denver, CO, William “Billy” Plummer (Barbi) of Auburn, Alan Plummer (Amanda) of Arlington Heights, Illinois, Emily Salyer of Denver, Colorado, Jaryd Plummer (Emily) of Montgomery, and

answers. Instead I encouraged him to seek wisdom from God and ask for His guidance. I could do that because I am convinced that the good Lord is as willing to guide an ordinary person seeking His help as He is the pope. James believed that. He said, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (1:5).

There is no one who does not need more wisdom. No matter how much we have, there is room for more. Only a fool thinks he need not ask God daily for more wisdom. Without

sufficient godly wisdom, we shall become what James calls a “doubleminded” man who is “unstable in all his ways.” To gain wisdom from God, one must believe that God is willing to give it. Either God will guide our lives or He won’t. So, wise is the person, young or old, who chooses by faith to believe that the Lord will guide his life by providing generously the wisdom requested.

During life’s journey most of us face perplexing times when we simply do not know what to do next. It is in those situations, when our decisions will result in ruin or relief, that we desperately need godly

OBITUARIES

Kelsy Hill (Ethan) of Hoover, Alabama. She also welcomed her first great-grandchild, Poppy Plummer of Auburn, in August of this year. In addition, she has many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the: Alabama Sheriffs Youth Ranches 2680 Bell Road, Montgomery, AL 36117.

DORA LOVERN CARSON

Dora Lovern Carson, 81, resident of Opelika, passed away to be with Jesus Christ on Oct. 13, 2022, and passed away at her home in Opelika. She was born in Oconee County, Georgia, on May 1, 1941. Dora graduated from Monroe High School in Monroe, Georgia, in 1959. After graduating from high school, she went to Atlanta, Georgia, and was employed fulltime at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC). While working full-time at the AJC, she modeled clothes on the weekends at Rich's Department Store in downtown Atlanta for several years.

In 1967, she stated she met the "love of her life" and married Brad Carson of Valley (Fairfax), Alabama, on Nov. 18, 1967. They were married at the First United Methodist Church on Peachtree Street in Atlanta. Dora and Brad were together and married for 55 years.

Dora worked for Farmer's National Bank in Opelika as an administrative assistant to the president for several years. She also participated in many civic clubs in Opelika. She was very active in her church, Trinity United Methodist Church in Opelika. Dora retired from Auburn University in 2019, after 16 years of employment and service.

Dora was an avid Auburn University fan in all sports, but especially football. She and Brad attended Auburn football games for 45 years. Dora was also named as a honorary alumna at Auburn.

Dora was preceded in death by her father, Paul Lovern; her mother, Willie Mae Lovern; brother, Dewey Lovern; and sister, Martha Lovern McElroy.

Dora is survived

wisdom. That’s why Alcoholics Anonymous has been wise to teach struggling people to pray the Serenity Prayer: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can and wisdom to know the difference.”

The meat of that prayer is in the last five words — “wisdom to know the difference.” God alone can reveal what things we need to change — and provide us the strength to make the changes. The Brazilian author Paulo Coelho offers us his wisdom in this clever statement: “The secret of life, though, is to fall seven times and to get up eight

times.” That, of course, is true, but each of us needs God’s wisdom to know how to get up the eighth time — and what to do after we get up.

The “world” offers its wisdom in many ways. One is the internet, a popular cultural idol worshipped by many. God invites us to seek wisdom from Him so we may become children fit for Kingdom business. There is a plethora of information available but knowledge without God’s wisdom can lead to boredom, misery and even disaster. We shall be wise to humble ourselves and seek God’s wisdom — and the strength to practice it in everyday life.

by her husband, Brad Carson; sister, Mary Wright; sister, Rachel Deloach; and brothers, Earnest Lovern and Donald Lovern. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

To be absent from the body is to be with Jesus Christ. "Glory"

A funeral service was held Sunday, Oct.16, 2022, in the chapel at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home with burial in Garden Hills Cemetery.

ROBERT “SONNY” MURRY GUY JR.

We celebrate the life of Robert “Sonny” Murry Guy Jr. who entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on Oct. 11, 2022. He was reunited with his parents, Robert Murry Guy and Jane Perry Guy. He is survived by his cherished wife of 46 years, Linda Madsen Guy.

Sonny loved his children, Murry Guy (Ti ff any), Perry Guy Wright (Gabriel), Wendy Guy Hickey (Jesse), and Jonathan Guy (Anna) and his 10 grandchildren who call him “Papa.” He is, also, survived by his beloved brother, Michael Guy

(Belva), sister-inlaw, Wendy Holden (David), and brotherin-law, Andy Madsen, along with a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Sonny was born on Feb. 21, 1949, in Opelika, Alabama.

He graduated from Opelika High School in 1967, and then served his country in the US Army. After his military service, Sonny attended Auburn University and graduated in 1974. Upon graduation, he began a 36-year career working for the State of Alabama Department of Labor. His life’s passion was to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ and disciple others. Sonny was a man who loved to pray and study the Bible.

Some of his favorite verses were:

Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove

OBITUARIES >>

FROM

what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Romans 12:1-2

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

Visitation was held on Friday, Oct. 14, 2022, at Gateway Family Church in Auburn, Alabama, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11 a.m. The graveside service was held at Shady Grove Community Cemetery in Opelika. The Revs. Michael Allen, Mike Wright and Daniel Martin officiated the services. The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to our friends and family.

In lieu of flowers,

OCM Ministries Holds Fall Festival

memorials may be made to Gateway Family Church, 1221 Commerce Drive, Auburn, Alabama 36830.

ROSE TUREE THOMAS

Rose Turee Thomas, 61, of Opelika, Alabama, passed away on Oct. 16, 2022, at the Bethany House in Auburn, after a long battle with ovarian cancer. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend.

She was born Oct. 22, 1960, at the Wheeler Clinic in LaFayette, Alabama, to George Dewey Wooddy and Gracie Wooddy (Bone). Turee is preceded in death by her son, Matthew Thomas and her father, George Dewey Wooddy. She is survived by her husband, Butch Thomas of Opelika, grandson Javian Thomas of Opelika,

her mother Gracie Wooddy of LaFayette, sisters Debra Beckwith (Campbell) of LaFayette, Alabama, Twyla Arthur of Opelika, Ashley Oliver (Steve) of LaFayette, and several nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind a dog and three cats she dearly loved.

Turee worked in manufacturing most of her life, having been employed with Diversified products 10 years and Uniroyal for 19 years until the plant closed. She was a member of Antioch Baptist Church in LaFayette, where she grew up and came to know Jesus as her Lord and savior. She was an avid Auburn Tigers and Atlanta Falcons football fan. She also enjoyed traveling with her sister Twyla.

A graveside service has been planned for Friday, Oct. 21, 2022, at 2 p.m. at the Garden Hill Cemetery in Opelika.

OCM Ministries helped host a fall festival on Saturday, Oct. 15 at the Mount of Transfiguration Church.

COMICS

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

OHS

D. MARK MITCHELL

PLAYOFF FRINGES

OPELIKA —

Opelika hosted region foe Enterprise (EHS) at Bulldog Stadium last Friday night. First-year Enterprise head coach Ben Blackmon returned to Opelika (OHS), where he started his coaching career as an assistant under then-coach Spence McCracken.

Blackmon's Wildcats beat Opelika, 22-14.

The Bulldogs fall to 5-4 overall and 4-3 in region 2 with the loss.

OHS scored the first lead of the game on a 5-yard pass from junior QB Roman Gagliano to senior tight end Tae Gay. EHS answered with a 4-yard passing touchdown, and made the 2-point conversion to take an 8-7 lead. Jamari Miller then caught a 28-yard pass from Gagliano for the last Opelika touchdown of the game. The Wildcats scored a touchdown in the third and fourth quarters to win the game 22-14. Opelika failed to score in the second half despite out-gaining Enterprise in total yards, 232 to 182.

Individually for Opelika, Gagliano was 17-of-32 for 143 yards and two touchdowns,

running back Jacorey Thorntan rushed 12 times for 83 yards and Miller added 53 receiv ing yards and one score on three catches.

OPELIKA AT DOTHAN / PLAYOFF PICTURE

Opelika travels to Dothan (5-3 R-3-3) Friday night for the last regular season game. The Wolves are 3-3 in the region and are one of five teams alive for two playoff spots. Opelika is one of the five teams trying to earn a playoff berth. For the first time since 2009, OHS could miss the playoffs.

The Bulldogs need to beat Dothan and hope Prattville loses to Central and Auburn, or hope Enterprise splits its games with Lee and JD. Bottom line, OHS needs to win and watch the scoreboard.

Dothan is coached by former Enterprise defensive coordinator Jed Kennedy. In his first season in charge, Kennedy has led the Wolves to a 5-3 re cord. The Wolves beat Carroll (45-19), Lee (42-14), Prattville (1410), Smiths Station (5743) and Baker (43-15). The three losses came against Auburn (14-42), Central (35-28) and Enterprise (51-28).

Area Football Roundup: Week 9

Three Undefeated Teams Go Down

The Central Phenix City Red Devils defeated Auburn High last Friday, 38-17, in a clash of the top two teams in the highest division of high school football in Alabama.

