An investigation byYellowhammer News today uncovered the City of Opelika has removed Mallory Hagan’s name from the city’s official welcome signs.

The overnight change came after a petition to remove official town signs honoring Hagan had been signed onto by nearly 1,000 residents. The signs were initially put up to honor her winning the Miss America pageant in 2013.

RELATED: Opelika residents demand removal of Mallory Hagan from welcome signs after unhinged Charlie Kirk rant, calling him ‘bigot and a racist’ who was ‘selfish’

The petition’s author also claimed victory on Tuesday night.

“I am writing to let you all know that the city has removed the signs. We are thankful to the city and Mayor for their swift action in this matter,” Lori S. wrote, along with a timely quote from Kirk.

While Opelika officials were not able to comment on the removal on Wednesday morning, before and after pictures of the sign confirms it:

Residents were upset over unhinged videos she posted to TikTok in the wake of the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

“Idea that I shouldn’t speak about the vile human being that Charlie Kirk is because he was a husband and a father, is absolutely asinine to me,” Hagan said.

“Yes, he was a husband to someone who chose him, and yes, he was a father. And the thing I can get behind is that those kids absolutely did not deserve that. They did not deserve for their father to be gunned down in the middle of a public square, essentially Charlie Kirk, on top of being a bigot and a racist, was also selfish. He knew every single day that he went out into the public espousing the type of rhetoric and views that he did, that he was putting himself in danger, and that wasn’t enough for him to not do it in the first place. He could have chosen his wife and family.”

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on Twitter @Yaffee

Some residents of the city of Opelika want street signs mentioning former Miss America Mallory Hagan to be removed because of “her divisive rhetoric.”

A petition to remove official town signs honoring Hagan has been signed onto by hundreds. The signs were initially put up to honor her winning the Miss America pageant in 2013.

“We, the undersigned citizens, respectfully request the removal of the Mallory Hagan additions to our local signs in and around Opelika,” the petition states.

“This individual, though born here, does not represent the majority of Opelika’s people. Her divisive rhetoric and disgusting words against a dead political figure’s character and body-shaming is shameful and does not reflect the standards of Opelika or her people.”

Hagan posted a video on her TikTok page shortly after the assassination of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, calling him “vile.”

“Idea that I shouldn’t speak about the vile human being that Charlie Kirk is because he was a husband and a father, is absolutely asinine to me,” Hagan said. “Yes, he was a husband to someone who chose him, and yes, he was a father. And the thing I can get behind is that those kids absolutely did not deserve that. They did not deserve for their father to be gunned down in the middle of a public square, essentially Charlie Kirk, on top of being a bigot and a racist, was also selfish. He knew every single day that he went out into the public espousing the type of rhetoric and views that he did, that he was putting himself in danger, and that wasn’t enough for him to not do it in the first place. He could have chosen his wife and family.”

@itsmalloryh 🤷🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️ #charliekirk ♬ original sound – Mallory Hytes Hagan

The petition against signs mentioning Hagan said this doesn’t reflect the community.

“Our welcome signs should reflect the character of our people, which Ms. Hagan does not embody. We urge you to remove the signs and replace them with wording that reflects Opelika as a whole,” the petition continues. “We sign below in support of this change, feeling it is necessary for the reputation of our city.”

A video of Hagan’s went viral earlier this year after she told Trump supporters on social media they should stay silent about the child abuse ring uncovered in Bibb County.

“If you still support Donald Trump, do not fix your mouth to talk about those babies in Bibb County,” she said.

“If you live in Alabama and you voted for Donald Trump, I better not see your ass comment or say anything, nothing, because the cognitive dissonance is outrageous around here.”

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on Twitter @Yaffee

Eddie Smith was elected Opelika’s next mayor on Tuesday, defeating challenger Raven Harvis and Herman G. Barnes III to succeed longtime Mayor Gary Fuller, who is retiring after 21 years in office. 

Unofficial returns show Smith with 4,154 votes (about 56%) to Harvis’s 3,155 (about 43%) and Barnes’s 115. 

“Thank you to everyone who came out last night to celebrate the hard work of a long campaign season,” Smith wrote in his victory statement. 

“It was a joy to be surrounded by my friends and family as we heard the results. I am so honored and blessed. Thank you Opelika!

Results will be certified at noon on Tuesday, September 2. 

