BY DANIEL SCHMIDT | THE OBSERVER
SPONSORED BY THE ORTHOPAEDIC CLINIC
First Team
[{"id":"112131","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/06\/30\/lee-scott-promotes-ozment-as-interim-head-football-coach\/","name":"lee-scott-promotes-ozment-as-interim-head-football-coach","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/fd6d774e-b14a-478f-959e-5c7d0956a527.jpeg","alt":""},"title":"Lee-Scott promotes Ozment as interim head football coach","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Jun 30, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-06-30 18:47:22","modifiedDate":"2026-06-30 13:47:30","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-06-30 18:47:30","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":1},"status":"publish","content":"BY DANIEL SCHMIDT | THE OBSERVER AUBURN \u2014 Lee-Scott Academy has named Jacob Ozment as the interim head football coach of the Warriors for the"},{"id":"112125","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/06\/30\/lee-county-commission-changes-polling-location\/","name":"lee-county-commission-changes-polling-location","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/731356591_1657880928836393_3478048525337909981_n.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Lee County Commission changes polling location","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Jun 30, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-06-30 18:36:49","modifiedDate":"2026-06-30 13:42:57","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-06-30 18:42:57","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/politics\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Politics<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/politics\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Politics<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":2,"sec":42},"status":"publish","content":"BY HANNAH GOLDFINGER THE OBSERVER LEE COUNTY \u2014 During the Monday, June 29, Lee County Commission meeting, the commission voted to change the polling place"},{"id":"112122","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/06\/30\/american-village-prepares-for-sweet-home-250\/","name":"american-village-prepares-for-sweet-home-250","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Picture1.png","alt":""},"title":"American Village prepares for Sweet Home 250","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Jun 30, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-06-30 18:26:52","modifiedDate":"2026-06-30 13:27:00","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-06-30 18:27:00","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/calendar\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Calendar (Upcoming Events)<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/events\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Events<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/calendar\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Calendar (Upcoming Events)<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/events\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Events<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":8,"sec":19},"status":"publish","content":"CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER MONTEVALLO \u2014 The American Village in Montevallo is gearing up to host Sweet Home 250 \u2014 Where Freedom Feels Like Home,"},{"id":"112116","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/06\/30\/lee-county-commission-to-dedicate-liberty-tree-as-part-of-alabamas-america-250-commemoration\/","name":"lee-county-commission-to-dedicate-liberty-tree-as-part-of-alabamas-america-250-commemoration","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image0-1-rotated-e1782844535112.jpeg","alt":""},"title":"Lee County Commission to Dedicate Liberty Tree as Part of Alabama's America 250 Commemoration","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Jun 30, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-06-30 16:25:00","modifiedDate":"2026-06-30 12:59:34","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-06-30 17:59:34","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/calendar\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Calendar (Upcoming Events)<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/events\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Events<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/calendar\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Calendar (Upcoming Events)<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/events\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Events<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":1,"sec":42},"status":"publish","content":"CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER LEE COUNTY \u2014 The Lee County Commission will host a Liberty Tree dedication at 9 a.m. CDT Thursday, July 2, outside"},{"id":"112114","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/06\/30\/safe-firework-use-protecting-nature-homes-this-independence-day\/","name":"safe-firework-use-protecting-nature-homes-this-independence-day","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/72nd-Annual-Freedom-CelebrationDSC_3579-scaled.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Safe Firework Use: Protecting Nature, Homes This Independence Day","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Jun 30, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-06-30 16:13:28","modifiedDate":"2026-06-30 11:13:38","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-06-30 16:13:38","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/uncategorized\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Uncategorized<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/uncategorized\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Uncategorized<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":3,"sec":34},"status":"publish","content":"By Emma Greene ALABAMA \u2014 Fireworks are a festive addition to 4th of July celebrations, but they can cause several dangers. To avoid the risk"},{"id":"112111","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/06\/30\/southside-center-of-the-arts-hosts-declaration-exhibition\/","name":"southside-center-of-the-arts-hosts-declaration-exhibition","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_3251-copy-scaled.