2026 All-Area Baseball Team

        [{"id":"112404","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/07\/21\/mixed-use-developmentapproved-for-south-auburn\/","name":"mixed-use-developmentapproved-for-south-auburn","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/AuburnAL_LogoOnly-scaled.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Mixed-use development approved for south Auburn","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Jul 21, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-07-22 00:59:57","modifiedDate":"2026-07-21 20:37:39","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-07-22 01:37:39","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/politics\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Politics<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/politics\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Politics<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":3,"sec":10},"status":"publish","content":"BY DANIEL SCHMIDTTHE OBSERVER AUBURN \u2014 The Auburn City Council on Tuesday approved a series of rezonings for a dense new mixed-use development in south"},{"id":"112398","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/07\/21\/opelika-approves-tax-abatements-for-channing-street-copper-co\/","name":"opelika-approves-tax-abatements-for-channing-street-copper-co","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Opelika-Logo-copy.jpg","alt":"City of Opelika, opelika-News"},"title":"Opelika approves tax abatements for Channing Street Copper Co.","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Jul 21, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-07-21 23:43:26","modifiedDate":"2026-07-21 18:59:10","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-07-21 23:59:10","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/politics\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Politics<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/politics\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Politics<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":3,"sec":33},"status":"publish","content":"BY MICHELLE KEYPUBLISHER OPELIKA \u2014 The Opelika City Council approved tax abatements for Channing Street Copper Co. during Tuesday night\u2019s meeting. Channing Street Copper Co."},{"id":"112395","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/07\/21\/opelika-blaze-wraps-up-softball-tryouts\/","name":"opelika-blaze-wraps-up-softball-tryouts","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/737673029_918930827139091_7046337684813019178_n-e1784675647127.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Opelika Blaze wraps up softball tryouts","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Jul 21, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-07-21 23:14:24","modifiedDate":"2026-07-21 18:14:40","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-07-21 23:14:40","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/sports\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Sports<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/sports\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Sports<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":2,"sec":53},"status":"publish","content":"BY DANIEL SCHMIDTTHE OBSERVEROPELIKA \u2014 After Opelika Middle School disbanded its softball team earlier this year, a void was left behind for area girls who"},{"id":"112372","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/07\/21\/one-love-national-night-out-event-planned\/","name":"one-love-national-night-out-event-planned","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/one-love-nno-1-scaled.jpg","alt":""},"title":"One Love National Night Out event planned","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Jul 21, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-07-21 17:51:52","modifiedDate":"2026-07-21 19:53:53","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-07-22 00:53:53","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":6,"sec":9},"status":"publish","content":"BY DANIEL SCHMIDTTHE OBSERVER OPELIKA \u2014 For the past 19 years, Oscar Penn has spent the first Tuesday in August trying to help connect his"},{"id":"112370","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/07\/21\/united-way-of-lee-county-to-host-annual-campaign-kickoff-july-30\/","name":"united-way-of-lee-county-to-host-annual-campaign-kickoff-july-30","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_9623-scaled.jpeg","alt":""},"title":"United Way of Lee County to host annual Campaign Kickoff July 30","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Jul 21, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-07-21 15:59:43","modifiedDate":"2026-07-21 16:29:49","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-07-21 21:29:49","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":1,"sec":28},"status":"publish","content":"CONTRIBUTED BY UNITED WAY OF LEE COUNTY OPELIKA \u2014 United Way of Lee County announced that it will host more than 200 volunteers for its"},{"id":"112367","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/07\/21\/alabama-equestrian-announces-opening-of-a-new-holistic-horsemanship-business\/","name":"alabama-equestrian-announces-opening-of-a-new-holistic-horsemanship-business","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Chanoah-at-Bluebells-Horsemanship.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Alabama equestrian announces opening of a new holistic horsemanship business","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Jul 21, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-07-21 15:58:31","modifiedDate":"2026-07-21 16:29:47","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-07-21 21:29:47","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":1,"sec":21},"status":"publish","content":"CONTRIBUTED TOTHE OBSERVER WAVERLY \u2014 Research shows that adult women benefit cognitively, physiologically and spiritually from experiences with horses. Equestrian Chanoah Orr has launched a"},{"id":"112364","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/07\/21\/former-restaurateur-launches-senior-home-service\/","name":"former-restaurateur-launches-senior-home-service","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/632969455_122110702629202560_8684927878179014344_n.