Smith has served on the Opelika City Council since 2004 and as its president for 16 years. 

His victory marks the first change in the mayor’s office since 2004 when Fuller took office. Fuller announced earlier this year that he would step down at the end of his term. 

Smith is a lifelong resident who graduated from Opelika High, attended Auburn University and the LSU School of Banking, and built a four-decade career in local banking. 

Along the way, he gave back, through roles including Envision Opelika co-chair, past president of the Jaycees, Kiwanis, and United Way of Lee County, and longtime treasurer of the Lee County Youth Development Center.

He is slated to be sworn into office this November.

Grayson Everett is the editor and chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.

After 21 years under the leadership of Mayor Gary Fuller, Opelika is preparing for a change.

On Tuesday, voters will head to the polls to decide between Herman G. Barnes III, Raven Harvis, and Eddie Smith marking the city’s first open mayoral race in a generation.

Before entering public office, Fuller built a career in broadcasting. He served as president and CEO of Fuller Broadcasting Company, Inc., which owned and operated six radio stations across the region. Under his leadership, the stations earned numerous awards, including recognition from the National Association of Broadcasters for community service.

He was also known for his coverage of Hurricane Opal in 1995, when one of his stations remained on the air overnight to provide critical information. In addition to his broadcasting career, Fuller worked as managing partner of Fuller Properties, LTD, and hosted a weekly public affairs program called “The Lee County Report.”

RELATED: Opelika City Council President announces bid to become city’s next mayor

His public service career began in 2000, when he was elected to represent Ward Four on the Opelika City Council. After four years in that role, he successfully ran for mayor in 2004 and took office that October. He went on to be re-elected four times, including an uncontested race in 2012, and became Opelika’s longest-serving mayor.

Over two decades in office, Fuller’s leadership helped shape the city’s growth.

According to WRBL, Opelika experienced significant industrial expansion and record-setting capital investment during his tenure. More than 5,700 industry jobs were created, supported by over $2.6 billion in new investment. The city attracted major employers such as Miele and Niagara Bottling, while its industrial park grew to include a roster of national and international companies. Fuller also oversaw downtown redevelopment, housing expansion, infrastructure improvements, and the opening of the Opelika SportsPlex & Aquatics Center.

Technology became another area of progress, with Opelika establishing itself as Alabama’s first “Gig City” through Opelika Power Services’ fiber-optic internet. Partnerships with schools, local businesses, and state agencies also played a central role in the city’s development under his administration.

Fuller’s retirement marks both the end of an era and the start of a new one. On Tuesday, Opelika voters will decide who will guide the city into its next chapter.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at sherri@yellowhammernews.com.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming industries, businesses, and how we live our daily lives. From streamlining operations to improving services, AI’s potential to enhance local government functions is an exciting prospect for Opelika.

As mayor, I am eager to explore how we can responsibly and effectively integrate AI-driven solutions to improve efficiency, responsiveness, and accessibility for our residents.

Opelika is uniquely positioned to be at the forefront of AI adoption thanks to the cutting-edge research happening right here at Auburn University. The Artificial Intelligence at Auburn (AI@AU) initiative is leading groundbreaking work in AI applications across multiple fields, from cybersecurity to healthcare and smart infrastructure.

As a city, we have an incredible opportunity to collaborate with these experts to explore how AI can improve municipal operations, enhance public services, and drive economic growth.

Beyond our city, Auburn University is also playing a key role in a broader regional effort to advance AI innovation.

Auburn, along with other SEC universities, is a member of the SEC Artificial Intelligence & Data Science Consortium, which brings together institutions across the conference to collaborate on AI research and best practices – and using athletics as a platform for innovation, data-driven decision-making, and performance optimization.

This kind of partnership reflects the growing recognition that AI is not just a tool for the future, it is something we need to understand and integrate today.

Much like these universities are learning from one another, cities like Opelika can look to other communities that are successfully leveraging AI to improve services and governance.

As Opelika continues to grow, I look forward to learning from other cities—both in Alabama and across the country—that are leading the way in adoption of AI.

One of AI’s most useful applications in local government that I look forward to exploring is streamlining and improving basic city services. Streamlining trash pickup and permitting, traffic signals that adjust in real time to reduce congestion, and sensors that can detect road damage before potholes form – we owe it to Opelika residents to leave no stone unturned when it comes to these new advancements that improve city services.

