BY DANIEL SCHMIDT | THE OBSERVER
SPONSORED BY THE ORTHOPAEDIC CLINIC
First Team
[{"id":"112701","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/08\/12\/goodwill-and-east-alabama-medical-center-to-host-hiring-event-featuring-more-than-300-open-positions-opportunities-available-across-multiple-departments-and-experience-levels\/","name":"goodwill-and-east-alabama-medical-center-to-host-hiring-event-featuring-more-than-300-open-positions-opportunities-available-across-multiple-departments-and-experience-levels","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Screenshot-2026-08-12-at-10.37.49\u202fAM.jpeg","alt":""},"title":"Goodwill and East Alabama Medical Center to host hiring event featuring more than 300 open positions - Opportunities available across multiple departments and experience levels","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Aug 12, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-08-12 15:39:16","modifiedDate":"2026-08-12 10:39:28","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-08-12 15:39:28","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/community\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Community<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/community\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Community<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":2,"sec":33},"status":"publish","content":"WHAT: Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers and East Alabama Medical Center are partnering to host a hiring event in Opelika, connecting job seekers with"},{"id":"112697","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/08\/11\/lee-county-back-to-school-2026\/","name":"lee-county-back-to-school-2026","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/766072329_10242939746940637_8945183237562717270_n.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Lee County Back to School 2026","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Aug 11, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-08-11 21:09:45","modifiedDate":"2026-08-11 16:10:08","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-08-11 21:10:08","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/education\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Education<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/education\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Education<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":0,"sec":0},"status":"publish","content":""},{"id":"112692","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/08\/11\/auburn-approves-241-8-million-for-new-high-school-school-facilities-2\/","name":"auburn-approves-241-8-million-for-new-high-school-school-facilities-2","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_3699-1-scaled.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Auburn approves $241.8 million for new high school, school facilities","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Aug 11, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-08-11 14:39:13","modifiedDate":"2026-08-11 09:39:23","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-08-11 14:39:23","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/education\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Education<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/education\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Education<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":4,"sec":19},"status":"publish","content":"BY DANIEL SCHMIDTTHE OBSERVER AUBURN \u2014 The Auburn City Council voted Tuesday, Aug. 4, to authorize more than $241.8 million in debt for construction of"},{"id":"112688","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/08\/11\/city-of-opelika-to-launch-new-website-refreshed-brand-enhanced-resident-service\/","name":"city-of-opelika-to-launch-new-website-refreshed-brand-enhanced-resident-service","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Tell-Us-Your-Story-Postcard-copy.jpg","alt":""},"title":"City of Opelika to launch new website, refreshed brand, enhanced resident service","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Aug 11, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-08-11 13:22:54","modifiedDate":"2026-08-11 08:23:03","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-08-11 13:23:03","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/politics\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Politics<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/politics\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Politics<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":2,"sec":12},"status":"publish","content":"CONTRIBUTED BYCITY OF OPELIKAOPELIKA \u2014 The city of Opelika is excited to announce the launch of a new website, refreshed city brand and enhanced resident"},{"id":"112681","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/08\/11\/opelika-main-street-launches-inaugural-downtown-awards\/","name":"opelika-main-street-launches-inaugural-downtown-awards","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Stinson.png","alt":""},"title":"Opelika Main Street launches inaugural Downtown Awards","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Aug 11, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-08-11 13:16:45","modifiedDate":"2026-08-11 08:16:54","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-08-11 13:16:54","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/community\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Community<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/community\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Community<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":2,"sec":31},"status":"publish","content":"CONTRIBUTED BYOPELIKA MAIN STREET OPELIKA \u2014 Opelika Main Street proudly recognized four outstanding downtown businesses during its inaugural Downtown Awards Social, a new annual event"},{"id":"112678","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/08\/11\/auburn-engineering-student-wins-50000-on-fox-game-show\/","name":"auburn-engineering-student-wins-50000-on-fox-game-show","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/OPC-3.png","alt":""},"title":"Auburn engineering student wins $50,000 on FOX game show","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Aug 11, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-08-11 13:07:37","modifiedDate":"2026-08-11 08:07:54","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-08-11 13:07:54","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":1,"sec":39},"status":"publish","content":"BY OBSERVER STAFF AUBURN \u2014 Auburn University engineering student Andrew Hamner recently won $50,000 while competing on FOX\u2019s \u201cThe 1% Club,\u201d hosted by actor and"},{"id":"112675","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/08\/11\/continental-properties-breaks-ground-on-springs-at-opelika\/","name":"continental-properties-breaks-ground-on-springs-at-opelika","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/springsatopelika_clubhouse_v1_sm.