by The Observer Staff | Jan 20, 2026 | Column, Walt Albritton
OPIINION — Ben Franklin said, “Nothing is certain but death and taxes.” He could have added a third certainty: “The rains and the winds will come.” Long before Franklin’s time, Jesus reminded us that the foundation you build your life upon will be tested. Here...
by The Observer Staff | Jan 20, 2026 | Obituaries
BRYANT LEE BATTS II Bryant Lee Batts II, 45, also known to family and friends as Bucky, was born to Maire Sharpe and Charles “Eddie” Batts Jr. on Dec. 3, 1980, and passed away on Jan. 12, 2026. He was a life-long wild child who had a passion for dirt bikes,...
by The Observer Staff | Jan 20, 2026 | Column, D. Mark Mitchell
OPINION — The Opelika Bulldogs boys’ and girls’ basketball programs faced a challenging stretch of competition this week, suffering key losses against regional rivals Central-Phenix City and Auburn. BOYS BASKETBALL Bulldogs Fall Hard to Central The Opelika boys’...
by The Observer Staff | Jan 20, 2026 | Sports
BY SAMUEL JONES FOR THE OBSERVER BEULAH — Beulah split a home non-area basketball doubleheader with Beauregard on Friday night, as the Lady Bobcats fell while the Bobcats’ boys team earned a decisive win. Girls Playing without multiple starters on Friday night, the...
by The Observer Staff | Jan 20, 2026 | Sports
CONTRIBUTED BY LSA AUBURN — Clarke Ivatt made history tonight for Lee-Scott Academy, scoring her 1,000th career point in a Warrior uniform during the game against the Trinity Presbyterian Wildcats on Jan. 13. She becomes the youngest player in school history to reach...