And of course, let us not forget about the incredible workforce and economic development potential offered by responsible integration of AI. As industries innovate, and small businesses increasingly adopt this technology, we are all better off. 

Throughout my years of service as mayor, I have seen how innovation and strategic planning can shape a city’s future. Opelika has always embraced forward-thinking solutions, whether in economic development, infrastructure, or public safety.

AI presents a new frontier of possibilities, and by embracing it responsibly, we can improve services, create efficiencies, and build a smarter, more connected city.

This is an exciting time for Opelika. As we continue this journey, I invite residents to share their thoughts and ideas on how AI could help shape Opelika’s future. Let us explore these possibilities together.

Gary Fuller has served as the Mayor of Opelika since 2004. He’s a businessman with an extensive record of public service and community involvement.

A $2 million grant from Alabama’s Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) program will fund critical infrastructure projects in the Northeast Opelika Industrial Park, enhancing the city’s attractiveness for new business and investment.

The SEEDS funding will support two key projects in Opelika: the extension of North Park Drive and the construction of a bridge across Halawakee Creek. These enhancements will improve access to the industrial park, positioning it for future growth and job creation, while also strengthening Opelika’s long-term economic strategy.

The grant from the SEEDS program, which aims to help Alabama communities prepare sites for industrial and commercial development, has been matched by the city.

Opelika Economic Development Director John Sweatman said the improvements will advance the city’s efforts to create new jobs and stimulate economic growth.

“This investment in infrastructure is part of Opelika’s broader strategy to enhance its industrial capabilities and attract new businesses to the area,” Sweatman said. “By building upon the SEEDS program, which is administered by the Alabama Department of Commerce, the city is laying the foundation for long-term economic growth and job creation.”

The SEEDS program represents a cornerstone of Governor Kay Ivey’s “Game Plan” for continued economic success, which was launched in April 2023. By accelerating the development of industry-ready sites, SEEDS ensures that Alabama remains competitive in attracting new business investments.

Fostering growth

Ellen McNair, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, said the SEEDS initiative is an important component of the state’s broad, long-range economic development plan.

“The SEEDS program represents Alabama’s commitment to fostering long-term economic growth by ensuring communities like Opelika have the necessary infrastructure to attract and support new industrial and commercial investments,” Secretary McNair said.

“The improvements funded through this initiative will greatly enhance access to the Northeast Opelika Industrial Park, making it a prime location for future development. We are excited to see how this investment will position Opelika for continued success, creating jobs and strengthening the local economy,” she added.

CDG Engineers, in collaboration with Opelika City Engineer Scott Parker, are actively working to push the infrastructure project forward, ensuring that the development progresses on schedule.

Alabama communities received over $30 million in grant funding with the first round of SEEDS allocations, announced in February. A second round of SEEDS funding is in the works.

This story originally appeared on Made in Alabama.

A Lee County man has been arrested on a first-degree terrorist threat charge after allegedly threatening to blow up an Ulta Beauty store in Opelika. The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Timothy Lincoln, reportedly made the threat in the store, leading to an immediate evacuation of employees and the arrival of police on the scene.

According to court documents, an Ulta Beauty employee overheard Lincoln say, “I’m going to blow this **** up,” and alerted authorities. Opelika police quickly responded and detained Lincoln without incident.

Lincoln’s mugshot revealed several colorful scribbles across his face, though authorities have not clarified the reason for the markings. Along with his arrest, Lincoln has been permanently banned from all Ulta Beauty locations, according to WRBL 3 News.

The investigation is ongoing as law enforcement continues to gather evidence related to the incident.

Major German appliance maker, Miele, has announced that it has officially began the process of opening its first ever U.S. location — in Opelika, Alabama. The new operation is projected to created 150 jobs in year one and in the following years hundreds of new positions. Governor Kay Ivey announced the news Thursday.

“Miele is one the world’s most iconic brands, and we’re thrilled to have this great company select Alabama as the home for its first U.S. manufacturing facility,” said Ivey. “Miele is a wonderful addition to our state’s business community, and I look forward to the day when its new Opelika facility is turning out first-class ‘Made in USA’ appliances coming from Alabama.”

Earlier this year, Miele announced it was evaluating several locations in the U.S. for the planned manufacturing facility. The site in Opelika was selected over potential locations in Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina and Mississippi.

