Featured Articles

Bella’s Bridal brings bling to finding the ring in downtown Opelika

BY KADIE TAYLORTHE OBSERVER OPELIKA — Bella’s Bridal is opening a new location in Opelika in the early spring of 2026 — bringing private suites and dedicated stylists to local brides, helping them say “yes” to the dress.“Bella’s offers a carefully curated selection of...

From Opelika to Italy: WWII letters tell a love story

BY HANNAH HERRERAFOR THE OBSERVER OPELIKA — In the winter of 1943, Charlie Plott was in Italy, receiving wine from locals grateful the U.S. soldiers were running “the Germans out of their towns and homes." He had recently arrived in the country after basic training at...

Remembering Woody Ross: 1949-2025

BY JOHN ATKINSONFOR THE OBSERVER OPELIKA — You meet people in a number of ways. Through school or work. Through church or friends. Through speeding tickets or flat tires.My friendship with Woody Ross began through an index card on a bulletin board.Always one to do...

Sometimes all it takes is hearing ‘Why Not’

BY KADIE TAYLORTHE OBSERVER “I’ve had moms literally break down in tears because their child had never been able to get a full haircut before.”Jarvet Matthews OPELIKA — Catering to guys, young and old, Family Fades is a space where men can enjoy their haircut, and...
OPELIKA HEADS TO STATE 

OPELIKA HEADS TO STATE 

BY DANIEL SCHMIDTTHE OBSERVER OPELIKA — Recent history had not been kind to Opelika High School in their rivalry against Auburn High School as the...

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Hattie B’s to open in Auburn 

Hattie B’s to open in Auburn 

CONTRIBUTED BYHATTIE B’S AUBURN — Hattie B's Hot Chicken, the nationally renowned, Nashville-based fast-casual eatery, will open at 121 N. College...

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