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

LEE COUNTY —

Heading into last Friday, four local high school football teams remained undefeated.

Following the weekend, only one remains. Friday saw Auburn, Beauregard and Loachapoka pick up their first losses of

the season. Lee-Scott emerged at the top of the totem pole, defeating Valiant Cross, 42-7, to move its record to 8-0.

Opelika fell further be hind the 7A playoff race with a loss to Enterprise; Smiths Station and Beulah dropped games; and Glenwood locked up a playoff berth.

The following is a breakdown of how area

teams fared in week nine of the 2022 high school football season. All stats were compiled firsthand, by school sources or by www.Maxpreps.com.

AHSAA

AUBURN 17 | CENTRAL 38

The varsity Auburn High School football team (7-1, R6-1) lost its first game of the season Friday night, falling 38-17 to region foe, the

Central Phenix City Red Devils (7-2, R6-1). Central jumped on the Tigers 14-0 after two first quarter fumbles, and never surrendered the lead. Shutout from the end zone in the first half, Auburn registered a touchdown in both the third and fourth quarters. Auburn’s two touchdowns came

See ROUNDUP

Auburn Looks to Turn Season Around During Off-Week

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

AUBURN —

The Auburn Tigers are facing a grim reality.

Following Saturday’s 48-34 loss to No. 9 Ole Miss, the Tigers are 3-4 on the season and 3-9 in their last 12 games, matching the program’s worst mark since the See AUBURN, page B6

PHOTO BY JERRY BALLAS / FOR THE OBSERVER

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY AU ATHLETICS TODD VAN EMST

Beauregard Volleyball Wins Area

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

BEAUREGARD —

The varsity Beauregard High School volleyball team hosted and won its postseason area tourna ment last week.

“Our motto this year has been ‘All in,’” said head coach Kathy McDonald. “We are all in this together, we are all in it for the same thing, so we are build ing off of that.”

The Hornets clinched the regular season 5A Area 5 title earlier this season, giving the team the right to host the postseason tournament.

According to Maxpreps. com, the Hornets fin ished 15-5 in the regular season. After watching the first games of the ar ea tournament play out with a bye in the first round, Beauregard had

already done enough to clinch a berth into regionals.

“The top two [teams] go to regionals,” McDonald said. “So, at that point we just had to play for seeding.”

Following the defeat of Valley at the hands of the Eufaula Tigers, the Hornets then faced the Tigers in the champion ship match. Beauregard defeated Eufaula 3-0 (25-19, 25-18, 25-18) to secure the area title.

“[I was most im pressed by] the girls just working together as a team,” McDonald said. “With the sup port from the players that did not go into the game and the support from the fans … we were battling some sickness … I felt like I could put anybody in and they would be ready.”

The Hornets

Beulah, Beauregard Announce HOCO Court

Jenkins (9th grade), Lucy

(10th grade), Ainslie Stowes (11th grade), Molly Conway (11th grade), Reagan Brooks (9th grade) and Destiny Marshall (10th grade). Front row from left to right: Kinslee Morris (12th grade), Erica Har man (12th grade) and Haleigh Dennison (12th grade).

is a proud sponsor of local sports and will be drawing for a free photo shoot (one per school) at the end of the season.

Hornets

of the

City

High School Player of the Week.

field.

THE ONLY BHS POINTS WITH A FIRST-QUARTER FIELD GOAL

proud to sponsor the

The Beauregard High School Homecoming Court was announced this week. The Homecoming Queen will be announced at Friday's home football game against Jemison on Oct. 21. Pictured back row from left to right:

Beulah High School announced its Homecoming Court this week. The Homecoming Queen will be announced at the home football game, Oct. 21, against Weaver. Pictured L-R: Payton Shoemaker (8th grade), Taylor Ross (9th grade), Abrianna Green (11th grade), Amaya Dunn, Dessy Pollard, Jasmine Karch (12th grade), Aubryn Trammell (11th grade), Madyson Snedigar (10th Grade) and Emerson Willingham (7th grade).

The varsity Beauregard volleyball team poses with its plaque after winning the 5A Area 5 postseason tournament.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

PHOTOS

TO

OBSERVER

Bulldogs Fall Behind the Pack

Red Devils Tame Tigers in 7A Clash

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

The varsity Opelika High School football team lost its fourth game of the season last Friday, Oct. 14, falling to region foe Enterprise, 22-14. For more information about the game, read D. Mark Mitchell's column or "Area Football Roundup: Week 9" on page B1.

The varsity Auburn High School football team lost its first game of the season, Friday, Oct. 14, falling to the Central Phenix City Red Devils by a score of 38-17. For more information about the game, read "Area Football Roundup: Week 9" page B1.

PHOTOS BY JERRY BALLAS / FOR THE OBSERVER

Lady Panthers Overcome Knights, Fall to Tigers

Auburn High Wins Area Volleyball Tournament

The Smiths Station Lady Panthers flag football team defeated Montgomery Catholic, 18-0, and fell to Auburn, 27-20, in a tri-match last week.

PHOTOS BY MATT AUSTIN / FOR THE OBSERVER

PHOTOS BY MATT AUSTIN FOR THE OBSERVER

The varsity Auburn High School volleyball team defeated Central Phenix City 3-0 to claim the postseason 7A Area Region 4 title. Auburn defeated Opelika in the first round, 3-0, and Central defeated Smiths Station, 3-0, to advance to regionals before AHS was crowned champions.

Auburn Men’s Basketball No. 15 In Preseason Associated Press Top 25 Poll

BY AU ATHLETICS

AUBURN —

For the second-straight year, Auburn men’s basket ball was ranked in the pre season Associated Press Top 25 Poll coming in at No. 15 on Monday.

The Tigers have now been ranked four times in the last five years in the preseason AP Poll: 2018 (No. 11), 2019 (No. 24) and 2021 (No. 22). They were also ranked in the preseason Top 25 by KenPom (No. 13), CBS Sports (No. 14), Blue Ribbon

College Yearbook (No. 15), Rothstein 45 (No. 17), The Almanac (No. 18) and Andy Katz Preseason Power 36 (No. 24).

Junior guards Wendell Green Jr. (Detroit, Michigan) and K.D. Johnson (Atlanta, Georgia) are the team’s top two returning scorers, aver aging 12.3 points and 12.0 points per game respectively in 2021-22.

Last season, the Tigers finished No. 8 in the final AP Poll after recording the thirdmost wins in program histo ry with a 28-6 overall record,

2012 season in which Auburn went 3-9.

Second-year head coach Bryan Harsin is firmly embattled on the hot seat. With a bye this weekend, Harsin has this final stretch of the sea son to try and right the ship. The process may prove futile, however, with the majority of the fanbase firmly planted in the “Harsin out” camp. But there is much still to play for as the Tigers look to the future.

The hopeful

first-ever No. 1 ranking in both national polls with two eventual first-round NBA Draft picks in AllAmericans Jabari Smith and Walker Kessler. The Tigers open the 2022-23 season Nov. 7 at home against George Mason. 2022-23 PRESEASON

ASSOCIATED PRESS TOP 25 POLL

turnaround for Auburn should begin by analyz ing last weekend’s loss.

The obvious negative arises from the Tigers’ defensive performance.

Thought of as the strength of the team early this season, the unit has largely under performed. Against Ole Miss, Auburn’s defense allowed a ghastly 448 rushing yards and 578 in total. Yes, the absence of edge rusher Eku Leota (who is out for the sea son with an injury that occurred earlier in the schedule) and the ingame injury to defensive tackle Coby Wooden

meant Auburn was clearly not at full strength.

But the fact that Auburn deployed only five different defensive linemen throughout the game lends to the unit’s over all lack of depth and quality. Furthermore, the strength of Auburn’s defense this year — the secondary — allowed Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart to torch the unit for three touchdown passes, one more than the unit had previously allowed all season. And lastly, pointing to the defense's struggles over all, were the 23 missed tackles. Riding the trend of season-worst per formances, the Tigers’ previous high of missed tackles in a game in

2022 was 11.

The rest (as if there are not enough already) of Auburn’s problems stem from the offensive side of the ball. For starters, Auburn is tied at No. 130 nationally (second to worst) in turnovers lost, with 16 in total. Many of those have come from the in experienced QB Robby Ashford; his decision making is another issue that most likely won’t be solved in 2022.

However, combine that stat with an Auburn de fense that has struggled to force takeaways, and the result is a team that ranks dead last in turn over margin (-11) in the FBS.

Furthermore, the of fensive line remains an issue for Auburn. It may

look like the unit had a solid day with the Tigers racking up 301 total rushing yards, but most of that came from two moments of individual brilliance as junior run ning back Tank Bigsby broke free for big runs.

In reality, take away the big runs from Bigsby and scrambles from Ashford, and the O-line gave up another three sacks while failing to help rushers gain more than two yards on 56% of the attempts.

