Wednesday, February 17, 2021
VOL. 13, NO. 20
pelika Observer O
Opelika, Alabama
Celebrating Black History Month
“An award-winning publication for local people, by local people.”
To read more, turn to A12
Construction on I-85 to begin soon Bringing home the bacon
By Will Fairless Associate Editor A project that has been gestating for three decades will be finished in the next few years, according to State Senator Tom Whatley. From Exits 58 to 62, the bridges on I-85 will be fixed, and the acceleration lanes on the interstate will be lengthened, making the highway safer and cutting down on traffic. “Mayor Fuller and I identified that the chokehold on I-85 from a traffic standpoint was really from Tiger Town to Exit 62, and that’s the most heavily traveled part of I-85,” Whatley said. “The number one thing is safety; this is gonna make
I-85 safer because you’re gonna increase the width of the interstate.” The project has $45 million of funding. That current budget is composed by reve-
nue from the gas tax, other money from the state and a federal grant matching those state funds. “[Mayor Fuller and I] went to Washington, D.C., and we
The Incredible Winston Browne to hit shelves soon By Hannah Lester
hlester@opelikaobserver.com
Sean Dietrich will release his newest fiction novel, The Incredible Winston Browne, on March 2. Those of you who read the Opelika Observer regularly will recognize Dietrich as weekly columnist Sean of the South. Stories of eating casseroles while driving with his knees, colonies of butterflies, red hair, fruitcake, letters from strangers and food and so many beautiful depictions of southern life are found on page A4 of our paper. Although he writes columns daily, Diet-
rich said that he’s been cultivating a love for fiction since he was little. The Incredible Winston Browne is set in Moab, Florida, and follows the story of a small-town sheriff dealing with the inevitability of death. “I’ve written a lot of columns, so they’re based on a lot of these stories I’ve heard from other people about what it’s like to die. I’ve written about death a lot anyway. I was writing the columns about people’s cancers, children’s cancers or people who pass on. I was coming across these, for me, profound discoveries these people were
making in their own daily lives. And they would say a sentence or something and it would hit me so far beneath the ribs that I would think, ‘Wow, there’s just, a beauty to life that I wish I could write about.’ And sometimes you can’t write about that unless you put death in the scenario.” So although yes, the book discusses death, it is also meant to discuss life. And don’t worry, it’s not supposed to be a downer. Dietrich said the book is meant to be charming. Small-town life is dying out in many parts of the United States, See BROWNE, page A5
were able to put together the grant to get the money,” Whatley said. “I’m on the joint transportation committee for the House See CONSTRUCTION, page A2
Photo contributed by Lee County Extension.
Phillip Belcher, Lee County 4-H member, with his Alabama State Reserve Grand Champion market hog, Bluebell. The show was held in Montgomery on Jan. 6.
Auburn council talks short-term rental policies By Hannah Lester
hlester@opelikaobserver. com
The Auburn City Council held a work session on Feb. 8 to discuss short-term rental policies for the city. The council will take formal action on the considered policies on Tuesday night during the regular council meeting. Short-term rental complaints began in 2013, and conversations regarding reg-
ulations began four years later, in 2017, said Katie Robison, acting planning director. Soon after Mayor Ron Anders was elected in October 2018, he formed the short-term rental task force. Robison shared definitions with the council of the two recommended types of short-term rentals. A homestay is, “A home occupation in which an individual who owns a dwelling unit and
uses it as his or her permanent residence hires out such dwelling, or any portion thereof, as lodging.” A short-term non-primary rental is, “A dwelling unit that is not a permanent residence and that is leased in its entirety to one party for periods of less than 30 consecutive days. The term party as used in this definition shall mean one or more persons who as a single group rent a See SESSION, page A3
Contents OPINION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A4
SPORTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B1
SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY . . . . . A7
POLITICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B9
RELIGION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A13
PUBLIC NOTICES . . . . . . . . . . . .B11
COMICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A14
CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . B12
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A2 February 17, 2021
APA elects new officers and board for 2021 Contributed by the Alabama Press Association K. A. Turner, senior editor for Alabama Media Group’s print publications (The Huntsville Times, The Birmingham News and Mobile’s Press-Register), has been elected president of the Alabama Press Association. Turner succeeds Terry Connor, who became chairman of the board. An Auburn native who grew up in Montevallo, K.A. has worked in newspapers across Alabama for some 40 years, including leadership positions at the Shelby County Reporter, The Outlook in Alexander City and The Selma Times-Journal. A graduate of the
CONSTRUCTION
>>
FROM A1
and Senate. I was able to put the pressure on and put the ask in and get that in our fiveyear plan.” Whatley explained that projects that are part of that five-year plan are ones that are locked in to be completed, and that this one in particular is ex-
University of Montevallo, she joined what is now Advance Local in 1999, working first in Huntsville, then Mobile before returning to Birmingham in 2012 as director of state news for Alabama Media Group. Dee Ann Campbell, publisher of the Choctaw Sun-Advocate in Gilbertown was elected first vice president, and Darrell Sandlin, publisher of The TimesDaily in Florence was elected second vice president. New board members elected were Dennis Palmer, publisher of The Selma Times-Journal; Robert Blankenship, publisher of The Andalusia Star-News; and Patrick Graham, owner of The Jackson County Sentinel in Scottsboro, The Sand
Mountain Reporter in Albertville and The Fort Payne Times-Journal. Members elected for a second two-year term are: Teresa Woodruff, general manager of The Moulton Advertiser; Johnny Adams, editor of the Union Springs Herald; Glenda Curl, publisher of The Wilcox Progressive Era in Camden; and Dan Starnes, publisher of Starnes Publishing. Members remaining on the board for another term are Robert Jackson, executive vice president of Consolidated Publishing; Denise DuBois, publisher of The Citizen of East Alabama in Phenix City; James Phillips, publisher of The Daily Mountain Eagle in Jasper; Steve Baker, publisher of Tallapoosa
pected to be finished sooner than five years from now. “It’s in my district, and it’s my job to do what I can to make sure my district gets its share of the federal dollars to do what it needs to do,” Whatley said. “You’re going to see not just construction jobs but also ancillary jobs because of
this.” Whatley expects that those ancillary jobs will be come from increased business along the stretch of highway that is to be improved. “I’m very glad to bring a $45 million project to East Alabama,” Whatley said. “This is gonna benefit Lee, Russell and Talapoosa counties.”
pelika Observer
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Phone: 334.749.8003 editor@opelikaobserver.com Michelle@opelikaobserver.com
Publisher: Michelle Key Associate Editors: Will Fairless and Hannah Lester Marketing: Woody Ross Photojournalist: Robert Noles Associate Sports Editors: Wil Crews, Rick Lanier and D. Mark Mitchell
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207 N. 3rd St. Unit B, Opelika, AL 36801 Copyright 2009. All right reserved. Opelika Observer is published weekly by Opelika Observer, 216 S 8th St. Opelika, AL 36801. Periodicals postage is paid at Opelika, AL. USPS #025104 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Opelika Observer, 207 N. 3rd St. Unit B, Opelika, AL 36801
CORRECTIONS The Opelika Observer will correct any errors, omissions or inaccuracies deemed to be substantive. Corrections may be requested by contacting the editor at (334) 749-8003.
ville; Shannon Allen, publisher of The Sand Mountain Reporter in Albertville; Michelle Key, publisher of the Opelika Observer; Jennifer Rash, editor of The Alabama Baptist; and Bobby Rice, publisher of The Messenger in Troy. Foundation board members remaining on the board are Gary Maitland, editor of The TimesDaily in Florence; Barnett Wright, editor of The Birmingham Times; Jeff Martin, publisher of The Montgomery Independent; Ethan Van Sice, editor of The Wilcox Progressive Era in Camden; Tim Altork, editor and publisher of The Randolph Leader in Roanoke; and Estelle Whitehead, editor of the Colbert County Reporter in Tuscumbia.
2008. While at Troy, she served as editor and staff writer of the student newspaper, The Tropolitan, for four years. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in strategic communication at Troy University. She is also an award-winning graphic designer and interned at PowerSouth Energy Cooperative in its corporate communications department. Ty West, editor of the Birmingham Business Journal, was elected vice president of the APA Journalism Foundation. New Foundation board members elected were Amy Henderson, editor of The Cullman Times; Anthony Campbell, general manager of The Advertiser-Gleam in Gunters-
Publishing; and Robert Bozeman, publisher of The Evergreen Courant. The APA Journalism Foundation elected Kendra Majors, regional editor of The Greenville Advocate, The Luverne Journal, The Lowndes Signal, The Demopolis Times, The Selma Times-Journal and associated digital and print products, as president. Majors succeeds Bro Krift, executive editor of the Montgomery Advertiser. Majors previously served as regional publisher of The Andalusia Star-News, The Atmore Advance and The Brewton Standard. A Brantley native, Majors earned a bachelor’s degree in print journalism and art from Troy University in May
Observer NOAA Weather Radio giveaway practice such plans; it could save lives. To find out how to win one of the radios, visit our Facebook page (Opelika Observer) and follow the instructions found in a post there, or email michelle@ opelikaobserver.com
will be giving away three NOAA Weather Radios over the course of the next few weeks. It is important to have plans for severe weather within families, and we want to encourage all our readers to create and
By Opelika Observer staff In remembrance of the tornadoes that came through Lee County on March 3, 2019, and in the name of preparedness against such disasters, the Observer
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A3 February 17, 2021
Goodwill Career Center in Opelika to host hiring events Hundreds of positions available from region’s top employers
Contributed by Goodwill Southern Rivers
During the current climate, Goodwill Southern Rivers (Goodwill) remains dedicated to putting America back to work through free career services, training and connections to jobs. A busy week is ahead for the Goodwill Career Center in Opelika, as hundreds of jobs will be available at two different events coming up this week Feb.18. Employers in attendance at the Feb. 18 hiring event: Lowe’s, GFA Alabama and Aramark. • Lowe’s is looking to fill over 100 positions in the Opelika and Columbus markets while offering competitive wages, opportunities for growth and employ-
SESSION >>
FROM A1
short-term non-primary rental pursuant to a single reservation and payment. The planning commission has recommended Homestays and Short-Term Rentals in the following zones: - Comprehensive Development District (CDD) - Corridor Redevelopment District-urban, Suburban, Easts and West (CRD-U, CRD-S, CRD-E, CRD-W) - Medium Density Residential District (MDRD) - Neighborhood Redevelopment District in the portion east of north Donahue drive (NRD) - Redevelopment District (RDD) - Rural District (R) - Urban Core (UC) - Urban Neighborhoods - West, East and South (UN-W, UN-E, UN-S) The planning commission also recommended that regulations on Homestays include that:
competitive wages, opportunities for growth and employee discounts. • Malone Staffing is hiring for production workers, assemblers, quality inspectors and machine operators at the Kia West Point Assembly Plant. Over 100 positions available with competitive wages and rotating schedules and shifts. • Mando is looking to fill over 30 positions with offers being made on the spot at the hiring event. Mando is also a second-chance employ-
er with benefits and tuition reimbursement available. Job seekers attending the hiring event should come dressed for success and ready to interview with updated copies of their resume in hand. Individuals are also encouraged to visit the Opelika Career Center on Pepperell Parkway and take advantage of the free career-readiness classes that include resume building, interview skills and many other skills workshops. For more information, call (334) 275-4815 option 4 or visit goodwillsr.org/
career-centers. The event is free and open to the public. Safety guidelines will be in place with increased sanitization of high-touch areas, social distancing and encouraging the wearing of masks. The events are at the Opelika Goodwill Career Center (3740 Pepperell Parkway in Opelika) on Feb. 18 and Feb. 23 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
cupation if the city receives three or more substantiated complains. Anders asked first how the new regulations could be enforced within the city. City Manager Megan Crouch said that she has provided information in the past about an online platform that monitors short-term rental activity. “Say we have about 300 active, short-term rentals in the city that are actively listed right now, the first phase rollout would be, we would contact everybody in that mission also recomdatabase, based on mended that regulawhat the council tions on short-term decides and say, non-primary include 'Hey, you either need that: to get a license or - A short-term non-primary rent-al you need to cease and desist your shortwill be allowed to term rentals because operate for 240 you’re in an area that days each year. it’s not allowed,’” - Zoning certificates Crouch said. will begin on Jan. 1 “From there, and end on Dec. 31. there’s gotta be a - The planning direclittle bit of a period, I tor has the ability know there’s been a and authority to lot of public sentirevoke a zoning ment about no grace perfect home ocperiod, but you can’t
pass an ordinance on a Tuesday and us be out enforcing on a Wednesday. We’ve got legal-advertising requirements, but we also need to give people the opportunity to either stop doing what they’re doing if they’re not supposed to be doing it or to get licensed.” Crouch said there will be an available phone number that residents can call to discuss complaints related to short-term rentals. Ward 4 Council Member Brett Smith asked how the zones were chosen, considering that some that will allow short-term rentals are similar to some that will not allow short-term rentals. Crouch said that the basis revolves around single-family homes and protecting those. “My big thing is I have a hard time telling anybody what they can do and can’t do with their homestead in any neighborhood, but at
the same time it’s horrible for a resident who’s been in a neighborhood for 50 years, and some of them have, some of them have contacted me and all of a sudden, they’re elderly and they go out in their front yard and people are urinating and throwing trash,” said Ward 8 Council Member Tommy Dawson. Dawson said he also liked the threestrike system. Ward 3 Council Member asked Crouch if a cap could be placed on the amount of shorter-term rentals allowed in each zone. Crouch said that first, legal counsel would need to be sought and secondly, asked how the rentals would be awarded. Ward 1 Council Member Kelley Griswold asked why guests were limited to six for homestays, and Crouch responded that the planning commission had ultimately decided
ee discounts. • GFA Alabama, Inc., a leading transportation service provider, is hiring for multiple first and second shift positions. • Aramark has parttime and full-time positions available ranging from food service to general utility. Employers in attendance at the Feb. 23 hiring event: Lowe’s, Malone Staffing and Mando. • Lowe’s is looking to fill over 100 positions in the Opelika and Columbus markets while offering
- There can be no more than six guests - The residence must be occupied by the owner for 120 days out of the year. - Food cannot be prepared by the owner for the guests. - Zoning certificates will begin on Jan. 1 and end on Dec. 31. - The planning director has the ability and authority to revoke a zoning perfect home occupation if the city receives three or more substantiated complaints. The planning com-
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“This project was supported by Subgrant #18-VA-VS-050 #16-VA-VS-076 awarded by the Law Enforcement / Traffic Safety Division of ADECA and the U.S. Department of Justice.” The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice or grant-making component.”
About Goodwill Southern Rivers Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers (GoodwillSR) is one of 156 independent, com-
munity-based Goodwill nonprofits across the United States and Canada. Headquartered in Columbus, Georgia, GoodwillSR serves 50 counties throughout east Alabama and west Georgia. It provides employment-readiness training, computer access, educational assistance, skills workshops and more to spur job placement and economic stability in the communities we serve. Goodwill can provide these and other programs thanks to the continued donations of giving patrons. It uses the revenue generated in GoodwillSR stores to fund the majority of its community services. For more information about Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers, visit www.goodwillsr. org.
that that may need to be removed any-way. Smith asked how sublets factor into the equation and whether they would be considered as shortterm rentals. Crouch said that if a sublet is be-ing used as a way around the short-term rental regula-tions, then the city will need to consider that. Dawson asked if the council could hold a special meet-ing for the citizens to voice concerns or support. It would help if the meeting could be held on a different night than the vote, he said. Crouch said that since there is already a public hearing set for Tuesday, that needs to be upheld, although the vote can be postponed after the hearing. “The results of Tuesday’s vote on regulations were not available by press time. Check www.opelikaobserve r.com for a story about the vote.”
A4 February 17, 2021
Seeing the elephant
I
am writing this on my birthday. Good time for reflection. Which I am doing in the form of a story that was told to me many years ago. I have repeated it often since then, to students, to friends and once at a literary conference. This is the first time I have put it on paper. Reflect with me if you like. The setting is Kansas. Sometime in the 1890s. The principle character is an elderly farmer. Widowed now these many years. He and his wife had come out after the Civil War and homesteaded the land. There they raised a family — four sons — who with their families took up farms around his. The road to the state capital ran through his property, and on it, one day, there came
O
a traveling drummer, advance-man, out announcing the imminent arrival of a circus that was scheduled to set up shop shortly after the legislature left town. “One show replacing another,” he told the farmer with a wink when he stopped to ask him if he could paint his barn. “What?” the farmer replied.
“Paint your barn, for free.” Well, the barn needed painting, and the price was right, so the farmer agreed. The next morning, work began. What the farmer did not realize, but the promoter knew right off, was that one side of the barn, the side away from the house, faced the road
and made a perfect billboard on which to advertise what an advertiser wanted to advertise. Working fast, the job was soon finished and the painter took his leave. Only then did the farmer walk around the barn to inspect the work on the other side. And there it was, in big bold letters, large
weeks this became a daily ritual, and as the legislature crept toward adjournment his sons noticed their father becoming anxious, agitated. Then one morning he called them all together and announced: “Time is catching up with me. Life is short and mine is getting shorter. There is not much left for me to do. But before it is over, I want to see the elephant.” The boys tried to talk him out of it. “Topeka is a hard three-day journey.” He didn’t care. “We’d have to close down everything to take you.” He didn’t care. “We couldn’t leave our families behind.” He didn’t care. So they went back into the barn and brought out the wagon, See JACKSON, page A5
When did you last write a letter?
ne of my favorite movies is “You’ve Got Mail,” starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. The storyline is adorable, telling of two New Yorkers who fall in love via email. The movie was released in 1998, about the same time as email became popular. (Seems ancient, right?) Today, email is the way of life for any and all communication. Email is quick and
T
By Hardy Jackson
enough to be seen from the road and beyond, a sign that read COME TO TOPEKA, COME TO THE CIRCUS, COME AND SEE THE ELEPHANT. And there was a picture of the pachyderm. The farmer was amazed. He had heard of elephants but never laid eyes on even an image of one. And there it was, with a man standing beside it to accentuate the size. Fascinated, he just stood there looking. Day was done, and as the late light faded, he watched the elephant fade with it — first golden in the sunset glow, then purple, then gray, then gone. At dawn, he was up again, watching the colors reverse themselves and change the elephant back into a mid-day magnificent beast of wonder and delight. For the next few
he email arrived this morning. The subject line read, “Bread.” The message read: “My 11-year-old granddaughter, Bella, makes bread and wonders if you will eat some if she makes it for you?” “We are not sick with COVID or anything like that. Bella’s mom died from breast cancer and Bella has started baking lately because her mother once enjoyed baking. She really wants you to try her bread.” Well, let me start by saying that I am flattered, Bella. As it happens, I have a long history with bread. In fact, when I was a kid, I was built like a miniature loaf of bread. Let me explain. When I was around your age I was a chubby redhead. My chubbiness was partly because, after my father passed, to cope with our new grief my mother started baking bread every day. Looking back, I don’t really know why she was making bread so
automated. It can be as formal as we choose or one simple sentence. It can be made personal and yet also act as a barrier from being personal at all. We can chat work, talk to people all over the world, send out invitations and share moments with family. The list goes on. I began to think, what would come of us with a pencil and paper, an envelope and a stamp?
By Bradley Robertson
If given more processes, more time to think the thoughts, do you think one may have more meaningful words? Without hesitation, the answer is clearly yes. Slow the process, slow the mind, slip into words that serve and are kind. Dr. David Jeremiah wrote, “Written encouragement comes directly from the heart, uninterrupted and uninhibited.
That’s why it’s so powerful.” In a time where we can barely even stop at a stop sign, what if we flipped the coin and stopped to write a letter to send in the mail? Who would you send it to? I’m sharing my snail mail with you today, in the hopes it encourages you in some way, for what if our words that mean the most simply drift away? Or, what if we al-
low them to stay? To remain atop a piece of paper to remind us of the things that matter. Here is my letter, written February 12, 2021. “Dearest Farmer, How are you this fine rainy day? Did you enjoy coffee this morning? I enjoyed bringing it to you. Thank you for making breakfast for the kids. It’s a small thing, but it’s See ROBERTSON, page A5
Our Daily Redhead often. Perhaps because it was cheap. Or maybe because she had a lot of pent-up energy she needed to get out. Then again, maybe she was baking bread because she was simply trying to fatten me up. Which is possible. My mother believed redheaded boys were much cuter when they were chunky. And I know this because whenever she would pinch my soft white belly, she would say, “That’s Mama’s handsome, chubby wubby wittle wedhead.” For years, I believed that being a chubby wubby wittle wedhead was a good thing. So, I ate a lot of sourdough, French, whole wheat, rye, cinnamon raisin and white bread each morning. Almost daily, my mother would leave these hot loaves sitting out, cooling, and everyone would pause to admire them like works of sculpture. This was powerful bread. It could beckon you from across the house. And when you
By Sean Dietrich saw it sitting in the windowsill, steaming in the early sunlight, you would gravitate toward it like a mosquito to a porchlight. Her bread was soft, hot, pliable, rich, thick and when you placed a hunk into your mouth, bathed in butter, you almost swore you heard Aretha Franklin singing in the distance. Thus, I grew up appreciating bread. In fact, I became a snob about bread. When people tried to feed me store-bought bread, I turned up my nose. Because compared to homemade bread, store bread isn’t fit for
scrubbing oil stains off driveways. When I hit my teens, however, my bread consumption habits had gotten out of control. I needed an intervention. I was starting to realize how chubby I was, and my weight humiliated me. I began to hate my own reflection. This was also an age when I was becoming interested in girls. So I was spending a lot of time on my hair, and often wearing enough cologne to induce asthma attacks among the elderly and infirm. But no amount of beautifi-
cation changed my appearance. Whenever I passed a mirror all I saw was plump little Danny Partridge smiling back at me. I would pinch my belly and want to cry. So one day, I made a big decision. I walked into Mama’s kitchen, sat at her table and told her I was done eating bread. “No bread?” she said. Then she checked my forehead for a temp. “Do I need to go get the special thermometer?” “No. I’m not sick.” “But no bread?” “That’s right.” “You look pale, how about a sandwich?” I could tell this information was not computing in my mother’s brain. Because no sooner had I finished speaking than she had cut a slice of pumpernickel about the size of a mass-market hardback. “Here, eat this, you’ll feel better.” “No, thank you,” I said. “I’m done with bread. I’m tired of being chubby. I want to
be skinny like magazine people.” My mother’s face changed. She obviously realized there was no changing my mind. So Mama quit making bread. Each morning I would pass by barren windowsills and a graveyard-like kitchen. I started eating a lot of celery with salt, which is the same appetizer they serve in hell. Certainly, I lost some weight, but I lost something else, too. Joy. Without bread, life was pretty dull and gray. But then everything changed one day when I was 15 years old. I’ll never forget it. My mother found me crying in my bedroom, facedown on my bed. She asked what was wrong. I told her the news. Some girl had broken my heart. And that was all it took. Within two minutes, all bets were off. Our kitchen was afire with smells and the suffocating heat of a GE range oven. See DIETRICH, page A5
A5 February 17, 2021
Koala Insulation makes its way to Alabama The Florida-based insulation contractor is set to open a new location in Auburn By Wil Crews For the Opelika Observer Local entrepreneur Russell Sanders has plans to change how Auburn goes about home improvement. Sanders has announced the opening of a local Koala Insulation, serving Auburn and surrounding communities, including Opelika and Phenix City. “I've been in more large corporate business, sales and marketing, for I don't know, the last 30 years,” Sanders said. “Recently my job during the COVID period, my job was eliminated, so I started looking around for other opportunities to more control my own destiny.” An Auburn University graduate, Sanders has worked for Sony, Verbatim, SanDisk
BROWNE >> FROM A1
but not in Dietrich’s writing. “I wanted to create, for the people who might read this book, I wanted to create something that felt like that, that felt good, that was a small-town feel,” he said. A small-town setting also gave the author a chance to focus on human struggles and conditions, he said.
