pelika Observer O
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
Vol. 12, No. 25
“By local people, for local people.”
Opelika, Alabama
EVENT VENUE
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HISTORIC DOWNTOWN OPELIKA bottlingplanteventcenter.com | (334)705.5466
East Alabama Medical Center offers update on COVID-19 Special to the Opelika Observer In the Hospital -EAMC currently has seven patients hospitalized with COVID-19. One of them is from a nursing home. -One patient who was previously hospitalized with COVID-19 has been discharged. -There are 27 patients who are currently hospitalized with suspected COVID-19. Testing The number of confirmed cases as of 4:40 p.m. Tuesday was 26 for Lee County, five for Chambers County and two for Tallapoosa County. The number of presumptive cases in the area with mild symptoms is surely much higher. It has been just one week since the Lee County count was at three.
Altogether, EAMC has submitted more than 700 collection kits to one of four laboratories. This includes the HealthPlus drive-through site, EAMC’s Emergency Department, EAMC-Lanier’s drive-through site and EAMC-Lanier Emergency Department. This number does not include any kits that were submitted by area physicians. As of yesterday, a total of 416 tests had come back negative, while 252 tests were still awaiting results. The age range for the patients who have tested positive is between 20 to 82. Health-wise, they ranged from mild symptoms to severe symptoms. The average time for a test to be resulted is four days, but some have taken up to seven days. Quotes from Laura Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer
See Update, page A3
John Emerald Distilling Company switches operating Local Indian eatery paying it forward focus to hand sanitizer, spray to reduce shortages for the community By Morgan Bryce Editor
While local grocery stores and national retailers struggle to keep up with the demand for sanitation products, John Emerald Distilling Company is working to alleviate some of those shortages by batchmaking hand sanitizer and spray for both the general public and local hospitality industry. John Emerald Owner Jimmy Sharp was approached by AuburnOpelika Tourism Bureau Vice President Robyn Bridges and Acre Founder/Executive Chef David Bancroft about coming together to help launch the project, which required permission from the Al-
Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer abama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. Given the go-ahead, Sharp depleted the rest of his distillery’s vodka last week to begin the day-to-day process of manufacturing hand sanitizer. The spray is made of filtered water and 150 proof alcohol. Sharp and his team are blending alcohol and glycerin to manufacture the hand
sanitizer. Distribution to the public began on Thursday, and has generated waves of traffic to the downtown Opelika distillery. Because of demand, Sharp is asking visitors to bring their container, 10 oz. or smaller in size, for filling. Donations are being accepted, and the distillery has an ongoing
Index
OPINION.....................................A4 SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY..............A7 RELIGION..............................A9 CALENDAR..................................A10
“Door Sale” offering specials on a wide variety of John Emerald’s most-beloved spirits. Distribution hours vary, but consistent updates can be found on the distillery’s Facebook page. For more information, call 334-737-5353 or visit www.johnemeralddistilling.com. The distillery is located at 706 N. Railroad Ave.
COMICS....................................A12 SPORTS..................................B1 PUBLIC NOTICES............................B5 POLITICS...................................B7
Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer By Morgan Bryce Editor From the time he opened the doors to Good Karma last fall, Sunny Merchant knew he wanted to find a way to give back to the community, eventually cre-
ating a pay-it-forward system utilizing pins on a corkboard that allows people to pay for part or all of a person’s meal in need. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic that has swept the world, inSee Karma, page A3
Observer.com pelika O
Alabama Statewide COVID-19 statistics: 242 cases/ 26 in Lee County
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A2 March 25, 2020
Cities of Opelika, Auburn announce closure of buildings to the general public through early April to prevent virus spread Special to the Opelika Observer The City of Opelika has determined that because of the COVID-19 situation, all city buildings will be closed through April 5 as of 6 p.m. on March 20. Departments will continue to serve the public online, by phone or email throughout this time. Signs will be posted on the doors of all buildings with contact information and the city website will continue to share information at www.opelikaal.gov/COVID19. The city will reevaluate the situation by April 5. The city plans to maintain continuity of services during this timeframe. Essential services like police, fire, power, solid waste and waste water are prepared and taking measures to make sure staff are practicing safe social distancing. Other departments are still working to maintain all projects at the moment, but that is subject to change at any time. Business License: In an effort to practice social distancing and protect the health and safety of the Opelika community, the City of Opelika’s Revenue Department is not currently receiving walk-in customers. We encourage new applications and renewals for business licenses now be
filed using the following methods: Email applications (new and renewals) to revenue@opelika-al.gov. Payment may be made by two methods: Mail to P.O. Box 390 Opelika, AL 36803 Online at https://www. officialpayments.com (Below are instructions for online payment) Below is information that includes instructions on how to renew online for your City of Opelika business license. SIGN UP – CUSTOMER CREATES OWN ACCOUNT & PASSWORD CLICK ON LOCAL PAYMENTS Make A Payment SELECT-STATE: ALABAMA PAYMENT ENTITY: Opelika, City of Revenue Department PAYMENT TYPE: Business License CLICK ON “MAKE A PAYMENT” AND CONTINUE THE FOLLOWING PAYMENT’S NAME: Your company’s name LICENSE # 9999999 YEAR: 20 Email copy of confirmation to revenue@ opelika-al.gov Please note that applications are still subject to review upon approval and issuance of a business license and business cannot operate until full approval has been obtained. Business Relief:
In addition, effective immediately, the City of Opelika is extending relief to businesses unable to pay their February, March and April 2020 sales, use, lodging, rental and leasing tax liabilities. While businesses must still file their City of Opelika sales, use, lodging, rental and leasing taxes through normal practices by the 20th day of each month, penalties for late payments will be waived through June 1. “We know our businesses are going to be impacted and we are doing all we can to help them during this challenging time. In addition, we are taking all precautions to make sure our employees and the public are safe and maintain healthy work environments. We are dividing staff so that some can work from home. In most cases, we are forwarding calls to these employees to ensure the public can still have questions and concerns answered. We appreciate your patience and cooperation,” said Mayor Gary Fuller. Taxes Businesses must still file occupational, liquor, wine and gas taxes by regularly scheduled due dates. This may be done by emailing forms to revenue@opelika-al.gov. For assistance, we are available to assist See Opelika, page A3
Special to the Opelika Observer As of 5 p.m. last Friday, the City of Auburn closed all City buildings through April 5 to help prevent the exposure to and the transmission of the COVID-19 virus. This decision was made following Gov. Kay Ivey’s requests for Alabamians to do their part to help prevent the spread of the virus, which has proven
to be difficult to contain. City officials will continue to evaluate the quickly evolving events surrounding the pandemic to make further closure decisions as warranted. Water, sewer, public works, garbage collection and public safety services will all carry on as usual. City staff will continue to serve residents through all electronic means possible including
online applications, email, social media and phone. For those with an immediate need that cannot be handled electronically, please contact the help line at 334-501-7307 where staff will work to individually meet needs the best we can. Find more information related to the City’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic at auburnalabama.org/coronavirus.
Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer
Highlight Permanent Makeup Great Eyebrows Don't Happen by Chance They Happen by Appointment www.highlightspa.com • 334 - 744 - 1625 Subscribe to the Opelika Observer Today!
pelika Observer
Publisher: Michelle Key Editor: Morgan Bryce Marketing: Doug Horn and Woody Ross Photojournalist: Robert Noles Phone: 334.749.8003 editor@opelikaobserver.com Sports Writers: Rick Lanier and Michelle@opelikaobserver.com D. Mark Mitchell
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w w w. o p e l i k a o b s e r v e r . c o m 216 S. 8th Street, Opelika, AL 36801 Copyright 2009. All right reserved. Opelika Observer is published weekly by Opelika Observer, 216 S 8th St. Opelika, AL 36801. Periodicals postage is paid at Opelika, AL. USPS #025104 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Opelika Observer, 216 S. 8th Street, Opelika, AL 36801
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A3 March 25, 2020
Women’s Hope announces changes to daily clinic hours, planned fundraiser Special to the Opelika Observer Following is a statement from Women’s Hope Medical Clinic’s Executive Director Daria Monroe on how her organization will make slight alterations to accommodate for the COVID-19 outbreak. “Dear Friends and Family of Women’s Hope, The spread of COVID-19 has affected all of us in more ways than one. Here at
Women’s Hope Medical Clinic, we have always been dedicated to providing the best possible services to our clients and the community at large. With that in mind, we have decided to implement some important changes to our normal operations as we make everyone’s health a top priority. Until further notice, our clinic will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. by appointment only. We are working on an option to pro-
vide online parenting classes for our clients. Our clients are also encouraged to call if they have a material need for their baby, and we will do our best to meet the need. As always, prayer is available to everyone. We have asked our volunteers to remain safely at home until further notice. In regards to the 5K/Walk, out of necessity and care for our faithful community, we have moved to a virtual 5K/Walk
Kroger’s Auburn and Opelika Stores set hours for high-risk shoppers
Special to the Opelika Observer Beginning March 23, Kroger’s Atlanta Division, which includes Georgia, Eastern Alabama and South Carolina, will block off 7 to 8 a.m. on Mondays through Thursdays as designated shopping hours for seniors more than 60 and high-risk individuals as defined by the CDC. “During these hours, we will be open for those who may be more susceptible to COVID-19,” said Felix Turner, manager of corporate affairs for Kroger’s Atlanta Division. Kroger associates will be happy to assist anyone who needs additional help while shopping.
Karma, from A1 cluding the United States, the need for this initiative is more important than ever. “There’s no questions asked. Anyone who takes a pin will receive a free rice bowl and a drink,”
Opelika, from A2 over the phone at 334705-5160/334-705-5162 or by email at revenue@ opelika-al.gov. Thank you for your patience. Here are several important things to know about various city services: Accounting: The city will continue paying bills during this time. Please call the Accounting Department should you have any questions about invoices
“We encourage all customers to respect these special hours as we work to protect our community members,” Turner added. About Kroger At The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), they are Fresh for Everyone and dedicated to their purpose: To Feed the Human Spirit. There are 28,000 associates who serve customers daily by delivering a seamless shopping experience throughout Kroger’s Atlanta Division, which includes Georgia, Eastern Alabama and South Carolina. They are committed to creating #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities by 2025. To learn more about Kroger, visit their newsroom and investor relations site.
fundraising event. Our website will provide more information and updates as they become available. During this time, as always, we need and value your support of Women’s Hope. At Women’s Hope Medical Clinic, we have always sought to bring assurance and peace to others within the community, and we plan on continuing to do just that. With the implementation of these new protocols,
Update, from A1 Grill, EAMC president and CEO: “At this time, Lee County has the third highest number of confirmed cases in the state. That makes us somewhat of a ‘hot spot’ for Alabama and so we are working very closely with the Alabama Department of Public Health and the Alabama Hospital Association to monitor our situation.” “Like other hospitals, we have surge capacity contingency plans that have to be considered during times like these. As such, we have made some changes to where we care for certain patient types so as to separate our non-COVID patients from our confirmed or suspected COVID patients.” “I’m very proud of the way our employees and physicians have stepped up during this stressful time. It’s been amazing to see them take this challenge and adapt to the changes we have thrown at them each day, and still provide high-quality compassionate health care. I’m also appreciative of the great support from our community, especially those who have heeded the advice to shelter in place and complied with our difficult decision not to visit our patients and residents.”
we do not want to instill panic or fear. We are not acting rashly, but instead are following the protocol that our top medical professionals, churches, and government have set in place. We are still here for our community, and we are not going away. Even in the event that we are required to temporarily close our doors, our staff will still be actively working and responding to the community by phone and online.
Screening and Testing Hours for our 334-528SICK screening hotline are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Specimen collection will continue daily at HealthPlus and at EAMCLanier, but is based on available supplies. As a reminder, appointments can only be made by through the 334528-SICK hotline. For more information about when to seek screening, visit https:// www.eamc.org/patient-andguests/covid-19-information/ what-should-i-do-if-i-think-ihave-covid-19. For the latest information and updates on COVID-19 in our area, visit eamc.org/coronavirus. COVID-19 Results When someone has a specimen collected to be tested for COVID-19, it may take up to seven days before the results are provided, but the average return time is four days. The patient will receive a call from the EAMC, ADPH and/or an independent lab with their test results. The wait time is because of the amount of tests the labs are receiving nationwide as the pandemic spreads. Supplies Needed and How to Donate We are asking businesses that have access to the following items to please consider donating them in the coming days: -Isolation gowns: nonsterile, impervious -Masks: surgical, procedure, ear loop, ear loop
During this time of uncertainty, our prayers are with each of you as we walk through this together. We hope that we can offer you peace and comfort in these trying times. Standing with you in faith,” Daria J. Monroe For more information, call 334-5027000 or visit www. womenshope.org. The clinic is located at 820 Stage Road. with face shield, or fog-free procedure mask -Latex gloves: exam, nitrile or chemo -Hand sanitizer: 70% ethyl alcohol Businesses may bring these items to the collection site outside of EAMC’s Main Lobby between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each weekday. An EAMC representative will be there to collect the supplies. Employers Should Be Screening Their Employees Before Work Businesses that are still operating should be screening their employees every day, prior to allowing them to enter the premises. While every business may not be able to check the temperature of their employees, they can ask them these key questions: -Do you have a cough? -Are you having difficulty breathing? -Do you have muscle aches or body aches? -Do you feel like you have a fever? -Have you traveled anywhere in the past 14 days? -Have you been around anyone who has traveled in the past 14 days? -Do you feel sick in any way? If they answer yes to any of these symptoms, you should strongly consider sending your employees home and telling them to shelter in place at home.
Merchant said. After reading about a similar pay-it-forward concept in New York, Merchant started the pin board when he opened his doors at 1409 S. College St. in November. The full cost of a pin is $10, but he added that customers are welcome to donate what they can to keep the board going.
Good Karma started as a food truck on Auburn University’s campus before expanding to a physical storefront. Merchant, an Auburn native, said he has enjoyed educating the university’s student body and community as a whole on the bright, flavorful pallet of Indian cuisine. “Indian food for the
most part is kind of heavy, but it’s full of flavor and (recognizable) items that most people already like to eat,” Merchant said. Merchant’s parents run Philly Connection in Auburn, which also consists of a food truck and physical storefront. Popular dishes at Good Karma include Chicken
Tikka Misala as well as the curry and wrap options that Merchant offers. “When people come to Good Karma, they’ll hopefully enjoy the music, atmosphere and the food. I want them to have a great experience,” Merchant said. Because of the state order issued by Gov. Kay
Ivey last week, Good Karma and many other eateries in the Auburn-Opelika area and across Alabama have had to revert to curbside pickup. Customers can place their order via foodbooking.com or by calling 334-246-3144. The restaurant’s hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
or payment. City Employees: The City of Opelika is first and foremost committed to taking care of our employees. Employees will be paid during this time. We are also in the process of working on childcare for our employees. More to come on this soon. Opelika Sportsplex: The Sportsplex will freeze membership during this time. We will not draft membership dues until further notice. All Parks and Recreation Easter events have been canceled.
