OPINION — I am writing to address several serious inaccuracies in Stephanie Smith’s Feb. 5, 2026 article about the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA). The claims that the AHSAA “operates in the shadows,” lacks accountability or uses its rules to punish students are not only misleading-they distort the truth about an organization built, governed and held accountable by Alabama’s own schools. The AHSAA is not a secretive body....
BY KADIE TAYLOR THE OBSERVER OPELIKA — After an announcement at the beginning of 2026 that Red Clay Brewing Company would be closing and taking the first three months of the year to sell stocked brews, the community expressed excitement online after Chris Hutchison announced he had purchased the brewery and would work to ensure Red Clay Brewing Company remains a local staple. “[My fiancé Kandayce Ross and I] bought our forever home here...
BY KADIE TAYLOR THE OBSERVER AUBURN — Locals gathered at the Auburn University Golf Club on March 2 for the ABLE Invitational Golf Tournament, a community fundraiser supporting the upcoming feature film ABLE, set to begin production in the Auburn-Opelika area in 2026. Through donations and support from more than 50 local businesses and civic organizations, hundreds of residents, the cities of Auburn and Opelika and the money raised at the ABLE...
CONTRIBUTED BY city of opelika OPELIKA — Just a little over one year after launching production, Miele Manufacturing Inc. has reached a significant milestone: the assembly of its 10,000th oven and range. The achievement marks a remarkable first year for the young operation and underscores the company’s rapid growth in a highly competitive home appliance market. Mayor Eddie Smith said, “Reaching the 10,000th unit in just over a year is an...
CONTRIBUTED BY city of AUBURN AUBURN — Shinhwa Auto USA Corporation announced today that it will invest an additional $37 million in its manufacturing operation in Auburn. “Shinhwa is once more growing its operations in Auburn, proving yet again that our city is fertile ground where businesses thrive,” said Auburn Mayor Ron Anders. “Businesses are the lifeblood of our community. We are grateful for Shinhwa’s investment in Auburn and look...
BY LANDI RUTLEDGE FOR THE OBSERVER OPELIKA — On Feb. 7, Mallorie Ray and Ashton Smith became the new owners of Precious Cargo and Five Little Piggies, opening the doors in downtown Opelika. With five young girls between the two of them, they said seeing the doors closed inspired them to take over ownership, and they were determined to keep it in the community. While they said they previously shopped there a few times in the past, they said the...
Community
OPINION — I am writing to address several serious inaccuracies in Stephanie Smith’s Feb. 5, 2026 article about the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA). The claims that the AHSAA “operates in the shadows,” lacks accountability or...
BY KADIE TAYLOR THE OBSERVER OPELIKA — After an announcement at the beginning of 2026 that Red Clay Brewing Company would be closing and taking the first three months of the year to sell stocked brews, the community expressed excitement online...
BY KADIE TAYLOR THE OBSERVER AUBURN — Locals gathered at the Auburn University Golf Club on March 2 for the ABLE Invitational Golf Tournament, a community fundraiser supporting the upcoming feature film ABLE, set to begin production in the...
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