Our “by local people, for local people” newspaper focuses on the people, places and events of Opelika, Alabama and surrounding communities.

BY LANDI RUTLEDGEFOR THE OBSERVER On April 27, the 2026 Restoring Hope Gala will be held at the Hotel at Auburn University & Dixon Conference Center at 6 p.m. with proceeds going to the Women’s ...

AUBURN — At the April 14 Auburn School Board Meeting, the board recognized the 2025-2026 Teachers of the Year. “As you can see, there is a lot of joy inside the classrooms of Auburn City Schools,” ...

Minutes into the Lee County Republican Club meeting, the candidates for Lee County Sheriff were put to the test. With Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones and challenger Cam Hunt sitting front and center on a ...

A new weekly summer music event is set to bring musicians and community members together in downtown Opelika, creating a laid ...

Program aims to improve response times and investigations as officials address privacy concerns BY DANIEL SCHMIDTTHE OBSERVER ...

Sheriff candidates spar over cooperation with ICE ahead of primary BY DANIEL SCHMIDTTHE OBSERVER LEE COUNTY — Two Republican ...

“Because Jesus didn’t want Peter to turn the garden into a pirate movie scene!” sais Noah, 8. “And Peter was probably better at catching fish than fighting soldiers.” When the soldiers came to arrest ...

The Envision Opelika Foundation has partnered with the Opelika Character Council since 2007 to emphasize and recognize good character across the community. Local businesses, organizations, city ...

BY SAMUEL JONESFOR THE OBSERVER SMITHS STATION — Glenwood School’s senior class domnated in a two-game sweep of 3A Area 6 ...

With her love of cooking from a young age, Melinda Johnson has enjoyed cooking for her family over the years. After the children were grown and her husband Bobby passed away, Melinda began using her ...