JACKSON >> FROM A4
the prairie schooner that had carried father and mother from back east, hitched up their mules — unused to pulling as a team — loaded the wagon with women, children, pots, pans, food and drink, chests and trunks, most everything the old man owned,
ROBERTSON >> FROM A4
not small at all. I know how much you love breakfast and serving it up hot on the regular. I also know it’s been a long, cold winter for you, and I’m betting you haven’t had a good breakfast since
DIETRICH >> FROM A4
She used a sourdough starter from our neighbor, Miss Carol, and immediately the trademark scent wafted through the hall-
and Western Digital, in roles ranging from sales representative to vice president. Searching for an opportunity to control his professional future, and longing to return to the Southeast after living in California, Sanders decided Koala was the perfect venture for him. “What I liked about Koala was a few things: one, the founder, Scott Marr, this is his second concept that he has brought to market, and he’s very successful at what he does,” Sanders said. “He understands how to build a market, how to build a team, how to support franchisees with marketing and training and financial support. I started looking into the concept and the market — and the market is huge. It's not that there isn't competition, but there
is always room to come into a market and provide a real quality service, take care of your customers, deliver white-glove service and really give them outstanding value for what they are paying for.” Koala Insulation has differentiated its business model with a system that delivers efficiency and comfort to its clients. The brand’s commitment to whiteglove service is executed through promptness, trusted expertise and cleanliness. Koala Insulation’s distinctions have driven its growth in the region’s franchisees. “[White-glove service] is the ability to come in and sit with a customer, show them their situation in layman's terms and then how we can correct and/or prevent something from happening in the future and make
their home environment much more comfortable, energy-efficient and cost-effective,” Sanders said. Set to open in the spring, Koala Insulation of Auburn will provide property owners with the full-range of insulation options including spray foam, blown-in and blanket (batt) insulation. The new location is the first Koala Insulation location set to open in Alabama. “Koala Insulation prides itself on how we educate clients so they can confidently make decisions on an otherwise opaque home-improvement process,” Sanders said. “I am excited to bring this kind of expertise to members of Auburn and the surrounding communities.” Operating without a brick-and-mortar location, the mobile
concept of Koala Insulation requires no leases, and the brand is equipped with a thorough franchise support structure, complete with training, operations, marketing, lead generation and technology systems for its franchisees. “The start-up process takes a while, but I'm very anxious to get it going,” Sanders said. “I consider the Auburn area kind of home, and I think there is just a lot of potential here, and I think it's a great community that I want to be part of.” For more information on Koala Insulation of Auburn and its services, visit www. koalainsulation.com. For more information on the Koala Insulation franchise opportunity, visit koalainsulation. com/franchise/. About Koala Insulation
Koala Insulation is an emerging franchise brand in the $52-billion insulation industry, providing insulation installation to residential and commercial properties. Koala Insulation, which specializes in the full-range of insulation options including spray foam, blown-in and blanket (batt) insulation, has differentiated its business model with a system that delivers efficiency and comfort to its clients. Koala Insulation provides franchisees with best-in-class training at its state-of-the-art headquarters and segment-leading technology systems. Franchisees enjoy the benefits of a mobile concept in a fast-growing, recession-resistant industry. Now franchising, Koala Insulation is seeking qualified franchise candidates across the United States.
“I felt that there was maybe no better way to make a commentary on small-town South as a small town set in the south,” Dietrich said. After receiving the book proof back in the mail, Dietrich said he actually sat down and tried to read his own work as though looking at it from an outsider’s perspective. “I got over the first two pages and I was blushing,” he said. “Because I felt so ridic-
ulous. But after those first two pages, I just kind of laid into it like I was [not the author] … I actually enjoyed the process of reading it. I actually found myself going through it as a third person and giving the little boy in me a wink and saying, ‘Hey, that was a good effort. I mean, I see what you were trying to do there. You’re growing. You might be better next year. I hope you are.’” Dietrich has written
several other books in the past, both fiction and non-fiction, including: Will The Circle Be Unbroken, Stars of Alabama, The Absolute Worst Christmas of All Time, The South’s Okayest Writer, Caution This Vehicle Makes Frequent Stops for Boiled Peanuts, Small Towns Labradors Barbecue Biscuits Beer and Bibles and more. “I’ve gotten a lot better at figuring out what I want to say,” he said.
Dietrich said that when he took his first steps in writing, although he knew what he was passionate about, putting pen to paper was a little more difficult. “I identified some of my own feelings with more clear terminology, which has helped me immensely figure out how I actually feel and why I feel that way and why I grew up the way I did and it explains a lot about me,” Dietrich
said. Things are virtual now, and instead of book tours after the release in March, Dietrich will share his work virtually. “I’m going to miss meeting people and hearing their stories because I hear a lot of stories,” he said. The book is available for purchase here: www.amazon. com/Incredible-Winston-Browne-Sean-Dietrich/dp/0785226400.
cracked the whip and with the mules protesting, the son walking along side, and the patriarch on the wagon seat, like Pharaoh in his barge, they set out. The trip took five days, not three. The mules would not pull together. The children got colic. The wives complained. But through it all the old man did not lose focus.
“I will see the elephant.” Mid-morning, the sixth day, they arrived. Pulled into the circus yard and, as luck would have it, at that very moment the tent opened like the curtain on a stage and out walked the elephant. Scared the mules. They bolted. The wagon tilted and then fell over. Out tumbled it all, including the old
man. Off ran the mules, dragging the wagon behind them. As the farmer rose slowly, dusting himself off, the circus owner rushed up. “Sir,” he said, no doubt fearing litigation. “Are you alright?” “Yep,” said the farmer. “But sir,” the anxious owner continued,
“But what about the damage?” And at that point the farmer looked over all the things scattered about, things that represented the accumulated worth of his years, objects that told tales of what was done and left undone, a life spread out for all to see. Then he looked at the circus owner and said, simply: “A fig I say for the damage
sir, for I have seen the elephant.” And when he finished the story, the teller looked at me and added: “I hope one day, you can say the same.”
Christmas Day. Don’t you just love how food serves the soul? It’s like me cooking dinner every day; I get tired of it sometimes, but I know for you it’s more than just food. When you work outside in the winter all day till sunset and come home to warm food, I bet I don’t even know
what that’s like. I bet it’s just the feeling of home. A relief of sorts that there is always a place to go back to. Can you tell how much I love food too? We have always shared this since we met. I remember taking you to China Palace in the old Heart of Dixie Hotel. I still remember sitting
with you and opening fortune cookies. We were young and had no clue of today. But the memories are fantastic! Winter will be over soon, another season passing by. I have begun to hear the birds outside at sunrise. I think they are calling for spring more fondly than we are.
Even this morning, when Shep got out of bed he said, “The sun came up, so I got up.” You responded with, “Son, the sun isn’t up yet.” And Shep replied, “Well I heard the birds chirpin'.” And there you go. Birds and little boys calling for spring. You have worked
so hard this winter and I’m proud for you. Proud for our family and what is to come next. Whatever is to come, I know we will keep serving up breakfast and supper. We will keep being a home, a place we can always go back to. I love you. Thank you. Bradley”
ways like a melody. Mama spent the afternoon dusting the countertops with ivory flour, kneading huge lumps of white with her fists, punching the dough hard enough to scare the dogs. When she opened
the windows, the whole neighborhood was filled with the aroma of handmade, barely-legal bread. The scent must have awoken the entire county. Because soon, local cats and nearby vagrants began gather-
ing on our porch. Visitors from other towns suddenly appeared at our doorstep, alongside construction workers, mailmen, firemen, UPS drivers, Jehovah’s Witnesses, televangelists, various vacuum salesmen and the entire
cast of “Cheers.” They were all sniffing at our windows. When the hot loaves came from the oven, Mama buttered a slice and placed it onto a plate. And many years later, even though I am much older now, I
can still close my eyes, travel backward and remember the overpowering feeling of my mother’s love. May you always remember that same feeling too, Bella. Bring on the bread, sister.
Harvey H. (“Hardy”) Jackson is retired professor emeritus at Jacksonville State University. He can be reached at hhjackson43@gmail.com.
A6 February 17, 2021
Volunteers spend Valentine’s Day weekend participating in Alabama Rural Ministry’s Labor of Love service day Contributed by Alabama Rural Ministry Alabama Rural Ministry hosted a home repair service day over Valentine’s Day weekend. Individual volunteers showed a “Labor of Love” through community service while serving a rural home in Loachapoka. On Saturday, Feb. 13, six volunteers and with five ARM staff members worked to repair water-damaged floors, add trim moulding and also paint walls and ceilings. ARM has been serving with this homeowner since 2018, although the work was put on hold after the March 2019 tornadoes and the impact of COVID-19. Her home has suffered damage that ordinarily could be addressed through routine maintenance
of a home but due to financial constraints could not be completed. For our neighbors in these situations, it often means that more expensive repairs are needed in the future. Despite being retired, this homeowner is an involved and faithful citizen whose focus is on helping and providing for the children of Loachapoka High School. She worked alongside the volunteers on Saturday as the repairs were made. More work on the home is still necessary, but ARM volunteers are committed to fully completing the repairs during future service days. About Alabama Rural Ministry Alabama Rural Ministry is committed to discovering, developing, and deploying spiritual leaders who,
Photo contributed by Alabama Rural Ministry
as disciples of Jesus Christ, minister with rural and under-resourced communities to create sustainable homes, strengthen families, and build
strategic community partnerships for the glory of God. ARM can coordinate with churches, businesses, and other organizations who want to
build their leadership teams through service learning experiences. ARM’s next service day is March 27. For more information about ARM, visit
www.arm-al.org. To sign up to volunteer on this service day or to schedule your own service day, contact us at info@arm-al. org.
Maximize your refund by claiming deductions Contributed by Justin Smith, CPA The 2020 federal standard deduction is $12,400 for single (and married-separate) filers, $18,650 for heads of household and $24,800 for married filers. The standard deduction is an amount of money, based on your filing status, that you can earn tax free each year. Congress permits up to this amount of earnings to be exempted from income tax. While fewer people itemize their deductions than before the 2017 Tax Cuts 7 Jobs Act (TCJA), millions of taxpayers will still itemize their deductions. Even if you claim the standard deduction on your federal tax return, you may
still itemize on your state tax return, so you should track and provide your deductions to your preparer. Many itemized deductions include medical expenses, mortgage interest and property taxes, and charitable contributions. Additionally, state and local taxes such as income tax, property tax and ad valorem tax on your automobiles can provide a maximum total of $10,000 of deductions this year. Additionally, some tax deductions are referred to as “adjustments to income.” These do not require you to itemize deductions to get a tax break. Popular adjustments to income include the following: 1. Up to $300 in char-
itable contributions for 2020, which is a new deduction from the CARES Act. You normally are required to itemize deductions on your tax return to claim charitable contributions, but for 2020, up to $300 is available as an adjustment to income if you take the standard deduction. 2. Teachers can claim a deduction on the first $250 of educator expenses they incur ($500 if married and both spouses are teachers). 3. College tuition and fees – up to $4,000 to help cover higher education. This deduction is perfect for taxpayers with children in dual enrollment courses who don’t want to use the American Opportunity Credit because their kids aren’t fulltime college students yet. 4. Student loan interest up to $2,500.
5. Contributions to traditional Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) – up to $6,000 per taxpayer, or $7,000 if you are over 50 years old. 6. Self-employment taxes – you can deduct 50% of SE taxes paid. 7. Self-employed medical insurance – you can deduct the value of medical, dental and vision insurance premiums if you are self-employed and pay these costs. 8. Qualified Income Business Deduction (QBID) – the small business owner’s best friend. You can deduct up to 20% of your company profits. This is the third year of the new deduction and has proven incredibly valuable for small business owners. This deduction turbocharges your deductions and has proven to give many taxpayers significant refunds.
Key itemized deductions may still inflate your state tax refund even if you take the larger federal standard deduction: 1. Charitable contributions up to 60% of your adjusted gross income. 2. Mortgage interest – you can deduct the interest on up to $750,000 of your home mortgage debt for loans taken out after Dec. 15, 2017. If the loan is older, the older $1 million limit still applies. 3. Private Mortgage Insurance in addition to your mortgage interest is deductible through 2020. 4. Home equity loan interest – only deductible if you use the loan for your home or related improvements. 5. Medical/Dental costs – deductible above 7.5% of your adjusted gross income for 2020 (4% for Alabama – so even if you cannot
claim the deduction on your federal tax, it may prove helpful on your state tax return). 6. Automobile ad valorem taxes – don’t forget to snap a photograph of your car registration. This is a commonly overlooked deduction that can pad your refund. Tax laws are complicated, and there are income limits, rules and other considerations to each item listed above, so it’s important to keep in mind that your federal and state taxes have different rules. If in doubt, ask your tax preparer to determine whether a particular item is deductible. Justin Smith is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in Opelika, specializing in individual and small business tax and accounting. He can be contacted at 334400-9234 or Justin@ JSmithCPA.net. His website is www.jsmithcpa.net.
Severe weather preparedness sales tax holiday Feb. 26-28 Contributed by the city of Auburn The 2021 Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday is set for Friday, Feb.
26, through Sunday, Feb. 28. On Jan. 19, the Auburn City Council approved an ordinance exempting specific items from the City's 4% sales
tax, including severe weather preparedness items such as batteries, radios, flashlights, phone chargers, and more. A full list of exempt
items and more information is available on the Alabama Department of Revenue's website: revenue.alabama.gov/sales-use/ sales-tax-holidays/.
Opelika E vents, Society & Food
UPCOMING EVENTS Opelika Theatre Company presents: Arsenic and Old Lace Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. Feb. 20 at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets on sale now
Julie Folmar shares favorite recipes from traveling the world ANN CIPPERLY
Southern
Hospitality
J
ulie Folmar has a love of cooking and exploring various cuisines while traveling. Julie met her husband, John, while attending Auburn University and enjoyed learning about Southern cooking and entertaining from his beloved mother, the late Ada Folmar. Julie is sharing a variety of her recipes, including favorites from traveling the world. A native of Korat, Thailand, Julie and her family moved to Vicenza, Italy, when she was 12 years old. They lived next door to an Italian family who cooked simple foods and made daily trips to the bakery and market for fresh ingre-
dients. Italy was Julie’s first exposure to openstreet markets and the appeal of simple, fresh and generational purveyors of produce, cheese and fresh baked bread. Julie’s stepfather was in the Army and the Civil Service. When she was 15 years old, they moved to Huntsville. She spent most of her teenage years there and in North Carolina. Julie attended Auburn University and graduated in 1986 with an accounting degree. She was on the steps of the business school when she met John, who graduated with an Air Force ROTC commission. After marrying in 1987, the two began their life in
the military while Julie pursued an opportunity with Delta Airlines. “Combining the two careers was a challenge,” Julie recalled. “We juggled the rigors of military life while maintaining proximity to the airline’s major hubs. The travels exposed me to a wide range of cultures both home and abroad, as well as influencing my interest in the culinary arts. “While my love and appreciation for cooking has been a life-long passion. It can be attributed to two primary factors. First, was my motherin-law, the late Ada Dowdell Wright Folmar, with her Southern charm and hospitality for
Making the Grade: El Patron By Stacey Wallace For the Opelika Observer My husband Mike and I moved from LaGrange, Georgia, to Auburn in November 2015, and we absolutely love living in Lee County. There’s so much to see and do, and the people we’ve met are wonderful. However, our move required us to travel up and down I-85 to Long Cane Middle School, where we taught for the Troup County School System. This commute lasted for four years, three months and
two weeks. Then on May 28, 2020, we both retired after teaching for 30 years. So yes, we are a little whack. However, it was an honor and a privilege to teach children; we really miss interacting with our kids and our school family. People often ask me, “How’s retirement?” I usually reply, “It’s 90% great and 10% boring.” Mike and I realized that we were too young to retire completely. Therefore, I was absolutely thrilled when Michelle Key, the owner and publisher of the Ope-
lika Observer, gave me this opportunity to write a restaurant review for her paper. As fat people, Mike and I take food very seriously; we eat out often because we don’t like to cook. Getting paid to write about eating, one of my favorite activities, sounded like a dream part-time job for me; so here goes. Last Thursday night, we decided to dine at El Patron, our favorite Mexican restaurant in the Auburn/Opelika area. On Feb. 1, El Patron moved See PATRON, page A9
Photo special to the Opelika Observer Julie Folmar enjoys cooking for her husband, John, and their two children, Jack and Ada, as well as local family and friends in her professional home kitchen. Julie has collected recipes and techniques for cooking fresh foods from traveling the world.
presenting home-cooked meals and large family gatherings. Her grace and eloquence remain an inspiration for me to this day.” The second most formative factor for
Julie has been the travels throughout the world. She was exposed to the regional aspects of food, which helped her develop an understanding and appreciation for fresh, locally-sourced ingredi-
ents. The Folmars returned to Lee County to live in 2002. Their home was designed around professional-grade appliances, where Julie enjoys See CIPPERLY, page A10
Mo’Bay Beignet Company to open second location in downtown Auburn By Lofton Wheeles For the Opelika Observer Mo’Bay Beignet Company is branching out from the Mobile area and crossing into the Loveliest Village on the Plains with its second location opening in downtown Auburn at the end of the month. Owner of Mo’Bay Beignet Company Jaclyn Robinson initially started the business as a fundraiser and then branched out by
selling the products in shops such as Priester’s Pecans. “I felt God lead me to start the business as a fundraiser,” Robinson said. “Then, everything snow-balled and the products became popular. So, I took a leap of faith and opened a brick-and-mortar store in the Mobile area.” Robinson mentioned that she was approached in the summer of last year by Tripp Skipper, an Auburn local and a Mobile native.
“I thought that I would eventually expand the business, but I didn’t expect it to happen this quickly,” Robinson said. “After I spoke with him, however, I felt like it was the right time to make that jump. “Auburn was on my list for locations that I thought Mo’Bay would be a really good fit. I’ve been to Auburn several times, and I’ve always felt that there’s a very See BEIGNET, page A10
A8 February 17, 2021
Bill & Robbie’s Excellent BBQ Adventure By Kayla Evans For the Opelika Observer Bill and Robbie’s Excellent BBQ Adventure offers barbecue and other southern comfort food with a twist on certain days. Operating out of John Emerald Distillery, the restaurant offers limited plates that are first come, first served. Customers have the option to
order there or call ahead to reserve a plate. It also offers curbside pickup. Each weekend has different specials that are announced ahead of time, but some delicious items always on the menu are chief’s pulled pork sandwich, Jamaican jerk chicken tacos, kings stuffed pork loin sliders, redneck BBQ nachos and many others.
They also have some desserts, such as red velvet cheesecake. Along with serving food, they also offer catering for different events. “We do BBQ, but it is BBQ with a twist,” aid co-owner Bill Schwenk. “The only real traditional BBQ we do is our pulled pork. Everything else has a twist on it. Our chicken casserole, we take the chicken and
smoke it and put it in the casserole. All of our meats are smoked first. We are a BBQ company, but it is not a traditional place.” Schwenk and Robbie Hughes started this business in January 2021. They both have had a love for cooking that started in the last few years, and they had been talking about starting a food truck at some point.
Scwenk and Hughes want to give back to the community and help people in a time of need. In the past, they have given 10% of their proceeds to someone in need and also made meals for others. “We wanted to partner with our community and help people within our community and hopefully be able to feed people,” Schwenk said. “That’s
a very key part of what we want to do. To be an active part of our community and meet some needs when we see that need and when it is presented to us.” They will be closed Feb. 19 and 20 but will be open again Feb. 26 and 27. For more information about Bill and Robbie’s Excellent BBQ Adventure, go to its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ BRExcellentBBQ.
Opelika Rotary Club presents check to food bank
Contributed by Opelika Rotary Opelika Rotary sponsored the East Alabama Food Bank’s
backpack program at two local schools again this year. The group presented the food bank with a check for $6,545, and
was made possible with the community’s support at Burger Wars over the past few years. Packing night at
the food bank is one of Opelika Rotary’s favorite service projects, and it has been able to safely continue this throughout
the pandemic. The next packing night will be on Feb. 18 and those interested in learning more about this volunteer
opportunity or what else Opelika Rotary does for the community should contact the club for more information.
