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Smith continues tradition of annual Mayor’s prayer breakfast

BY ROB DAVISFOR THE OBSERVER OPELIKA — Community leaders from Opelika and Auburn gathered at First Baptist Church in Opelika on Nov. 4 to honor and pray for newly elected Mayor Eddie Smith.The breakfast was held in the 3:16 Center on the First Baptist Church campus...

Veteran Spotlight | Interviews with Medal of Honor recipients

BY ROB DAVISFOR THE OBSERVER OPELIKA — Medal of Honor recipients and World War II veterans kicked off Freedom Fest weekend by meeting with the media last Friday at John Emerald Distilling Company in Opelika. Veterans Jack Stowe, Robert “Bob” Patterson and Melvin...

The Alabama Urban Forestry Association, the Arbor Day Foundation and Niagara Cares Team Up to Host a Tree Planting and Distribution Event in Opelika

Local tree planting and distribution event aims to engage community members to take an active role in the overall health of their communities Opelika, Ala. (Nov. 12, 2025) – On Nov. 12, the Alabama Urban Forestry Association (AUFA) will partner with Niagara Cares, the...

Veteran Spotlight | One soldier’s love story

When the bottle stopped spinning, love took over BY JERRY BALLASFOR THE OBSERVER Sometimes, love begins with the simplest twist of fate — or, in this case, the spin of a bottle.Marty Ballas of Miami, Florida, played one year of basketball at the University of Miami...

Auburn-Opelika Tourism honored with Reader’s Choice Award

Nov 4, 2025

CONTRIBUTED BY AUBURN-OPELIKA TOURISM AUBURN-OPELIKA — Auburn-Opelika Tourism has been honored with a 2025 Readers’ Choice Award from...

Miele reaches milestone in Opelika relocation plan

Miele reaches milestone in Opelika relocation plan

Nov 4, 2025

CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF OPELIKA OPELIKA – One year after the start of production in Opelika, Miele, a family-owned manufacturer of premium...

The Car Library, Hot Wheels and happy children

The Car Library, Hot Wheels and happy children

Nov 4, 2025

BY KADIE TAYLOR THE OBSERVER LEE COUNTY — We’ve all seen little free pantry boxes and little free libraries — even art exchanges where visitors can...

Area food banks brace for increased demand

Nov 4, 2025

BY DANIEL SCHMIDT FOR THE OBSERVER EAST ALABAMA — In the unseasonably chill Halloween air, a line of cars wrapped nearly completely around the...

Big House to build a Little House for preschoolers

Big House to build a Little House for preschoolers

Nov 4, 2025

BY KAYLEIGH FREEMAN FOR THE OBSERVER OPELIKA – BigHouse Foundation, a nonprofit organization serving foster and adoptive families since 2009, is...

Smith, Council take oath to begin new terms

Smith, Council take oath to begin new terms

Nov 4, 2025

BY MICHELLE KEYPUBLISHER OPELIKA — The Opelika City Council held its organizational meeting Monday, Nov. 3, at 6 p.m. at the Municipal Court...

Hooked on gold: Lee County fishermen win world title

Hooked on gold: Lee County fishermen win world title

Nov 4, 2025

BY HANNAH HERRERAFOR THE OBSERVER AUBURN — Two Lee County locals helped bring home gold for Team USA in the 19th Black Bass World...

Veteran Spotlight | From repairing helicopter engines to Auburn engineering

Veteran Spotlight | From repairing helicopter engines to Auburn engineering

Nov 4, 2025

BY KADIE TAYLORFOR THE OBSERVER OPELIKA —Veteran, James “Jimbo” Arnold Jr. is living proof that it is never too late to learn. After serving in the...

No More Shacks repairs homes and unites residents

No More Shacks repairs homes and unites residents

Oct 28, 2025

BY KADIE TAYLOR THE OBSERVER AUBURN — Alabama Rural Ministry is hosting its annual No More Shacks fundraiser from now through Nov 2. ARM will...

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