The Observer

07/31/2025

Come out and join Guthrie's in celebrating 60 years and enjoy their original recipe chicken for $6 per box.

CONTRIBUTED BY GUTHRIE’S AUBURN – Guthrie’s, the original chicken finger restaurant, is celebrating its 60th anniversary on Thursday, July 31. To mark the milestone and show gratitude to its loyal fanbase, Guthrie’s will be offering Original Box Combos at the discounted rate of $6 (tax inclu...

07/31/2025

BY ANN CIPPERLY OPINION — One of the pleasures of summer is preparing garden fresh vegetables with just picked natural flavor to serve our family. Many of us are trying to eat healthier these days, and fresh vegetables from local farmers markets provide more nutrients. Research has shown local pro...

07/27/2025

OPINION — When I was growing up, I took Spanish I at Alexander City Junior High School and Spanish II at Benjamin Russell High School. I also studied Spanish at Alexander City State Junior College. I really enjoyed learning Spanish. In fact, I used to encourage my middle school students to study S...

07/27/2025

CONTRIBUTED BY SEN. JAY HOVEY AUBURN — State Sen. Jay Hovey (R-Auburn) announced he is running for reelection to his District 27 Senate seat, which represents portions of Lee, Russell and Tallapoosa counties.“As a member of the State Senate, I helped give Alabama families a kitchen table tax cut...

07/26/2025

We got a fresh look today!

07/25/2025

OPINION — The 2025 Junior DBB Baseball World Series 13U kicks off July 25–29 at West Ridge Park, welcoming 11 state champions plus hometown team Opelika. This double-elimination tournament, hosted by the city of Opelika Parks and Recreation and Auburn-Opelika Tourism, promises fierce competition...

07/25/2025

BY SAM VISEFOR THE OBSERVER OPELIKA — The O Grows Farmers Market in Opelika is now accepting SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), which provides food to low-income families, seniors and individuals with disabilities.More than half of SNAP participants are families with children, and r...

07/24/2025

Volunteers to pack 50,000 meals for food bank at hands-on service project CONTRIBUTED BY UNITED WAY OF LEE COUNTY LEE COUNTY — United Way of Lee County will host its Annual Campaign Kickoff Event on July 31, marking the official launch of United Way’s annual fundraising campaign.Check-in begins ...

07/24/2025

Emergency training exercise for Auburn planned for next week. Check out this link for more information including planned road closures.

Auburn Public Safety is partnering with Auburn University’s Emergency Management Department and the Lee County Emergency Management Agency to conduct an emergency response training exercise on July 29 and 30 at Neville Arena.

07/24/2025

BY DANIEL SCHMIDTFOR THE OBSERVER AUBURN — Future Auburn city councilors will now receive significantly higher salaries than current members after the Auburn City Council on Tuesday overwhelmingly approved a sweeping pay increase just two weeks after initially proposing it.The council voted 6-1 in...

07/22/2025

10:40 a.m. Update: The roadway is now clear and open.

6:40 a.m. update:
The southbound lanes of Interstate 85 near the 23 mile marker in Macon County are currently closed and will be while wrecker crews recover the vehicle. The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is currently on scene and is assisting with traffic control. Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Highway Patrol Division are also on scene investigating and assisting with traffic control.

1:20 a.m. - There is a Semi-truck on fire on I-85 South near or in the vicinity of mile marker 24/25. Emergency officials are on the scene now. Please avoid the area. Southbound traffic is closed while first responders are there working. We have confirmed that the driver made it out of his truck alive. Photos credited to E. Key for The Observer.

07/20/2025

UPDATE: Officers have now cleared the area. One victim was transported by ambulance to Piedmont Columbus Regional Hospital in Columbus, Georgia. This case remains under investigation by the Opelika Police Department. If you have any information on this incident, please contact the Detective Division at (334) 705-5220 or the Secret Witness Hotline at (334) 745-8665. Tips can be submitted through the Opelika Police Mobile App. You may wish to remain anonymous.

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Heavy Police Presence on Columbus Parkway

There is a heavy police presence at the Grub Mart, located at 1000 Columbus Parkway. Please avoid the area while Officers investigate a shooting.

Heavy Police Presence on Columbus Parkway

There is a heavy police presence at the Grub Mart, located at 1000 Columbus Parkway. Please avoid the area while Officers investigate a shooting.