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Southside Center of the Arts hosts Declaration Exhibition","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Jun 30, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-06-30 15:45:17","modifiedDate":"2026-06-30 10:45:25","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-06-30 15:45:25","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":55},"status":"publish","content":"Local art and history mark America\u2019s 250th anniversary BY GRACIE GOODMANFOR THE OBSERVER OPELIKA \u2014 The Southside Center of Arts is marking America\u2019s 250th anniversary"},{"id":"112109","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/06\/30\/local-journalism-shines-as-key-media-earns-apa-awards\/","name":"local-journalism-shines-as-key-media-earns-apa-awards","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Media-Awards-e1782834087504.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Local journalism shines as Key Media earns APA awards","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Jun 30, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-06-30 15:41:41","modifiedDate":"2026-06-30 10:41:49","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-06-30 15:41:49","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":3,"sec":15},"status":"publish","content":"BY OBSERVER STAFF EAST ALABAMA \u2014 The Observer, The LaFayette Sun and LIVE Lee Magazine brought home 33 awards in the 2026 Alabama Press Association"},{"id":"112107","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/06\/30\/public-notices-june-30-2026\/","name":"public-notices-june-30-2026","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_267689406-scaled.jpeg","alt":"Public Notices, Opelika-News"},"title":"Public Notices | June 30, 2026","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Jun 30, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-06-30 15:30:46","modifiedDate":"2026-06-30 10:31:02","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-06-30 15:31:02","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/legals\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Legals<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/legals\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Legals<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":18,"sec":18},"status":"publish","content":"STATE OF ALABAMACOUNTY OF LEENOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSUREDEFAULT having been made in the terms of that certain mortgage executed by Anthony Weed to River Bank"},{"id":"112105","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/06\/30\/letter-to-the-editor-founders-words-offer-lessons-in-character\/","name":"letter-to-the-editor-founders-words-offer-lessons-in-character","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/5768846_web1_Letters-to-the-Editor-Small.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Letter to the editor: Founders\u2019 words offer lessons in character","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Jun 30, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-06-30 15:21:45","modifiedDate":"2026-06-30 10:21:54","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-06-30 15:21:54","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/opinion\/letter-to-the-editor\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Letter to the Editor<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/opinion\/letter-to-the-editor\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Letter to the Editor<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":2,"sec":53},"status":"publish","content":"OPINION \u2014 The Character Council of Opelika exists to encourage character traits in our community. As the council promotes character words, we find inspiration in"},{"id":"112102","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/06\/30\/beauregard-10u-captures-state-title-advances-to-world-series\/","name":"beauregard-10u-captures-state-title-advances-to-world-series","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Celebration.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Beauregard 10U captures state title, advances to World Series","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Jun 30, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-06-30 15:18:54","modifiedDate":"2026-06-30 10:19:03","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-06-30 15:19:03","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":23},"status":"publish","content":"BY DANIEL SCHMIDTTHE OBSERVER BEAUREGARD \u2014 The Beauregard Diamond League Baseball 10U team claimed the Division II state championship, defeating Ashford 6-1 and 3-1 in"},{"id":"112099","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/06\/30\/on-the-mark-young-opelika-all-stars-battle-to-state-runner-up-finish\/","name":"on-the-mark-young-opelika-all-stars-battle-to-state-runner-up-finish","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_8126-copy.jpg","alt":""},"title":"On the Mark | Young Opelika All-Stars battle to state runner-up finish","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Jun 30, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-06-30 15:16:45","modifiedDate":"2026-06-30 10:16:52","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-06-30 15:16:52","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\/d-mark-mitchell\/\" rel=\"category tag\">D. Mark Mitchell<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/column\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Column<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/column\/d-mark-mitchell\/\" rel=\"category tag\">D. Mark Mitchell<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":2,"sec":11},"status":"publish","content":"OPINION \u2014 Opelika High Athletics took the week off, allowing student-athletes to enjoy time with friends and family and enjoy the 4th of July holiday.The"},{"id":"112097","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/06\/30\/obituaries-week-of-june-28-2026\/","name":"obituaries-week-of-june-28-2026","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Obit.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Obituaries | Week of June 28, 2026","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Jun 30, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-06-30 15:00:23","modifiedDate":"2026-06-30 10:00:32","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-06-30 15:00:32","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":10,"sec":6},"status":"publish","content":"JACK ROGERS JR.Jack Wyndall Rogers Jr., age 83, passed away peacefully at home in Auburn, on Father\u2019s Day, June 21, 2026. Jack was born Jan."}]
