The Observer

12/11/2025

BY KADIE TAYLORTHE OBSERVER OPELIKA — Maria Jewelers is holding its second annual First Responders Weekend Appreciation Sale from Dec. 12-13 and providing a 30% discount to all responders and their immediate family. Maria Jewelers is located at 231 S. 8th St. in Opelika — for more information, c...

12/11/2025

BY MICHELLE KEYPUBLISHER LEE COUNTY — Community members, farmers and local officials gathered Nov. 20 at Lazenby Farms for the annual Lee County Farm-City Banquet, an event highlighting the partnership between rural and urban communities and recognizing leaders in local agriculture.The evening ope...

12/10/2025

Opelika names new police chief
https://opelikaobserver.com/2025/12/10/opelika-names-new-police-chief/

12/10/2025

Opelika is truly a Christmas destination, and here is a look at just some of the events that make it possible. Mark your calendars.

BY MICHELLE KEYPUBLISHER OPELIKA — With its historic neighborhoods glowing, downtown buzzing and long-standing traditions returning in full force, Opelika is embracing its role as one of East Alabama’s premier Christmas destinations. From light tours to family workshops and one-night-only celebr...

12/10/2025

After 35 years of dedicated service to the City of Opelika, Police Chief Shane Healey has announced he will retire on March 1, 2026.

CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF OPELIKA After 35 years of dedicated service to the City of Opelika, Police Chief Shane Healey has announced he will retire on March 1, 2026. “Chief Healey has been a stellar leader and an exceptional public servant,” said Mayor Eddie Smith. “His dedication, integrity...

12/09/2025

https://opelikaobserver.com/2025/12/02/401k-ira-limits-going-up-in-2026/

CONTIRBUTED BY IRS WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service recently announced that the amount individuals can contribute to their 401(k) plans in 2026 has increased to $24,500, up from $23,500 for 2025. The IRS also issued technical guidance regarding all cost‑of‑living adjustments affecting...

12/09/2025

UPDATE: REPAIR COMPLETE AND ROAD BACK OPEN!

🚧 Road Closure: Please be advised that Avenue B is closed between 6th and 7th Street as we work on an unscheduled repair. The road will be closed for an undetermined amount of time.
City of Opelika, Al - City Government Opelika Main Street

12/08/2025

OPD Chief Shane Healey has announced his intent to retire next year.
https://opelikaobserver.com/2025/12/08/opd-chief-announces-intent-to-retire-in-2026/

12/08/2025

We will have an article on Christmas Cacti next week and would love to see photos of yours! One or two photos will be selected to use in the paper.

12/06/2025

Auburn’s Kim Evans, Jason Campbell and Tommy Tuberville have been selected to the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026.

CONTRIBUTED BY JEFF SHEARER, AUBURNTIGERS.COM AUBURN — Auburn’s Kim Evans, Jason Campbell and Tommy Tuberville have been selected to the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026, the ASHOF board of directors announced.  “Congratulations to Kim Evans, Jason Campbell and Tommy Tuberville, ...

12/05/2025

CONTRIBUTED BYAUBURN-OPELIKAHABITAT FOR HUMANITY  OPELIKA — A check presentation took place recently where Cornerstone of EAMC signed over a check to Habitat for Humanity for $70,000. The money represents a sponsorship for two homes that will be built in early 2026 for two hospital employees. The...

12/05/2025

Our heartfelt prayers go out to the family and friends of First Baptist Church of Opelika's Jeff Meyers, who suffered a fatal heart attack. He had served the community here since 2016 and his presence will be missed.