There were some positive outcomes from Saturday’s game. First, no one deserved a good game more than Bigsby and he finally had his breakout, finishing with 180 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

Secondly, the Tigers

seemingly broke their second-half scoring woes with 17 points in the second half against Ole Miss, although the offense was only opened up due to the Tigers’ initial 17-0 deficit in the first quarter. Lastly, it’s safe to say the quarter back rotation is over.

Although Ashford has been a turnover machine this year, the redshirt freshman has provid ed a clear spark to the Auburn offense. After season-opening starter T.J. Finley entered the game and was promptly sacked and fumbled the ball, he sat the bench for the remainder of the contest. Ashford should get 100% of the reps go ing forward.

So, with all this nega tivity, is it even possible for Auburn to turn it around in 2022? Well, that depends on your definition of turning it around. And there is no one way to achieve it. The coaching staff should focus on getting healthy, developing depth, continuing to build the chemistry of the offensive line and instilling confidence in Ashford during the remainder of this bye week. The fans of the orange-and-blue may just want to close their eyes... and only open them once it’s 2023.

PHOTOS BY TODD VAN EMST / AU ATHLETICS

capturing a Southeastern Conference regular-season title and turning in their first

undefeated season at home at Neville Arena (16-0). AU also earned its

PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

Auburn head basketball coach Bruce Pearl and junior shooting guard K.D. Johnson.

Auburn Vet Student Receives 2022 Phi Kappa Phi Love of Learning Award

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

AUBURN —

Amanda Bentley of Auburn, Alabama, was recently awarded a Love of Learning Award worth $500 from The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the na tion's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines.

Bentley is one of 200 recipients to receive the award.

Love of Learning Awards are de signed to help fund

post-baccalaureate pro fessional development for active Phi Kappa Phi members including graduate or professional studies, doctoral disser tations, continuing edu cation, travel related to teaching and research, career development and more.

Bentley, a veteri nary student at Auburn University, will use funds from the award to apply for rotating small animal internships in veterinary medicine.

Bentley was initi ated into Phi Kappa Phi in 2021 at Auburn

University.

Established in 2007, the Love of Learning Program gives 200 awards annually. The selection process for a Love of Learning Award is based on the applicant's academic achievement, campus and community service, intended use of award funds as it relates to academic and career goals and a personal statement.

Since 1932, Phi Kappa Phi's awards program has recognized members and students on its chapter campuses

Former OMS Student Begins Journey at ASFA

Chloe L. Floyd, a former sixth grade student at Opelika Middle School, was accepted at The Alabama School of Fine Arts (ASFA) in Birmingham, Ala bama, this school year. The Alabama School of Fine Arts is a competitively admitted, partially-residential public school for advanced study in the cre ative and performing arts, as well as and math and science. ASFA students attend a full day of academic courses and spend up to three hours each day receiving advanced instruction in one of six specialty areas: creative writing, dance, math/science, music, theater arts or visual arts. Floyd is a seventh grade student in the Creative Writing Department. She completed the 20212022 school year in the Advanced Track at OMS and received the won derful news of her ASFA acceptance this summer. Floyd has earned A-B Honor status during her first quarter at ASFA and is flourishing in her spe cialty area. Her parents, Chris and Dr. Camille Floyd, and brother, Christo pher Floyd II, are extremely proud of her accomplishment.

for outstanding aca demic achievement. In addition to the Love of Learning Program, Phi Kappa Phi awards graduate and disserta tion fellowships, study abroad grants and grants for local, nation al and international lit eracy initiatives. Each year $1.3 million is awarded through award programs that recog nize nearly 500 individ uals annually.

For a full list of re cipients, visit www. PhiKappaPhi.org/ LoL2022recipients. To learn more about

all of Phi Kappa Phi's award programs, visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org/ Awards.

ABOUT PHI KAPPA PHi

Founded in 1897, Phi Kappa Phi is the na tion's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines.

Phi Kappa Phi inducts approximately 25,000 students, faculty, pro fessional staff and alumni annually. The society has chapters on more than 325 select colleges and univer sities in the United States, its territories

and the Philippines. Membership is by in vitation only to the top 10% of seniors and graduate students and 7.5% of juniors.

Faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction also qualify. The society's mission is "To recognize and promote academic ex cellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others." For more information, visit www. PhiKappaPhi.org.

3-6,

CHLOE L. FLOYD

SPORTS >> FROM B1

After last week's game, OHS head coach Erik Speakman talked about the importance of putting everything behind you, going to Dothan and playing the team’s best game.

You can listen to the Opelika/Dothan game on WKKR 97.7 Kicker FM presented by the Orthopaedic Clinic, on line at kickerfm.com and on the iHeartRadio app. Airtime is 6:30 p.m. for the pre-game show, with kickoff set for 7 p.m.

OHS FLAG FOOTBALL

The Opelika Lady Bulldog Flag Football team will hold its senior night ceremony before its last regular season game, Tuesday, Oct. 25 at 5:30 p.m. OHS will then play either Loachapoka or Booker T. Washington in the first round of the playoffs, Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 5:30 p.m. If Opelika wins the first round playoff game, the Bulldogs will play Auburn Oct. 27 at 5:30 p.m. All playoff games will be played at Auburn's Duck Samford Stadium.

CROSS COUNTRY

Opelika Cross Country teams from OMS and OHS ran in the 26th Annual Tiger Classic at Auburn's Kiesel Park last Saturday. This is the last regular season meet be fore the Sectional Meet, Oct. 29 at Kiesel Park.

D. Mark Mitchell is the sports director at iHeart Media, host of “On the Mark” Fox Sports the Game 910-1310, co-chair of the Auburn-Opelika Sports Council, chair man of the Super 7 and Dixie Boys Baseball state director.

BEAUREGARD

B3

competed in the start of regionals, Oct. 19, in Montgomery with a game against the Citronelle Wildcats.

To see continued success, McDonald said she expects her players to continue to trust one another as they have all season.

“Cleaning up our game and not making errors and continuing to work together … trusting in each other and knowing that if they make a mistake

Great Rates For Young Drivers

it’s not the end of the world, will help us moving forward,” she said.

Beauregard faces a prospective sec ond-round match up against either Providence Christian (Dothan) or Marbury if it advances past the first round. The semi-final and cham pionship rounds take place Thursday, Oct. 20. Beauregard would need to beat four schools to be crowned region champions. To qualify to advance to state, the Hornets need to win just its first two

matchups. One loss, however, ends the Hornets’ 2022 cam paign. But Beauregard is not going down without a fight.

“That’s one of the biggest things about our team — if they get down they don’t show a lot of negative emotion, they just really support each other,” McDonald said.

“They don’t have a lot of negative things to say to each other … they don’t worry about who makes a mistake … they just play; they just continue to push forward.”

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

BETH PINYERD

Before October flies by, I wanted to review and remind the readers that this month is National Book Month. I know we have so many modern ways of reading stories, but nothing takes the place of a good book. I look forward to reading books every Tuesday to early childhood chil dren at Trinity United Methodist Church. Being older, I absolute ly love the way these children engage in the stories by asking ques tions, doing coloring pages and so many

other staff-supported activities.

Children love to listen to a book being read. From toddlers on up in age, they sit spellbound as books are being read with pictures. I love to visit the new Opelika Public Library and check out many wonderful books that go with the letter the preschoolers are studying each week, or books with seasonal themes. The staff at the library go the extra mile in helping teachers and parents find what is needed to teach young children. In the Opelika

October Celebrates National Book Month

City Schools, as an ele mentary student in the early childhood grades, I can still remember how much I looked forward to the 30 min utes each day that our teachers would read to us — usually after lunch. These were usu ally chapter books, and we couldn’t wait to hear what the next chapter was all about. I can still remember getting lost in the mystery series “Nancy Drew,” written under the collective names as a pseudonym, Carolyn Keene.

Since 2002, October has been recognized as National Book Month. Reading has so many benefits in overall learn ing. We gain knowledge from reading. Our vo cabulary increases as we read and learn new words. Our memories are exercised as our brains remember the characters in the book, how the plot unfolds and other details that contribute to the story. Reading books con tributes to sensory and mental stimulation, as well as reduces stress.

With all the benefits of reading books, how

can we, as educators and parents, encourage our children to love reading? Here are some tips I have gained from experience, but have also gleaned from other teachers and parents.

1. Reading aloud to your children benefits and encourages them to love books. From one of my earlier ar ticles, “Babies Can Read Too!”, babies and young children can lis ten to your voice, see the pictures and help you turn the thick card board pages and vinyl books. Young children can express a choice of the books they want to read. Preschool children love for us to read their favorite books over and over. This is where we teachers and parents can simply meet the need.

2. Provide books around your home. In the preschool and el ementary classroom, I love to see children totally absorbed and engaged in looking at books in the Book Center. Providing books, newspapers and magazines reinforces the importance of read ing and the enjoyment

ROUNDUP

from senior receivers Logan Blomeyer and Marcellus Josephson. The loss moved Central ahead of Auburn — to the No. 1 spot — in the 7A stand ings. The Red Devils con trol their own destiny in the region with two more weeks left in the regular season. Auburn travels to play region foe Prattville on Friday, Oct. 21, and host Smiths Station for the regular-season finale on Oct. 28. The AHSAA playoffs are scheduled to begin Nov. 4.

