Wednesday, July 22, 2020
VOL. 12, NO.42
pelika Observer O
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Hannah Lester joins Observer to lead newly launched magazine department
Neighborhood protests for change against Sandhill Recycling Center
By Opelika Observer staff Hannah Lester is the newest member of the Opelika Observer as the Associate Editor of the Live Lee Magazine. Lester is from Birmingham, Alabama, but moved to Auburn in 2015 when she started school at Auburn University. While in school, Lester served as a staff writer for the Auburn Plainsman and an editor for the Auburn Glomerata. Her fi rst introduction to professional writing was through an internship for a food and lifestyle magazine,
Matthew Gonzales and Olivia Martin-Pinon spotted a protest against the Sandhill Recycling Center on the side of the road and decided to join in. Gonzales holds a sign that reads ‘Shut it Down!’
By Hannah Lester Associate Editor hlester@ opelikaobserver.com
HANNAH LESTER Edible Nashville, in Nashville, Tennessee. Following this,
she had two other internships while in school, one with the
Auburn University See LESTER, page A2
Sweat rolled down the necks of the protestors who stood alongside the road that boarders the Sandhill Recycling Center. The hot afternoon sun
that baked his skin did not stop the cry of ‘Black Lives Matter’ from Terry Buford on Friday during a protest at Sandhill. Buford lives in the neighborhood next to the Sandhill Recycling Center, located at 4520 U.S. 29 and owned by See PROTESTS, page A7
Opelika Nutrition: “Twice Baked” opens in a refreshing take on health downtown Opelika By Wil Crews Opelika Observer
Opelika Nutrition, a locally owned health and food store located at 1801 Market St. across from Southern Union Community College, provides customers with a nutritious and distinctive alternative to health food. In general, the store offers low-carb, lowcalorie and healthy food alternatives in the form of loaded teas and shakes. But there is much more to it than that. All the products are See NUTRITION, page A3
By Wil Crews Opelika Observer
Photo by Wil Crews/Opelika Observer
The f lames of the pandemic seem to burn ever brighter. They are not, however, cooling down Opelika’s newest restaurant. Twice Baked, a BBQ restaurant that specializes in twice baked potatoes –– and of course a variety of smoked meats –– has opened in downtown Opelika on Railroad Avenue, next to Jefferson’s. After occupying a location by the
Index OPINION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A4 SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY. . . . . . . .A9 RELIGION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A11 COMICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A14
SPORTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B1 POLITICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B9 PUBLIC NOTICES . . . . . . . . . . . . B11
Photo by Wil Crews/Opelika Observer
Goal Post Package Store in Auburn since August 2018, owner Joseph Shorter said he made the move to Opelika to expand the restaurant’s capacity. “We can have
more than just the college kids, it’s for everyone,” Shorter said. The new location, surrounded by delicious eateries See RESTAURANT, page A3
A2 July 22, 2020
OPD announces department promotions Courtesy of the City of Opelika The City of Opelika and the Opelika Police Department are pleased to introduce a new division of the OPD to the Opelika community. The Community Relations/Special Services Division will focus on engaging with the citizens of Opelika, improving cultural relations and strengthening employee relations. Captain Shane Healey, currently in charge of the Patrol Division, will now lead the Community Relations/Special Services Division, effective immediately. He will be responsible for community relations initiatives, Public Information Officer duties, recruiting, hiring, the DARE program, school resource officers, officer training and policy development. “In light of recent events, our police administration and city leadership evaluated where we are currently,” said Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller. “The police department is doing great things, but we recognize that we can do better. We need to better communicate and engage. We need to be open to what our community has to say. Basically, we need to stop and listen. Captain
Healey is an asset to the department. He knows the community and is ready to mend any broken relationships in our community and build new ones.” As a result of this new division, several employees will receive promotions. These promotions are effective immediately. All promoted employees will remain in the Patrol Division. • Lt. Tony Amerson is promoted to Captain of the OPD Patrol Division. • Sgt. Richard Converse is promoted to Lieutenant of the OPD Patrol Division. • Patrolman Brian Krug is promoted to Sergeant of the OPD Patrol Division. “These three men are great assets to our department and will do an outstanding job in their new roles,” said Chief John McEachern. “They have served our department with integrity and deserve the recognition and promotion. We are excited about the changes to come with the OPD. We all take an oath to serve and protect, and each day that is what we strive to do. Community means many things to people. To our department it means everything. Together, we are Opelika.” For more information about the new division or promotions, please contact Shane Healey at 334-705-5241.
SGT. RICHARD CONVERSE
LT. TONY AMERSON
CPT. SHANE HEALEY
BRIAN KRUG
LESTER
“I also wasn’t ready to leave the Auburn/ Opelika area. I love both of these cities.” When Lester is not working, she enjoys traveling and being outdoors in any capacity. “I love to hike and kayak,” she said. “Recently, I traveled to Blue Springs, Florida, and kayaked with alligators.” She’s also working on writing projects outside of work, such as a children’s book she hopes to publish soon.
Auburn News. Lester said her passion has always been feature writing and longer form pieces and she wanted to work for a magazine. The Opelika Observer’s new magazine, Live Lee, fit right in with Lester’s goals, she said. “I am so excited to see The Observer grow,” Lester said. “Working for a magazine, writing pieces about people and really sharing their stories is what I’m passionate about.
>>
FROM A1
Alumni Magazine and another with the Society of Professional Journalists. Lester graduated from Auburn in 2019 with a degree in Journalism and worked brief ly for the University of Alabama at Birmingham in the Pathology Department with the communications team. Auburn was called her home, however, and she took a job with The Opelika
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A3 July 22, 2020
Gov. Kay Ivey announces mandated mask policy; penalty of $500 ďŹ ne, jail for failure to comply By Michelle Key Publisher Gov. Kay Ivey announced that she is implementing a mandatory mask-wearing policy during a live press conference Wednesday morning. Ivey announced that there were 2,141 new cases of COVID-19 overnight and that there has been a 50 percent increase in new cases during the last 14 days. The mask mandate went into effect at 5 p.m. on July 16 and will be in effect until July 31. This is in addition to the current ‘Safer at Home’ order. There are no changes to the Safer at Home order at this time. Ivey reminded everyone that she has said that she reserves the right to come back and reverse course. “This mask mandate is the first step of doing just that,â€? she said. “Clearly there are some other, more restrictive
NUTRITION
>>
FROM A1
gluten- and dairy-free, and the loaded teas are 24-calorie energy boosters packed with vitamins C and B12. The healthy meal replacement shakes range from 200-250 calories and boast 24 to 27 grams of protein. They also feature “beauty� and “specialty� drinks that contain biotin and collagen –– supplements that are beneficial to healthy hair and skin care.
RESTAURANT >> FROM A1
such as Niffer’s, Irish Bread Pub and more, stands out because of its spacious dining room and various advertising messages written on the storefront windows. ‘Don’t be a hater, come get the taters’ could intrigue even the most skeptical
actions that we could take, such as closing things back down, but I don’t want to go there unless there are absolutely no other options available. That is why I am trusting the people of Alabama to do the right thing and wear a mask. With everyone’s cooperation we can slow down the spread of this virus.� Ivey said that violating the order carries a $500 fine, jail time or both, but emphasized that fining people or putting them in jail is not the goal. “We are certainly not asking our sheriff’s and police officers to go out and look for people not wearing a mask and arrest them but we are asking everyone to do a better job of practicing social distancing, personal hygiene and now wearing a face mask,� Ivey said. State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris said that only about 12 percent of ICU beds across the state are available
and nearly 30 hospitals that have very limited or no ICU capacity at all. “Alabama is not headed in the right direction,â€? Harris said. “I believe this mask ordinance is the right thing to do because it will prevent disease transmission. To echo what the Governor said, ‘We all have a personal responsibility.’ Harris echoed what Ivey said, the goal is not to arrest those not wearing a mask, but instead to prevent the spread of the virus. “The goal is to demonstrate the importance, the urgency, of engaging this important tool that we all have access to, that’s a face covering,â€? Ivey said. “Y’all it is just the smart thing to do.â€? There are five categories of exceptions, which are listed here: • any person six years of age or younger • any person with a medical condition or
The facial-covering requirement does not apply to: • any person who is actively engaged in exercise in a gym or other athletic facility if he or she maintains six feet of separation from persons of another household • any person who is directly participating in athletic activities in compliance with paragraph 11 of the
And don’t forget the kids. Opelika Nutrition has a kid-friendly menu with drinks like the “mermaid,� “Iron Man� and their bestselling “Captain America,� which contains cherry and blue blast f lavoring. I tried the “Happy Camper,� a nutrientrich loaded tea f lavored with strawberry and pineapple. It was delicious! The store, which was previously occupied by Expressions Cafe, provides a welcoming
atmosphere and is furnished with functional yet quaint coffee bar style seating. Owner and Opelika High School graduate Mallory Jenkins said that she was compelled to open Opelika Nutrition after continuously driving to Auburn for all her nutritious drink needs. “[Opening day] was better than expected, it was busy but it was fun,� Jenkins said. “I love this community, and it’s just good to see everybody and it’s
really great to get involved.� For a tasty pre- or post-workout meal, or just a refreshing afternoon treat, Opelika Nutrition is the perfect place to go. Their hours are: Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. In compliance with state-mandated health guidelines, Opelika Nutrition humbly request that customers wear a face mask when visiting the store.
Photo special to the Opelika Observer
The menu consists of everything from Philly cheese steaks, ribs, sloppy joes, wings and pulled pork, and, of course, the items after which the store is named –– its trademark twice baked potatoes. Additionally, there is a not-sohidden secret that Twice Baked makes all its bread fresh and from scratch.
customers. The restaurant is stocked with a conveniently placed bar, which Shorter said is slated to be operational in about a month, and an adjacent stage, where Twice Baked plans to host live musicians, Fortnite tournaments and other entertainment promotions.
Practical necessity
disability that prevents him or her from wearing a facial covering • any person while consuming food or drink, or seated at a restaurant to eat or drink • any person who is obtaining a service (for example, a medical or dental procedure) that requires the removal of the facial covering in order to perform the service • any person who is required to remove the facial coverage to confirm his or her identity, such as for security or screening purposes.
Exercise
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governor’s order • any person who is in a swimming pool, lake, water attraction or similar body of water, though wearing a face covering or social distancing is strongly encouraged if safe and practicable.
strongly encouraged or • any person who cannot wear a facial covering because he or she is actively providing or obtaining access to religious worship, though wearing a face covering is strongly encouraged.
Effective communication
Essential job functions
The facial-covering requirement does not apply to: • any person who is seeking to communicate with another person where the ability to see the person’s mouth is essential for communication (such as when the other person has a hearing impairment) or • any person speaking for broadcast or to an audience if the person maintains six feet of separation from persons from another household. The facial-covering requirement does not apply to: • any person who is voting, though wearing a face covering is
The facial-covering requirement does not apply to: • any first responder (including law enforcement officers, firefighters or emergency medical personnel) if necessary to perform a public-safety function or • any person performing a job function if wearing a face covering is inconsistent with industry safety standards or a business’s established safety protocols. The full text of the amended ’Safer at Home’ order can be read at governor. alabama.gov/assets/2020/07/Safer-atHome-Order-MaskAmendment-7.15.2020FINAL.pdf.
Shorter said that the Twice Baked staff is following current COVID-19 health and safety guidelines. He asked customers to wear masks when entering the restaurant, but, ultimately left the decision up to the individual. “My goal is to show other people that you can do what I can
do, I’ve not always been this fortunate,� Shorter said. He said that he also wants to take the time to help people in the community and give back to those in need. “Another moral of mine, if you come in, you’re down and need someone to talk to, come up here to Twice Baked,� he said.
Constitutionally protected activity
The Department of Labor can help WORKERS and EMPLOYERS with
Unemployment Claims related to COVID-19. File claims and get more information at
LABOR.ALABAMA.GOV
ADULT ABUSE HOTLINE at 1-800-458-7214
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A4 July 22, 2020
How to ride out a storm
I
remember it well. Sunday morning. May 9, 2015. Woke early as is my custom, fired up my computer, and checked weather.com to see what the day might hold. That was when I discovered that the subtropical ‘system’ off the coast of the Carolinas had become a tropical storm with a name. Ana. Personally, I wished they had added another “n” so it would be named “Anna” after my little tropical storm of a daughter. But they didn’t. The 2015 Hurricane Season would not
D
officially open for another three weeks, but nobody told Ana, for there she was, churning toward the coast. Closer to home, down along the Gulf, folks had been watching the signs and worrying. The water was warming early and the pompano were already running, sure indications that weather was about to turn. Always on top of things, local newspapers began featuring lists of supplies you needed if you planned to ride out whatever came in and maps of exit routes if you didn’t. Heeding these warnings, I cleared last year’s colored
By Hardy Jackson push-pins from the cork-board hurricane map on which I trace the progress of storms and put in a blue pin for Ana. Meanwhile Ana came ashore around Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and fizzled
STORIES
ear Malcolm, I received your handwritten letter in the mail yesterday. It was written so incredibly well. And I wanted to take a moment to write you back. One writer to another. I wish I had your penmanship. For a fourteen-year-old, you impress me. My writing looks like something that came from the back end of a chicken. I was excited to hear about your new adopted parents, and how much you love your home with your new adopted siblings. I hope you are happy there. It sounds like you’ve had many good foster parents along the way. I know you miss them. You mentioned that you recently got a typewriter. I hope you get years of use out of it. I have always been a typewriter man. In fact, the rough draft for this letter is being written on an old Lettera 32. I thought it was only fitting. So let’s get down to writing business. You asked how to write a story. And even though I don’t have any real advice (since I have no idea what the heck I’m doing) I can tell you a story of my own. When I was in community college, I took a night course with a bunch of military guys. The classes were held on a military base in a double-wide trailer. We were all adults, and I was the only non-military person in the room. One night our teacher told us to write a five-hundred-word essay about something we found interesting, then we would read it aloud in class. And I had a private meltdown. Something interesting? I couldn’t think of ANYTHING interesting. My life was not interesting.
H
By Sean Dietrich And to make matters worse, this was a classroom full of military personnel. Some had traveled to Europe, Japan, Hawaii, out west, back east, up north, around the globe. One man had been to Antarctica. The farthest I had been was Texarkana. So I got embarrassed when it was my turn to read my ultra-boring essay. Because my lame paper’s topic was—be prepared to yawn—construction work. I had written about the time I worked on a construction crew, helping to restore an old beach bungalow in Navarre, Florida. My essay contained thrilling, edge-of-yourseat details about how beachfront construction was different from inland construction. Roofing materials, for instance, had to withstand gale force winds. We installed windows that were built like M4 Medium Tanks. My essay was the most uninteresting paper ever composed by a human being. When I finished reading it out loud, half the class was either picking their toenails or engaged in restorative REM sleep. Everyone knew my work was junk. And more importantly, my teacher knew this. After class, the professor pulled me aside and said, “I’m giving you another chance to rewrite your essay, because I know you can
fast into a “rain event.” Now you might think that growing up 100 miles north of Mobile, I wouldn’t have much to say about hurricanes. You would be wrong. Even that far inland we were frequently battered
do better.” I was humiliated. I had written something so terrible that my sweet teacher couldn’t bear to give me the horrible grade it deserved. Then she gave me some free advice I will never forget. She said, “I don’t wanna know about renovating a beach house. I wanna know why YOU LOVE renovating it. Put love on those pages.” At first, I was confused by this. After all, this wasn’t nineteenth century French literature we were talking about. I was writing about construction work. My coworkers were men whose definition of true love centralized on Krispy Kreme and Anheuser-Busch products. But I promised her I’d give it another try. I stayed up all night rewriting five hundred words. I wrote my essay on this very typewriter, which still has a crooked space bar from when I dropped it thirty years ago. When I re-read my work in class, I almost vomited from nerves. My paper was about the same beach bungalow. Only this time I wasn’t really talking about the house at all. I tried to follow my teacher’s advice and put some oomph into it. I told the class that after my father’s suicide I had become like See DIETRICH, page A5
by what old folks called ‘September gales,’ which were the remnants of stronger storms that hit the coast. Mostly we got rain, but occasionally the system was strong enough to produce high winds up where we were. Which was what happened in 2004, when Mother Nature unleashed her fury in a series of storms that made my hurricane map look like multi-colored spaghetti. Alex, Bonnie, Charlie, Danielle – down the alphabet they went, until the list reached Ivan. Ivan is the one I really remember. Not
because of its fury, which was frightening, but because of how my parents rode it out. Ivan hit Orange Beach on Sept. 16 and moved rapidly inland with gale-force wind and tornadoes, snapping trees and bringing down power lines. My parent’s home outside Grove Hill was right in its path. But they were ready. When Daddy built his ‘Poutin’ House,’ he installed gas appliances. Why? Because he wanted a backup stove in case the electricity was lost. As Ivan approached, the lights flickered, so See JACKSON, page A5
Space Wars
ow many spaces should go after a period: one or two? To answer that question, we have to talk about typewriters. A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, people learned to type on manual typewriters. If this describes you, you likely learned to add two spaces after a period. That’s because manual typewriters used monospaced type, in which each character takes up the same amount of horizontal space. Adding two spaces after a period while typing on a manual typewriter allowed for better readability. Most fonts on computers utilize what’s called proportional type. This means skinny letters like “i” and “l” are closer to each other, as opposed to wider letters like “w” and “m.” So, unless you’re a hipster who is ironically using a
By Curtis Honeycutt typewriter in a public place, use only one space after the end of a sentence. Does it matter? Great question. If the argument for double spacing is readability, then in the case of our modern computer fonts, which use proportional spacing, you do not need two spaces. Proportional fonts don't have unnecessary space, so two spaces are redundant. If you use two spaces, you might be giving off the impression that technology warped off into hyperspeed while you missed the ship because you stayed to hear the end of the cantina band’s interstellar set. Back in high school I chose Courier New (a monospaced font) to type papers in my
English class. This took a 3 ½ page paper (on a book I skimmed, at best) in Times New Roman or Arial (which are proportional fonts) and stretched it into a 5-pager. I’m sure my English teacher rolled her eyes when she saw all the extra space, however it did allow her extra room to write things like “next time, try harder” and “disappointing!” in the margins. If you instinctively tap the spacebar twice after the end of a sentence, you have two options: either employ the find-and-replace feature in your word processing software to replace all instances of two spaces with one space (Google it — it’s pretty easy). Option two is to train yourself to slice your spaces in half with your glowing laser sword like the galaxy depends on it. May the space be with you. Curtis Honeycutt is a national award-winning syndicated humor columnist. Connect with him on Twitter (@ curtishoneycutt) or at curtishoneycutt.com.
