BY KADIE TAYLOR THE OBSERVER OPELIKA — Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Opelika held a Candlelight Prayer Vigil for Peace on Jan. 29. Many prayed, read poems and led songs to help attendees process feelings regarding current events. Candy Williams welcomed the audience and opened the vigil in prayer. The candles were lit during the singing of “This Little Light of Mine,” and the light from candles was spread across the room. Leaders from many...
Opelika is mourning the loss of two of its beloved World War II veterans this past week. Walter Dorsey, age 98, passed away on Jan. 25 and Orrin "Boody" Brown, age 105, died Wednesday, Jan. 28. Obituaries and information on their funeral services are listed below. Walter Cullars DorseyWalter Cullars Dorsey of Opelika, age 98, passed away on Jan. 25, 2026 at his home after a brief illness. He was born in Atlanta, Georgia on March 25, 1927, to...
Moratorium would pause certain new residential approvals and more OPELIKA -The Opelika City Council will consider a proposed one-yearPlanning moratorium at its Feb. 3, meeting as part of a proactiveeffort to evaluate the city’s rapid residential growth and ensure infrastructurekeeps pace with development. City officials emphasize the moratorium is intended to provide time for acomprehensive review of transportation networks, sewer and utility...
BY LANDI RUTLEDGEFOR THE OBSERVER OPELIKA — Southern Union State Community College held a dedication ceremony on Jan. 26, naming the Gary Fuller Business and Technology Center in honor of longtime Opelika leader and businessman Gary Fuller.A native of Dadeville, Fuller is married to his wife, Laura, and they have two children, Jenny and Gary.Fuller founded and later sold the Fuller Broadcasting Company before entering public service. He was...
BY KADIE TAYLORTHE OBSERVER AUBURN — Locals gathered for a protest on Toomer’s Corner the night of Jan. 25, responding to the death of 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti after federal agents shot him in Minneapolis earlier that day.“The group that organized this is Indivisible Auburn-Opelika,” Organizer Lindsay said. “It’s a nationwide organization, and we just care about people and want people to see other people’s humanity. Nothing that’s...
BY KADIE TAYLORTHE OBSERVER OPELIKA — Spreading the joy of sweet treats through opening KLM Tasty Donuts in Opelika, Owner and Operator Gigi Chhim said after years of serving Lee County customers in her original location, Tasty Donuts in Lanett, she decided to expand to serve Auburn-Opelika residents closer to home.“People were coming from Opelika and Auburn, they were like, ‘come to Opelika, come to Auburn,’ for the last seven years, and we...
Community
CONTRIBUTED BY IRS WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service opened the 2026 tax filing season last week and began accepting and processing federal individual income tax returns for tax year 2025. The IRS expects about 164 million individual...
CONTRIBUTED BY MARY WILSON | ACES AUBURN UNIVERSITY — In the heart of downtown Linden, Alabama, a once-vacant lot has been transformed into a beautiful public space called The Terrace. Featuring colorful painted murals, picnic tables and strings of...
BY KADIE TAYLOR THE OBSERVER LEE COUNTY — For community members looking to pursue a new hobby, athletic activity or engage in seasonal events, Opelika and Auburn Parks and Recreation, respectively, offer a variety of programs and events for locals,...
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