OPELIKA 14 |

ENTERPRISE 22

The Opelika High School varsity football fell to 5-4, R4-3, with a 14-22 home loss to region foe Enterprise (5-3, R33). Junior quarterback Roman Gagliano threw two touchdown passes, 143 yards and two inter ceptions. Senior Tae Gay and sophomore Jamari Miller were on the re ceiving end of Gagliano’s touchdown passes. Miller led the ‘Dawgs with six catches for 53 yards and one score. The loss moved Opelika out of a region playoff spot, needing help from other results now to clinch a berth. Opelika needs Prattville to lose both of its final two games (against Auburn and Central), and beat Dothan on the road in the regular-season finale Oct. 21 to move into a playoff spot.

SMITHS STATION 14 | JEFFERSON DAVIS 42

The varsity Smiths Station High School foot ball team (1-7, R1-5) fell, 42-14, to Jefferson Davis (3-5, R2-4) last Friday. Smiths fell behind early, 14-0, but rallied to tie the game at 14 by half time. The Panthers were

of reading books. Guide young children on how to take good care of their books.

3. Have your children choose books they will enjoy. As I have said be fore, our local libraries and staff are so good in guiding parents, teach ers and children to the books in which they are showing interest.

4. Show or model to children how much you enjoy reading. Share with them what you are reading, and ask them to read along with you. Have you ever noticed that members of the Greater Generation of our society are avid readers? I see them reading in libraries, at home and outside on pretty days. Their model encourages this Baby Boomer to want to read more to gain wisdom and enjoyment. Also, our community seniors do a wonderful job in intergenerational outreach to our young children.

5. Reading is a won derful entertainment activity for children and their families. Choosing a night to read and share a good book also

outscored 28-0 in the final two quarters. The Panthers can avoid finish ing last in the 7A Region 2 by beating Lee (0-8, R0-6) in their penultimate regular season game on Oct. 21. The Panthers close out the season with a road matchup against Auburn (7-1, R6-1) on Oct. 28.

BEAUREGARD 3 | CENTRAL OF CLAY COUNTY 28

The varsity Beauregard High School football team (7-1, R4-1) fell, 28-3, to region foe Central of Clay County (6-2, R5-0) last Friday night. Beauregard struck first with a first quarter field goal, but then failed to register any points for the rest of the contest. The Hornets totaled just 229 all-pur pose yards and turned the ball over once. The loss moved Beauregard behind Central at the top of the 5A Region 4 standings. The Hornets have three more games on the schedule: Jemison (2-6), Lincoln (4-4) and Marbury (4-5).

BEULAH 7 | RANDOLPH COUNTY 47

The varsity Beulah High School football team (1-7, R1-4) fell to undefeat ed Randolph County, 47-7, last Friday night. Beulah’s lone score came from an 80-yard kickoff return for touchdown by junior re ceiver LJ Fitzpatrick in the first quarter. Coming up next, the Bobcats play the Weaver Bearcats (Weaver, Alabama) in a 3A Region 4 battle, on Friday, Oct. 21. Beulah will attempt to advance on its 1-7 season record. The Bearcats go into the battle with a 1-7 record after their 22-12 league loss to Wellborn (Anniston, Alabama).

LOACHAPOKA 8 | MAPLESVILLE 38

The varsity Loachapoka High School football team

strengthens family rela tions over the different ages within the family. During sharing time, remove the distractions of television and phone. The entertainment is free.

6. Also, October is recognized as National Reading Group Month. Its mission is to promote the values of books and reading. Gathering a group of friends to form a book club can provide fellowship with new friends where you read passages from chosen books and discuss the content. When volun teering with the elderly in facilities, I absolute ly love to be a part of their book clubs, which usually meet once a month. This same form of fellowship can be done with children, too, in meeting at homes and having inexpensive book-themed clubs.

Abraham Lincoln emphasized the value of books so well: “The things I want to know are in books. My best friend is the man who’ll give me a book I haven’t read.”

Beth Pinyerd, Classroom Observer

(7-1, R5-1) fell on the road, 38-8, to Maplesville (6-2, R6-0) last Friday night.

Loachapoka never really got going in its first loss of the season, registering its lonely touchdown (and two-point conversion) in the third quarter when the deficit was already insur mountable. Loachapoka closes out its regular season Friday, Oct. 21, at home against Billingsley (3-5).

AISA LEE-SCOTT 42 | VALIANT CROSS 7

The varsity Lee-Scott Academy football team (80, R6-0) defeated Valiant Cross (2-5) 42-7 Friday night to remain undefeat ed. Quarterback Pelzer

Reaves led the Lee-Scott offense, going 7-of-7 pass ing for 162 yards and two touchdowns. His favorite target on the night was junior Jake White, who hauled in five targets for 120 yards and two touch downs. White added an other score on the ground, and Andrew Hahn and Jonathan Meyers scored two and one rushing touchdowns, respectively. The dominant Lee-Scott defense allowed just 203 total yards. Lee-Scott has two more home, regular season matchups on its schedule: Oct. 21 against Fort Dale (3-5); Oct. 28 against Edgewood (4-4).

GLENWOOD 49 | AUTAUGA ACADEMY 13

The varsity Glenwood High School football team (5-3, R5-1) defeated conference foe Autauga Academy (3-4, R2-4), 49-13, Friday, Oct. 14.

The Gators recorded their third straight win behind a 29-point first quarter.

The Gators finish out the regular season Friday, Oct. 28, in a home, con ference matchup against Chambers Academy (6-2, R3-0).

L

labama Politics ee County & A

Inside the Statehouse

Congressional Delegation Reelected in November

Services Committee.

Auburn's 2022 State of the City Address Set for Nov. 16

STEVE FLOWERS

OPINION —

Our Alabama congressional delegation will all be reelected next month, as usual.

We are no different than any other state when it comes to the incumben cy advantage of being in Congress. When some one is elected to the U.S. Congress, they are usually there for life un less they run for higher office. They probably would not be defeated unless they killed some one, and that probably would not be enough. It would probably depend on who they killed.

Congress is so divided and acrimonious along party lines that if they killed another member of Congress from a different party, it would probably help them and enshrine them in their seat for life. The reelec tion rate for members of the U.S. Congress is over 93%. That is sim ilar to the Communist Russian Politburo.

Our Congress is more akin to the British Parliament, where they quasi-own their seat.

Our delegation will have one new member.

Dale Strong will take the Republican seat of Mo Brooks in the 5th District, HuntsvilleTennessee Valley area. He started early and stayed late. He began the campaign

as the favorite and remained the front runner throughout the two-year campaign to capture the open seat. Strong has been a popular chairman of the Madison County Commission. He is a native Huntsvillian and was even educated from grade school through college in the Madison County area. He was backed, strongly, by the Huntsville/Madison business community.

They realize the im portance of having a pragmatic, pro-business conservative who will be a GOP team player in Washington. It is imper ative for the Redstone Arsenal to have a workhorse in that seat.

They will miss Richard Shelby, who has done all of the heavy lifting for the federal growth.

They are glad and for tunate to swap Brooks for Strong. Strong is relatively young and will probably be a long-termer.

Jerry Carl will be reelected to his 1st District Mobile/ Baldwin GOP seat next month. He has taken to Congress like a duck to water. He also has longterm workhorse written all over him.

Barry Moore will be reelected to his second term as the congress man from the 2nd District, which encom passes the Wiregrass and east Montgomery. It is a very Republican district.

Mike Rogers of Anniston will be re elected to his 11th term in November. He is gaining seniority and power. If the GOP takes control of the U.S. House, as is expected next month, he is in line to possibly be chairman of the House Armed

Robert Aderholt of the 4th District is the dean of the delega tion, thus under the entrenched seniority system, he is our most powerful congress man. Aderholt got to Congress at a very ear ly age. He will be re elected to his 14th twoyear term. He serves on the important and pres tigious Appropriations Committee.

Gary Palmer will be gin his fourth term rep resenting the Jefferson/ Hoover/Shelby GOP district. Gary is a policy and issues guy. The GOP leadership recognized this early, and he has advanced as a policy leader in the House.

The lone Democrat in our delegation is Congresswoman Terri Sewell of Birmingham. She will be reelected to her seventh term in the U.S. House in a few weeks. She has emerged as a leader within the Democratic House Caucus. She is very well respected in Washington. She is a native of Selma and holds Ivy League undergraduate and law degrees. Hopefully, for Alabama, she is a long-timer. She has a large, sprawling district that covers most of Birmingham, Montgomery and all of the Black Belt, includ ing her hometown of Selma.

Sewell, being the only African American Democrat in our seven-member Congressional dis trict, is the subject of a case pending in the U.S. Supreme Court. Democratic leaders contend that Alabama

BY DAVID D. DORTON DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

AUBURN—

The Auburn community is invited to join Mayor Ron Anders as he reflects on Auburn's challenges and successes at the fourth annual State of the City Address. The event will be held Wednesday, Nov. 16, at the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center. Doors will open at 5 p.m., and the event will begin at 5:30 p.m.