A5 July 22, 2020
69,000 Alabama workers lose coverage when they may need it most Courtesy of Alabama Arise Job losses during the COVID-19 economic crash kicked 69,000 Alabamians off their health insurance between February and May, according to a new report by Families USA, a nonprofit research organization based in Washington, D.C. Those coverage losses increased Alabama’s uninsured rate for non-elderly adults to 19 percent, the report
JACKSON >> FROM A4
Mama got on the phone and called Margaret and Stella, two friends who lived alone. Mama invited them to a Hurricane Party.
DIETRICH>> FROM A4 an old weather-beaten bungalow. I told them how my bungalow had gone through a few hurricanes, and that I had almost been blown away. Then, somehow, a kind-hearted builder noticed me. He saw me from a distance,
finds. That is the ninth highest rate in the nation and 3 percentage points higher than in 2018. Workers and their families are losing comprehensive health insurance and their risk of delayed care and complications from the virus is increasing, as is their risk of financial devastation. “Even before COVID-19, Alabama’s failure to expand Medicaid left more than 220,000 adults uninsured,” said Alabama Arise Campaign
Director Jane Adams. “Further coverage losses during the recession will bring health and financial suffering for even more families across our state. More people will go without needed health care. More hospital bills will go unpaid. And all Alabamians will bear the additional strain on our health care system. This report’s findings should be a blaring emergency siren for our state leaders.” The number of uninsured adults jumped by
5.4 million nationally between February and May. The increase in those few months was 39 percent higher than any annual increase ever recorded, Families USA finds. The report also shows a disturbing overlap between states with the highest adult uninsured rates and the worst COVID-19 case trends. “COVID-19 is putting lives, livelihoods and economic security at risk for thousands of Alabama workers. And many communities face
long-term challenges for health care capacity and economic recovery,” Adams said. “Alabama Arise and Cover Alabama urge Gov. Kay Ivey to save lives and stabilize our local hospitals by expanding Medicaid. We ask the Legislature to provide the needed state share of this pro-family, prohealth, pro-community investment in our future. And we ask Congress to strengthen Medicaid funding and
help Alabama shore up our health care infrastructure.” Adams directs Cover Alabama, a coalition of more than 90 organizations pushing for Medicaid expansion in Alabama. Arise is a founding member of the coalition. Alabama Arise is a nonprofit, nonpartisan coalition of congregations, organizations and individuals promoting public policies to improve the lives of Alabamians with low incomes.
They came bringing food that they feared would spoil if it was not cooked – gas stove, remember. The power went off shortly after they arrived, so out to the Poutin’ House they went.
Candles were lit and the cooking began. Daddy had it made. There he was, 87 years old, with three women (all in their 80s) cooking for him, fussing over him and entertaining him with
stories of days past and people long gone from the earth. And knowing my Daddy, a raconteur without peer, he entertained them as well. Then the lights came on.
The cooking moved from the Poutin’ House into Mama’s kitchen. Daddy moved with it. Later, reflecting on the experience, he observed, “If you gotta weather a storm, that
was the way to do it.” Yes, it was. Harvey H. (“Hardy”) Jackson III is Professor Emeritus at Jacksonville State University. He can be reached at hhjackson43@gmail.com.
there on the shore, and he didn’t see my ratty clapboards. He saw what I could be. The builder and his crew replaced my shattered windows, and my wind-battered roof. They dug new pilings, so I could be sturdy. They exchanged my rotting clapboards. They repainted me. They made me strong.
And I guess that is why I always loved renovating that stupid beach house so much. Because there is nothing more wonderful than being put back together again. All my life, Malcolm, I have felt like an ugly little house. But it was selfless people who repaired me and made me feel beautiful. I owe everything to them.
Everything. When I finished reading, the first clap started in the back of the classroom. And it trickled forward. Even my teacher applauded. I didn’t deserve it. But it was nice of them. And I learned a lot from that experience. Sadly, I didn’t learn anything that you don’t already know. So I still have no advice for you.
You’ve been through a lot, Malcolm. You know more about life than I ever will. You’re smart. You’re talented. And you don’t need my help. So I will simply give you the words a sweet old professor once gave to me: Put love on those pages. And speaking of love. I sure do love you, buddy.
Sean Dietrich is a columnist, and novelist, known for his commentary on life in the American South. His work has appeared in Southern Living, the Tallahassee Democrat, Southern Magazine, Yellowhammer News, the Bitter Southerner, the Mobile Press Register and he has authored seven books.
A6 July 22, 2020
AUBURN CHAMBER LAUNCHES KEEP AUBURN OPEN Courtesy of Auburn Chamber of Commerce The Auburn Chamber’s mission is to provide resources and leadership to create a thriving business environment. Out of concern for its businesses and the health and safety of its employees, the chamber has launched Keep Auburn Open. The components of Keep Auburn Open are to follow the state of Alabama’s proclamation by Gov. Kay Ivey and recommendations of the CDC, which include wearing face coverings, frequent hand washing and providing a six-foot distance between others. The Auburn Chamber encourages everyone to help reduce community-wide transmission and impacts of the virus by taking personal responsibility. “In the governor’s press conference on Wednesday, she encouraged the business community to support her amended health order which requires face coverings in public,” said Chamber President Lolly Steiner. “That’s
exactly the idea behind Keep Auburn Open. We want to ensure our businesses remain open and safe.” The chamber values its important partnership with East Alabama Medical Center (EAMC) and is frequently provided with COVID-19 updates. For several weeks, EAMC has been encouraging the community to volun-
tarily wear face masks to help reduce community wide transmission. Through Keep Auburn Open, the chamber believes these efforts will help with community-wide transmission and provide relief for hospital and health care workers. After studying recommendations by health professionals, downtown Auburn merchant Behind
the Glass made the decision to require face coverings for its employees and customers before Gov. Ivey’s amended Safer at Home order. “Our policy has helped our employees know that we are doing everything that we can to keep them safe, and many, many customers have expressed that they appreciate our dedication to provid-
ing a safe shopping experience,” said Donna Young, owner of Behind the Glass. “As a visible part of the downtown community, we wanted to do our part to set a good example. It’s a lot easier to wear a mask when everyone is wearing them.” The chamber will require anyone who enters its office to wear a face covering for the
health and safety of staff members. There will be complimentary masks and hand sanitizer available for visitors, and the chamber encourages its membership to follow. The Auburn Chamber is committed to sharing resources in the effort to support local businesses and is planning to do so in the coming weeks. “Our business community has been resilient the past several months,” Steiner said. “The chamber will continue to walk alongside businesses during these challenging times, and we ask the community to do the same by continuing to shop local. By shopping local, you are supporting more jobs and our local economy. Let’s remember, we’re in this together.” The Auburn Chamber is confident these steps, plus remembering to monitor health daily and following disinfecting guidelines provided by the CDC and OSHA will help slow the spread of COVID-19, reduce positive cases and keep Auburn open.
Briggs and Stratton announces reorganization and transaction with KPS Capital Partners By Hannah Lester Associate Editor hlester@opelikaobserver.com Briggs and Stratton announced Monday in a press release that it has filed a petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. "Over the past several months, we have explored multiple options with our advisors to strengthen our financial position and flexibility,” said Todd Teske, Briggs & Stratton's chairman, president and chief executive officer. “The challenges we have faced during the COVID-19 pandemic
have made reorganization the difficult but necessary and appropriate path forward to secure our business. It also gives us support to execute on our strategic plans to bring greater value to our customers and channel partners. Throughout this process, Briggs & Stratton products will continue to be produced, distributed, sold and fully backed by our dedicated team.” Briggs and Stratton owns a plant in Auburn, located in the Auburn Technology Park. The company will be entering into a stock and asset purchase with KPS
Capital Partners, LP which prompted the reorganization. “Under the terms of the agreement, an affiliate of KPS formed for purposes of this transaction has agreed to acquire substantially all of [Briggs and Stratton’s] assets and assume certain customer, employee and vendor liabilities, and it would act as the stalking-horse bidder through a court-supervised sale process,” the release said. The company also received over $677 million in DIP financing. $265 million was provided by KPS, while just over $412 million was provided
by the companies’ ABL lenders. “Following court approval, the DIP facility will ensure that the Company has sufficient liquidity to continue normal operations and to meet its financial obligations during the Chapter 11 process, including the timely payment of employee wages
and health benefits, continued servicing of customer orders and shipments, and other obligations,” the release said. The release said that deal with KPS will likely promote long-term success for the company. “We have a storied past and a bright future, built on our
foundational expertise in applying power,” Teske said. “Our portfolio of innovative engines, robust lines of products, and high-performance commercial batteries positions Briggs & Stratton to meet our global customers' needs for power to get work done, now and in the future."
A7 July 22, 2020
PROTESTS >> FROM A1 D&J Enterprises, although he was there first. For years, Buford put up with the stench and problems from the recycling center until he decided enough was enough and in 2012 took a stand, he said. Sandhill Recycling Center is approved to handle inert matter from the city of Auburn and other areas but Buford and Rev. Arthur Dowdell claim there is more than stumps and trees - there is garbage. People in the community are suffering with respiratory problems and health issues due to the trash and the quality of the air, the activists said. “People are dying,” Dowdell said. “It’s still important for people to care because human lives are at stake. Please. Ya’ll listen, human lives are at stake." Dowdell said they have looked at the water and seen nothing but frogs, that the fish are dying. “The only things living in this water right now is
nothing but frogs, but frogs can live in toxic waters,” Dowdell said. “Fish can’t live in that. So we know something is wrong with this water system. So we’re asking that they would test the water.” Buford is asking Sandhill Recycling Center to move to a new location that will not compromise the health of local residents. “They’re trying to kill us, it seems like,” he said. Local Government: Buford, Dowdell and former commissioner John Andrew Harris have approached the local governments about what can be done. “The community is all for it, they’ve signed the petition and all of that,” Buford said. “But the offices of the city people, they don’t seem to be all that interested." The three spoke before the Lee County Commission on June 29 and spoke to the city council soon after. The commissioners said that they do not have the authorization to shut Sandhill down.
Activists held a protest at Sandhill Recycling Center Friday and are asking that the center be shut down.
When Buford first reached out for help to the Lee County Commission, many years before, Harris was an elected official. “I brought this issue to the county commission,” Harris said. “What concerns me, all the commissioners at that time agreed with me. It was an eyesore, it was an environment hazard and it was a hazard to the community and they were wondering ‘Well, what can we do?’ “I said, ‘As a commission, we’re supposed to go out there and help the people and see what we can do about solving a problem.’
And it seemed like they didn’t want to solve the problem.” The Auburn City Council also said the site was not under their jurisdiction. The only action it has taken with Sandhill was the original contract to send Auburn material through the site. The council did not create or approve the recycling center and therefore doesn’t have the authorization to close it. The protestors also scheduled a call with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management to discuss their concerns. ADEM has documents
Terry Buford (left) and John Andrew Harris (right) are protesting the adverse health effects that they say are from the pollution of Sandhill Recycling Center.
Terry Buford has been fighting against Sandhill Recycling Center since 2012 and claims his neighborhood is suffering from health problems.
for each of its visits to the site which can be found on its website: adem.alabama.gov. Recently, Buford reached out to local
lawyers to try and find help. He is now being represented by attorney Julian McPhillips. See PROTESTS, page A8
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A8 July 22, 2020
Trinity United Methodist Church honors local EMTs
PROTESTS >> FROM A7
Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer Members of Trinity United Methodist Church recently honored EMTs at East Alabama Medical Center with 90 box lunches that were delivered over a period of four days. Trinity members Kathy and Jim Hardin are pictured making a presentation to a group of EMTs at the hospital.
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The latest update: Since the group of concerned citizens and local activists began making headway and gaining support in the community, Dowdell said he has noticed Sandhill has less material. “The only thing that I see happening is that [D&J Enterprises] is trying to get rid of this stuff,â€? he said. McPhillips is also preparing a lawsuit against D&J, Dowdell said. “ADEM has given the lawyers some ideas about how to sue them,â€? he said. “ ‌ He’s getting
ready to file a lawsuit and what he has done, he has talked to all of the residents. A lot of them, they are sick or they’re suffering with some sort of respiratory problems.� The protests are held by those who live in the affected neighborhood, for the most part. Community members took notice, however, on Friday. Two doctoral students at Auburn University, Matthew Gonzales and Olivia Martin-Pinon, were driving by when they saw the signs and decided to stop and help spread the word. “I think that it’s important to highlight issues of health, no matter where they come
from, especially when they affect significantly people of color livedin neighborhoods,â€? Gonzales said. â€œâ€Ś At this point in time, in America, nothing is more important than health and life.â€? He said that sine there is an identifiable source for the neighborhood health issues, it should be addressed. “We need to continue doing this until change comes,â€? Buford said. “It’s worth doing, it’s worth holding onto.â€? Dowdell said the goal is not to clean the site up, but move it completely. “We’ve got to be concerned and I can’t let it go until we have eradicated it,â€? he said.
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Opelika E vents, Society, & Food
UPCOMING EVENTS
• OTC Summertime Showcase - Aug. 15
Open air market offers variety of produce, baked goods
Southern
Hospitality
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reshly picked vegetables and fruits, along with homemade bakery goods, honey, jellies and other items, can be found on Tuesday afternoons at the O Grows Open Air Farmers Market. The market, located on Glenn Street, across from the Southside Center for the Arts in Opelika, is held Tuesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. through Aug. 25. Farmers from East Alabama display their bounty of summer vegetables and fruits on tables under white tents. They offer freshly picked produce at a good value. If COVID-19 has kept you out of the grocery store, the open air market gives you the opportunity to select
your own produce without having to go inside a building. Locally grown vegetables and fruits offer more nutrients and a fresher taste than those shipped from other parts of the country. Buying from local farms is also beneficial to the community, as it supports local farmers. Along with a variety of produce, Serenity Farms and Bakery offer an outstanding array of homemade breads and assorted confections. Anna Freeman and Liana Freeman bake all day at their farm to provide freshly baked sourdough bread, braided French bread, whole wheat banana bread, cinnamon rolls, blueberry and lemon bread, assorted cookies, peach pies and many other
homemade desserts. They accept debit and credit cards. The Freemans have been part of the market for several years. Originally, Anna and Liana’s older sister, Mary, helped with baking, as well as their mother Judy Freeman, who now helps with the garden. Anna and Liana are the master bakers, however. The women grind wheat berries to make whole-wheat flour for baking breads. Each bakery item is wrapped in plastic wrap or placed in plastic bags. Last year was Mary Finley’s first year at the market. She is a baker and offers an assortment of yummy whole cakes and cakes by the slice. All of the cakes are freshly baked and
Photo by Robert Noles Serenity Farms and Bakery provides fresh baked goods and more at the weekly O Grows Farmers Market.
well wrapped. Susan Forbes is the O Grows market manager. She is at the market every week to answer questions. This past week she distributed bags of items from the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. She also distributed complimentary face masks sewn by members of the OLLI program at Auburn University. O Grows purchased 100 masks from them to support OLLI to give to their community market supporters. O Grows is an organization that engages students and citizens
in gardening to address community service and food security. O Grows is building a reputation as a hub of local food systems by employing students, selling produce and donating produce to the Food Bank of East Alabama. Under the umbrella of Envision Opelika, a support system for the non-profit businesses of Opelika, O Grows began in 2012. Susan’s husband, Sean Forbes, the founder of O Grows, is a professor in education psychology at Auburn University. Originally, the garden was in front of the Southside Cultural Arts
Center, where the market is being held. The garden was then moved to the back of the building where a greenhouse was constructed. Students at Auburn University helped with the project. “The Alabama Cooperative Extension System issues growers permits on behalf of the Alabama Farmers Market Authority,” Susan said. “These permits enable growers to sell at farmers markets. Because of the coronavirus outbreak, the Farmers Market Authority has modified some rules. See CIPPERLY, page A12
Beyond Harvest Foods doubles SNAP/EBT credit for local and organic fruits, vegetables
The Brown Insurance Agency Hosting Community Appreciation Day
“Local grocer offers ‘Georgia Fresh For Less’ program, improving affordability and access to fresh, local food for those most in need”
By Wil Crews Opelika Observer
Special to the Opelika Observer Beyond Harvest foods is excited to announce a new partnership with Wholesome Wave Georgia, a nonprofit that works to
increase access to local, fresh food. The Georgia Fresh For Less program has incentivized thousands of residents in Georgia and Alabama to collectively spend over $2.5 million on local produce since 2009,
specifically to federal nutrition assistance beneficiaries (“federal nutrition assistance benefits” is synonymous with SNAP/ food stamps, EBT, and WIC, in most cases) See FOODS, page A10
Insurance agencies mostly serve as sources of security and peace of mind. However, instead of serving policies and premiums, The Brown Insurance See EVENT, page A9
Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer
A10 July 22, 2020
OBITUARIES Ashley Evans Barnes Ashley Evans Barnes passed away on Wednesday at the age of 43 surrounded by her family. Born and raised in Opelika, she received a masters in Education at Auburn University and taught for The Lee County School system for 19 years. She was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. She had a quiet spirit and spoke with words of faith, wisdom, compassion, and love. Above all else she loved God and her family. She is survived by her husband of 18 years, Jamie Barnes; son, Evan and daughter Emma; as well as her father, Philip Evans (Jackie); mother, Kathy Pollard (Bill); sisters, Katie Sellers and Tiffany Clay (Adam); nephews, Tyler and Sam, and niece Charlotte.
