Posted: Tuesday, February 17, 2015 10:21 am | Updated: 5:24 pm, Tue Feb 17, 2015.   California-based Golden State Foods will build a meat-processing plant in Opelika , bringing approximately 175 jobs to the area to produce hamburger patties and other ground beef products for the restaurant industry. According to Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller and Golden State Foods officials, the project — announced during a teleconference Tuesday at Opelika Power Services — will mean a $50 million capital investment in Opelika . “We want good-paying jobs. We think a lot of good things happen when good-paying jobs arrive,” Fuller said. “This will be 170-plus good-paying jobs in Opelikaand the surrounding areas. It’s very exciting. It’s a brand-new sector for us. We have automotive, we have medical device man... 02/17/2015

Irvin Mayfield and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra The parade’s just starting so jump right in and join this exciting second-line tribute launching the Jubilee Celebration of the Arts Association’s cultural contributions to East Alabama since its beginnings in 1965. Jazz trumpeter Irvin Mayfield, Jr. – the Cultural Ambassador for the City of New Orleans and the State of Louisiana – brings his 18-piece big band NOJO to light up a wintry evening with the spirit of Mardi Gras. Good times will be rolling so wear purple and green and don’t worry if you forget your beads – we’ll throw you some! “…above all, these guys are about playing New Orleans Jazz with blistering Creole fire, a kind of unrestrained fun and virtuosity…” -OMAHA WORLD-HERALD “…a free-playing jam, it’s like a savory dish of m... 02/08/2015

State Symphony Orchestra of Mexico Returning for its first American tour since 2008, The State Symphony Orchestra of Mexico plays an all-Spanish program including Manuel De Falla’s shimmering masterwork for piano and orchestra, Nights in the Gardens of Spain. Acclaimed Russian child prodigy, Irina Chistiakova, joins the orchestra as she now launches her adult career after being discovered by Maestro Batiz in a European piano competition and invited to Mexico to perform with the orchestra. …Brilliant technique, a fine sense of harmony… Salzburger Nachrichten …the Orchestra brought a rich, full and well-balanced sound, solid from the bottom up…Batiz brought out great variety of expression.” – Albuquerque Journal, March 22, 2008 Date: January 15, 2015 go to website »   Opelika Center for t... 01/15/2015

Master Gardeners workshop set this Wednesday in Auburn     Lindy Oller/Opelika-Auburn News The Lee County Master Gardeners Association dedicates itself to educating the public on an array of topics concerning landscaping and gardening practices. The group will host a workshop on home landscape design at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Harris Center on Perry Street in Auburn. Dr. Carolyn Robinson, associate professor of horticulture at Auburn University, will speak about how to design an outside area and increase the curb appeal of a home.   “The workshop is about providing options for homeowners with an emphasis on local species of plants,” said Raleine Sillman, public affairs officer for the Lee County Master Gardeners Association. “We’re big promoters of taking soil tests and learning wh... 01/06/2015

Don't miss out on this spectacular event in Opelika's Historic District!     PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR ALL OF YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS IN THE AUBURN - OPELIKA AREA AT (334) 332-7263. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO VIEW HOMES FOR SALE IN THE AUBURN - OPELIKA AREA PLEASE CLICK HERE.  12/07/2014

Lindy Oller/Opelika-Auburn News Four new buildings and 13 new businesses are coming to Tiger Town, after the Opelika City Council authorized a project development agreement with Terra Opelika, LLC. City Attorney Guy Gunter said the developer will lease to 13 restaurants and service businesses. The city will split the sales taxes for up to three years and an amount not to exceed $25,000. “It should be a significant economic benefit to the city,” Gunter said. Allen Hawkins, manager at Terra Equities, spoke about the project. “We started work on the project and it is roughly 34,000 square feet,” he said. “We’re bringing a bunch of new restaurants and retailers including Chipotle, Pizza 120, Taziki’s, Mattress Firm, Aspen Dental, AT&T, Sports Clips Haircuts and Einstein Bagels.” In the cent... 12/03/2014

Opelika City-Wide Trick or Treating The City of Opelika will have their city-wide trick or treating on October 31 from 6-8 p.m. PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR ALL OF YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS IN THE AUBURN - OPELIKA, AL AREA AT (334) 332-7263.  IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO VIEW HOMES FOR SALE IN THE AUBURN - OPELIKA, AL PLEASE CLICK HERE.  10/31/2014

