BY OBSERVER STAFF AUBURN — Auburn University engineering student Andrew Hamner recently won $50,000 while competing on FOX’s “The 1% Club,” hosted by actor and comedian Joel McHale.The episode was filmed in Fayetteville, Georgia, in December 2025 and aired July 20.Hamner appeared on the show alongside his mother, Maegan, who had initially received an invitation to apply. During the application process, producers asked whether she knew anyone...
CONTRIBUTED BYAUBURN-OPELIKATOURISM AUBURN — Perch Jewelry Studio is now open in downtown Auburn, inviting visitors to gather, create and explore their creativity through hands-on jewelry making, custom designs and a thoughtfully curated retail experience.Founded by jewelry designer Barbara Birdsong, Perch is built on the belief that creativity belongs to everyone. The studio offers guests the opportunity to design personalized jewelry using...
CONTRIBUTED BY THE OFFICEOF GOV. KAY IVEY PHENIX CITY — On Aug. 7., Gov. Kay Ivey introduced the Yearbys, an Alabama family utilizing the CHOOSE Act, the governor’s Education Savings Account program. Parents John and Cecily Yearby have five children: Johnna (23), Josiah (15) in 10th grade, Jaci (13) in eighth grade, Jeremiah (11) in sixth grade and a 19-month-old baby boy. Josiah, Jaci and Jeremiah were supported by the CHOOSE Act at The Rock...
BY OBSERVER STAFF OPELIKA — The Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, Lee County Commission and Auburn University School of Social Work celebrated the opening of Alabama’s second Traumatic Brain Injury Centers of Alabama location Thursday, Aug. 6.Officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new center, located inside the Bennie G. Adkins Meeting Center at 205 S. 10th St. in Opelika.The center will provide free services and resources...
BY AMANDA MACHAMERFOR THE OBSERVER AUBURN — TigerWings founder Kristen Cooper had one goal when launching her company: to connect children to their dream careers.Available to children aged 5 to 13, TigerWings is an educational nonprofit aimed at spurring children’s curiosity and confidence. During the summer, TigerWings partners with KidCam Camp Programs to reach even more families through summer camp at Chewacla State Park.In these sessions,...
Community
CONTRIBUTED BYCONTINENTAL PROPERTIESOPELIKA — Continental Properties, a leading national developer, owner and operator of suburban rental housing, announced the groundbreaking of Springs at Opelika, a new 252-home apartment community located at...
A new inclusive playground at West Ridge Park will officially open to the public Thursday, Aug. 20, marking a significant enhancement to the community’s recreational offerings. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled at 9 a.m., followed by free play...
BY VANESSA ECHOLSFOR THE OBSERVER OPELIKA — There’s a familiar face in charge now at the Boys & Girls Club in Opelika. Zach Seifert was named club house director in June. But he’s no stranger to the Boys & Girls Clubs of East Alabama. Last...
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