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Veterans Day events See page A4

2022, 2023 — APA DIVISION D GENERAL EXCELLENCE DESIGNATION — 2024 SERVING LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

Vol. 17, No. 05 Opelika, Alabama Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024

Your hometown newspaper created 'for local people, by local people.'

www.opelikaobserver.com

Copelan becomes Lee County’s first female district judge PHOTO BY MICHELLE KEY | THE OBSERVER

Copelan with her husband and children at her victory party Tuesday night.

BY DAVID BELL AND MICHELLE KEY

LEE COUNTY — Opelika attorney Samantha Copelan is the first woman to be elected Judge of Lee County District Court. Copelan, who ran as a Republican, received 65% of the total votes cast in Tuesday’s General Election, overcoming Democratic challenger and DHR attorney Kris Patton of Auburn. According to the uncertified results, Copelan had more than 43,000 votes and Patton received a little over 23,000 votes. During the March 5

Primary Election, Copelan defeated Lee County Assistant District Attorney Clay Thomas and Opelika attorney Harold Morris with 57% of the vote to win the Republican nomination, while Patton ran unopposed as the Democratic nominee. It was also the first political campaign for both candidates. In remarks during her victory party, Copelan thanked her husband, Ed, along with her parents, brother and sister-in-law, niece and other family members and friends for their support during the campaign.

“We knocked on over 11,000 doors, and it literally took a family effort,” Copelan said. “I am honored this could end up the way it is tonight. Every person that wore a T-shirt, put a sign in their yard, worked at the events with me, campaigned at the polls with me, my neighbors, my friends — I feel like my family grew exponentially over the last 18 months, and being able to celebrate my birthday and this night with y’all I just am so grateful, and I’m honored to have been able to do this and hopefully See ELECTION, page A2

Southern Union breaks ground on aviation hangar PHOTO BY STEVEN STIEFEL | FOR THE OBSERVER

On Oct. 31, officials gathered at the Auburn University Regional Airport for a groundbreaking ceremony for Southern Union State Community College’s Aviation Technology program. Guests were welcomed by SUSCC Executive Director of Advancement Gretchen VanValkenburg. Remarks were made by SUSCC President Todd Shackett, Alabama House District 79 Representative Joe Lovvorn, AU Regional Airport Executive Director Bill Hutto, Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller, Auburn Mayor Ron Anders and SUSCC Deputy Chancellor of Instruction, Research and Development Chris Cox.

Story on page B8

Veterans Day events, AU Military Appreciation Week to include mayors’ breakfasts and patriotic programs City of Auburn wreath-laying ceremony to feature keynote speaker Jake Norotsky BY ANITA STIEFEL | EDITOR@ OPELIKA OBSERVER.COM

AUBURN — The community is invited to the city of Auburn’s 2024 Veterans Day wreath laying ceremony on Monday, Nov. 11, at 10 a.m. at the Auburn Veterans Memorial Monument, located at the northeast corner of Ross

Col (Ret.) Glenn Schmick will give keynote address at city of Opelika’s commemoration

Street and Glenn Avenue. According to a press release from the city of Auburn, Mayor Ron Anders will officiate the ceremony, which will feature keynote speaker U.S. Army veteran Jake Norotsky of the Wounded Warrior Project. Pastor Jeff Damron from Union Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) will

JAKE NOROTSKY

See AUBURN, page A4

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CONTRIBUTED BY CITY OF OPELIKA

COL. (RET.) GLENN SCHMICK

OPELIKA — The city of Opelika invites the public to join the Mayor and city council on Monday, Nov. 11, to celebrate and pause to say thank you to veterans. “On Veterans Day, we honor the courage and sacrifices of those who have served,” said Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller. “It’s a day

to remember that freedom is not free, and we must always strive to support and thank those who protect our way of life.” The morning will begin with a breakfast at 9 a.m. for veterans and their families at the Opelika Public Library, 1100 Glenn St. The breakfast is FREE for veterans and their family.

See OPELIKA, page A4

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City of Opelika — Garbage, Trash, Recycling Thanksgiving schedule