Opelika Track & Field has been cancelled for the remainder of the season. Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library: During this time, all due dates will be extended to April 6 and library staff ask that you keep your materials at home. Many services, including digital books, digital audiobooks, digital magazines, database research and more can be accessed through the library’s website: www. cooperlibrary.com. Staff are available to help you with access over the phone at 334-
705-5380 or by email at library@opelika-al.gov. Video tutorials are available to help you access these resources on the library’s website and social media pages. All events and programs have been canceled through April 15. We will reschedule events for future dates as we are able. Following is a directory for each city department: Accounting: 334-7055181 Administration: 334705-5150 Building Inspection:
334-705-5420, 334-7055427 City Attorney: 334705-2075 City Clerk: 344-7055110 Economic Development: 334-705-5115 Engineering: 334-7055450 Environmental Services: 334-705-5480 ESG/Public Works: 334-705-5400 Fire Department: 334705-5300 Human Resources: 334-705-5130 Lewis Cooper Memorial Jr. Memorial Library:334-705-5380
Municipal Court:334-705-5196 Opelika Power Services: 334-7055570 Opelika Police Department: 334-705-5200 Parks and Recreation: 334-705-5560 Planning: 334-7055166 Probation Office: 334705-5198 Purchasing: 334-7055120, 334-705-5126 Revenue: 334-7055160, 334-705-5162 For more information and updates, follow the City of Opelika’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
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A4 March 25, 2020
The Incredible Power of Pizza
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equon, Wisconsin — It’s cold in Wisconsin. Try 29 degrees on for size. This is definitely not the time of year you want to run out of toilet paper because of a coronavirus epidemic. But I suppose Wisconsin people are used to the cold. I talked to one Wisconsin lady who said, “This is nothing, last year it was so cold that if our thermometer woulda been an inch longer, we woulda froze to death.” The Mequon Pizza Company is making the weather and the virus pandemic a little more bearable with regular pizza deliveries. Their deep-dish pies are the best in town. Their hand-rolled mozzarella sticks are to die for. And if you order today, your large pizza comes with a free side of Cottonelle 2-ply toilet paper. That’s right. Toilet paper is on the menu at Mequon Pizza Company. They are delivering rolls of toilet paper all over the area. An official company spokesperson announced online a few days ago: “Did you run out of toilet paper? If so, the Mequon Pizza Company has your back! …We will give you a free roll of Cottonelle 2-ply toilet paper if you need it! Just ask!” There is a limit to six rolls per customer. One dollar for each additional roll. But the main thing to remember here is: The Mequon Pizza Company has your backside. I wish they delivered to Florida. Portland, Oregon — Wanda is reading bedtime stories to her grandchildren via video phone
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f all of the ways Southerners are stereotyped and slandered, few are more insulting than what “they” say about our rituals of courtship. Jeff Foxworthy, who made a fine living off of “you must be a redneck” one-liners, had a stock of ‘em. “If you go to family reunions to pick up girls, you must be a redneck.”
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ow. What a wild, and perhaps adventurous, last couple weeks it has been. In processing all the events unfolding around us, my assumption of self has become more and more clear. I live moment by moment, day by day. I have too much energy to look behind me and my mind cannot even wrap around tomorrow, so I take in what
By Sean Dietrich calls. She has been doing this every night. “You have no idea how alone I feel,” said Wanda. “To be a lonely senior citizen, sometimes going to the grocery store or the post office was the only socialization I got.” She reads to her grandchildren from the same book each evening. Her grandchildren end every phone call by kissing the camera and saying, “We love you, Grandma.” “It’s all I have to look forward to right now,” Wanda says. “I love it.” Jonesboro, Arkansas — Jonesboro is a cool town with lots of things to do. But all the storefronts and restaurants are losing money since business tanked. Which is why an investment company that owns several area restaurants is waiving rent so local eateries can keep paying employees. The Young Investment Company told tenants last week: “We ask that you use this money instead to pay your employees and take care of your family. Stay strong. We will get through this together!” You don’t typically expect this kind of positive attitude from frugal property owners. And if you’ve worked in food service, you know exactly what I mean. I once worked in a restaurant where the owner was so cheap that he ate his cereal with a fork so he could
reuse the milk. To tenants like Chef John Myers, this lenience was not just appreciated, it was life saving. “That money goes straight to the employees,” Myers says. Reno, Nevada — It’s spring break and college kids are supposed to be on beaches, throwing Frisbees. But Jayde Powell, a 20-year-old psychology student at the University of Nevada in Reno, had a better idea. Instead of vacationing on a crowded beach, throwing a Frisbee that could seriously injure some poor middle-aged guy, or worse, knock over his beer, Jayde is delivering groceries. And I don’t mean a few bags. I’m talking metric tons. Not long ago, Jayde gathered several friends from her medical fraternity, Phi Delta Epsilon, who probably have a combined IQ of 73,912. They formed a gang called the “Shopping Angels.” Jayde posted some information online offering to deliver essentials to elderly neighbors. The responses flooded in. Emails came from all over the nation. Messages from those needing help. Messages from people wanting to help out. And sincere messages from helpful folks who wanted to take a minute to tell Jayde about the life-altering power of Amway. No, I’m just kidding about Amway. I think. The Shopping Angels have been raising money hand over Frisbee. So far, they have raised $19,000 in only a matter of days. In fact, Jayde’s club has gone nationwide almost overnight. She has
See Dietrich, page A5
As quarry victory shows, politics takes many forms
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n a classic Folgers commercial, an Army sergeant gets up early to make coffee for his unit. “Top” arrives and the NCO says: “Good morning, first sergeant.” They both smile and sip coffee. Then comes the theme: “The best part of waking up is Folgers in your cup.” When teaching at Fort Benning, I mentioned that ad if someone said “I don’t do politics.” The commercial has elements of duty (respect for superiors) and office politics (activities or behaviors used to get or keep power or an advantage within a business.) “Being political” at work is more common than people admit. Yet, sadly, citizen participation in local and state politics is very low. Here’s a welcome exception: Citizens from all over Lee County backed by their elected officials derailed a problematic granite quarry project just outside Opelika. The CreekWood Resources LLC quarry likely would affect the Saugahatchee Watershed, which is where Opelika gets most of its water. In addition, the proposed location for the quarry was near many schools, with implications for air quality. “They (Creekwood) were caught somewhat by surprise at the amount of resistance and the number of people that opposed the quarry,” Opelika Mayor
By Greg Markley Gary Fuller told WSFA. “I think there were over 2,000 letters written to ADEM opposing the quarry asking for a public hearing.” Notwithstanding the success with the quarry, citizens appear to be swimming in news but not finding time to participate in public affairs. A New York Times story last November was titled: “‘No One Believes Anything’: Voters Worn Out by a Fog of Political News.” The culprits identified by writers Sabrina Tavernise and Aidan Gardiner are: social media; too much information online, some of it deceptive; and a tsunami of partisan news. What, then, makes a good citizen? John Gramlich, senior editor at the Pew Research Center, announced in early 2018 that voting, paying taxes, and following the law scored highest on the list. In Pew Center research, 74% of those interviewed said voting in elections was very important to what it means to be a good citizen; 71% said it’s best to pay all the taxes they owe; and always following the law 69%. These are good news,
but discouragement is found in low scores in the last three citizenship traits. The third lowest score was 49% negative on “Follow what happens in govt. and politics.” In practical terms, this means people may be voting blind, just guessing as they pick candidates, or voting a straight party ballot. The second lowest score was 45% negative “Protest if you think govt. actions are wrong.” This is not the Sixties as people often say. Many people don’t want to get involved in political matters. Finally, the bottom score was 36% for “Display the American flag.” This illustrates that a large majority of Americans are too lazy, too unpolitical, too afraid, too-anti-symbols, or too self-centered to fly a flag at home, or even wear a miniature flag as the post-9/11 politicians do. Robert Putnam, author of “Bowling Alone,” about social dislocation, was ontarget when he said: “Busy people tend to forgo the one activity - TV watching that is most lethal to community involvement.” I have known so many people who say they are too busy to vote, to be an eyewitness to a commission meeting, or to experience for the first time a city council meeting. Then you find out they “must” stay home for a silly sit-com See Markley, page A5
Courting down South Consider also this bit of “Southern Haiku”: Desire Damn, in that tubetop You make me almost fergit That you’re my cousin That is wrong on so many levels. But not as bad as what has been described as a “Southern pick-up line”: “Get in the truck.”
By Hardy Jackson
Well, I am here to tell you that it was not always this way. Quite to the contrary. In times gone by, a young Southern gentleman courted a
young Southern lady much as my grandfather did when he paid court to my grandmother. I found evidence of this in the 14 short notes she saved. Written between March of 1903 and December of 1904, each was in an envelope addressed to: Miss Jessie Fontaine City Which was how they addressed letters mailed in town. No
stamp needed. He was 17, just out of high school and working in the local drug store. She was 18, also graduated, and (in the parlance of the time) “at home.” He was the second son of a prominent, politically connected family. She was the daughter of the local Methodist minister. Her father’s occupation determined how the courtship began,
for the first letter, dated March 1, 1903, read simply, “Miss Jessie Fontaine May I have the Pleasure of accompanying you out to preaching tonight. Your friend Quincy Waite” Apparently that worked well, for a few weeks later a similar request was received and accepted.
beauty of a new day of life falls fresh on my soul. The sunrise in the distance, the fresh dew on my skin and the harmony of birds is nothing short of a sanctuary. I sit still with my coffee and awake to green grass, vast skies and a new day. After some time has passed, often an hour, I move forward to start again. This simple act of God has set my feet on the ground every
morning since everything changed. The funny thing is, the birds never stop doing their thing. Never. Chirping, singing, every morning they are still there, still the same. Still doing their thing they are called to do, to be a bird. I began to wonder, if birds are called to be birds and they give their greatest effort every day, then
See Jackson, page A5
To Be a Bird I can today. This has shown to be fruitful for me most recently as I, along with the rest of the nation, learn to juggle work, family and homeschool (farmstyle). I don’t even think about what I’m doing tomorrow. Today is today, and that is enough for me. Every morning this week I’ve woken up to a chorus of wildly, chirping birds. They begin when it’s still
dark, way before sunrise and continue in song all day long, till well after sunset. I first noticed them the morning after we returned home from Colorado. It dawned on me that it was indeed the first signs of Spring. This was also the same day our world flipped upsidedown from Coronavirus. Since that Saturday, the happiness and song of these birds
By Bradley Robertson have woken me up every morning. They begin with their music, beckoning me to my front porch. And when I arrive, the glory and
See Robertson, page A5
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A5 March 25, 2020
Internal Revenue Service delays filing deadline to July 15
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reasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced last Friday that the Internal Revenue Service has delayed this year’s filing deadline by three months from April 15 to July 15. The tax payment deadline has also been delayed to July 15 to provide taxpayers with relief related to the current Coronavirus pandemic. The announcement also provided that no interest or penalties related to failure to file a tax return of pay federal income taxes will accrue between April 15 and July 15. Barry Melancon, the president of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, stated that “our profession has a tremendous opportunity to
Markley, from A4 or wretched reality show. Eitan Hersh, a political scientist at Tufts University, created the term “political hobbyists” for college graduates who think they are well-into politics but actually are armchair citizens. Hersh believes that “College-educated voters are ruining American politics” and that “political hobbyism is to public affairs what watching ESPN’s Sports Center is to playing football.” “Political hobbyists follow the news and debate the latest developments on social media, Hersh wrote in The Atlantic issue of January 20, 2020. They might sign an online
By Justin Smith create economic stimulus when we help taxpayers submit a refund return.” The Treasury Department’s notice only applies to federal income tax returns and payments (including self-employment tax payments) and to 2020 estimated tax payments due by April 15. Prior year payments and returns, employment taxes and other taxes have not been
petition or throw a $5 online donation at a presidential candidate. Mostly, they consume political information as a way of satisfying their own emotional and intellectual needs.” These hobbyists, most but not all of whom are Democrats or liberals, were surveyed in 2018. They said consuming news accounts for 41% of their time, with 26% for discussion and debate and 21% contemplating politics alone. 10% of the time was unclassifiable, and they only spent 2% with voluntary political organizations. In the election year of 2016, they talked a lot about politics but most did not attend one political meeting. Did they even deign to vote? (That question was not asked.)
Robertson, from A4 what are we called to be? I tend to my family day in and day out in this new normal and put one foot in front of the other. I feed them and put forth my best effort to teach them, love them, help them and keep them safe. Now it’s not all smiles and giggles, we all know the truth about parenting. But through it all, we have an earnest sense of joy. Even my farmer husband, still working, tends to us in hope and human connection. He smiles at us every morning and every evening as if nothing has changed at all. I have questioned why at this point am I still so joyful when there is such obvious pain and uncertainty all around me? I read the news. I have medical friends on the frontlines at EAMC. I know the death toll. I know small business is struggling. I know this is hurting real estate. I know folks who need to be at work. I know kids are actually hungry. I know the reality. I am not blind. I also know God holds it all. I also know I can only do my part by just being me. I will rise each day and seek his face and keep
directly addressed by the pronouncement. My advice is that taxpayers who normally receive a tax return should proceed with filing their tax returns as soon as possible, as no delays have been announced in the processing of returns or distribution of tax refunds. Taxpayers who normally face a tax bill (or who expect to) should also consider filing their tax returns promptly so that they can plan for their taxes due, but still have additional time to actually remit payments. Throughout the current Coronavirus pandemic, taxpayers should keep in mind that many accountants, including me, have multiple options available to clients to help them I got interested in politics as a seven-yearold when the president was assassinated. That was JFK, not Lincoln! It was a terrible time for me, America and the world. But as I watched the honors and his burial, I decided I wanted to write about politics. I succeeded. Sometimes on my free time, I even go to public meetings. President Kennedy said: “All mothers want their son to become president, but they do not want him to become a politician.” Very interesting. Greg Markley has lived in Lee County for 18 of the last 23 years. An award-winning journalist, he has master’s degrees in education and history. He has taught as an adjunct in Alabama and Georgia.
serving the ways I know how; in optimism, joy, enthusiasm and dreamy encouragement. And the rest of the world, will do their part by just being them. Doctors will be greater doctors. Business minds will come up with new strategy. Creatives will flourish with new ideas. Teachers will reach in wider spaces. Leaders will lead with new care and vision. Grandpa’s will be funnier Grandpa’s and friends will be sweeter and more thoughtful friends. And we will all seamlessly fall into place, helping each other make it through each day. Who are you called to be? Keeping being you. Today, you are the greatest thing you are called to be. “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or stow away in barns, and yet your heavenly father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” Matthew 6:26 Bradley Robertson is a local mother, wife and creative. She’s an Auburn University graduate, loves good food and getting outside with her family. Bradley enjoys feature writing, as well as southern culture and lifestyle writing.
file their taxes. We can conduct conference calls, use secure online portals to collect and obtain tax documents, collaborate via email, exchange text messages and deliver invoices electronically for payment. Those who prefer to provide paper tax documents can still do so, while preferably exercising discretion and social distancing. The Alabama Department of Revenue (ADOR) has also offered relief for the current crisis by waiving penalties for late payment of sales taxes. The State also announced it will follow the IRS for income tax filing deadlines. The IRS has established a special website to publish Coronavirus
Dietrich, from A4 brought on five coordinators to help take on the mounting workload. Jayde says, “A lot of our volunteers have already said they hope this continues… The fact that people want to continue this when quarantines are over shows me that this is something that could continue long into the future.” I’ve never met Jayde, but I know that the launch angle of her future has changed in the past week. I’ll bet it’s only going to keep changing. And the funny thing is, spring break isn’t even over yet. So anyway, I keep
Jackson, from A4 Then he grew bolder, and to help his cause he enlisted a friend, and proposed a doubledate, at her home. Misses Fontaine & Shamburger. If agreeable we would be glad to call tonight. Your friends Isaac & Quincy The success of this venture emboldened him to suggest that they be seen at a social gathering that was not at the church. “Dear (note the salutation) Miss Jessie (no Fontaine): I would be pleased to accompany you out to the pound supper at Mr. Jim Chapman’s this evening. Your friend Quincy Waite” A “pound supper,” or more commonly “a pounding,” was when guests brought newlyweds a pound of something (flour, butter, etc.) to help them set up housekeeping. Through the
tax relief at www.irs.gov/ coronavirus. ADOR has also published a similar Web site at https://revenue.alabama. gov/coronavirus-covid19-outbreak-updates/ Congress is currently considering economic stimulus legislation that includes direct payments to taxpayers. While it is hard to predict what may happen, filing your tax return with a direct deposit refund is still the best way to get your hard-earned cash back into your pocket as quickly as possible. Lastly, be wary of tax scams and phishing/social engineering attempts. The IRS has announced it expects identify thieves to be especially aggressive in trying to defraud taxpayers. The IRS will
not call or email taxpayers, or attempt to collect money through payment channels such as money orders, bitcoin or prepaid cards. Visit https://www. irs.gov/newsroom/taxscams-consumer-alerts for more information, but be sure to remain alert to possible identity theft during this time. Please reach out to me or your tax professional if you have further questions about your specific tax situation during this time. Smith is a licensed certified public accountant in Opelika, specializing in individual and small business tax and accounting. He can be contacted at 251-209-2579 or Justin@ JSmithCPA.net. His website is www.jsmithcpa.net.
trying to go back to my normal daily writing, sharing important updates about my dogs, my wife, mayonnaise, etc. But I just can’t seem to quit reading these stories. Not when people keep emailing them to me by the bucketfuls. This is a rough time. Our world feels like it’s stuck in a kind of Purgatory sometimes. Watching the news is starting to give me palpitations. So each morning, I read these emails on my computer screen and become so moved that I call my wife into the room. Then I tell her about how a pizza shop in Mequon is delivering free toilet paper. Or about how a grandmother misses contact with other people. Even though I don’t
spring there were more preaching dates until finally, in July, he made his next move. He sent a gift, a token of his affection. “Dear Miss Jessie, Please accept [this] melon with best wishes and kind regards. Your friend Quincy Waite” She responded (the only reply they saved): “Mr. Waite, Accept many many thanks for the nice fruit. Your friend, Jessie Fontaine” That went over so well that two weeks later he gave her another. This time he simply signed the note “Quincy.” A month later they were on a first name basis. “Dear Jessie, If agreeable I would be pleased to call tonight. Your friend, Quincy” No preaching, no “pounding” - just dropping by in the evening. Slowly, the courtship played out over the next 10 years, until finally, on Feb. 11, 1913, they married.