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Former restaurateur launches senior home service","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Jul 21, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-07-21 15:55:29","modifiedDate":"2026-07-21 16:30:53","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-07-21 21:30:53","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":4,"sec":19},"status":"publish","content":"BY SAM VISETHE OBSERVEREAST ALABAMA \u2014 After nearly 14 years in East Alabama\u2019s restaurant industry, Richard Scott traded pizza ovens for home safety assessments \u2014"},{"id":"112360","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/07\/21\/guy-rhodes-honored-for-lifetime-of-journalism-community-service\/","name":"guy-rhodes-honored-for-lifetime-of-journalism-community-service","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Guy-and-Billy-Beasley-jpeg.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Guy Rhodes honored for lifetime of journalism, community service","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Jul 21, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-07-21 15:53:59","modifiedDate":"2026-07-21 16:31:23","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-07-21 21:31:23","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":3,"sec":7},"status":"publish","content":"CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER OPELIKA \u2014 Opelika resident Guy Rhodes has been recognized through a resolution from the Alabama Senate following his retirement after more"},{"id":"112358","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/07\/21\/anchored-in-truth-the-valley-is-not-the-end\/","name":"anchored-in-truth-the-valley-is-not-the-end","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_3963-scaled.jpeg","alt":""},"title":"Anchored in truth | The valley is not the end","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Jul 21, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-07-21 15:52:54","modifiedDate":"2026-07-21 10:53:03","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-07-21 15:53:03","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/column\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Column<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/column\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Column<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":4,"sec":13},"status":"publish","content":"BY ROBERT MILLER OPINION \u2014There are moments in life when the giant in front of you seems impossible to ignore.Sometimes it\u2019s a frightening diagnosis that"},{"id":"112356","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/07\/21\/altar-call-remember-to-forget\/","name":"altar-call-remember-to-forget","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/ALBRITTON.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Altar Call | Remember to forget","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Jul 21, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-07-21 15:51:58","modifiedDate":"2026-07-21 10:52:11","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-07-21 15:52:11","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/column\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Column<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/column\/walt-albritton\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Walt Albritton<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/column\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Column<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/column\/walt-albritton\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Walt Albritton<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":3,"sec":50},"status":"publish","content":"OPINION \u2014In my ninth decade, there are memories that are indeed precious to me. I think of them as holy moments when I was blessed"},{"id":"112354","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/07\/21\/kids-talk-about-god-what-can-we-learn-from-the-doubts-of-thomas\/","name":"kids-talk-about-god-what-can-we-learn-from-the-doubts-of-thomas","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-14-at-6.43.16\u202fPM.png","alt":""},"title":"Kids talk about God | What can we learn from the doubts of Thomas?","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Jul 21, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-07-21 15:50:16","modifiedDate":"2026-07-21 10:50:28","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-07-21 15:50:28","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/column\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Column<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/column\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Column<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":3,"sec":7},"status":"publish","content":"OPINION \u2014 \u201cIf I were Thomas, I probably would have doubted too,\u201d said Zoe, 11. \u201cDead people don\u2019t usually come back.\u201dThat\u2019s honest. It\u2019s probably why"},{"id":"112352","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/07\/21\/obituaries-week-of-july-20-2026\/","name":"obituaries-week-of-july-20-2026","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Obit.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Obituaries | Week of July 20, 2026","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Jul 21, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-07-21 15:48:33","modifiedDate":"2026-07-21 10:48:40","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-07-21 15:48:40","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/obituaries\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Obituaries<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/obituaries\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Obituaries<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":12,"sec":30},"status":"publish","content":"KENNETH R. WALTERSKenneth R. Walters, 62, passed away unexpectedly on July 12, 2026 with his dog Winston, by his side. He lived and worked many"}]    