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Continental Properties breaks ground on Springs at Opelika","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Aug 11, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-08-11 13:05:10","modifiedDate":"2026-08-11 08:05:24","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-08-11 13:05:24","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/community\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Community<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/community\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Community<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":2,"sec":13},"status":"publish","content":"CONTRIBUTED BYCONTINENTAL PROPERTIESOPELIKA \u2014 Continental Properties, a leading national developer, owner and operator of suburban rental housing, announced the groundbreaking of Springs at Opelika, a"},{"id":"112672","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/08\/11\/new-jewelry-studio-invites-visitors-to-create-design-and-shop\/","name":"new-jewelry-studio-invites-visitors-to-create-design-and-shop","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/KP4A7126.webp","alt":""},"title":"New jewelry studio invites visitors to create, design and shop","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Aug 11, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-08-11 13:02:54","modifiedDate":"2026-08-11 08:03:03","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-08-11 13:03:03","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":1,"sec":14},"status":"publish","content":"CONTRIBUTED BYAUBURN-OPELIKATOURISM AUBURN \u2014 Perch Jewelry Studio is now open in downtown Auburn, inviting visitors to gather, create and explore their creativity through hands-on jewelry"},{"id":"112670","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/08\/11\/lee-county-commission-approves-fleet-proposal-retiree-bonus\/","name":"lee-county-commission-approves-fleet-proposal-retiree-bonus","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/243450255_185502813703414_1987326097168011541_n.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Lee County Commission approves fleet proposal, retiree bonus","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Aug 11, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-08-11 13:00:03","modifiedDate":"2026-08-11 08:00:15","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-08-11 13:00:15","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/politics\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Politics<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/politics\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Politics<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":3,"sec":17},"status":"publish","content":"BY MICHELLE KEYTHE OBSERVER LEE COUNTY \u2014 The Lee County Commission approved a plan to begin replacing part of the county Highway Department\u2019s dump truck"},{"id":"112667","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/08\/11\/gov-ivey-introduces-a-choose-act-family\/","name":"gov-ivey-introduces-a-choose-act-family","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Yearby-Family-Photo-scaled.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Gov. Ivey introduces a CHOOSE Act Family","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Aug 11, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-08-11 12:57:56","modifiedDate":"2026-08-11 07:58:13","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-08-11 12:58:13","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/politics\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Politics<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/politics\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Politics<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":4,"sec":55},"status":"publish","content":"CONTRIBUTED BY THE OFFICEOF GOV. KAY IVEY PHENIX CITY \u2014 On Aug. 7., Gov. Kay Ivey introduced the Yearbys, an Alabama family utilizing the CHOOSE"},{"id":"112665","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/08\/11\/op-ed-the-next-250-years-start-here\/","name":"op-ed-the-next-250-years-start-here","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Ali-Rauch-Photo-small.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Op-ed: The next 250 years start here","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Aug 11, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-08-11 12:55:21","modifiedDate":"2026-08-11 07:55:29","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-08-11 12:55:29","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/opinion\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Opinions<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/opinion\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Opinions<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":2,"sec":18},"status":"publish","content":"BY ALI RAUCHCEO OPELIKA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OPINION \u2014 Two hundred and fifty years ago, a group of ordinary people signed an extraordinary document. They"},{"id":"112663","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/08\/11\/obituaries-aug-11-2026\/","name":"obituaries-aug-11-2026","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Obit.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Obituaries | Aug. 11, 2026","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Aug 11, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-08-11 12:53:26","modifiedDate":"2026-08-11 07:53:34","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-08-11 12:53:34","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/obituaries\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Obituaries<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/obituaries\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Obituaries<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":21,"sec":4},"status":"publish","content":"Diane Estes It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of Mary Diane Estes, who departed"}]