FOODS
>>
FROM A9 who receive twice the value for their benefits. To participate, anyone receiving food assistance benefits need only show up to Beyond Harvest Foods’ retail grocery store located at 318 Colin L. Powell Pkwy. in Phenix City. At checkout, shoppers receive twice as much as the amount of money they debited on their card for fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables. For instance, $20 worth of fruits or vegetables or both will be charged as $10, which is a 50 percent discount. “The 'Georgia Fresh For Less’ program en-
A celebration of her life was held on July 18, 2020 at First Baptist Church Opelika. Visitation was held from 10:00 to 11 a.m. followed by the service at 11:30 a.m. Interment followed at Garden Hills Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made the National Leiomyosarcoma Foundation at NLMSF.org Frederick-Dean Funeral Home directed.
please make donations to Providence Baptist Church Building Fund.
Shirley Roberts Parker, 83, of Opelika, passed away July 14 at Bethany House. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on July 16 at Providence Baptist Church West Campus. Dr. Rusty Sowell officiated. Burial was in Garden Hills Cemetery. Mrs. Parker was the former owner of
Springvilla Grocery in Beauregard and a life long member of Providence Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years James “Bubba” Parker; parents Homer and Ruby Roberts; sister Elizabeth Gentz; and son-in-law Jimmy Smith. She was survived by her children: Bonnie Smith, Ray Parker (Sherry), Tony Parker (Christina), Chris Parker (Mel); grandchildren: Kristen Griner (Justin), Parker Moore, Wesley Parker, Shayne Hurst, Hunter Parker, Abby Parker, Jeremy Parker, Jessica Bolton, Devin Parker, Tori Parker (Neal McConnell); great-grandchildren: Karis Champon, Clay Cole, Payton Bolton, Grayson Bolton, Regan McConnell, Jaxton Griner; siblings: Betty White, and Larry Roberts (Rita). In lieu of flowers
ables us to connect with customers who may not normally be able to afford locally-sourced and whole organic foods,” said Ben Link, Beyond Harvest Foods’ marketing and communications manager. “This program helps us get healthier food to more people more often, which is especially important right now as our community seeks ways to improve the health and wellness of our community.” Beyond Harvest Foods operates a mobile market, which is capable of bringing the produce directly into areas with limited to no access to nutritious and affordable foods, in addition to offering the
program at their retail grocery store. “We have the ability to take our mobile market out multiple times a day to areas desperately in need of nourishing foods,” Link said. “We are currently researching locations to bring this program where it can make optimal, positive impacts.” By increasing the affordability, the Georgia Fresh For Less program makes nourishing choices accessible for food-insecure families and promotes healthy eating habits. According to Wholesome Wave Georgia, 78 percent of program participants surveyed in recent years said they increased their weekly
produce consumption. Georgia Fresh For Less also connects people with the products of nearby farmers, which strengthens local resiliency while keeping more money circulating in the local economy. “Georgia Fresh For Less is rooted in Wholesome Wave Georgia’s mission, which is to increase access to fresh, healthy, local food,” said WWG Executive Director Denise Blake. “Typically, the less money the consumer has to spend, the more likely choices are made based on price, rather than nutritional value. Our program makes nutritional choices affordable for all families.” .
Shirley Roberts Parker
Ernestine Chappell Williams Ernestine Chappell Williams was born on March 16, 1936 to Ernest and Bernice Chappell of the Beauregard community. Ms.Williams passed from this life to the next on July 13, 2020, at Canterbury Health Facility in Phenix City, Alabama. Many may remember Ernestine as a longtime employee of Ampex from which she retired. Ms. Williams was predeceased by her parents and her only child, Ricky Williams. Ernestine is survived by her sister, Bobbie Smallwood; her brother, Ernie Chappell; numerous nieces and nephews; two faithful and devoted friends, Jeanette Herndon
and Margaret Rogers; and her brothers and sisters in Christ from Pierce Chapel United Methodist Church. Graveside services for Ms. Williams was scheduled for 11 a,m. on July 16 at Pierce Chapel UMC cemetery for family and close friends.
William Otto Junker, III William Otto Junker, III, passed away on July 12 from complications of Alzheimer's disease. He was in the care of the Hospice Angels at Bethany House Hospice Care in Auburn, Alabama. He graduated from Presbyterian College and retired from Philip Morris, USA. His proudest achievement in life was a loving, happy family. William is survived by his loving wife, Deborah, and wonderful caring children Melissa About Wholesome Wave Georgia Wholesome Wave Georgia believes that all Georgians should have access to fresh, wholesome and locally grown food. Founded in 2009, WWG strives to strengthen local food communities by empowering networks of farmers to facilitate access to and awareness of healthy food choices. By increasing the affordability of healthy, locally grown foods, WWG makes healthy, nourishing choices accessible for Georgia’s food insecure population. WWG realizes its mission through two core programs: Georgia Fresh For Less and Georgia
and Jay Williams of Auburn, Alabama, and Christen Kellett and Jacob Lowry and infant grandson William Walker Lowry of Atlanta. He will be sorely missed by his sister Charlene Adolph (husband, Keith, and children Lauren and Kevin) of Foster City, California. Cousins Edward and Kaylin Frank Mitchell, Los Angeles, and Richard and Deirdre Mitchell (daughters Kelsey and Leah), Groton, Massachusetts, feel this loss deeply. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial gifts to Hospice Angels, 1171 Gatewood Drive, Building 100, Auburn, Alabama, 36830. These Angels took such wonderful care to us all during a difficult time. Services will be announced at a later time. Food For Health. More information is at www. wholesomewavegeorgia.org. About Beyond Harvest Foods We are a devoted team of local food advocates and professionals whose goal is to distribute a diversity of fresh and frozen produce, meat, seafood and dairy products for retail, restaurants and more. Our greater mission is to connect our communities to the best, most sustainable foods from throughout our region while developing a more resilient food ecosystem around Columbus, Georgia and Phenix City, Alabama.
A11 July 22, 2020
T
Elijah: Renewal in the wilderness
hat the wilderness can wear you down comes as no surprise. Its harsh surroundings, demanding terrain and meager resources can squeeze the stamina out of the strongest. That it can also be a place of renewal is a surprising and hopeful truth — especially for anyone dealing with spiritual fatigue. Spiritual fatigue occurs when our circumstances overrun our resources. One summer our family was vacationing on Lake Martin. A friend had loaned their boat
Church Calendar • Church of Christ at Cunningham - meeting at their building at 9:30 a.m. for Bible class, 10:30 a.m. for worship, 5 p.m. for evening worship and 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. • First Baptist Church Of Opelika - continuing online streaming services; “FBCO will be deliberate but diligent as we begin to meet in person again.” “I would project that a FBCO’s return to corporate worship and ministry opportunities will be strategic.” • 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 Sunday's from 9:30 a.m. to 11. A Mass is also held on Sunday's 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. • Trinity United Methodist Church Opelika Trinity UMC has online worship at 10 a.m. streaming on Facebook, YouTube and their website, www.tumcopelika. org. • First United Methodist Church Of Opelika - The, bishop has asked for all United Methodist churches in our conference to suspend in-person gatherings through June 1. There is a COVID-19 task force that will help make decisions about June/July and work out those logistics.
to us. There was a certain art to operating the choke which I hadn’t mastered. Although I was able to get the engine started and the boat out on the water, the motor died soon after and we started drifting. I couldn’t get it restarted and we had to resort to using paddles (we might as well have been using our hands.) Fortunately, another boat came by and gave us a tow. Our circumstances had definitely overrun our resources. When this happens in your spiritual life, you end
By Bruce Green Teaching Minister at 10th Street Church of Christ in Opelika
up adrift and in need of immediate help. When Elijah headed into the wilderness, he had weariness written all over him. He had stood bravely for God at Mt. Carmel against King Ahab,
450 false prophets and unbelieving Israel. It seems likely that he thought the miracle there would bring Ahab and the nation back to God. It didn’t. Furthermore, Ahab’s wife, Jezebel, sent a message to him that his life was over. He f led into the wilderness, stopped under a broom tree and asked God to take his life. His circumstances had overrun his resources. Elijah thought his story ended there, but it didn’t. The God who rained down fire on Mt. Carmel and
brought an end to the false prophets could also nurture and revitalize His plaintive prophet. And what He did for Elijah, He continues to do for His people today. There is renewal—even in the midst of the wilderness. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. (2 Corinthians 4:16) You can find more of Bruce’s writings at his website: atasteofgracewithbrucegreen.com.
ABOUT BRUCE GREEN 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
Verse of the Week
“For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:2
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 First Baptist Church 301 S. 8th St. 334-745-5715 First Baptist Church Impact
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
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 OF CHRIST Church of Christ at Cunningham 2660 Cunningham Dr., Opelika
METHODIST Auburn United Methodist Church 137 South Gay St., Auburn 334-826-8800 Beulah United Methodist Church 5165 Lee Road 270, Valley
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 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 334-741-8675 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 334-749-5386 Beauregard Full Gospel Revival 2089 Lee Road 42 334-745-0455 Christ Church International 1311 2nd Ave. 334-745-0832
334-745-4755 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Church At Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy., Opelika 334-524-9148 St. Ellis Full Gospel Church 5267 US Hwy 80W, Opelika 334-298-4319 PRESBYTERIAN Trinity Presbyterian Church 1010 India Road, Opelika 334-745-4889
Church of the Harvest 2520 Society Hill Rd 334-745-2247 East Congregation of Jehovah Witnesses 1250 McCoy St. 334-737-1488 Emmanuel Temple of Deliverance 207 S. Railroad Ave. 334-745-6430 Faith Alliance Church 3211 Waverly Pkwy 334-749-9516 Faith Christian Center 600 S. 8th St. Faith Church 3920 Marvyn Pkwy 334-707-3922 Family Life Christian Center 601 S. 7th St. 334-741-7013 Father’s House Christian Fellowship 214 Morris Ave. 334-749-1070 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 334-741-1006 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
Place your ad here! Fresh Foods...And A Whole Lot More!
Catch ‘On the Mark’ with D. Mark Mitchell and Jeff Sasser weekday mornings from 7-9 a.m.
603 Pleasant Drive Opelika, AL 36801 749-1333 Mon- Sat 7am-8pm Sun 12pm-6pm
Email: editor@opelika observer.com Call: 334-749-8003
A12 July 22, 2020
CIPPERLY>> FROM A9 “Farmers markets, like grocery stores, are considered an essential food resource. They may prove to be even more important if larger supply chains are disrupted leading to shortages of agricultural products produced locally. “The following are best management practices collected from
RECIPES PEACH BALSAMIC CHICKEN Susan Forbes 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 shallot, chopped 4 large Chilton county peaches, sliced 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 1/3 cup torn fresh basil Salt and pepper and olive oil, as needed Heat oil and cook chicken and transfer to plate. Add garlic and shallot and cook for a couple minutes. Add peaches and cook until soft, maybe about 5 minutes. Pour in balsamic vinegar and simmer until slightly reduced, maybe a couple minutes. Stir in basil. Combine chicken with balsamic peaches and serve. CREAMY CHANTERELLE MUSHROOM SOUP Kitty Greene 8 oz. mushrooms 4 Tbsp. butter 2 cups diced shallot 1 pinch salt and ground black pepper to taste 1 drizzle olive oil 4 cups chicken stock ½ cup half-and-half Rinse mushrooms and pat dry. Slice in half. Rinse off any bugs or dirt and chop. Melt butter in a deep, heavy-bottom pot over medium heat. Add shallots and cook until translucent, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir mushrooms pieces into the shallots and toss in a generous pinch of salt to help draw out their juices. Add pepper. Drizzle with olive oil. Continue to cook until mushroom pieces shrink in size and brown slightly, about 5 minutes. Pour chicken stock into the pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly, 10 to 20 minutes. Ladle soup into a high-powered blender. Cover and hold lid down with a potholder; blend on high until pureed, 1 to 2 minutes. Add half-andhalf and blend for 1 minute more. Return blended soup to the pot. Heat until warmed through, 5 to 10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning. Makes 4 servings. FRESH PEACH PIE Kitty Greene 2 ½ cups fresh peaches (divided) 1 Tbsp. lemon juice ½ cup sugar 1 Tbsp. cornstarch 2 tsp. butter ½ tsp. almond extract 1 pie crust Slice 2 cups fresh ripe peaches and mix with 1 Tbsp. lemon juice and ½ cup sugar. Let mixture stand for at least 1 hour. Drain liquid from peaches into a pot. Mix cornstarch with a
across the country for consideration. This will help minimize the spread of COVID-19 at markets while maintaining this essential food resource for our community and our vendors.” The goal of the following practices is to minimize shopper time at the market and the spread of COVID-19. Although farmers markets are important community events, these small amount of water, and add to mixture along with the other half cup of sliced peaches. Cook for a few minutes until thickened. Add 2 tsp. butter and ½ tsp. almond extract to the mixture. Put drained, sliced peaches in a baked pie crust and pour cooked peach mixture over the top. Mix very gently. Cool first or eat right away. CHARRED CABBAGE Susan Forbes 1/2 head cabbage (Napa, green or red) 1 Tbsp. sunflower oil or other high smoke point oil 2 to 4 Tbsp. butter, divided Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste Fresh lemon juice, to taste Cut the halved cabbage into quarters to make four wedges. Preheat a large pan on medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add oil to coat the bottom, and let the oil heat up for about a minute. Add cabbage wedges and give the pan a shake coat in oil. Let the cabbage cook (and burn) for about 7 minutes until charred. Flip wedges to char the opposite side and add 2 Tbsp. butter to the pan. As the second side cooks for another 7 minutes, spoon butter from pan over the wedges. The butter should brown, but if it blackens too much, add additional butter to cool it down. When both sides of cabbage wedges are charred, season with kosher salt and fresh ground pepper along with a good squeeze of fresh lemon juice. EASY LEMON CUCUMBER PICKLES Christine Litas, Opelika Community Garden Member 1½ lbs. lemon cucumbers, sliced 1 red bell pepper, sliced ½ medium onion, sliced 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 1 Tbsp. salt ½ tsp. celery seed ½ tsp. mustard seed ½ tsp. dried dill weed ½ tsp. pickling spice ½ cup sugar 1 cup white vinegar Thinly slice the cucumbers, bell pepper and onion. Put cucumbers, bell pepper, onion and garlic in a large glass or other non-reactive bowl. Add salt and other seasoning; toss well. Allow to sit at room temperature for 1 hour. Combine sugar and vinegar over low heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved, then remove from heat.
Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer
measures will help the market to focus on its role as an essential food resource and protect public safety.
• No sampling • No prepared foods or prepared foods to go only. Everything must be pre-packaged to
Pour over the vegetables and allow to cool. Place the pickles in a lidded container ,and store in the refrigerator.
vinegar 2 Tbsp. honey ½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper 8 8 oz. skinless, boneless chicken breast halves Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Arrange tomatoes, peaches and onion in a shallow baking pan. Drizzle with 2 Tbsp. oil; sprinkle with 1/2 tsp. salt. Toss to coat; spread in an even layer. In a large bowl combine remaining 2 Tbsp. oil, garlic, mustard, vinegar, honey, 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper. Whisk to combine. Add chicken; turn to coat. Arrange chicken breasts in another shallow baking pan. Drizzle chicken with any remaining mustard mixture. Place both pans in oven on separate racks. Roast 20 to 25 minutes or until chicken is done (165°F), stirring tomato mixture halfway and rotating pans top to bottom. Transfer chicken to a cutting board. Let rest 10 minutes. Meanwhile, continue roasting tomato mixture until vegetables just begin to brown. Cut chicken into thick slices, transfer to a platter and top with tomato mixture. Serves 8. Note: If desired, brown the chicken after coating with mustard mixture. In a12-inch skillet heat 1 Tbsp. olive oil over medium-high. Add half the chicken. Cook 2 minutes on each side or until browned. Transfer to a shallow baking pan. Repeat with remaining chicken, adding more oil to skillet if needed. Roast as directed. Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble as directed (do not brown chicken). Chill, covered, up to 8 hours before roasting.