        [{"id":"112404","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/07\/21\/mixed-use-developmentapproved-for-south-auburn\/","name":"mixed-use-developmentapproved-for-south-auburn","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/AuburnAL_LogoOnly-scaled.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Mixed-use development approved for south Auburn","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Jul 21, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-07-22 00:59:57","modifiedDate":"2026-07-21 20:37:39","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-07-22 01:37:39","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/politics\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Politics<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/politics\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Politics<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":3,"sec":10},"status":"publish","content":"BY DANIEL SCHMIDTTHE OBSERVER AUBURN \u2014 The Auburn City Council on Tuesday approved a series of rezonings for a dense new mixed-use development in south"},{"id":"112398","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/07\/21\/opelika-approves-tax-abatements-for-channing-street-copper-co\/","name":"opelika-approves-tax-abatements-for-channing-street-copper-co","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Opelika-Logo-copy.jpg","alt":"City of Opelika, opelika-News"},"title":"Opelika approves tax abatements for Channing Street Copper Co.","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Jul 21, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-07-21 23:43:26","modifiedDate":"2026-07-21 18:59:10","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-07-21 23:59:10","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/politics\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Politics<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/politics\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Politics<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":3,"sec":33},"status":"publish","content":"BY MICHELLE KEYPUBLISHER OPELIKA \u2014 The Opelika City Council approved tax abatements for Channing Street Copper Co. during Tuesday night\u2019s meeting. Channing Street Copper Co."},{"id":"112395","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/07\/21\/opelika-blaze-wraps-up-softball-tryouts\/","name":"opelika-blaze-wraps-up-softball-tryouts","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/737673029_918930827139091_7046337684813019178_n-e1784675647127.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Opelika Blaze wraps up softball tryouts","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Jul 21, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-07-21 23:14:24","modifiedDate":"2026-07-21 18:14:40","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-07-21 23:14:40","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/sports\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Sports<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/sports\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Sports<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":2,"sec":53},"status":"publish","content":"BY DANIEL SCHMIDTTHE OBSERVEROPELIKA \u2014 After Opelika Middle School disbanded its softball team earlier this year, a void was left behind for area girls who"},{"id":"112372","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/07\/21\/one-love-national-night-out-event-planned\/","name":"one-love-national-night-out-event-planned","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/one-love-nno-1-scaled.jpg","alt":""},"title":"One Love National Night Out event planned","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Jul 21, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-07-21 17:51:52","modifiedDate":"2026-07-21 19:53:53","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-07-22 00:53:53","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":6,"sec":9},"status":"publish","content":"BY DANIEL SCHMIDTTHE OBSERVER OPELIKA \u2014 For the past 19 years, Oscar Penn has spent the first Tuesday in August trying to help connect his"},{"id":"112370","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/07\/21\/united-way-of-lee-county-to-host-annual-campaign-kickoff-july-30\/","name":"united-way-of-lee-county-to-host-annual-campaign-kickoff-july-30","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_9623-scaled.jpeg","alt":""},"title":"United Way of Lee County to host annual Campaign Kickoff July 30","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Jul 21, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-07-21 15:59:43","modifiedDate":"2026-07-21 16:29:49","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-07-21 21:29:49","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":1,"sec":28},"status":"publish","content":"CONTRIBUTED BY UNITED WAY OF LEE COUNTY OPELIKA \u2014 United Way of Lee County announced that it will host more than 200 volunteers for its"},{"id":"112367","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/07\/21\/alabama-equestrian-announces-opening-of-a-new-holistic-horsemanship-business\/","name":"alabama-equestrian-announces-opening-of-a-new-holistic-horsemanship-business","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Chanoah-at-Bluebells-Horsemanship.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Alabama equestrian announces opening of a new holistic horsemanship business","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Jul 21, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-07-21 15:58:31","modifiedDate":"2026-07-21 16:29:47","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-07-21 21:29:47","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":1,"sec":21},"status":"publish","content":"CONTRIBUTED TOTHE OBSERVER WAVERLY \u2014 Research shows that adult women benefit cognitively, physiologically and spiritually from experiences with horses. Equestrian Chanoah Orr has launched a"},{"id":"112364","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/07\/21\/former-restaurateur-launches-senior-home-service\/","name":"former-restaurateur-launches-senior-home-service","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/632969455_122110702629202560_8684927878179014344_n.