In the address, Auburn residents will get a glimpse of what their local government has been up to in 2022 — addressing residents' priorities through a new budget, planning for expanded recreation offerings and more.

Anders will conclude the evening by presenting the 2022 Mayor's Lamplighter Awards, recognizing the efforts six community members have made to make Auburn a brighter place.

The event is free and

open to the public. Those unable to attend may watch the livestream on Facebook and YouTube.

The Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center is located at 910 S. College St.

Please note, the event was previously advertised as being held on Oct. 25 in the October issue of Open Line and on the Auburn Opelika Tourism calendar. The date has been moved to Nov. 16 due to scheduling conflicts.

Auburn Seeks Improvements in Both Art and Athletics

BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

AUBURN —

Murals are now allowed in the city of Auburn.

The Auburn City Council approved an amendment to Article II and Article IV in the city of Auburn Zoning Ordinance. This “re moves the prohibition of murals.”

This decision comes after recommendations from the Mural and Arts Study Committee were reviewed.

The Mural and Arts Study Committee included Mayor Pro Tem and Ward 3 City Council Member Beth Witten, and Ward 6 Council Member Bob Parsons. It also included Jana Jager and Marcus Marshall, both from the Auburn Planning Commission, and Robyn Bridges from Auburn Opelika Tourism, stakehold ers, Auburn Parks and Recreation members, representatives from the Jule Collins Smith

Museum and from the Montgomery Arts Commission.

The committee was formed in February af ter the Auburn Zoning Board called for the removal of an Opelika Road Mural on the side of Bedzzz Express.

The mural depicts “Greetings From Au burn,” with each letter showcasing a different part of Auburn includ ing Chris Davis, former Auburn running back in the Kick Six in 2013; Momma Goldberg’s and Chicken Salad Chick’s logos; Jordan-Hare Stadium; Samford Hall; the lathe; and Bo Jack son. The background of the mural includes Aubie, an Eagle, Toom er’s Drugstore and the Auburn Oaks, rolled in toilet paper.

Following public outcry, the city agreed to look at what would be necessary to change ordinances.

The committee was formed.

For information on the deliberations, see a former article here: www.opelikaobserver.

com/auburn-talks-mu rals/.

“These revisions will allow murals to be permitted within any zoning district in the City of Auburn,” said city of Auburn docu ments. “Since murals will not be regulated by the Zoning Ordinance, City officials will utilize existing state and city laws for the display of any mural that is considered obscene, or which constitutes a public nuisance (graffi ti/safety).”

Given the laws will be utilized at a state level, Anders said he hopes the city will be respon sible, but also said he is excited for the options available to the commu nity.

“Over the course of the last six to eight months that the study group met several times and I’m proud of the recommendations, and the product that’s in front of us and the ordi nance,” Witten said.

COMMUNITY CENTER: The previously post

See AUBURN COUNCIL,

Opelika Council Tables Cell Phone Tower

BY MICHELLE KEY MICHELLE@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

OPELIKA —

The Opelika City Council held a public hearing on a proposed cell phone tower to be located at 600 Floral St. inside Floral Park in Opelika.

Following a lengthy public comment period, Ward 1 Council Member George Allen made a motion to table the resolution until further information could be re viewed. All five council members voted to table the resolution.

IN OTHER BUSINESS

• The council ap proved a request from the Opelika Chamber of Commerce to contin ue Food Truck Friday Nights in downtown Opelika.

• The council ap proved a request for a temporary street clo sure from the Opelika Chamber for Bike Night on Nov. 3.

• The council ap proved a request for a temporary street closure for the second annual Glow for Epilepsy Event on Nov. 6.

• The council approved a request for a temporary street closure by EAMC

for a fall festival on Nov. 18.

• The council held a public hearing on a weed abatement and later vot ed to approve said abate ment for the property located at 508 S. 8th St.

• The council approved a bid for the purchase of uniforms for the Opelika Power Services.

• The council approved expense reports from city employees.

• The council approved a resolution to pay for emergency repairs relat ed to sinkholes at 1506 and 1508 Preston St. in the amount of $129,330.

• The council approved the purchase of one 2023 Ford Ranger XL 4WD Super Cab for the Inspection Department for just under $33,000.

• The council approved the purchase of 14 sets of turn out gear for the Opelika Fire Department for a little over $48,000.

• The council approved a bid for AED monitor ing equipment and an annual subscription for the fire department not to exceed an amount of nearly $106,000.

• The council approved the purchase of am munition for the police department for almost $104,000.

• The council approved

the purchase of Fortigate Firewall Hardware for the IT Department for a little over $213,000.

• The council approved a resolution to adopt a procurement policy for contracts and subawards supported by federal fi nancial assistance.

• The council ap proved a professional services contract with Barrett Simpson Inc. for work pertaining to the Columbus Parkway North Access Road.

• The council approved a request for a special use permit by AT&T for cell phone equipment located at 1981 Airport Road.

• Ward 3 Council Member Tim Aja made a motion to table the reso lution to approve an ap propriation of $25,000 to the Arts Association of East Alabama. The mo tion to table was passed with a 4-to-1 vote.

• The council approved several appropriations for the organizations listed below:

- Circles of Opelika for $3,000, - Keep Opelika Beautiful for $38,000 and - Museum of East Alabama for $30,500.

• The council approved a contract for services

with Frazelma Teaching Parents LLC for the amount of $20,000.

• The council approved a contract for services with Girls S.T.E.P.S. Inc. for the amount of $12,500.

• The council approved a contract for services with PRF Teaching Ministry for the amount of $70,000.

• The council ap proved a contract for services with The Curtis House for the amount of $20,000.

• The council approved a $1.2 million funding agreement with East Alabama Healthcare Authority.

• The council approved a funding agreement with the Food Bank of East Alabama for the amount of $100,000.

• The council voted to approve Lela Lofton to the Library Board for a term ending Oct. 19, 2026.

• The council voted to reappoint Robert Elliott to the Library Board for a term ending Oct. 19, 2026.

• The mayor an nounced his appoint ment of Jimmy Wright to the Opelika Housing Authority for a term ending Oct. 18, 2027.

Korea Fuel Tech America Starts New Operation in Auburn

CONTRIBUTED BY CITY OF AUBURN

AUBURN —

A new automotive supplier, Korea Fuel Tech America Inc, is coming to Auburn’s Technology Park South, investing over $10 million and creat ing 90 new jobs. The company will produce eco-friendly fuel parts at its new Auburn fa cility including carbon canisters for gasoline and hybrid automotive fuel systems that help reduce air emissions.

“It is exciting to see this building located in the center of the Auburn Technology Park South receiving new investment, reno vation and ultimately new life,” said Auburn Mayor Ron Anders.

“Our existing compa nies are growing as a result of car manufac turers increasing the

amount of parts made here in the U.S., and we welcome Korea Fuel Tech America as they become part of our expanding industrial family.”

Korea Fuel Tech is headquartered in Anseong, South Korea, and manufactures car bon canisters, plastic filler necks and other automotive parts for several automotive OEM’s including Hyundai, Kia, GM, Volkswagen and Porsche. The compa ny’s Auburn operation will include injection molding and assem bly manufacturing processes.

“Coming to Auburn enhances our ability to localize production of automotive components in the U.S. and better service our customer base,” said Howard Kwon, CEO of Korea Fuel Tech America Inc.

Camp Lejeune Toxic Water Claims

you or a loved one lived or worked at Camp LeJuene between 1953 - 1987 and suffered a serious health problem or death, you may be entitled to compensation. Chemicals found in the water supply at the base have been linked to many cancers, ALS, birth defects and other illnesses.

now for a free case review.

PHTOS BY MATT AUSTIN

FOR THE OBSERVER

Poll Wording is Unspecific Sometimes to Confuse People

"Sherri Reese supports Medicaid expansion in Alabama, even though it will cost at least (multi-millions) more in costs to the State of Ala bama, money that would have to be taken away from education, roads, and other needs the State must take care of." Pos sible answers on voting for her are “Much more likely,” “Somewhat more likely,” “Makes no dif ference,” “Somewhat less likely,” “Much less like ly” and “Unsure.” Boy, that’s a mouthful.

authorized. So, Hovey’s question was accurate enough for today, but Reese should mention the qualifications above; that is, if the state suddenly gets money that wasn’t anticipated, then schools and roads may not be cut a lot with more Medicaid.

OPINION —

In Lewis Carroll’s classic book

“Through the Look ing Glass,” the character Humpty Dumpty says, “When I use a word, it means just what I choose it to mean — neither more nor less.” It is said that he used a “rather scornful” way of relating his opin ions. Humpty Dumpty was often depicted as an egg, and legend has it that he was meant to mock a nobleman who offended King Richard III, of En

gland.

Sherri Reese, the Dem ocratic candidate for Dis trict 27 in the state senate, called me recently. She is concerned that her Repub lican opponent, Jay Hov ey, is misrepresenting her campaign stands on is sues. Is he? I have studied Hovey’s online polls and made a determination (see below). Unlike Humpty Dumpty, Hovey’s poll questions may mean more or less, depending on who is polled.

