Eddie Smith to be the next Mayor of Opelika
Eddie Smith to be the next Mayor of Opelika

BY MICHELLE KEYPUBLISHER OPELIKA — Opelika’s Municipal Election was held Tuesday, Aug. 26.The following results are still unofficial and will be canvassed and certified at noon on Tuesday, Sept. 2, at the Municipal Court Building in Opelika. MayorEddie Smith won 56% of the vote, earning him the title of Mayor-Elect. His opponents, Raven Harvis and Herman Barnes took 43% and 2% of the votes respectively.“First of all, I want to give all the...

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Sheriff’s Office, OPD offer fingerprinting services
Sheriff’s Office, OPD offer fingerprinting servi …

BY KAYLEIGH FREEMANFOR THE OBSERVER LEE COUNTY — Most people do not think about fingerprinting services – until the need arises. Whether it is for background checks or record expungement, fingerprints are often an essential part of moving paperwork forward.“Fingerprints are used for identification purposes. Everyone has a unique identifier, with no two people having the same fingerprint even if you’re identical twins,” said Allison Duke,...

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Lee-Scott freshman becomes published book author
Lee-Scott freshman becomes published book author

BY KADIE TAYLORTHE OBSERVER LEE COUNTY — Lee-Scott Academy Freshman Ella Grace Garner recently published her book “Emery Baron,” which she started at the age of 10.“I started writing it when I was 10 years old in my English class because I loved reading, and I had a dream about it one night, so I just decided to write it,” she said. “I wrote it in the notes app on my school iPad, and then eventually made it into an entire book. I’ve always...

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Unplugged: New law’s impact on Alabama children
Unplugged: New law’s impact on Alabama children

BY SAM VISE | FOR THE OBSERVER SMITHS STATION — For years, the cell phone has been an extension of the modern teenager, a constant connection to their social worlds, entertainment and the wider internet. However, a new state law is redefining the high school experience in Alabama.The FOCUS Act (Freeing Our Classrooms of Unnecessary Screens for Safety), signed into law by Gov. Kay Ivey on May 14, prohibits students from using wireless...

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Greater Peace Community Development Corporation Announces Premiere of Educational Short Film on Land Ownership and Agriculture
Greater Peace Community Development Corporation An …

The Greater Peace Community Development Corporation (GPCDC) is proud to announce the premiere of its first educational short film, created in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).  The premiere will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 28, at 10 a.m.  The film, which will be used as an educational tool nationwide- and released nationwide, highlights the value of land...

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Auburn Opelika Habitat dedicates House No. 78
Auburn Opelika Habitat dedicates House No. 78

BY ANITA STIEFELMANAGING EDITOR OPELIKA — On Aug. 15, Auburn Opelika Habitat for Humanity held a service of dedication and blessing for its 78th house — the home of the Stinson family on Brannon Avenue in Opelika.Guests were welcomed by Army Maj. (Ret.) Daniel P. Hatcher and Air Force Lt. Col. M.C. McCarthy, president and vice president of Auburn Opelika Habitat for Humanity, respectively. Executive Director Mark Grantham thanked the many...

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Community

Penguin Project seeks volunteers, participants

Penguin Project seeks volunteers, participants

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER OPELIKA — Opelika Community Theatre (OCT) is seeking volunteers, mentors and participants to join the 2025-2026 Penguin Project and Penguin Players Program.The Penguin Project was founded 20 years ago by pediatric...

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Opelika’s Russell Jones receives certification status

Opelika’s Russell Jones receives certification s …

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER OPELIKA — Russell Jones, MMC (Master Municipal Clerk)/CMC (Certified Municipal Clerk), City Clerk for the City of Opelika, recently completed his designation as a Certified Elections/Registration Administrator (CERA) –...

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Discount Tire opens new Opelika location

Discount Tire opens new Opelika location

CONTRIBUTED BY DISCOUNT TIRE OPELIKA — Discount Tire, a leading retailer of tires and wheels, opened its first location in Opelika to meet demand for tires and wheels in Lee County. The new store is located at 2109 Frederick Road next to the Home...

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