[{"id":"112701","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/08\/12\/goodwill-and-east-alabama-medical-center-to-host-hiring-event-featuring-more-than-300-open-positions-opportunities-available-across-multiple-departments-and-experience-levels\/","name":"goodwill-and-east-alabama-medical-center-to-host-hiring-event-featuring-more-than-300-open-positions-opportunities-available-across-multiple-departments-and-experience-levels","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Screenshot-2026-08-12-at-10.37.49\u202fAM.jpeg","alt":""},"title":"Goodwill and East Alabama Medical Center to host hiring event featuring more than 300 open positions - Opportunities available across multiple departments and experience levels","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Aug 12, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-08-12 15:39:16","modifiedDate":"2026-08-12 10:39:28","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-08-12 15:39:28","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/community\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Community<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/community\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Community<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":2,"sec":33},"status":"publish","content":"WHAT: Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers and East Alabama Medical Center are partnering to host a hiring event in Opelika, connecting job seekers with"},{"id":"112697","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/08\/11\/lee-county-back-to-school-2026\/","name":"lee-county-back-to-school-2026","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/766072329_10242939746940637_8945183237562717270_n.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Lee County Back to School 2026","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Aug 11, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-08-11 21:09:45","modifiedDate":"2026-08-11 16:10:08","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-08-11 21:10:08","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/education\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Education<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/education\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Education<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":0,"sec":0},"status":"publish","content":""},{"id":"112692","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/08\/11\/auburn-approves-241-8-million-for-new-high-school-school-facilities-2\/","name":"auburn-approves-241-8-million-for-new-high-school-school-facilities-2","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_3699-1-scaled.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Auburn approves $241.8 million for new high school, school facilities","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Aug 11, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-08-11 14:39:13","modifiedDate":"2026-08-11 09:39:23","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-08-11 14:39:23","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/education\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Education<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/education\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Education<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":4,"sec":19},"status":"publish","content":"BY DANIEL SCHMIDTTHE OBSERVER AUBURN \u2014 The Auburn City Council voted Tuesday, Aug. 4, to authorize more than $241.8 million in debt for construction of"},{"id":"112688","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/08\/11\/city-of-opelika-to-launch-new-website-refreshed-brand-enhanced-resident-service\/","name":"city-of-opelika-to-launch-new-website-refreshed-brand-enhanced-resident-service","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Tell-Us-Your-Story-Postcard-copy.jpg","alt":""},"title":"City of Opelika to launch new website, refreshed brand, enhanced resident service","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Aug 11, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-08-11 13:22:54","modifiedDate":"2026-08-11 08:23:03","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-08-11 13:23:03","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/politics\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Politics<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/politics\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Politics<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":2,"sec":12},"status":"publish","content":"CONTRIBUTED BYCITY OF OPELIKAOPELIKA \u2014 The city of Opelika is excited to announce the launch of a new website, refreshed city brand and enhanced resident"},{"id":"112681","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/08\/11\/opelika-main-street-launches-inaugural-downtown-awards\/","name":"opelika-main-street-launches-inaugural-downtown-awards","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Stinson.png","alt":""},"title":"Opelika Main Street launches inaugural Downtown Awards","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Aug 11, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-08-11 13:16:45","modifiedDate":"2026-08-11 08:16:54","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-08-11 13:16:54","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/community\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Community<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/community\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Community<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":2,"sec":31},"status":"publish","content":"CONTRIBUTED BYOPELIKA MAIN STREET OPELIKA \u2014 Opelika Main Street proudly recognized four outstanding downtown businesses during its inaugural Downtown Awards Social, a new annual event"},{"id":"112678","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/08\/11\/auburn-engineering-student-wins-50000-on-fox-game-show\/","name":"auburn-engineering-student-wins-50000-on-fox-game-show","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/OPC-3.png","alt":""},"title":"Auburn engineering student wins $50,000 on FOX game show","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Aug 11, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-08-11 13:07:37","modifiedDate":"2026-08-11 08:07:54","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-08-11 13:07:54","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":1,"sec":39},"status":"publish","content":"BY OBSERVER STAFF AUBURN \u2014 Auburn University engineering student Andrew Hamner recently won $50,000 while competing on FOX\u2019s \u201cThe 1% Club,\u201d hosted by actor and"},{"id":"112675","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/08\/11\/continental-properties-breaks-ground-on-springs-at-opelika\/","name":"continental-properties-breaks-ground-on-springs-at-opelika","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/springsatopelika_clubhouse_v1_sm.