Community Articles

2026 Lee County Public Policy Agenda: Advancing a strong East Alabama

BY OBSERVER STAFF LEE COUNTY — Three regional chambers of commerce have partnered to present a unified voice for the local business community through the release of the 2026 Lee County Public Policy Agenda. The Auburn Chamber of Commerce, East Alabama Chamber of...

Auburn-Opelika tourism welcomes new communications specialist

CONTRIBUTED BY AO TOURISM AUBURN-OPELIKA — Auburn-Opelika Tourism has announced the hiring of Mari Lott as communications specialist, a role she assumed in January 2026 following her graduation from Auburn University with a bachelor's degree in journalism. Mari’s...

Auburn-Opelika Tourism grows its Volunteer AO Program

CONTRIBUTED BY AO TOURISM AUBURN-OPELIKA — Volunteer AO is Auburn–Opelika Tourism’s (AOT) volunteer program that gives area residents a chance to share their hometown hospitality while supporting local events. From community gatherings and sporting events to meetings...

UAB Health System appoints Terri Poe to new chief nursing executive role

BY MICHELLE KEYPUBLISHER OPELIKA — UAB Health System recently announced the appointment of Terri Poe, formerly of Opelika, as its inaugural Chief Nursing Executive following a competitive national search.According to the press release from UAB, Poe is a highly...

UPDATE: FOUND SAFE

Mar 11, 2025

MISSING PERSON ALERT MARCH 11, 2025 BY OPD OPELIKA, – The Opelika Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in locating a missing...

Auburn Parks & Rec presents Teen Gellyball Bonanza

Mar 11, 2025

On March 8, Auburn Parks & Rec hosted the Teen Gellyball Bonanza at Kiesel Park for ages 13-17. Gellyball is a low-impact, eco-friendly...

2025 ‘Movies for Grown Ups’ Awards honor actors, filmmakers over age 50

Feb 25, 2025

CONTRIBUTED BY AARP FOUNDATION EAST ALABAMA — AARP The Magazine recognized the winners of the annual Movies for Grownups® Awards, celebrating 2024’s...

Alvarado graduates from U.S. Chamber fellowship program

Feb 18, 2025

CONTRIBUTED BY OPELIKA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OPELIKA — Joel Alvarado, director of Business and Workforce Development for the Opelika Chamber of...

Barrett-Simpson Inc. rebrands as BSI

Feb 18, 2025

CONTRIBUTED BY BSI OPELIKA — Barrett-Simpson Inc., a provider of engineering and surveying services announce its rebrand, solidifying its identity...

Opelika Book Festival offers chance to meet authors | Event to feature author stage, book fair, writer workshops and keynote address

Feb 11, 2025

CONTRIBUTED BY OPELIKA PUBLIC LIBRARY OPELIKA — The second annual Opelika Book Festival will be held Feb. 22 at Opelika Public Library. Included in...