by The Observer Staff | Jan 13, 2026 | Community
CONTRIBUTED BY EAH OPELIKA — As workforce shortages continue to challenge health care systems nationwide, East Alabama Health is leading the way with innovative strategies to recruit, train and retain skilled professionals. Through a mixture of scholarship...
by The Observer Staff | Jan 13, 2026 | Column, Walt Albritton
In my reading, a phrase grabbed my attention: “Overdue apologies blocked by pride.” I thought, “Yes, I have been there.” I reckon most people have been there. And I continue to be embarrassed by the way pride has often overcome me. Pride exerts a mighty influence in...
by The Observer Staff | Jan 13, 2026 | Ann Cipperly, Column
OPINION —When the house is filled with the aroma of bread baking in the oven, it gives everyone in the family a lift. While yeast breads are delectable, muffins are also popular and the easiest of breads to prepare. Whether they are sweet or savory, embellished with...
by The Observer Staff | Jan 13, 2026 | Obituaries
ELIZABETH “ANN” SIMMS FREEMAN Elizabeth Ann Simms Freeman, lovingly known as “Ann,” passed away on Jan. 4, 2026, at the age of 82. A native of Washington County, Alabama, Ann lived a life rooted in faith, family and service to others. Ann graduated from Leroy High...
by The Observer Staff | Jan 13, 2026 | Column, Sean Dietrich
OPINION —The old timers in my childhood used a word I never understood. The word was “Providence.” The old timers couldn’t give me an exact definition of this word. Probably because it had more than two syllables.To be fair, Providence truly is a difficult word to...