A9 February 17, 2021
Girls STEPS, Inc. gives homebound seniors Valentine’s Day gifts
Members of Girls STEPS, Inc. partnered with Lee-Russell Council of Governments to provide Love You Baskets to all 120 of their homebound seniors for Valentine's Day. Girls STEPS, Inc. CEO Tiffany Gibson-Pitts said that
she was very proud of the girls for wanting to reach out to our senior population as many of them are still dealing with the new norm of not being able to gather in groups. The baskets included an adult coloring book, a word find, colored pencils,
face masks, hand sanitizer and many other treats for them to enjoy. The girls also wrote a special note to each recipient. These baskets will go out during their regularly scheduled meal distribution.
PATRON
a restaurant if we feel unsafe regarding COVID. Not to worry. When I voiced my concern to the hostess about the lack of social distancing, she pointed out the plexiglass that was between each booth. I wasn’t wearing my glasses, so I was a little embarrassed that I hadn’t seen it at first. Therefore, Mike and I felt very safe eating in El Patron. Later, I noticed after another couple had finished eating and had left their booth, an employee immediately came over and quickly sanitized the table. So, fellow rotund, slightly older folks with pre-existing health conditions, El Patron follows COVID-19 safety protocols extremely well. In addition, the restaurant has really attractive décor, an upbeat atmosphere and much more seating space than it did at its previous
location. Our waitress Jennifer was sweet and really fast; she brought our soft drinks to us in record time. Also, she brought us extra napkins without being asked, which was very impressive. I think she could tell I’m the drippy type. After mowing down a mountain of tortilla chips and the delicious, hot cheese dip (You can never have too much cheese; that’s why we’re built this way.), our food arrived very promptly. My chicken fajita quesadilla, which comes with guacamole, sour cream and bell peppers, was delicious, as always. I routinely order extra guacamole, and it was very fresh and flavorful. Mike had the Las Chivas combo platter, which includes beef burritos with rice and beans. He said
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into the building that formerly held Logan’s Roadhouse in Tiger Town. We had wanted to go early and beat the crowd, but at around 5 p.m., a monsoon hit the area, and rain was pouring off our roof, so we waited about 30 minutes for it to subside. When we reached the parking lot of El Patron, we were a little worried because it was packed. Also, when I went in to get us a table, while Mike was searching for a parking space, I was concerned to see that there were no empty spaces between booths. Since I am 58 and a diabetic and my husband is 61, safety protocols regarding COVID-19 are very important to us. In fact, we will leave
Photos contributed by Tiffany Gibson-Pitts
they were great, as usual. In addition, El Patron has really big portions, so you will never leave hungry. Their dishes are also very reasonably priced. El Patron certainly
makes the grade with an A+ from this retired English teacher. Remember, fat people NEVER lie about food. Enjoy! Stacey Wallace taught middle school English
for 30 years before retiring to become a connoisseur of local food. Her food review column, Making the Grade, will appear in the Observer every week.
A10 February 17, 2021
Upcoming virtual events with Alabama Extension Contributed by Tara Barr Lee County Extension Coordinator The following is a list of upcoming events put on by Alabama Extension that are free to participate in (unless otherwise mentioned). All times are in CST. “Get Outside with Alabama Smart Yards” Series: Every Wednesday 1 to 2 p.m. Registration link: auburn.zoom. us/j/82398811386 www. facebook.com/AlabamaSmartYardsAlabamaExtension At Home Beekeeping Series: Last day of every month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (Begins Jan. 26) Registration link: auburn.zoom. us/j/904522838 Back to Basics Gardening Series: Second and fourth Wednesdays from 10 to 11 a.m. (Begins Feb. 10) Registration link: www.aces.edu/go/B2Bzoom www.aces. edu/?s=Back2BasicsWednesdays&q=Back2BasicsWednesdays Eco Friendly Fridays Environmental Education Series: Last Friday of every month 12 to 1 p.m.
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preparing home-cooked meals. Julie selected a professional kitchen over a new car. She decided on a Viking professional stove, Sub Zero refrigerator, wine cooler and oven-warmer drawer. Julie has enjoyed cooking for her husband and their two children, Jack, who is 27 years old, and Ada, who is 22. They are both students at AU. Jack is getting his master's degree in forestry, while Ada is graduating next semester in hospitality with minors in international studies and business. John works at the School of Pharmacy at Auburn University. Julie enjoys cooking for family and friends, using skills she learned from her mother-in-law. “She was a gracious Southern lady,” she said.
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hometown feel about Auburn. With Auburn being a college town, I felt that Mo’Bay would do well and bring something unique for college students and the Auburn community to enjoy while giving people a place to hang out, meet with friends and study while using our free WiFi.” Mo’Bay Beignet Company provides authentic, homemade beignets, a quality that the business takes pride in. “All of the beignets are made in-house, from scratch
www.aces.edu/go/ EcoFriendlyFridays Alabama Garden Walk Series: first and third Fridays from 12 to 12:45 p.m. (Begins Feb. 19) Registration link: www.aces.edu/go/GardenWalk Raising Trees Series: Thursdays from 12 to 1 p.m. www.aces.edu/blog/ topics/landscaping/raising-trees-webinar-series/ Alabama Garden Chat Wednesdays TBA (Begins in April) ForestHer Webinar Series: second Tuesdays of Every Month 12 to 1 p.m. www.aces.edu/blog/ topics/forestry/foresther-workshops/ 2021 Natural Resources Webinar Series: Wednesdays from 12 to 1 p.m. (see the link for the dates scheduled) www.aces.edu/ blog/topics/forestry/ natural-resources-webinar-series/ Alabama Virtual Farm Tours: biweekly from March to October, from 5 to 6 p.m. Stay informed or watch on www.facebook.com/AlabamaExtensionCommercialHorticulture Commercial Horticulture Monthly
Webinar Seminars, last Monday of each month: auburn.zoom. us/j/590217859 or watch the livestream at www.facebook. com/AlabamaExtensionCommercialHorticulture. Monthly agenda is posted on www.aces. edu/anr/beginningfarms/ webinars.php ‘Q&A Friday!’ interactive shows: Fridays from March to October from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Stay informed or watch on www.facebook.com/AlabamaExtensionCommercialHorticulture 4-H Virtual Venture for Feb. 25 Birdhouses Join us over Zoom as we learn all about North American birds and build birdhouses. The cost to participate is $10 and will include all the supplies you will need. Register by Feb. 22 to reserve your spot; only 10 are available. Call 334-749-3353 to reserve your spot. Once registration closes, a Zoom link will be sent out and birdhouse kits will be picked up at the Lee County Extension Office. 4-H Camp June 2-4: ( $175.00) Only 24 spots so register ASAP. Must have total payment and all your paperwork to be
added to the list. Deadline to register is Feb. 19. Call 334-749-3353 for more information. East Alabama 4-H Poultry Project 2021: You must be in 4-H online and between the ages of 9 and 18. Call the Lee County Extension office at 334-7493353 or email Deborah Stewart at dhs000@ auburn.edu. $35 check and reg. form must be turned in by Feb. 26. Please register early due to a scarcity of spots. No late registrations will be accepted. Land Use Enterprises Webinar: Extension agents and specialists will discuss some profitable options that landowners might wish to consider or utilize on their property. The target audience is landowners, farmers, investors and absentee landowners. Enterprises to be addressed are: livestock and forages, forestry and wildlife, plant-based enterprises, traditional row crops, hemp enterprises, agritourism opportunities, beekeeping products. Online registration is required; do so at www.aces.edu/event/ land-use-enterprises-webinar. The webinar link will be emailed upon registration. For assistance, contact the
Tallapoosa County Extension Office at (256) 825-1050. ServSafe Class: Lee County ServSafe Class will be at the Hubbard CASIC Building on Auburn Campus. The Class will be Feb 22 & 23, 2021, starting at 9 a.m. Register at www. aces.edu/go/servsafe. For more information call 334-749-3353. Cottage Food Certification: Register at www.aces.edu/go/cottagefoodbusiness. You will watch four videos and then register. Cost is $25. Get Outside with Alabama Smart Yards Webinar Series is back!! Every Wednesday at 1 p.m. The Zoom room is a new room, and everyone will have to reregister at auburn.zoom. us/j/82398811386. The 26th Annual Alabama Beekeeping Symposium will be Feb. 6 and 7 this year. This virtual symposium is only $20. Check out the agenda and register here: www.aces.edu/ blog/topics/lawn-garden/alabama-beekeeping-symposium/ Free Virtual Cotton and Rice Conference. Earn CEU Credit for 60 Educational Videos. (Available for three years.) Videos will be
available on Feb. 10, 2021, with over 100 speakers. Register for free today at www.nctd. net or www.mafg.net Private Pesticide Applicator Training Class for Lee County: Feb. 16, 2021, at 8:30 a.m. You must call 334749-3353 to register. This class is designed for the farmers who need to take the private pesticide applicator test in order to purchase restricted-use products. However, we will be discussing chemical safety and sprayer calibration at this class, so anyone who sprays pesticides on a large scale will benefit from this training, even if a restricted pesticide license is not needed. A fee of $20 will be charged for this training and testing. An additional licensing fee of $25 will be sent to the Department of Agriculture and Industries by the applicant. The licensing fee is not included in the training and testing fee. Please plan to pay with a check (checks are preferred) made out to the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) in the amount of $20 or with the correct cash amount. Participants must bring and wear a facemask in accordance with COVID guidelines.
“Everything was always elegant. She could entertain 200 people, and all the food was prepared well ahead. It was effortless, and she was relaxed before entertaining.” While she has a love for entertaining too, she doesn’t entertain as formally as Ada did. She enjoys entertaining more casually and serving buffet style. Julie is enjoying using china and crystal she inherited from Ada. Julie will set the table ahead, polish silver and iron napkins, but most of her cooking is freshly prepared. It is not as easy to have her dishes cooked ahead. Many of Julie’s recipes have travel stories with each one. “For example,” she said. “Beef Kafta and Israeli Salad are my favorite to have at an open Mediterranean market,
Souk, in the Middle East. I like to shop for spices and unusual items at the Souk in Tel Aviv. “One of the many benefits of the Delta life is access to the wonderful and uncommon spices and goods of the international markets.” She brings these spices home to share her foodie experiences from around the world. “The most fun shopping in my international travels is the outdoor markets,” Julie said. “It may be the fruit and vegetable market that opens each morning, the daily bratwurst and pretzel stalls in Mainz, the weekly antique market of London's Portobello Road and Madrid's El Rastro flea market. My all-time favorite is Borough Market in London, strolling and sampling street food-vendors’ bread, cured meats,
cheese, olives and pastries. Borough Market has the widest variety of food from humble scotch eggs, salty French confit duck and Tuscan porchetta roast.” Her bean curry recipe is one of her favorites when she goes to London. “I often take the tube from central London and explore the Arab Muslim neighborhood, China Town and Brick Lane [(Indian Neighborhood)],” she said. She explores restaurants and finds the local hole-in-the-wall places that serve excellent food. “I am so comfortable with public transportation by myself in London, Rome, Munich and Paris,” Julie said. “I have an Oyster card [(London Underground)] loaded always and a Metro card.” She looks for older
people in restaurants to tell if it is a place where locals dine or if it is more tourists. She can tell locals from tourists. Julie has been a flight attendant for Delta Airlines for 35 years. She is currently on leave because of COVID-19. When traveling, she not only brings back spices but also fresh pasta, cheeses and wine, among other items. She can use the refrigerator on the plane for storing the cheeses. Cacio e Pepe is a favorite recipe Julie enjoys while dining in Rome. She finds it is served everywhere in the city, and it is now a favorite to make at home. It is simple and delicious. One of her most popular recipes is Chicken Scampi, which comes together quickly. Her daughter made the dish for her teachers at
Ariccia, Italy, and they relished it. While Julie has been grounded from travel, she has enjoyed being in the kitchen cooking the dishes her family and friends savor and enjoying the time together lingering at the table. “I really hope sharing my recipes will inspire people to want to cook and experience priceless time-sharing meals together,” Julie said. “Home cooking has become a lost art. Come to my kitchen and you will see the wear and tear with love and memories.” If you have been looking for something different to serve your family that has been well tested, you will want to clip and save Julie’s recipes.
and cooked to order,” Robinson said. “It’s not a fast-food restaurant. It’s important to me that every customer gets a fresh, made-to-order batch of beignets on the spot.” Robinson also plans to add domino sets on each table in the café to enhance the “Mo’Bay experience." “My grandfather absolutely loved the game of dominoes and I really wanted to add the game to each of the café tables to honor his memory,” she said. “However, due to the ongoing pandemic and sanitary reasons, I’m not implementing
the idea I have at the moment.” Mo’Bay Beignet Company also likes to add signature syrups to go with the beignets for dipping purposes. “The signature syrups available are buttercream and cinnamon,” Robinson said. “I also like to bring in seasonal syrups such as chocolate for the winter time and fruit-flavored syrups for the summer time. The syrups are always a hit, and customers like to try them out every time there is a new one.” Robinson said the most rewarding part of her business is seeing the joy
in customers who try the beignets. “It brings me joy to see people loving the beignets, loving the café, posting their love for Mo’Bay on social media and people wanting to share with their friends and family about how much they love Mo’Bay,” she said. Of course, not everything is always easy. “The most difficult part, however, is communicating to the customer base that you are coming to more of a bakery-like business where your item is being freshly made to order, from scratch for you versus fast-food,”
she said. “We do this to ensure our customers get the best quality product made with love and care.” Robinson is also looking forward to becoming a part of the Auburn community. “I’m truly excited to have another community to bring our warm, welcoming environment to,” she said. “I’m excited that the Auburn community can have a new place where people feel like they can relax, have a good time and feel comfortable and safe. Overall, Mo’Bay provides a really good work environment and
customer environment.” Mo’Bay Beignet Company has also created buzz among the Auburn community, especially its city workers. “We’re excited to welcome yet another unique dining option to downtown Auburn,” said Auburn City Manager Megan McGowen Crouch. Mo’Bay Beignet Company will open its downtown Auburn location at the end of the month. You can follow its Facebook and Instagram accounts facebook.com/ mobaybeignetcoauburn and @mobaybeignetcoauburn, respectively.
Ann Cipperly can be reached at recipes@ cipperly.com.
A11 February 17, 2021
RECIPES
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CACIO E PEPE Cacio e Pepe translated is “Cheese and Pepper” For centuries, this famous cheesy pasta dish has been a staple in Roman cuisine! It is just freshly cracked black pepper and lots of Pecorino cheese (or half Pecorino and Reggiano Parmesan cheese) and pasta It is the simplest meal but so satisfying. 2 Tbsp. whole black peppercorns or more to taste 1 lb. spaghetti Salt for the pasta water 1-1/2 cups freshly grated Pecorino Romano or more to taste Bring a big pot of salted water to the boil. Grind the peppercorns very coarsely, preferably crushing them in a mortar with a pestle or in a spice grinder. Warm up a big bowl for mixing and serving the pasta—use some of the pasta water to heat the bowl, if you like. Cook the spaghetti until al dente. Quickly lift it from the pot with tongs, let it drain for an instant then drop it into the warm bowl. Immediately scatter a cup of the grated cheese and most of the ground pepper on the pasta and toss in quickly. As you mix, sprinkle over spoonsful of hot water from the cooking pot to moisten and amalgamate the pasta and condiments; add more pepper or cheese to taste. Serve immediately while the spaghetti is hot. CHICKEN SCAMPI 1/2 cup butter 1/4 cup olive oil 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions 1 Tbsp. minced garlic Juice of 1 lemon 2 lb. chicken breasts, boned, skinned, and cut into 1/2-inch pieces 1 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley 1 tomato, chopped Buttered noodles or cooked rice In a skillet, heat together butter and olive oil and sauté the green onions and garlic. Add lemon juice, chicken, salt, pepper and parsley. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, for 5 to 8 minutes or until chicken is done. Add tomatoes and heat through. Serve over buttered noodles or hot rice. Makes four to six serving. CHICKEN PICCATA 2 skinless and boneless chicken breasts, butterflied and then cut in half Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper All-purpose flour, for dredging
6 Tbsp. unsalted butter, divided 5 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice 1/2 cup chicken stock 1/4 cup brined capers, rinsed 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped Season chicken with salt and pepper. Dredge chicken in flour and shake off excess. In a large skillet over medium high heat, melt two Tbsp. butter with three Tbsp. olive oil. When butter and oil start to sizzle, add two pieces of chicken, and cook for 3 minutes. When chicken is browned, flip and cook other side for 3 minutes. Remove and transfer to plate. Melt two more Tbsp. butter and add another two Tbsp. olive oil. When butter and oil start to sizzle, add the other two pieces of chicken and brown both sides in same manner. Remove pan from heat and add chicken to the plate. Into the pan, add lemon juice, stock and capers. Return to stove and bring to boil, scraping up brown bits from the pan for extra flavor. Check for seasoning. Return all the chicken to the pan and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove chicken to platter. Add remaining two Tbsp. butter to sauce and whisk vigorously. Pour sauce over chicken and garnish with parsley. CITRON PRESSE Citron Presse is a popular, refreshing drink served in French cafés. Translated as “pressed (squeezed) lemon,” it is homemade lemonade at its finest. 4 lemons 1 cup simple syrup (sugar dissolve in water) Ice Cold water Squeeze the juice from the lemons. Pour juice into a small jug. Put the simple syrup in a small pitcher or bowl. Fill a large pitcher with ice and top with cold water. Take the jugs of lemon juice, syrup and water to the table along with four glasses and four spoons. Allow everyone to mix their own drink to their desired sweet and sourness. CLAFOUTIS My favorite dessert from France. The recipe calls for summer apricots but will work well with almost any seasonal fruit that can go into a pie. Sugar 3 eggs 3/4 cup whipping
cream 3/4 cup milk 1/2 tsp. almond extract 1/2 cup flour 8 apricots, about, cut in half and pitted 1/3 cup slivered almonds Place 1/4 cup sugar, eggs, cream, milk and almond extract in blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Sift flour over mixture and pulse just to mix. Set batter aside to stand 10 minutes. Arrange apricots, cut-side down, in heavily buttered and sugared 9-inch glass pie plate. When batter has rested, pour batter over apricots. Sprinkle with almonds and 1 to 2 Tbsp. sugar. Bake at 400 degrees until puffed and brown, about 45 minutes. Serve immediately. Makes six to eight servings. Easy Sautéed Spinach 2 large bunches of spinach, about 1 lb. Extra virgin olive oil 3 cloves garlic, sliced Salt to taste Clean and prep spinach: Cut off the thick stems of spinach and discard. Clean spinach by filling sink with water and soaking spinach to loosen any sand or dirt. Drain and then repeat soaking and draining. Put spinach in a salad spinner to remove any excess moisture. Heat two Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet on medium high heat. Add garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until garlic is just beginning to brown. Add spinach to pan, packing it down. Use a couple spatulas to lift spinach, and turn it over in the pan to coat with olive oil and garlic. Do this a couple of times. Cover the pan and cook for 1 minute. Uncover and turn the spinach over again. Cover the pan and cook for an additional minute. Remove from pan and drain excess liquid: After 2 minutes of covered cooking, the spinach should be completely wilted. Remove from heat. Drain any excess liquid from the pan. Add a little more olive oil, sprinkle with salt to taste. Serve immediately. GOUGERES Gougeres are simple cheese puffs that are popular from the Burgundy region in France. They are good served as an appetizer with wine. 1 cup milk 1 stick unsalted butter 1 tsp. salt
1 cup sifted unbleached, all-purpose flour 5 eggs, divided 1½ cup Reggiano Parmesan cheese (or half Parmesan and half Gruyere) Preheat oven 375 degrees. Combine milk, butter and salt in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove pan from heat and add flour all at once. Whisk vigorously for a few moments, then return the pan to medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the batter has thickened and is pulling away from the sides and bottom of the pan for 5 minutes or less. Again, remove pan from heat and stir in four eggs, one at a time, making certain the first egg is completely incorporated before adding the second. Then stir in the cheese or cheeses. Lightly butter a baking sheet. Drop the batter by Tbsp. onto baking sheet, spacing the puffs at least 1 inch apart. Beat the remaining egg in a small bowl. Brush the tops of the puffs with the beaten egg, and sprinkle with additional Parmesan, if you use it. Set baking sheet on the center rack of oven. Reduce heat to 350 degrees, bake for 15 and 20 minutes, or until Gougeres are puffed and well browned. ISRAELI SALAD You can enjoy this salad with breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Yes, I love this. 3 Roma tomatoes 1 English cucumber 1 red pepper 1/2 medium onion red or white 1/2 cup parsley, chopped 1/8 cup lemon juice fresh 3 Tbsp. olive oil Kosher salt to taste Slice tomatoes in half and discard seeds. Chop tomatoes, cucumber, red pepper and onion. Place chopped vegetables and parsley into a bowl. Add lemon juice, olive oil and salt. Mix until combined and serve as desired. BEEF KOFTA This Mediterranean ground beef kabob recipe is a hit every time. 1 medium onion 3 cloves garlic 1 cup fresh parsley 2 lbs. ground beef (can use lamb or even a combination of both) 2 tsp. cumin 1 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. pepper In a small food processor chop up the onion, garlic, and parsley. Place the ground beef into a large bowl
and top with the rest of the ingredients. Mix the beef mixture until combined. Shape the mixture into burger shapes. Grill or pan fry until cooked thoroughly, about 4 to 6 minutes per side depending on the side of thickness. RESTAURANTSTYLE PANSEARED SALMON 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 tsp. kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 4 (6 oz.) skinless salmon fillets, 1-1/4 inch thick Season salmon with salt and a few grinds of pepper. Heat oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering. Cook the salmon, without moving, until golden and crisp, about 4 minutes. Carefully flip the fillets and reduce the heat to medium. Continue cooking until done to your liking, 4 to 5 minutes more. Transfer to a platter and serve.
until a bit of garlic sizzles at once. Add garlic, toss well, and the add the shrimp and chicken. Cook about 2 minutes, tossing now and then, until shrimp and meat are cooked through. Add noodles and toss as they begin to soften, whiten, and curl in the hot pan. Add fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and chili flakes and cook 1 to 2 minutes, tossing now and then. Add a splash or two of water to prevent sticking. When the noodles are tender, push them to one side and add remaining Tbsp. of oil. Add eggs, and once it is almost set, scramble and push aside. Add green onions and one cup of the bean sprouts and cook about 1 minute, tossing once or twice, until shiny and beginning to wilt. Sprinkle peanuts and lime juice over noodles and then toss to mix everything well. Mound the noodles on a serving platter, arrange remaining cup of bean sprouts and the lime wedges on the side, and serve hot. Serves two to four.
