CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER OPELIKA — Opelika resident Guy Rhodes has been recognized through a resolution from the Alabama Senate following his retirement after more than 50 years as a journalist. The resolution was presented to Rhodes by District 27 State Sen. Billy Beasley of Clayton in Bullock County.Rhodes was managing editor of the Opelika-Auburn News for 17 years until 1990. He retired in 2025 after 31 years as editor and publisher of...
BY GRACIE GOODMAN | FOR THE OBSERVER The Opelika Ambassadors of Change will host a Back-to-School Supplies Giveaway on Sunday, July 26, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Covington Recreation Center at 213 Carver Ave., in Opelika. The event aims to help local families prepare for the upcoming school year by providing free school supplies to students enrolled in Opelika City Schools. Organizers hope to serve up to 500 students during the giveaway....
BY AMANDA MACHAMERFOR THE OBSERVER OPELIKA — For RyRowsie Women’s Boutique, success means more than just good business; it means building connections with the community.Opened June 23, RyRowsie Boutique offers hand-selected women’s fashion, with the mission of leaving its customers “clothed in confidence” and “rooted in love.”Owner Ashley Beasley said she wanted to sell clothing that customers can wear for almost any occasion, whether that’s...
BY THE OBSERVER STAFF EAST ALABAMA — Key Media has announced the return of former intern and freelance reporter Sam Vise as editor of The LaFayette Sun.Originally from Trussville, Vise began her college career at the University of North Alabama before transferring to Auburn University in 2023. She initially pursued a bachelor’s degree in apparel merchandising with a minor in journalism, but her work with Auburn University’s student newspaper,...
BY OBSERVER STAFF OPELIKA — The Opelika Chamber of Commerce is inviting travelers to experience the magic, history and scenery of England and Scotland during its 2027 Opelika Abroad trip.The “Wizarding Wonders of England & Scotland” tour is scheduled for Oct. 5-15, 2027, and will include stops in London, Oxford, Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands. The 11-day journey combines famous Harry Potter filming locations with historic castles,...
BY DANIEL SCHMIDTTHE OBSERVER BEAUREGARD — Before the hot summer sun ever had a chance to evaporate the predawn dew from the grass, Beauregard High School’s football team had long been hard at work.Dozens of players shuffled around the practice field, moving from warmup lines and position drills to a team-wide walkthrough.Later in the morning, they gathered in the weight room for a “four-quarter” workout that tested their mental and physical...
Community
Freedom Celebration draws families, patriotic tributes and a spectacular fireworks finale.
A Lee County resident and retired Auburn police officer recently marked the Fourth of July by reflecting on the military service and sacrifices of several generations of his family. Joe Stroud said his sixth great-grandfather, William Hampton...
D1 LIFE FOUNDATION RECEIVES DONATION — Deborah Pegues and Jalen Plott accept a donation for the D1 Life Foundation, which was established in memory of Dylan Pegues following his death in June 2022. The foundation provides scholarships to high...
Want to Advertise with us?
