The Observer

06/02/2026

CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF OPELIKA OPELIKA — The city of Opelika Parks and Recreation Department is expanding its event offerings at Spring Villa Park with the introduction of two new rental opportunities: the Penn Yonge Room and the Spring Villa Lodge. These additions provide flexible, scenic ven...

06/01/2026

ALERT: There are reports of red lights out at the intersections of East Thomasson Circle, N. 20th Street and Second Avenue. Please use extreme caution.

06/01/2026

The Observer welcomes our new summer 2026 interns.

https://opelikaobserver.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=afac14d60693f95c3b8463cc4&id=970cedf226&e=fa7f87282b

06/01/2026

“At its core, POW-R is about putting the power of opportunity into the hands of our people and our businesses,” said Opelika Mayor Eddie Smith. “By investing in workforce readiness and talent development, we are ensuring that Opelika remains competitive, resilient and positioned for long-term success.”

CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF OPELIKA OPELIKA — The city of Opelika is proud to announce the launch of its new POW-R Workforce Initiative, a strategic effort led by Opelika Economic Development and designed to enhance workforce development, strengthen talent pipelines and support the continued growth...

05/29/2026

Sheriff Jay Jones issues a statement on the arrest of two juveniles on May 28.

At approximately 5 p.m. this afternoon, May 28, a Lee County deputy initiated a routine traffic stop involving a red Mercedes for an expired tag violation on Lee Rd. 375 in the Beulah community of Lee County. In an attempt to flee, the vehicle reached speeds exceeding 100 mph while the individuals inside the car were seen throwing what appeared to be narcotics from the vehicle out the windows.

At the conclusion of the pursuit, the 15-year-old passenger willfully exited the vehicle, but the 17-year-old driver resisted and assaulted the responding deputy while being removed from the vehicle. Several fi****ms, including a handgun reported as stolen through Auburn Police Department, and several items of drug paraphernalia were located inside the vehicle.

Both juveniles were detained at the scene. Alabama law restricts the release of personal information on arrests of persons under the age of 18. The 15-year-old has been released as of 7:45 p.m.

05/27/2026

Glenwood claims fourth straight state title BY NOAH GRIFFITHFOR THE OBSERVER SMITHS STATION — Outside of Glenwood School’s baseball program, Wednesday’s state championship result might have felt expected.Inside the program, it still felt extraordinary.The No. 1 Gators (34-8) notched their four...

05/27/2026

BY GATOR KINCAIDCONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER OPELIKA — On Memorial Day, the city of Opelika held its annual ceremony at the Opelika Library to honor the men and women of the armed forces who lost their lives in service to the nation.Opelika Mayor Eddie Smith addressed the audience with opening rema...

05/25/2026

Today we celebrate Memorial Day and honor those who have served, fought and sacrificed for our freedoms. Below is a video featuring photos from: Memorial Day Observation
Auburn University
May 19, 2026
Photos by Ed Sikora for The Obse

05/22/2026

Due to weather concerns, the city of Opelika Memorial Day Program is being moved to the Opelika Public Library. The event begins at 10 a.m. with a reception following at Museum of East Alabama at 11 a.m.

05/20/2026

Monday, May 25 is Memorial Day — a special day in honor and remembrance of those who sacrificed for our freedom and safety. There are many special events happening this week and weekend to celebrate the meaning of the holiday.

Opelika to host Memorial Day Observance CONTRIBUTED BY CITY OF OPELIKA OPELIKA — The city of Opelika will host Memorial Day Services on May 25, 2026. The event will honor and remember our military heroes who fought for the freedom of our country, as well as the families who lost loved ones in the ...