PAD THAI NOODLES 1/4-lb. dried rice noodles, linguine or fettuccini 3 Tbsp. vegetable oil, divided 1 Tbsp. coarsely chopped garlic 8 to 10 medium shrimp, about ¼ lb., peeled and deveined 1/4-lb. boneless chicken or pork, cut in bite-sized pieces 3 Tbsp. fish sauce 2 Tbsp. soy sauce 2 Tbsp. sugar 1/2 tsp. dried red chili flakes About 1/4 cup water or chicken broth to prevent noodles from sticking 1 egg, lightly beaten 3 green onions, coarsely chopped (about 1/3 cup) 2 cups fresh bean sprouts 1/4 cup coarsely chopped dry-roasted peanuts 2 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lime juice 2 lime wedges To prepare the dried rice noodles, bring a large saucepan of water to a rolling boil, add noodles, and remove from heat. Let the noodles steep 5 minutes, and then drain and rinse well in cold water. Transfer drained rice noodles to a medium bowl, and place it by the stove, along with a serving platter, a pair of long-handled tongs or a spatula, and a slotted spoon for tossing noodles. Have all the remaining ingredients ready and handy. In a large, deep skillet or a wok, heat two Tbsp. of the oil over medium heat
THAI GLASS NOODLE SALAD 2 oz. dried mung bean noodles (cellophane noodles) 1 to 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil 1 whole chicken breast, boned, skinned, and coarsely chopped Salt and pepper to taste 1 fresh red or green chile, such as serrano, chopped 3 Tbsp. lime juice 2 Tbsp. Nam Pla (Thai fish sauce) 1 tsp. sugar 3 shallots, peeled, thinly sliced 1/2 cup cilantro leaves 6 oz. cooked bay shrimp Thinly shredded lettuce, such as iceberg 1 to 2 Tbsp. crispfried shallots (optional) Put mung bean noodles in a bowl and pour in lukewarm water to cover. Let soak until soft and pliable (about 15 minutes). Drain. Add noodles to a large pot of boiling water. Reduce to medium heat; cook until noodles are plump and glasslike (3 to 5 minutes). Drain in a colander; rinse with cold water; drain again. Cut into 3- or 4-inch lengths. Chill. Pour oil into a hot wok or skillet. Add chicken; sauté until it loses its pink color. Break into small morsels. Season with salt and pepper. Let cool. Mix chile, lime juice, Nam Pla, sugar, shallots, and cilantro; pour over noodles and mix thoroughly. Add the chicken, shrimp, and chilled noodles; mix well. Serve on a bed of thinly shredded lettuce. Garnish with the optional crispfried shallots. Serves four to six.
A12 February 17, 2021
Mold by Isaac Scott Hathaway found Story by Hannah Lester hlester@opelikaobserver.com
C
heck your china cabinets, check your attics — you may find a piece of Auburn University and Tuskegee history buried among the tschotskes. Dr. Charles Hendrix, professor emeritus for the college of veterinary medicine, was hunting for treasures in Goodwill when he found a piece of pottery that caught his eye. Stamped on the bottom of the piece were the words “Made By Students at Tuskegee Institute.” Hendrix, an avid fan of Antique Roadshow and a collector of pieces of history decided to do some more research on the piece. “I didn’t know what Tuskegee Institute Pottery was,” Hendrix said. Soon, he was immersed in the history of Dr. Isaac Scott Hathaway. Hathaway created the ceramics department at Tuskegee University and was the first African American ceramics professor at Auburn University, then known as Alabama Polytechnic University (API). He is best known for his busts of African American historical figures, such as Frederick Douglass, and as the first African American to design a U.S. coin, which featured George Washington Carver and Booker T. Washington. A group of Auburn University students, under Mark Wilson, director of the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts and Humanities, completed research on Hathaway in 2012 and 2013 to put together a pamphlet on his life and his work at Tuskegee and at API, as part of the Appalachian Teaching Project. Hathaway began as an artist at an early age. “At the age of nine, Hathaway’s father took him to a museum and because frustrated
when he could not find his son,” said the pamphlet from the Appalachian Trail Project. “When found, young Isaac told his father that he had gotten separated in order to find a bust of the famous black leader Frederick
Douglass.” Hathaway’s father told him that he would not find a bust of Douglass in the museum. “Mr. Hathaway informed his son that no statues of black Americans would be in the museum because
there were few black artists in the nation,” the pamphlet said. “‘I made up my mind that day that I was going to make busts and statues of our great Negroes and put them where people can see them,’ Isaac said.”
Hathaway did just that. He created busts of Richard Allen, Booker T. Washington, Paul L. Dunbar, Jessie Owens, Jackie Robinson and W.E.B Dubois and others. “I began to feel a responsibility to my people,” Hathaway said in a Federal Writer’s Project Interview completed by Rhussus L. Perry in the 1930s and included in the Appalachian Teaching Project. “Yes, I would perpetuate our great men and women in marble and bronze. Despite the hardships that I have met, the opposition and lack of confidence shown by my own race. I have devoted my time and money to taking masks and modeling builds of people.” The pottery that Hendrix found at Goodwill was one of several pieces created by Hathaway’s students at Tuskegee University. Hendrix began to build up a collection of pieces created by Hathaway’s students. While scanning eBay, Hendrix came across something unique. He found one of the molds Hathaway created and used to build his busts: a mold of George Washington Carver. George Washington Carver was a scientist, researcher and inventor at Tuskegee University, known nationally for his work in agriculture. Hendrix snapped the mold up, and when it was delivered, he handed it over to the Jule Collins Smith Museum for safekeeping.
The mold, before Hendrix purchased it, had been in the possession of an antiques dealer, James Allen, in Georgia for the last 25 years, Hendrix said. Before that, the mold was in the possession of Doris Dunn Cooper, who had cared for both Hathaway and his wife at the end of their lives, Allen told Hendrix. The mold had been gifted to Cooper. “It has been a privilege and honor meeting some of the people, some of them are dead, some of them are still living, that are associated with bringing this to light,” Hendrix said. Hendrix has asked that everyone look in their china cabinets for pottery, and to check the bottoms; they may say ‘‘Made By Students At Tuskegee Institute’ or ‘Made By Students at API.’ “We need help from the Auburn family,” Hendrix said. Despite Hathaway being the first ceramics professor at Auburn University (API), very few pieces of work by students under Hathaway while at API have been found or recovered. “Somewhere out there, there’s a china cabinet, where a woman, when she was a young girl, made something, she’s 92-95 years old today,” Hendrix said. “There may be [pottery] with API on the bottom of it.” To learn more about Hathaway, visit the site for the Appalachian Teaching Project: isaacscotthathaway.wordpress.com/ video/.
A13 February 17, 2021
W
alter Cronkite was news anchor for CBS from the early 1960s to the early ‘80s. He walked a generation through their share of difficult times: the assassinations of President Kennedy, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Senator Robert Kennedy. There were watershed events like the Civil Rights Movement, the moon landing, the Vietnam War, Watergate and protests and riots. Cronkite was there for all these things and more. When he signed off his newscast each evening, he would look at the camera and say, “And that’s the way it is,” and add the day’s
Church Calendar
And That’s The Way It Is date. Cronkite had originally intended the phrase to be the conclusion to a brief story or anecdote he told at the end of each newscast— the kind of thing we hear from time to time that backs us off the day’s news by offering humor, perspective or just a break from the harsh realities of the newscast. The vignettes didn’t work out for Cronkite (they never had the time to do them), so he settled for just using the phrase. What if Cronkite’s idea was implemented today by sharing something that would put the news of the day into perspective? It could be a story or better yet, some big, foundational truths that would frame the
• Union Grove Baptist Church In-person gathering with social distancing. Masks are available. Sunday worship is at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Wednesday worship is at 6:30 p.m. Services are streamed live on Facebook — the page is UGBChurch • First Baptist Church Opelika The following are held in-person and online on Sundays. 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship and Message at The Worship Center 9:45 a.m. Sunday School Hour 11 a.m. Contemporary Service at The 3:16 Center 6 p.m. Evening Worship and Message at The Worship Center 6:30 p.m. Church on Chadwick at Chadwick Lane in Auburn To watch services online, go to fbcopelika.com/media
events of the day. Like when you’re told your vehicle needs a new set of tires but otherwise, it’s in great shape and you can anticipate many more years of driving it. In other words, what if we received some hope to go along with the notso-pleasant news? There wouldn’t be anything wrong with that, would there? And it would give us some context for
need to know but we don’t need to dwell on. This is something of how the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-5) functioned in Israel. It provided the framework for how they looked at everything in life and was a constant reminder of the reality of God. Maybe this is also part of how the model prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) is to function with us as well. In the end, I suppose there are a number of things we could do to remind ourselves of the powerful realities that should shape our daily lives. The important thing is that we have some way of reminding ourselves of the way it is rather than the way it seems.
You can find more of Bruce’s writings at his website: atasteofgracewithbrucegreen.com.
Hunley Group Lambert Transfer & Storage An Interstate Agent for North American Van Lines 1102 Fox Trail Opelika, AL 36803 745-5706
"I thank my God every time I remember you."
• Church of Christ at Cunningham - meeting at their building at 9:30 a.m. for Bible class, 10:30 a.m. for worship, 5 p.m. for evening worship and 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. • St. Marys Catholic Church/ St. Michael’s Church SMCC is having Daily Mass on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 8 a.m. and on weekends they are distributing holy Communion on Sundays from 9:30 to 11 a.m. A Mass is also held on Sundays at 12:30 p.m. at St. Michael's Church over in Auburn. For more information people can call the office at 334-749-8359 or go to the parish website: stmarysopelika.org.
By Bruce Green Teaching Minister at 10th Street Church of Christ in Opelika
dealing with whatever the negative news was. Imagine then, after you watch, heard, or read the day’s news, this followed it: “Finally, we’d like to remind you that the tomb is still empty, the throne is still occupied, and God is continuing to work out His eternal purposes through Christ, His people and in the world— and that’s the way it is.” Wouldn’t that be great? Getting a little hope with our headlines could do wonders for us. We probably shouldn’t hold our breaths over that happening. What we can do is teach ourselves to think this way when things go sideways and the news cycle is dominated by negative things that we
ABOUT BRUCE GREEN
— Proverbs 1:3
Church Directory APOSTOLIC HOLINESS God’s House of Prayers Holiness Church 301 HIghland Ave., Opelika 334-749-9672 True Deliverance Holiness Church 936 N. Donahue Dr., Auburn 334-502-4700 BAPTIST Beulah Baptist Church 5500 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-705-0538 Cooperative Baptist Fellowship 128 East Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-8506
ANGLICAN Anglican Church of the Good Shepherd 2312 Center Drive Unit D 334-758-6749 ASSEMBLY OF GOD Bridge Church 1000 Lee Road 263, Cusseta 334-742-0144 AME Mount Zion AME Church West Point Hwy 334-749-3916 St. Luke AME Church 1308 Auburn St. 334-749-1690 St. Paul AME Church 713 Powledge Ave. 334-745-6279 Thompson Chapel AME Zion 187 Columbus Pkwy 334-749-8676 BAPTIST Abundant Life Baptist Church 1220 Fox Run Ave. Suite B 706-4421464 Airview Baptist Church 2301 Airport Rd. 334-444-5148 Antioch Baptist Church 605 W. East Morton Ave 334-742-0696 Bethesda Baptist Church 201 S. 4th St. 334-745-7528 Bethel Baptist Church Hwy. 29 Sasser Rd 334-745-4865 Central Baptist Church 1611 2nd Ave. 334-745-2482 Community Baptist Church 154 N. 16th St. 334-745-6552 Cornerstone Missionary Baptist 500 N. Railroad Ave. 334-742-2008 Eastview Baptist Church 1208 Spring Dr 334-749-9595 Farmville Baptist Church 3607 Alabama Hwy N. 334-887-7361 First Baptist Church of Opelika 314 S. 9th St. 334-745-6143
Green Chapel Missionary Baptist 390 Lee Road 106, Auburn (334) 749-4184 Lakeview Baptist Church 1600 E. Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-7094 Pepperell Baptist 2702 2nd Ave., Opelika 334-745-3108 Providence Baptist Church 2807 Lee Road 166, Opelika 334-745-4608 Union Grove Baptist Church 4009 Lee Road 391, Opelika 334-749-0461 CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ at First Baptist Church 301 S. 8th St. 334-745-5715 First Baptist Church Impact 709 Avenue E 334-741-0624 First Freewill Baptist Church 103 19th St. 334-703-3333 Friendship Missionary Baptist 432 Maple Avenue 334-742-0105 Greater Peace Baptist Church 650 Jeter Ave. 334-749-9487 Heritage Baptist Church 1103 Glenn St. 334-363-8943 High Hope Baptist Church 227 Lee Road 673 Love Freewill Baptist Church 1113 Frederick Ave. 334-745-2905 Ridge Grove Missionary Baptist Church 1098 Lee Road 155 - 334-745-3600 Northside Baptist Church 3001 Lafayette Hwy 334-745-5340 Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Uniroyal Rd 334-749-2773 Purpose Baptist Church 3211 Waverly Pkwy #704-0302 St. James Baptist Church 1335 Auburn St. 334-745-3224 Union Grove Missionary Baptist 908 Huguley Rd 334-741-7770 BUDDHIST Buddha Heart Village 3170 Sandhill Rd. 334-821-7238 CATHOLIC St. Mary’s Catholic Church 1000 4th Ave. 334-749-8359 CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ 2215 Marvyn Pkwy 334-742-9721 Southside Church of Christ 405 Carver Ave. 334-745-6015 CHURCH OF GOD
Cunningham 2660 Cunningham Dr., Opelika 10th Street Church of Christ 500 N. 10th St., Opelika 334-745-5181 COMMUNITY OUTREACH Changing Hearts of Destiny Ministry 936 N. Donahue Dr., Auburn 334-502-4700
Church 5165 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-745-4755 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Church At Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy., Opelika 334-524-9148 St. Ellis Full Gospel Church 5267 US Hwy 80W, Opelika 334-298-4319
METHODIST Auburn United Methodist Church 137 South Gay St., Auburn 334-826-8800 Beulah United Methodist
PRESBYTERIAN Trinity Presbyterian Church 1010 India Road, Opelika 334-745-4889
Airview Church of God 3015 Old Opelika Rd 334-749-9112 Church of God 114 17th Place 334-749-6432 Tabernacle Church of God 3 Oak Court 334-745-7979 CHURCH OF NAZARENE Opelika Church of Nazarene 1500 Bruce Ave. 334-749-1302 EPISCOPAL Emmanuel Episcopal Church 800 1st Ave. 334-745-2054 HOLINESS Eastside Emmanuel Holiness Church 86 Lee Road 186 JEWISH Beth Shalom Congregation 134 S. Cary Dr. 334-826-1050 LATTERDAY SAINTS Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints 510 Groce St. 334-742-9981 METHODIST First United Methodist Church of Opelika 702 Avenue A 334-745-7604 Hopewell United Methodist 1993 Lee Rd 136 334-745-0460 Pierce Chapel United Methodist 8685 AL Hwy. 51 334-749-4469 Pepperell United Methodist 200 26th St. 334-745-9334 Trinity United Methodist Church 800 Second Ave. 334-745-2632 Wesley Memorial United Methodist 2506 Marvyn Pkwy 334-745-2841 PENTECOSTAL Full Gospel Pentecostal Church Hwy. 29, PO Box 1691 334-7418675 Gateway Community Church 2715 Frederick Rd 334-745-6926 PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian Church of Opelika 900 2nd Ave. 334-745-3421
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST Outreach Seventh-Day Adventist 1808 S. Long St. 334-749-3151 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Apostolic Holiness Church 610 Canton St. 334-749-6759 Auburn Opelika Korean Church 1800 Rocky Brook Rd 334-7495386 Beauregard Full Gospel Revival 2089 Lee Road 42 334-745-0455 Christ Church International 1311 2nd Ave. 334-745-0832 Fellowship Bible Church 2202 Hamilton Rd 334-749-1445 Ferguson Chapel Church 310 S. 4th St. 334-745-2913 First Assembly of God Church 510 Simmons St. 334- 749-3722 Garden of Gethsemane Fellowship 915 Old Columbus Rd #745-2686 Grace Heritage Church Opelika #559-0846 Holy Deliverance Church 831 S. Railroad 334-749-5682 Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 1250 McCoy St. 334-737-1488 Living Way Ministries 1100 Old Columbus Rd 334-749-6241 Move of God Fellowship Church 1119 Old Columbus Rd 334-7411006 Connect Church 2900 Waverly Pkwy 334-749-3916 New Life Christian Center 2051 West Point Pkwy 334-741-7373 New Life Independent Church 10 Meadowview Estates Trailer 334-741-9001 Opelika’s First Seventh Day 2011 Columbus Pkwy 334-737-3222 Power of Praise, Inc. Church 3811 Marvyn Pkwy 334-745-6136 Shady Grove Christian Church West Point Hwy 334-745-7770
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Email: editor@opelika observer.com Call: 334-749-8003
A14 February 17, 2021
The Potters of Rockybrook remember James Spain Contributed by the Potters of Rockybrook The Potters of Rockybrook and Opelika Empty Bowls recently lost a very special person. Rest in Peace, James Spain. James Houston Spain - Oct. 11, 1956 ~ Jan. 26, 2021 James Houston Spain was a Renaissance man. He built world-class stereo systems in his spare time, including a turntable with a needle so sensitive, you could hear the crickets in Central Park, where the orchestra had played. When someone gave him two pipe organs, he disassembled the 100s of components and then spent weeks reconstructing them with his sons. James' individuality manifested at a young age. While attending Opelika High School, he dressed in a suit and carried a briefcase to class. The Cadillac
he drove had a nonfunctioning cell phone prototype, which James built, complete with the ringer. His giftedness showed up in many areas. In the 6th grade, he built a battery-operated radio, which terrified the teacher, who was sure it would electrocute someone. In his junior and senior years at Opelika High, he constructed motorized floats with a tank and rolling wheels, taking first prize two years in a row. As a boy, James bagged groceries at Winn Dixie and later worked as a butcher, but it was his 46-year career as a machinist at Rexnord that stands out. Even without formal training, he steadily climbed the corporate ladder. He spent the last part of his career polishing components installed in helicopters, including Marine One. Sherie and James almost weren't a couple.
They met when she was working at Wares' Jewelers, and he wanted to buy a fountain pen. They talked (a lot), and eventually, Sherie asked James to accompany her to a dance. He annoyed her by declining the date but finally invited her to his house and served a candlelit dinner of bacon-wrapped chicken. It turned out that James couldn't dance. Sherie forgave his gracelessness, and the two became soulmates. Anyone, who spent time with James, knew he was a talker. There were few subjects about which James didn't have an opinion. He was a voracious reader and perused at least three newspapers every day. His love of talking manifested itself when he accompanied Sherie to pottery conventions in North Carolina. While she went to workshops, James disappeared to Cigar Bars to smoke cigars, meet people and
just talk. James was a connoisseur of many of the finer things in life. His collections included Montblanc pens, Versace neckties and Christian Dior Cologne. But it wasn't just about material goods for James; it was about the experiences. James listened to classical music for hours in his Man Room. He also enjoyed cooking gourmet meals and treated his Sunday School class to many a Shepherd's Pie. Another interest was the garden, he and Sherie shared. The greenhouse James built protected their plants in the winter, but he would spend hours carting the 100s of plants outside in the spring. Despite his severe dislike of bananas, he loved both banana trees and succulents. James and Sherie spent many happy hours in their backyard watching
raccoons and possums and one stray cat battle over the cat food James left outside for that purpose. James loved to drive. Once when he and Sherie were attending his son's graduation from Naval Training School, he terrified her as he navigated Chicago traffic in her red Fiat, while changing gears, smoking his cigar and of course talking. James was instrumental in helping Sherie with four Opelika Empty Bowls Fundraisers, which earned approximately $52,000 for the Food Bank of East Alabama. In addition to soliciting donations, he cooked up huge pots of soup in front of the Denson Center during the fundraisers. James was also a driving force in obtaining a new pug mill for the pottery center, and he and Sherie spent many weekends pugging clay.
Above all else, James worshipped his family. It was his joy to protect them and to share his many passions. He will be missed by those who had the pleasure of knowing him. James was preceded in death by his parents James Houston Spain, Sr. and Marjorie Delbridge Spain of Opelika. He is survived by his wife Sherie Spain; his sister Mary Louise Spain Sanders (David) of Gardendale, his brothers John "Mark" Spain (Margaret) of Montgomery and Benjamin D. Spain (Cindy) of Opelika; sons, Jim Spain (Amy) of Opelika, Timothy Spain (Jennifer) of Covington GA, Jacob Spain (Grace) of Beulah; stepson Mason Beard (Kari) of Atlanta; and grandchildren, Katie Spain, Felicity Spain, Hudson Spain, Ezra Spain, Charlotte Spain, Abby Beard, Brooke Beard and Will Beard.
