BY MICHELLE KEY PUBLISHER OPELIKA — The Walk for Peace, organized by approximately 24 Buddhist monks from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth, Texas, began Oct. 26. After walking for 61 days, the group arrived in Opelika a little after 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 25. The Foundry in Opelika hosted the monks for the night, providing shelter, food and gifts. “Tonight is a special night to host our guests, as it is Christmas Day —...
BY MICHELLE KEY PUBLISHER LEE COUNTY — January 2025: New Milestones, Transitions and Obstacles January opened with a milestone moment for Auburn and the state as Auburn University student Abbie Stockard, a Vestavia native and nursing major, was crowned Miss America 2025 in Orlando on Jan. 5. Stockard, who previously earned the Miss Alabama title, won a $50,000 scholarship and plans to spend her year-long reign traveling for public...
BY HILTON KNIGHT IN LOVING MEMORY OF BARBARA M. KNIGHT OPINION — I have fond memories of my childhood as the ninth of 11 children. The times I cherish most are the times of an older sister allowing me to sit on her lap for hours and reading poetry she loved. I would often take the poetry to her. She immediately knew what I wanted, and she would patiently place me in her lap and for hours read the poetic writings of Whitman, Emerson, Poe,...
BY DANIEL SCHMIDT THE OBSERVER OPELIKA — Opelika High School must now look for a new head football coach after Bryan Moore abruptly resigned at an emergency Opelika City Schools Board of Education meeting on Dec. 19. Moore, who was named OHS’ 22nd head coach on Dec. 19, 2023, leaves after just two years on the job and 16 days after leading the Bulldogs to a runner-up finish at the 7A state championship game. In a written statement, OCS...
CONTRIBUTED BY THE OAKS AGENCY AUBURN — HappyPaw Doodles is a family-run boutique dog breeding company operating out of Atlanta, Georgia and Auburn, Alabama owned by Dr. Ana Adams, DMV and Annslee Hillyer. They are welcoming new litters and seeking two guardian homes to host select breeding dogs. Dr. Adams brings a wealth of knowledge in veterinary science with over 25 years of experience and is one of the only animal reproduction...
BY KADIE TAYLOR THE OBSERVER OPELIKA — Axe Marks the Spot and the Opelika Rage Room are teaming up to provide one location for community fun. With the renovations completed, the business owners are working to reorganize and best accommodate customer fun in the shared space. “I talked with Alex from Rage Room, and we decided that bringing another activity downtown would be beneficial to the community,” said Axe Marks the Spot owner Emily Key. “I...
Community
CONTRIBUTED BY ACES LEE COUNTY — Food insecurity is an urgent problem in Alabama. In fact, approximately 1 in 4 children face food insecurity, and it affects about 2 million Alabama residents overall. The term food insecurity is associated with...
CONTRIBUTED BY CITY OF AUBURN AUBURN — Auburn Parks and Recreation is kicking off the new year with Fit Week, offering residents a free opportunity to jump-start their fitness goals. From Jan. 5–11, Auburn residents can enjoy a free week-long...
BY MICHELLE KEY PUBLISHER EAST ALABAMA — As the Christmas season draws hearts toward reflection and generosity, Thriving Hearts of East Alabama is celebrating the power of community partnerships and the small, faithful steps that lead to lasting...
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