CHERRY TOMATO SALAD Cathey Donald 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved ½ cup sliced green onions ¼ cup flat-leaf fresh parsley, chopped, optional ½ tsp. salt ½ tsp. pepper 3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar 1 ½ Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard Combine first 5 ingredients. Mix together vinegar, oil and mustard; drizzle over tomatoes and toss. SQUASH CASSEROLE Mary Barnes Newman 2 cups cooked, drained squash 1 egg, beaten 4 Tbsp. butter ½ cup mayonnaise ½ cup onions, finely chopped ½ cup pecans, chopped 1 small jar pimento, diced ½ tsp. sugar 1 or more cups grated American cheese Breadcrumbs Mash squash and butter together; add other ingredients except breadcrumbs; season with salt and pepper. Place into a buttered casserole. Top with breadcrumbs. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes. Serves six. OVEN ROASTED GREEN BEANS 1 to 2 lbs. green beans Olive oil Kosher salt 1 tomato, chopped, for garnish Preheat oven to 350 degrees. On a cookie sheet with a rim, drizzle olive oil over green beans; season to taste with salt. Roast 15 to 20 minutes. Garnish with chopped tomato, if desired. SHEET-PAN CHICKEN WITH PEACHES AND TOMATOES Susan Forbes 1 lb. on-vine small tomatoes or cherry tomatoes 1 lb. peaches, cut into wedges 1 large red onion, cut into thin halfmoons (2 1/2 cups) 4 Tbsp. olive Kosher salt 2 cloves garlic, minced 3 Tbsp. Dijon-style mustard 2 Tbsp. red wine
FIG PRESERVES Paula Harris 2 qt. (about 4½ lb.) figs 7 cups sugar ½ cup lemon juice 1½ qt. water 2 lemons, thinly sliced Cook figs 15-20 minutes in enough boiling water to cover; drain figs and set aside. Combine sugar, lemon juice and 1½ quarts water in a large Dutch oven; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves. Add figs; return to a boil and cook 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add lemon slices and boil 15 minutes or until figs are tender. Carefully remove figs from syrup with a slotted spoon. Boil syrup an additional 10 minutes or until desired thickness. Return figs to syrup; skim off foam. Quickly ladle preserves in hot sterilized
consume off site. • Fewer non-food vendors • No music, tabling, activities, promotions or pets • Hand-washing stations/hand sanitizers for both vendors and customers • Social distancing messaging and signage • No customer contact with product (only vendors touch product until sold) jars, leaving ¼ inch headspace. Cover with lids; process in boiling water bath 30 minutes. Makes 5 half-pints. SOUTHERN OKRA Judy Freeman 1 Tbsp. sugar 1 tsp. all-purpose flour ½ tsp. salt ½ tsp. pepper 2 cups sliced fresh okra Boiling water to cook okra 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil 1 medium onion, chopped 1 medium green pepper, chopped 3 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped Cooked rice, optional Combine the first four ingredients; set aside. In a covered saucepan, cook okra in boiling water for 10 minutes or until tender. Drain and set aside. Sauté onion and pepper until tender. Stir in sugar-flour mixture and tomatoes; cook 5 minutes. Add okra and simmer until heated through, stirring as little as possible. Serve with rice, if desired. SPICY ASIAN PICKLES Christine Litas, Opelika Community Garden Member 1/4 cup rice vinegar 4 tsp. sugar 1 tsp. soy sauce 1 tsp. fish sauce 1/2 tsp. dried crushed red pepper 2 small English hothouse cucumbers Whisk rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, fish sauce, and crushed red pepper in large bowl. DO AHEAD Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and Chill. Slice cucumbers crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick rounds. Add cucumber slices to vinegar mixture; toss. Cover and chill ten minutes to 1 hour, tossing occasionally. FIERY ROASTED SALSA Christine Litas, Opelika Community Garden Member 5 lbs. tomatoes ( 1/2 heirloom/regular, 1/2 Roma) 2 lbs. bell peppers, plus 6-8 hot chiles like jalapenos, cayenne, habaneros in the mix (depending on how hot you like it) 1 lb. white onions, diced, divided 2 cloves garlic 1 cup apple cider vinegar 2 tsp. ground cumin 1 1/2 tsp. chili powder 2 1/2 tsp. espresso powder (optional, but really adds another layer of flavor) 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper 3 tsp. kosher salt 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• Single use bags • Increase the spacing between vendors to allow customers to maintain safe distance from each other and other vendors. • Masks are required, as mandated by Gov. Ivey. • If you do not feel well, please stay at home. Ann Cipperly can be reached at recipes@ cipperly.com. Turn broiler of the oven on. Wash and dry tomatoes, peppers and chilies. Spread tomatoes and peppers on a sheet pan and roast them under the broiler until their skin is blistered. Flip and roast on the other side. Remove from oven and put bell peppers in a paper bag and seal (this will make them easy to peel). Blend the tomatoes, their juice, garlic, half of the diced onions and hot peppers (stems removed) in the blender until smooth. (Leaving the skins on gives the salsa a smoky flavor.) Remove the peppers from the bag, peel, and dice. Add all the ingredients to a saucepan and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. While the salsa is simmering, prepare the hot water bath and heat the pint jars and lids. Ladle hot salsa into clean, hot pint jars, leaving ½ inch headspace. Wipe rims and add the lids. Process in a boiling water canner for 15 minutes at a full rolling boil.
CHINESE STIR-FRIED EGGPLANT AND GREEN BEANS Christine Litas, Opelika Community Garden Member 2 long Chinese purple eggplants, cut into thin strips 6 oz. green beans, rinsed and ends trimmed 3 Tbsp. vegetable oil, divided 1 half-inch thumb ginger, julienned 6 cloves garlic, minced 1 red chili pepper, sliced thinly (optional, for heat) 2 Tbsp. light soy sauce 1 Tbsp. vegetarian oyster sauce/stir-fry sauce 1/8 tsp. ground white pepper Additional salt to taste, if needed Cut eggplants into thin strips (about 1/4 inch in width) and place in a bowl. Sprinkle liberally with salt. Add enough water to cover and let soak in the salt water for 15 minutes. Drain and pat dry (you want to remove as much moisture as possible). In a wok or skillet, heat 2 Tbsp. oil over medium heat. Add eggplant strips and fry until tender and slightly golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside. Add remaining 1 Tbsp. oil and green beans and fry for 5 minutes, until surface is wrinkled. Remove from pan. Add garlic, ginger and chopped chili and stir-fry for one minute until fragrant. Then return green beans and eggplant to the pan. Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce and white pepper; toss to combine. Serve hot.
EVENT>> FROM A9 Agency – an Allstate company – located on 3051 Fredrick Road in Opelika, is hoping to serve enjoyment and entertainment through their Community Appreciation Day. On July 30, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the agency is offering a bonus that even non-policyholders can enjoy. The agency invites anyone from within the Auburn-Opelika communities to visit its office to enjoy an afternoon endowed with services
atypical from what insurance companies provide. Simply by stepping inside the building, customers can enter a free raffle that gives them the potential of winning a 40-inch television, custom Moscow Mule cups and more. A free lunch, in addition to the raffles, most likely hotdogs and hamburgers, will be provided. Furthermore, after enjoying lunch, customers can enjoy a free snowcone for dessert, play a friendly game of cornhole, or unleash their inner artist and decorate the
ground with sidewalk chalk. All while family friendly music is playing to ensure the fun continues. SERVPRO of Lee County, a company that specializes in commercial and residential restoration services will also have a booth set up on the day of the event. “Community Appreciation Day is our way of saying thank you to the Auburn-Opelika community,” said Shelby Martin, marketing specialist and trusted advisor of The Brown Insurance Agency.
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A14 July 22, 2020
COMICS
“Life is worth living as long as there’s a laugh in it.” ― Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
S
S
Inside • opelika schools • lee county schools • community sports
• July 28 - Special called board meeting for Lee County Board of Eduction at 6 p.m. 2410 Society Hill Road, Opelika
OCS distributes nearly 2,900 Chromebooks
On the Mark By D. Mark Mitchell
OHS CONTINUES WORKOUTS
T
he Opelika High Football Team continues to prepare for the upcoming season. Coach Erik Speakman, who is starting his third year as head coach, works his team out Monday through Thursday from 6 to 11 a.m. Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Executive Director Steve Savarese continues to speak
positively about the possibility of football in the fall. The Association has an important meeting this week with the Central Board of Control (CBOC), the governing body for the AHSAA. The CBOC will vote on numerous proposals concerning high school athletics. The Board will hear
Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer
Opelika City Schools issued nearly 2900 chromebooks to its students. Following this distribution and the one it will hold in the spring, every OCS student should have a chromebook to use for the school year, whether they are attending traditional school or full-time virtual school. OCS decided it was best for all students to use district provided devices to assist with any lessons completed in a remote environment. This measure prevents teachers from having to troubleshoot tech issues for personal devices that they may not be familiar with. OCS devices are specifically set to run all programs used in lessons with OCS students, while not all personal devices are compatible with software that the school system uses. The school system is preparing students and parents to have the tools necessary to have a seamless transition with devices in a remote learning situation. Pictured above: Sanai Stringer, a 10th grader at Opelika High School, receives her Chromebook.
Lee County School Board approves James Salter wins 2020 Billy ‘Tentative Path to Reopening Schools’ Hall Memorial Invitational See SPORTS, page B4
By Will Fairless Associate Editor
Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer
James Salter was the winner of the 2020 Billy Hall Memorial invitational with a total score of 138 from two days of play. He birdied the 18th hole in the first hole of sudden death over David Baker for the win.
The Lee County School Board approved the “Tentative Path to Reopening Schools” at its July 14 meeting. The plan was presented by Jason Wright, the assistant superintendent and director of career technology at Lee County Schools. According to Wright, the decisions for opening were made in accordance with five guidelines: 1. We will be transparent. We will share what we know when we know it. 2. We will do what we think is best for students, families and employees. 3. We will listen and adapt as circumstances change.
4. We will always make safety a priority. 5. We will be decisive. The Alabama Department of Education recommended that a map from the Alabama Department of Public Health be used to determine the status of schools with regard to COVID-19. The map designates four categories for the potential conditions of a given area (e.g. Lee County). Level IV, or Red, shows a growing, widespread outbreak with many undetected cases. Level III, Orange, will show where many cases exist and spreading among the community, where undetected cases are likely. Level II,
Yellow, shows a moderate number of cases that exist where most of them are from a known source. Level I, Green, shows cases that are rare enough that contact tracing can be used to control the virus. The Tentative Path to Reopening Schools includes the following changes, among others, to the way schooling has typically been conducted. • There will be no lockers used during the upcoming school year. • Face coverings are strongly recommended for anyone on a Lee County school campus; face masks will be provided to every student and employee and face shields will be provided to every employee and
students from kindergarten through 3rd grade. • Face coverings will be required on school buses. • Large gatherings will be limited based on the level of the pandemic, as will visits to the schools for people who are not students or faculty. • All meals will be picked up in the cafeterias and taken back to the classrooms to be eaten there. Neither students nor employees will type in their lunch numbers on keypads, they will instead have laminated name badges with barcodes to scan for payment. • Each school site will have a designated area
See REOPENING, page B5
B2 July 22, 2020
Smiths Station Disc Golf Course now open
Photo courtesy of City of Smiths Station
Photo courtesy of AU Athletics
Hal Baird to be inducted into ABCA Hall of Fame Courtesy of AU Athletics
Former Auburn baseball coach and SEC Legend Hal Baird was announced as a member of the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame Class of 2021 Tuesday morning. Baird is one of eight members of the class of 2021, which also includes Bill Anderson (Occidental College), Roger Cador (Southern University), Sammy Dunn (Vestavia Hills High School), Wayne Graham (Rice University), George Horton (Cal State Fullerton/University of Oregon), Tony Robichaux (University of Louisiana at Lafayette) and Don Sneddon (Santa Ana College.) “I’m honored and humbled to be included among the accomplished and successful coaches in the history of our sport,” Baird said. “I owe a debt of gratitude to all of the fine players and assistant coaches who really did the heavy lifting along the way.” Baird posted a 634-328 (.659) career record in his 16 years at the helm of the Auburn baseball program (1985-2000), retiring as the winningest coach in program history and the fourth winningest coach in the history of the Southeastern Conference.
Baird guided the Tigers to a pair of College World Series appearances (1994, ’97) and nine NCAA Tournament berths, including seven in his final eight seasons in charge during his tenure on The Plains. Under his guidance, Auburn won three NCAA regional championships (1994, ’97, ’99), two SEC Tournament titles (1989, ’98) and two SEC West crowns (1987, ‘95). His Auburn teams won 30 or more games in each of his 16 seasons, including a pair of 50-win seasons in 1995 and 1997, and were ranked in the top 25 in the final polls on 10 occasions. Baird mentored 13 All-Americans during his career in the orange and blue, and 51 of his players went on to hear their names called in the MLB
Draft. Prior to his time at Auburn, Baird served as the head coach at East Carolina University from 1980-84 and led the program to a 145-661 (.686) record. The Pirates won a pair of Eastern College Athletic Colleges South championships (1982, ’84) and made three NCAA Tournament appearances under his leadership. A 1971 graduate of ECU, Baird was a two-year letterman for the Pirates before embarking on a sixyear professional career with the Kansas City Royals and Cleveland Indians. Baird returned to ECU as an assistant coach in 1977 before being named the head coach three years later. The 2021 ABCA Hall of Fame
“Our Mission is Your Health”
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induction ceremony will be held during the 77th annual ABCA Convention on Friday Jan. 8, 2021, at the Gaylord National in Washington, D.C. Tickets to attend the Hall of Fame Banquet will go on sale Sept. 1. Induction to the ABCA Hall of Fame is the highest honor bestowed by the organization. The ABCA was founded in 1945 and the Hall of Fame began in 1966. Baird has previously been inducted into the East Carolina University Athletics Hall of Fame in 1994 and the Alabama Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2006. He was also honored as a SEC Legend in 2013.
Courtesy of City of Smiths Station
Smiths Station Parks and Recreation Director Jason Stewart and Mayor F.L. “Bubba” Copeland are pleased to announce that the “Smiths Station Disc Golf Course” is now open at the City’s Sports Complex. The 18-hole, par-54 course, on Lee Road 242, encompasses the entire park, with the 1st hole located near the basketball courts and the 18th hole next to the Lee County Senior Center. Rated as an intermediate-level course, it will serve as a great introduction to the sport for beginners and a challenging practice location for experts, according to Stewart. “We wanted to give people something to enjoy and do free of charge,” Stewart said. “It’s a great source of exercise and it’s something that kids of any age can also take on.” The course has been added to the course directory on the UDisc app, which lists more
than 10,000 other disc golf courses found around the United States. “We’ve been planning this for over a year now, and I’m glad to see it finished and opened to the public. This is a great addition to our Sports Complex,” Copeland added. Stewart said plans are to create leagues for adults and youth based on age, class and skill level that will participate in monthly tournaments. For those who do not own a disc and want to give the sport a try, Stewart said there will be a small station built where individuals can borrow and return them while at the course. The course, along with the park, is open from dawn to dusk daily. Guests are encouraged to bring their own discs and source of hydration. A grand-opening event for the course is being planned for a later date. For more information, contact Jason Stewart at 334-540-0492.