Alabama, was born in Gadsden, Alabama, on Oct. 5, 1941, to the late Jerome Sherrell and Conola Smith, and passed away on Feb. 12, 2021, at the Bethany House in Auburn. She was 79 years old. Mrs. Proffitt was predeceased by her son, Wayne Proffitt, Jr., and her grandson, Ben Bentley. Mrs. Proffitt is survived by the love of her life and husband of 63 years, Wayne Proffitt, Sr.; daughter, Kim Taylor (David); granddaughters, Brook Peavy (Jimmy), Kelly Proffitt and her fiancé, Tyler, and Kathryn Todd (Dalton). She is also survived by great-granddaughters, Bennett Peavy, and Emma and Ella Todd. A special thank you to Pallbearers: Jimmy Peavy, Dalton Todd, Tyler Rice, Freddy Weygand, Jay Smith, and Johnny Smith. The family would also like to thank Chris Starr and staff at Bethany House in Auburn, and Joseph Dean and staff at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home. Visitation was held in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home on Feb. 16, 2021, from 11:30 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. The funeral service followed in the Chapel at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home, at 1 p.m. Interment followed at Auburn Memorial Park cemetery in Auburn, with Alex Howell officiating.
Henry and Dora Griggs on Sept. 9, 1934. Betty loved cooking for friends and family. It brought her great joy at Christmas time for many years to bake her “Special Cakes” and deliver them to her doctors, church staff and friends. She also loved fishing and Lake Martin. Mostly, she loved Jesus and was a member of First Baptist Church Opelika where she was also a member of the Ledbetter Sunday School Class and the Sunshine Singers. Betty is preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Dora Griggs and her husband, Crawford R. Ledbetter Sr. She is survived by her sisters- Bessie (John) Godwin, Nellie (Dennis) Stough, Margaret (John) Mask and Beverly (L.D.) Meredith, her son Crawford (Cindy) Ledbetter of Opelika, Alabama; Brenda (David) Lucas of Opelika; Carol (Alan) Dorn of Auburn, Alabama; Grandchildren Trey (Casey) Ledbetter, Tatum (Hope) Ledbetter, Taft (Jessica) Ledbetter, Cameron Lucas, Adam (Ashley) Dorn and Haley Dorn. Great grandchildren-Hayden, Khloe, Hunter, Locke and baby AJ (in June). A Memorial Service were held at Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home and Crematory on Tuesday February 16, 2021. In Honor of Betty and Crawford Ledbetter. Visitation was at 10 a.m. with service at 11 a.m. officiated by Josh Agerton. The family wishes to extend its thanks to the caregivers at Azalea Place and Bethany House and to Betty Jordan for her time spent with her. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Betty Ruth Ledbetter, visit Jeffcoat Trant’s floral store: www.jeffcoattrant.com/obituary/Betty-Ledbetter/sympathy.
OBITUARIES Janice M. Jenkins Janice was married to Paul Douglas Jenkins on Dec. 23, 1956, six months before graduating from Opelika’s Clifton High School in 1957. They were married for several years, and had two daughters, Pamela L Cox (Marvin) and Kimberly E. Jenkins. She also had 2 grandsons, Chadrick and Christopher (Krystal), whom she adored and loved to spoil, sometimes to the dismay of their parents. Janice also had two great-children Savannah and Drew, who brought her much joy and happiness in her last years. Janice is survived by a niece, Leigh and nephew, Scott, whom she loved very much, but didn’t get to see often. She had an extended family as well that consisted of great nieces, a great nephew, a great-great nephew, and great-great nieces who loved her very much, as she did them. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest F. and Mary J. Guy (Nee. Sanders), her sister Elaine Liner, and her life partner and soul mate of 38 years, John Nowell. Janice grew up with a very large extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins during the depression and World War II, molding Janice into the person she became as an adult. Her close relationships with her cousins lasted the rest of her life. Even though times were hard growing up, they had fun, creating many lasting memories. Janice worked as a secretary in the front office of the West Point Pepperell Plant, here in Opelika for many years. But Janice wanted to do something different, so left the comfort of a stable paycheck to try her hand in sales. Although this took a great leap
of faith of her abilities, turns out she was a natural born saleswoman and the risk paid off. Starting over in a sales career depending largely on commissions was not easy, but Janice believed if you worked hard, you could exceed. So, along with selling insurance she worked two other jobs to make ends meet. At night she sold Home Interior or worked at her best friend’s store. Through determination and grit, she created a better life for herself and daughters. Later in life while still selling insurance, Janice opened a floral shop, letting her grandson Chad run it until she could retire from selling insurance. She ran the florist for several years until she began having health issues. She finally decided it was time to retire from all work and enjoy life more. Once retired, she enjoyed the leisure life of traveling, visiting with friends, going on a cruise, and just hanging with her sister Elaine. This lasted only a couple of years. She returned to substitute teaching in the Beauregard Community, working for 15 more years before finally retiring for good. Janice was a member of Central Baptist Church her whole life, except for the last few years, when she moved her membership to Providence Baptist Church in Beauregard. Graveside service was held at Garden Hills Cemetery at 1 p.m. on Feb. 13, 2021.
Huey Long Strickland Huey Long Strickland of Opelika was born in Mashulville, Mississippi to the late Wilbur and Lottie Foster Strickland on May 24, 1936 and passed away at East Alabama Medical Center on
Feb. 9, 2021. He was 84 years old. Huey was preceded in death by a grandson; great granddaughter; two brothers and four. He is survived by his wife, Lettie Mae Strickland; son, Michael Strickland; daughter, Deborah A. Hollingsworth (Mark); grandchildren, Diana Atkins (Stephen); John Strickland, Nathan Hollingsworth (Kara), and Daniel Hollingsworth; 9 great grandchildren, and brother, Marlin Strickland (Mamie). A graveside service was held in Garden Hills Cemetery on Feb. 13, 2021 at 3 p.m. with Dr. Rusty Sowell officiating.
Wayland Lee Dunn, Sr. Wayland Lee Dunn, Sr. of Opelika was born to the late Henon and Beatrice Criswell Dunn in Nashville, Tennessee on Aug. 28, 1936 and passed away at East Alabama Medical Center on Feb. 10, 2021. He was 84 years old. Wayland attended Montgomery Catholic High School Class of ‘54. He was the proud co-owner and co-operator of Twin City Meats, and when he was not working he enjoyed traveling (especially cruises), Motorcycles, and Alabama Football. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Henon A. Dunn, “Jr.” and Charles Dunn. Wayland is survived by his wife of 56 years, Lois “Marie” Dunn; daughter, Lisa (Tim) Meloy of Dadeville, AL. son, Wayland (Stacy) Dunn of LaFayette, AL. grandson, Shawn Nochumson of Auburn; sister-in-laws, Tenice Zerbe, Juanita Hillis, and Carolene Wu. A graveside service was held at 11a.m. at Garden Hills Cemetery on Feb. 13, 2021. In lieu of flowers the family requests that
donations be made to: The Girls Ranch 174 Samford Drive Camp Hill, Alabama. 36850.
John Albert Pitts John Albert Pitts of Opelika was born in Riverview, Alabama to the late Lewis and Orean Audrey McCoullough Pitts on Dec. 28, 1942 and passed away at his home on Feb. 11, 2021. He was 78 years old. John served in the United States Air Force and was employed for over 35 years at Uniroyal. He was an avid sportsman and he loved spending time with his grandchildren. John was preceded in death by his brothers, Thomas Pitts, and Frank Pitts. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sheila Pitts; son, Jason John Pitts (his wife) Lori Pitts “who was like a daughter” daughter, Tammy Pitts Reed (Frank); grandchildren, John Avery Pitts, Hannah Marie Pitts, Dominique Reed, and Aleasa Devon Reed; great grandson, A’Iryion Reed; Special son, Joshua Knight; sister, Annette Greathouse; sister-in-law, Linda Pitts, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members. Visitation was held Feb. 14, 2021, in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home from 12:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Funeral service was held in the Chapel at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home on Feb. 14, 2021 at 2 p.m. with Reverend Micah Greathouse officiating. Interment followed at Garden Hills Cemetery.
Donna Sherrell Proffitt Donna Sherrell Proffitt of Opelika,
Betty Ruth Griggs Ledbetter Betty Ruth Griggs Ledbetter, 86, of Opelika passed away peacefully on Feb. 13, 2021 at Bethany House in Auburn. Betty (“Mimi”) was born in Notasulga, Alabama to
A15 February 17, 2021
Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama investes $1.05 million in Alabama-based research Funds to support O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center and partners throughout the state Contributed by UAB The Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama (BCRFA) today announced an investment of $1.05 million in Alabama-based breast cancer research, bringing the organization’s total impact over 25 years to nearly $11 million. Matching their 2019 investment, the organization will support 14 research projects throughout the state, including studies at the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Auburn University, Cerflux, Mitchell Cancer Institute at University of South Alabama, Tuskegee University and Southern Research. Funding was raised in 2020 by corporate sponsorships, special events, individual donations, grants from local, state and federal funders and sales of the Breast Cancer Research specialty license plate. “Despite COVID-19, individuals and companies throughout the state stepped up for breast cancer research,” said Beth Bradner Davis, executive director of the BCRFA. “Our staff and board are truly thrilled to match last year’s investment, allowing us to support critical projects which will change therapies and treatments for breast cancer patients here in Alabama and around the world. Unfortunately, diagnoses don’t stop during a pandemic. This investment will ensure that research won’t either.” The BCRFA invests in projects in developing stages, providing “seed money” to attract grant funding. From there, many projects go on to win national grants from the National Institute of
Health (NIH) and others. “The support of organizations like the BCRFA is crucial to our work at the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center,” said Dr. Barry P. Sleckman, director of the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center. “Developing projects often have an undeniable positive impact for research in the field of breast cancer. Each discovery brings us closer to a cure — and the BCRFA is helping get us there.” The 2020 award recipients include: • Randall Davis, MD; Suzanne Lapi, Ph.D.; Erica Stringer-Reasor, MD — “Advancing the Prognostic, Immunotherapeutic, and Imaging Potential of FCRL6 in Breast Cancer” (O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB) • Mick Edmonds, Ph.D. — “A Novel SRC Inhibitor for the Treatment of Metastatic Breast Cancer” (O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB) • Xu Feng, Ph.D.; Douglas Hurst, Ph.D. — “RANK Signaling Pathways in Breast Cancer Development” (O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB) • Selvarangan Ponnazhagan, Ph.D. — “Combinatorial Genetic Immunotherapy and RANKL Antagonism for Breast Cancer” (O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB) • Troy Randall, Ph.D.; Erica Stringer-Reasor, MD; Ahmed Elkhanany, MD — “Identifying Neo-Antigen-Reactive T Cells in Breast Cancer Using Organoid Cultures” (O’Neal Comprehensive Can-
cer Center at UAB) • Rajeev S. Samant, Ph.D.; David A. Schneider, Ph.D. — “Unraveling a Novel Vulnerability of Breast Cancer” (O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB) • Nan Cher (Flo) Yeo, Ph.D. — “Understanding WRN-Dependent Pathways to Regulate Genome Stability in TNBC” (O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB) • Corinne Augelli- Szafran, Ph.D.; Omar Moukha Chafiq, Ph.D.; Rebecca Boohaker, Ph.D. — “Development of Novel Clofarabine Analogs for Breast Cancer Therapy” — BCRFA Impact Award (Southern Research) • Karim Budhwani, Ph.D., DLA — “Personalized Oncology Efficacy Test (POET)” — BCRFA Innovation Award (CerFlux)
& Flea Mall
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• Natalie Gassman, Ph.D.; Michelle Schuler, Ph.D.; Marie Miguad, Ph.D. — “Targeted Nanoparticle Delivery to Reduce STAT3 and Improve Cell Killing in Triple Negative Breast Cancer” (Mitchell Cancer Institute at University of South Alabama) • Nancy Merner, Ph.D.; Erica Stringer-Reasor, MD — “Breaking Research Participation Barriers in Alabama – An African American Breast Cancer Genetics Study” (Auburn University and O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB • Nancy Merner, Ph.D.; Clayton Yates, Ph.D. — “The Identification of Genetic Risk Factors Associated with Hereditary African American Breast Cancer” (Auburn University and Tuskegee University) • Jingjing Qian, Ph.D.
— “Reducing Breast Cancer Risk in Alabama — The Role of Medications” (Auburn University) • Robert Sobol, Ph.D. — “Exploiting a Novel, LiveCell, Real-Time Poly-ADP-Ribose Probe for Discovery of PARG Inhibitors” (Mitchell Cancer Institute at University of South Alabama) Efforts that helped fund this year’s donation included community events throughout the state of Alabama, grant awards and corporate partnerships. Companies who sponsored included Renasant Bank, Tameron Automotive, Wind Creek Wetumpka, ARC Realty, the Thompson Family Foundation, Sirote & Permutt, the Alabama Power Foundation, the Hill Crest Foundation, the Robert M. Meyer Foundation, Bank of America/Merrill, the Caring Foundation/Blue Cross and
Blue Shield of Alabama, Protective Life Foundation, Thrivent Financial, Spectrum Reach, iHeart Media, UAB Benevolent Fund, Vulcan Materials Company and more. Approximately one half of the total $1,050,000 donation was raised through sales of the BCRFA specialty car tag. Available at DMVs across the state, nearly 14,000 vehicles in Alabama sport the Breast Cancer Research tag. One hundred percent of funds received by the BCRFA from tag sales are invested in research. The BCRFA supports a comprehensive approach to battling breast cancer through collaborative and innovative research to help diagnose, treat, prevent and eradicate the disease. All of the funds raised remain in Alabama, supporting local research, which in turn, makes a national impact. About the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama: The Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama supports a comprehensive approach to battling breast cancer through support of collaborative and innovative research to help diagnose, treat, prevent and eradicate the disease. Since its inception in 1996, the BCRFA has raised almost $11 million to fund research at the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center and with their collaborative partners. All funds raised stay here in the state of Alabama, but the research will have a global, life-saving impact. To learn more, visit www. BCRFA.org.
A16 February 17, 2021
COMICS
“Life is worth living as long as there’s a laugh in it.” ― Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
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Inside • Opelika schools • Lee County schools • community sports
Panther wrestlers power their way through State By Wil Crews sportscrews@opelikaobserver.com
On the Mark By D. Mark Mitchell
OHS basketball teams advance to subregionals
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oth the Opelika Girls’ and Boys’ Varsity basketball teams were eliminated from the Area 4-6A tournament last week with both teams falling to Eufaula in the championship game. The Girls (11-10) beat Russell County 55-45 in the first-round elimination game of the Area tournament to advance to the final. LaDajah Hugley led with 16 points; Erica Mathews scored 14 points; Kaitlyn Bryant added 12. The win allowed the Lady Bulldogs to play at Eufaula for the area tournament championship on Feb. 13. The Tigers bested OHS 81-52 to win the area. The loss means the Lady Bulldogs played at Carver Monday night in the subregional round of the AHSAA 6A Playoffs. The OHS Girls season ended with a narrow 60-67 loss. The Lady Bulldogs were led by a season-high 33 points from Haley Sanders. Kaitlyn Byrant added 16 points. The Girls finish with a 11-11 record after making it three consecutive trips
to the 6A State Finals. The Opelika Boys’ Basketball team upset Valley in Fairfax 82-60 last week in the first-round elimination game of the area tournament. Unfortunately, the Bulldogs then lost the area championship game 81-49 to Eufaula on the road. OHS played the game without two starters due to COVID contact tracing. Despite the loss, the season continues for the boys and Interim Head Coach Wesley Button. Opelika traveled to Montgomery Wednesday night, playing Carver in the subregional round of the AHSAA 6A basketball playoffs. The results were not available at press time. INTERIM BASKETBALL COACH In early January, Opelika high announced that newly hired boys’ basketball head coach Emmanuel Brown had resigned. Brown, hired in May of 2020, never moved his family to Opelika from the Dothan area. He missed numerous days prior to Christmas See SPORTS , page B5
School Board meetings Opelika: March 25 at 4:30 p.m. at 300 Simmons St. Lee County: March 9 at 6 p.m. at 2410 Society Hill Road
The Smiths Station Panther Wrestling team finished 7th overall in the 2020-21 AHSAA 7A Wrestling State Championship in the Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham last weekend. Thirteen Panther wrestlers qualified for the tournament and, while there, four individual wresters
qualified for the semifinals. “I was real happy for those four but I was happy for the whole team,” said Smiths Station head wrestling coach Russell Sanders. “We qualified 13 kids for State, that’s the most we ever qualified.” Anthony Dunn (160 lbs) and JT Zogg (285 lbs) lost in the semis to See STATE , page B5
Smiths Station’s Devin Stone (132 lbs.) celebrates his AHSAA Class 7A State Championship victory. Photo courtesy of Michelle Fontenot.
Tori Gooden Teacher of the Year at Southview Primary By Will Fairless Associate Editor
In its regularly scheduled board meeting on Feb. 9, the Opelika City School Board gave Tori Gooden the 2020-2021 Teacher of the Year award for Southview Primary School. In the last meeting of the board, Teacher of the Year awards were given to teachers from other schools, but Gooden was not able to attend.
“For those of you that do not know Tori, she’s a second grade teacher at Southview,” said Southview principal Mary Salmon. “She’s been with us for five years. She is working on her leadership certificate at Auburn University right now; she is working on her national board certification; she’s a teacher leader; she’s a technology coordinator — really does anything and everything that could
be asked of her. She is great with parents, she’s engaging. . . . She’s the one that I can go to with anything that I need; she does a great job and we’re very fortunate to have her as a teacher.” In other business, the board: - heard a presentation from TURNERBATSON Commercial Architects about how the design firm could work with the school system. - approved personnel
recommendations. - approved a bid for roof replacement for Morris Avenue Intermediate School. - approved an amendment to the budget for fiscal year 2021. The Opelika City School board usually meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month. The next meeting of the board is scheduled for March 30 at 4:30 p.m. in OCS’s central office (300 Simmons St.).
Photo by Becky Brown, Opelika City Schools. Pictured (left to right): Gooden’s husband, Gooden’s daughter, Tori Gooden, Superintendent Dr. Mark Neighbors and Southview Primary School Principal Mary Salmon
B2 February 17, 2021
“Holes to fill” OHS Boys Soccer reloads for 2021 season By Wil Crews sportscrews@opelikaobserver.com
The Opelika High School Boys Soccer team began their 2021 season last week with a 7-1 win over Alabama Christian Academy and a 3-1 loss to Trinity Presbyterian from Montgomery. The youthful squad appears to be a well-balanced one, with all eight of the goals scored this season coming from eight different players. “Goal scoring wise, we share the load,” said OHS Boys Soccer coach Derek Hovell. “It’s always a good thing to have multiple people be able to score.” Despite the wealth in attacking options, Hovell said his team has “holes to fill.” The Bulldogs lost 10 seniors from last year’s team. They managed to replace them with 12 more this year, however, many struggled to find playing time last season, particularly because the schedule was cut short due to COVID-19.
“It’s a good senior-led group, but only four or five of them got a lot of playing time last year,” Hovell added. “So, we are all just trying to find our identity here – just trying to get back into the hang of things.” One of those seniors, defensive center back Will Bennett, is the only returning backline starter apart from senior goalkeeper Miller Issacson. “We’ve really been relying on [Bennett] to help get everyone organized,” Hovell said. “[Issacson] brings a lot of experience for us too.” Another area of strength in the team is in the midfield. Seniors Landon Faison and Austin Roberts are the box-to-box midfielders, the fulcrum of the balanced play that Hovell has been impressed with to start the season. “This year, I feel like we are a little bit more well-rounded than in the past,” Hovell said. “We are still trying to fill it out, but honestly, we’re playing just good balanced soccer. We’ve
possessed the ball a little more than in the past, but we have also been able to be opportunistic and be direct when we needed too.” The secret to establishing the team's identity on the pitch starts with their mentality. “One of our goals this year is we want to score first every game,” Hovell said. “My philosophy that I’ve had for years is the five-minute rule. First five minutes of the half, last five minutes of every half and five minutes after every goal is when teams are most vulnerable, yourself and the other team. The boys kind of took that into their memory bank and put a statement on top of it and said ‘we want to be the ones that start that five minutes’.” When the team will inevitably fall behind or stumble early, the players will be reminded of that mentality by teammates like senior Harold Torres, who Hovell cannot speak of highly enough. “[He’s] another guy See HOLES , page B5
OHS Girls Soccer: with youth comes opportunity By Wil Crews sportscrews@opelikaobserver.com
The Opelika High School Girls soccer team is full of youth. This year’s Lady Bulldog team consists of three seniors, two juniors and the rest underclassmen. But that doesn’t mean the Lady Bulldogs – winners of five straight area championships – are going to chalk this year up to growing pains or label it a developmental year. “A big driving force on my varsity team is a lot of our ninth and tenth graders,” said OHS Girls Soccer coach Jaclyn Button. “It’s really exciting. But with that comes some inexperience. . . You know, good looking for the future of the program but definitely having to do some learning and just kind of learning how to play with each other.” The girls already began their season last week. Their youth showed in a what was a disappointing loss against a well-drilled Trinity Presbyterian team from Montgomery. “We’re still just trying
to get our feet under us, get ourselves figured out,” Button said. The very nature of playing sports in a pandemic only makes that process more difficult. “We’ve had to make people flexible and make them learn every positon,” Button added. Combine extra responsibility with the lack of proper fall workouts and an already inexperienced team and what do you get? A challenge. However, Button has already identified what the team needs to work on in order to meet their obstacles head on. “We can always work on defense,” Button said. Defense in soccer – or in most sports really – is harder than offense. Attacking is straightforward. Put the ball in the back of the net. One stray pass in the opposition’s half of the field in unlikely to have any disastrous consequences. Conversely, the intricacies and timing of defense make it to where one mistake can cost you the game. Defenders have to be cohesive as a unit and
understand how to read the entirety of the pitch. “There’s always more stuff you can work on,” Button added. “First touch and everything. With a lot of the younger ones we are trying to work on reading the field, reading the game and knowing where to play.” As far as the Lady Bulldog’s strengths go, “communicating on the field,” is their number one according to Button. Strong and concise communication allows the girls to play possession ball with teams and output a high passing accuracy, which will in turn lead to more chances near the opposition goal. Button will be looking to her more experienced players to turn those chances into goals. In the midfield, fouryear starter and senior Eleanor Wilson will be given the reigns to direct play in the heart the pitch. “She’s one of my leaders,” Button said. “She’s one of our driving forces through the midfield. She’s had a lot See SOCCER , page B5
OHS Wrestling saddles up for State By Wil Crews sportscrews@opelikaobserver.com
Six Opelika wrestlers qualified for State. Photo contributed by Jim Davis.