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Former restaurateur launches senior home service","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Jul 21, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-07-21 15:55:29","modifiedDate":"2026-07-21 16:30:53","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-07-21 21:30:53","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":4,"sec":19},"status":"publish","content":"BY SAM VISETHE OBSERVEREAST ALABAMA \u2014 After nearly 14 years in East Alabama\u2019s restaurant industry, Richard Scott traded pizza ovens for home safety assessments \u2014"},{"id":"112360","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/07\/21\/guy-rhodes-honored-for-lifetime-of-journalism-community-service\/","name":"guy-rhodes-honored-for-lifetime-of-journalism-community-service","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Guy-and-Billy-Beasley-jpeg.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Guy Rhodes honored for lifetime of journalism, community service","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Jul 21, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-07-21 15:53:59","modifiedDate":"2026-07-21 16:31:23","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-07-21 21:31:23","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":3,"sec":7},"status":"publish","content":"CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER OPELIKA \u2014 Opelika resident Guy Rhodes has been recognized through a resolution from the Alabama Senate following his retirement after more"},{"id":"112358","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/07\/21\/anchored-in-truth-the-valley-is-not-the-end\/","name":"anchored-in-truth-the-valley-is-not-the-end","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_3963-scaled.jpeg","alt":""},"title":"Anchored in truth | The valley is not the end","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Jul 21, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-07-21 15:52:54","modifiedDate":"2026-07-21 10:53:03","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-07-21 15:53:03","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/column\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Column<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/column\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Column<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":4,"sec":13},"status":"publish","content":"BY ROBERT MILLER OPINION \u2014There are moments in life when the giant in front of you seems impossible to ignore.Sometimes it\u2019s a frightening diagnosis that"},{"id":"112356","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/07\/21\/altar-call-remember-to-forget\/","name":"altar-call-remember-to-forget","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/ALBRITTON.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Altar Call | Remember to forget","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Jul 21, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-07-21 15:51:58","modifiedDate":"2026-07-21 10:52:11","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-07-21 15:52:11","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/column\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Column<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/column\/walt-albritton\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Walt Albritton<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/column\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Column<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/column\/walt-albritton\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Walt Albritton<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":3,"sec":50},"status":"publish","content":"OPINION \u2014In my ninth decade, there are memories that are indeed precious to me. I think of them as holy moments when I was blessed"},{"id":"112354","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/07\/21\/kids-talk-about-god-what-can-we-learn-from-the-doubts-of-thomas\/","name":"kids-talk-about-god-what-can-we-learn-from-the-doubts-of-thomas","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-14-at-6.43.16\u202fPM.png","alt":""},"title":"Kids talk about God | What can we learn from the doubts of Thomas?","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Jul 21, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-07-21 15:50:16","modifiedDate":"2026-07-21 10:50:28","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-07-21 15:50:28","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/column\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Column<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/column\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Column<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":3,"sec":7},"status":"publish","content":"OPINION \u2014 \u201cIf I were Thomas, I probably would have doubted too,\u201d said Zoe, 11. \u201cDead people don\u2019t usually come back.\u201dThat\u2019s honest. It\u2019s probably why"},{"id":"112352","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/07\/21\/obituaries-week-of-july-20-2026\/","name":"obituaries-week-of-july-20-2026","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Obit.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Obituaries | Week of July 20, 2026","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Jul 21, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-07-21 15:48:33","modifiedDate":"2026-07-21 10:48:40","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-07-21 15:48:40","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/obituaries\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Obituaries<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/obituaries\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Obituaries<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":12,"sec":30},"status":"publish","content":"KENNETH R. WALTERSKenneth R. Walters, 62, passed away unexpectedly on July 12, 2026 with his dog Winston, by his side. He lived and worked many"}]