B3 July 22, 2020
A Cheerful Heart Is Good Medicine for Children
E
arly in the morning on teaching days as I was getting my classroom ready for first grade, I’d hear the feet of one little fellow running down to the classroom. This child greeted me every day with a big “good morning” and would settle down in his desk to embark on early morning assignments with a huge smile. Even though this child had some challenges, his cheerful good morning was a medicine of joy to this teacher’s heart. I know with the uncharted waters of COVID-19 and quarantine we all can use a bowl of daily cheer. How can we instill an attitude of cheerfulness in our children? Going back to Classroom Observer’s article on ‘Rolling Out the PlayDoh’ one of my favorite spots in the early childhood classroom is the Play-Doh center. I love all the bright colors Play-Doh now comes in. Children love to squash it, smash it and splat it. Young children are moldable and bendable by the words we say to them. They need clear rules and boundaries and words of
encouragement in order to learn, grow and know how special they are. Like Play-Doh, they can be shaped into objects they don’t desire to be or into objects that radiate the bright colors. It is so heart-warming to see a smile or a twinkle in a young child’s eyes when they are praised or encouraged for being who they are or what they do. We as parents, grandparents and adults have to be good examples and models of cheerful attitudes that bring happiness and joy to children because as we all know, children are good observers and they are going to discern and copy your moods, whether you are having a good day or bad day. This is where we have to step back and think of what is happening to us on any given day. Not all days are going to be full of happiness, sunshine and beautiful rainbows. How we respond to the good and the bad days is a good lesson of making lemonade out of sour lemons. I absolutely love being among young mothers and fathers and seeing how they spend time
with their young children in helping them explore their emotions, whether being sad or happy. Time spent talking with children bolsters emotional stability and well-being when implemented early in their lives. We are their motivators and cheerleaders. This promotes good physical, emotional and health benefits. Also, it boosts confidence in a child, which equips them in social interactions with other people. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made, marvelous are your works, and that my soul knows very well. Psalm 139:14 Each child is so unique and special to God. He made us all so different. The greatest gift of cheer that parents can give to children is to discern and allow them to do what they love to do. It may be art, singing with music, building with blocks and Lego, imagination play with dolls, stuffed animals and toys, observing nature and more. Providing an atmosphere, environment and freedom to do what they love to do pours cheer into children’s lives. Don’t we love to see a young child truly engage in projects that make them happy? One activity I would like to share with you that has proven to bring on happiness and cheer every summer is celebrating Christmas in July in the heat of the summer. I have done this with young children as well as seniors and it truly brings a glitter of cheer to young and old. This can be done so simply. No, you don’t have to go to the attic,
basement, or storage closet to pull out a Christmas tree, wreath or other annual Christmas decorations. I’d like to share a few ideas of activities that I have done that definitely brings on Christmas cheer to the young at heart. • When children have complained about it being so hot when I am teaching, whether it’s been in children’s ministry or summer school, as a class and group we have sung Frosty the Snowman, Let It Snow and yes, even Jingle Bells. I ask them to close their eyes and imagine that it is the cold of winter. This works every time to cut down on the complaining of it being hot. We sing Christmas worship songs with seniors, such as Joy to the World, Silent Night or Away in a Manger. Singing truly brings on feelings of joy and hope no matter what season it is. • Christmas in July crafts are so much fun. Successful projects that I have done with children and seniors is to decorate summer visors with Christmas stickers. Children love to use markers to draw Christmas pictures on beach balls and sand buckets. Another favorite of mine is to do sand “snow”-men and -women. The sand has to be moist to do this project but the moistness allows for rolling and molding the head and body. You can decorate your snowmen with hats, sunglasses, a stick for nose and whatever else your child desires to use. Some folks even build snowmen on the beach with sand. Play-Doh can also be used to roll and mold a snow-man or
Auburn teacher in running for ‘Alabama’s Teacher of the Year’
snow-woman. • For Christmas in July foods ideas, ice cream is always a favorite and a winner to please everybody. You can set up a Christmas sundae bar with crushed peppermint, red and white sprinkles, make simple Christmas ice cream sandwiches with red and green ice cream. I suggest you buy the Neapolitan ice cream, mint ice cream or strawberry ice cream. You can bake simple sugar cookies to place the ice cream between or to make it easier, Neapolitan ice cream sandwiches are sold too. • Why not have a Christmas theme picnic or cookout? You can give Christmas nicknames for the different summer foods. Using Christmas cookie cutters you and your children can make Christmas-shaped sandwiches or do this with fruits, such as Christmas tree watermelon. Wednesday is National Hotdog Day, so you can do a Christmasin-July-themed cookout for this. • There are so many simple Christmas games that you can enjoy and play with your family and friends even while social distancing. Hang home-made ornaments on a tree outside or play a variation of Pin the Tail on the Donkey by pinning a star or ornament on the tree. Do an inexpensive gift exchange with all the gifts just being a dollar. Try Christmas relays by using an ornament, make Christmas decoration or even play musical chairs outside. You can social distance inside by playing Christmas music. I hope these few suggestions bring you cheerfulness and joy.
We all know that at Christmas we try to reach out to those who need cheer. You and your family can send cards, send a text or give a phone call to someone you know who might need to be cheered up right now in the heat of the summer. Showing compassion to others always instills cheer in the heart of a child. That little first grader who brought me daily joy is all grown up now and is a cheerful young man who greets me when I see him with a cheerful “Good Morning.” It brings this teacher joy. Classroom Observer, Beth Pinyerd Pinyerd has taught young children in the early childhood classroom for 34 years as well as outreaching to the elderly in intergenerational settings. She has taught and outreached in the schools in Opelika and Baldwin County. She holds a master’s degree in early childhood education as well as a bachelor’s degree in family and child development both from Auburn University. Her husband is the late Carl Pinyerd and she has one son, Gus Pinyerd who has taught her so much about learning. Classroom Observer is here to serve the community in sharing the wonderful teaching programs in our local public schools, private schools, and homeschools. The column is provided to enrich the education of our children, youth, and families. Classroom Observer welcomes educational news, school news, pictures, and events by e-mailing her at donnapinyerd@ charter.net
Happy Birthday Lexi!
Photo courtesy of Auburn City Schools
FINAL FOUR: There were more than 140 teachers from across the state competing for the title of Alabama’s Teacher of the Year, and Ogletree Elementary School’s Kathryn Knorr has been selected as one of the four finalists. Congratulations, Mrs. Knorr. Auburn City Schools celebrates her dedication to students, families and education. Knorr earned a master’s degree in elementary education and has achieved National Board Certification.
Happy Sweet 16 Birthday from Dad, Kelly Leonard, Granny Martha, Aunt Wendy, Uncle Darrell. We love you. John 3:16
B4 July 22, 2020
Auburn student-athletes earn First-Year SEC Academic honors Courtesy of AU Athletics
A total of 131 Auburn student-athletes were placed on the 2019-20 First-Year SEC Academic Honor Roll, the conference office announced Tuesday. The First-Year SEC Academic Honor Roll is based on grades from the 2019-20 academic year. Baseball and football led the way with 13 selections, while softball, women’s swimming and diving and women’s track and field each had 11. Listed below are Auburn’s student-athletes who earned recognition from the SEC, along with their majors: BASEBALL Drew Baker - Political Science Mason Barnett - Pre-Business Trace Bright - Exercise Science Brayton Brown - Pre-Business Blake Burkhalter - Pre-Business Ryan Dyal - Pre-Business Garrett Farquhar - Finance Mason Greer - PreInterdisciplinary Studies Nate LaRue - Pre-Business Hayden Mullins - Pre-Business Travis Odom - Exercise Science Jackson Reynolds - Political Science Austin Turner - Pre-Business MEN’S BASKETBALL Babatunde Akingbola - Pre-Business Lior Berman - Pre-Industrial Design Devan Cambridge - Pre-Business Allen Flanigan - Physical Activity and Health Tyrell Jones - Pre-Business Chandler Leopard - PreMechanical Engineering Isaac Okoro - Pre-Business Jaylin Williams - Physical Activity and Health WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Lauren Hansen - UndeclaredLiberal Arts Annie Hughes - Exercise Science Jala Jordan - Marketing Morgan Robinson-Nwagwu Exercise Science Sania Wells - Pre-Journalism CROSS COUNTRY Evan Rogers - Explore your Major EQUESTRIAN Lily Beatty - Neuroscience Rachel Hoopman - Pre-Business Jen Kasper - Pre-Business Lindsey Klein - Pre-Business Paige Matthies - Pre-Business Mary McDaniel - Pre-Business Kayla Shelnutt - Law and Justice Maddie Spak - Biomedical Sciences Ava Stearns - UndeclaredSciences & Mathematics Olivia Tordoff - UndeclaredSciences & Mathematics
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urs i t
FOOTBALL O.C. Brothers - Physical Activity and Health Luke Deal - Political Science Zachary Farrar - Adult Education Tyler Fromm - Professional Flight Keiondre Jones - Exercise Science Barton Lester - Finance Trey Lindsey - Pre-Business Tommy Nesmith - Exercise Science Bo Nix - Pre-Communication Ben Patton - Pre-Business Jacoby Puckett - UndeclaredSciences & Mathematics Zion Puckett - Pre-Mechanical Engineering Mark-Antony Richards - Pre-Communication MEN’S GOLF Hal Dove - Pre-Business C.J. Easley - PreInterdisciplinary Studies Alex Vogelsong - Pre-Business WOMEN’S GOLF Megan Schofill - Pre-Communication GYMNASTICS Aria Brusch - Psychology Morgan Leigh Oldham - Pre-Communication Elise Panzner - Rehabilitation & Disability Studies Adeline Sabados - Biomedical Sciences Piper Smith - Exercise Science Cassie Stevens - Pre-Computer Science Anna Sumner - Exercise Science SOCCER Marissa Arias - PreMechanical Engineering Kylie Bechard - Exercise Science Brooke Berdan - Psychology Kate Hart - Clinical Mental Health Counseling Riley Petcosky - Fitness Conditioning and Performance Audrey Poorman - Marketing Sydney Richards - UndeclaredSciences & Mathematics Maggie Van Thullenar - Pre-Business SOFTBALL Jaylin Calvert - NutritionNutrition Science KK Dismukes - Pre-Computer Science Maia Engelkes - Biomedical Sciences Phoebe Florian - Explore your Major Lindsey Garcia - Biomedical Sciences Jadia Jones - Psychology Maddison Koepke - Animal Sciences-Pre-Veterinary Maddie Majors - Pre-Special Education Collaborative Teacher Carlee McCondichie - PrePublic Relations Madi Perry - Exercise Science Samantha Yarbrough - Apparel Merchandising - Product Design and Management
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MEN’S SWIMMING & DIVING Tyler Babinec - Pre-Electrical Engineering Cole Bruns - Pre-Business Nik Eberly - Pre-Business Davis Edwards - Pre-Business Aryan Makhija - Pre-Business Seth Maschmeier - Pre-Business Lleyton Smith - Professional Flight Aidan Stoffle - Pre-Business Grady Wheeler - Pre-Business WOMEN’S SWIMMING & DIVING Shayna Fetes - Pre-Elementary Education Zoe Gawronska - Integrative Biology Anna-Julia Kutsch - Law and Justice Hannah Mattson - UndeclaredSciences & Mathematics Hanna Newby - Political Science Annie O’Dare - Pre-Business Averee Preble - Exercise Science Ashlynn Sullivan - Exercise Science Devan Sweeney - Fine Arts Claudia Thamm - UndeclaredSciences & Mathematics Abbey Webb - Pre-Business MEN’S TENNIS Spencer Gray - Pre-Business Tyler Stice - Pre-Business Tom Wright - Sociology WOMEN’S TENNIS Carolyn Ansari - Physical Activity and Health Yu Chen - Pre-Business Caraline Scheufler - Nutrition, Pre-Dietetics MEN’S TRACK & FIELD Matthew Asplund Undeclared-Sciences & Mathematics Kyle Brown - Pre-Special Education Collaborative Teacher David Edmondson - PreMechanical Engineering Nils Fischer - Business Administration Christopher Grant - Pre-Journalism Hunter Harwell - Pre-Chemical Engineering Mohamed Salama Professional Flight Stone Shelnutt - Pre-Business Brandon Smiley - Political Science Joshua Wallace - Pre-Civil Engineering WOMEN’S TRACK & FIELD Jocelynn Budwig Agricultural Business & Economics Destiny Charles - Pre-Business Hannah Dyal - Pre-Chemical Engineering Danielle Gregory - Pre-Business Lalah Hasbrouck - Pre-Nursing Science Shaniya Holley - UndeclaredSciences & Mathematics Hope Igbinoghene - Exercise Science Keira McCarrell - Political Science Patrice Moody - Political Science Sara Pacer - UndeclaredSciences & Mathematics Astrid Snall - Pre-Engineering VOLLEYBALL Jaeden Brown - Marketing Lauren Dorrell - Sociology Marissa Hines - Political Science Molly Pember - Psychology
SPORTS >> FROM B1 updates from State Superintendent Eric Mackey, Alabama Department of Public Health Officer Scott Harris and the AHSAA Medical Committees’ Robinson and Dugas. The results of the meeting are important and will shed more light on fall sports for Alabama public schools. COVID Student The Opelika football team may have the first case of a player testing positive for COVID-19. The student-athlete will be quarantined for 14 days and then have another week of conditioning prior to re-joining the team. OHS Basketball Opelika hired Emanual Brown as the new varsity basketball coach after John Wadsworth resigned to take a coaching job at Enterprise High School. Opelika City Schools allowed Brown to hire two assistant coaches: his brother and another coach familiar with his coaching style. It is unclear if Wadsworth’s assistants coaches, Wesley Button and Tom Landers, will remain with the team. AHSAA Saverese President Elect of NFHS The National Federation of State High School Association (NFHS) Board of Directors elected Steve Savarese , AHSAA Executive Director, as President Elect for 2020-21. Savarese will become president of the NFHS July 1 of 2021. He has been the head of the AHSAA for 15 years. He replaced Dan Washburn, who retired after 18 years as head of the AHSAA. Savarese has been involved with high school sports for 40 years, serving as teacher, coach, athletic director and administrator and has served on many committees including as chairman of the National Federation of State High School Associations. The NFHS Network has exclusive rights to live stream all Alabama High School sporting events. The network agreed to provide two free cameras to every high school in Alabama that is a member of the NFHS Network. The cameras are valued at $10,000. Schools will receive 50 percent of all subscriptions to NFHS Network sold by the school. The fee is $10.99 a month or $70 for the school year. Many schools livesteam numerous sporting events, school plays, concerts, etc. Live-streaming continues to be an option for fans to watch their favorite high school teams without having to be present.
The NFHS Network is the only live TV/ streaming allowed by AHSAA for playoff games. Opelika used the NFHS network for several years but decided to change to YouTube Live for the upcoming season. The stream is free for regular season games. Opelika will not be allowed to livestream playoff games on YouTube Live. The games can be recorded and played back after 24 hours. DIXIE Boys State Tournament Alabama Dixie Boys baseball held its 2020 State Tournament at West Ridge Park over the weekend. Alabama Dixie Boys played two tournaments in three days. Fairhope won the Junior Dixie Boys 13U Tournament with a 4-1 record. They beat Beehive (Aub.) in the finals 6-5. Opelika’s 13U all-star was eliminated after losing to Fairhope and Beehive. The Dothan Rays defeated Fairhope 5-4, to capture the Dixie Boys State title with a 5-0 record. Opelika was eliminated after losing to the Showstoppers (Smiths Station) and Fairhope. The state champions will advance to the World Series in Sterlington Louisiana, on Aug. 1 to 4. As the Alabama Dixie Boys State Director, I want to thank the following who made the tournament possible: City of Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller, the Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau, ESG Team Opelika and the Opelika Parks and Recreation department. Many leagues across Alabama were not able to play baseball due to COVID-19. The tournament was scheduled to be played at Dothan’s West Gate Park. The City of Dothan decided not to play summer baseball due to coronavirus. The decision left Alabama Dixie Boys with no host for the state tournament. Fuller allowed the tournament to be played at West Ridge Park. Anthony Terling, with A-O Tourism, played a huge role with hosting the tournament. Terling helped secure discounted hotel rooms for teams traveling and helped offset some of the cost to run the tournament. Michael Hilyer, President of ESG Team-Opelika, kept two field technicians onsite during the tournament. The two man crew (Willie and Logan) worked the fields between games and kept the park clean. The Opelika Recreation Department assisted with many items that helped make the tournament a See SPORTS, page B5
B5 July 22, 2020
Lee County School Board considering how to help students make up for lost time By Will Fairless Associate Editor
The Lee County School Board heard a report by Brad Hunter on the adverse effects of COVID-19 on grade school students and on how Lee County schools will attempt to overcome those in the coming year during its July 14 meeting. The board also approved their Tentative Path to Reopening Schools (to
read more about that plan, turn to page B1). Hunter cited a 2020 study from the NWEA (formerly known as the Northwest Evaluation Association) that found, “Preliminary COVID slide estimates suggest students will return in fall 2020 with roughly 70 percent of the learning gains in reading relative to a typical school year.” The same study
concluded that students are likely to return with less than 50 percent of those typical learning gains. “We must implement timely, targeted and systematic instruction to realize [Lee County schools’] shared vision and prevent irrevocably adverse effects- and measure their effectiveness then quickly adjust accordingly,” Hunter’s PowerPoint stated. Students who do
schoolwork virtually will use Google Classroom to access instructional materials from teachers. They will also receive video instruction that is live, recorded or both, and their families will get support from teachers who are proficient in the Google Classroom system. To gauge students’ progress and needs in math and reading, there will be district-wide screeners
Emily Carosone joins softball staff as assistant coach Courtesy of AU Athletics
She rewrote the record books and redefined the program as a student-athlete. Now All-American and Tiger softball standout Emily Carosone returns to Auburn to take on a new challenge as an assistant coach for the program. Head coach Mickey Dean announced the hiring on Wednesday. Carosone will primarily work with the infielders and catchers. She will also have a share in working with the Tiger hitters. “We are excited to have Emily join our staff as a full-time member,” Dean said. “She has earned this opportunity as a player and as our volunteer assistant for the last three seasons.” Carosone first joined coach Dean’s staff as a graduate assistant prior to the start of the 2017 fall season. The threetime all-American went on to serve as the program’s volunteer assistant during the 2018 and 2019 seasons. Carosone left the program before the 2020 season to train for the Tokyo Olympics as part of the Italian
REOPENING >> FROM B1 where students who are showing symptoms of COVID-19 will be isolated until their parents can be contacted. The room will be outfitted with chairs and flooring that can be easily sanitized and will contain an air purifier. • The signs in schools will identify adjusted maximum occupancies, how foot traffic should flow (students will be instructed to walk along walls without touching the walls), social distancing expectations and what mask usage is required. • Desks and tables will be distanced and will be sanitized at least once a day. • Any student or employee diagnosed with COVID-19 will be kept
National Team. “I’m excited to be back with the Auburn Family,” Carosone said. “There’s no other place I’d rather be.” A National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-American and All-SEC performer, Carosone lifted Auburn softball to new heights and countless program firsts. She helped capture the 2015 and 2016 SEC Softball Tournament titles. Carosone also led the Tigers to back-to-back Women’s College World Series appearances. She is Auburn’s alltime leader in career batting average (.406), hits (285), runs (267), on-base percentage (.534) and hit by pitches (85). She also ranks in the top three in the Tigers’ record books in career RBI, doubles, home runs, slugging percentage and games started. Carosone also holds Auburn’s single-season records for runs, slugging percentage and hit by pitches. A veteran in the professional ranks, Carosone has four seasons of professional experience under her belt. After being drafted in the
fourth round of the 2016 National Pro Fastpitch Draft, she signed with the Chicago Bandits, playing with the organization through the 2018 season. Carosone began 2019 as a member of the Cleveland Comets before being traded to USSSA Pride. Over her professional career, she has amassed 113 hits, including 14 home runs, to go along with 73 RBI and 73 runs scored. Carosone also touts a .273 career batting average with a .370 on-base percentage and a .411 slugging clip. In 2018, she tied Megan Wiggins and Lauren Chamberlain for the league’s home run title, closing the season with 12. During her rookie season with the Bandits, the team captured the 2016 Cowles Cup with a thrilling come-from-behind win against the USSSA Pride in the championship series. After a three-year process to earn dual citizenship, Carosone competed with the Italian National Team at the 2019 Europe/ Africa Olympic qualifier in the Netherlands last summer. Italy swept
away from the school for at least 14 days; this individual can return to school after testing negative, being symptom-free and receiving a written notice from a healthcare provider. The school system also recommends that parents use private vehicles to transport their children to and from school and that they don’t allow their children to attend school if the children are exhibiting any of the following symptoms: a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher, cough, runny nose, sinus congestion, trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, abdominal pain, stomach ache, diarrhea or vomiting. Virtual learning may be universally implemented or used with only a portion of the Lee County student body. Students
from kindergarten through 8th grade will use Google Classroom for virtual learning and students from grades 9 through 12 will use Edgenuity, ACCESS or both. Every Lee County school student will be provided a Chromebook to use for remote learning. Lee County Schools will also provide parents with instructions for using Google Classroom, and those parents will have the support of teachers who are well-instructed in the program. To see the full presentation that was given to the Lee County School Board on July 14, go to www. lee.k12.al.us/cms/lib/ AL02210054/Centricity/ Domain/4/Path%20 to%20Reopening%20 Schools%20-%20 Lee%20County%20 Schools.pdf.