[{"id":"112131","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/06\/30\/lee-scott-promotes-ozment-as-interim-head-football-coach\/","name":"lee-scott-promotes-ozment-as-interim-head-football-coach","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/fd6d774e-b14a-478f-959e-5c7d0956a527.jpeg","alt":""},"title":"Lee-Scott promotes Ozment as interim head football coach","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Jun 30, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-06-30 18:47:22","modifiedDate":"2026-06-30 13:47:30","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-06-30 18:47:30","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":1},"status":"publish","content":"BY DANIEL SCHMIDT | THE OBSERVER AUBURN \u2014 Lee-Scott Academy has named Jacob Ozment as the interim head football coach of the Warriors for the"},{"id":"112125","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/06\/30\/lee-county-commission-changes-polling-location\/","name":"lee-county-commission-changes-polling-location","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/731356591_1657880928836393_3478048525337909981_n.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Lee County Commission changes polling location","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Jun 30, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-06-30 18:36:49","modifiedDate":"2026-06-30 13:42:57","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-06-30 18:42:57","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/politics\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Politics<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/politics\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Politics<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":2,"sec":42},"status":"publish","content":"BY HANNAH GOLDFINGER THE OBSERVER LEE COUNTY \u2014 During the Monday, June 29, Lee County Commission meeting, the commission voted to change the polling place"},{"id":"112122","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/06\/30\/american-village-prepares-for-sweet-home-250\/","name":"american-village-prepares-for-sweet-home-250","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Picture1.png","alt":""},"title":"American Village prepares for Sweet Home 250","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Jun 30, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-06-30 18:26:52","modifiedDate":"2026-06-30 13:27:00","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-06-30 18:27:00","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/calendar\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Calendar (Upcoming Events)<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/events\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Events<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/calendar\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Calendar (Upcoming Events)<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/events\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Events<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":8,"sec":19},"status":"publish","content":"CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER MONTEVALLO \u2014 The American Village in Montevallo is gearing up to host Sweet Home 250 \u2014 Where Freedom Feels Like Home,"},{"id":"112116","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/06\/30\/lee-county-commission-to-dedicate-liberty-tree-as-part-of-alabamas-america-250-commemoration\/","name":"lee-county-commission-to-dedicate-liberty-tree-as-part-of-alabamas-america-250-commemoration","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image0-1-rotated-e1782844535112.jpeg","alt":""},"title":"Lee County Commission to Dedicate Liberty Tree as Part of Alabama's America 250 Commemoration","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Jun 30, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-06-30 16:25:00","modifiedDate":"2026-06-30 12:59:34","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-06-30 17:59:34","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/calendar\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Calendar (Upcoming Events)<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/events\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Events<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/calendar\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Calendar (Upcoming Events)<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/events\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Events<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":1,"sec":42},"status":"publish","content":"CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER LEE COUNTY \u2014 The Lee County Commission will host a Liberty Tree dedication at 9 a.m. CDT Thursday, July 2, outside"},{"id":"112114","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/06\/30\/safe-firework-use-protecting-nature-homes-this-independence-day\/","name":"safe-firework-use-protecting-nature-homes-this-independence-day","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/72nd-Annual-Freedom-CelebrationDSC_3579-scaled.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Safe Firework Use: Protecting Nature, Homes This Independence Day","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Jun 30, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-06-30 16:13:28","modifiedDate":"2026-06-30 11:13:38","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-06-30 16:13:38","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/uncategorized\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Uncategorized<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/uncategorized\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Uncategorized<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":3,"sec":34},"status":"publish","content":"By Emma Greene ALABAMA \u2014 Fireworks are a festive addition to 4th of July celebrations, but they can cause several dangers. To avoid the risk"},{"id":"112111","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/06\/30\/southside-center-of-the-arts-hosts-declaration-exhibition\/","name":"southside-center-of-the-arts-hosts-declaration-exhibition","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_3251-copy-scaled.