In other local news, three more Opelikans have thrown their hats into the ring for the City Council election on Aug. 26, according to Beverly Harvey’s story Saturday.

Opelika native Greg Jones, 50, a self-employed home builder, will run in Ward 1 against incumbent Patsy Jones (no relation). He says he’s following his heart into public service and that improving job growth will be his top concern.

Oscar Penn will run in Ward 2 against incumbent Clarence Harris Jr. Penn was not available for comment for Harvey’s story.

Rick Gaught, 57, will run in Ward 5 against incumbent Dr. William Lazenby. Gaught is a retired Opelika police officer who is concerned about the city’s public safety and infrastructure needs and job and industry growth. In addition, he says he wants to explore the possibility of contracting with a non-city civil service program to manage the city’s employees.

Previously qualified candidates include Mayor Gary Fuller and his challenger, Rainer Meadows; Patsy Jones; Harris; Ward 3 candidates Lucinda Samford Cannon, Joey Motley and Loren Sutton, who hope to replace incumbent Jerry Teel, who is not seeking re-election; Ward 4 incumbent Eddie Smith; and Lazenby.

Smith remains the lone city official unopposed for re-election – so far. Qualifying continues until 5 p.m. tomorrow.