the tournament, defeating Great Britain 5-0 in the qualifier’s final game to advance to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Carosone recorded two hits for Italy in the finals. The 2020 Olympics were postponed until 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Carosone is a 2016 graduate from Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in business.
for those subjects. The screeners will be consistent across all schools, and they will be the basis on which schools and the school board effect measures to bring students up to where they would be if not for COVID-19. In other business, the board: • Approved AASB 2020-21 Annual School Board Membership dues in the amount of $15,000
SPORTS >> FROM B4 success. Orthopaedic Clinic CEO Terry Rosenthal and Director of Sports Medicine John Rich provided a trainer on-site for the entire tournament.
• Approved the monthly financial report and cash reconciliation for the month of May from Ken Roberts • Approved the Tentative Path to Reopening Schools (for more information about that plan, turn to page B1) The Lee County School Board meets on the second Tuesday of every month, and its next meeting is scheduled for Aug. 11. We are blessed to have such wonderful people who love youth sports. D.Mark Mitchell is sports director for iHeart Media, Alabama Dixie Boys State director and vice president of the A-O Sports Council.
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B6 July 22, 2020
Auburn University to require coronavirus testing By Hannah Lester Associate Editor
Auburn University is preparing for the return of students this fall and how best to protect the campus when they do. The school announced Thursday in a university press release that all students will be required to complete a coronavirus test 14 days before returning to campus. “Testing students gives us a more complete picture of the health of our campus, which will in turn help us preserve the safety and well-being of our
students, faculty and staff,” said Auburn President Jay Gogue. “The data collected will inform health strategies in our community and give our state’s public health officials information to help effectively combat the virus.” The announcement followed Gov. Kay Ivey’s press release and mask ordinance. Residents in the state of Alabama are now required to wear masks in public when with people outside of their household or where social distancing cannot be enforced.
There are exceptions outlined in the ordinance, such as health conditions, when exercising or when dining. Students can be tested anywhere, but the Beard-Eaves Coliseum will be available on Auburn’s campus for testing. “In addition to required student reentry testing, voluntary random COVID-19 testing will be conducted weekly for Auburn students, faculty and staff, enabling local and state public health officials to identify ongoing campus and community trends and target potential
problem scenarios,” the release said. The University created its ‘A Healthier U’ on July 9, which outlines the school’s plans for classes, cleaning, wellness kits and a coronavirus tracking app. “A Healthier U promotes the health of our campus while minimizing the risk of transmitting COVID-19,” Gogue said. “It’s an allin approach for the Auburn Family that recognizes we must be unified and fully committed to new safety protocols.” Students and faculty
ACCS ANNOUNCES FALL 2020 PLANS FOR CAMPUS REOPENINGS Courtesy of the ACCS
The Alabama Community College System (ACCS) announced its plans on Friday for reopening its campuses statewide for the Fall 2020 semester. The plans incorporate a combination of in-person, online and hybrid instruction with a focus on the health and safety of the System’s college communities. “Alabama’s 24 community colleges have always been known for our flexibility when it comes to meeting the needs of our more than 174,000 students,” said ACCS Chancellor, Jimmy H. Baker. “With the quick and seamless response to online education due to the coronavirus pandemic, each of our colleges has proven yet
again that we’re ready and able to quickly adapt to challenges. “Our colleges’ plans for the fall semester are focused on maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, faculty, and staff and ensuring that each of our students is able to meet their individual educational goals.” Each Alabama community college will develop its own specific operational plan. At a minimum, each plan includes the following to maintain recommended social distancing guidelines and protocols: • All in-person, on-campus instruction and labs will be completed by Thanksgiving. Any remaining instruction will be achieved remotely. Specific exceptions will be made for aviation and healthcare
courses with stringent lab requirements that cannot be completed prior to Thanksgiving. • On-campus instruction is encouraged only for courses in which outcomes cannot be measured or achieved remotely. Examples of these classes include those with a lab component or that are clinicals, preceptorships and apprenticeships. • All courses are developed to utilize a combination of online, in-person, and hybrid instructional formats as necessary. • On-campus events and activities are limited to ensure compliance with all health and safety requirements. • All faculty, staff and students are expected to adhere to social distancing requirements and follow stringent hygiene protocols.
On July 13, the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) announced that the majority of fall and winter sports will be moved to the spring semester, which includes Alabama Community College Conference volleyball and basketball programs. Championship tournaments for those sports will be played in April. Spring sports, which includes baseball, golf, softball and tennis, will proceed as normal. Cross-country will proceed with their fall regular and championship seasons. For additional details on athletics visit ACCCAthletics.com or NJCAA.org. For additional information on systemwide plans, visit accs.edu. For specific plans at each college, connect with your local college.
will be required to wear face coverings and social distance, the program outlines. Additionally, the classroom sizes will be reduced and the academic calendar will end sooner in the year. To accomplish this, fall break will be eliminated. “A dedicated team has worked nonstop the past few months to prepare campus,” said Fred Kam, director of the Auburn University Medical Clinic. “The best Auburn experience is shared when we are together on campus, but we need everyone’s
commitment and cooperation to start and finish the school year strong.” Dining venues will also have limited capacity. Students and faculty will receive wellness kits that will have a face mask, hand sanitizer and a thermometer. Cleaning kits will be available to students who request them, the program said. Finally, a coronavirus tracking app, Healthcheck, will be used to asses symptoms, exposure and more in students and faculty.
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B7 July 22, 2020
OHS Football team continues to prepare for season
Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer
B8 July 22, 2020
Opelika loses to Smiths Station, Fairhope in tournament
Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer
Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics
B9
July 22, 2020
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
Inside the Statehouse
T
GOP Primary Over, Fall Elections Begin
he field is set for the November General Election and more than likely the races were decided on July 14. We had some good races, including the race for the junior U.S. Senate seat as well as two open Congressional seats. Tommy Tuberville won an impressive 60-40 victory over Jeff Sessions in the GOP primary runoff for U.S. Senate. The tea leaves portend that the Republican Tuberville will defeat the Democrat Doug Jones by that same 60-40 margin. He will win for one reason. He is a solid Republican in a solidly Republican state. Winning the GOP nomination for a U.S. Senate seat and, for that matter, any statewide office is tantamount to election in Alabama. We are a very hardcore, safe, red Republican state, especially in a presidential year. It is also a very safe assumption to say that Donald Trump will carry Alabama in the presidential contest, and Trump’s coattails should assure a Tuberville victory. The two open Congressional seats in the 1st and 2nd districts are very safely Republican seats. Therefore, the winners Jerry Carl and Barry Moore can start packing for Washington. A not so subtle participation occurred in our GOP Primaries in Alabama this year. Generally, Republican-leaning Political Action Committees, like the Chamber of Commerce, stay out of party primaries and save their ammunition for the General Election battle against Democrats. However, there is a giant that does not play by those rules. This giant is The Club for Growth – a right-wing PAC that promotes Republican candidates who adhere to a free market, free trade, anti-regulation agenda. They also believe and advocate for cutting income taxes and repealing the estate tax. Therefore, as you might guess, the money given to the Club for Growth comes from deep pocketed, very wealthy, very conservative right-wing Americans. They dig deep into their pockets and write big checks primarily to Republican candidates.
Photos courtesy of City of Smiths Station
STEVE FLOWERS As a political observer it is apparent to me that these Big Daddy Warbucks political wannabe players have more money than sense. Anybody with walking around sense knows that anyone elected to a Republican U.S. Senate seat or Republican Congressional seat in Alabama is going to be a conservative pro-business vote in Washington. Whichever candidate won the 1st District Congressional race was going to vote the same. Yet the Club for Growth spent over $1 million on behalf of Jerry Carl’s opponent. In the 2nd Congressional runoff, the Club for Growth donated more than $750,000 on behalf of Barry Moore against Jeff Coleman, either of whom would have voted conservatively or pro-business. The Club for Growth spent nearly $700,000 to keep Congressman Bradley Byrne out of the Senate runoff in the U.S. Senate first primary race. This $2.7 million was spent in negative advertisements against their opponents, who again are fellow Republicans who are going to vote identically to the other. They gave their candidates another $300,000 for positive ads. That is $3 million in Alabama. My question to whoever runs the Club for Growth is, ‘Do you not think that your money would be put to better use to help Republican U.S. Senate incumbents who are in close reelection contests in Arizona, Colorado, Maine, Montana and North See FLOWERS, page B10
Senator Randy Price releases statement following COVID-19 diagnosis Courtesy of Alabama State Senate Press Office
Sen. Randy Price (R-Opelika) released the following statement regarding his health following his hospitalization and diagnosis of COVID-19. “I have been overwhelmed with prayers, love and support since Oline and I fell ill, and it’s something that I will never forget. Thankfully, my wife, Oline has
Smiths Station City Council authorizes formation of Road Name Change Committee
recovered fully and I am thrilled to report that, although my condition was once serious, I’m getting better each day under the best care in our state. I want to personally thank the nurses and doctors at East Alabama Medical Center for the first-class care I have received during this time.” “We all know someone who has COVID-19, and it is so important to follow the advice of public health
experts: wear a mask, wash your hands or use sanitizer, respect social distancing and don’t get complacent. If you’re in a position to do so, please follow the example of my wonderful wife and donate plasma to help others. We’re going to get through this and ultimately prevail over the virus. Until that happens, let’s make smart decisions that keep us all happy and healthy for years to come.”
Following the Smiths Station City Council’s July 14th meeting, City Council and Committee members posed for a picture with one of the signs that will be placed along Lee Road 430, which will soon be known as “Panther Parkway.” Pictured from left to right are: Planning & Zoning Administrator Lisa Deason, Place One Councilmember George Stringer, Citizen Volunteer Steve Henley, Place Five Councilmember Dick Key, Place Four Councilmember Richard Cooley, Place 2 Councilmember Morris Jackson, Mayor F.L. “Bubba” Copeland, Place Three Councilmember James Moody and Administrative Assistant/Assistant Communications Director Morgan Bryce. Not pictured are Executive Assistant Brenda Dockery and Smiths Station Postmaster Sharon Grover. Courtesy of the City of Smiths Station
The Smiths Station City Council approved a resolution authorizing the formation of a Road Name Change Committee during Tuesday’s meeting. Committee members include Chairman Richard Cooley, Vice Chairman Morris Jackson, Planning & Zoning Administrator Lisa Deason, Executive Assistant Brenda Dockery, Assistant Communications Director Morgan Bryce and Citizen
Volunteer Steve Henley. The committee’s primary goal is to rename roads located within the city limits to their historical designations or names significant to Smiths Station. They will hold weekly meetings and work in tandem with local first responder agencies and the Post Office as the city moves forward with this initiative. “This is an issue that our citizens and leadership have been interested in pursuing since incorporation, and we now have the
resources in place to make this longtime dream a reality,” said Mayor F.L. “Bubba” Copeland. “I believe it will help promote a stronger community spirit among our residents and give us an even greater sense of identity as a city.” In the coming weeks, a public forum will be scheduled for committee members and city officials to inform citizens on the status of this initiative and receive their input. For more information, contact Mr. Cooley at 706-5750642 or Mr. Jackson at 706-905-1247.
B10 July 22, 2020
…Dear 2020 candidates: Here are my Top 10 tips as a longtime political writer
By Greg Markley For the Opelika Observer
In 1976, I was a freshman in college and assisting a young lawyer with the campaign of a man challenging the state treasurer, who had been in off ice 30 years. My f irst day as a volunteer, the campaign manager showed me his “little red and white booklet” from 1976 and said it was the f irst of its kind in the state. As a political jun kie, I found it fascinating. It was an 80-page guide for ever ything from getting good media coverage to generating donations. Now there are many guidebooks and videos for this. So here and in next week’s Obser ver, I am offering a Top 10 for New Candidates. This concise lesson may bear fr uit in this year’s municipal election. Money has far less weight in council or commission races than it does even in county races. But it can def initely be a factor for an “open seat” (one without an incumbent in it). This may be due to
eager candidates in the slot after the position was held by one person for 2030 years or it might ref lect that the opponent of the monied candidate has not compensated for that money by going door-to-door. Unless it is a close and br utal election, it’s unlikely your opponent will div ulge how many contributions are from outside the district, but a member of the media may f ind out and publicize it. That happens maybe 15 percent of the time. Hope came for all you money-strapped candidates this week. It came when Bar r y Moore won the Republican r unoff for a congressional seat in Alabama, despite being outspent 10-1 by Jeff Coleman. Signage. My suggestion is “Don’t
waste words!” For example, Candidate A might have a sign or online representation reading “Fred Jones, candidate for District 1 councilman, August 25, 2020. He’ll Fight for You.” You may not even need the “Fred” unless your opponent is also named Jones. Even crisper would be “Jones, for Dist. 1 council, 8/25. He’ll Fight for You.” Voters don’t need a mountain of infor mation to make a municipal-level decision. W hether making a campaign website or a social media presence, the colors must be consistent on your platfor ms. For instance, say you use red and blue on your literat ure and signs. If someone sees that a week later, and it’s green and orange, they may be upset as they liked other colors. Above all, recoil from using subtle colors. W hy? It’s hard on the eyes, and is not bold enough design-wise. On your biography, be honest while minimizing your Achilles heel. For instance, it’s noticeable if a candidate in or near a university
town does not have a university or college degree. Yet a candidate who lacks a B.A. may have created a ver y successf ul business. This candidate will spend a lot of money in the campaign. His biography will show he has many skills that universities treasure. This man or woman will do well in politics; I don’t doubt that. For a Republican, lack of militar y ser vice was a disadvantage years ago. W hy? Because the GOP traditionally had the militar y in its base. Today that doesn’t matter, as many Republicans never ser ved. Now Democrats also seldom have ser ved. A FiveThir tyEight poll said only 2.7 percent of American adults have EVER ser ved. For a new candidate, lack of militar y time won’t hur t. Still, veterans r unning in patriotic Alabama have a campaign asset most others do not. It’s hard to keep political leanings a secret even in a “non-partisan” election. One aspect of seeking a council seat, as opposed to a
commission seat with a party label attached, is that you can more easily control the directions you go in. If someone asks if you like a large government at city hall, you can say ‘No, not as far as spending too much; but we do have city projects that can overtake budgets.’ That nuanced answer may please most voters, no matter their ideologies. That’s a good response, ack nowledging budget issues. But if you ran as a Democrat or Republican, they might parse what you said and not be happy as you had a qualifying (“but”) clause. Nuance is good to lear n because even though council districts may be largely one race, ethnicity or age group, remember that August elections generally have a small t ur nout. In Opelika, winning a council seat may take as little as 400 votes, depending on how many candidates there are. Finally, don’t forget to check all the eligibility boxes, or else you will embarrass yourself. For example, in 1998
someone leaked to me that Rowdy Gaines did not live in Aubur n the required three years to be a state senator. Gaines was r umored to be r unning for the position held for many years by Ted Little. Gaines was an ideal candidate: a solid Republican, highly religious, ver y conser vative and charismatic. Oh, and by the way, he is a former competitive swimmer at Aubur n University, a threetime Olympic gold medalist, and a member of the Inter national Swimming Hall of Fame. I called him and he admitted the claim was tr ue. An exclusive for me, and a farewell to the politics dream for a decent man. Don’t forget to read par t two of this series on July 29, with the Final Five tips. Greg Markley has lived in Lee Count y for 20 of the past 24 years. An award-winning journalist, he has Master’s degrees in education and histor y. He taught political science as an adjunct in Georgia and Alabama.
