BY KAYLEIGH FREEMANFOR THE OBSERVER OPELIKA — Whether climbing stairs, dragging hoses or navigating enclosed spaces, the Opelika Fire Department is putting aspiring firefighters to the test — physically and mentally — by hosting monthly Candidate Physical Ability Tests, an essential requirement for joining the department.CPAT is a timed assessment used to evaluate aspiring firefighters’ physical capabilities by simulating demanding tasks they...
Baby Steps program improves graduation rates BY KADIE TAYLORTHE OBSERVER AUBURN — Baby Steps supports Auburn University students who are navigating an unplanned pregnancy, with the goal of helping these young mothers complete their degrees.“Baby Steps is an Auburn-based nonprofit that’s been around for almost 10 years,” said the organization’s president and CEO, Cary Chandler. “We seek to empower pregnant and parenting college students… to have...
BY DANIEL SCHMIDTFOR THE OBSERVER OPELIKA-AUBURN— When looking at Auburn High School and Opelika High School, the two schools seemed destined to become rivals. Just over six miles apart, they are polar opposites in almost every single way.One is represented by a tiger, the other by a bulldog. One wears blue on Friday nights, while the other wears red. One is located in a fast-growing town fueled by growth associated with its world-renowned...
The Orthopaedic Clinic: Keeping Opelika-Auburn sports rivalry healthy BY SAM VISE | FOR THE OBSERVER AUBURN/OPELIKA — The roar of the crowd, the thud of helmets, the cheers of a community united — this is the sound of high school football. For nearly a century, one game has defined the spirit of high school football in this community: the storied rivalry between the Auburn High Tigers and the Opelika High Bulldogs.It’s more than just a game;...
BY MICHELLE KEYPUBLISHER OPELIKA — Opelika’s Municipal Election was held Tuesday, Aug. 26.The following results are still unofficial and will be canvassed and certified at noon on Tuesday, Sept. 2, at the Municipal Court Building in Opelika. MayorEddie Smith won 56% of the vote, earning him the title of Mayor-Elect. His opponents, Raven Harvis and Herman Barnes took 43% and 2% of the votes respectively.“First of all, I want to give all the...
BY KAYLEIGH FREEMANFOR THE OBSERVER LEE COUNTY — Most people do not think about fingerprinting services – until the need arises. Whether it is for background checks or record expungement, fingerprints are often an essential part of moving paperwork forward.“Fingerprints are used for identification purposes. Everyone has a unique identifier, with no two people having the same fingerprint even if you’re identical twins,” said Allison Duke,...
Community
Former Opelika mayoral candidate arrested on a perjury charge BY ANITA STIEFELMANAGING EDITOR OPELIKA — Herman Barnes, who ran for mayor in Opelika’s recent municipal election, was arrested Aug. 28 by the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s deputies at his...
CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER OPELIKA — Opelika Community Theatre (OCT) is seeking volunteers, mentors and participants to join the 2025-2026 Penguin Project and Penguin Players Program.The Penguin Project was founded 20 years ago by pediatric...
CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER OPELIKA — Russell Jones, MMC (Master Municipal Clerk)/CMC (Certified Municipal Clerk), City Clerk for the City of Opelika, recently completed his designation as a Certified Elections/Registration Administrator (CERA) –...
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