by The Observer Staff | Jun 15, 2026 | Education
BY STEVEN STIEFELFOR THE OBSERVER LEE COUNTY — The Lee County Board of Education learned Monday that the school system’s finances remain on track, aided by stronger-than-expected local sales tax collections.Chief Financial Officer Ken Roberts told board members...
by The Observer Staff | Jun 15, 2026 | Ann Cipperly, Column
BY ANN CIPPERLY OPINION —With 12 children in the family, meals are kept simple at the home of Melanie and Will Blackmon as recipes are doubled or tripled to serve 14. Melanie is sharing the recipes, while Will reflects on being a father to a large family, as they...
by The Observer Staff | Jun 15, 2026 | Featured
BY AMANDA MACHAMERFOR THE OBSERVER OPELIKA — Irish Bred Pub hosted its open mic night on Wednesday, June 3, from 7 to 10 p.m. The event gave local musicians an opportunity to showcase their work and collaborate with fellow artists.The open mic night brought in...
by The Observer Staff | Jun 15, 2026 | Featured
BY KADIE TAYLORTHE OBSERVER AUBURN — “There’s nothing like time with dad,” Mark Fuller shares advice on fatherhood and priorities in his book “Dad on the Clock: Becoming an intentional father, leading with purpose, presence & faith.”“I raised my boys,...
by The Observer Staff | Jun 15, 2026 | Column, Sean Dietrich
OPINION —I thought of you a few days ago. I was driving past a controlled burn. The fire department had lit up half of the lower Alabamian forest. It was terrifying but beautiful — the flames surrounding the trees. Fire trucks lined the road. It took several men on...
