Sheriff candidates spar over cooperation with ICE ahead of primary BY DANIEL SCHMIDTTHE OBSERVER LEE COUNTY — Two Republican candidates running for Lee County Sheriff are offering competing visions regarding the agency’s involvement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with the 2026 primary elections less than a month away. While the debate between current Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones and his challenger, Cam Hunt, a former Lee County...
BY KADIE TAYLORTHE OBSERVER OPELIKA — Inviting the community to join in a sweet day of strawberries, O Grows is holding a Strawberry Block Party on Saturday, May 2, from 3 to 8 p.m. at 706 1st Ave. in downtown Opelika.O Grows Farmers Market Manager Antonio Martinez said he found himself considering the events that are held in Opelika and wanting to create an event that helps locals get involved and informed about their community garden.“[I...
BY LANDI RUTLEDGEFOR THE OBSERVER On April 27, the 2026 Restoring Hope Gala will be held at the Hotel at Auburn University & Dixon Conference Center at 6 p.m. with proceeds going to the Women’s Medical Clinic.Attendees can expect to hear from Rebekah Hagan, a nationally renowned pro-life speaker.There will be live music, including a live violinist who will play for attendees during the dinner.During the event, there will be a moment to...
BY DANIEL SCHMIDT | THE OBSERVER LOACHAPOKA — A Lee County Sherrif’s deputy is in stable condition following a shooting near Loachapoka. Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones confirmed the deputy is being transferred to UAB via helicopter for further evaluation by a specialist. Jones said the deputy is in stable condition at this time. The suspect, an adult Hispanic male whose name has not yet been released, died at the scene due to injuries sustained...
BY KADIE TAYLORTHE OBSERVER OPELIKA — Worthy2 is working to reach and help vulnerable women through a new flier outreach initiative.“Worthy2 is an advocacy organization for adult and minor females who have been exploited through commercial sex, or what most people refer to as sex trafficking,” said Worthy2 founder and CEO Kathryn Guthrie. “We have been doing this work here in this area and Montgomery with state and federal law enforcement, and...
BY ABBEY CRANK FOR THE OBSERVER OPELIKA — Opelika City Schools Superintendent Dr. Kevin Davis presented a plan to build a $140 million middle school to the Opelika City Council on April 7, aiming to address its growing student enrollment. “It’s not hard to see that we are growing really rapidly here in Lee County, especially in Opelika, because it’s a great place to live,” Davis said. Since 2020, Opelika City Schools’ student body has...
Community
BY SAMUEL JONESFOR THE OBSERVER OPELIKA — A new weekly summer music event is set to bring musicians and community members together in downtown Opelika, creating a laid-back space for live performances and connection.The Street Corner Jam, created...
OPINION — The Envision Opelika Foundation has partnered with the Opelika Character Council since 2007 to emphasize and recognize good character across the community. Local businesses, organizations, city government and schools play key roles in...
BY DANIEL SCHMIDTTHE OBSERVER AUBURN — A massive new student housing development rising in the heart of downtown Auburn officially began its race to the finish line with a groundbreaking ceremony on April 15, as the initial site prep came to a...
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