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Continental Properties breaks ground on Springs at Opelika","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Aug 11, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-08-11 13:05:10","modifiedDate":"2026-08-11 08:05:24","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-08-11 13:05:24","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/community\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Community<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/community\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Community<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":2,"sec":13},"status":"publish","content":"CONTRIBUTED BYCONTINENTAL PROPERTIESOPELIKA \u2014 Continental Properties, a leading national developer, owner and operator of suburban rental housing, announced the groundbreaking of Springs at Opelika, a"},{"id":"112672","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/08\/11\/new-jewelry-studio-invites-visitors-to-create-design-and-shop\/","name":"new-jewelry-studio-invites-visitors-to-create-design-and-shop","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/KP4A7126.webp","alt":""},"title":"New jewelry studio invites visitors to create, design and shop","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Aug 11, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-08-11 13:02:54","modifiedDate":"2026-08-11 08:03:03","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-08-11 13:03:03","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":1,"sec":14},"status":"publish","content":"CONTRIBUTED BYAUBURN-OPELIKATOURISM AUBURN \u2014 Perch Jewelry Studio is now open in downtown Auburn, inviting visitors to gather, create and explore their creativity through hands-on jewelry"},{"id":"112670","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/08\/11\/lee-county-commission-approves-fleet-proposal-retiree-bonus\/","name":"lee-county-commission-approves-fleet-proposal-retiree-bonus","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/243450255_185502813703414_1987326097168011541_n.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Lee County Commission approves fleet proposal, retiree bonus","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Aug 11, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-08-11 13:00:03","modifiedDate":"2026-08-11 08:00:15","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-08-11 13:00:15","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/politics\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Politics<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/politics\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Politics<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":3,"sec":17},"status":"publish","content":"BY MICHELLE KEYTHE OBSERVER LEE COUNTY \u2014 The Lee County Commission approved a plan to begin replacing part of the county Highway Department\u2019s dump truck"},{"id":"112667","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/08\/11\/gov-ivey-introduces-a-choose-act-family\/","name":"gov-ivey-introduces-a-choose-act-family","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Yearby-Family-Photo-scaled.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Gov. Ivey introduces a CHOOSE Act Family","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Aug 11, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-08-11 12:57:56","modifiedDate":"2026-08-11 07:58:13","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-08-11 12:58:13","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/politics\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Politics<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/politics\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Politics<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":4,"sec":55},"status":"publish","content":"CONTRIBUTED BY THE OFFICEOF GOV. KAY IVEY PHENIX CITY \u2014 On Aug. 7., Gov. Kay Ivey introduced the Yearbys, an Alabama family utilizing the CHOOSE"},{"id":"112665","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/08\/11\/op-ed-the-next-250-years-start-here\/","name":"op-ed-the-next-250-years-start-here","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Ali-Rauch-Photo-small.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Op-ed: The next 250 years start here","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Aug 11, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-08-11 12:55:21","modifiedDate":"2026-08-11 07:55:29","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-08-11 12:55:29","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/opinion\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Opinions<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/opinion\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Opinions<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":2,"sec":18},"status":"publish","content":"BY ALI RAUCHCEO OPELIKA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OPINION \u2014 Two hundred and fifty years ago, a group of ordinary people signed an extraordinary document. They"},{"id":"112663","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/08\/11\/obituaries-aug-11-2026\/","name":"obituaries-aug-11-2026","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Obit.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Obituaries | Aug. 11, 2026","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Aug 11, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-08-11 12:53:26","modifiedDate":"2026-08-11 07:53:34","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-08-11 12:53:34","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/obituaries\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Obituaries<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/obituaries\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Obituaries<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":21,"sec":4},"status":"publish","content":"Diane Estes It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of Mary Diane Estes, who departed"}]
Second Team
THIRD TEAM
Honorable Mentions
Individual Awards
