City’s first comprehensive zoning rewrite since 1991 is expected to be completed by April 2027 BY MICHELLE KEYPublisher OPELIKA — Opelika residents raised concerns about development density, traffic, neighborhood compatibility, housing affordability, construction quality and short-term rentals during a July 29 public meeting on the city’s first comprehensive zoning ordinance update in 35 years. The city hired Birmingham-based KPS Group to...
MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday issued a proclamation in honor of William “Will” Roberts, son of ALEA SBI Captain Jason Roberts and his wife Brittney. At just 15 years old, Will passed away on Thursday, July 23, following a long and courageous battle with stage 4 bone cancer. The proclamation recognizes Will’s life and establishes August 1, 2026, as Will Roberts Day in the state of Alabama. “Alabama is remembering...
BY OBSERVER STAFF OPELIKA — Local youth will take the stage this weekend for “Opelika’s Got Talent,” a youth talent showcase presented by WWAPLika Walking With A Purpose.The free, family-friendly event will be held Saturday, Aug. 1, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Covington Recreation Center, located at 213 Carver Ave. in Opelika. Kids and families may register at the door.The showcase is open to youth ages 6 to 18 and will feature singing, dancing,...
CONTRIBUTED TOTHE OBSERVER AUBURN — CKR Solar & Storage has been recognized as the top residential solar contractor in Alabama in Solar Power World’s 2026 Top Solar Contractors rankings.The Tampa Bay-based solar and energy storage company was also included among the nation’s leading solar and energy storage installers, reinforcing the company’s role as a regional provider of residential and commercial energy systems throughout the...
BY OBSERVER STAFF AUBURN — Auburn-based visual artist Jeff Schmuki has been named the 2026 Alabama Fellow for Visual Arts through South Arts’ Southern Prize and State Fellowships for Visual Arts program.The annual regional initiative awards $80,000 in unrestricted prizes to nine artists across the South Arts region. Each State Fellow receives a $5,000 cash prize and advances for consideration for the Southern Prize for Visual Arts, which...
BY DANIEL SCHMIDTTHE OBSERVER AUBURN — The Auburn City Council on Tuesday approved a series of rezonings for a dense new mixed-use development in south Auburn.The development, known as The Lexington, will be built on 1.15 acres near the intersection of South College Street and South Donahue Drive.According to plans released by developer Shannon, Strobel and Weaver Constructors and Engineers, the building will have a 7,000-square-foot...
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...
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