Now to the modern mind my grandparents’ courtship may seem overly formal and ponderously slow. However, to previous generations, their courtship may have seemed casual, hasty, and a bit unseemly. Consider this. Among the papers my Grandmother saved was the following letter, dated May 18, 1852, in which one of our ancestors wrote to the father and mother of the young lady he wished to marry. “Respected Sir & Madam, As on you devolves the important duty of directing the destiny of your Daughter by bestowing her hand upon whomever you may deem worthy of so good a boom, permit me to offer myself as an honorable applicant for the distinguished favor. I am authorized by her to say that we have confessed our Love and find it reciprocal, plighted our vows and deemed them irrevocable, con-
mean to, I start to choke up while reading. Not only because I am touched by the stories; not only because during sad times the human race will always find a way of surprising you. But because we are almost out of toilet paper. Sean Dietrich is a columnist, novelist, and podcast host, known for his commentary on life in the American South. His work has appeared in Newsweek, Southern Living, Garden and Gun, The Tallahassee Democrat, Good Grit, South Magazine, Alabama Living, the Birmingham News, Thom Magazine, The Mobile Press Register, has authored nine books and is the creator of the Sean of the South Podcast. sequently nothing more is wanting to perfect our happiness (with regard to matters of this kind) save your full consent which we mutually hope will not be withheld. In reference to myself, I deem it necessary only to say that whatever may be my faults, and I know they are many, I hope your goodness of heart will prompt you to attribute them to errors of the head and not the heart. Sincerely hoping that you will give the above your earliest attention, I am your most humble servant.” There you have it. From pounding suppers, preachings and melons to telling the girl you met at the family reunion to “get in the truck.” Such is the history and the decline of courting in the South. Harvey H. (“Hardy”) Jackson is Professor Emeritus of History at Jacksonville State University. He can be reached at hjackson@cableone.net.
pelika Observer O
A6 March 25, 2020
Alfa Insurance continues helping policyholders while safeguarding health Special to the Opelika Observer Alfa Insurance is continuing to help policyholders while encouraging employees and customers to take necessary steps to safeguard health and limit the spread of COVID-19. Customers are encouraged to take advantage of varied service options for conducting regular business with Alfa, such as making a payment, filing a claim or accessing ID cards. Those options include: -Calling the Customer
Resource Center at 1-800964-2532 -Going online to AlfaInsurance.com -Using the Alfa2Go app “The biggest change in our operating procedures is that we will not allow walk-in visits at our service centers. Instead, we are asking policyholders to call their local service center and make an appointment if they need to come in to speak with someone or make a cash payment,” said Alfa Insurance President Jimmy Parnell. “Our claims offices remain staffed but are closed to
the public. We’ve taken these steps to protect the health of our customers and employees while ensuring policyholders receive the same great service they’ve come to expect from Alfa.” Policyholders can find contact information for service centers by completing a search at AlfaInsurance.com. Additionally, Alfa employees have been encouraged to conduct meetings by conference call or teleconferencing and to limit travel and visits from outside vendors to only essential activities.
Water Works Board to suspend service disruptions, fees related to late payments Special to the Opelika Observer The Water Works Board of the City of Auburn (AWWB) will continue to bill for water, sewer and garbage services each month on its regular schedule. Auburn Water Works staff encourage customers to continue to pay their bills as customary. However, if this is not possible, collection procedures have been adjusted
as a courtesy to our customers. If a customer is unable to pay their bill, the AWWB will not disrupt services for late payments and will not charge late fees or delinquent account fees. These temporary procedures are in place until April 16, and will be evaluated at that time to determine if an additional grace period is needed. All inquiries may be made by calling
the Utility Billing Office at 334-5013050 or by emailing serviceorders@ auburnalabama.org. Customers can request changes to an account, pay a bill, check an account balance and view transaction history by visiting ubservices/auburnalabama.org. AWWB has two drive-thru lanes to accommodate customer needs. Operating hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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“Lee County Strong: Remembering Beauregard and Smiths Station” is a special publication by the Observer. This 140-page magazine is our way of honoring those who we lost and letting those who survived know that we have not forgotten them. Proceeds from this magazine will be used to assist with the recovery efforts that are still ongoing. The magazine costs $5.99 plus tax and can be purchased online at www.opelikaobserver.com using the “Subscribe now” option. Use the dropdown menu to select “Lee County Strong.” We will deliver inside of Lee County or offer curbside pickup while our office is closed due to the COVID-19 situation.
Opelika E vents, Society, & Food
CALENDAR OF EVENTS: Because of the COVID-19 Pandemic and CDC recommendations for organizers to postpone gatherings of 50 or more people for the next eight weeks, nearly all scheduled events for the rest of March and April have been canceled or pushed back. Follow the Observer for updates on when community events will resume in our area.
Organize pantry, freezer for creating comforting dishes Ann Cipperly’s
Southern
Hospitality
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ith all of us being home a lot more these days, it is a good time to serve comforting dishes to our family. Make mealtime special for your family by gathering at the table to dine and tell stories of good memories. Since children are home from school, let them help prepare meals. It is a good time to teach them to cook. Start with cookies and desserts. This is also a good time to organize and stock your pantry and freezer for cooking at home. I have had a couple of requests to give ideas for items to
have on hand. Let’s start with items for breakfast for the pantry. Along with assorted cereals and oatmeal, keep breakfast and protein bars. To have on hand when the milk in the refrigerator is gone, you will need cartons of coconut milk, almond milk and nonrefrigerated packages of milk (available in cereal aisle with coconut and almond milk). I also like to have cans of evaporated milk in regular, 2 percent and fat free. These can be used in cereals and coffee, as well as for creating a creamy sauce. Pancake and waffle
mixes are good. Get the ones that only need water in case you are out of eggs and milk. Be sure to have syrup and honey. Oatmeal and grits are good to have on hand. I also use the grits instead of mashed potatoes at dinner. In the freezer, you can store a good supply of bacon, sausage (Capps is best), biscuits, yeast rolls, waffles, pancakes and loaves of bread. You can also freeze milk. Stock the pantry with items for quick lunches, including peanut butter, almond butter, jellies and preserves, canned chicken, canned salmon and tuna.
Photo by Ann Cipperly Everyone has their own idea of comfort food. For some it is mac and cheese or a big bowl of pasta. For others, it is warm cookies freshly baked from the oven. Try these Oatmeal Brickle Cookies or another of the comfort recipes, and look over the ideas for organizing your pantry. Have plenty of chicken noodle soup for children and cream of chicken, which can also be used in creating entrees. Other items to have on hand include soft or corn tortillas, salsa, canned green chilies, black olives, taco mix, ranch dressing mix, chili mix, an assortment of beans, including black beans, baked beans, refried beans, northern beans for making soups and chickpeas for making hummus. Stock up on
dried beans too. Also have pizza crusts, pizza sauce and Parmesan cheese. While mozzarella, pepper jack, cheddar cheese and ricotta will keep a long time in the refrigerator, stock Velveeta cheese in the pantry if needed for making mac and cheese or for casseroles. I always have a large selection of pastas in the pantry along with assorted jars of pasta sauces, including marinara and
Alfredo. Keep one pound packages of ground beef or turkey in the freezer for making sauces with meat. Store boxes of breadsticks in the pantry for times you don’t have bread to serve with pasta. Other items to have on hand for creating meals include jars of pesto and roasted red peppers, chicken and beef broth, artichoke hearts, sundried tomatoes, breadcrumbs, See Cipperly, page A10
Opelika Songwriter’s Festival ‘Couchella’ event April 17 to 19 will postponed to September benefit mission of MyMusicRx Special to the Opelika Observer We are saddened to announce we are postponing the 2nd Annual Opelika Songwriters Festival scheduled for March 27 to 29 until Sept. 18 to 20. At this time it is our civic responsibility to be a part of the solution to slow down the spread of COVID-19 corona virus. With the new date, the artist lineup will change slightly and we will announce the new lineup in the near future. The bulk of the artist have already committed to joining us
in September so that’s some good news! If you are a sponsor, volunteer, or venue partner, please know we are making every effort to contact each of you in a timely manner. If you have bought festival passes, please hold onto your electronic ticket as they will still be honored with the make up date. If you cannot attend the festival in September please let us know and we will issue you a full refund. We are currently working with our lodging partner Marriott Bonvoy to have existing reserva-
tions changed as well as updating the booking block for September for those of you planning to join us in the fall from out of town. Thank you for your patience as we work through the logistics of rescheduling the festival - we will continue to put out information as it becomes available. We wish all you good health during this unprecedented time and hope we are all on the other side of this pandemic very soon. Best regards, Opelika Songwriters Festival
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By Morgan Bryce Editor Opelika musician and native Abby Miracle is organizing the second annual “Couchella” event April 17 to 19 to benefit MyMusicRx, an organization dedicated to helping hospitalized children and teenagers battle through their illness through the power of music. Miracle explained that listeners can visit couchellafest.weebly. com on each day of the festival to stream and listen to the event. Un-
der the “Performances” tab, there will be a link to purchase Couchella 2020 T-shirts or donate directly to the cause. All shirt proceeds will be donated to MyMedicRx. “The first goal I ever had with this event when I created and first hosted it last April is to bring new music to people all over the world, wherever they may be. With everything going on in the world right now, everyone is supposed to stay inside as much as possible, so I believe that we all
need an event like this now more than ever,” Miracle said. “And, of course, we are raising funds for MyMusicRx so that those sick kids can learn how to play music and have music brought to them because they need it too.” Known for her ukelele-playing skills, Miracle said she will perform, along with local musicians like Katie Martin, Larry Mitchell, Dave Potts and Evan Stegner. She added that Couchella See Couchella, page A11
pelika Observer O
A8 March 25, 2020
Auburn’s Kreher Preserve and Nature Center remaining open Special to the Opelika Observer The Kreher Preserve & Nature Center will remain open to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic. Use this time to reconnect with the natural world! As a reminder, they are open dawn to dusk - no dogs, no bikes, no smoking. The Nature
Center is an unconfined, outdoor environment, naturally less conducive to the virus. This abundance of space makes social distancing inherent to all activities and hinders the spread of the virus. And all surfaces are exposed to environmental conditions, diminishing the survival of the virus outside the body.
Please respect your fellow visitors by practicing social distancing (at least six feet), use hand sanitizer, wash your hands well and often, and do not touch your face. Gatherings of more than a few individuals will not be permitted. All KPNC programming has been delayed or cancelled. Individual
participants have been notified and will be updated if/when there are any changes. Follow our Facebook page and watch our online calendar for updates. For more information, like and follow the center's social media pages or visit http://wp.auburn. edu/preserve/. The center is located at 2222 N. College St.
Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer
Opelika Bicycle Advisory Committee cancels March meeting Special to the Opelika Observer The Opelika Bicycle Advisory Committee has canceled their March meeting amid concerns over the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In an email sent on Wednesday morning, Committee President Dr. Shirley Lazenby stated that she was
sad to have to nix the group's planned March meeting as well as seeing other cycling events like the "Auburn Ride and Seek" be canceled. "We'll get through this disruptive pandemic stronger on the other side. In fact, bikes appear to be part of the solution, am I right? So, when you are not on your
bike enjoying the balmy temperatures, you can still contribute from home. Check out our event on Facebook and spew forth your great ideas for the best #BikeMonth ever... no respiratory droplet precautions needed! For those of you not on Facebook, it's time to get on and "like" Opelika Bicycle Ad-
visory Committee," Lazenby wrote in her email. Ending her email on a positive note, Lazenby said the group is tenatively scheduled to meet again on April 16 at 5:30 p.m. at James Bros. Bikes in downtown Opelika. For more information and updates, like and follow the group's social media pages.
Community Foundation of East Alabama creates Coronavirus fund Special to the Opelika Observer The Community Foundation of East Alabama, Inc. (CFEA) is announcing a Coronavirus Relief Fund for the area. This fund is able to provide resources to those organizations that are legally qualified to receive tax-deductible contributions, such as 501c3 organizations,
schools, faith-based organizations, governmental entities and other public entities and that are working with citizens impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19) and experiencing economic distress from this outbreak. We will work closely with all partners who have the expertise of working with those in need and who know first-hand where the
needs are most intense. The CFEA is not able to provide grants to individuals but, as stated, will work with communitybased organizations to provide resources. We also encourage you to donate to organizations directly that you normally support. Through this fund, we hope to be able to co-
ordinate and provide funding where most needed, quickly and long term. Please heed all the advice on how to protect yourself and others. Contributions may be made on the Community Foundation of East Alabama website: http/:www.cfeastalabama.org or by mail to Community Founda-
tion of East Alabama, P. O. Box 165, Opelika, Alabama 368030165. Please make checks payable to the CFEA and designate Coronavirus in memo. Contributions are tax deductible to the
extent allowed by the law. For additional information, please contact Barbara Patton or Todd Rauch at 334705-5138 or info@ cfeastalabama.org.
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COVID-19 SAFETY PLAN In view of the rapidly spreading COVID-19 (Corona) virus, we are taking measures to protect our elderly and immunocompromised customers. The pharmacy will serve the community through our drive-thru/curb side and delivery service only effective immediatly.
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Opelika
A9
Family & Religion
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e’ve been living in the wilderness for about a week and a half. The wilderness can be a place of temptation. Its challenging realities can push us to bitterness and complaining. We can dwell on what we don’t have, curse the scarcity of the things that bring us comfort and develop severe cases of ingratitude (Israel). But it doesn’t have to be that way. The wilderness can also be a place where our faith is refined and our
Church Calendar COVID-19 Church News Airview Baptist Church • No Bible study or choir rehearsal on March 25. Facebook live stream of service again on March 29. First Baptist Church Of Opelika - Holding service(s) through Facebook live streams on Sundays. First United Methodist Church Of Opelika - Facebook live stream at 9:30 a.m. for services. Children and their families are invited to participate in an online Sunday School from 10:30-11:15. Lakeview Baptist Church - All church services will be livestreamed on the church’s Facebook page and website www. lakeviewbaptist.org. Events and gatherings have been canceled until further notice. Living Way Ministries - No services for at least another week. St Mary’s Catholic Church - Mass live streamed on Facebook on Sundays. Trinity United Methodist Church - Live stream on Facebook @ 10 a.m. “The Trinity church office is still open and operating along with our Christian Counseling Ministry if you need to contact us or schedule an appointment.” Wesley Memorial United Methodist - All church events, small groups, pastoral visits and meetings are cancelled through March 29. At that point, they will reevaluate and move forward. • April 30 - First Baptist Church of Opelika’s Men’s and Women’s Ministries are hosting Dr. David Jeremiah at Auburn Arena on April 30, starting at 7 p.m. Charles Billingsley will serve as the worship leader for this event. Tickets cost $15 each and can be purchased online at www. fbcopelika.com. For more information, call 334-7455715.