One question reads:

First, I would add “Makes no difference” and “Unsure” into another category that fits both. Voters don’t want six-an swer choices and don’t like to read so much. Cur rently, it’s quite possible that the money would come from education, roads and more, in some balanced amounts.

Yet, what if there is an oil spill in the Gulf that gives the state a lot of money as retribution?

That happened after the Deep-Water Horizon spill in 2010. Also, the state appears closer to having a degree of gambling

Opelika Kiwanis Club Hosts Local CEO

Another question reads: "Sherri Reese is against exempting Chris tian organizations from laws, for example, which would force conservative churches to hire homosex ual pastors." Answers on voting for her are “Much more likely,” “Somewhat more likely,” “Makes no difference,” “Somewhat less likely,” “Much less likely” and “Unsure.” Again, such combining of two answers would work wel1.

Also, the “against ex empting” might confuse voters into not answering this question. The word “homosexual” is rarely seen these days, even in mainstream churches. Thus, that question might turn off Christians who have adapted to the term “gay,” which has been in general use since about the mid-1970s.

Brian Wise, a longtime national broadcaster, wrote a commentary for The Washington Times published April 20, 2017 — three months into the Trump administration. Wise said “big data” polling does not suit the Trump era, because MAGA people suspect pollsters; often their opin ions are not added to a poll.

“In the 2016 presiden tial election cycle, Mr. Trump’s greatest source of support was non-tradi tional voters who turned out in droves,” Wise said. “Those same populations continue to celebrate his unorthodox actions now, even while still being un der-counted in traditional polls.”

Wise, and other ana lysts, have decided that to understand Trump supporters, we must re alize that they usually avoid polls, and they actively work to protect the actual data that polls rely on. Most Trump supporters are inclined to be skeptical of providing personal data, so they do not participate. This leads to polls media use that do

not include the precise population that would show support for Trump.

Wise’s commentary concludes: “The reason Kellyanne Conway was so successful (as cam paign manager) and could arguably be considered the Trump campaign’s MVP, is because she understood that even as a pollster, polling is not about collecting data sets; it is about understanding people.”

Another way a candi date can try to clarify an opponent’s polls is to cre ate their own polls, with the questions they prefer. But that involves a lot of time and considerable money. I checked cam paign finances recently and found Hovey with almost $183,000 in funds on hand. Sherri Reese had almost $4,000 available.

In the 1948 election, incumbent President Har ry Truman, a Democrat, went to bed after seeing an early print of a news paper that said Republican Thomas Dewey had won. The next day, Truman himself had won. The poll

Opelika Lions Club Hosts Natalie Downs

NOTICE OF COMPLETION In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given the L&K Contracting Co., Inc. has completed the work on Proposed Booster Pump Station and Water Line Improvements project for the Smiths Water & Sewer Authority; GMC Project No. CMGM190165(2). Any per son(s) having a claim against the project should notify Wheeler Crook, P.E., Goodwyn Mills Cawood, LLC, 2660 EastChase Lane, Suite 200, Montgomery, AL 36117. All claims should be filed within 30 days of the first publication of this notice. L&K Contracting Co., Inc., 4506 Hartford Hwy., Taylor, AL 36305, AL License# 21631. Legal Run 09/29/2022, 10/06/22, 10/13/2022 & 10/20/2022

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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY CIVIL ACTION NO: CV-2022-900189.00

VIOLA REID, Plaintiff, vs. From the southwest corner of the northwest quarter of the southwest quarter of Section 33, Township 19, Range 25, Lee County, Alabama, run north along the west line of saidSection 33 for 571.5 feet to the point of beginning of the property to be here described and conveyed; from said point of beginning run north along said western section line 295 feet; thence east 295 feet; thence south 295 feet; thence west 295 feet to the point

of beginning containing 2 acres, more or less, and being a part of the property conveyed to the said Josh Mathews, Jr., deceased, by warranty deed from William Baggett and wife, Miriah Baggett, dated December 4, 1913, recorded in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, in Deed Book 108 at Page 45. AND MARGARET PRUITTE, KELVIN MATHEWS AND ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES, including any persons claiming any present interest therein and including any persons claiming any future, contingent, reversionary, remainder, or other interest therein, who may claim any interest in the above de scribed property, Defendants.

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: Publisher, The Opelika Observer - Upon consideration of the Request for Service by Publication hereto filed by the Plaintiff in the above-styled cause of action, it is therefore ORDERED that service of process upon the follow ing Defendants: KELVIN MATHEWS AND ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES, including any persons claiming any present interest therein and including any persons claiming any future, contingent, reversion ary, remainder, or other interest therein, who may claim any interest in the above described property, shall be affected by publication.

PUBLIC NOTICES

Therefore, you are hereby com manded to publish the following Notice of Action in accordance with Rule 4.3(d) of the Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure for four (4) successive weeks in The Opelika Observer.

DONE this the 26th day of September, 2022.

/s/MARY B. ROBERSON CLERK OF CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Legal Run 09/29/2022, 10/06/2022, 10/13/2022 & 10/20/2022

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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

ESTATE OF MARCUS DUNCAN MOREMAN, JR., DECEASED COURT OF PROBATE LEE COUNTY

Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 23rd day of September, 2022, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Witness our hands, and dated this the 23rd day of September, 2022.

MARCUS DUNCAN MOREMAN, III MELISSA A. KING

Legal Run 10/6/22, 10/13/22 & 10/20/22

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NOTICE OF MORTGAGE

FORECLOSURE

WHEREAS, default has been made in the terms of the Mortgage executed on the 9th day of April, 2020, by Sylvia Tatum, as Mortgagor in favor of Sanport Housing, LLC, as Mortgagee, as recorded in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, in Real Property Book 4561, at Page 914, and said default continuing, the mortgagee, under power of sale contained in said mortgage will sell at auction for cash to the highest bidder on the steps of the Lee County Courthouse in Lee County, Alabama on Thursday, November 10, 2022, during the legal hours of sale, the following described real estate embraced in said Mortgage and Mortgage Modification, situated in Lee, Alabama, to-wit: “Lot 12, Block 7, MEADOWVIEW ACRES SUBDIVISION, according to and as shown by that certain map or plat thereof record in Town Plat Book 13, at Page 173, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama.”

THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN "AS IS, WHERE IS" BASIS, SUBJECT TO ANY EASEMENTS, ENCUMBRANCES, AND EXCEPTIONS REFLECTED IN THE MORTGAGE AND THOSE CONTAINED IN THE RECORDS OF THE OFFICE OF THE JUDGE OF PROBATE OF THE COUNTY WHERE THE ABOVEDESCRIBED PROPERTY IS

SITUATED. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AS TO TITLE, USE AND/OR ENJOYMENT AND WILL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO.

Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and pro grams as a part of the foreclosure process.

Said sale is made for the purpose of foreclosing of said mortgage, paying the mortgage debt, the costs and expenses of foreclo sure, including a reasonable at torney's fee. Mortgagee reserves the right to bid on the subject property. Said mortgage is a first mortgage and is not junior to another mortgage of record. Said sale is also subject to unpaid taxes or assessments whether of record or not. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation.

Sanport Housing, LLC, Mortgagee

Brandon F. Poticny Davis, Bingham, Hudson & Buckner, P.C. Attorney for Mortgagee 724 N. Dean Road, Suite 100, Auburn, AL 36830 10/6/22, 10/13/22 & 10/20/22 ---------------

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

ELIJAH POPE, Plaintiff, v. JACALVIOUS MARQUEZ RICKS, WINGS ETC., DAVID DELANEY, KEENAN DAUGHTRY, et al., Defendants. Case No.: 2021-9004400

NOTICE BY PUBICATION

Attention Jacalvious Marquez Ricks, whose whereabouts are currently unknown. On December 23, 2021, a lawsuit was filed against you in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Case No. CV- 2021– 9004400. Said case is related to an inci dent between yourself and the plaintiff, resulting on or about the date of January 17, 2021.

The plaintiff has filed a lawsuit against you alleging damages for the personal injuries they sustained during the incident. Per Rule 4.3 of the Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure, as the Circuit Court of Lee County, has granted service by publication, this pub lication serves as proper notice to Jacalvious Marquez Ricks of the aforementioned legal claim.

Therefore, Jacalvious Marquez Ricks has thirty (30) days on or before Oct. 27, 2022, (the last date of publication) to file an answer in response to this lawsuit in the Lee County, Circuit Clerk’s Office.

Legal Notice 10/06/2022, 10/13/2022, 10/20/2022 & 10/27/2022

GREG MARKLEY

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

The speaker at the Opelika Kiwanis Club meeting this week was Richard Curry (second from the left).

Boys and Girls Club of East Alabama. Hence Ellis is scheduled to speak on Oct. 27.

and will be speaking on the economic future.

See

Natalie Downs (right) was the guest speaker at a recent Opelika Lions Club meeting. Downs, a Home Instead Care professional, explained services offered through unique Care Pro training programs for seniors in need of the services who can’t afford to pay for them. For more information on supporting these efforts, visit: homeinstead.com/657 or call 334-321-1050. Downs was introduced by Lion Lisa Ledbetter-Bell (left).