Leadership from Miele explained why Opelika was chosen to be the home of the manufacturing plant.

“Overall, Opelika offers the best conditions for a successful start for our new plant, including the long-term perspective for further expansion stages,” said Uwe Brunkhorst, Senior Vice President Business Unit Cooking for Miele. “We would like to express our gratitude to the city of Opelika and the State of Alabama for their outstanding support during this selection process and we look forward to further cooperation.”

RELATED: 24 hours in Opelika: Why you should visit the historic Alabama town

According to the Alabama Department of Commerce, the new operation will have a significant impact not only on Opelika, but the entire region.

“Miele is making a significant investment in Opelika that will not only create several hundred jobs over the next few years but also deliver a massive economic impact for the region,” said Alabama Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield.

“We’re committed to providing the support that this world-class German company needs to achieve long-term success with its Alabama growth project.”

Mayor of Opelika, Gary Fuller, is excited for what Miele’s new operation will mean for the city.

“We are excited to announce the arrival of Miele to our vibrant community. We are committed to fostering innovation, creating high-quality jobs and contributing to the economic growth of our community,” Fuller said.

“Together, we look forward to a future filled with shared success and lasting positive impact.”

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.

Niagara Bottling, one of the nation’s most prominent beverage manufacturers, on Wednesday announced plans to open a production facility in Opelika.

According to the governor’s office, the company’s estimated investment in the facility sits at $112 million. An initial 50 jobs will be created at the bottling plant, which will be located in the Northeast Opelika Industrial Park along Interstate 85.

In praising the company’s announcement, Gov. Kay Ivey touted Alabama’s business-friendly economic environment.

“Niagara Bottling’s decision to locate its new production facility in Opelika is a testament to Alabama’s strong business climate and the many advantages we can offer companies looking to energize their growth plans,” Ivey stated in a release. “Niagara Bottling is making a significant investment to launch this operation, and we are happy that the company chose to do it in Sweet Home Alabama.”

Niagara Bottling executive vice president Brian Hess spoke to the attractive qualities Opelika presented to the company during the selection process.

“We value the highly competitive and attractive combination of location, infrastructure, logistics and workforce in Opelika,” said Hess. “Niagara has built a strong team and community relationships throughout the United States and looks forward to maintaining our leadership in the areas of manufacturing, innovation, supply chain and overall environmental stewardship.”

Alabama Department of Commerce secretary Greg Canfield advised that Niagara Bottling expanding its operations to Opelika “perfectly aligns” with the state’s industry recruitment goals.

“The top-level priorities of Alabama’s economic development team are creating meaningful job opportunities for citizens around the state and bringing in new investment to invigorate communities,” proclaimed Canfield. “We look forward to seeing Niagara Bottling grow and thrive in Opelika because that perfectly aligns with our strategic economic development objectives.”

Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller stated the city’s plans to work alongside the company and assist with its growth in the area.

“It is truly an honor when an industry chooses to invest in our community,” said Fuller. “We are glad to assist Niagara Bottling in their continued success.”

Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL

The Alabama Forestry Association (AFA) on Thursday announced the organization’s endorsement of State Sen. Randy Price (R-Opelika) in his campaign for reelection, serving District 13.

Price is a graduate of Southern Union State Community College and is the owner of a homebuilding and commercial trucking business. The Opelika resident also owns and operates a cattle farming business.

He and his wife Oline, who is the Lee County Revenue Commissioner, are timberland owners and longtime members of AFA.

AFA president and CEO Chris Isaacson praised the freshman senator for his awareness of forestry-related issues, citing his knowledge of the industry as a core reason in supporting his reelection campaign.

“I have known Randy and Oline personally for many years and as a businessman, farmer and timberland owner, he has a deep understanding of the importance the forest products industry has to our state,” said Isaacson. “He is dedicated to ensuring the growth of Alabama’s forests and forest industry by supporting legislation that improves the working environment for landowners and forest business owners. We are happy to support him in his bid for a second term.”

AFA says since assuming office in 2018, Price has worked to protect the Second Amendment, improve the state’s infrastructure and fought to implement pro-business economic policies. Price is a member of the Senate Agriculture and Forestry Committee and also serves as Vice Chairman of the Senate Tourism Committee.