March 25, 2020
Seeing the unseen focus on ministry is sharpened (Jesus). The difference, of course, is in how we choose to see (and respond) to our circumstances. As Israel trekked through the wilderness, God made His presence known in all sorts of ways: the cloud, manna, quail, water, imperishable clothing, etc. If you wanted or needed proof that God was with you, it wasn’t hard to find. What was more difficult to find was trust in His purposes for them. We are most defi-
By Bruce Green Teaching Minister at 10th Street Church of Christ in Opelika
nitely in a time of walking by faith rather than sight. It started when this invisible virus came on the scene and many people acted as if it didn’t exist. It continues now as new circumstances
unfold each day. We are traveling through a part of the wilderness where our vision is obscured by the mountains around us—we don’t have a clear view of what is on the other side or even when we will be past the mountains. But that’s okay, because some of the best work by God’s people has been done under such circumstances. Abraham and Sarah took off for who knows where. Noah built an ark because God warned him “about
Place your ad here! things not yet seen.” And a host of other people did a host of remarkable things by trusting in God and His purposes. That’s our family and that’s our heritage. Let’s live like it today and every day! So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:18) You can find more of Bruce’s writings at his website: atasteofgracewithbrucegreen.com.
Email: editor@opelika observer.com Call: 334-749-8003
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Verse of the Week
But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. Psalm 59:16
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 Green Chapel Missionary 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
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
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 10th Street Church of
METHODIST Auburn United Methodist Church 137 South Gay St., Auburn 334-826-8800 Beulah United Methodist Church 5165 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-745-4755
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
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
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A10 March 25, 2020
Cipperly, from A7 mustards, soy sauce, vinegars, oils, olive oil, tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, jars of minced garlic and minced onions for when the fresh ones are gone. Don’t forget mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, pickles and barbecue sauce. While fresh and frozen vegetables are the best, store canned ones in the pantry when needed. I
Recipes Double Chocolate Rocky Road Brownies 2 cups sugar 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa ½ tsp. baking soda ½ tsp. salt 1 cup butter, melted 4 eggs 2 tsp. vanilla 1 ½ cups coarsely chopped nuts, optional 1 jar (7 oz.) marshmallow creme 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips Line 13x9x2-inch baking pan with aluminum foil and grease lightly. Stir sugar, flour, cocoa, soda and salt; set aside. Mix melted butter, eggs and vanilla until smooth. Add to flour mixture and stir until moistened. Fold in chopped nuts. Spread batter into prepared pan. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted one inch from center comes out barely moist. Do not over bake. Remove from oven. Spread marshmallow crème evenly over brownies and sprinkle with chocolate chips. Return to oven for 2 minutes. Remove and pull knife through topping to marble marshmallow and chocolate. When completely cool, remove from pan, peel off oil and cut into squares. Makes about 2 dozen. Chocolate Cobbler Payton Tatum Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt in 8x8 dish: 6 Tbsp. butter Mix together until smooth: 1 cup self-rising flour ¾ cup sugar 1½ Tbsp. cocoa ½ cup milk 1 tsp. vanilla ½ cup chocolate chips Spoon batter in dish over melted butter. Mix together: 1 cup sugar ¼ cup cocoa Sprinkle over batter. Pour slowly over top of sugar mixture: 1½ cup boiling water Bake for 30 minutes or until set. Makes 8 servings. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake with Pineapple Sauce Ruby Worthington 1 stick butter 1 ½ cups brown sugar 1 large can sliced pineapple 1 jar maraschino cherries 1 box Duncan Hines Yellow Butter Cake Mix
generally have green beans, corn, tiny green peas, asparagus and beets, among others. You can get canned potatoes to have when you don’t have any fresh ones. To use instead of potatoes, stock rice, egg noodles and grits. I make creamy grits by using half chicken stock and milk instead of water. If you can’t get to the store for fresh fruit, stock the pantry with fruit juices, canned fruits, applesauce, cranberry sauce and assorted dried fruits. I keep a can of peaches for making a cobbler. Bags of
dried fruit and trail mixes are good to have on hand. For baking, stock the pantry with flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, shortening, brown sugar, confectioners’ sugar, yeast, cocoa, chocolate chips, cans of pumpkin, vanilla, cooking spray, cake mixes, cornmeal mixes and assorted nuts to also have for snacking. Other snacking items to have on hand include popcorn, pita chips and other chips your family enjoys, crackers and cookies. Graham crackers are good for snacking, and you can crush them for making a
Melt one stick of butter In a 13 by 9-inch baking dish or pan, spreading over pan into corners. Sprinkle brown sugar over bottom of pan. Drain sliced pineapple, reserving the juice. Place eight whole pineapple slices in pan. Cut two slices in half. Place down sides to meet whole slices. Place one maraschino cherry in center of each slice. For the cake: Follow directions on box for mixing cake. Pour cake batter over pineapple slices and bake in a 350 degree oven until cake is brown. Let cool ten minutes; loosen around sides and turn out on a large platter. Pineapple Sauce After cake is cooled: Melt ½ stick butter; add 1 tsp. flour and stir well. Do not brown. Add 1/3 cup sugar and blend well, add reserved pineapple juice and cook on low heat until sauce is slightly thick. Serve over each cake square.
ricotta Parmesan cheese In a pan, mix cooked ziti with pasta sauce. Pour half of pasta into a 9 by 13-inch baking dish. Spread ricotta evenly over pasta and top with half of mozzarella. Pour remaining pasta in dish and evenly spread over cheese. Top with remaining grated mozzarella. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.
Quick and Easy Chicken Pie Served with Cranberry Sauce 1 boiled chicken, boiled chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken Salt and pepper to taste1 can cream of chicken soup 3/4 cup chicken stock 1 stick butter, melted 1 cup self-rising flour 1 cup buttermilk or milk 1 pkg. frozen peas and carrots, optional 1 lb. fresh mushrooms, sautéed, optional Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Remove meat from chicken and slice; season with salt and pepper. Place chicken in the bottom of a greased 13 x 9 inch casserole dish. Add peas and carrots or mushrooms, if desired. In a small bowl, whisk together the soup and chicken stock; pour over chicken. In another bowl, mix together melted butter, flour and buttermilk or milk; pour over casserole. Bake 30 to 40 minutes or until golden brown. Makes 8 servings. Cranberry sauce is good served on the side. Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella 1 lb. ziti pasta, cooked 2 jars pasta sauce of choice 8 oz. grated mozzarella, divided 15. oz. container
Oatmeal Brickle Cookies Payton Tatum 1 cup shortening 1 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed 2 eggs 2 Tbsp. milk 1½ tsp. vanilla 1½ cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp. baking soda ½ tsp. salt 4 cups quick oats 1 cup (8 oz.) Bit ‘O Brickle or English Toffee Bits *May add 1 cup of chocolate chips for a yummy variation Heat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, blend shortening with sugars, adding sugar gradually. Add eggs, milk and vanilla; beat well. Add flour, salt and baking soda; beat well. Stir in oats and brickle. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls, about 2 inches apart, onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 13-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let stand 5 minutes. Place cookies on a wire rack to finish cooling. Makes about 42 cookies. Quick and Easy Chili 1 lb. ground beef or ground turkey 1 can Rotel tomatoes One or two 15 oz. cans pinto beans or kidney beans Large can Van Camp’s pork and beans 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce Cooked rice, optional Optional Toppings: sour cream, grated cheddar cheese, tortilla chips, corn chips, chopped onions, sliced avocado Brown meat in large saucepan; drain fat. Add Rotel, beans and Worcestershire sauce; simmer 15 to 20 minutes. Good served over rice with assorted toppings. Note: If you don’t have ground beef or turkey, it is still good as a meatless
pie crust. You might want to include instant puddings and gelatins. Don’t forget bottled water, coffee, teas and cocoa mixes along with other beverages. In the freezer, have chicken breasts, ground beef and turkey, along with other meats and vegetables your family likes. You can select a wide range of frozen items, including frozen chopped onions. I always have bags of frozen vegetables for soup. This is a basic list of things I keep on hand. Make your own list using items for making your dish. Quick and Easy Peach Cobbler Keep a large can of peaches on hand for making this. Let children help make it. 1 stick butter 1 cup self- rising flour 1 cup sugar 1 cup milk 1 large can sliced peaches in heavy syrup Vanilla ice cream, optional Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In an 11 x 9 x 2-inch pan melt butter. In a medium sized bowl, add milk, sugar and flour; mix thoroughly. Add to melted butter and stir. Pour canned peaches including juice over this mixture but do not stir. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden. Good served plain, with ice cream or whipped cream. White Bean Chili 2 Tbsp. olive oil 1 onion, chopped 2-3 cloves garlic, minced 2 small cans diced green chilies 3 cans white northern beans, drained and rinsed 2 to 3 cups chicken broth 2 tsp. cumin or to taste, optional 2 to 3 cups chopped cooked chicken, optional Salt to taste Optional toppings: sour cream, grated Monterey Jack cheese, sliced avocadoes, tortilla chips Sauté onion in olive oil; add garlic. Add beans, green chilies, cumin, broth and chicken. Cook on low for about 40 minutes. Mash some of the beans for a thick mixture. Serve with toppings. Recipe is easy to double. Note: It makes a good meatless dish without the chicken. Chicken Tetrazzini with Cheddar Kellie Blackmon 3-4 chicken breasts, cooked and cut-up ¼ cup butter ¼ cup all-purpose flour 2 cups chicken broth 1 cup evaporated milk Salt and pepper to taste 8 oz. pkg. spaghetti noodles, cooked 2 cups grated cheddar cheese Melt butter in saucepan. Stir in flour, and then add broth and evaporated milk. Cook to boiling, then season with salt and pepper. In greased 9 x 13 dish, place alternate layers of spaghetti noodles, chicken and sauce.
family’s favorite dishes. Everyone has their own idea of comfort foods. As we are home and praying for each other, let’s remember the mom and pop restaurants and shops in our area. Maybe you can order a meal to pick up or order gift cards from restaurants and shops as well. We are thankful to live in my hometown and a great neighborhood at Bent Creek with Heritage Drive, Flintwood Lane and circles. Several people recently emailed everyone in the neighborhood to let them know that they will Sprinkle cheese on top; bake at 400 degrees until cheese is melted. Three Cheese Pasta Bake Kellie Blackmon 16 oz. pkg. ziti 2 (10 oz.) containers refrigerated Alfredo sauce or two jars Alfredo sauce 8 oz. container sour cream 15 oz. container ricotta cheese 2 large eggs, lightly beaten ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley 1½ cups mozzarella cheese Prepare ziti according to package directions; drain and return to pot. Stir together Alfredo sauce and sour cream; toss with ziti until evenly coated. Spoon half of mixture into a lightly greased 13 x 9 baking dish. Stir together ricotta cheese and next 3 ingredients; spread evenly over pasta mixture in baking dish. Spoon remaining pasta mixture evenly over ricotta cheese layer; sprinkle evenly with mozzarella cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until bubbly. Homemade Macaroni and Cheese 1 lb. elbow macaroni 5½ cups milk 1 stick butter ½ cup all-purpose flour 2 tsp. salt 1/8 tsp. nutmeg 4-5 cups or more grated sharp cheddar cheese Cook macaroni according to directions on package being sure to salt water; set aside. Heat milk until hot. Melt butter in Dutch oven pan over mediumhigh heat, whisking until well blended and simmering a minute. Slowly pour in hot milk; continuing whisking until milk begins to boil. Remove from heat. Stir in 3 cups cheese; blend until cheese melts. Add 2 tsp. salt and nutmeg. Add cooked macaroni. Grease large baking pan or two mediumsized. Pour macaroni halfway up sides in both pans. Sprinkle half of remaining grated cheese over mixture. Pour in remaining macaroni, sprinkle top with grated cheese. Bake at 375 degrees for about 30 minutes.
be glad to pick up items at the grocery store or help in anyway. Think about those who live near you or attend your church. See if any elderly or others need help getting groceries or supplies. We have heard the saying so often that when life gives us lemons to make lemonade. With the changes we are undergoing with this virus, it is a chance for all of us to make “lemonade” by showing God’s love to others. Cipperly can be contacted at recipes@cipperly.com. Freezes well unbaked Gold Braid Bread with Honey Butter Gail Swarthout 5-6 cups all-purpose flour 2 pkg. yeast ½ cup sugar 1 ½ cups very hot tap water 1 ½ tsp. salt 1 stick butter or margarine 2 eggs (room temperature) Measure 2 cups flour into large mixer mixing bowl. Stir in yeast, sugar and salt. Stir well to blend. Add soft butter. Add tap water to ingredients in bowl all at once and beat with electric mixer about 2 minutes at medium speed. Make sure yeast is dissolved. Add eggs and 1 cup more flour. Beat at high speed about 1 minute or until the dough is thick and elastic. At this point take regular beaters out and begin to use wooden spoon. If you have dough hooks on your mixer, turn speed down and continue with them. Add remaining flour, gradually beating well. Use just enough flour to make a soft dough which leaves sides of bowl. If using dough hooks, knead about 5 minutes with them. If kneading by hand, turn out onto floured bowl and knead about 5 minutes or until dough is smooth and elastic. Turn into a greased bowl, greased with cooking oil. Turn dough over to coat all sides. Cover with a towel and let rise until about double in bulk. Punch dough down. Divide dough into 2 equal portions. For each, roll into a 6x 18 inch rectangle on a floured board. Cut lengthwise into 3 equal strips. Pinch lengthwise edges of each strip together to make an 18-inch rope. Braid the 3 ropes together. Begin in center and braid to each end. Place in a greased 9-inch round cake pan. Braid ends together to form a circle. Grease slightly to keep dough from drying out. Let rise until double in bulk. Bake at 375 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. Bake on lower rack of oven. Remove from pan immediately. Honey Butter ½ cup butter, softened ½ cup honey In a small mixer bowl, beat butter and honey until light and fluffy. Serve with Gold Braid Bread or your favorite.
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A11 March 25, 2020
Community Calendar: Events around town Now More Than Ever, Shop Local By Ken Ward For the Opelika Observer
They supported your child’s sports team, they donated to the most recent charity raffle, they gave snacks to local teachers, they offered you your first part-time summer job and today they need your help. The nation’s small business community has been effected by the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak in Ongoing: • Village Friends/Village Values is a nonprofit organization that supports seniors who prefer to stay in their own homes as they grow older. For info or to schedule a presentation to your group, call 334-209-4641. For the website, Google “village friends village values.” • The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR chapter is appealing for sweaters, jackets, trousers, shirts and socks, women’s clothing, soft soap in individual containers, shaving supplies, disposable razors, denture cleanser, toothpaste and toothbrushes, DVDs, games, books and magazines to take to veterans at the CAVHCS in Tuskegee. The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR Chapter regularly visits veterans living in assisted living, the homeless domiciliary and psych (trauma) ward in Tuskegee. Donations are tax deductible and will be much appreciated. Pick up is provided. Please call Linda Shabo at 887-6659 or at
ways no one could have imagined just a few weeks back. Many stores and restaurants that were seen as thriving are now just trying to make payroll and keep the lights on. We must do something. The Opelika community has always stepped up when faced with a challenge, today I urge everyone to tackle this new challenge. No matter your budget, we all can help support an Ope-
lika small business during this time. From ordering takeout, getting delivery, taking advantage of curbside pickup, buying gift cards and shopping online-the options are endless. Let us ensure that our small businesses survive this outbreak, support them today. Ward is the executive director of Opelika Main Street, a nonprofit dedicated to growing and enhancing historic downtown Opelika.
256-307-1449. Mondays: • The Lee County Voters League meets the first Mondays of the month at 6 p.m. at Bethesda Baptist Church located at 201 S. 4th St. Opelika • The John Powell American Legion Post 18 and Auxiliary meets the third Monday of every month at 7 p.m. at 910 West Point Parkway in Opelika. • The Opelika Community Band practices from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Auburn High School band room. Everyone is welcome, amateurs and professionals alike. • The Touched by Suicide Support Group meets the first Monday of every month at 5:30 p.m. at the East Alabama Medical Center Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway. For more information, contact Deborah Owen, EAMC’s director of Psychiatric Services at deborahowen@eamc.org. • The fourth Monday of each month, a community grief support group meets
from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center. No reservations are necessary; everyone is welcome. For more information, call 826-1899 or 502-0216. • T.O.P.S (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly), a weight loss support group, meets every Monday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Covington Recreation Center, 213 Carver Ave., Opelika. For more info contact Mary Johnson, 749-1584. • The Lee County Commission meets the second and last Mondays of each month at the courthouse beginning at 5 p.m. • The Commercial Horticulture Extension Team organizes webinars to provide quick updates for producers on various topics of interest. Whether you are interested in the proper way to plant fruit trees or have questions in turf management, these webinars cover a wide range of subjects. Webinars are streamed live via Panopto on the last Monday of every month starting in January
and ending in November. During the presentation, participants can send questions via email. The webinars also are recorded and stored in the archive on the Beginning Farmer website. Webinar topics include: trap cropping for reducing squash insect pests, cowpea curculio updates, nutsedge control, introduction to potting mixes in ornamental container production, dealing with drought in commercial horticulture crops and many more. To view the full schedule, please visit www.aces. edu/anr/beginningfarms/ webinars.php. Please send questions during the presentations to Ann Chambliss, thameae@auburn.edu. For questions regarding the webinar series or for providing suggestions, please email Dr. Ayanava Majumdar at bugdoctor@auburn.edu. Tuesdays: • Ballroom Dance Classes at the Opelika SportsPlex from 7 to 8 p.m. every Tuesday. Instructor is Cody Wayne Foote. For more info, call Diane at 749-6320. • The East Alabama Old Car Club meets every first Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Monarch Estates Clubhouse, located at 1550 East University Drive, Auburn. A program of interest to the old car enthusiast is presented. Car ownership is not required. • The Opelika City Council meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 7 p.m. Meetings are preceded by non-voting work sessions that typically begin between 6 and 6:45 p.m. • Every second Tuesday, a country, gospel and bluegrass music jam session is held at Pierce Chapel United Methodist Church in Beauregard. The event is free and open to the public. Those who play an instru-
ment should bring it and plan to join in. The jam session is held from 6 to 8 p.m. 8685 Alabama Highway 51. • A Grief Support Group meets at Oak Bowery United Methodist Church Tuesdays at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. for anyone dealing with the pain of loss and feeling the need for support on their journey as they attempt to bring order and wholeness back into their life. Attendance and participation is strictly voluntary for any and all sessions. There are no fees or charges involved. The church is located on U.S. Highway 431 – eight miles north from Southern Union State Community College and Opelika High School. For more information, contact Bill Parker at 459-0214 or 706-518-9122. • The Auburn Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol meets every Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Auburn University Regional Airport. The Civil Air Patrol is a nonprofit organization that is Congressionally chartered to be the civilian auxiliary of the Air Force and focuses on three missions: aerospace education, cadet programs and emergency services. For more information visit www.auburncap.org or find the organization on Facebook. • East Alabama Gem & Mineral Society meets the fourth Tuesday of every month at 5:45 p.m. Meetings are held at the Covington Rec. Center, located at 213 Carver Ave. in Opelika. Wednesdays: • The second Wednesday of each month, a Community Grief Support Group meets from 10 to 11 a.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center. No reservations are necessary. For more info call 826-1899 or
Praise 88.7 FM’s biannual ‘Praise-a-thon’ returns April 1-3 By Morgan Bryce Editor April 1 to 3 will mark the return of Praise 88.7 FM’s biannual “Praise-athon,” a radio event that generates crucial funding for the radio station to continue its mission of “spreading the good news of Jesus Christ through (their programming).” Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the normal format of bringing on local celebrities and dignitaries has been changed. According to Praise 88.7 staff member Casey Moore, the focus of this Praise-a-thon will
be to focus on “being here for everyone that tunes in and doing life - and all it brings at this time - together!” As a nonprofit organization, 88.7 relies heavily on donations from this event, Moore said. The other Praise-a-thon normally takes place in October. Praise 88.7 was founded by Jimmy Jarrell and his wife Pat in 2008. Originally based in Dadeville, it has operated in Waverly, Auburn and at its present location in Opelika for the last few years. Joe May has been with the radio station for
years, and has served as its director since Jarrell’s passing in 2013. In addition to the traditional radio airwaves, Moore explained that listeners can tune into the station via their phones, smart televisions and website, www. praise887.com. For more information, follow their social media pages or visit their website. The radio station is located at 2101 Executive Park Drive. The number to call for event will be 334705-8004,
BE MORE. GO BUILD. Learn more at GoBuildAl.com
502-0216. • The John Powell American Legion Post 18 and Auxiliary hosts Bingo every Wednesday at 6 p.m. • Every Wednesday is Wine Down Wednesday at the Bottling Plant Event Center from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursdays: • American Legion Auxiliary Unit 152 meets the first Thursday of every month at 11 a.m. at Niffer’s Place, 917 S. Railroad Ave. in Opelika. • The Teal Magnolias Gynecological Cancer Support Group meets the second Thursday of every third month at 6 p.m. at EAMC Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway. For more information on the Teal Magnolias, email tealmagnoliasAL@yahoo. com or find them on Facebook. • Opelika-Auburn Newcomers’ Club provides a variety of programs for the betterment of the Auburn/ Opelika community to assist women transitioning into the area or to help women adjust to recent lifestyle changes. The club meets on the third Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. for a luncheon at various local restaurants. Please call or email Cheri Paradice at 850-212-5364. or cheri.paradice@gmail. com for more information or luncheon location of the month. • T.O.U.C.H. Cancer Support Group meets the third Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. at EAMC’s Health Resource Center. This is a support group for people living with any type of cancer or their families and friends. Call 334-5281076 for more information. Email editor@opelikaobserver.com to place your community events.
Couchella, from A7 patrons can expect performances from other local, region and even international musicians during Couchella’s three-day run. Their goal is to break the $200 raised last year and reach $300. “Even if you can't buy a shirt or donate to help us raise money for MyMusicRx, please attend the event online. We're not charging anything for you to enjoy the festival because I want it to be accessible to everyone with internet connection and a device to watch it on,” Miracle said. “Everyone needs a little music therapy right now, and we'd love to play for you to give you that stress release.” For more information or updates, Couchella’s social media pages or send email to couchella. info@gmail.com.
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COMICS
“Life is worth living as long as there’s a laugh in it.” ― Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
Opelika Schools ports &S Inside • opelika schools • lee county schools • community sports
In the state of emergency declared by Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey last week, all K-12 schools statewide will close by the end of day on March 18 and remain closed until April 6.
Opelika City Schools providing free meals to students during the week Special to the Opelika Observer
On the Mark By D. Mark Mitchell
Coach Joe Wilson was catalyst for Opelika’s renewed gridiron success
H
opefully you have the latest information pertaining to COVID-19. I am going to take a trip down memory road and write about one of the “key” people responsibly for advancing Opelika High School football who is known state-wide Coach Joe Wilson. Coach Wilson believed in playing stingy defense, field position and having a good kicking game. He instilled discipline, respect, toughness and the meaning of “TEAM” - the essential ingredients for a winning team. Thanks for everything Coach Wilson! I entered my freshman at OHS the same year Kyle Gantt was hired to replace retiring coach Larry Gore. After football season my senior year, Kyle Gantt resigned with an overall record of 12-28. Gantt was 0-4 against Auburn, did not participate in the region (two years) and dressed out fewer than 40 players. There were other factors involved, none of which Gantt controlled. Opelika Superintendent Dr Clyde Zeanah and OCS Board member Bill Horsley were the two individuals in charge of the coaching search. I was friends with the Horsley family because of his three children. I would ask
Horsley for updates, not getting much in return. One particular day, he asked if I would like to attend the press conference for the new Opelika football coach. The press conference was held in a small conference room at the main office on Simmons Street. Zeanah introduced Joe Wilson as the new athletic director and football coach in January 1982. Little did I know that Coach Wilson was about to change the “culture” at Opelika High School. Coach Wilson arrived with an incredible attitude. There were no hash mark with initials, no slogans, no hype productions and no social media videos. Wilson was an Opelika graduate and knew what it would take to make OHS a winner and compete state wide. The first day Wilson walked down the halls, he introduced himself and asked students to play football. I never witnessed this in my prior 3 1/2 years, no one asked students to play football. This paid dividends, as Opelika dressed out more than 80 players in the spring, doubling the number from the 1981 team. As fall arrived, the BullSee Sports, page B4
Opelika City Schools are committed to ensuring that students are fed a nutritious meal when schools are closed because of the COVID-19 outbreak. Carver Primary School and Opelika High School will be serving meals Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. beginning March 23. The meals will be provided for free to anyone 18 years old or younger regardless of which school they
attend. No paperwork is required. Children must be present in order to receive the meal. Please note that the schools will be set up for pick up service only. No meals will be consumed on site. Directional signs will be posted at Carver Primary and Opelika High School. For more information and updates, follow Opelika City Schools’ Facebook page or visit www. opelikaschools.org. Turn to B2 for photos from Monday’s program.
Smiths Station High School’s Jake Robinson receives prestigious AHSAA scholarship By Morgan Bryce Editor Jake Robinson of Smiths Station was one of four AHSAA 7A student-athletes to receive the coveted Bryant-Jordan Achievement Scholarship last week, which is worth $3,000 and is given to individuals who “achieve beyond his/her ability both academically and athletically or who may have overcome some obstacle or hardship to achieve success.” In an interview with WLTZ last week, Robinson said he discovered his passion for the sport of tennis in the eighth grade. “It was just always fun playing doubles with (my dad). That’s the big thing I remem-
ber, and having him there at every match, just standing on the fence watching me play was good knowing he was there supporting me,” Robinson said. A senior, Robinson is involved in a number of student organizations at Smiths Station. He holds a 4.33 GPA and made a 34 on his ACT. After high school, Robinson said he plans to major in engineering at either Auburn or Vanderbilt universities. Like all other spring sports, tennis has been canceled, thus ending Robinson’s season and career with the Panthers. However, he said later in his interview that he would keep pushing ahead in life
Robinson in honor of his father, who passed away nearly two years ago. “I think it would mean the world to him to see that kept going on in life and achieving different things, even though he’s not
here to see it with me. Keep moving on, doing different challenges and doing the best that I can with everything.” To view a full list of other winners, visit www.ahsaa.com.
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Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer
Opelika beat Daphne 5-2, concluded season with winning record
Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Opelika defeated Dpahne 5-2 on March 13 at West Ridge Park. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, all spring sports seasons have been canceled for the remainder of the school year. The Bulldogs’ 11-6 final mark shows vast improvement for second-year Coach Zach Blatt, whose 2019 squad finished with an 8-25 record.
334-528-6191
www.eamcfoundation.org
Contact: Amy Thomas Amy.Thomas@eamc.org
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B3 March 25, 2020
Auburn University extends remote instruction through end of spring semester, postpones commencement Special to the Opelika Observer Auburn University will extend its remote operation of instruction through the end of the spring semester, and the university’s spring commencement is now postponed. The decisions involving the academic calendar were made Friday following the ongoing consultation of campus leaders as well as state and federal authorities involving COVID-19 concerns. “By reducing the
number of individuals on campus, Auburn continues to promote as much social distancing as possible to help slow the spread of the virus,” said Auburn President Jay Gogue. Auburn is crafting a plan to provide prorated refunds for on-campus housing and dining plans, and those students who need to retrieve belongings from campus residence halls will be contacted by University Housing. No students should return to campus until they are instructed to do so. Final decisions
regarding summer classes, programs and events have not yet been determined but will be made soon. Spring graduates will receive additional information in the coming days about alternate commencement plans, and degrees will be conferred to students who meet graduation eligibility and will be mailed as usual. “This was a very difficult decision made with careful thought and input from faculty, staff, and, most importantly, our students,” Gogue said
about the postponement of commencement. “Graduation is one of the most important events in the lives of our students, and I look forward to celebrating their accomplishments at a future date.” Amid these latest adjustments, Auburn continues to conduct full university operations, with the major exceptions of remote instruction, on-campus student housing, on-campus dining, Auburn University Libraries and the Recreation and Wellness Center. Faculty and staff able to
work remotely have been asked to do so to do their part in helping slow the spread of COVID-19. Auburn continues to urge faculty, staff and students to practice social distancing, to not congregate and to adopt good hygiene practices. Auburn encourages those seeking more information about the university’s response to coronavirus to visit ocm. auburn.edu/news/coronavirus/ and to sign up there for ongoing email updates. The site includes FAQs,
latest university messaging and tips on how all in the Auburn Family can continue the fight against coronavirus. “The response of our campus community this week has been remarkable,” Gogue said. “Our students and faculty are embracing new approaches to teaching and learning while our staff is adjusting to a new form of work-life. One of the most extraordinary characteristics of the Auburn Family is our solidarity in times of crisis and need.”
Auburn Public Library offers new online resources Special to the Opelika Observer In an effort to support residents who may be self-quarantining, working from home or practicing social distancing, the Auburn Public Library (APL) has expanded its selection of digital resources. These new platforms give patrons access to even more high-quality eBooks, eAudiobooks, digital magazines, streaming video, up-to-the-minute news and online video-based classes, all accessible with a library card. APL cardholders can now access Kanopy, a stream-
ing video service featuring criticallyacclaimed movies, inspiring documentaries and award-winning foreign films. The service also includes Kanopy Kids, which provides access to enriching, educational and entertaining films and TV series. Patrons are allowed up to 10 checkout credits per month. Patrons can create a Kanopy account at auburnalabama. kanopy.com. Kanopy can also be accessed through an app on a variety of smart devices and TVs. Especially for children, the APL now offers access to
TumbleBooks, with more than 1,100 titles for grades K-6. TumbleBooks includes animated, talking picture books, as well as read-along chapter books, National Geographic videos, non-fiction books and books in Spanish and French. TumbleBook Library can be accessed at tumblebooklibrary. com, and information about other TumbleBook platforms can be found at auburnalabama.org/library/ online-resources. In addition, the APL now provides patrons with unlimited access to the Washington Post. Information about
at-home access to the Washington Post is available at subscribe.washingtonpost.com/specialoffer/ Patrons will need to create an account, and access is available in seven-day increments. If you need more time, you can use the same link to extend your access. Finally, the APL continues to provide downloadable eBooks and eAudiobooks through CloudLibrary and digital magazines through Flipster. APL cardholders also have access to more than 1,000 craft and do-it-yourself videos through CreativeBug.
Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer Information about these and other online resources can be found at auburnalabama.org/library/ online-resources.
Residents without a library card may sign up for one online to gain access to these resources.
Listening to young children during a crisis
O
ur family life has slowed down in following the Coronavirus precautions. Time spent with your young children spells L-O-V-E to them, even the youngest of children. Children are used to being in a busy world, so during this time of slowing down, it is a good time for answering their questions. Be honest with your children. This is a time that you have to be honest with yourself. Understanding and gaining knowledge of what the virus is and how it spreads eliminates anxiety of not understanding what our society is going through. This is a way you can give your children cor-
rect information. Be age appropriate in explaining in helping them to understand information. We don’t want to give them too much information or overload them mentally or emotionally. Preschoolers will verbalize more what they see and feel. This is a time you can really listen to what they are questioning and expressing. Encourage your children by letting them know that by staying at home, we are helping many people. Let them know that we are part of a world wide family. By following the rules that our government has asked us to do, the virus will hopefully not spread
to our families and friends. Include your children in prayers for our healthcare workers who are on the frontline taking care of people who are sick as well as fighting the virus. Children are literal, practical and good helpers. As a teacher, I have learned that young children are good reminders of keeping the rules. Include them in the family plan to remind everybody to wash their hands, cover their mouths when they cough or sneeze, not to touch their faces or put fingers in their mouths and to keep a distance socially from others in order to keep everyone well! We all want to stay in tune with the news, but it is good to balance what we watch on television. Babies, toddlers and twos easily sense emotional upset through facial expressions as well as our reactions. Older children begin to get anxious and insecure when they hear urgency and panic from the media. We adults are their models of staying calm by our emotional reactions
to the Coronavirus circumstances. Let your children express their feelings. Respect your child and how they feel about what is going on. Create a home atmosphere of freedom where they can express themselves. When expression of feelings from children is answered by reassurance, that lets them know that everything is going to be okay. Help your child to understand that we can be kind to others during this time of isolation. One intergenerational act of kindness is to create cards to mail to the elderly like grandparents and other elderly family members and friends. This will provide a craft time for your young children and the family. Spring has sprung and on beautiful days outside have your child go out and play. We as grownups can go out and play too. God’s world has so much for us to observe flowering plants, insects, birds, the sky, the weather, etc. These are days to spread out a quilt, blanket or picnic
tablecloth and enjoy spreading out and eating outside. Children love to hear frogs croaking when spring has begun! A lesson can be taught from the simple name of a frog and that is FFully, R-Rely, O-On, G-God. Explain to your young children that God is fully in control of our lives and this world. 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. The 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 emailing her at donnapinyerd@charter.net.
1 OUT OF 10
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Abused, Neglected or Exploited If you suspect this is happening to someone you know, please report it to Adult Protective Services by contacting your local DHR office or calling the
ADULT ABUSE HOTLINE at 1-800-458-7214
HELP STOP THE ABUSE
IF YOU SEE IT, REPORT IT
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“This project was supported by Subgrant #16-VA-VS-076 awarded by the Law Enforcement / Traffic Safety Division of ADECA and the U.S. Department of Justice.” The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice or grant-making component.”
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Opelika High School’s Kaitlyn Bryant named to AHSAA’s All-Star Girls team Special to the Opelika Observer North-South all-star squads for the upcoming AHSAA North-South All-Star Girls’ and Boys’ Basketball Games have been selected, which includes Opelika High School’s Kaitlyn Bryant. The two 15-member teams comprised of 2021 rising seniors were an-
nounced by Jamie Lee, Director of the Alabama High School Athletic Directors & Coaches Association (AHSADCA) last Wednesday. The AHSADCA, which operates under the auspices of the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) will also host all-star games in football, baseball, softball, volleyball, boys’
Bryant and girls’ soccer, boys’
and girls’ cross country, tennis and golf during the All-Star Week. Those teams will be announced at a later date. Coaches for the AllStar Basketball squads include: (North Girls) Craig Thomas, Phil Campbell; Walter Hicks, Pleasant Grove and Brant Llewellyn, Lauderdale County; (South Girls)
Carolyn Wright, CentralPhenix City; Sally Jeter, Foley; Administrative Coach Nigel Card, Saint James, Elmore County and Administrative Coach Virginia Franklin, Carver-Montgomery. Wright was inducted into the Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame in the Class of 2019. She and her husband Bobby Wright (HOF Class of
2015) are the only husband and wife basketball coaches inducted into the Hall of Fame. The North-South AllStar Basketball Games will be played July 14 in Montgomery. The site has not been determined. Both contests will be livestreamed by the NFHS Network. For more information, visit www.ahsaa.com.
Black Belt Community Foundation launches COVID-19 Response Fund Special to the Opelika Observer The Black Belt Community Foundation (BBCF) has sprung into action to help as many regional organizations and communities as possible amidst the COVID-19 pandemic by creating a “COVID-19 Response Fund.” In order to be effective, the foundation has adopted a staff-wide effort to conduct daily pandemic assessments of the impact of COVID-19 on the Black Belt region. Information being collected from the 12 counties it serves is creating a picture of how communities are being impacted. BBCF’s goal is to identify partner
organizations that may need assistance in critical outreach. ”It’s early on right now, but I can tell you that COVID-19 has affected all of our operations across the board. Whether it is our Head Start program, community granting or the launch phase for the 2020 Census outreach, we have had to rapidly, re-configure working patterns. At this phase, we are working hard to reach out to our local partners, community associates, grantees, Head Start families and community leadership to make assessments of where help is needed the most. The information and resource sharing that is now happening is extremely useful
and also inspiring to see how many people are proactively jumping into action. There are helpers out there everywhere, and we are trying to connect with them for a broader, more coordinated effort wherever possible,” said President Felicia Lucky.
How to Help Presently there are two main ways to help. If you are an organization or someone that is actively working in the community looking to join forces for greater outreach, BBCF wants to hear from you. Contact BBCF directly by
e-mailing info@blackbeltfound.org. Individual donors can immediately contribute to the COVID-19 Relief Fund by visiting the BBCF website at http://www.blackbeltfound.org. “We are hoping for the best, but it may not be long before people start noticing that their neighbors need help. This is something affecting us all, and it looks like it is going to be expensive. As we narrow the lens on where the need is going to be the most, like people that are displaced, out of work or families just trying to keep food on the table, we will be able to properly target the funds,” Lucky added. “So many examples of stepping up are happening
all around me that give us a lot of hope here.” During the last 16 years, the foundation has worked tirelessly to help Alabama's most challenged region realize its potential. BBCF has awarded more than $5 million in grants to support more than 450 community-led initiatives across BBCF’s 12-county service area in the Black Belt. BBCF was established in 2004 to support local efforts that contribute to the strength, innovation and success of all of the region’s people and communities. For more information, like and follow their social media page or visit their website. The organization is headquartered at 609 Lauderdale St. in Selma.
Alabama Extension continues to serve during COVID-19 pandemic Special to the Opelika Observer The Alabama Cooperative Extension System has temporarily closed its county and state offices in response to coronavirus control protocols from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. During this time, Extension follows guidance from Auburn and Alabama A&M universities, the two parent universities of the agency.
Sports, from B1 dogs dressed 78 players for Coach Wilson’s first game, a 21-0 win over Jordan of Columbus. The winning was just beginning. OHS finished with a winning record, 7-3, for the first time since Coach Gore’s team in 1976. Auburn High was in the middle of a nine-game win streak over Opelika, Wilson’s first team lost a close 26-21 contest at Duck Samford Stadium. In year two, Coach Wilson duplicated the 7-3 record but defeated rival Auburn 21-14 in front of a packed house at Bulldog Stadium. The third season ended 7-4, a second place Region 6, another win over Auburn and a playoff berth for the first time in many years. The next two seasons, Coach Wilson led Opelika to 20-4 record, including an undefeated 10-0 season in 1986. OHS advanced to the quarterfinals in 1986, beating Central (Phenix City) in the regular season
Extension Going Digital - To meet the needs of Alabama residents, while also expressing concern for public safety, Alabama Extension offices are closed from March 17 to April 10. However, Lemme said Extension professionals will continue to be accessible to and working for the public. “Social distancing is an important tool to control this outbreak,” Lemme said. “Our staff are working from home,
and we have temporarily halted face-to-face meetings. Advance planning has allowed Extension agents to continue offering information by web, social media, e-mail and phone.” Allen Malone, Extension 1890 director at Alabama A&M University, said Extension meetings will only be held by digital delivery methods. “All Extension meetings are cancelled or postponed,” Malone said. “We are only hosting
and in the playoffs, beating Auburn before losing in the playoffs to eventual state champion Robert E Lee. Those of us that attended OHS and the many fans that follow the Bulldogs know that Coach Wilson brought a sense of pride to the program. He turned a losing program into a winner in a short period of time, some like to say Wilson “turned the train around on the track.” As the “Voice of Opelika” for more than 35 years, I can say that Wilson revitalized OHS football like Gore did in the late 60s and early 70s. Wilson is the reason Opelika was able to hire Doug Barfield, former Auburn and Southern Mississippi University’s coach. The program was in incredible shape on and off the field. Financially, Opelika went from being in the red to in the black. More people were attending games, more sponsors were contributing money. DIXIE BOYS BASEBALL (13-15 year olds) Opelika’s Dixie Boys Baseball program is asking all players interested in
playing to email D. Mark Mitchell at foxonthemark@yahoo.com or call the Sportsplex at 334-7455525 to add your name to the list. Registration in person has delayed because of the shutdown caused by COVID-19. COVID-19 I want to thank our city leaders, Mayor Gary Fuller and Mayor Ron Anders, for working together during the COVID-19 outbreak. Opelika and Auburn continue to help each other which a win for all of us. ON THE MARK RADIO You can listen to “On the Mark” radio version weekdays, 6 to 9 a.m. on FOX Sports the Game 9101310 AM. Jeff Sasser and I host the morning sports show with help from many guest host. You can listen on 910AM, 1310AM, on the iHeart Radio App and online at foxsportsthegame. com. D.Mark Mitchell is sports director for iHeart Radio, Alabama Dixie Boys State director and vice president of the A-O Sports Council.
online meetings to reduce the risk of exposure. Contact your Extension agent if you are requesting a farm or home consultation. ”At this time, there is no link between cases of COVID-19 and Alabama Extension offices or activities. COVID-19 Resources Alabama Extension offers resources for families and businesses to protect themselves from COVID-19. There are also resources on
recovering from a virus exposure. “Please go to the Alabama Extension website, www.aces.edu, or www.AlabamaReady. info for the latest information, informative articles and videos,” Lemme said. “Contact information for individual agents, specialists and regional agents is available in the Directory section of the Extension website.” Alabama Extension will release additional information daily to me-
dia outlets, the extension website and over social media. Also, with schools closing, Alabama 4-H will conduct video activities around popular 4-H projects to keep youth active. The activities are available to all youth not just 4-H members. “In spite of the current challenges with coronavirus, Extension is here to help you,” Lemme said. “We are working to find ways to serve your needs and we appreciate your patience.”
We would like to thank the following businesses for sponsoring one or more of our newspaper boxes and racks around Lee County
• Better Bodies Massage Institute • CyberZone • Interim HomeCare • Opelika Theatre Company • Three Keys Properties, LLC To have your company’s logo placed on a box email us at editor@opelikaobserver.com
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B5 March 25, 2020
PUBLIC NOTICES IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO. 2020-071 ALABAMA POWER COMPANY, a corporation, Plaintiff, v. DEBORAH TUCKER, an individual; GLORIA PATTERSON, an individual; GRANT WIGGINS, an individual; JERI BROWN, an individual; WENDELL WIGGINS, an individual; UNKNOWN HEIRS OF KATIE MAE TUCKER, if any; ALPHONSO ELLIOTT, an individual; UNKNOWN HEIRS OF MARY ECHOLS; SHIRLEY STRICKLAND, an individual; MICHAEL STRICKLAND, an individual; UNKNOWN HEIRS OF GEORGE STRICKLAND; and OLINE PRICE, as Revenue Commissioner, Defendants. LEGAL NOTICE TO DEFENDANTS BY PUBLICATION TO: (1) Defendant Unknown Heirs of Katie Mae Tucker (2) Defendant Unknown Heirs of Mary Echols (3) Defendant Unknown Heirs of George Strickland You are hereby notified that Alabama Power Company, a corporation, has filed its written complaint in this Court seeking to condemn and to acquire the lands, rights, and interests therein described for ways and rights-of-way upon which to erect towers, poles, wire lines, and other appliances necessary and convenient in connection therewith for the manufacture, supply, and sale to the public of electric power on, across, under, over, and adjacent to strips of land according to the final location survey of the said ways and rights-of-way heretofore made by the plaintiff, and also right of ingress and egress, said strips of land and the lands of which the same are a part being situated in Lee County, Alabama, and being described as follows: Parcel 19 A strip of land, varying in width, lying within the Southwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter (SW ¼ of the NW ¼) of Section 25, Township 19 North, Range 25 East, Lee County, Alabama, such strip being more particularly described as follows: To reach the point of beginning of said strip, commence at the Northwest corner of Section 25, Township 19 North, Range 25 East, marked by a found 8”x 8” concrete monument; thence run S43°33’20”E, a distance of 2017.83 feet to a set 5/8” rebar with yellow APCO cap; thence runs S64°26’30”W, a distance of 305.43 feet to a set 5/8”reber with yellow APCo cap; thence runs S66°06’21”W, a distance of 845.29 feet to a set 5/8”rebar with yellow APCo cap; thence runs S67°22’22”W, a distance of 4.82 feet to a point (the Southeast corner of Defendants’ property lies 1.2 feet left (southeast) from such point), such point being the Point of Beginning of a survey line used to describe said strip of right-of-way herein described; therefrom said strip is varying in width and lies 15 feet right (northwest) of said survey line and which lies up to, and coincident with the northwesterly right-of-way edge of Martin Luther King Drive, Alabama State Highway No. 14 to the left (southeast) of said survey line, and the continuations thereof, which begins at such point of beginning and continues running S67°22’22”W, a distance of 110.13 feet to a point (the Southwest corner of Defendants’ property lies 4.6 feet left (southeast) from such point), such point being the point of ending of the strip of right-ofway herein described. All bearings based on Alabama State Plane East Zone Grid North. The Parcel 19 Defendants have, may have, or claim to have an interest in, the above-described land. APC Property ID # 72242529 Parcel 23 A strip of land, varying in width, lying within the Southwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter (SW ¼ of the NW ¼) of Section 25, Township 19 North, Range 25 East, Lee County, Alabama, such strip being more particularly described as follows: To reach the point of beginning of said strip, commence at the Northwest corner of Section 25, Township 19 North, Range 25 East, marked by a found 8”x 8” concrete monument; thence run S43°33’20”E, a distance of
2017.83 feet to a set 5/8” rebar with yellow APCO cap; thence runs S64°26’30”W, a distance of 305.43 feet to a set 5/8”reber with yellow APCo cap; thence runs S66°06’21”W, a distance of distance of 588.03 feet to a point (the Southeast corner of Defendants’ property lies 0.4 feet right (northwest) from such point), such point being the Point of Beginning of a survey line used to describe said strip of right-of-way herein described; therefrom said strip is varying in width and lies 15 feet right (northwest) of said survey line (Less and Except any portion of said strip which lies southeast of the northwesterly right-ofway edge of Martin Luther King Drive, Alabama State Highway No. 14), and the continuations thereof, which begins at such point of beginning and continues running S66°06’21”W, a distance of 64.06 feet to a point on the northwesterly edge of said Martin Luther King Drive; therefrom, said strip is varying in width and lies 15 feet right (northwest) of said survey line and which lies up to, and coincident with the northwesterly right-of-way edge of said Martin Luther King Drive to the left (southeast) of said survey line, and the continuations thereof; thence continue S66°06’21”W, a distance of 50.21 feet to a point (the Southwest corner of Defendants’ property lies 0.3 feet left (southeast) from such point), such point being the point of ending of the strip of right-of-way herein described. All bearings based on Alabama State Plane East Zone Grid North. The Parcel 23 Defendants have, may have, or claim to have an interest in, the above-described land. APC Property ID # 72242532 Parcel 25 A strip of land, varying in width, lying within the Southwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter (SW ¼ of the NW ¼) of Section 25, Township 19 North, Range 25 East, Lee County, Alabama, such strip being more particularly described as follows: To reach the point of beginning of said strip, commence at the Northwest corner of Section 25, Township 19 North, Range 25 East, marked by a found 8”x 8” concrete monument; thence run S43°33’20”E, a distance of 2017.83 feet to a set 5/8” rebar with yellow APCO cap; thence runs S64°26’30”W, a distance of 305.43 feet to a set 5/8” rebar with yellow APCO cap; thence runs S66°06’21”W, a distance of 434.95 feet to a point on the centerline of Jordan Street, such point being the Point of Beginning of a survey line used to describe said strip of right-of-way herein described; therefrom said strip is varying in width and lies 15 feet right (northwest) of said survey line (Less and Except any portion of said strip which lies northeast of the southwesterly right-ofway edge of said Jordan Street or which lies southeast of the northwesterly right-of-way edge of Martin Luther King Drive, Alabama State Highway No. 14), and the continuations thereof, which begins at such point of beginning and continues running S66°06’21”W, a distance of 18.64 feet to a point (the Southeast corner of Defendant’s property lies 1.4 feet right (northwest) from such point); thence continue running S66°06’21”W, a distance of 59 feet, more or less, to a point (the Southwest corner of Defendants’ property lies 1 foot, more or less, right (northwest) from such point), such point being the point of ending of the strip of right-of-way herein described. All bearings based on Alabama State Plane East Zone Grid North. The Parcel 25 Defendants have, may have, or claim to have an interest in, the above-described land. APC Property ID # 72242534 The hearing on said complaint has been set by this Court for the 1st day of April 2020 at 11:00 o’clock A.M. You may respond by answer but you are not required to do so unless you challenge the right to condemn or question or dispute the area to be acquired or to remain. Notice of said complaint and of the day so appointed for the hearing thereof is hereby given you. Witness my hand this 20th day of February 2020 . Bill English Judge of the Lee County Probate Court Legal Run 03/04/2020, 03/11/2020, 03/18/2020 & 03/25/2020
Opelika Utilities is accepting
bids for the vehicle specifications listed below on March 31, 2020 V8 FFV Engine 6-Speed Automatic Transmission 3.73 Electronic Axle Pickup Box Delete-Requires 164” Wheelbase (does not include spare tire) Heavy Service Pkg (HD Service Frt Springs, Rear Stabilizer Bar & Rear Auxiliary Springs) Power Group – Power Windows, Door Locks & Mirrors Spare Tire & Wheel (for Box Delete option only) Upfitter Switches ( 6 Toggle Switches ) 200 Amp. Alternator Cab Steps – Black Molded 110V/400W outlet Cruise Control, AM/FM/MP3/ Clock Radio, Bluetooth capable Electric trailer break package Rear view camera package Exterior Color: White Interior: 40/20/40 Vinyl SeatsMedium Earth Gray Please Remit Bids to: Opelika Utilities 4055 Water Street Opelika, Alabama 36801 Attn: Andrew Alsobrook Legal Run 03/11/2020, 03/18/2020 & 03/25/2020
Lee County Commission Lee County, Alabama Request for Bids Design/Build Communications Tower Replacement The Lee County Commission (County) is requesting sealed bids for the replacement of a primary communications tower on a location known as Salem Hill. Please submit a design/build bid to: Lee County Commission RE: Salem Hill Communications Tower Replacement Lee County Courthouse 215 South 9 th Street Opelika, Alabama 36801 No later than 4:00 PM CST on Thursday April 9, 2020. Make sure the sealed envelope is addressed as shown above. All bids shall be valid for a minimum of thirty (30) days and state so in the submitted bid. The Lee County Commission “County” is receiving design/ build bids for the replacement of one of the County’s main communications tower. The tower is located off Lee Road 252 on a location know as Salem Hill. The existing structure is approximately 387 feet. The existing tower is a guyed structure. Lee County’s public safety repeater requires a structure of approximately 340 feet. The tower design is to accommodate space for potential leasing opportunities to other public/private entities without inferring with the public safety frequencies. The tower is constructed to meet all applicable regulatory requirements, including but not limited to, FCC and FAA regulations See County Website Current Bids at www.leeco.us for Additional Requirements or contact Wendy Swann (334) 737-3674 Legal Run 03/18 & 03/25/2020
INVITATION TO BID BID# 20018 Sealed bids for the construction of the City-Wide Asphalt Paving Project shall be received at the Opelika City Hall Conference Room, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m., local time on Tuesday, March 31, 2020, and then publicly opened and read aloud. All interested parties are invited to attend. Only bids from competent general contractors will be considered. At the time of contract award, the successful bidder must be a properly licensed general contractor. No bid will be accepted from anyone except a qualified Contractor licensed by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors. Principal items of work include but are not limited to: asphalt removal by milling, asphalt patching, asphalt leveling, asphalt surface, tack, and temporary striping. The Opelika Engineering Department will make every effort to have work located, prioritized, schedule, and grouped in order to optimize the mobilization of the contractor. Work shall begin within 10 days of each “Notice to Proceed”. The total contract length shall not exceed 360 calendar days. Drawings and Specifications may be examined at the Office of the City Engineer located at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama. Phone number: 334705-5450 Bid documents may be obtained from the Office of the City Engineer at no charge as
an electronic file if the bidder supplies a storage drive or as an email attachment or electronic drop box. The bidder’s proposal must be submitted on the complete original proposal furnished to him/her by the City of Opelika. All information in the proposal must be completed by the bidder for the proposal to be accepted. A Bid Bond in the amount of five (5) percent of the bid amount made payable to the City of Opelika must accompany each bid. Performance and Payment Bonds for the full contract sum will be required of the successful bidder. The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids and to waive irregularities. Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to: LillieFinley, Purchasing-Revenue Manager, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama, 36803-0390. Attn: City-Wide Asphalt Paving Project LILLIE FINLEY- PURCHASING REVENUE MANAGER CITY OF OPELIKA 204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET (36801) POST OFFICE BOX 390 (36803-0390) OPELIKA, ALABAMA PH: (334) 705-5120 Legal Run 03/18/20, 03/25/20 & 04/01/2020
INVITATION TO BID BID# 20019 Sealed bids for the construction of the General Roadway Improvements shall be received at the: Opelika City Hall Conference Room, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m., local time on Tuesday, March 31, 2020, and then publicly opened and read aloud. All interested parties are invited to attend. Only bids from competent general contractors will be considered. At the time of contract award, the successful bidder must be a properly licensed general contractor. No bid will be accepted from anyone except a qualified Contractor licensed by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors. Principal items of work include but are not limited to asphalt and concrete removal, excavation, roadbed processing, installation of curb and gutter, installation of sidewalk, installation of storm drainage inlets, and erosion and sediment control. The Opelika Engineering Department will make every effort to have work located, prioritized, schedule, and grouped in order to optimize the mobilization of the contractor. Work shall begin within 10 days of each “Notice to Proceed”. The total contract length shall not exceed 360 calendar days. Drawings and Specifications may be examined at the Office of the City Engineer located at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama. Phone number: 334705-5450 Bid documents may be obtained from the Office of the City Engineer at no charge as an electronic file if the bidder supplies a storage drive or as an email attachment or electronic drop box. The bidder’s proposal must be submitted on the complete original proposal furnished to him/her by the City of Opelika. All information in the proposal must be completed by the bidder for the proposal to be accepted. A Bid Bond in the amount of five (5) percent of the bid amount made payable to the City of Opelika must accompany each bid. Performance and Payment Bonds for the full contract sum will be required of the successful bidder. The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids and to waive irregularities. Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to: Lillie Finley, Purchasing-Revenue Manager, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama, 368030390. Attn: General Roadway Improvements LILLIE FINLEY- PURCHASING REVENUE MANAGER CITY OF OPELIKA 204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET (36801) POST OFFICE BOX 390 (36803-0390)
OPELIKA, ALABAMA PH: (334) 705-5120 Legal Run 03/18/20, 03/25/20 & 04/01/2020
IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF JAMES BRADY HENDERSON, DECEASED Case No. 2020-008 NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration have been granted to Louie Hinkle as Administrator for the Estate of James Brady Henderson, deceased on March 10, 2020, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said estate are hereby to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Done this the 10th day of March, 2020. BILL ENGLISH PROBATE JUDGE OF LEE COUNTY Legal Run 03/25/2020, 04/01/20 & 04/08/2020 IN RE: THE MARRIAGE OF: STEPHEN VAUGHN, Plaintiff, vs. RACHEL JOYCE LAO, Defendant. IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA FAMILY DIVISION CIVIL ACTION FILE NO.: DR20-900048.00 NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: RACHEL JOYCE LAO 121 W, EVANS AVE. PUEBLO, CO 81004 You are hereby notified that the above-styled action secking divorce was filed against you in said Court on February 17, 2020, and that by reason of an Order for Service of Summons by Publication entered by the Court on March 9, 2020, you are hereby commanded and required to file with the Clerk of said Court and serve upon BRIAN A. RAMEY, Plaintiff’s attorney, whose address is P.O. BOX 1002, COLUMBUS, GA 31902, an Answer to the Complaint within sixty (60) days of 03/17/2020. WITNESS in hand this 17th day of March, 2020. MaryB. Roberson, CLERK, CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Legal Run 03/25/2020, 04/01/2020, 04/08/2020 & 04/15/2020
NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF AMANDA J. PATTERSON, Deceased Probate Court Lee County Take Notice that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION of said deceased having been granted to Benjamin H. Parr on the 18th day of March, 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. Legal Run 03/25/2020, 04/01/2020 & 04/08/2020
CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, AL FAMILY COURT DIVISION: JUVENILE IN THE MATTER OF: A.L.H., A minor child JU-2018-456.02
NOTICE TO: Britney Leigh Haggard and any unknown father of A.L.H. born 12/19/2012 to Britney Leigh Haggard at West GA Health System in Lagrange, GA. Custody of the minor child was vested with Lee County DHR on 12/04/2018. Britney Leigh Haggard and any unknown father must answer the Petition to Terminate Parental Rights filed in the Family Court of Lee County, AL by Lee County DHR, within fourteen (14) days from the last date of publication of this notice, or a final judgment may be rendered in Juvenile Case Number JU-2018-456.02 in the Family Court of Lee County, AL terminating all parental rights to the minor child. Mary Roberson, CIRCUIT CLERK Lee County Justice Center 2311 Gateway Dr. Opelika, AL 36801 Hon. Margaret A. Mayfield Attorney for Lee County DHR P.O. Box 809 Opelika, AL 36803 (334) 745-0333 Legal Run 03/25/20, 04/01/20, 04/08/20 & 04/15/20
CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, AL FAMILY COURT DIVISION: JUVENILE IN THE MATTER OF: L.LP. A minor child JU-2019-266.02 NOTICE TO: Any unknown father of L.L.P. born 7/25/2019 to Luciana Celeste Parker at EAMC in Opelika, AL. Custody of the minor child L.L.P. was vested with Lee County DHR on 7/26/2019. Any unknown father must answer the Petition to Terminate Parental Rights filed in the Family Court of Lee County, AL by Lee County DHR, within fourteen (14) days from the last date of publication of this notice, or a final judgment may be rendered in Juvenile Case Number JU-2019 -266.02 in the Family Court of Lee County, AL terminating all parental rights to the minor child. Mary Roberson, CIRCUIT CLERK Lee County Justice Center 2311 Gateway Dr. Opelika, AL 36801 Hon. Margaret A. Mayfield Attorney for Lee County DHR P.O. Box 809 Opelika, AL 36803 (334) 745-0333 Legal 03/11, 03/18, 03/25 & 04/01/2020
STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF LEE TO: John Randall Tigner, Ella Peral Harper Barker, Mary Harper, Patricia Harper, Michael Harper, Donna Harper, Gloria Harper Reid, Belinda Lee Harper, Elvira Harper, Margaret Harris Lord, Cynthia Harris, Robert Edwards, whose wehreabouts are unknown, and any known or unknown heirs of The Estate of Odessa Harper Taylor, Deceased. You will please take notice that on the 27th day of February, 2020, a certain paper in writing, purported to be the Last Will and Testament of Odessa Harper Taylor was filed in my office for Probate by Charles Edward Harper and that the 27th day of May, 2020 @ 10:00 a.m., CDT, was appointed the day and time for the hearing thereof, at which time you can appear and contest the same, if you see propert. Given under my hand, this the 3rd day of March, 2020. BILL ENGLISH, Judge of Probate Legal Run 03/11/2020, 03/18/2020 & 03/25/2020.
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month #DDawareness2020 acdd.org
ALL CITY OF OPELIKA BUILDINGS ARE NOW CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC, EFFECTIVE MARCH 21, 2020, START OF BUSINESS. WE WILL RE-EVALUATE THE SITUATION NO LATER THAN APRIL 5. PLEASE CALL THE DEPARTMENT NUMBER BELOW TO CONDUCT BUSINESS ONLINE, BY PHONE OR EMAIL. Accounting: 705-5181 Administration: 705-5150 Building Inspection: 705-5420, 705-5427 City Attorney: 705-2075 City Clerk: 705-5110 Economic Development: 705-5115 Engineering: 705-5450 Environmental Services: 705-5480 ESG/Public Works: 705-5400 Fire Department: 705-5300 Human Resources: 705-5130
Lewis Library: 705-5380 Mayor’s Office: 705-5150 Municipal Court:705-5196 Opelika Power Services: 705-5570 Parks and Recreation: 705-5560 Planning: 705-5166 Police Department: 705-5200 Probation Office: 705-5198 Purchasing: 705-5120, 705-5126 Revenue: 705-5160, 705-5162
A MESSAGE FROM MAYOR GARY FULLER: At the City of Opelika we are not taking the COVID-19 situation lightly. We have a responsibility to our community, the people of Opelika and our employees to take all precautions necessary to keep everyone safe and healthy. We have made some significant changes to the way we will conduct business over the coming weeks. Our goal is to continue providing essential services to our community – fire and police protection, power, solid waste and waste water collection and treatment. Other departments will be serving you online, by phone or email. We understand that this is a most unusual situation, and ask that you remain calm and use good judgement when making decisions that affect you, your family and those closest to you. Thank you for your patience during this unusual time.
For city updates and information during the COVID-19 event, visit www. opelika-al.gov/covid19.
Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics Wednesday, March 25, 2020
Inside the Statehouse U.S. Senate runoff moved to July 14
T
he GOP contest for who sits in our number two U.S. Senate seat has been delayed until July 14 because of the Coronavirus. The winner of the battle between Jeff Sessions and Tommy Tuberville will more than likely be our junior U.S. Senator for six years. Neither are spring chickens. Sessions will be 74 and Tuberville will be 66 when the winner takes office. This is not the optimum age to be a freshman U.S. Senator because seniority equates to superiority in the U.S. Senate. Given their age of arrival, neither will be given much deference or have much influence. Sessions’ 20 years goes for naught. He does not get his seniority back. Instead, he goes to the back of the line as would Tuberville. Sessions really does not want to be influential. During his tenure he wanted to be the choir boy and Eagle Scout of the Senate. He was the most honest and conservative member of the Senate. He wore that badge proudly and would again. Tuberville is planning to be Trump’s bodyguard and valet. He will not know where the bathroom is, what committees he has been placed on, or where to sit, much less how to pass a bill or get anything accomplished for Alabama. After about six years he
By Steve Flowers will realize he is a Senator from Alabama, not Arkansas or Florida. His only mission as a campaigner appears to be that he can shoot a gun and wants to be Donald Trump’s pawn. The irony with this Trump love affair is legitimate polling that points to a Tuberville victory also reveals a Trump loss. Trump probably is not going to be president when either Tuberville or Sessions takes office. Anybody with a cursory knowledge of how our president is elected under the Electoral College System realizes that if Trump loses any of the key pivotal battleground states of Ohio, Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota or Pennsylvania, he loses the Whitehouse. If Joe Biden is the Democratic nominee, current polling clearly has him favored to carry all of those states. He is pretty much a lock to win his home state of Pennsylvania. The winner of the Tuberville-Sessions contest will be our junior senator. Either one will beat our anomaly, Democratic
interloper Doug Jones, probably 60 to 40. Being the Republican nominee for a U.S. Senate Seat in the Heart of Dixie is tantamount to election, especially in a presidential election year with Donald Trump atop the ticket. It really does not matter which one is elected, they both will vote conservatively and look at their roles as being a reactionary ideologue. Neither will garner much power. However, that does not matter when you have Senator Richard Shelby as your senior Senator. He has enough power that we really do not need a second senator. Most pundits were saying Tuberville had momentum and was heading towards a victory, especially with Trump’s endorsement. However, with 15 weeks to prepare rather than 10 days it is a new ballgame. Allow me to share two cardinal caveats I have shared with you over the years, and which I have recently shared with national media people who have asked for my insight on this race. First, Alabamians have shown a unique but overwhelming aversion to one politician endorsing another for another office. I was taught this rule of Alabama politics when I was a young legislator. It is a cardinal rule in Alabama politics that you do not get See Flowers, page B9
Lee County encourages citizens to utilize online services Special to the Opelika Observer With the outbreak of Covid-19, the health and safety of our citizens and employees is of the utmost importance. Although county facilities will remain open for now, we request and encourage all citizens to minimize their risk of exposure and our employee’s risk of exposure by utilizing alternative methods to conduct business including online, phone and mail.
The following departments offer services, forms and applications that are available online; visit www.leeco.us for additional information and links to each department. -Probate Office Revenue Commissioner’s Office -Boat License renewal Property Tax Payments -Resident Hunting and Fishing License Motor Vehicle Registration Renewals -Driver's License Renewal or a dupli-
cate made -Marriage Certificate Commission Office -Business Licenses Live Streaming of Meetings -Probate Court Job Applications -Sheriff’s Office Building Inspection -Pistol Permits -Building Permits -Non-emergency online police reporting -Job Applications For more information regarding online services, contact the individual county department.
Alabama Department of Revenue extends relief to lodging businesses Special to the Opelika Observer Effective immediately, the Department of Revenue is extending relief to state lodgings tax account holders who are unable to timely pay their February, March and April 2020 state transient occupancy tax, commonly referred to as “lodgings tax” liabilities. Late payment penalties for state lodgings tax liabilities reported for these tax periods will be waived through June 1. This relief applies only to the waiver late payment penalties for state lodgings tax liabilities. The Department has not extended the return filing deadlines for state lodgings taxes. As a result, state lodging tax filers should timely file all lodgings tax returns as normal and report any
NOW OPEN
taxes due. Similar state sales tax relief may be available on a case-by-case basis to other businesses significantly impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) and the preventative measures being taken to limit its spread in Alabama.
For more information about relief for state lodgings tax account holders, taxpayers are encouraged to visit the Department of Revenue’s COVID-19 Updates page or call the Department’s Sales and Use Tax Division at 334242-1490.
Indoor shooting range is open to the public
2195 FIRST AVENUE • OPELIKA
pelika Observer O
B8 March 18, 2020
Sweet Grown Alabama encourages consumers to patronize local farms Special to the Opelika Observer Alabama farmers who sell directly to consumers, schools and restaurants are finding innovative ways to move products while following social distancing recommendations from the Centers added delivery service for Disease Control and drive-thru pick-up and Prevention (CDC). HUGE 2-DAY PUBLIC AUCTION options. Numerous Sweet Huge Contractors Equipment & Truck Auction “These are certainly Grown AlabamaWednesday, memMarch 25th & trying times. Not th ber farmers are Thursday, utilizMarch 26 • 9only am are we concerned for ing social media and 1042 Holland Ave • Philadelphia, Mississippi 39350 everyone’s health; consumers Day 1: websites Selling Dump so Trucks, Truck Tractors, Specialty Trucks, Trailers, Farm Tractors, 1-ton Trucks, Pickups, Vehicles, Attachments, Misc. we’re also concerned can place online orDay 2: ders. Selling Dozers, Excavators, Roadfarmers Trucks, Rubber-tired forOffour who Farmers haveMotor alsoGraders,
Loaders, Loader Backhoes, Skid Steers, Compaction Eq., Forklifts, Logging Eq., Service Trucks, Fuel/Lube Trucks & More
Deanco Auction 601-656-9768
are working hard to provide necessary products,” said Sweet Grown Alabama Director Ellie Watson. “The mandated closings of schools and restaurant dining rooms is absolutely necessary, but
it also impacts typical sales for our farmers. We want individual consumers to know there are still options for buying from local farms while following all the CDC’s recommendations for
stopping the spread of COVID-19. “We’ve supplied our Sweet Grown Alabama members with best practices for welcoming customers to their farms during this time,” Watson continued. “We encourage farm visitors to be proactive as well. Call the farm to schedule a visit or place an order, bring hand sanitizer and, if you have to get out of your car, keep the suggested six-foot distance between you and another person.” Sweet Grown Ala-
www.deancoauction.com
1042 Holland Ave (PO Box 1248) • Philadelphia, Mississippi 39350 Auctioneer: Donnie W Dean, #733, MSGL #835 10% Buyers Premium on the first $4500 of each lot and then a 1% buyers premium and the remaining balance of each lot.
ALASCAN CLASSIFIEDS to advertise statewide!
HUGE 2-DAY PUBLIC AUCTION Huge Contractors Equipment & Truck Auction
Wednesday, March 25th & Thursday, March 26th • 9am 1042 Holland Ave • Philadelphia, Mississippi 39350
Day 1: Selling Dump Trucks, Truck Tractors, Specialty Trucks, Trailers, Farm Tractors, 1-ton Trucks, Pickups, Vehicles, Attachments, Misc. Day 2: Selling Dozers, Excavators, Motor Graders, Off Road Trucks, Rubber-tired Loaders, Loader Backhoes, Skid Steers, Compaction Eq., Forklifts, Logging Eq., Fuel/Lube Trucks & More
Deanco Auction 601-656-9768 www.deancoauction.com 1042 Holland Ave (PO Box 1248) • Philadelphia, Mississippi 39350 Auctioneer: Donnie W Dean, #733, MSGL #835 10% Buyers Premium on the first $4500 of each lot and then a 1% buyers premium and the remaining balance of each lot.
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pelika O Observer
B9 March 18, 2020
From the Desk of Gov. Kay Ivey:
State income tax filing SBA Economic Disaster date extended to July 15 Loans available to small businesses; apply now Special to the Opelika Observer
Gov. Kay Ivey and the Alabama Department of Revenue announced on Monday that the state income tax filing due date is extended from April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020. Taxpayers can also defer state income tax payments due on April 15 to July 15 without penalties and interest, regardless of the amount owed. This deferment applies to all taxpayers, including individuals, trusts and estates, corporations and other non-corporate tax filers. “This morning, I signed a supplemental State of Emergency order to allow the Alabama Department of Revenue to extend state filings until July 15, 2020,” said Governor Ivey. “It is imperative we reduce the burden upon Alabamians and get folks back on their feet financially. The safety and wellbeing of Alabamians is the paramount priority as we do everything within our power to mitigate the spread of
Special to the Opelika Observer
Ivey the Coronavirus.” Other taxes included in the deadline extension are corporate income tax, the Financial Institution Excise Tax (FIET), and the Business Privilege Tax (BPT). Taxpayers do not need to file any additional forms or call the Alabama Department of Revenue to qualify for this automatic state tax filing and payment relief. Individual taxpayers who need additional time to file beyond the July 15 deadline can request a filing extension through the usual methods. “Even considering the extended filing deadline, we urge taxpayers who are owed refunds to file
as soon as possible and file electronically,” said Revenue Commissioner Vernon Barnett. “Filing electronically with direct deposit is the quickest way to get refunds. Although the Department is practicing prudent working conditions with our staff during this period, we will continue with mission-critical operations to support Alabama’s citizens. We ask for your support, understanding and patience.” The Department will continue to monitor issues related to the COVID-19 virus, and updated information will be posted on the Department’s website Coronavirus page.
Governor Kay Ivey announced on Saturday that small businesses across Alabama negatively impacted by the coronavirus pandemic are eligible for assistance under the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. The program will help qualified businesses and non-profit organizations recover from economic losses tied to the abrupt downturn triggered by the COVID-19 disease. “Small businesses represent the backbone of Alabama’s economy, and many of them need immediate help in these trying times,” Governor Ivey said. “My team has worked closely with the SBA in recent days to make this economic assistance possible. We’re all grateful to President Trump and the SBA for responding rapidly to the problems faced by small businesses in Alabama.” SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans
offer up to $2 million in assistance for an eligible small business. These loans can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. These low-interest loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. Businesses must qualify for EIDL assistance. For more information, go to the SBA’s COVID-19 disaster assistance web page. Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, said the department’s Office of Small Business Advocacy has heard from many small business owners around the state who are being squeezed by the sudden decline in economic activity brought on by the emergence of coronavirus. “Small businesses are the lifeblood of communities all across
Alabama, employing local residents and sustaining economic vitality,” Secretary Canfield said. “It’s critical that small businesses around the state remain healthy, and the SBA’s disaster loan program could prove to be a lifeline for many of them.” Commerce worked with the Alabama Emergency Management Agency and the Alabama Small Business Development Center to prepare Alabama’s application for the SBA’s EIDL program. The SBA granted Alabama’s application today. “This was a team effort that will help many small business owners in Alabama make it through this crisis and move forward to thrive once again,” Governor Ivey said. According to data from the SBA’s Office of Advocacy, there are nearly 400,000 small businesses in Alabama, employing nearly half of all Alabama workers. For more information, visit governor. alabama.gov.
New Primary Runoff Election Date set for July 14 Special to the Opelika Observer Last Wednesday, Gov. Kay Ivey announced that the Primary Runoff Election would be held on July 14 because of the concerns surrounding the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. “Exercising my extraordinary powers under the Emergency Management Act, I am setting Alabama’s Primary Runoff Election for July 14, 2020,” Governor Ivey said. “The ability to hold free and fair elections is an inherent right as citizens of the United States and the great state of Alabama, but
Flowers, from B7 involved in other races. Alabamians have a very dim view of this practice. They seem to inherently say, “We elected you to your office. You ought to be thankful for that and not show an arrogance that you are so good and anointed that you want to tell us who
the safety and wellbeing of Alabama citizens is paramount. “Our State Health Officer, Dr. Scott Harris, is recommending that we should practice social distancing and refrain from public gatherings of more than 25 individuals. Maintaining a 6-foot distance between one another is paramount. This guidance alone would be making an election day a hotbed for spreading the virus. “Persons who are 65 years or older as well as those with previous heart and lung diseases are more vulnerable to the Coronavirus. Knowing the average
age of our faithful poll workers qualifies them to be most at-risk adds the necessity to extend the election runoff date. “Delaying the election to July 14 is not a decision I came to lightly, but one of careful consideration. I appreciate the guidance of Attorney General Steve Marshall and Secretary of State John H. Merrill for their collaboration to ensure the continuity of our state government.” On Tuesday, Attorney General Steve Marshall issued an emergency ruling declaring Governor Ivey had the authority to
delay the runoff under the State of Emergency declaration. “Governor Ivey has the legal authority under the Alabama Emergency Management Act to declare a state of emergency as a result of the current pandemic,” says Attorney General Steve Marshall. “Accordingly, she also has the lawful ability to postpone a primary runoff election to protect public health and safety during the state of emergency.” Upon the governor’s issuance of the amended State of Emergency proclamation rescheduling the Primary Runoff Election to
to vote to place in another office.” George Wallace, in his hey-day, when he was at the height of his popularity, would endorse someone and invariably they would lose. Less y’all forget, Trump endorsed Luther Strange for this same seat. He then lost to Roy Moore. Then Trump endorsed Roy Moore and he immediately lost to Doug Jones. Alabamians do not think much of
endorsements, in fact they resent them. The second caveat is Alabamians will universally, overwhelmingly vote for someone from their neck of the woods. It is called “Friends and Neighbors” politics. Jeff Sessions lives in and is from Mobile. The voter turnout in Mobile-Baldwin is going to be the highest in the State because there is a toss-up runoff race between Jerry
Carl and Bill Hightower to fill Bradley Byrne’s 1st Congressional District seat. We will see in midJuly 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.
be held on July 14, the Secretary of State shall give notice and provide the amended Administrative Calendar, via certified mail and email, to all applicable election officials. “I am grateful to Governor Ivey and General Marshall for their proactive leadership, sincere dedication, and spirit of teamwork displayed during these trying times,” said Secretary of State John H. Merrill. “It is critical that we provide a safe and secure environ-
ment for all 3,585,209 voters in the State of Alabama to participate in the electoral process.” The Secretary of State is encouraging anyone who is concerned about contracting the virus or spreading the illness may vote by absentee. For information regarding voter registration, locating a polling place, or how to obtain an absentee ballot, please contact the Secretary of State’s at https://www.sos. alabama.gov/alabamavotes.
TEXTILE MILLS ASBESTOS CLAIMS If you began working in a Textile Mill, Tire Plant, Paper Mill, Steel Mill or any other industrial setting before 1980: You may have a claim against the asbestos manufacturers.
Call now for your free evaluation. 1-(888)432-6020 Asbestos Claims, LLC, Jubal L. Hamil Attorney at Law ARPC 7.2.(e) “No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.”
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Alabama Medicaid should use every tool it has to save lives Written by Jim Carnes Special to the Opelika Observer Gov. Kay Ivey and her cabinet members deserve applause for taking swift and decisive action to protect Alabamians during the COVID-19 pandemic. The steps they have taken to increase social distancing, remove administrative barriers to seeking assistance and get resources to where they are most critically needed will save lives and reduce the strain on Alabama’s hospitals. We urge Ivey to continue to use every tool available to address this crisis. The stakes are high: An estimated 46% of Alabama adults are at higher risk of developing serious health complications from the coronavirus. Seniors, people with disabilities and people with underly-
ing health conditions appear to be at most serious and immediate risk from the virus. Alabamians with low incomes and those who lack health insurance are also high-risk groups, because their options for responding to the health threat and related challenges are limited. In a recent letter to Ivey and Medicaid Commissioner Stephanie Azar, Alabama Arise and 36 partner organizations endorsed several tools available to the state to increase access to health care. Federal law gives states wide flexibility to use their Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Programs (ALL Kids in Alabama) to respond to health emergencies and other disasters. The options below include some that Alabama Medicaid has adopted already. Many others could
be implemented in short order, and some could be requested now for future use. They are in keeping with the important recognition by Ivey and federal officials that COVID-19 requires a bold, timely and comprehensive response. Here are some of our key recommendations: -Expand health coverage for the uninsured. Medicaid expansion is a must to ensure coverage for more than 340,000 Alabama adults with low incomes. Our state also should ensure that women with pregnancy-related Medicaid coverage can remain enrolled for at least 12 months after childbirth. And Alabama should eliminate asset tests for seniors and people with disabilities. -Make enrollment more accessible. Alabama should remove administrative barriers to enrollment
by maximizing the use of presumptive eligibility and selfattestation of income and citizenship. Officials also should use information from the school lunch program as part of the express lane process to determine Medicaid eligibility. -Keep people covered. Alabama should temporarily delay the annual renewal process under its authority to exceed time limits in emergency situations. The state also should maintain coverage for Alabamians who temporarily reside out of state because of the coronavirus. And it’s essential to prevent disruption of services for people with special health care needs and disabilities. -Expand benefits that are covered. Alabama should take up the option in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to ensure that all necessary treat-
ment and preventive services, including vaccines, are covered for all adult Medicaid participants without cost-sharing. We should cover 90-day supplies of maintenance medications, allow advance refills and cover home delivery of prescription drugs. Alabama also should expand covered home- and community-based services. And the state should maximize the use of telehealth to extend provider access and reduce direct personal contact during the pandemic. -Ensure continuity of care. Thousands of Alabama Medicaid participants depend on health services and daily living supports provided in home- and community-based settings and long-term care facilities. For these individuals, disruptions in care and assistance can be life-threatening.
-Medicaid and other services that provide health care for struggling and marginalized Alabamians form the backbone of the health care system that protects us all. A health emergency only heightens the need for that system to be as strong as we can make it. We urge Ivey and state Medicaid officials to use every tool available to protect Alabamians in the short, medium and long terms. For more information, visit www. alarise.org. The organization’s headquarters are located in Montgomery. Jim Carnes is policy director of Alabama Arise, a nonprofit, nonpartisan coalition of congregations, organizations and individuals promoting public policies to improve the lives of Alabamians with low incomes.
City of Auburn extends relief to businesses unable to pay taxes Special to the Opelika Observer Effective immediately, the City of Auburn is extending relief to businesses unable to pay their February, March and April 2020 sales, use, lodging, rental and leasing tax liabilities.
While businesses must still file their City of Auburn sales, use, lodging, rental and leasing taxes by the 20th day of each month, penalties for late payments will be waived through June 1. Participation in this relief effort requires
taxpayers to file the City of Auburn taxes directly with the City. As we continue to practice social distancing, we encourage taxpayers to use the following methods to file the city tax: File on City’s citizen self-service website - instructions are
on the landing page. Email completed City of Auburn sales tax forms to revenue@auburnalabama. org Mail completed City of Auburn sales tax forms to the address listed on page 2 of the form Drop off completed
City of Auburn sales tax forms in the drop box located across from City Hall on Tichenor Avenue next to a US Postal Mail receptacle. The drop contents are collected the following business day. Those with questions can contact the
City of Auburn Revenue Office at 334501-7239. Regular hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Find more information about the City of Auburn's response to the COVID-19 pandemic at auburnalabama. org/coronavirus.
take the census. make a difference. do it today. Complete yours at my2020census.gov
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Opelika’s Azalea and Dogwood Trail in full blossom
Elliott & Associates Insurance Agency Opelika - (334)745-0888 elliottinsuranceagents.com
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Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Pictured are glimpses of this year’s Opelika’s Azalea and Dogwood Trail which runs through the city’s historic district. It can be viewed from now until the blossoms fall off later in the spring. For more information and to view or download a map of the trail, visit www.keepopelikabeautiful. com.