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

Tuberville, Manchin Announce Feedback from NIL Stakeholder Outreach

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

OPINION —

U.S. Sens. Tommy Tuber ville (R-AL) and Joe Man chin (D-WV) announced last Thursday some of the key findings from their outreach to various athletic leaders to build consensus around legislation related to name, image and likeness (NIL).

The topline themes and no table responses announced today are based on feedback submitted by a broad range of stakeholders, including university athletic directors, administrators, associations, collectives and student-athlete groups. These groups submit ted input in response to two letters sent from the Senators to solicit feedback in August and September.

After combining the feed back received from those two letters and analyzing the common themes, Tuberville and Manchin categorized the issues and ideas addressed by multiple responses. The most

common aspects of the NIL system noted in stakeholder responses were the role of collectives, the prevalence of inducements creating a pay-for-play system, the need for contract transparency and fairness, the importance of education and the preser vation of the student athlete experience and protecting the ability of small institutions to participate.

Examples of feedback from those common themes can be found below.

ON ADDRESSING THE ROLE OF COLLECTIVES

“... boosters should have no role in recruiting high school and transfer student-athletes. We need a federal law that prohibits conduct of this nature ... it appears boosters are inducing high school and potential transfer student-ath letes to attend their favored universities with payments inaccurately labeled as NIL licenses, with no connection to the value of any endorse ment or NIL activity.”

-Commissioners of the Autonomy Conferences (Atlantic Coast Conference, Big Ten Conference, Big 12 Conference, Pac-12 Con ference and Southeastern Conference.

“... collectives should be prohibited from any participa tion in the process of solicit ing an individual’s enrollment at the institution. The intent of NIL legislation was to allow student-athletes to find legiti mate opportunities to be com pensated for the use of their NIL; it was not to find a way around the rules that would allow boosters to be involved in the recruiting process.”

-American Athletic Con ference

“... it is naïve to think these collectives are not acting in concert with coaches or other constituents at the institution ... While the law must not be burdensome ... NIL deals [must] remain above-board.”

-United States Collegiate Athletic Association

ON INDUCEMENTS

“Anecdotal stories of stu dent-athletes who have made a commitment to one school only to be persuaded to re scind their agreement after a promise of NIL payments are becoming increasingly preva lent and alarming.”

-National Collegiate Ath letic Association

“We clearly have some who are utilizing this unregu lated area as an inducement in the recruitment of prospects and transfers which was nev er intended and is inappro priate and not consistent with the traditions and values of intercollegiate athletics.”

-Mid-American Confer ence

“Congress can prevent NIL agreements from being used as inducements to lure high school recruits and college transfers to a particular col lege.”

-National College Players Association

“While we fully support an athlete's right to compen sation for their NIL and to

transfer freely, we feel many collectives are diminishing fair play. Without regulation college athletic departments are transforming into [de] facto professional sports franchises. However, unlike professional teams, collegiate athletes are not under con tract and can easily transfer. This results in a “free agency marketplace” where schools with the most aggressive col lectives and largest bankrolls ("pay for play") recruit the best athletes to their pro grams.”

-315 Foundation

ON CONTRACT TRANSPARENCY AND FAIRNESS

“... transparency is integral to compliance with fair rules, some reasonable mechanism for disclosure of NIL agree ments to institutional compli ance officers is necessary ... the amount a student-athlete earns from an NIL license should be commensurate with market rates for the NIL ac tivity and not a veiled induce ment or pay-for-play.”

-Commissioners of the Au tonomy Conferences (Atlantic Coast Conference, Big Ten Conference, Big 12 Confer ence, Pac-12 Conference and Southeastern Conference.

“While some NIL-relat ed data has been disclosed through third-party service providers, there is no one entity that has a complete picture of the types of deals that have been made or their parameters.”

-National Collegiate Ath letic Association

“The ideal law would require disclosure of NIL agreements ....”

-Sun Belt Conference

ON EMPHASIZING EDUCATION AND THE STUDENT ATHLETE EXPE RIENCE

“Preserve the student status — this is about college athlet ics. Students deserve to com pete against other students.”

-North Coast Athletic Con ference

“The focus of college

See TUBERVILLE, page B14

poned Lake Wilmore Community Center is back on track.

The council approved a conditional use ap proval - pubic service use for the Lake Wilm ore Community Center Tuesday night.

The center will be located at 737 Ogletree Road and will include a community recreation center, covered swim ming pool, athletic fields and public park.

This site has received conditional use ap proval before in 2020 but was delayed due to COVID-19.

The property includes roughly 210 acres. It will also have a walking path, four multi-pur pose fields and courts. It will serve several sports in the area in cluding football, base ball, lacrosse, soccer, swimming and more. It will also be able to serve more casual, nonyouth sports like disc golf and pickleball.

Several parents, coaches and members of different planning groups in Auburn spoke in favor of the center.

However, most said that this is not only desperately needed, but overdue and not enough to fill the need in Auburn.

FLOWERS >>

FROM B9 could and should have two majority minority districts in the state, rather than one. The ar gument is that Sewell’s 7th District contains only 14% of the Black voters in the state. Alabama’s African American pop ulation is 27%. If the Supreme Court rules in favor of the plaintiffs, then our delegation may go from six Republicans and one Democrat to five Republicans and two Democrats.

“It’s no secret, we’re in a tight spot,” said one citizen in favor of the project. “We’re growing way way fast. We don’t have the facilities. We can sit here all night and try to figure out how to fix this problem; we’re not going to do that.”

The fields athletes currently utilized were compared to landfills. Sometimes basketball players are beginning games at 9 p.m. because that’s the only time the courts become avail able.

Many citizens, while encouraging the council to pass this project, also encouraged them to make this a “first step.”

“We have not kept up with our rec facilities for our children,” said Auburn Mayor Ron Anders. “We’ve just not done it. And there’s a number of reasons why that’s happened and there’s no reason to get back into that tonight.

But we’ve got to start chipping away at this. And I agree with those who came up here tonight and recognize that there is no finality in what we’re potential ly doing here tonight. This is just the begin ning.”

OTHER BUSINESS:

- The council ap proved an alcohol beverage license for Country Kwik Inc. d/b/a Country Kwik

The two prominent, powerful, young African American mayors of Birmingham and Montgomery, Randall Woodfin and Steven Reed, would both be eye ing the new Democratic congressional seat.

See you next week.

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading politi cal columnist. His week ly column appears in over 60 Alabama news papers. Steve served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at: www. steveflowers.us

Food Mart for retail beer and retail table wine licenses and a Class II Lounge Retail Liquor license.

- The council ap proved a contract with Alabama Power Com pany for the removal of above-ground utilities and installation of underground utilizes in downtown Auburn for more than $146,190.

- The council ap proved a contract with Communications International Inc. for the purchase of P-25 simulcast Radio tower equipment for more than $728,400.

- The council ap proved a tax abatement for Korea File Tech America Inc at 272 Technology Parkway during its meeting.

- The council ap proved a contract with Cook’s Pest Control Inc. for pest control services for city facilities for more than $20,500.

- The council ap proved a contract with Cutting Edge Lawn Ser vice LLC for landscape maintenance at Exit 50 on I-85 for more than $93,800.

- The council ap proved the purchase of four Dell EMC Isilon A200 archive nodes and related software with three years of support and maintenance for over $112,800.

- The council ap proved the purchase of

MARKLEY >>

FROM B12

was by telephone only, and not many people then had their own phones.

The “heartland” citi zens didn’t get polled but did vote to keep Truman in office. Almost 75 years after Truman’s victory, polling is a sticky issue. Many people don’t par ticipate in surveys online or by phone. But Lewis Carroll, and Humpty Dumpty, left a warning.

“If you limit your ac tions in life to things that nobody can possibly find

four Dell EMC Isilon H400 archive nodes and related software with three years of support and maintenance for over $212,000.

- The council ap proved a contract with East Alabama Health care Authority d/b/a East Alabama EMS, LLC for the emergency response, rescue and ambulance services annual contract for over $376,500.

- The council ap proved a contract with Emergency Equipment Professionals Inc. for the purchase of a Pierce Tiller Truck for the fire department for over $1.5 million.

- The council ap proved a contract with the National Auto Fleet for the purchase of two F-150 pickup trucks for the parks and recre ation department for over $83,900.

- The council ap proved a contract with Pate Landscape Com pany for emergency repair to the greenspace on North College Street in front of the Wright Street Parking Deck for $45,000.

- The council ap proved a contract with Signature Tennis Courts Inc. for the re surfacing of clay courts at the Yarbrough Tennis Center for $86,000.

- The council ap proved a contract with Sunsouth LLC for the

fault with, you will not do much!”

Greg Markley moved to Lee County in 1996.

He has a master's in education from AUM and a master's in history from Auburn University. He taught politics as an adjunct in Georgia and Ala bama. An award-win ning writer in the Army and civilian life, he has contributed to The Observer since 2011.

He writes on politics, education and books. gm.markley@charter. net.

purchase of a John Deere Tractor with a box blade and front-end loader for the parks and recreation department for over $55,700.