FLOWERS >>
we afford it. If the Republicans lose the majority in the U.S. Senate, our crown jewel, Republican Senior Senator Richard Shelby, loses the chairmanship of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Alabama loses all its power and influence in Washington. You will have a say in that. Currently, national
pundits have Jones losing in Alabama to Republican Tuberville. However, that is no guarantee. The national Democrats would love to use Jones as a Democratic vehicle to take control of the U.S. Senate and give the chairmanship of the Appropriations Committee to a liberal Democrat. Therefore, philosophy aside,
economically a vote for Jones is a vote against Richard Shelby and the State of Alabama. 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.
FROM B9 Carolina?’ These conservative Republican incumbents are trailing in the polls, and they are behind in fundraising. In short, whoever is calling the shots for the Club for Growth is essentially a political imbecile. If the Republicans lose the U.S. Senate, then the liberal Democrats will nail those rich idiots’ hides to the wall, and they deserve it. However, Alabama does not deserve it nor can
B11 July 22, 2020
PUBLIC NOTICES --------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DAVID SCOTT DARNELL, DECEASED CASE NO.: 2020-2 1.BUDGE OF PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION have been granted to Jill R. Darnell on the 24th day of June, 2020 by the Honorable Bill English. 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. JILL R. DARNELL Legal Run 07/08/20, 07/15/20 & 07/22/2020 --------------IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA JUVENILE DIVISION J.D.R. a minor child (DOB: 11/23/2005), Case No. JU 15-175.03 NOTICE OF PETITION & SERVICE BY PUBLICATION NOTICE TO: Christopher Darez Washington, father of J. D. R, a minor child, born at The Medical Center in Columbus, Muscogee County, Georgia on 11/23/2005 to Dominic Rudd.. The legal Custody of J. D. R. was vested in the Lee County Department of Human Resources on December 23, 2018. Christopher Darez Washington must answer the Petition for Termination of Parental Rights of Christopher Darez Washington filed in the Juvenile Court of Lee County, Alabama within fourteen (14) days from the last date of Publication of this notice with the Clerk of Court located at the Lee County Justice Center, 2311 Gateway Drive, Opelika, AL 36801, or thereafter, a final judgment may be entered in Case JU 15-175.03 terminating his parental rights and placing the child for adoption. Mary Roberson, CIRCUIT CLERK Hon. Harold S. Patrick Attorney for Lee County DHR 2108-D Gateway Drive Opelika, AL 36801 (334) 741-0809 MARY B. ROBERSON CIRCUIT CLERK Legal Run 07/01/20, 07/08/20, 07/15/20 & 07/22/20 --------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE:THE ESTATE OF HELEN BAILEY MURPHY,DECEASED. TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Raymond Lamar Murphy, Sr., as Executor of the Estate of Helen Bailey Murphy, deceased, on the 25th day ofJune, 2020, by the Honorable Bill English. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same be barred. Raymond Lamar Murphy, Sr., Executor Of the Estate of Helen Bailey Murphy, Deceased Marrell J. McNeal, Attorney at Law, PC PO Box 308 Opelika, AL 36803 334-745-7033 Legal 07/08/20, 07/15/20, 07/22/2020 --------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA In the Matter of the Estate of JESSIE MURIEL WILLIAMS, Deceased Case No. 2020-187 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF ADMINISTRATOR AND NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS Letters of Administration on the Estate of JESSIE MURIEL WILLIAMS, deceased, having been granted to the undersigned, ASAILA NAKEMA THOMAS on the 29th day of June, 2020 by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the 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. Asaila Nakema Thomas, Administrator, Estate of Jessie Muriel Williams, deceased Legal Run 07/15/20, 07/22/20 & 07/29/20 --------------NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF JOHN T. CRUMP, JR. Deceased PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY CASE NO. 2020-232 NOTICE TO CREDITOR Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of the Estate of JOHN T. CRUMP, JR., deceased having been granted to Katherine Crump, on the 29th day of June, 2020, 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. Katherine Crump Legal Run 07/15/20, 07/22/20 & 07/29/20 --------------IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of Kristi Elizabeth Tidwell, Deceased Case No: 2020-238 NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration were granted to Mellanie C. Vinyard, as Administrator of the Estate of Kristi Elizabeth Tidwell, deceased, on the 2nd of July, 2020, by the Hon. Bill English. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Mellanie C. Vinyard Legal Run 07/15/20, 07/22/20, & 07/29/20 --------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA In the Matter of: Kenneth Day, an alleged incapacitated person TO: Any interested party: Lee County DHR has filed a Petition to appoint a Legal Guardian for the person of Kenneth Day. It is ordered that the 25th day of August, 2020 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 7th day of July, 2020. Bill English Probate Judge Margaret A. Mayfield Attorney for Lee County DHR Post Office Box 809 Opelika, AL 36803 334-745-0333 Legal Run 07/15/20, 07/22/20, 07/29/20 & 08/05/20 --------------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, August 6, 2020 at 10:00AM Danielle Jolly Unit E78 701 Baker Blvd Tuscumbia , AL 35674 3 bedroom home Patricia Felton Unit S335 932 Pleasant Ave. Auburn, AL 36830 household items Cameron Farr Unit W385 408 Green Street Auburn, AL 36830 Furniture, boxes The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property. Legal Run 07/15/20 & 07/22/2020 --------------IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA MOORE’S CONSTRUCTION, LLC, Plaintiff, Case No.: CV-2020-900312 v.
A Parcel of Real Property described as: Lot 3, Dickson Subdivision, according to and As shown on map or plat of said subdivisionOf record in Plat Book 41, at Page 65, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, And Fictitious Defendants A, B, C, D, E, F & G, Being Persons, Individuals, Firms, Associations, Partnerships, Corporations or other Entities, Whose names are otherwise unknown to the Plaintiff, but who claim interest in and to the above-captioned parcel of land, and whose correct names and legal identities will be added by Amendment when ascertained, Defendants. NOTICE OF ACTION To: All Defendants herein, whose whereabouts are unknown and which cannot be ascertained after the exercise of reasonable diligence. You are hereby notified that on the 13th day of July, 2020, a Complaint to quiet title was filed in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama, and the following are the names of all parties to the action: Moore’s Construction, LLC, as Plaintiff; A Parcel of Real Property, described below, as Defendant; and unknown persons or entities who cannot be ascertained after the exercise of due diligence, and which are believed to have claimed some right, title, interest or claim in and to the property described as follows: Lot 3, Dickson Subdivision, according to and as shown on map or plat of said subdivision of record in Plat Book 41, at Page 65, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, All persons having an interest in said lands or any portion thereof, claiming any title thereto or any encumbrance or lien thereon, are hereby directed to plead, answer, or otherwise respond to the Complaint on or before the expiration of 30 days after the last publication of this notice, or thereafter suffer judgment by default to be rendered against them, it being intended that this notice shall be used to perfect service against all parties who cannot be personally served with a copy of the Complaint. Done this the 17th day of July, 2020. /s/ Mary Roberson__ Mary Roberson Circuit Court Clerk, Lee County J. Brandon Rice Of Counsel, Davis, Bingham, Hudson & Buckner, P.C. 324 East Magnolia Avenue Auburn, AL 36830 Legal Run 07/22/20, 07/29/20, 08/05/20 & 08/12/20 --------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF RONALD L. ANDERS, SR., Deceased CASE NO. 2019-B045 In the Matter of the Estate of RONALD L. ANDERS, SR., Deceased Letters Testamentary as Personal Representative of the Estate of RONALD L. ANDERS, SR., deceased, having been granted to the undersigned on the 14th day of June, 2019, 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. ROSEMARY K. ANDERS Personal Representative Legal Run 07/22/2020, 07/29/2020 & 08/05/2020 --------------ORDINANCE NO. 016-20 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows: Section 1. FINDINGS. The Council has determined and hereby finds and declares that the following facts are true and correct: (a)DiBenedetto Enterprises, LLC, an Alabama limited liability company, (the “Company”) is the owner of record of that certain real property consisting of approximately 25.76 acres located at the
intersection of Waverly Parkway and Veterans Parkway. (b)The Company heretofore submitted to the City a development plan for a planned unit development (“PUD”) consisting of approximately 25.76 acres. (c)The proposed development is a mixed-use development consisting of seventy-two (72) townhome units and twenty (20) single-family lots with significant recreational areas, water features and open space. The proposed density is 3.57 dwelling units per acre. (D)The Planning Commission heretofore conducted a public hearing on the proposed development and referred to the City Council its recommendation to approve the proposed development. (E)It is advisable and in the interest of the City and the public interest that the property described in Section 3 below should be developed as a mixed use planned unit development. Section 2. APPROVAL OF THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN. The Development Plan as submitted for review is hereby approved and affirmed as required by Section 8.18N of the Zoning Ordinance of the City. Section 3. DESIGNATION OF A PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT. The official Zoning Map is hereby amended and the zoning classification for the following parcel of land shall be changed from a R-1 District (Low Density Residential District), R-3 District (Medium Density Residential District) and C-2 District (Office/Retail District) to a Planned Unit Development (PUD) on the official zoning map of the City. Commence at the SW corner of the Northwest Quarter OF Section 11, Township 19 North, Range 26 East, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama, locally accepted being marked by a 1/2” rebar with cap stamped #28447; thence N 31 0 50’18” E a distance of 280.17 feet to a 1” open top pipe on the North right-ofway line of Waverly Parkway (80’ R/W) and also being the POINT OF BEGINNING. From said POINT OF BEGINNING; thence along said right-of-way N 64 000’44” W a distance of 253.34 feet to a 1/2” open top pipe; thence N 64 0 00’11” W a distance of 520.96 feet to a 1/2” rebar with cap stamped PLS CA#1067-LS; thence N 500 34’02” W a distance of 178.22 feet to a 1/2” rebar with cap stamped PLS CA#1067-LS; thence in a curve to the right having a radius of 542.96 feet an arc length of 362.10 and a chord bearing and distance of N 230 38’45” W, 355.43 feet to a 1/2” rebar with cap stamped PLS CA#1067-LS on the East right-of-way line of Veterans Pkwy (150’ R/W); thence along said right-of-way in a curve to the left having a radius of 1220.92 feet an arc length of 182.29 feet and a chord bearing and distance of N 04 0 42’34” E, 182.12 feet to a 1/2” rebar with cap stamped PLS CA#1067-LS; thence leaving said rightof-way N 88°53’38” E a distance of 135.16 feet to a 3/4” crimp top; thence N 00 0 21’22” E a distance of 93.10 feet to a 1/2” rebar with cap stamped PLS CA#1067-LS; thence N 88°26’42” W a distance of 24.74 feet to a 1/2” open top pipe; thence N 00 0 24’13” E a distance of 133.99 feet to a 1/2” rebar; thence S 89 0 58’58” E a distance of 29.91 feet to a 1/2” open top pipe at the southwest corner of Lot 13 OF QUAIL HOLLOW SUBDIVISION as recorded in Plat Book 16, Page 127, Lee County, Alabama; thence along the south line of QUAIL HOLLOW SUBDIVISION S 89 0 13’14” E a distance of 99.61 feet to a 1/2” open top pipe; thence N 89 0 58’40” E a distance of 99.99 feet to a 1/2” open top pipe; thence N 89 041’40” E a distance of 100.18 feet to a 1/2” open top pipe; thence N 88 0 50’15” E a distance of 94.45 feet to a 1/2” open top pipe; thence S 89 0 12’23” E a distance of 105.64 feet to a 1/2” open top pipe; thence N 89 0 56 ‘05” E a distance of 100.03 feet to a 1/2” open top pipe; thence N 89 043’49” E a distance of 59.91 feet to a 1/2” open top pipe; thence N 89 047’23” E a distance of 688.47 feet to a 1/2” open top pipe; thence S 41° 52’01”W a distance of 111.59 feet to a 1/2” crimp top, thence S 31 046’29” W a distance of 141.63 feet to
a 1/2” crimp top; thence S 29 0 08’34” a distance of 162.26 feet to a 1x1 metal bar; thence S 30 0 04’18” W a distance of 286.01 feet to a 1/2” rebar with cap stamped #33949; thence S 32 0 34 ‘41” W a distance of 87.80 feet to a 3/4” open top pipe; thence S 25 040’42” W a distance of 250.99 feet to a 1/2” rebar with cap stamped #33949; thence S 14 0 14’50” W a distance of 72.80 feet to a 1/2” rebar with cap stamped 33949; thence S 63 045’40” E a distance of 148.62 feet to a 1/2” open top pipe; thence S 35 0 35’52” W a distance of 200.62 feet to the point of beginning. said parcel lying in and being a part of the Northeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter and the Southeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter all in Section 10, Township 19 North, Range 26 East and the Northwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter and the Southwest Quarter of the Northeast Quarter all in Section 11, Township 19 North, Range 26 East, Lee County, Alabama, and containing 25.76 acres, more or less. Section 4. RETENTION OF COPIES OF DEVELOPMENT PLAN. Copies of the 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 5. REPEALER. Any ordinance or part thereof in conflict with provisions of this Ordinance be and the same are hereby repealed. Section 6. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall become effective upon its adoption, approval and publication as required by law. Section 7. PUBLICATION. This Ordinance shall be published one (1) time in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama. All interested persons are invited to attend the public hearing and be heard. Written comments concerning the above matter may be mailed to the City Clerk at P.O. Box 390, Opelika, AL 36803 at any time prior to the public hearing and may be further submitted to the City Council at the meeting and the public hearing. Please contact Kevin Rice, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334-705-2083 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to any disability. ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 21st day of July, 2020. /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 22nd day of July, 2020. /s/Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR APPROVED this the 22nd day of July, 2020. /s/Gary Fuller MAYOR ATTEST: /s/Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK Legal Run 07/22/2020 --------------ORDINANCE NO. 017-20 ORDINANCE ANNEXING CERTAIN PROPERTY TO THE CITY OF OPELIKA (Rickey L. & Cynthia L. Wilson’s Property located at 4002 Marvyn Parkway) WHEREAS, on the13th day of March 2020, Rickey L. Wilson and Cynthia L. Wilson, husband and wife, (hereinafter referred to as the “Petitioners”) being the owners of the property hereinafter described, did file a Petition for Annexation (the “Petition”) with the City of Opelika, Alabama, a municipal corporation, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit “A”, requesting the annexation of certain property owned by the Petitioners as more particularly described below; and WHEREAS, said Petition did contain the signatures of all owners of the described territory and a map of said property showing its relationship to the corporate limits of the City of Opelika; and WHEREAS, the territory to be annexed is contiguous to the existing corporate limits of the City of Opelika and does not embrace any territory within the corporate limits of another municipality, and when annexed into the City of Opelika will form
a homogenous part of the City; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Opelika did determine that it is in the public interest that said property be annexed into the City of Opelika and it did further determine that all legal requirements for annexing said real property have been met pursuant to Sections 11-42-20 through 11-42-24, Code of Alabama (1975). NOW, THEREFORE,BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Opelika, Alabama as follows: Section 1. The City Council of the City of Opelika, finds and declares as the legislative body of the City of Opelika that it is in the best interest of the citizens of the City of Opelika, and the citizens of the affected area, to bring the territory described in Section 2 of this Ordinance into the City of Opelika. Section 2. The boundary lines of the City of Opelika, Alabama be, and the same are hereby altered or rearranged so as to include all of the territory hereto before encompassed by the corporate limits of the City of Opelika, Alabama, and in addition thereto the following described territory, to-wit: Commence at the NW corner of the NE ¼ Section 31, Township 19 North, Range 27 East in Lee County, Alabama; thence run South for a distance of 175.0 feet to a point; thence run East for for a distance of 2471.9 feet to the Southwest corner and to the point of beginning of the parcel of land herein to be described: From said point of beginning then North for a distance of 150.0 feet to a point; thence run East for a distance of 177.5 feet to a point which point is located on the Westerly margin of the right-of-way of Highway No. 37: thence run South 1 degree 27’ West along the Westerly margin of the right-of-way of said highway for a distance of 150.1 feet; then run West for a distance 173.7 feet to the point of beginning; together with all improvements thereon and all appurtenances thereunto appertaining. ALSO: Lot 22, Timber Hills Subdivision, Parcel C, according to and as shown by map or plat of said subdivision of record in Town Plat Book 8, at Page 53, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama; together with all improvements thereon and all appurtenances thereunto appertaining. The above described property is located at 4002 Marvyn Parkway, Opelika, Alabama 36801. Section 3. A map or plat of a survey describing the territory annexed and showing its relation to the corporate limits of the City of Opelika shall be attached to this ordinance, marked Exhibit “B” and made a part hereof. Section 4. The Clerk of the City of Opelika is hereby authorized and directed to file with the Probate Judge of Lee County, Alabama, a certified copy of this ordinance, together with a certified copy of the petition of the property owners and the Clerk is further directed to take all necessary and proper steps to perfect the annexation of said territory herein described. Section 5. This ordinance shall be published as provided by law in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Alabama. Section 6. The territory described in this ordinance shall become a part of the corporate limits of the City of Opelika upon publication of this ordinance as set forth in Section 5 above. ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 21st day of July, 2020. /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 22nd day of July, 2020. /s/Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR APPROVED this the 22nd day of July, 2020. /s/ Gary Fuller MAYOR ATTEST: /s/Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK Legal Run 07/22/2020
See PUBLIC NOTICES, page B13
B12 July 22, 2020
PUBLIC NOTICES>> SYNOPSIS OF ZONING NOTICE The City Council of the City of Opelika will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, August 18, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. in the Courtroom of the Municipal Building, 300 Martin Luther King Blvd., Opelika, Lee County, Alabama, to consider the adoption of an ordinance to amend the Zoning Ordinance and the Zoning Map of the City of Opelika by rezoning or redistricting the parcel of land hereinafter described so as to change such parcel from one class of district to another class of district, as follows: From a R-5 District (High Density Residential District) to a Planned Unit Development (“PUD”), the parcel of land hereinafter described: Parcel -B and Parcel-C, HIPACK PARK, according to and as shown by that certain map or plat thereof of
