BY HANNAH HERRERAFOR THE OBSERVER OPELIKA — The Arts Association of East Alabama is celebrating 60 years in the Auburn-Opelika community with a six-week, six-show spring performance series.Anna Coxwell, the Arts Association’s new board president, said the association is hoping to foster a festival feel with this spring series. Each performance will have a local partner, such as a restaurant or bar, as a gathering spot for attendees.The Arts...
CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF OPELIKA After 35 years of dedicated service to the City of Opelika, Police Chief Shane Healey has announced he will retire on March 1, 2026. “Chief Healey has been a stellar leader and an exceptional public servant," said Mayor Eddie Smith. "His dedication, integrity and steady guidance have made a profound difference in the lives of countless residents and officers alike. We are deeply grateful for his years of...
BY ANN CIPPERLYFOR THE OBSERVER OPELIKA — As a kickoff for the upcoming Empty Bowls event, the Rocky Brook Potters are holding 12 Days of Christmas with handcrafted ornaments, gift baskets and other items for sale from Dec. 8 through Dec. 20, with all proceeds going to the Food Bank of East Alabama. The Denson Drive Recreation Department in Opelika is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.“The 12 Days of Christmas is a good way to...
BY DANIEL SCHMIDT THE OBSERVER AUBURN — Before Alex Golesh walked into Jordan-Hare Stadium to be named Auburn University’s 33rd head football coach, a crowd of fans had gathered outside the Harbert Recruiting Center to catch a glimpse. Lined up in the form of a miniature Tiger Walk, it provided him with a glimpse of the future and the support from a passionate fanbase cheering on its fourth coach in seven years. However, that recent turnover...
CONTRIBUTED BY AUBURNUNIVERSITY AUBURN — Widely regarded as one of the top offensive minds in college football, Alex Golesh has been named Auburn Football’s head coach, Athletics Director John Cohen announced Sunday. The 33rd head coach in program history, Golesh comes to The Plains following three highly successful seasons leading the South Florida program from 2023-25. Golesh engineered a rapid rebuild of the USF program,...
BY MICHELLE KEY PUBLISHER LEE COUNTY — Several Smiths Station High School students were recently recognized for outstanding achievements across academics, leadership and the arts. Konnor Napier was named a WTVM “Wonder Kid” for his leadership in the band program and excellence in the classroom. A 4.1 GPA student, Napier has earned A Honor Roll every year and participates in Boys State, HOBY, Beta Club, multiple band ensembles and has received...
Community
BY MICHELLE KEYPUBLISHER LEE COUNTY — Community members, farmers and local officials gathered Nov. 20 at Lazenby Farms for the annual Lee County Farm-City Banquet, an event highlighting the partnership between rural and urban communities and...
CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF OPELIKA After 35 years of dedicated service to the City of Opelika, Police Chief Shane Healey has announced he will retire on March 1, 2026. “Chief Healey has been a stellar leader and an exceptional public servant," said...
BY ANN CIPPERLY FOR THE OBSERVER OPELIKA —Collinwood residents continue their Christmas gift to the community with the 58th annual Luminaries on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 5 to 9 p.m. Along the candlelit drive, signs display Bible verses and scenes...
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