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...
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. The highly trained detection dog helped lead the parade through downtown Auburn as students, alumni and community members celebrated Homecoming on the Plains. Auburn’s Canine Performance Sciences program develops specialized detection dogs for...
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...
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...
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...
CONTRIBUTED BY 2ND MISSION ALLIANCE OPELIKA — 2nd Mission Alliance, a faith-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving veterans, first responders and their families, is building a new Leadership and Training Center at its Selah property in Opelika and will dedicate the facility in honor of Maj. John “Alex” Klinner.The Major Alex Klinner Leadership and Training Center will provide approximately 5,000 square feet of covered, year-round space supporting...
Community
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. The highly trained detection dog helped lead the parade...
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,...
Opelika neighborhood party raises more than $5,000 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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