Hanwha Defense USA is investing over $2 million in its Opelika facility, creating 40 new jobs focused on manufacturing and testing K-9 mobile howitzers for the U.S. Army. Read More
Month: April 2026
Admiral Radio at the AUUF TONIGHT!!
Admiral Radio makes their long-awaited Sundilla debut tonight, Thursday, April 30! Showtime at the AUUF (450 E. Thach Avenue in Auburn) is 7:30 PM. Advance tickets are just $20, available at Spicer's Music, Ross House Coffee, and online at sundillaconcerts.com . Admission at the door is $25, and $15 for students. Admiral Radio, an award-winning folk/Americana act from South Carolina, is the creative partnership of Coty Hoover and Becca Smith. For tonight's show, they'll be… Read More
Smart Growth Matters Initiative Continues During Development Moratorium
Ongoing — Launched April 9, 2026 The City of Opelika's year-long Smart Growth Matters public engagement initiative continues as the city evaluates its rapid residential growth under a temporary development moratorium. The moratorium pauses new entitlements such as rezonings and planned unit developments while the city assesses transportation networks, sewer and utility capacity, school impacts, and zoning regulations. In May, a new webpage, social media outreach, and a community survey will launch to gather initial… Read More
Opelika City Council Meets; $750K Workforce Clinic Item Pulled from Agenda
April 21, 2026 The Opelika City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, April 21, advancing several development-related ordinances following public hearings and approving infrastructure projects, equipment purchases, and funding allocations. A $750,000 appropriation to the Opelika Industrial Development Authority—intended to support construction of a freestanding medical clinic as part of the planned Workforce Support Campus in the Northeast Industrial Park—was on the original consent agenda but was removed prior to the meeting by Mayor… Read More
Opelika City Schools Names New District and School Leaders for 2026-27
April 21, 2026 Opelika City Schools announced board approval of new district leaders and principals for the upcoming school year. Key appointments include: Russ Hardwick as Deputy Superintendent of Operations — Currently director of student services, Hardwick previously served as assistant principal at OHS for 14 years. Brad Henderson as Director of Technology — Returning to OCS after serving as a system engineer at Auburn University. Montray Thompson as Human Resources Director — Currently principal… Read More
2025–2026 Class of Lee County Young Leaders Graduates
Opelika, AL — The Opelika Chamber of Commerce hosted a graduation ceremony for the 2025–2026 class of Lee County Young Leaders on April 16, 2026. The graduation marks the culmination of the year-long leadership program, which runs from September through April. Attendees heard from guest speaker Kristin Reeder, Executive Director of Leadership Lee County, and former Lee County Young Leader graduate Akeila Driver. The event was catered by Texas Roadhouse. Graduates by School Auburn High… Read More
Opelika Planning Commission to Consider 18 Items at Tuesday Meeting
The Opelika Planning Commission will hold its regular meeting on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 3:00 PM at City Hall, located at 300 Martin Luther King Blvd . The agenda includes 18 items spanning new subdivisions, conditional use permits, and a rezoning request — several of which include public hearings. Individuals may speak during designated public hearings, with a five-minute comment period per hearing. Preliminary Plats (Public Hearing) Seven subdivision plats are up for preliminary… Read More
Opelika High School “Spirit of the South” Band Performs at Fiesta San Antonio
The Opelika High School “Spirit of the South” Marching Band recently traveled to San Antonio, Texas to perform at the prestigious Fiesta San Antonio celebration.
Watch their performance below:
Congratulations to the students, band directors, and staff of the Opelika High School “Spirit of the South” Band on this outstanding performance!
Keep Opelika Beautiful Hosts Annual City-Wide Clean Up
April 25, 2026 Keep Opelika Beautiful partnered with the City of Opelika for its annual City-Wide Clean Up on Saturday, April 25, from 8 to 10 a.m. The anti-litter campaign, part of the national Great American Cleanup sponsored by Keep America Beautiful, promotes community pride and brings together residents, businesses, and organizations to combat litter. Volunteers were provided with bags, gloves, grabbers, and safety vests. The Great American Cleanup engages more than 20,000 communities across… Read More
Developers Break Ground on 825-Bed Student Housing in Downtown Auburn
Groundbreaking April 15 | Reported April 21, 2026 Athens, Georgia-based Landmark Properties broke ground on The Mark Auburn at 141 Wright Street, a massive student housing development in downtown Auburn. The project will feature 825 beds across 329 units on a 3.29-acre site, with floor plans ranging from studios to five-bedroom apartments. Amenities include 31,000 square feet of shared space: a clubhouse, rooftop pool, Jumbotron, grilling areas, fire pits, fitness center, sports simulator, study lounge… Read More
Auburn Issues Phase II Drought Warning; Mandatory Water Restrictions and Surcharges Begin May 1
AUBURN, Ala. — The Water Works Board of the City of Auburn is enacting a Phase II Drought Warning effective May 1, 2026 , in accordance with the City of Auburn Drought Management Plan. The Phase II Drought Warning includes mandatory water restrictions and surcharge fees for excess water usage. Phase II is being implemented after recurring monthly rainfall deficits and significant rises in demand from irrigation and outdoor water usage. The Auburn area has… Read More
