| Friday, May 14, 2010 | Opelika, Alabama |
Vol. 2, No. 29 |
Fallen law enforcement honored, remembered
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Photos by Robert Noles |
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| Lance Abbett, was guest speaker at the police department memorial. |
By Zach McDonald
Opelika Observer
Citizens and public servants alike gathered in the courthouse of the Opelika Police Department Tuesday, May 11, to honor and remember fallen law enforcement officers across the nation who lost their lives in the line of duty. This especially included two officers from the Opelika Police Department: Lt. Brenton Truitt, Jr. and Sgt. Roger Motley. Lee County's retiring District Attorney Nick Abbett was the guest speaker at Opelika's annual "Officers Memorial Service.”
Mayor Gary Fuller and Chief Thomas Mangham also spoke about how the City of Opelika was fortunate the members of the police force are all honorable men and women, dedicated to serving and protecting the citizens of the community. And, of course, how they sacrifice of their time, their talents and sometimes their very lives.
“The families of officers know;” said Mangham, “every day you put on that uniform, you become a target. No day is a routine shift and no traffic stop is routine.”
Truitt was shot point blank with a shotgun June 3, 1970 responding to concerns of the welfare of the man who would eventually be the one to shoot him. He died later at the Lee County Hospital (now called the East Alabama Medical Center) from the fatal gunshot wound. Motley pai d the ultimate sacrifice for his community October 4, 1993. He was shot multiple times in a stand-off then later pronounced at the East Alabama Medical Clinic.
Abbett, who began his career as a police officer with the OPD spoke about his time on the force, the relationships he shared with the fallen officers and “the thin blue line” that is the police force separating peace and anarchy.
Rev. Eric Ingram concluded the memorial with a prayer: “Lord, we thank you for those who have served their community, who have served their city and for those who have served their state. We ask you to continue to serve and give us joy, give us peace, give us hope and let us know everything will be alright.” |
Rockets soar at OMS
Submitted by Opelika City Schools
Students in David Carpenter's 6th grade science class at Opelika Middle School used the scientific method to design and build rockets out of paper towel rolls. The students started with their individual hypothesis of what shape (size) head and wing would make the rocket go the greatest distance. The students designed a unique fin (wing) shape. The students also designed a unique rocket head after deciding how tall and wide they wanted the head to be.
After firing all of the student's rockets, the class members discovered that the rockets with thinner and shorter rocket heads and medium sized rocket wings (18-22 sq cm) would go the greatest distance.Summer mosquito control schedule
By
Jan H. Gunter
Community Relations Specialist
Opelika's Public Works Department has announced its upcoming 2010 Summer Mosquito Control Schedule. Spraying will begin on Monday, May 17 th and the spray trucks will be out between the hours of 6 p.m. and midnight.
The city has been divided into four sections and spraying will take place on Monday through Thursday evenings, respectively. Listed below are the sections 1 – 4 and the evening which residents can expect to see the spray trucks in your area.
Area Spraying Schedules
Monday evenings:
Section 1 areas, which include: All streets and roads north of 2 nd Avenue and east of 10 th Street.
Tuesday evenings:
Section 4 areas, which include: All streets and roads south of 2nd Avenue and east of 10th Street.
Wednesday evenings:
Section 2 areas, which include: All streets and roads north of 2 nd Avenue and west of 10 th Street.
Thursday evenings:
Section 3 areas, which include: All streets and roads south of 2 nd Avenue and west of 10 th Street.
This schedule is subject to change with inclement weather.
Mosquito Control Tips for Home and Yard
To help control the mosquito population around your home and yard, public works offers the following tips for home owners.
- Get rid of old tires, tin cans, buckets, drums, bottles or any type of water holding containers.
- Fill in or drain any low places in your yard that may hold water.
- Make sure trash containers have their lids closed to prevent water from accumulating.
- Repair any leaky faucets or pipes that may allow for water to stand.
- If you own a pool make sure it is properly maintained and cleaned to prevent mosquitoes from hatching.
- Change the water in bird baths and plant pots at least once a week.
- Keep grass cut short and shrubbery well trimmed around the house so adult mosquitoes will not hide.