Price expressed gratitude for AFA’s endorsement of his reelection bid and pledged to continue his support of the forestry community.

“It is an honor to be endorsed by the Alabama Forestry Association,” said Price. “We owe the men and women in this industry a tremendous ‘thank you’ for the many hours of hard work they put in each day to make available the necessary products we use in our daily lives. As a landowner myself, I will continue to support the principles that are important to this industry.”

Senate District 13 covers all or parts of Chambers, Cleburne, Clay, Randolph and Lee Counties. The primary election is slated to occur on May 24, 2022.

Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL

OPELIKA, Alabama – Hanwha Cimarron LLC, a maker of carbon fiber-wrapped, high-pressure storage tanks, formally launched a $130 million project today to construct a manufacturing plant in Opelika that will employ 261 people.

Hanwha Cimarron broke ground this morning on the facility, located in the Northeast Opelika Industrial Park.

“At Hanwha Cimarron, we’re excited about what the future holds for us,” CEO David Jeon said. “Today, we break ground for our new manufacturing facility to be located here in Opelika.

“This new facility will continue our company’s growth in the carbon overwrap pressure vessel industry, catering to the needs of aerospace, drone, defense, marine, rail, on-vehicle, gas transport and ground storage solutions,” he added.

Hanwha Cimarron is working with AIDT, Alabama primary workforce development agency, to fill leadership positions for the facility.

General hiring is expected to begin in spring 2022, with an emphasis on job candidates with strong backgrounds in production/manufacturing and experience in machine operations.

“I am thrilled to see Hanwha Cimarron bring this exciting new venture to Alabama and create good-paying jobs for the hard-working citizens of Opelika,” Governor Kay Ivey said.

“Our partnership with Hanwha Cimarron starts symbolically today with a groundbreaking ceremony, but I know that this relationship will grow and thrive in the future as the company puts down roots in Sweet Home Alabama.”

Mayor Gary Fuller applauded the company’s decision to invest in the east Alabama city.

“We’re honored to welcome yet another world-class company to Opelika,” he said.

GROWTH POTENTIAL

In December 2020, South Korea-based Hanwha Solutions Corp. acquired Huntsville’s Cimarron Composites as part of a strategic expansion into the hydrogen energy business.

Cimarron, founded in 2008 by a former NASA researcher, produced tanks for rockets. Its products also have potential implications for hydrogen-powered automobiles and charging stations.

In August, Hanwha Cimarron signed a $260 million, 10-year contract from Texas-based Sunbelt Services for storage tanks for compressed natural gas.

“Hanwha Cimmaron will find the skilled workforce and the support it needs to build a high-performance operation in Opelika,” said Greg Canfield, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce.

“Working together, I know that we will be able to find all the ingredients that will allow the company’s new manufacturing facility to thrive and grow in the future,” he added.

(Courtesy of Made in Alabama)

An investment of $130 million is coming to Opelika by way of a new Hanwha Cimarron LLC manufacturing facility. The facility’s operations will support industries relating to with aerospace, defense, marine, drone, rail, and gas transport and storage.

Hanwha Cimarron LLC is a producer of filament-wound carbon fiber tanks and pressure vessels. The company says the investment will create 261 jobs for the Lee County city.

Hanwha Cimarron CEO David Jeon expressed his excitement about the company’s new growth opportunity.

(more…)

Bonnie Plants broke ground Wednesday on a new corporate headquarters in Opelika.

The company also entered into a formal partnership with Auburn University that will include two new scholarships funded by the gardening business.

Bonnie had been based in Union Springs, a small town in Bullock County, since the company’s founding in 1918. The firm packages and sells over 300 varieties of plants that gardeners can purchase at stores like Home Depot or Lowes.

The business says they are making the move to Opelika “to help enhance associate recruiting and retention efforts.” Bonnie Plants sees Auburn as an ideal school from which they can recruit interns and employees.
(more…)

Medal of Honor recipient Bennie Adkins is in critical condition at the East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, according to a report the Opelika-Auburn News.

The 86-year-old served in the United States Army for over 20 years, including three non-consecutive tours in Vietnam.

For heroic actions taken during a bloody battle in 1966, Adkins was awarded the Medal of Honor by then-President Barack Obama in 2014.

As of Thursday night, he has been placed on a ventilator to help him breathe while his body tries to fight off the COVID-19 respiratory illness.

