Deputies save life of 16-year-old in structure fire
Deputies save life of 16-year-old in structure fir …

LEE COUNTY – On Oct. 13, at approximately 4:09 p.m. CDT, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call in reference to a structure fire on Lee Road 41 in the Beauregard community in Lee County. The caller advised that they briefly left the room to use the restroom while cooking and returned to the kitchen on fire. Lee County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Brightwell and Kennedy responded to the structure fire, and upon arrival, immediately...

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Opelika Main Street Hero continues family legacy of volunteering
Opelika Main Street Hero continues family legacy o …

By Kadie TaylorThe Observer OPELIKA — Earlier this fall, Opelika Main Street held its Main Street Awards and awarded Shree Summerlin with the Main Street Hero Award.“Over the years, I have proven my commitment to Opelika Main Street by being consistent and disciplined,” she said. “I believe this is a huge part of why I received the Main Street Hero award. I’m a recent graduate from Auburn University, majoring in both Philosophy and German and I...

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Veteran Spotlight
Veteran Spotlight

Discovering a World War II hero: PFC Maryland J. Golden BY ANN CIPPERLYFOR THE OBSERVER OPELIKA — While the family of Pfc. Maryland J. Golden knew their father had served in World War II and suffered serious injuries, they didn’t realize the depth of his service until his jumper jacket was discovered. Finding the jacket — which they didn’t know existed — led to learning about their father’s bravery as a member of the 82nd Airborne...

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True Value hardware store now open in Opelika
True Value hardware store now open in Opelika

BY KAYLEIGH FREEMANThe Observer OPELIKA — Opelika True Value, a family-owned and operated hardware store, opened its doors for business May 1. Though still in its soft-opening phase, the new addition has given the Opelika community a taste of all that is to come with the business’ grand opening, scheduled in March 2026.True Value provides customers with an extensive selection of products including tools, equipment, lawn supplies, outdoor...

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Heritage House haunts with two events in October
Heritage House haunts with two events in October

BY KADIE TAYLORTHE OBSERVER OPELIKA — Historic charm and fall festivities meet, Heritage House is hosting two upcoming fall events to immerse attendees in fun and food. “Southern Gothic is a brand new event and is the brainchild of my wife/business partner Dani Nelson,” said Co-Owner Leif Espelund. “We describe it as a woven tapestry of music, performance and literary readings while being served a 4-course Gullah Geechee meal. Curated to be an...

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Community

Young adults lead resurgence in church attendance

Young adults lead resurgence in church attendance

BY ROB DAVISFOR THE OBSERVER LEE COUNTY — Millennials and members of Generation Z are returning to church in growing numbers, and nowhere is that more evident than in the Auburn-Opelika community.Known as the “Quiet Revival” in the United States...

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Staying safe in Auburn-Opelika

Staying safe in Auburn-Opelika

By Kadie TaylorThe Observer LEE COUNTY — With recent cases of violence locally, many online are expressing their fear and uncertainty in areas where they have long felt safe. Opelika Chief of Police Shane D. Healey is reminding locals of ways to be...

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