BY GATOR KINCAID FOR THE OBSERVER AUBURN — From busy airports to crowded stadiums, national security and public safety are often reinforced by four-legged guardians whose training traces back to Auburn University. Auburn, known for its top-ranked veterinary program and graduates who have become veterinarians around the world, hosted its inaugural Top Dog Performance Competition at Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum. Canines and handlers from...
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...
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. 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...
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...
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, Oct. 10, and organizers say the event has seen tremendous growth in recent years. “In the last three years, it has quadrupled in size,” said Brandi Lashley, RN, Women’s Health Navigator and event...
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BY GATOR KINCAID FOR THE OBSERVER AUBURN — From busy airports to crowded stadiums, national security and public safety are often reinforced by four-legged guardians whose training traces back to Auburn University. Auburn, known for its top-ranked...
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...
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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