Featured Articles

Civil War-Era graves caught between history and progress

BY KADIE TAYLOR THE OBSERVER OPELIKA — A four-phase housing development by Quality Homes is being constructed around Hodge Cemetery, which contains graves from 1851 to 1989 and has a deed that dates back to the 1900s. President of the Lee County Cemetery Preservation...

Veteran Spotlight – Yes Ma’am, I did

BY JOHN ATKINSON FOR THE OBSERVER OPINION — A couple of weeks ago, I asked Scott Besong, a third-generation combat veteran who lives in Auburn, what the nicest thing was that a stranger had ever done to thank him for his service.  “Oh, hands down, it’s the way I...

Winter Timber Outdoors finds its footing in Auburn’s outdoor retail scene

BY KAYLEIGH FREEMAN FOR THE OBSERVER AUBURN – Winter Timber Outdoors, a retail store offering high-quality products for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts, is open for business.  Since its grand opening on Aug. 23, Winter Timber Outdoors has experienced a warm...

Stinson Breads receives the Alabama Retail Association Gee Award

BY KADIE TAYLOR THE OBSERVER OPELIKA  — On Oct. 23, the Alabama Retail Association awarded the owners of Stinson Breads, Matthew and Anna Claire Stinson, the 2025 Emerging Retailer of the Year “Gee” Award, which honors an up-and-coming retailer who demonstrates...