Opelika Main Street was recently honored at the Main Street Alabama Awards of Excellence. Opelika Main Street, directed by Pam Powers-Smith, is a nationally recognized program that uses a four-point approach to revitalize downtown areas. Main Street's approach is unique because its guiding principles are different from other redevelopment strategies. These principles include a comprehensive approach, incremental projects, community involvement and a strong public/private partnership. Local awards include: » Excellence in Business Promotion for “On the Tracks – A Food & Wine Event”; » Excellence in Public/Private Partnerships with Opelika Cottonseed Studios; » Award of Excellence for Best Overall Marketing Campaign for a downtown; » Main Street Alabama Community Award for Stacie Money (o... 10/20/2014

10th Annual Think Pink Walk The 10th Annual Think Pink Walk will be held on October 18, 2014 at the Courthouse Square in Downtown Opelika. Funds raised will benefit women in our community through the EAMC Breast Health for Underserved Women program. Registration will begin at 8 a.m., at the Courthouse Square in downtown Opelika. The walk will begin 9:30 a.m. Pre-registration is $15 and $20 on the day of the event. The deadline for pre-registration and guaranteed t-shirt size is October 10. For more information contact Colleen Alsobrook at (334) 528-4370. Date: October 18, 2014 go to website » Colleen Alsobrookp: 334.524.4370 Courthouse Square, Downtown OpelikaOpelika, AL 36801 PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR ALL OF YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS IN THE AUBURN-OPELIKA, ALABAMA AREA AT (334) 332-7263.  ALS... 10/12/2014

Make sure you plan to go an alternate route on these days to avoid the road closure.   The City of Opelika will close the old South Uniroyal Road access to U.S. 280 Tuesday (10/7/14) and Wednesday (10/8/14) as the Alabama Department of Transportation conducts a traffic study in the intersection.   ALDOT will conduct the traffic count in compliance with the rules and regulations which govern state highway departments in an effort to expedite the placement of a traffic signal at the new intersection on South Uniroyal Road. Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller has asked Opelika Police Chief John McEachern to increase police presence in the area in an effort to slow down motorists, including those who might be unfamiliar with the area. Opelika’s Public Works division will also be working with the Engi... 10/05/2014

Opelika-area residents and Coca-Cola enthusiasts are invited to the unveiling of one of the oldest untouched Coca-Cola painted wall advertisements in existence.   The unveiling event will be held on Oct. 9, 2014 at 4 p.m., at Smith T Building Supply in downtown Opelika. Historians from The Coca-Cola Company in Atlanta and community leaders will be in attendance. Vintage bottles of Coke will be given away while supplies last. Dozier Smith T, native of Opelika and owner of Smith T Hardware and Building Supply, recently discovered the mural, believed to have been painted in 1907 or 1908, perfectly preserved behind plaster and wood on the interior wall of his store. The painted wall advertisement, which covers the entire brick wall, reads “Coca-Cola, Relieves Fatigue, Sold Everywhere, 5₵.” ... 09/24/2014

"Posted: Thursday, September 11, 2014 6:44 pm | Updated: 6:50 pm, Thu Sep 11, 2014. Drew Taylor | Opelika-Auburn News | Twitter After a year of planning and discussion, the congregation at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Opelika, AL is preparing to put the past behind them with the construction of a new church. On Sunday, the group will break ground on a brand new 14,000 square foot church located on India Road. The new church will be located close to the location of their former church, which was destroyed by a fire July 13, 2013. The fire was later ruled as the result of lightning striking the building. Trinity Pastor Chris Duncan said the new church would be 20 percent larger than the former building. The new church will include a nursery, a choir room, a kitchen, a library, fellowshi... 09/12/2014

Sara Falligant | Opelika-Auburn News | Twitter "Dressed in white, sporting black ears and a long tail, Opelika High School senior Emily Johnston perched on the roof of a familiar red doghouse Wednesday afternoon. “Yesterday, I was a dog. Today, I’m a dog. Tomorrow, I’ll probably still be a dog,” she said with a sigh. “There’s just so little hope of advancement.” The Opelika High Theatre Society is set to open “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” Thursday, with a seven-person cast of familiar characters, including Johnston as Snoopy. The production marks this first of the 2014-2015 school year and is sure to entertain the whole family. “I think it’s a great way to kick it off,” said director Revel Gholston. “It has elements of sketch comedy. …It’s more like a constant, moving variety act.”... 09/10/2014

POSTPONED. Please join me for an open house at 3212 Waverly Parkway in Opelika, AL on Saturday, September 13, 2014 from 1-3 pm to take a peek at this beautiful home for sale. Wow-Incredible Micro Farm/Estate home on 14 acres so conveniently located to everything! Gorgeous finishes & views. Soaring ceilings/fireplaces. Beautiful open kitchen with granite countertops, stainless appliances, recessed lighting. Master Suite with oversized tiled shower, granite topped vanity, & impressive walk in closet. Finished basement provides second living room, tons of storage, garage. Directions: From Tiger Town, go West on 280. Turn right onto Veterans Parkway. At the first red light, turn left onto Waverly Parkway. House is on the right--look for sign. Sits off the road on a gravel drive. If you have... 09/09/2014