record in Town Plat Book 10, at Page 134, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama. The above-described property containing 21.92 acres is located at 3001 Hi-Pack Drive between Hi-Pack Drive and King Street. The proposed Ordinance also approves a development plan for The Villages of Opelika PUD. The development plan (master plan) provides for the construction of 94 single family homes, 34 twin homes/townhomes, and 20 small bungalows. The overall density for the development is 6.75 units per acre. An amenity area will include a dog park, recreational facilities, and approximately 3.2 acres of open space. Public Notice of this public hearing with insertion of the proposed ordinance was first published on July 15, 2020 in The Opelika Observer. This notice is given pursuant to Section 11-52-78 Code of Alabama (1975). The City Council reserves the
right to amend or alter any of the proposed amendments to the zoning ordinance. All interested persons are invited to attend the public hearing and be heard. The public hearing and be heard. Written comments concerning the above matter may be mailed to the City Clerk at City Hall, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama 36803 at any time prior to the public hearing and may be further submitted to the City Council at the meeting and public hearing. Please contact Kevin Rice, the City’s ADA compliance officer, at (334) 705-2083 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability. THIS NOTICE is given under my hand this the 16th day of July, 2020. /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 07/22/2020
CITY OF OPELIKA SYNOPSIS OF ZONING NOTICE ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS The City Council of the City of Opelika will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, August 18, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. in the Courtroom of the Municipal Court Building, 300 Martin Luther King Blvd., Opelika, Lee County, Alabama, to consider the adoption of an ordinance to amend
the text of Ordinance No. 124-91, entitled “Zoning Ordinance of the City of Opelika”, adopted on September 7, 1991. The proposed ordinance provides for the regulation of small box discount stores and generally amends the Zoning Ordinance in the following respects: • Section 2.2 “definitions” shall be amended by adding the definitions of the following words, terms or phrases: “consumer
shopping goods”, “grocery store”, and “small box discount store.” • Current section 7.3C “Use categories” shall be amended to provide for “consumer shopping goods”, “grocery stores”, and “small box discount store” in the matrix table and the portion of the matrix table is amended to read as follows:
• Section VIII shall be amended by adding a new subsection to be number 8.28.1 “Small Box Discount Stores”. The new subsection will provide development standards for small box discount stores, including, but not limited to, separation requirements that the proposed location is located at least 5,250 feet from any other small box discount store and at least 200 feet from any property used primarily for a single-family residence. Public Notice of this public hearing with insertion of the proposed ordinance was first published on July 15, 2020
in The Opelika Observer. This notice is given pursuant to Section 11-52-78 Code of Alabama (1975). The City Council reserves the right to amend or alter any of the proposed amendments to the zoning ordinance. All interested persons are invited to attend the public hearing and be heard. Written comments concerning the above matter may be mailed to the City Clerk at City Hall, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama 36803 at any time prior to the public hearing and may be further submitted to the City
Council at the meeting and public hearing. Please contact Kevin Rice, the City’s ADA compliance officer, at (334) 705-2083 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability. THIS NOTICE is given under my hand this the 16th day of July, 2020. /s/Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 07/22/2020
FROM B11
B13 July 22, 2020
Secretary Merrill Extends Absentee Voting for August Municipal Elections Courtesy of Alabama Sec. of State Press Office
Secretary of State John H. Merrill has officially extended the opportunity for anyone concerned about COVID-19 to apply for and cast an absentee ballot for the upcoming municipal elections. Secretary Merrill has authorized anyone concerned about contracting or spreading COVID-19 to cast an absentee ballot in order to avoid the polls on Election Day, at the request of the Alabama League of Municipalities on behalf of all Alabama municipalities scheduled to hold an election in 2020. “We have worked to provide safe, secure and free elections for the people of Alabama through offering an extended absentee voting period during the recent Primary
Runoff Election, and we will continue to see that Alabamians have the opportunity to safely participate in the electoral process during these challenging times,” Merrill said. Any qualified voter who determines it is impossible or unreasonable to vote at their polling place shall be eligible to check the box on the absentee ballot application that is most applicable to that individual. State law allows the Secretary of State to issue absentee voting guidance during declared states of emergency, allowing Secretary Merrill to encourage voters to check the box which reads as follows (in the case none of the boxes are appropriate): “I have a physical illness or infirmity which prevents my attendance at the polls. [ID REQUIRED].”
“We appreciate the Secretary of State’s Office collaborating with ALM to address these extraordinary circumstances as we head into municipal elections,” said Greg Cochran, League of Municipalities executive director. “Ensuring all Alabamians have a voice through their vote is imperative to the success of our state.” For the Aug. 25 municipal elections, the deadline to register to vote is Aug. 10, the deadline to submit an absentee ballot application is Aug. 20, and the deadline to hand-deliver an absentee ballot is the close of business Aug. 24. If an absentee ballot is returned by mail, it must be postmarked by Aug. 24 and received by noon on Aug. 25. If necessary, runoff elections will be held on Oct. 6.
PUBLIC NOTICES >> FROM B11 --------------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 North Dean Road, Auburn, AL 36830, August 6 2020 @ 10:00 am Yandchia Ridley Higdon Unit 274 p.o. box 3283 Auburn , AL 36831 Furniture and clothing household items 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 07/15/20 & 07/22/2020 --------------NOTICE OF COURT PROCEEDING CASE NO: 2020-252 IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Notice of the filing of Petition for Summary Distribution In the Estate of ELVA JOAN MOORE, deceased Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the LEE COUNTY Probate Office by Karen Moore Harrington on July 16, 2020 pursuant to Section 43-2-690, Code of Alabama and that 30 days after the notice of publication hereof and pursuant to law the Court shall be requested to enter and Order directing Summary Distribution of the estate of said decedent. BILL ENGLISH, PROBATE JUDGE Legal Run 07/22/2020
--------------STATE OF ALABAMA IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY CASE NO. 2020-236 RE: ESTATE OF LINDA J. FLOURNOY, DECEASED: NOTICE OF PUBLICATION Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 2nd day of July, 2020, by the Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Norman L. H. Flournoy, Jr., Executor Claud E. (Skip) McCoy, Jr., Esq. Attorney for Executor Johnson, Caldwell & McCoy, LLC 117 North Lanier Avenue, Suite 201 Lanett, Alabama 36863 (334) 644-1171 LEGAL RUN 07/22/20, 07/29/20 & 08/05/2020 --------------NOTICE OF COURT PROCEEDING CASE NO. 2020-211 IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Notice of the filing of Petition for Summary Distribution In the Estate of LUE MERLE PATTEN, deceased Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the Lee County Probate Office by John W. Patten on June 9, 2020 pursuant to Section 43-2-690 Code of Alabama and that 30 days after the notice of publication hereof and pursuant to law the Court shall be requested to enter an Order directing Summary Distribution of the estate of said decedent. BILL ENGLISH, PROBATE JUDGE Legal Run 07/22/20, 07/29/20 & 08/05/20
--------------1IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BEVERLY B. THOMPSON, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO: 2020-081 Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 6th day of July, 2020, 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. JOHN W. THOMPSON, II Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal 07/22/20, 07/29/20 & 08/05/2020 --------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE ESTATE OF: COSBY CARLTON MIDDLETOWN, deceased. Case No. 2020-255 Letters Testamentary of said deceased was granted to Sandra Middleton Lafoy and Cosby Todd Middleton on the 17th day of July, 2020, by the Hon. Bill English, Probate Judge of Lee County. Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate that they are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Sandra Middleton Lafoy and Cosby Todd Middleton Co-Executors Margaret A. Mayfield Attorney for the Estate P.O.Box 809, Opelika, AL 36803 334-745-0333 Legal Run 07/22/20, 07/29/20 & 08/05/20
LOCAL CLASSIFIED ADS HELP WANTED: Resident Services Coordinator Opelika Housing Development, Inc. is currently seeking highly motivated, experienced, and trustworthy candidates to fill the Fulltime position of Resident Services Coordinator. Duties will include, but not be limited to: Oversee and coordinate programs offered by Resident Services. Develop a variety of educational and economic empowerment support services, activities, and programs for residents. Coordinate activities and provide case management for Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program. Develop partnerships with community service providers in order to efficiently deliver services to residents. Contact residents who may be sick or in need of assistance to determine services needed, and make appropriate referrals. Maintain records and prepare reports.
Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in social work, social sciences, or closely related field plus 3 years of progressively responsible work in human services or social work, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Prefer experience in public housing. Other: Valid Driving License Ability to be insured under the Authority’s vehicle policy To apply please visit our office, located at 1706 Toomer Street, Opelika, AL 36801 or complete an application on-line at http://www.opelikaha. org/Default.asp?ID= 123&pg=Employment +Opportunities ------------HELP WANTED: Opelika Housing Development, Inc. is currently seeking highly motivated, experienced, and trustworthy candidates to fill the Full-time position of Accounting Assistant. Duties will include, but not be limited to:
•Maintain fiscal records, generate payments, prepare periodic/special reports, operating statements, etc. 1. Process invoices for payment in accordance with established procedures, i.e. code, verify that needed documentation is present, enter data into system 2.Verify that purchases are properly documented and approved in accordance with established procedures 3.Review and process contractor payment requests on a weekly basis 4 Resolve discrepancies in invoices, charges, and payments by contacting vendors, employees, or other appropriate means 5.Process credit rent utility reimbursements in accordance with established procedures 6. Prepare Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) landlord payments and utility payments for participants in accordance with established procedures 7. Assist Senior Accountant with daily accounts receivable
reports, including miscellaneous deposits, and take appropriate action to resolve any underlying problems or issues 8. Coordinate with bank officers to correct any errors resulting from direct deposits, charges, etc. in order to ensure the integrity of the bank account balance 9. Prepare and assist in preparing a variety of periodic and special reports 10. Post tenant rent charges for the beginning of each month. 11. Generate 1099’s annually, in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations, as needed Education: High school or equivalent (Required) License or certification: • Driver’s License • Ability to be insured under the Authority’s automobile insurance policy • Ability to be covered under the Authority’s fidelity bond To apply please visit our office, located at 1706
Toomer Street, Opelika, AL 36801 or complete an application on-line at http://www.opelikaha.org/ Default.asp?ID=123&pg= Employment+ Opportunities ------------HELP WANTED: Maintenance Mechanic Opelika Housing Development, Inc. is currently seeking highly motivated, experienced, and trustworthy candidates to fill the Full-time position of Maintenance Technician for properties in the Opelika, AL. . area. Duties will include, but not be limited to: · Promptly handle unit and facility work orders · Complete repairs in a consistent and correct manner · Provide excellent customer service · Work well with other team members · Willing to clean grounds as needed · Be well organized to coordinate and perform unit and site inspections · Able to complete makeready of units proficiently Ideal candidates should
have at least 3 years of experience in apartment maintenance (or similar skills). Candidates should have an understanding of and repair capabilities in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, painting, appliance repair, and/ or other tasks related to maintaining the communities in excellent condition. HVAC Certification not required, but preferred. This position will offer competitive pay and benefit package. Education: · High school or equivalent (Required) License or certification: · Driver’s License (Required) · HVAC Certification (Not required, but preferred) To apply please visit our office, located at 1706 Toomer Street, Opelika, AL 36801 or complete an application on-line at http://www.opelikaha.org/ Default.asp?ID=123&pg= Employment +Opportunities
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B14 July 22, 2020
Like crossword puzzles? Sudoku? Play online at www.opelikaobserver.com/puzzles/
B15 July 22, 2020
Jeremy Gray named to Alabama Innovation Commission develop a long-term strategy to create a more resilient, inclusive and robust economy,” Ivey said. “Alabama has always had a rich tradition of developing technologies to move our state forward. Now more than ever, we
By Hannah Lester Associate Editor
State Representative Jeremy Gray, from Opelika, was named to Gov. Kay Ivey’s Alabama Innovation Commission to Promote Entrepreneurial Growth. ‘ “It’s an honor and privilege to serve on the Alabama Innovation Commission with such distinguished and experienced members,” Gray said. “I truly believe this is one step forward, in the right direction in building a stronger,
GRAY and more innovative Alabama. The wealth of knowledge on this commission will pay off tremendously in the growth of our state.” Ivey announced the creation of the commission,
Innovate Alabama, on Thursday, as part of Executive Order 720. “Through the establishment of the Alabama Innovation Commission, I look forward to collaborating with our state’s leading innovators to
Rebecca Rice Cell: 334-703-0801 rebecca@johnrice.info
Located in Historic Downtown Opelika
334-745-4618
must capitalize on future opportunities by engaging our state’s trailblazers to discuss new ideas and policies that support entrepreneurship, economic development and jobs.” The goal of the commission is to
promote entrepreneurship in the state; commission members will look into the policy and how to best help startups. “I hope to bring an unique perspective that will challenge See GRAY, page B16
B16 July 22, 2020
LCLP Ballot Access Resolution Courtesy of the Lee Co. Libertarian Party
The Lee County Libertarian Party has voted on a resolution supporting the Libertarian Party of Alabama’s efforts in obtaining ballot access for Jo Jorgenson, the National Libertarian Party’s Presidential Nominee, in an ongoing lawsuit against the Alabama Secretary of State. The resolution reads as follows: June 9, 2020 Whereas third-party candidates, such as The Libertarian Party, must purchase voter roll copies from the Alabama Secretary of State,
despite Republican and Democratic parties receiving them for free; Whereas third party candidates are also required to have 51,000 signatures to qualify in Alabama Legislative positions and 5,000 signatures to be placed on the presidential ballot in the general election; Whereas the Republican and Democratic parties are not required to gather any signatures and only required to file their documents and pay the filing fee; Whereas ballot access laws show a clear discrimination against minor parties and is a form of voter suppression
and a violation of the 1st Amendment right to free expression and association and the 14th Amendment right of citizens being equal under the law; Whereas the Libertarian Party has filed a lawsuit against the Alabama Secretary of State to gain access to voter lists and the ballot the same way the Republican and Democratic parties do; The Lee County Libertarian Party condemns the Alabama Secretary of State’s actions to block third party candidates from being placed on the ballot and fully endorses the ongoing lawsuit to gain ballot access.
GRAY >> FROM B15 the commission to rethink the way we view entrepreneurship, and innovation in the 21st century,” Gray said. “In the world of technology and social media, anyone can become an entrepreneur. We as a state have to give entrepreneurs the resources they need, to become a sustainable business that truly understands the financial and accounting side of building an effective business.” Gray will serve as one of the 15 members on the commission. Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller applauded Gray and the know-how he will bring to Innovate Alabama. “Right now, our business owners are facing extraordinary times,” he said. “We need forward-thinking ideas and young minds who can move us forward and help us grow. Rep. Gray understands how to start a business from just a vision. He did so with Elevate Your Grind. He, along with this group of leaders selected by Gov. Ivey can help others
achieve those same dreams.” Gray has been a state representative since 2018 for District 83. He also serves on the Commerce and Small Business Committee, Health Committee, Lee County and Public Safety Committee and Homeland Security Committee. “Through this commission, we hope to tap into the potential for the state to become a hub for startups and technology-based companies,” said Senator Greg Reed, who will serve as vice-chair of the commission. “I look forward to working with the Alabama Innovation Commission to encourage collaboration, public-private partnerships and smart policies that promote access to opportunity and create a pipeline for success in all corners of the state.” Representative Bill Poole will serve as chair of the commission. Part of the responsibility of the commission will be to form an innovation policy agenda for the Alabama Legislator. The Alabama Innovation Commission will also include an
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advisory council of six Alabama innovators. Zeke Smith, Alabama Power Executive Vice President, will serve as president of the advisory council. “Alabama is home to me, and I am honored to serve on the advisory council for the Alabama Innovation Commission,” said Condoleezza Rice, former secretary of state and director of Stanford University’s Hoover Institution, who will serve on the advisory council. “While our country currently faces many challenges, this is an opportunity to create forward-thinking ideas and policies that will inspire the next generation of innovators. By focusing on knowledge-based skills and education, technology growth and entrepreneurship, we unlock the potential for future success across the state.” Gray said he will advocate for incubators, hubs and work spaces for the state. “Many people have the vision and great innovative concepts to revolutionize our state but not the means to see their ideas come to fruition,” he said.