Six Opelika High School wrestlers will be representing the Grapplin' Dawgs in the AHSAA 5A/6A State Wrestling Tournament in Huntsville on Feb. 18-20. “This crazy COVID year left us without a true sectional tournament to qualify wrestlers therefore we coaches entered our starting lineups and crossed our fingers,”
said OHS wrestling coach Jim Davis. Typically, a wrestler would need to finish top eight in the Sectional Tournament to qualify for State. However, this year, OHS coaches were left to the TrackWrestling algorithms and “prayer,” Davis said. The modifications to the tournament can be found at www.ahsaa. com/Portals/0/Sports/ Wrestling/2020-21/ AHSAA%20 Tradititional%20
State%20 Wrestling%20 Tournament%20 2020-21%20 Recommendation%20 to%20Central%20 Board%20Passed. pdf?ver=peF9vZ3j4LgUdbOjoMl-vA%3d%3d. Here are the six Grapplin’ Dawgs who qualified for State, their weight class and overall record. • Freshman Derrick Hoyett (106 lbs., 13-11 record) • Freshman Brayden Wilson (120 lbs., 18-7
record) • Freshman Trace Gaither (132 lbs., 9-12 record) • Sophomore Keon Brazier (152 lbs., 14-9 record) • Junior Ari Brogdon (182 lbs., 103 record) • Junior Jack Pritchard (195 lbs., 16-3 record) Davis said seven other starting Grapplin’ Dawgs were submitted for qualification but See WRESTLING , page B5
B3 February 17, 2021
Sensitive Outreach To Children With Anxiety
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Ecclesiastes 3:1.
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his past year, the pandemic has brought many challenges to families. Families have adjusted to preschool and schools closing, wearing masks, social distancing, being away from grandparents, not being able to travel, job losses due to the pandemic, traditional activities closing down and loss of loved ones to COVID-19. Children and parents are interconnected and bonded in many ways.
Children feel parents’ happiness, as well as their anxieties. As we slowly embark on striving to get back to normal, many parents are feeling more comfortable with having their young children safely engage in learning and activities at school. Other safe community activities for young children are beginning to open up to families with young children. The Classroom Observer
would like to revisit helpful information for infants, toddlers and preschoolers on separation anxiety. I hope this information from this teacher’s heart is helpful for families with young children. There is some anxiety and fear that is normal for young children at different ages and developmental stages. When young infants cry when mom or dad leaves, it may be due to just normal, healthy bonding of infant to parents. Those who work with young children see this stop within three to four minutes when a parent leaves. It is normal for some toddlers to express this fear because they sense that the parents will leave and not return. Too, so many times parents are met by a child in tears. The reason for this is that children are reminded how they felt when their parents left. When this happens, I have to explain to the parents that the child really had a good time. Most of the time these little ones are laughing
and engaging in learning and activities. So, moms and dads, don’t worry that your child has had a bad time; 99% of the time it is that they reflect upon the separation feeling that came when you initially left. Too, feel free to ask your child’s teacher how they have done. Also, when younger children wander off by crawling or walking away, they may even be scared or anxious by the distance they have between them and their parents. This crawling or walking is progress, but it has created a distance from their parents that scares them. Parents, there is light at the end of the tunnel; these unpredictable reactions to being separated from parents usually decreases between two and three years of age. As a teacher, I love to witness when morning separations become easier. It is so very good to wave goodbye to a parent with a smiling child in whom this stage of development has
passed. Something I have seen many parents do when this anxiety exists in their child is to ease out slowly until the child adjusts. As a parent, you have to realize that the class must go on, so you become a participant along with your child. The teacher of the class will deeply appreciate this outreach of understanding. Sometimes immediate separation is the answer. It depends on the personality and nature of your child. You know your child better than anybody. Such behavior could also be due to tiredness, illness, major changes in a family (such as a move), a change in a regular routine or schedule, the birth of a new baby in a family, divorce, death or many other factors. Too, if a child is attending a new daycare center, preschool or has a new childcare giver, this can contribute to separation anxiety. Many parents, in addressing the issue,
have other family members or babysitters take care of the child for a night at a time. Too, being away from a child during a small time like church services, meetings or other activities is a good way for your child to begin to develop independence. Too, weekday preschools or “Mom’s Day Out” help with this developmental need. One thing as a teacher and a parent that seems to connect a child to that feeling of closeness in going through this is to allow a child to bring an item from home, such as a blanket or favorite stuffed animal to hold close. Be sensitive to the needs of the teacher and class and try not to send an item or toy that may be disruptive. Parents, I know I have just touched the tip of the iceberg on this subject, but I do hope that these few suggestions will help you hold on to hope during this stage of development with your young child. Beth Pinyerd Classroom Observer
Lee County School Board honors teachers of the year By Will Fairless Associate Editor
During the Lee County School Board’s regularly scheduled meeting on Feb. 9, the board gave Teacher of the Year awards to two Lee County teachers. Superintendent Dr. Mac McCoy said, “Welcome to what is usually one of the happiest times in a person’s life in education as a superintendent, to get to celebrate the teachers of the year and
their accomplishments and show our gratitude toward y’all. It is a little bitter this year because of the COVID virus, and we’re not able to celebrate with everyone.” Dr. Jason Wright gave the Teacher of the Year Award at the elementary level to Susan Norton from South Smiths Station. “Mr. Henderson, in your prayer you mentioned people that make the school work. That is this person at South Smiths
Station,” Wright said. “Miss Norton is one of those people that just gets the job done. She’s a champion for children. . . . I’ve had the privilege on many occasions to hear Miss Norton’s lessons, and she’s just amazing. She loves kids.” Dr. Brad Hunter gave the Teacher of the Year Award at the secondary level to David Shamp, a history teacher at Beulah High School. “Mr. Shamp has emerged himself
as a leader at Buelah High School,” Hunter said. “He is one of those teachers that takes a pride in integrating technology. That’s one of the things that makes him very unique and respected among his peers. One thing that’s worth pointing out: he makes learning fun; Mr. Shamp’s not afraid to dress up in costume and come to class in character to get his lesson across.” In other business, the board:
– approved two bus bids, one with Southland Transportation Group for 22 regular 72-passenger buses at $84,333.55 each for a total of $1,855,338.10 and another with the same for three special needs 54-passenger buses at $93,595.49 each for a total of $280,786.47. The total of the two bids is $2,136,124.54. – heard a presentation from ABM about a facility enhancement project.
– approved six outof-state field trips for Smiths Station High and Smiths Station Junior High. – approved the Monthly Financial Report and Cash Reconciliation for the Month of December from Ken Roberts. The Lee County School Board meets at 6 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at its central office at 2410 Society Hill Road. The board’s next meeting is scheduled for March 9.
B4 February 17, 2021
Smith Station falls to Auburn in area championship By JD McCarthy for the Opelika Observer
Three days after the Varsity Girls lost in the first round, the Smiths Station Varsity Boys Panthers made it to the Area 4-7A area championship game but came up short against Auburn, falling 85-57 in their third matchup of the season. To get to the game, the Panthers had to beat Central-Phenix City for the third time in the season in the opening round of the area tournament. They accomplished this with a 68-58 win to complete the season sweep. “We just kind of do one thing and we want to be real good at it,” coach Stephen Davis said. “I just think we were a little deeper and that helped us win the game.” The Panthers have relied on strong performances in the second half throughout this season, and Wednesday was no exception. “We want to pressure you until we wear you down and in the fourth quarter, we are aiming on being not as tired
and not as worn down as you are. That’s what we have been doing all year,” Davis said. Zay Madden was the player who came through for the Panthers when they needed him most, scoring 10 of his 17 points in the final quarter and helping the Panthers pull away from the Red Devils. The Panthers also got big performances from Donovan Pearman and Devyn Pearman who had 16 and 11 points, respectively They did not have long to celebrate the win, however, as they played Auburn on Saturday for the area tournament title. The Panthers knew the game would be a challenge after splitting the regular season series 1-1, with the home team winning both games. This trend stayed true as Auburn won 85-57 to secure the area title. The Panthers kept it close through the first half, opening the game with a 7-0 run before Noah Warren checked in for Auburn and energized the offense, giving the Tigers a fourpoint lead heading into
Photo by Josh Fisher/For the Opelika Observer
the second quarter. “He gets them going offensively,” Davis said of Warren. “He was a big difference maker for them. He just gave them a burst of energy when the game was back-andforth.” Smiths Station entered the second half down 38-37 before Auburn exploded for 28 points in the third quarter to pull away for the 85-57 victory. The Panthers have had troubles in the third in each of the match-
ups, and this time they were not able to overcome them. The Tigers opened the quarter with an emphatic dunk and the Panthers were never able to catch up after that. “Auburn is a real good team,” Davis said. “They have 11 seniors so that makes a difference.” Davis was quick to point out that both programs have had “good” seasons and how tough the area was this season, with the Panthers win-
ning 19 games and the Tigers winning 18, with three of their six total losses coming to each other. The Tigers defense were able to shut Madden down, holding him to just four points. The Pearman’s once again had big games for the Panthers, with Donovan scoring 17 points and Devyn scoring 15 with both being named to the all-tournament team. “Those kids are special kids, they’ve always played together
and play extremely hard and are a big part of our team,” Davis said of the brothers. Despite the loss to Auburn, the Panthers season is not over, as they advanced to the first round of the regional tournament. The Panthers are slated to go up against Fairhope at 6:30 p.m. Friday. The Pirates are 26-1 and winners of the Area 2-7A regional tournament. “We’ve got another chance to play,” Davis said.
Trinity Eagles fall in regional playoffs By Wil Crews sportscrews@opelikaobserver.com
The Trinity Christian Eagles lost 69-41 to Covington Academy on Feb. 9 in the GAPPS 2020-21 Division 1-A Boys Basketball Regional Tournament, bringing their season to a close. Covington jumped out to an early 26-point lead, but “the guys stayed in there pretty
tough and never gave up in their effort or attitude,” coach Paul Stith said. Senior Daniel Adams led the way for Trinity with 17 points in the final high school basketball game. Brandon Riddle followed with 11. “I was proud of the way they kept up their effort,” Stith said of his team after. In the end, the game
was an unceremonious end to a whirlwind of a season. Trinity finish the year with a 5-8 overall record, going 1-2 in region play, according to https://gappsports.com/ sports/high-school/ basketball-boys. Through not having a home court to play on for most of the season, missing out on the student section presence and everything and
anything that made this season – and 2020 – so bizarre, the Eagles persevered. “The COVID year has been exceptional in a lot of ways,” Stith said. “I really didn’t think we would get to play as much as we did with as little interruption. I think we only lost two games due to the virus and that was because other teams experienced positive tests.
I’m glad we were able to play.” In reflection, Stith is grateful for it all. In fact, he’s already looking forward to next season. “I’m especially thankful for the improvements that were made at Covington Rec Center and the gracious folks there who made it possible for us to play and even practice a few times at the gym,”
he said. “Our guys don’t have a full-size gym to practice in, so every game is almost an away experience for them. Hopefully, next year the students will be able to return in force to games, as well. We really missed the TCS student body at games creating a fun atmosphere.” Congratulations to the Trinity Eagles on a season well-played!
Pike Strike Lee-Scott Boys basketball eliminated in Final Four By Wil Crews sportscrews@opelikaobserver.com
The Lee-Scott Academy Varsity Boys basketball team continued to compete in the AISA Class AAA Basketball Tournament this week, beating Morgan Academy in the Elite Eight 61-44 but falling to Pike Liberal Arts School 5337 in the Final Four. The Warriors dominated from the beginning in the game against Morgan Academy on Feb. 9. “We need to be ourselves and try to do all the little things better than our opponent,” coach William Johnson said previewing the game. “Protecting the paint will be the most important part of the
game, so we need to defend and rebound.” The Warriors heeded their coach’s advice, outperforming Morgan in rebounds 36-33. Lee-Scott continually made life difficult for their opponents, defending the paint with four blocks and defending the perimeter with eight steals — more than their opponent in both categories. Joseph Horne led the way with 15 points on 4-of-7 shooting and six rebounds. Hutch Sprayberry followed closely behind him with 14 points, making 3-of-7 three pointers and pulling down five rebounds. Payne Weissinger (11), Carson Alexander (9), Dylan Hickman (7), Ansh Patel (2), Trey
Dickerson (2) and Chris Lyle (1) rounded out the scoring. Weissinger also had team highs in assists (3) and steals (4). The Warriors had another battle to fight after dispelling their Elite Eight opponents. The prize for winning would be a state championship berth. Lee-Scott returned to the court to face Pike on Feb. 12. The Warriors started the game hot. A Sprayberry three with just over a minute to go in the first gave them a 17-9 lead. However, Pike quickly diminished the gap with a layup on the next possession, a layup after a Lee-Scott turnover and another layup just before the quarter ended. To that point, LSA had struggled to get
Alexander going with Pike collapsing into the paint on defense to limit easy Lee-Scott baskets. Joseph Horne buried two threes on his way to 10 first-quarter points to keep the Warriors in control. The second quarter is when things started to go awry for the Warriors. They led 1817 with 7:20 left — it would be their last lead of the night. A 15-7 run by Pike, sparked by its commitment to defense and rebounding, flipped the game on its head. Just before the half ended, Sprayberry drove the lane — almost recklessly — but coolly passed the ball off to Dickerson for the layup, making it 32-25 in favor of Pike at half. In the third quarter,
Pike’s aggressive and extended defense began to constrict the LeeScott offense. Steals and transition points helped Pike extend its lead to 38-30 — their largest of the game to that point — with 2:24 left in the period. Having been outscored 10-5 in the third, Lee-Scott entered the fourth fighting for their season, down 42-30. It was clear the Warriors were not ready for their season to end; however, they were never able to replicate the success they had in the first quarter. Ultimately, a gulf in height led to a 33-20 rebound margin in favor of Pike, and Lee-Scott’s 22 turnovers — 10 more than Pike — prevented any hopes of a comeback
from arising. Outscored 11-7 in the final period, the Lee-Scott Academy Warriors fell short of the win, 53-37. The loss brings a conclusion to a unique basketball season for the Warriors. In some positive news, senior Carson Alexander was chosen to participate in the AISA All-Star Basketball Game on Friday, Feb. 19. Through up and down wins and losses, a COVID quarantine and a full week of exclusive area play against a bitter rival, the Warriors persevered and were just one game away from a chance to play for the state title. Congrats on a great year, Lee-Scott Varsity Boys.
B5 February 17, 2021
Gators going forward
Experienced Glenwood baseball team begins season By Wil Crews sportscrews@opelikaobserver.com
When COVID canceled the 2020 high school baseball season, an inexperienced Glenwood Gator team was sitting pretty with a record of 13-2. Almost a year later, the Gators are returning to the diamond, fielding a team with 10 seniors, a deep pitching rotation and plenty of power in the batter’s box. “Every year is different regardless of who is returning or who is not,” said Glenwood Head Coach Tim Fanning. “It’s always a different group and you have to figure out what
STATE >> FROM B1 Thompson’s Will Miller and Bob Jones’s Drew Lawson, respectively. Dunn then finished his season with a win by pin over Spain Parks Kyle Oliveira to finish
SPORTS >> FROM B1 break due to COVIDrelated issues involving his family. OHS Principal Dr. Farrell Seymore turned to assistant coach Wesley Button to handle the team for the remainder of the season. Button was named interim head coach after spending five years as top assistant to former coach John Wadsworth. I asked Seymore if he has made a decision regarding the head coaching job for boys’ basketball. “At this time, no decision has been made regarding the head
WRESTLER >> FROM B2 unfortunately they were not in top 32, so they will not be attending.
HOLES >> FROM B2 who has been around the program for many years,” Hovell said. “He’s more of a vocal leader. He’s getting some rotational time, but he’s more of the sideline voice that helps the boys keep rolling.” The ability to encourage and push each other forward is something that had
they are good at to be who you are and not who you are not.” The Gators are scheduled to begin their season on Thursday at Hardaway High School in Columbus, Georgia. The boys have been locked in over the past weeks in preparation for opening day. “The guys have worked extremely hard; they’ve been focused,” Fanning said. “Preseason has gone well. Pitching is usually always ahead of hitting, but guys are getting their timing down and taking better passes of the ball.” With 10 seniors on
the roster, the Gators may appear seasoned on paper. However, the preemptive cancellation of last year’s campaign means many of the boys have only played varsity for what was practically half a season. “You would think there is a lot of experience,” Fanning said. “But in our program, a lot of the time you have to wait to play, and last year was their junior year and they only got to play 15 games. So you would think it’s a lot of experience, but that’s just on the surface.” To combat the youth and inexperience, Fan-
ning said he expects to lean heavily on his pitching rotation to begin the year. “We are probably 10 to 12 deep arm wise,” he said. “The top of our rotation is all back.” Senior and Auburn University commit Trevor Horne returns to lead the Gators as the team’s ace. “He’s definitely our number one pitcher,” Flanning said. Fellow senior Avery Robinson and junior Colton Dempsey round out the top of the rotation, and Devin Denny is a senior who will often be called on out of the bullpen. “Those
three are proven and have thrown a lot of innings,” Flanning added. “It’s just a matter of defining roles with the rotation and the first guys out the bullpen type stuff.” Going forward, the biggest question for the Gators is how the lineup shakes out when they actually take the field. “We got some kids who can swing it,” Fanning said. “They’re pretty strong guys. I don’t know if that will hold true or not but just going through the preseason, that’s what it looks like.” Fanning made it well known he’s not the type of coach who
likes to wait around for a three-run home run. However, seniors Kody Bence and Trent Edwards figure to bring the pop in the middle of the lineup. With just a few days before his team faces its first test, and two months away from a potential state championship, Fanning and the Gators are focusing on the basics for now. “Our goal is always by spring break to hopefully have stuff figured out – everyone’s roles and everything,” he said. “That’s still a goal. We want to be able to pitch and play defense and manufacture runs.”
5th overall at state. “He finished his career with a win, which is always a plus,” Sanders said. Zogg finished 4th overall, losing to Auburn’s Cameron Reese in the third place match. Kyle Watson (220 lbs)
won 8-4 in the semis to make the finals, but lost by one point to Vestavia’s Bryce Littleton to finish runner up. “We didn’t get the outcome we needed in the finals,” Sanders added. “But he had a real successful season.”
Devin Stone (132 lbs) advanced to the finals after a 12-4 major decision over Thompson’s Cory Jones. Stone went on to be crowned State Champion by defeating Vestavia’s Christopher Hayes by a 3-1 decision. “[Thompson and Vestavia] are the two
top placing teams,” Sanders said. “That tells you that he had a tough road but was still successful.” The following is a list of all 13 wrestlers who competed: Tim Luttrell (106), Jaden Sanford (113 lbs), Craig Harris (120 lbs), Kyle Fontenot
(126 lbs), Devin Stone (132 lbs), D’Sean Lee (138 lbs), Ayden Rice (145 lbs), Anthony Dunn (160 lbs), Lance Peterson (170 lbs), Wylie Shomaker (182 lbs), Robert Sandborn (195 lbs), Kyle Watson (220 lbs) and J.T. Zogg (285 lbs).
boys basketball coach position,” Seymore said by email. The longtime OHS principal added, “All decisions regarding this position will be made at the conclusion of the season.” OHS SOFTBALL The OHS Softball team (0-1) opened the season with a 0-10 loss to Central in Phenix City last week. “I am proud of the girls for competing and playing hard,” Lady Bulldog coach Randy Belyeu said. “The wet conditions made things sloppy, but glad we played.” McKay Yountz pitched seven innings, throwing 90 pitches and allowing 10 hits, three earned runs,
two walks and striking out five batters. Opelika committed four errors, resulting in seven unearned runs. TENNIS Opelika’s girls’ and boys’ tennis teams swept Wetumpka last week. The girls won 9-0, while the boys won 6-3. The Lady Bulldog netters won all nine matches. Singles winners: (No. 1 seed) Laney McTier won 8-2, (2) Laura Tyson Daffin 8-0, (3) Allison Beardon 9-2, (4) Luci Long 8-0, (5) Leighanna Howell 8-0, (6) Ally Kinser 8-5. Doubles winners: McTier/Daffin 8-1,
Beardon/Long 8-2 and Howell/Emma Hankins 8-1 The OHS Boys won 6-3. Singles winners: (3) Max Caldwell won 8-1, (4) Will Fuller 8-0, (5) Jake Walters 8-0, (6) Jake O’Quinn 8-0 Doubles: Fuller/ Conner Mullins 8-6 and Charles Gagliano/ Roman Gagliano 9-1 FOOTBALL COACHING NEWS The last several weeks, I wrote we would hear major news concerning football coaches in our area. Well, AHS football coach Adam Winegarden accepted an offer to be the head coach at Tuscaloosa
County High School last week. Winegarden was offered a non-coaching position at Maryland for Head Coach Mike Loxley and the head coaching position at TCHS. Winegarden appeared on my sports radio show “On the Mark” last week after accepting the job. “I chose Tuscaloosa County for many reasons,” Winegarden said. “My wife Ashley and I have family in Tuscaloosa. TCHS is one block from Ashley’s parents’ house. . . I have always considered coaching there after driving by the school for years. I am a builder! AHS football is better off now
than when I arrived. That’s important to me. . . I hope to build Tuscaloosa County into a contender.” Now, Auburn City Schools turn their attention to hiring a new football coach. Look for ACS to hire a proven winner. In the coming days, we should hear about another major coaching change in our area. Stay tuned! D. Mark Mitchell is the Sports Director at iHeartMedia, host of "On The Mark" on Fox Sports the Game 910-1310, Co-Chair of the Auburn-Opelika Sports Council, Chairman of the Super 7 and Dixie Boys Baseball State Director.