7th annual Heroes Take Flight Fly In
Photos by Robert Owsley |
Special to the Opelika Observer
The countdown to the 7 th Annual Heroes Take Flight Fly- In has begun. The event will take place Saturday, May 15, Armed Forces Day, from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at The Auburn University Regional Airport. The fly-in offers fun and activities for the whole family. This year the fly-in will feature a special guest, Astronaut Jim Voss. Retired Major General Ted Mallory of the Air National Guard is serving as the Chairman for the 2010 Fly-In.
The fly-in always proves to be one of the most unique and exciting events in East Alabama. Tickets are $5 in advance or $8 at the gate. Children 10 and younger are just $2. Advance tickets are available through Friday, May 14 at Auburn and Opelika Kroger locations; Auburn University Regional Airport, Auburn Chamber of Commerce, Village Mall; Flip Flop Foto; The Opelika-Auburn News; and the Lee County Red Cross office or online at www.leeredcross.org . All proceeds benefit our local Lee County Red Cross.
The American Red Cross operates under a Congressional Charter to provide Armed Forces Emergency Services and disaster services to the American people. “Red Cross workers live and die with our military personnel in times of war and peace and know first hand the sacrifices they make to keep our country free”, said Jennifer Ryan, Executive Director of the Lee County Red Cross. “This fly-in is about enjoying and learning about all types of aircraft, honoring our military and veterans and making sure our local Red Cross has the funds it needs to continue serving the residents of Lee County”, Ryan said.
"We invite aviation enthusiasts of every age and interest to come out and enjoy the events and activities at the fly-in,” said Beth Witten, Development Officer for the Lee County Red Cross. “We have a terrific line up of aircraft scheduled from Warbirds to experimental planes and active military vehicles,” Witten added.“There's really something for everyone at the fly-in,” said Airport Director Bill Hutto. “It's an event in which the entire family can participate and enjoy.” Ongoing entertainment will be offered during the fly-in this year including music by Master of Ceremonies and local pilot John Bodiford from Qantum Communications, parachutist Buddy Blue from Skydive Opelika, a children's area with face painting, ponies and inflatables from Party Depot, and more. Local police, fire and EMS will have vehicles on display, military vehicles will be on display and K-9 units will give demonstrations. The Army Aviation Heritage Foundation will also be on hand offering helicopter rides for an additional fee. Special commemorative t-shirts and event programs will be for sale along with military memorabilia and Red Cross merchandise.
Lee County Red Cross Health and Community Services Manager Leigh Warren emphasizes the commitment and involvement of fly-ins volunteers and sponsors. “None of this would be possible without our dedicated volunteers and sponsors,” she said. “There is no way we could put on an event the size and scope of fly-in without their time, talent and enthusiasm. We appreciate all of their contributions, which play a part in our chapter's ongoing success and ability to serve our community.”
Parking has been arranged at Lakeview Baptist Church, Winn Dixie and the former Bruno's location on the corner of University and Glenn in Auburn. LETA shuttles will run continuously during the event to ride patrons to and from the parking areas and the airport. For safety reasons, no pets will be allowed. Political and religious solicitations and outside coolers and alcohol and weapons are also prohibited.
Volunteers and sponsors are still needed for the Heroes Take Flight Fly-in. For more information call (334)749-9981 or visit www.leeredcross.org .
The American Red Cross, Lee County Chapter provides disaster education and 24 hour a day response, services to the armed forces, health and safety education, blood collection and supply and utility assistance for elderly and disabled citizens. We are not a governmental agency. We are a non-profit 501(c) 3 agency that proudly partners with the United Way of Lee County to serve the residents of our county.Municipal court cases moved for renovations
By Jan H. Gunter
Community Relations Specialist
The City of Opelika has announced its plans to renovate the municipal courtroom, which is located inside the Opelika Police Department, located at 501 South 10 th Street, beginning in May. The city expects the renovation process to last through July.
Because of these renovations, Opelika's Municipal Court will be held in the Lee County District Courtroom #2, in the T. K. Davis Justice Center, located at 2311 Gateway Drive, beginning with the May 19, 2010 court sessions and going through the July 21, 2010 session.
Municipal Court Clerk Anita Comer states that all court dates issued on citations will remain the same. Opelika Municipal Court hours are every Wednesday afternoon starting at 1:00 p.m. for “show cause” and 1:30 p.m. for the regular docket.
If you have any questions please call Opelika's Municipal Court offices at (334) 705-5190 or (334) 737-3432.