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Southside Center of the Arts hosts Declaration Exhibition","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Jun 30, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-06-30 15:45:17","modifiedDate":"2026-06-30 10:45:25","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-06-30 15:45:25","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":55},"status":"publish","content":"Local art and history mark America\u2019s 250th anniversary BY GRACIE GOODMANFOR THE OBSERVER OPELIKA \u2014 The Southside Center of Arts is marking America\u2019s 250th anniversary"},{"id":"112109","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/06\/30\/local-journalism-shines-as-key-media-earns-apa-awards\/","name":"local-journalism-shines-as-key-media-earns-apa-awards","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Media-Awards-e1782834087504.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Local journalism shines as Key Media earns APA awards","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Jun 30, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-06-30 15:41:41","modifiedDate":"2026-06-30 10:41:49","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-06-30 15:41:49","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":3,"sec":15},"status":"publish","content":"BY OBSERVER STAFF EAST ALABAMA \u2014 The Observer, The LaFayette Sun and LIVE Lee Magazine brought home 33 awards in the 2026 Alabama Press Association"},{"id":"112107","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/06\/30\/public-notices-june-30-2026\/","name":"public-notices-june-30-2026","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_267689406-scaled.jpeg","alt":"Public Notices, Opelika-News"},"title":"Public Notices | June 30, 2026","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Jun 30, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-06-30 15:30:46","modifiedDate":"2026-06-30 10:31:02","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-06-30 15:31:02","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/legals\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Legals<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/legals\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Legals<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":18,"sec":18},"status":"publish","content":"STATE OF ALABAMACOUNTY OF LEENOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSUREDEFAULT having been made in the terms of that certain mortgage executed by Anthony Weed to River Bank"},{"id":"112105","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/06\/30\/letter-to-the-editor-founders-words-offer-lessons-in-character\/","name":"letter-to-the-editor-founders-words-offer-lessons-in-character","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/5768846_web1_Letters-to-the-Editor-Small.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Letter to the editor: Founders\u2019 words offer lessons in character","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Jun 30, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-06-30 15:21:45","modifiedDate":"2026-06-30 10:21:54","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-06-30 15:21:54","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/opinion\/letter-to-the-editor\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Letter to the Editor<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/opinion\/letter-to-the-editor\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Letter to the Editor<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":2,"sec":53},"status":"publish","content":"OPINION \u2014 The Character Council of Opelika exists to encourage character traits in our community. As the council promotes character words, we find inspiration in"},{"id":"112102","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/06\/30\/beauregard-10u-captures-state-title-advances-to-world-series\/","name":"beauregard-10u-captures-state-title-advances-to-world-series","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Celebration.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Beauregard 10U captures state title, advances to World Series","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Jun 30, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-06-30 15:18:54","modifiedDate":"2026-06-30 10:19:03","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-06-30 15:19:03","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":23},"status":"publish","content":"BY DANIEL SCHMIDTTHE OBSERVER BEAUREGARD \u2014 The Beauregard Diamond League Baseball 10U team claimed the Division II state championship, defeating Ashford 6-1 and 3-1 in"},{"id":"112099","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/06\/30\/on-the-mark-young-opelika-all-stars-battle-to-state-runner-up-finish\/","name":"on-the-mark-young-opelika-all-stars-battle-to-state-runner-up-finish","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_8126-copy.jpg","alt":""},"title":"On the Mark | Young Opelika All-Stars battle to state runner-up finish","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Jun 30, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-06-30 15:16:45","modifiedDate":"2026-06-30 10:16:52","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-06-30 15:16:52","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\/d-mark-mitchell\/\" rel=\"category tag\">D. Mark Mitchell<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/column\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Column<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/column\/d-mark-mitchell\/\" rel=\"category tag\">D. Mark Mitchell<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":2,"sec":11},"status":"publish","content":"OPINION \u2014 Opelika High Athletics took the week off, allowing student-athletes to enjoy time with friends and family and enjoy the 4th of July holiday.The"},{"id":"112097","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/06\/30\/obituaries-week-of-june-28-2026\/","name":"obituaries-week-of-june-28-2026","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Obit.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Obituaries | Week of June 28, 2026","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Jun 30, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-06-30 15:00:23","modifiedDate":"2026-06-30 10:00:32","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-06-30 15:00:32","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":10,"sec":6},"status":"publish","content":"JACK ROGERS JR.Jack Wyndall Rogers Jr., age 83, passed away peacefully at home in Auburn, on Father\u2019s Day, June 21, 2026. Jack was born Jan."}]
Second Team
THIRD TEAM
Honorable Mentions
Individual Awards