POSTPONED. Please join me for an open house at 2907 Hillside Circle in Opelika, AL on Saturday, September 13, 2014 from 10 am - 12 pm to take a peek at this beautiful home for sale. Beautiful, like new home in Southridge subdivision. Home features a huge backyard, large covered front and back porch, and is located in a cul-de-sac. Some of the interior features include an open floor plan, a huge kitchen with lots of counter and cabinet space, stainless appliances, ceiling fans, security system and window treatments. Home has been well cared for and is in excellent shape. Directions: From Interstate 85 go south on Marvyn Parkway to Ballard Avenue (Blossmon Gas) and turn left. The next street on the left is Edgemont Street, Take your next left and Hillside Circle will be on your left. If y... 09/09/2014

First Fridays "Shop Late, Eat Local" On the First Friday of each month, downtown Opelika shops will stay open until 8 p.m. so that diners of our downtown restaurants can shop before or after they eat. This is a great opportunity for those that work during retail hours to see what the Downtown shops have to offer. There will also be entertainment on street corners for everyone's enjoyment. The specialty shops will be open until 8 p.m. with music and entertainment on the street corners, and several restaurants in the downtown area to make the evening a great way to relax and enjoy the atmosphere! Monthly on the 1st Friday from 8/1/2014Next Dates: September 05, October 03, November 07, December 05, January 02, 2016Time: until 8:00 PM go to website » Downtown Opelika If you have any questio... 09/05/2014

I had the most delightful visit this week with long-time Opelika residents, Jack and Betty Walton. After seventy years together, the Opelika Observer deemed it newsworthy, and asked me to do the story. Throughout our conversation, I couldn't help but reflect on the most evident and enduring qualities that create a strong relationship and prosperous community legacy. It all begins with caring about each other. I am grateful for amazing folks that are the neighbors in Opelika... Let me introduce you to Betty and Jack, and their story that was published in the January 27th issue: 01/29/2012

            [First published in the OPELIKA OBSERVER 10-21-11 issue ]                                            Just as fall began making its cooling, color-changing appearance, a big, bold mandala (a sanskrit work meaning "circle") appeared in a shop window on Avenue A, introducing Transformations Life Center to the Opelika business community. In art, mandalas suggest a focal point through repeated designs, concentric squares and circles and/or geometric patterns, traditionally illustrating an indistinguishable wholeness, sometimes representing an entire world or universe. They engage the world of symbolism and often evoke contemplation that can guide one on a transformative path. Transformations Life Center is the start-up of Dr. Bridget Finlen Smith, a licensed, clinical psychologis... 10/27/2011

  Auburn - Opelika Homes For Sale -DUPLEX; FORECLOSURE Listed by Mara Hawks with First Realty Auburn, 3412 Chilton Ave in Opelika Alabama; 2 units in quiet neighborhood; Great Investment property; renters are inquiring! Close to EAMC, Pepperell Pkwy, I-280; 312 Chilton Ave, Opelika, AL FAMILY LIVING SIDE-BY-SIDE OR RENTAL PROPERTY FOR INVESTOR 4BR/2BA Multi-Family, 2 units   offered at $94,900 Year Built 1997 Sq Footage 1,872 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors 1 Parking 2 Lot Size .23 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Foreclosure Price; Rental-Ready; New Paint & Carpet; Mainly Tile Flooring; Refrigerators Included + One Washer/Dryer Set; Each Unit Is 2-Bedroom, 1-Bath With Kitchen, Laundry & Living Areas; Ceiling Fans; plenty of shade & parking; CLEAN!   see additiona... 06/12/2011

By Mara Hawks Opelika Observer Every day, thousands of Lee County residents hold a miracle in their hand. We call it as a cell phone, but less than 100 years ago, the original phone phenomenon was referred to as a miracle. Telephone lines that had initially boasted a 100-foot conduit, now reached thousands of miles across the continent. It was experienced as a miracle on many levels, opening banks of silence that put the growth of commerce and communities on a track that the railroads could not. Discovery and invention made its mark in history, driven on the road of achievement. Achievement Center — Easter Seals in Opelika was established in 1961 in Lee County. The organization also serves the surrounding counties of Macon, Chambers, Russell and Tallapoosa. With the affiliated support ... 06/03/2011