- The council granted approval of an under ground utility easement in Downtown Auburn for the Alabama Power Company for property behind 124 Tichenor Ave.

- The council ac cepted rights-of-way, sanitary sewer, drainage and utility easements for Bison Trust for the Haven at Plainsman Lake at 124 Tichenor Ave.

- The council accept ed drainage and utility easements and sanitary sewer easements for Tally Holdings, LLC for the Harper Avenue II - Consolidation Plat located at Bryant Circle.

- The council denied unanimous consent to amend the City Code - Chapter 12 to amend the procedure for revocation of business licenses. It will be as sessed in two weeks.

- The council estab lished a no parking zone at 118 S. Gay St.

- The council voted against annexing 21.84 acres for property at 484 Lee Road 25 — the Greinke Annexation.

- The council an nexed 4.33 acres for the Buc-ee’s Detention Pond annexation for property along Lee Road 12.

- The council ap proved a conditional use approval for an institutional use of a church. North College Church will be located at in the 1200 block of North College Street.

- The council ap proved a conditional use approval for an industrial use use for a manufacturing facility for Shinhwa at 2530 West Technology Lane.

- The council ap proved a conditional use approval for a commercial support and road service use for U-Haul Moving and Store at 136 West Creek Parkway.

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PUBLIC NOTICES

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of CHARLES EUGENE PARKER SR. Deceased Case No. 2022-467

NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration having been granted to AMBER MCCOY, as Administrator of the Estate of TIMOTHY PAUL MCCOY, deceased, on the 28TH day of September 2022, by the Honorable BILL ENGLISH, Judge of Probate.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same with in the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

HON. BILL ENGLISH JUDGE OF PROBATE LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA /S/ AMBER MCCOY AMBER MCCOY Administrator of the Estate of TIMOTHY PAUL MCCOY. Deceased Legal Notice 10/06/2022, 10/13/2022 & 10/20/2022

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF FLOY DEAN GUANTT, DECEASED COURT OF PROBATE, LEE COUNTY

Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 30th day of September, 2022, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Witness our hands, and dated this the 30th day of September, 2022.

W. KAROL MORGAN ANDREW ALLEN PATTILLO Legal Run 10/6/2022, 10/13/2022 & 10/20/2022

---------------

IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

IN RE:The estate of Jeffrey Dean Gilchrist, Deceased.

Case No. 2022-569

TAKE NOTICE that Letters Administration having been granted to Pamela G. Kenney as Administratrix of the Estate of JEFFREY DEAN GILCHRIST, deceased, on the3rd day of October, 2022.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same with in the time allowed by law or the same be barred.

Pamela G. Kenney, Administratrix of the Estate of Jeffrey Dean Gilchrist, Deceased Marrell J. McNeal, Attorney at Law, PC PO Box 308 Opelika, AL 36803 334-745-7033

Legal Run 10/6/22, 10/13/22 & 10/20/22

IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF BERRY CARL DUDLEY, DECEASED Case No. 2022-565 NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS

In the Matter of the Estate of Berry Carl Dudley Letters of Testamentary on the Estate of Berry Carl Dudley, Deceased, having been granted to the undersigned on the2 9 th day of September, 2022, by Bill English, Judge of Probate of said County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate, are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law, or the same will be barred.

Carolyn Prince Dudley 1604 Oakbowery Road Opelika, Alabama 36801 Legal Run 10/13/22, 10/20/22 & 10/27/22

---------------

Notice of auction of an aban doned vehicle. The Only One, Inc will be auctioning off the

that supports our students’ economic freedoms fairly ...

below mentioned vehicle on NOVEMBER 9, 2022. 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# JH2AF60022K000957–2002 Honda CHF50 Legal Run 10/13/22 & 10/27/22

---------------

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT H. WALKUP, JR., DECEASED.

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No: 2022-582

Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 7th day of October, 2022, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby re quired to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

JOHN KNOX WALKUP Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 10/13/2022, 10/20/2022 & 10/27/2022

---------------

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ALICE T. WALKUP, DECEASED.

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No: 2022-583

Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 7th day of October, 2022, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby re quired to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

JOHN KNOX WALKUP Personal Representative

athletics does still include an academic degree. Therefore, a priority must remain on academics and not purely on athletics as a business.”

-United States Collegiate Athletic Association

ON SMALL INSTITUTION PAR TICIPATION

“... our students, along with those in Division II and from smaller DIs, as well as the NAIA and junior or Christian college organizations, would benefit from a national plan

At the same time, many Di vision III schools simply do not have the same resources to devote to NIL activities that larger, top Division I schools do. This makes us even less able to deal with the fluctuat ing patchwork of state laws that currently exists ... because of this variety in resource lev els, a national standard may benefit our students more than most because we’d be operat ing on an even playing field.”

-North Coast Athletic Con ference

“[Other federal proposals have included] mandates that will prove potentially disas trous for many of our athletic departments and programs, which are often already strained ... at most of our universities, the only sports that produce net revenue are men's basketball and football. We use these revenues, often supplemented with university funds, to subsidize the addi tional sports programs our schools sponsor not only to fulfill NCAA required sport sponsorship, but also because outside of tuition and board,

Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 10/13/2022, 10/20/2022 & 10/27/2022

PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of WILLIE TAYLOR, Deceased. Case No. 2022-576

NOTICE OF HEARING TO: WILLIE R. TAYLOR (RODRIGUEZ) Address

Unknown AND ANY UNKNOWN heirs of WILLIE TAYLOR,. deceased Notice is hereby given that a Petition To Probate the Last Will and Testament of the Estate of WILLIE TAYLOR, deceased has been filed in the Lee County Probate Office. A hearing has been set for the 15'h day of December, 2022 at l0:00 a.m. central time, electronically via "ZOOM". Please contact the Lee County Probate Court at 334-7373670 for access to the electronic hearing should you intend to take part in the hearing of the Petition to Probate the Last Will and Testament of the Estate of WILLIE TAYLOR, deceased.

Bill English Judge of Probate, Lee County, Alabama Legal Run 10/13/2022 & 10/20/2022 & 10/27/2022

---------------

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, STATE OF ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of SANFORD M. HUSSEY, deceased Case Number: 2022-571 TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to RITA M. HUSSEY and SANDY N. HUSSEY, as Co-Executors of the Estate of SANFORD M. HUSSEY, deceased, on the 30th day of September, 2022, by the Honorable BILL ENGLISH. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims

we believe intercollegiate sports provide student-athletes with opportunities for devel opment of leadership, job access, teamwork and other interpersonal skills outside the classroom. This makes any additional mandates and assessments much more sig nificant and problematic to the continued survival of athletic departments across our Con ferences.”

-Southwestern Athletic Conference

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against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same with in the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

RITA M. HUSSEY, Co-Executor of the Estate of SANFORD M. HUSSEY SANDY N. HUSSEY, CoExecutor of the Estate of SANFORD M. HUSSEY Legal RRun 10/20/22, 10/27/22 & 11/3/22

---------------

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF Lonnie Ray Jones NOTICE

Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 29th day of September, 2022 by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are required to present the same within the time allowed by law or they will be barred.

Pamela Jones Legal Run 10/20/2022, 10/27/2022 & 11/3/2022

---------------

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF FRED HEARD, Deceased PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY, AL CASE NO.: 2022-493

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Take Notice that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION of said deceased having been granted to Sharn Washington on the 26th day of September, 2022, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama.

Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Sharn Washington Legal Run 10/20/2022, 10/27/2022 & 11/3/2022

on bipartisan NIL legislation, Tuberville and Manchin so licited feedback first from a broad range of stakeholders. Based on those initial respons es, the senators sent a second letter to more than 30 athletic collectives across the country to hear directly from those groups. Collectives, while independent from the institu tions they support, are entities designed to pool funds from private donors to maximize NIL’s impact on the recruit

--------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF INELL P. TORBERT, deceased CASE NO. 2022-592

In the Matter of the Estate of INELL P. TORBERT, deceased Letters Testamentary as Personal Representative of the Estate of INELL P. TORBERT, deceased, having been granted to the under signed on October 12th , 2022, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate of said County,. notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law, or the same will be barred.

JAMES JEFFERSON TORBERT Personal Representative Legal Run 10/20/2022, 10/27/2022 & 11/3/2022

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF C. NEAL POPE, DECEASED.

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No.: 2022-599

TO: JENNIFER LEE POPE CHRISTOPHER CHARLES POPE

NOTICE: On the 13th day of October, 2022, a certain writing, purporting to be the Will of C. NEAL POPE was filed in my office for probate by VIRGINIA PITTS POPE and the 16th day of November, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. was appointed a day for hearing thereof at which time you can appear and contest the same, if you see proper. Given under my hand, the 13th day of October, 2022

Bill English JUDGE OF PROBATE

Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 3683-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 10/20/2022, 10/27/2022 & 11/03/2022

ment and retention of college athletes. The senators will continue to involve as many athletic leaders and repre sentatives as possible as they work to craft NIL legislation that can garner bipartisan sup port in Congress and across the country.

Both Tuberville and Man chin are former student-ath letes. Tuberville spent four decades in higher education and coached at institutions across the country.

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