(more…)

OPELIKA, Ala. (AP) — Police in east Alabama say a teenage girl was lying when she claimed a man impersonating a police officer sexually assaulted her.

The Opelika Police Department tells WTVM-TV that detectives recreated the incident, which was reported Feb. 19. They say that once the teen who claimed the assault was confronted with surveillance video from multiple sources, she admitted she was lying.

Police say they’re continuing to investigate, now focusing on the false report. No criminal charges have yet been filed. (more…)

HudsonAlpha Health Alliance, LLC and East Alabama Medical Center (EAMC) in Opelika have teamed up to launch a pilot program aimed to assist and improve the health of EAMC employees.

According to a press release, the new program “offers genomic health screening to select employees eligible to participate in the pilot program based on their current cholesterol levels” and “is designed to screen for how effective the employee’s current statin medication is working to control their cholesterol level based on their individual genetic profile, as well as other health factors.” (more…)

Located in downtown Opelika, Oliver Henry Candle Company makes soy-blend wax candles with amazing fragrances that will surely leave a lasting impression.

Oliver Henry Candle Company started about three years ago as a way for interior designer Stacey Jordan to leave clients with a small token of appreciation. It did not take long for Jordan’s candles to grow in popularity, so she and her husband, Andy, decided to turn the company into more than a hobby. Since then, Oliver Henry, which is named for their two sons, has grown to more than 25 retail boutiques across the country as well as online. (more…)

The words “red clay” evoke images of the South. Whether you’ve played in it, been stuck in it or just fancied it while driving down some Alabama backroad, it fits in here like sweet tea and barbecue.

So, when John Corbin and Kerry McGinnis set out to open a brewery in downtown Opelika a few years ago, the brothers-in-law knew they wanted a name that was decidedly Southern. (more…)

Former Auburn head football coach Tommy Tuberville caused a stir on Monday when he took a shot at the annual Opelika Christmas parade for featuring a drag queen show of characters from the movie “Mean Girls.”

Tuberville, who has been reliably conservative in his stance on social issues throughout the campaign, vented his frustration with the display on Facebook.

“Hard to believe that right in my own backyard the city of Opelika allows drag queens in the city Christmas Parade which was held this weekend. What is next?” the former football coach wrote.

(more…)

Opelika High School is scrapping student-led prayer before its football games.

Per The Associated Press, Opelika City Schools Superintendent Mark Neighbors announced this week that the high school will instead hold a moment of silence.

As reported by WTVM, members of the local community are not pleased with the decision.

“First of all, I don’t like it,” Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller told the TV station.

The mayor is certainly not alone. In a Facebook post and follow-up statement to Yellowhammer News, former Auburn University head football coach Tommy Tuberville expressed his dismay that the local school district in Lee County backed down to “the politically correct crowd.” (more…)

Last week, U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao announced the State of Alabama will receive $10.8 million in funding to replace three sets of twin bridges at Exit 60 off Interstate 85 near Opelika.

The intersection, which serves I-85 and Alabama Highways 51 and 169, has been a problem area for travelers for decades. It was mentioned by State Sen. Tom Whatley (R-Auburn) earlier this month in an appearance on Huntsville’s WVNN as a public safety concern.

Whatley also questioned why it wasn’t given priority over a rest area restroom renovation several miles north near the Alabama-Georgia state line in Chambers County.

Thursday on WVNN, Whatley applauded the U.S. Department of Transportation announcement and offered details on how the improvements will alleviate congestion and safety concerns. (more…)

Finding a way to reach children with emotional, intellectual and physical disabilities requires a special talent, as each individual child responds differently to different methods.

But few approaches are as fascinating as the equine-assisted therapies offered by Storybook Farm. (more…)

Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller has endorsed Congressman Bradley Byrne (AL-01) in Alabama’s 2020 U.S. Senate race, becoming one of the first major local officials in the Yellowhammer State to publicly pick a candidate in the Republican primary.

In an endorsement video posted by Byrne’s campaign on Tuesday, Fuller said, “I’ve known Bradley for many years, back when he served in the Alabama legislature and then later I got to know him very well when he was Chancellor of the community college system. And of course our great college here in Opelika, Southern Union.”

“Bradley was conscientious,” the mayor said. “He was honest. He has integrity. Exactly the kind of person that I want representing me in the US Senate.” (more…)