For the six who did qualify, they will be experiencing the state tourney for the first time. Please join the Observer in congratulating these fellows, send them your good
mojo and wish them good luck. The State tournament is in Huntsville at the Von Braun Center Feb. 18-20. The wrestlers will get a ticket link first, then
gofan will release all unsold tickets to the general public for purchase. The Von Braun Center’s statement on COVID-19 can be found here (https://
assets.simpleviewinc. com/simpleview/ image/upload/v1/ clients/vonbrauncenter/VBC_Updated_ Coronavirus_ Statement _3_20_20_5bc4fd79-
81bc-4b5b-b975114ed1ca1163.pdf). Make sure to check next week’s copy of the Observer for updates on how the Grapplin Dawgs performed.
SOCCER >>
for her sophomore season as the team’s leading goal scorer. And Button said she expects senior center back Abby Noon – who is coming off of an ACL injury last season – to be back soon. “She should be healthy by the beginning of March,” she added. “So we are excited about getting her back.” When last season was canceled, the Lady Bulldogs were off to a hot 5-0 start. Just two
years ago they went the furthest they’ve ever gone in program history, making it to the third round of the state tournament only to lose to the eventual champions. The perfect record has already been corner-kicked out the window for this season. However, Button and her team are remaining focused on one big-picture goal. “Win the area and get back to the playoffs,” she said.
quickly endeared this team to their head coach. “One thing I can say about this team is: they’ve been able to keep each other’s spirits up and keep uplifting each other,” Hovell said. The OHS boys were scheduled to play their next game against Central on Tuesday, weather permitting. However, the Bulldogs are just
taking things day-byday for now. “Each day at practice we kind of focus just on that day,” Hovell said. “You don’t know if you’re going to be promised to play tomorrow. We try to take it one day at a time – even one session at a time. Just getting the boys to focus on what we are doing in that moment and just get to moving.”
FROM B2 of experience on varsity and she’s a good leader through the middle.” Eleventh grader Phoebe Darcey is the anchor in goal. Darcey has been the starting goalkeeper since 7th grade, providing poise and leadership as a shot-stopping stalwart between the sticks for years now. Amaya Brown returns
B6 February 17, 2021
2020 winners of the Harris Funeral Home Memorial Scholarship Contributed by Harris Funeral Home
As Harris Funeral Home celebrates 29 years of providing personal and professional funeral service during a family’s time of need, we continue to salute and assist outstanding students as they maintain their highest standards of conduct and academics. It has been 20 years since Jeffery Harris decided that giving back to the community is as important as serving during a time of hurt and healing, thus the Harris Funeral Home Memorial Scholarship was established. “Do what you can, where you are, with what you have” is the philosophy that has made the Harris Funeral Home Memorial Scholarship an annual event. This scholarship program strives to recognize high school seniors in area schools. It is based upon academic and scholastic achievement, work experience, community service and personal goals that are expressed in an essay response. The Harris Funeral Home Memorial Scholarship is intended to help students reach their educational goals. Each recipient is awarded a scholarship in the amount of $500 and it can be applied toward any educational-related cost. Final selections were made by the Harris Funeral Home Scholarship Committee, where Cornelia V.
Johnson serves as scholarship coordinator. Other members of the committee are Teresa Smith of Dothan and Harriet Billups of Auburn. To date over $58,000 has been awarded to different area students. This year’s four recipients of the scholarships are: Miles A. Tolbert is a 2020 graduate of Auburn High School. He is the son of Prentice and Sharon Tolbert. Miles has become a part of the Alabama A&M University Family Bulldogs. At A&M he is majoring in Forestry with a possible career as a wildlife ecologist/ biologist. Miles was very active with extra-curricular activities while he was in high school, including agricultural projects, which helped prepare him as he pursues a degree in Forestry at A&M. He feels to foster unity, we all need to stop being judgmental and accept our differences because we all have faults. He sees himself as someone who is intelligent, inquisitive and positive, qualities he uses as he strives to always learn more and do more for others. A failure in life has taught him to never give up — when you get knocked down you get back up, keep fighting and keep trying. Being accepted at Alabama A&M is one of his proudest achievements. His friends see him as someone who is positive and
self-motivated, someone who is willing to work hard to achieve his life’s goals. He feels having a successful career with the USDA is a way to educate his community and himself as we confront the challenges in understanding the importance of how to take care of our environment. With the Bible as his favorite book, Miles understands humility and how seeking the Lord in all you do and thanking Him for all we have, is the best way to live each day. Cory LaGrand Askew Jr. is a 2020 graduate of Beauregard High School. He is the son of Tasha Fuller and Cory Askew Sr. He is presently attending Tennessee State University, where his major is Business Management, with a future goal of a career in retail. Corey loved track and basketball in high school where he learned a valuable life lesson. Losing one game by a few points, then winning the next by a much larger number, taught him the importance of patience. You sometimes have to just wait and things will work out. He sees himself as someone who is creative, optimistic and outgoing. He believes that unity can come about when we take the time to see who deserves the achievements so that no one will go unrecognized. Corey was an outstanding athlete in high school.
His great performance didn’t go unrecognized and it was demonstrated by him being named “player of the year.” His friends see him as someone who plays a positive role in their lives. He often tries and make them laugh in different situations because he believes that laughter is so important as we go through life. His goal is to be the owner of his own buy, sell, trade store. He wants to use his education to help people in similar situations as his, “to know that whatever you want to do in life, it is possible.” LaDerrial Alexis Thomas is a 2020 graduate of Loachapoka High School. LaDerrial is the daughter of Kimberly F. Thomas. She is presently studying at Chattahoochee Valley Community College, where she is majoring in Graphic Design. LaDerrial aspires to become a film or video editor. She was very active in high school and in her community. As a volunteer with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, she worked to help at-risk youth as they participated with different activities at camp. As a citizen, LaDerrial feels we should be able to sit down and discuss any topic without being judged by our personal beliefs or values. She sees herself as someone who is determined, caring and open. While working on
a school project she learned a very good life lesson: that no matter how much one prepares, things can still go wrong and not work out as planned. Setting a personal goal to graduate at the top of her class was a wonderful accomplishment that she was extremely proud of. Her friends admire her for being so supportive and someone they can confide in. With her goal as a video editor, she plans to help other young women see that they can be whatever they want to be no matter where you come from, as long as you work hard and keep focusing on your goal. Believing that God will never put more on you than you can bear gives her the strength and courage to face whatever life brings. Terrain V. Battle is a 2020 graduate of Opelika High School. Terrain is the son of Cameia and Terence Battle. He is a student at University of Alabama majoring in Marketing. He would like to use that degree to have a career as a market manager. Even though we all may have different beliefs, Terrain thinks if we stop judging each other based on what one believes, we would be able to get along. He describes himself as someone who is creative, intelligent and
optimistic. These qualities help him as he participates in community projects and he believes these are the same qualities that will help him as he pursues his life’s goals. A failure in life taught him that you just have to keep working and working. Even when you think you have worked hard enough, you have to sometimes just keep going and things will work out. Becoming an entrepreneur at the age of 18 has been one of his greatest accomplishments. His friends say they like that he is kind and easy going. His philosophy of life is, “if you remain humble, things will come your way.” He looks forward to getting an opportunity to work with a major company and shape their marketing strategy, which will help maximize his success in the company. A marketing career and starting a family are things that Terrain believe will help him live life to its fullest. On behalf of Jeffery Harris and Harris Funeral Home we would like to congratulate this year’s recipients and look forward to the next year’s applicants. For more information concerning the Scholarship Program, contact Cornelia Johnson at 334-749-6583 or email hmh515@harrisfuneralopelika.com. Turn to B7 for photos of the scholarship recipients.
Local students on Southern Union honors list Contributed by SUSCC
Southern Union State Community College is pleased to announce the President’s and Dean’s Lists for fall semester 2020. Requirements for the President’s List are a term grade point average of 4.0 and completion of a minimum term course load of 12 semester credit hours of college-level work. Requirements for Dean’s List are a term grade point average of 3.5 or above (and below a 4.0) and completion of a minimum term course load of 12 semester credit hours of college-level work. The following students from this area appeared on the honor lists for fall semester: President’s List:
From Auburn: Matthew Flanagean, Ilji Jeon, Jeongeun Lee, Jane Barron, Daeun Kang, Helen Ha, Avery Beard, Hannah Smith, Haleigh Jinright, Madison Rife, Sadie Sawyer, Grace Langston, Russell Jacoway, Christina Toxey Johnsick, Geoffrey Caruso, Hayley Dubose, Keith Phillips, Daniel Camp, Katie Smith, Casey Thompson, Courtney Butler, Anna Shineflew, Kenneth Rogers, Peter Ha, Sophia Tulier, Bailey Bishop, Chandler Pemberton, Allena-Broox Jordan and Carey Carroll. From Opelika: Anet Mendoza-Moreno, William Gray, Andrew Pudner, Avery Davis, Angela Rivera Gomez, Jack McIlwain, Adam
Baker, Mallorie Lewis, Johnny Frazier, Rebekah Brown, Daniel Ross, Mark Ingram, Angel Eunice Geyrozaga, Jada Ware, Luis Saavedra, Sarah Beth Prestridge, Brooklyn Mann, Kevin Brown, Trequan Walton, Kristne Blanton, Sarah Cox, Gus Bell, Lauryn Marshall, Skarlett Alcorn, Jasmine Greathouse, Quindarrius Davis, Andrew Wall, Carly Potts and Kenneth Capps. Dean’s List: From Auburn: Tracy Parsons, Abbey Lane, Gabriele Graham, Carson Curry, Daleya Scaife, Adam Carter, Amit Sella, Tyler Railey, Carter Hartsock, Sarah Hamby, Cade Brooks, Jordan Ninde, James Gomer, Ashlyn English, Anniston
Moore, Barrett Shiver, Margaret Merritt, Camden Windham, Anna Bolton, Zachary Baker, Brandylinn Samuel, Michael Johns, Christopher Laskowski, Colin Sherrill, Jamya Townsend, Rebecca Ballard, Hannah Eller, Sarah Gilbert, Omar Guifaro, Saskia Schulz, Anna Grace Moore, Desmond Barnett, Joshua Wurtz, Matthew Dorough, Lainie Hobbs, Todd Bennett, Claire Christensen, Trenton Feehan, Hannah Farr, Lukasz Puk, Brittany Sanders, Adena Henderson, Lauren Stansell, Precious Benkoye, Alyson Morton, Stephanie Wiloughby, Sharnette Howard, Vera Havard, Seyoung Kim,
Jacob Redmond, John Billingsley, Reagan Newman, Justice Green, Emily Tice, Landon Parker, Trevor Thomas, Jajuan Redden, Carolyn Conn, Aziza Hurt, Andrea Herndon, Hayden Lightfoot and Calvin Cobb. From Opelika: Mackenzie Farr, Aniya Snipes, Muhammad Iqbal, Shane Masingo, Kanesha Collier, Cameron Whitlow, Brandie Ferguson, Takhia Mims, Martha Marchio, Madison Hawkins, Jaxxon Scott, Kathlene-Marie Trotter, Raeden Gagliano, Jacob Furmanek, Andrew Williams, William Hart, Josia Frick, Annabel Dawson, Nakia Stinson, Whitney Browning,
Noah Blanton, Victor Pascual-Cruz, LaTrisha Smith, Malissa Harris, Zachary Helms-Childers, Karen Barnes, Jordan Harmon, Brittney Cole, Carnell Maddox, Alexandria Jones, Ethan Cornett, Keirsten Gamble, Brian Caswell, Lauren White, Kyle Smith, Miles Parker, Kanedreia Harrison, Kayla Keaton, Mary Frances Watt and Deniese Hunter. With campuses in Wadley, Valley and Opelika, Southern Union is the second oldest two-year college in the state of Alabama and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award Associate Degrees.
SUSCC Technical Division to host Open House Contributed by SUSCC
The Technical Education and Workforce Development Division of Southern Union State Community College will hold an
Open House on Feb. 25 from 5–7 p.m. Program and admissions information, facility tours and financial-aid information will be available in the Center for Integrated
Manufacturing on Southern Union’s Opelika campus. “We are here to help you explore career options in our eight available program,” said Eric Sewell, director
of technical education. “Technical career fields are really growing, and this is a great time to see just what we have to offer and how it can help jumpstart a career.” Sewell added that
graduating seniors interested in a technical field or people looking to change careers or advance in his or her career are encouraged to attend. “Our programs prepare students for
high-wage, high-demand jobs in just five semesters,” he said. The public is invited to attend anytime during the open house. For more details call 334-7456437, ext. 5490.
B7 February 17, 2021
OHS holds second Signing Day
Opelika High School's Tre'Von Moore, who could not attend the school's previous signing day event, signed a football scholarship with Dodge City Community College. (Left) Moore and his family. (Right) Moore and other signees (L-R sitting: Tori Roberts, Moore, Anthony Martin, Ty Robinson and Eric Thomas) Photos by Robert Noles / Opelika Observer
2020 Harris Funeral Home Memorial Scholarship winners
LeDerrial Alexis Thomas
Terrain V. Battle
Miles A. Tolbert
Cory LaGrand Askew Jr. Photos contributed by Harris Funeral Home
B8 February 17, 2021
Smiths Station defeats Central-Phenix City, loses to Auburn in Area 4A-7A tournament title
Photos by Josh Fisher / For the Opelika Observer
Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics
B9
February 17, 2021
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
I
Alabama Will Miss Richard Shelby Immensely
n only 21 short months, at the close of 2022, Alabama will lose the greatest senator in our state’s history. Those of us who are political historians will acknowledge Richard Shelby as Alabama’s most pronounced political emissary in Washington. In my 2015 book, Six Decades of Alabama Political History, I have a chapter titled “Alabama’s Three Greatest Senators,” which features Lister Hill, John Sparkman and Richard Shelby. Lister Hill and John Sparkman were icons, but if I were writing that chapter today, Richard Shelby would be alone as the premier “Giant of Alabama.” Hill served in the Senate for 30 years and Sparkman for 32. Shelby eclipsed Sparkman’s record two years ago and at the end of his term will set the bar at 36 years. It should also be noted that Senators Shelby, Hill and Sparkman served nearly a decade or more in the U.S. House of Representatives. Senator Shelby is now in his 43rd year in Washington. Seniority is king and paramount in assessing power under the Capitol dome. However, what you do with that seniority is what makes one great. The average voter and citizen of our beloved state does not comprehend the magnitude of the federal largesse that Richard Shelby has brought home to the Heart of Dixie. His strength, power and resolve have resulted in countless improvements to every corner of our state. It would take volumes to chronicle the federal dollars that Shelby has funneled to Alabama throughout his career. From the coastal area of Mobile and the Docks to the Wiregrass and Fort Rucker, to Montgomery’s Maxwell and Gunter; to UAB in Birmingham, and finally Shelby’s impact on the growth and prosperity of the Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, are incomprehensible. Folks, when you combine all of the aforementioned economic engines, we are not talking about a couple million extra federal dollars but more like hundreds of millions of federal dollars. Shelby has been the savior of these centers of economic growth and employment in our state. The two most important, UAB and Redstone Arsenal, owe their growth and prosperity to Shelby’s ability to bring home the bacon.
Governor Ivey signs three priority bills into law
STEVE FLOWERS He has had the most profound impact over the last few years as Chairman of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee. He very adroitly kept in conjunction the Chairmanship of the Subcommittee on Defense Appropriations. If you do not think defense dollars are important to Alabamians, simply ask the folks in the Wiregrass and Montgomery’s River Region what Fort Rucker and Maxwell/Gunter mean to them. Also, Huntsville would be a sleepy little cotton town if it were not for the Redstone Arsenal. While Shelby was not in the U.S. Senate when these facilities were placed in Alabama, you can bet your bottom dollar that they have flourished, prospered and more than likely survived because of Richard Shelby. Senator Shelby and I have been friends for over 35 years. I was a part of his inaugural 1986 triumphant election to the Senate. To know him personally is to see a man you instantly recognize as a once-in-a-lifetime giant. He is extremely witty and personable with a keen lawyer’s mind that analyzes your words as soon as they come out of your mouth. Indeed, he was a brilliant and very successful lawyer before entering Congress. If he had not gone into politics, he could have become a billionaire as a Wall Street lawyer. As Shelby eloquently said in his retirement statement, there is a time for every season. He will be 87 in May of this year and 88 at the end of this term. He deserves some private years. He enjoys time with his wife and best friend of over 60 years, Annette. See FLOWERS, page B13
Corrections officer arrested for supplying inmate with contraband
See CONTRABAND, page B13
Contributed by the Office of Gov. Kay Ivey
Gov. Kay Ivey on Friday signed House Bill 170, sponsored by Rep. Danny Garrett (R – HD 44); House Bill 192 by Rep. Bill Poole (R – HD 63); and Senate Bill 30 by Sen. Arthur Orr (R – SD 3) into law. During the governor’s state of the state address, she laid out these pieces of legislation as priority bills, and she assured the Legislature and the people of Alabama that when they reached her desk, she would sign them without
hesitation. Upon following through on that promise, Ivey issued the following statement: “While the impact of COVID-19 has been felt across the country and around the world, we remain committed to helping Alabamians and Alabama businesses get back on their feet and our state moving forward. These three bills, without question, were necessary to address up front, and I am proud of the Alabama Legislature for taking care of the people’s business, despite the
obvious challenges of this legislative session. Thanks to their work, the people of Alabama who received any type of CARES Act dollars will not pay one penny in state income taxes on that relief. Additionally, we are ensuring that our state will continue to grow our diverse economy, and we are protecting our existing businesses from any frivolous lawsuits due to COVID-19. Again, I commend the Alabama Legislature and am thrilled to officially sign these three bills into law.”
Smiths Station City Council discusses Love Like Lexi Project By Kayla Evans for the Opelika Observer
Smiths Station City Council met on Feb. 9 and voted to authorize Mayor F.L. “Bubba” Copeland to enter into a contract with Lawrence Larry Park as the parks and recreation manager of facilities for the city of Smiths Station. The council also voted for the city of Smiths Station to accept the requested quote and enter into a contract for the construction of the sidewalk and circle pad for a city clock tower to be built in front of the Smiths
Station Government Center. It will be located right behind the main sign for the city. It will be a 15-foot circle with a city clock tower on it, and a 20-foot sidewalk will lead up to the circle. Along with approving those two resolutions, the council also thanked the men and women who are working tirelessly on the “Love Like Lexi Project." Andrea Mills introduced the “Love Like Lexi Project” to city and county officials on Jan. 19. Mills’ daughter, Lexi Webb, took her life nearly two years ago, and Mills’ mission is to
understand why. There have been five Smiths Stations student suicides between the ages of 13 and 18 within the last five years. The “Love Like Lexi Project” is a suicide-prevention program that Mills hopes schools will implement to help students choose life. On Saturday, an event was held to raise awareness. Over 250 attended, signed a poster and promised to live. Most of the people who attended were between 15 and 18 years old. “No matter how bad it gets, choose life,” Copeland said. ”Always choose life. It will get better.”
B10 February 17, 2021
Opelika City Schools First class Pre-K Alabama’s Voluntary Pre-K Program · Pre-registration
ALABAMA’S NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED FIRST CLASS PRE-K IS PREPARING FOR ANOTHER EXCITING SCHOOL YEAR! • Opelika City Schools is accepting online pre-registration applications for 2021-2022 school year (https://alprek.asapconnected.com). Choose Opelika City Schools/Opelika High School. If you need assistance with accessing the online application, contact OCS Pre-K at 334-741-5623. • Enrollment is open to all children four years of age on or before 9/2/2021* (children who are eligible for kindergarten are ineligible). • Enrollees must provide a copy of the child’s birth certificate (the certificate may be uploaded into the online pre-registration site or submitted directly to OCS Pre-K). • Enrollees must provide two current proofs of residence (copies of power, water, or gas bill may be uploaded into the online pre-registration site or submitted directly to OCS Pre-K). • Opelika City Schools Pre-K students must reside within Opelika city limits. • No Registration Fee is required for this program.
PRE-REGISTRATION DATES January 15 - March 9, 2021 For OCS Pre-K: select Opelika High School/ Opelika City Schools
REGISTRATION/FORMS Go online to https://alprek.asapconnected.com. Complete the Pre-Registration Form and submit birth certificate and two proofs of residence.
MORE INFORMATION Visit www.children.alabama.gov and see Pre-Registration Info under First Class Pre-K.
ACCEPTANCE TO THE PROGRAM Acceptance is strictly through a random drawing to be held on March 10 at 10 a.m. at Opelika High School. Parent/Guardian does not have to be present at drawing. Notices will be emailed beginning April 16.
• Upon enrollment, child’s immunization record must be provided. • No child will be denied participation on basis of income, sex, race, color, national origin, or disability.
Alabama’s nationallyrecognizedFirstClassPre-K
*An opinion of the Attorney General states in effect that under the common law one’s age ispreparingforanotherexcitingschoolyear! is computed by including the day of birth so that a given age is attained the day before the birthday anniversary. ~ Ala. Code §16-28-4(1975) Interpretation based on Report of Attorney General of Alabama October-December 1963, Volume 113, page 20.
