On the Tracks returns with wine, art, downtown experiences
On the Tracks returns with wine, art, downtown exp …

Opelika Main Street event on Oct. 9 will feature 19 stops, live music, light bites and new partnership with East Alabama Arts BY MICHELLE KEYPUBLISHER OPELIKA — For more than two decades, On the Tracks has invited residents and visitors to spend an evening exploring downtown Opelika one glass at a time.Opelika Main Street Director Kelsey Gallahar Sullivan said the event has been held at least once a year since 2005, making this year the...

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Opelika veterans find honor, closure on Wiregrass Honor Flight
Opelika veterans find honor, closure on Wiregrass …

BY MICHELLE KEY PUBLISHER OPELIKA — For Vietnam veteran Wilbert D. Payne Jr., a recent Wiregrass Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., was about far more than seeing the nation’s monuments. It offered something he said had been missing for decades: a sense of closure. Payne and fellow Opelika veteran James Hughley were among the veterans who took part in the Sept. 15-17 trip. “I served in Vietnam for the country, and this trip helped give me...

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Come home to The Plains
Come home to The Plains

SisterSally5, a retired Auburn University Dog from Auburn University’s Canine Performance Sciences program, served as grand marshal of the 2026 Auburn University Homecoming Parade on Sept. 25. Pictured with SisterSally5 is Auburn University Canine Performance Sciences Manager of Research and Development Pamela Haney. The highly trained detection dog helped lead the parade through downtown Auburn as students, alumni and community members...

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Auburn-Opelika Tourism’s Anthony Terling named Soul of The South finalist
Auburn-Opelika Tourism’s Anthony Terling named S …

CONTRIBUTED BY  AUBURN-OPELIKA TOURISM LEE COUNTY — Auburn-Opelika Tourism’s Anthony Terling, sports development director, has been named a 2026 Soul of the South finalist in the Philanthropy category, recognizing his commitment to supporting families affected by rare disease and the work he and his wife, Lindsey Terling, have built together through the Austin 1st Foundation. Presented by SoulGrown, the annual Soul of the South awards...

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Patsy Boyd Parker honored for lifetime of dedication
Patsy Boyd Parker honored for lifetime of dedicati …

Longtime educator, counselor and community leader named Opelika’s September Citizen of Excellent Character BY MICHELLE KEYTHE OBSERVER OPELIKA — The city of Opelika recognized Patsy Boyd Parker as its September Citizen of Excellent Character, honoring the month’s character trait of dedication.Ward 4 Council Member Chuck Beams presented the nomination, describing Parker’s decades of service to students, education, family and the Opelika...

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Lee County Sheriff’s Office announces employee awards
Lee County Sheriff’s Office announces employee a …

CONTRIBUTED BY LCSO LEE COUNTY —The Lee County Sheriff’s Office recently held an awards ceremony, recognizing seven LCSO employees and one employee of the Lee County Probate Office.Sheriff Jay Jones emphasized the devotion of these award recipients to helping the Lee County community.“One of the most significant actions we take is to recognize the selfless service of the men and women who dedicate themselves to serve others,” Jones said. “These...

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Community

Come home to The Plains

Come home to The Plains

SisterSally5, a retired Auburn University Dog from Auburn University’s Canine Performance Sciences program, served as grand marshal of the 2026 Auburn University Homecoming Parade on Sept. 25. Pictured with SisterSally5 is Auburn University Canine...

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Think Pink marks 22 years of support, celebration

Think Pink marks 22 years of support, celebration

BY MICHELLE KEY PUBLISHER OPELIKA — What began as a walk and fundraiser has grown into a communitywide celebration of survivors, families and those still fighting breast cancer. This year marks the 22nd annual Think Pink event, set for Thursday,...

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‘Working 9 to 5’

‘Working 9 to 5’

Opelika neighborhood party raises funds, donations for Exodus Ranch BY SAM VISE | THE OBSERVER OPELIKA — Neighbors across Fox Run Village in Opelika put on their best rhinestones and channeled country music icon Dolly Parton last Friday evening,...

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