The Observer

09/12/2025

Please help us welcome our newest intern.

BY SAM VISEFOR THE OBSERVER OPELIKA — This fall, The Observer welcomed Kayleigh Freeman as its new intern. Freeman is a senior at Auburn University double majoring in economics and journalism. She is set to graduate in May 2026.A native of Mobile, Freeman moved to the Auburn-Opelika area in fall 2...

09/12/2025

BY BRANDON HUGHESFOR THE OBSERVER AUBURN — The Auburn Tigers made their 2025 home debut Saturday night against an outmatched Ball State squad. The game went about as expected when an SEC power faces a MAC opponent, as the Tigers (2-0) easily defeated the visiting Cardinals (0-2) 42–3 in front of...

09/12/2025

BY HANNAH GOLDFINGERFOR THE OBSERVER LEE COUNTY — Environmental Services Director John McDonald gave an update on Monday night during the Lee County Commission meeting about the convenience sites that the county has opened for trash dumping on the weekends.McDonald shared the trends of usage as we...

09/11/2025

BY ANN CIPPERLY OPINION — In a country setting in Waverly with quiet streets and houses shaded by towering ancient trees, Meredith Frye is a busy mom preparing homemade meals and being co-owner of the Fig and Wasp antique shop with her mother. Meredith and her husband, Justin, are also renovating ...

09/11/2025

A letter to the community from Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones.

OPINION — In the last four days, three major criminal acts have taken place in Lee County. Families have been devastated and our prayers are for them. On Thursday evening, Lee County Sheriff’s deputies and investigators were called to a Beauregard area store where a clerk was threatened with the...

09/11/2025

Today is not only a somber one, but a powerful one. Let us never forget our country's bond then and our ability to come together again.

09/11/2025

09/10/2025

The family of Julie Gard Schnuelle has asked us to share the following statement on their behalf. They are requesting privacy during this difficult time and respectfully asks that they not be contacted by any news media or other third parties.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our dear Julie Gard Schnuelle. We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of love and support our family has received. Julie lived a life full of love and service to others and will be truly missed. We know that her legacy will have a positive influence for generations to come."

Auburn Public Safety - Police & FireCity of Auburn, AL - City GovernmentAuburn University Alabama District Attorneys Association

09/10/2025

The 9/11 Mobile Exhibit arrives in Opelika. It will be set up in the parking lot at Southern Union.

They will spend today setting it up and getting it ready for y'all to visit starting at 11 a.m. tomorrow, Sept. 11, the 24th anniversary of the attacks. We WILL NEVER FORGET!

09/10/2025

Head over to West Point Parkway today and help welcome the 9/11 Mobile Exhibit.
https://opelikaobserver.com/2025/09/09/remembering-victims-honoring-heroes-of-9-11/

09/07/2025

Montgomery man charged with two counts of murder in Keisel Park case.

On Sept. 7, 2025, Auburn Police arrested Harold Rashad Dabney III, from Montgomery, Alabama, on charges of two counts of capital murder related to the death of Dr. Julie Schnuelle.

On Sept. 7, at approximately 8:30 a.m., Auburn Police responded to a call reporting a suspicious person near the 2300 block of Beehive Road. The suspicious person was located by officers and identified as Harold Rashad Dabney III. Officers in contact with Dabney made observations that led them to believe Dabney had involvement with the homicide that occurred the previous day.

After further investigation, Dabney was confirmed to be the suspect responsible for the homicide, and he was charged with two counts of capital murder. Dabney was transported to the Lee County Jail where he is being held without bond. The red Ford F-150, belonging to Schnuelle and stolen by Dabney subsequent to the homicide, has been recovered.

The Auburn Police Department would like to thank the following agencies for their assistance in this investigation: The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, State Bureau of Investigation, The Federal Bureau of Investigation, The Lee County Emergency Management Agency, The Alabama Department of Corrections and the Lee County District Attorney’s Office. The Auburn Police Department would also like to thank the public for their vigilance during the investigation after receiving numerous investigative tips.

Note: All defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

09/07/2025

UPDATE - A person of interest has been taken into custody and is being questioned in the murder of Schnuelle.

The victim from Kiesel Park had been identified as Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle of Auburn. Schnuelle was a veterinarian, professor and researcher at Auburn University.

Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle, 59, of Auburn, was pronounced deceased at Kiesel Park on Chadwick Lane in Auburn by Lee County Coroner Daniel Sexton at 2:07 on Sept. 6. Schnuelle will be transported by the Lee County Coroner’s Office to ADFS Montgomery Medical for postmortem exam. The circumstances leaded up to the death of Dr Schnuelle are being investigated by the Auburn Police Department.