B11 February 17, 2021
PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE OF ADOPTION PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY CASE NO.: 2019-B-211 2019-B-212 TO: Unknown Father Please take notice that a Petition for Adoption was filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama by Yolanda Evett Jackson on September 12, 2019, for the Adoption of A. J.C. and J. K. C. born July 25th, 2019 born to Brittney Nichole Crump. A hearing has been set for the 27th day of April, 2021 at 10 o’clock a.m. central time in the Probate Court, Lee County Courthouse, 215 South 9th Street, Opelika, Alabama. Should you intend to contest this adoption, you must file a written response within thirty (30) days of the date of the last publication herein, with the Clerk of said Probate Court at 215 S 9th Street, Opelika, Alabama 36801 or appear on the date of the hearing as set above to contest said Petition. Done this 22nd day of January, 2021. Bill English, Probate Judge Legal Run 01/27/2021, 02/03/2021, 02/10/2021 & 02/17/2021 -------------Notice to Contractors Lee County Project No. LCP 41-SRPM-21 Lee County, Alabama Sealed bids will be received by the Lee County Commission at 215 S. 9th Street, Opelika, AL 36801 or mailed to P.O. Box 666, Opelika, AL 368030666 until 10:00 AM on February 17, 2021 and at that time publicly opened at the Lee County Courthouse, 215 S. 9th Street, Opelika, AL 36801, for the furnishing and installation of Traffic Stripe and Pavement Markers on various public roads in Lee County, AL. The Entire Project Shall Be Completed In one-hundred and eighty (180) Calendar Days. Plans and Proposals are available online at http:// www.leeco.us/business/ commission_office/current_bids.php, or at the Lee County Highway Department (ph. 334-7377011), 100 Orr Avenue, Opelika, AL 36803. A Bidding Proposal may be purchased for $5.00. Plans may be purchased for $2.00 per set. Checks should be made payable to the Lee County Commission. Plans and Proposals will be mailed only upon receipt of remittance. Cashier's check or bid bond for 5% of bid (maximum - $10,000.00) made payable to the Lee County Commission must accompany each bid as evidence of good faith. The bracket range is shown only to provide general financial information to contractors and bonding companies concerning the project's complexity and size. This Bracket should not be used in preparing a bid, nor will this bracket have any bearing on the decision to award this contract. The bracket estimate on this project is from $285,780.00 To $349,286.00. The bidder's proposal must be submitted on the complete original proposal furnished him or her by the Lee County Highway Department. Prequalification is not required. The right to reject any or
all bids is reserved. Ala. Code § 39-3-5 applies to this project. In accordance with Ala. Code § 39-3-5(a), “…. preference shall be given to resident contractors, and a nonresident bidder domiciled in a state having laws granting preference to local contractors shall be awarded Alabama public contracts only on the same basis as the nonresident bidder's state awards contracts to Alabama contractors bidding under similar circumstances; and resident contractors in Alabama, as defined in Section 39-2-12, be they corporate, individuals, or partnerships, are to be granted preference over nonresidents in awarding of contracts in the same manner and to the same extent as provided by the laws of the state of domicile of the nonresident.” Legal Run 02/03/2021 & 02/10/2021 -------------NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF BOBBY ALVERSON Deceased PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, CASE NO. 2020-437 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of the Estate of BOBBY ALVERSON are hereby granted to Tab Adams on the 6th day of January, 2021, 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. TAB ADAMS Legal Run 02/03/2021, 02/10/2021, 02/17/2021
ordered that the 4th day of March, 2021, at 1:00 p.m.. be appointed a day on which to hear such petition, at the Lee County Courthouse, 215 South 9th St. Opelika, AL at which time all persons interested can appear and contest the said petition if they deem it proper. Done this the 28th day of January 2021. Bill English Probate Judge Margaret A. Mayfield Attorney for Lee County DHR Post Office Box 809 Opelika, AL 36803 (334) 745-0333 Legal Run 02/03/21, 02/10/21 & 02/17/2021
Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 02/10/2021, 02/17/2021 & 02/24/2021 -------------STORAGE TREASURES AUCTION
-------------Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 1242 N. Dean Rd, Auburn, AL 36830 Thursday, March 4, 2021 at 10:00AM Lillian Worley unit #222 1118 Rustic Ridge Rd Auburn, AL 36830 Virtual reality machine Devin Schulien unit #703 752 Stanton Dr Auburn, AL 36830 2 beds and a couch The auction will be listed and advertised on www. storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property. Legal Run 02/10/21 & 02/17/2021
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STATE OF ALABAMA CASE NO. 2021-026 LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT ESTATE OF DONNA MILLER SPECHT, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Letters Testamentary of said Donna Miller Specht, deceased, having been granted to April M. Olive, this 26th day of January 2021, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by the law or the same will be barred. April M. Olive, Personal Representative Jeffery A. Hilyer 334-745-2564 Attorney at Law P.O. Box 30 Opelika, Alabama 36803-0030. Legal Run 02/03/2021, 02/10/2021 & 02/17/2021
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA In the Matter of the Estate of ROBBIE SUE KELLUM, Deceased Case No. 2021-052 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF ADMINISTRATOR AND NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS Letters of Administration on the Estate of ROBBIE SUE KELLEM, deceased, having been granted to the undersigned, JIMMY WAYNE BATES, II, on the 1st day of February, 2021, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate of said County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate, are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law, or the same will be barred. JIMMY WAYNE BATES, II, Administrator, Estate of Robbie Sue Kellum, deceased. Legal Run 02/10/21, 02/17/21 & 02/24/21 --------------
-------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA In the Matter of: Marquetta Welch, an alleged incapacitated person TO: Any family or interested party: Lee County DHR has filed a Petition to appoint a Legal Guardian for MARQUETTA WELCH. It is
Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. MICHAEL McKEE Personal Representative
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MARY K. McKEE, DECEASED. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No: 2021-054 Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 2nd day of February, 2021, by the
ONE FACILITY – MULTIPLE UNITS Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 1412 Opelika Rd, Auburn, AL 36830 Thursday, March 4, 2021 at 10:00AM Sohia Hill - Unit M158 470 Finley Dr Auburn, AL 36830 Clothing, boxes, freezer, entertainment center Olivia Floyd - Unit F86 19274 AL HWY 22 Rockford , AL 35136 Furniture, clothes, books, etc Gloria Ann Williams Unit D69 1095 Princeton Place Auburn, AL 36830 Storing Boxes, crafts The auction will be listed and advertised on www. storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property. Legal Run 02/10/2021 & 02/17/2021 -------------NOTICE OF SALE OF ABANDONED VEHICLE 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Blue Vin Number 1J4HS48N15C554331 Tag Number 5658BF5 Auction Will be held March 15, 2021 Whitt’s Auto Service 461 Opelika Rd Auburn Al 36830 At 8:00 AM Legal Run 02/10/21 & 02/17/2021
Witness our hands, and dated this the 9th day of February, 2021. KRISTEN ELIZABETH COURTNEY HUGH DANIEL GEORGE Legal Run 02/17/21, 02/24/21 & 03/03/21
BILL ENGLISH, Judge of Probate Legal Run 02/17/21, 02/24/21 & 03/03/21
--------------------------IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MARGARET LINCH MELSON, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No: 2021-061 Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 10th day of February, 2021, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. LELA M. LOFTON Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Notice 02/17/2021, 02/24/2021 & 0303/2021 -------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA In the Matter of the Estate of VELMA CHRISTINE WRIGHT, deceased Case Number: 2021-035 The Hon. Bill English presiding NOTICE TO CREDITORS The State of Alabama, Lee County Probate Court. Estate of Velma Christine Wright Letters of Administration upon the Estate of said decedent, having been granted to Ruth G. Carreca on the 2nd day of February, 2021, 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 file an itemized and verified statement of such claim in the office of the said Judge of Probate within six (6) months from the above date, or said claim will be barred and payment prohibited. Legal Run 02/17/21, 02/24/21 & 03/03/21 -------------STATE OF ALABAMA, COUNTY OF LEE
-------------NOTICE OF APPOINTMET ESTATE OF ELIZABETH GEORGE COURTNEY, DECEASED COURT OF PROBATE LEE COUNTY Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 9th day of February, 2021, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.
appear and contest the same, if you see proper. Given under my hand, this the 1 2th day of February, 2021.
To:Margaret Teresa Lucas, last known address, in or around Hixson, TN but whose whereabouts are otherwise unknown, and any known or unknown heirs of the Estate of Margaret Baucom Lucas, deceased. You will please take notice that on the 12th day of February, 2021 a certain paper in writing, purported to be the Last Will and Testament of Margaret Baucom Lucas was filed in my office for Probate by Andrea Lee Lucas and that the 19th day March, 2021 @10:00 a.m., CDT was appointed the day and time for the hearing thereof, at which time you can
ORDINANCE NO. 003-21 ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR VILLAGE OF WATERFORD PUD (PHASES 3, 4 AND 5) BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “City Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows: Section 1. FINDINGS. The City Council has determined and hereby finds and declares that the following facts are true and correct: Highland Hills, LLC and Scott Land Company heretofore submitted to the City a Development Plan for a planned unit development (“PUD”) entitled “Village of Waterford PUD” consisting of approximately 80 acres. Pursuant to Ordinance No. 115-05, adopted on July 5, 2005, the City Council approved said Development Plan for Village of Waterford PUD and amended the Official Zoning Map of the City to designate the zoning classification of Planned Unit Development (“PUD”) for approximately 80 acres. Village of Waterford PUD is located northeast of Alabama Highway 169 and south of Old Columbus Road. Village of Waterford PUD is a mixed use development consisting of single-family detached homes, multi-family homes (apartments) and neighborhood commercial uses. Roger W. Fleming and Dawn Fleming, the owners of all of the property located within Phases 3, 4 and 5 of Village of Waterford PUD have heretofore submitted to the City a proposed Amended Development Plan for Phases 3, 4 and 5. The current Development Plan for Phase 5 of Village of Waterford provides for multi-family residential homes (apartments) located on 18.4 acres. The proposed Amended Development Plan for Phase 5 of Village of Waterford PUD provides for single-family home lots instead of apartments. The proposed Amended Development Plan for Village of Waterford PUD provides for a total of 199 single-family lots for Phases 3, 4 and 5. Some lots will be smaller than originally proposed. The minimum residential lot size will be 4,900 square feet and the minimum lot width will be 36 feet. The minimum building setbacks will be 18 feet for front and rear lots and 5 feet on side yards. The Planning Commission of the City of Opelika heretofore conducted a public hearing on the proposed amended Development Plan for Phases 3, 4 and 5. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the amended Development Plan for Village of Waterford PUD (Phases 3, 4 and 5). It is advisable and in interest of the City and the public interest that the Amended Development Plan be approved. Section 2. Approval of Amended Development Plan. The amended Development Plan for Phases 3, 4 and 5 of Village of Waterford PUD as submitted for
See PUBLIC NOTICES, page B12
B12 February 17, 2021
Roofer I/II Requisition Number: S620P Heavy Construction Job Summary Maintains and inspects roof structures campus wide and makes repairs to drainage systems.
AUCTIONS
statewide!
AUCTION LAND - Saturday, February 27, 11:00 a.m.- 195 acres to be offered in 7 parcels and as Entirety, 5 parcels sell “ABSOLUTE,” Lamar County, Kennedy, Alabama. Call for more information: 205-8224229. Redmont Auction & Land Co., Eddie Propst Lic # 1161. SERVICES ADVERTISE STATEWIDE or by Region in over 100 Newspapers, reaching over 1 million readers each week! Run your ad in our Classified Network for just $210 per week! Make one call to this newspaper (participating Alascan newspaper) or call 1-800-264-7043 to find out how easy it is to advertise
PUBLIC NOTICES >> FROM B11 review is hereby approved and confirmed as required by Section 8.18(n) of the Zoning Ordinance of the
Two positions are available. Essential Functions Maintains roofs and ceilings throughout campus by materials as needed. Inspects roofs for water and/or structural damage campus wide for needed repairs. Estimates and requests materials and supplies needed to complete job. Pressure washes roofs,
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buildings and sidewalks on campus as needed ensuring proper drainage. Coordinates the use of equipment and machinery from other departments. Adheres to safety requirements of the job to insure safety of workers and students (barricades, flag men etc.). Prepares roofing site by ensuring materials are
available and groundcover and equipment is covered. Desired Qualifications Experience in install/repair of commercial and/or residential roofing membranes such as TPO, Modified Bitumen, Metal Panels, or Asphalt Shingles. Experience in operating Man-Lifts and/or
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HEALTH/BEAUTY
City. Section 3. Retention of Copies of the Amended Development Plan. Copies of the Amended Development Plan shall be maintained in the office of the City Clerk, City Planner, City Engineer, and Building Official and shall be open for public
inspection. Section 4. Repealer. That any ordinance or part thereof in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance be and the same are hereby repealed. Section 5. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall become effective upon its adoption,
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approval and publication as required by law. Section 6. Publication. This Ordinance is to be published one (1) time in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama. ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 16th day
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of February, 2021. /s/ Eddie Smith PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA ATTEST: /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK TRANSMITTED TO MAYOR on this the 17th day of
February, 2021. /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR APPROVED this the 17th day of February, 2021. /s/ Gary Fuller MAYOR ATTEST: /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK
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B13 February 17, 2021
City of Auburn Mayor Ron Anders signs Black History Month proclamation Mayor Ron Anders signed a proclamation declaring February to be Black History Month in Auburn earlier this week. The full proclamation is available below: "Whereas, Black History Month gives us the opportunity to recognize the central role of Black Americans in U.S. history and to
pay tribute to the many achievements and contributions made by Black Americans to the cultural, economic, political and spiritual development of our country and community; and Whereas, Black History Month grew out of Negro History Week, which took place the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass and which was
created in 1926 by historian Carter G. Woodson, who was a noted Black scholar, son of former slaves and founder of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History; and Whereas, Carter G. Woodson envisioned the week as an agent for change with the goal that by revealing the contributions of Black Americans to our nation, equality would be achieved and that the increased
visibility of Black lives would be a vehicle for racial transformation forever; and Whereas, since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month; and Whereas, the observance of Black History Month calls our attention to the continued need to build a society that live up to its democratic ideals of
liberty, equality and justice; and Whereas, the City of Auburn continues to work toward becoming an inclusive community in which all citizens — past, present and future — are respected and recognized for their contributions to our community, state, country and world; and Whereas, the City of Auburn is proud to honor the history and contributions of its Black
community members and those throughout the state and nation. Now, therefore, I, Ron Anders Jr., Mayor of the City of Auburn do hereby proclaim February 2021 to be “BLACK HISTORY MONTH” in the City of Auburn and urge all citizens to celebrate our diverse heritage and culture and to continue our efforts to create a world that is more just, peaceful and prosperous for all."
A couple of years ago, after President Trump backed out of the Paris Climate Treaty and the Iran Nuclear Deal, I wrote a column for “Historically Speaking” justifying his actions because those deals had been made by executive orders so could legally be overturned by executive order. At the same time, I argued that modern executive orders such as these went beyond the authority of the president and should be handled by Congress. If you want more proof of the folly of executive orders, on the first day of President Biden’s term, he signed into effect 15 new executive orders, one of which was to reenter the Paris Climate Deal. As with my first article, I am not arguing that we should or should not join with the climate agreement. My argument is about the process. The very fact that Obama can join it, Trump pull us out, then Biden rejoin – each done by one man and the stroke of his pen – goes beyond the scope of power the founders envisioned. Last time, I cited the
Constitution as an example to show how only Congress is authorized to make laws and approve of all treaties. The Paris Accords and the Iran deal are both treaties with foreign nations and hence should fall under the powers of Congress, yet they were not. There is nowhere in the Constitution that explicitly gives presidents power of executive orders; instead, the power is implied from Article II. Not all executive orders are the same; some are perfectly legitimate. The Supreme Court has said a president can use the power if given authority by a clause in the Constitution or if Congress delegates it. All presidents have issued orders, starting with George Washington. Washington’s first order was that all department heads report to him what was happening in their departments. As head of the Executive Branch as prescribed by the Constitution, Washington had the right to request reports from his departments.
As commander in chief, a president can make decisions about the military. Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation was an executive order. It was done as a military order to hurt the South by taking away their work force. Agree with the idea or not, Biden’s use of an executive order to allow transgenders into the military is legitimate. It falls under his military authority. Another legitimate use of executive orders is in the enforcement of laws, another duty prescribed to the president. After the Brown v. Board of Education ruling, President Eisenhower issued an order to desegregate schools. Finally, though not in the Constitution, allowing presidents to act in time of emergency seems legitimate, but only for the duration of the crisis. FDR, who guided the nation through two of the hardest episodes in our history – the Great Depression and WWII, used orders to create the Works Progress Administration and later the Manhattan
Project. Under this thinking, any of Biden’s executive orders issued to stop COVID have some validity. The second part of the Supreme Court’s ruling of when Congress delegates is more problematic. Who’s at fault is too long for this article but starting in the Progressive Age and expanded during FDR and the Cold War, presidents little by little have taken away (and Congress has let them) the primary task of Congress which is to make laws. Whereas orders were meant for executing presidential duties, many are now used to bypass Congress to legislate. Again, I am not arguing for or against any of Biden’s orders, but his executive orders on immigration and transgendered athletes are establishing law and should be dealt with by Congress. It has been argued to me that presidents need to act on these issues because either Congress refuses to or moves too slowly. While I understand, the Constitution does not grant the president legislative powers in cases
where the Congress is too slow, refuses to act or cannot get enough votes to pass its legislation. When the Founders gathered in Pennsylvania to create our governing document, their most difficult task was creating an executive branch. The other two branches were easy by comparison, but America had just broken away from a monarch and was not in a hurry to recreate a new one. In fact, the first national government, The Articles of Confederation, did not even have an executive branch. When creating the Executive Branch, the man who inspired the Founders’ thinking was the French philosopher Montesquieu, who argued the idea of “trias politica” or “separation of powers.” The Founders were scared of creating a strong president, but what Montesquieu argued, and the Founders understood, was that in order to keep the people safe from a tyrannical government the Executive Branch had to be as powerful as the
Legislative and Judicial Branches. If not, the Legislative Branch had the power to become tyrannical. Therefore, the Executive Branch had to be strong. However, none of the Founders ever imagined what the President has become in the 21st Century. No matter if you support or condemn Biden’s orders, which he now holds the record for in his first days, the Founders never envisioned so much raw power in the hands of just one person. It goes against everything they feared and everything Montesquieu taught. Biden needs to be careful. For a man who claimed Trump was a tyrant, Biden has more than doubled the number of Trump’s executive orders for the same amount of time in office.
COTRABAND >>
months, for supplying an inmate with cell phones on multiple occasions. D’Mario Jones was arrested on Feb. 9 on two counts of Promoting Prison Contraband 1st Degree, which is a class C felony and could yield a sentence of 10 years in state prison. Bond was set at $10,000, and D’Mario Jones was released on bond within
24 hours. The investigation is still ongoing. According to a release from the sheriff ’s office, evidence indicates that D’Mario Jones, on multiple occasions, was providing cell phones and related equipment to an inmate in exchange for payments (of an amount not available to the public) from family members of the inmate. The sheriff said that he expects
the arrests of other individuals involved. “In this particular case, we have an individual who took an oath to not only preserve the law, but to protect the community,” Jones said. “And unfortunately, in this case, that oath was broken. We take that very seriously.” Jay Jones added that other employees were responsible for the
alleged crime being brought to light. The sheriff also explained why supplying an inmate with a cell phone is a far-more-serious offense than it might seem on the surface. He said that an inmate could use a cell phone to orchestrate other crimes outside of prison or to intimidate witnesses. He also said that supplying an inmate with any
contraband can lead to supplying him with any other contraband; it might start with a cell phone and end with a gun. The sheriff ’s department asks anyone with information about this case or any other to contact the Lee County Sheriff ’s Office at 334-749-5651 or Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at 334-215-STOP (7867).
Maybe he will have time to reminisce with some of us who like to share old Alabama political stories. In closing, there will be plenty of time to observe the fray that will be developing to follow the legend of Richard
Shelby, but no one will ever fill his shoes. As I traversed the state doing television interviews the day of Shelby’s announcement, I became melancholy and almost tearful for Alabama’s sake. While driving
between Montgomery and Birmingham, I had a lengthy telephone conversation with the lady who has been Shelby’s real chief of staff, confidant and gatekeeper his entire career in Congress. She very aptly told me to tell the
people of Alabama that whoever follows Shelby, even if brilliant, will be 20 years in waiting and learning before they will be able to wield any power. She is correct. Seniority is king in Washington. See you next week.
Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.
Contributed by the city of Auburn
FROM B9 By Will Fairless Associate Editor
Sheriff Jay Jones called a press conference on Feb. 10 to announce that Lee County Sheriff ’s Investigators arrested D’Mario Jones, a corrections officer who had been with working the sheriff ’s department for seven
FLOWERS >> FROM B9 He will enjoy being at home in his beloved Tuscaloosa and hunting occasionally with his buddies, Joe Perkins and Judge Coogler.
Dr. James Finck is an Associate Professor of History at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma in Chickasha. He is Chair of the Oklahoma Civil War Symposium. Follow Historically Speaking at www. Historicallyspeaking. blog.
B14 February 17, 2021
Like crossword puzzles? Sudoku? Play online at www.opelikaobserver.com/puzzles/
B15 February 17, 2021
The Opelika Police Department announces several promotions Contributed by the Opelika Police Department
The Opelika Police Department is pleased to announce several promotions. Lieutenants Kenny Miller and Rob Cook have been promoted to the rank of captain following the retirement of Captain Ed Clark and the promotion of Chief
Shane Healey. Miller is now captain of the Administrative Division. He joined the OPD in February 1990 and rose in the ranks before getting promoted to lieutenant in September 2016. Miller is also a sergeant major in the U.S. Army and holds two master’s degrees. Miller and his wife, Jackie, have two grown
sons. Cook is now captain of the Patrol Division. He is a U.S. Navy veteran and joined the OPD in November 1994. Cook is a certified law enforcement armorer and has served as the SWAT team commander for many years. He was promoted to lieutenant in April 2014. Cook and his wife, Tina, have
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two grown sons, one of whom is a deputy with the Lee County Sheriff’s Department, and a daughter. As a result of these promotions, several employees will also be transitioning into new roles. Captain Tony Amerson, who was promoted to patrol captain in August 2020, will now
Baker
oversee the Community Relations/Special Services Division. Sgt. Marty Paulson is promoted to patrol lieutenant. Sgt. Ben Jones is promoted to patrol lieutenant. Detective Brandon Hutto is promoted detective division sergeant. Patrolman Lamar Baker is promoted to
patrol sergeant. Patrolman Johnathan Whaley is promoted to patrol sergeant. “These men bring decades of experience to their new roles and we are proud of the dedication they have shown over the years,” Healy said. “We look forward to their continued leadership as we work towards the future.”
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B16 February 17, 2021
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This week’s puzzle answers: