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IN THIS ISSUE BUSINESS NEWS A2 | POLITICS A7 | PUBLIC NOTICES A8 | OBITUARIES A14 SPORTS B1 | EDUCATION B8 | FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT B11
Find out about Opelika’s newest holiday tradition — page A2
2022, 2023 — APA DIVISION D GENERAL EXCELLENCE DESIGNATION — 2024 SERVING LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA
Vol. 17, No. 06 Opelika, Alabama Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024
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SHERIFF’S OFFICE ISSUES ‘TUTU CHALLENGE’
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office has taken on The Tutu Challenge. It is challenging Opelika Police Department & Auburn Public Safety - Police & Fire to join in. The Tutu Project is a unique initiative dedicated to raising funds and spreading joy for those affected by breast cancer. The Tutu Project provides support beyond what insurance covers — helping with transportation, wigs, childcare, groceries and other essential needs that often get overlooked during treatment. Learn more and consider donating at www.kentmccowngroup.com/thetutuproject
Honoring those who served PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES | THE OBSERVER
Opelika High head coach suspended before Friday’s playoff game
Moore used media credentials to access game BY D. MARK MITCHELL AND MICHELLE KEY
OPELIKA — Opelika head football coach Bryan Moore has been suspended for Friday’s class 7A playoff game against Hoover, after gaining access to the sidelines of Hoover’s game last Thursday night against Fairhope High School, with a media pass and a notebook. Moore can be seen on the sidelines in several photos, wearing a media pass, carrying a notebook in neutral clothes. Hoover coaches, administrators and other coaches saw Moore on the field during the game, prompting Hoover to report the incident to the AHSAA. Tuesday night, Nov. 12, AHSAA Excutive Director Heath Harmon confirmed
BRYAN MOORE the suspension in an email to Opelika sportswriter for The Observer and ‘On the Mark’ radio show host D. Mark Mitchell. The statement issued by AHSAA Executive Director reads “In accordance with AHSAA Central Board of Control policy, eligibilty rulings are only provided to member schools. We encourage all media to contact member schools for
access to rule violations. The AHSAA did apply rule violations to Opelika High School. I appreciate you reaching out to me, and I look forward to working with you in the future.” Sideline media passes for playoff games are issued by AHSAA every year and are not transferable. Opelika City Schools also issued a statement that reads, “Opelika City Schools and Coach Bryan Moore respect the standards set by the Alabama High School Athletic Association. While observing Hoover High School’s playoff game, Coach Moore used a media pass to access the field and take notes. Though he had no ill intent, Coach Moore recognizes this was an error in judgment and accepts the suspension.”
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Several events were held throughout the community to mark Veterans Day. Pictured above at the Opelika Veterans Breakfast are keynote speaker Col. (Ret.) Glenn Schmick, center, with World War II Veterans Fred Moore of Auburn, left, and Walter Dorsey of Opelika, right.
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City of Opelika — Garbage, Trash, Recycling Thanksgiving schedule