Thursday, Feb 23, 2023
Covering Lee County, Alabama
An award-winning publication created 'For local people, by local people.' Opelika, Alabama
Vol. 15, No. 20
1,000 Days and Counting PHOTO BY HANNAH LESTER / THE OBSERV ER
BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM
See 1,000 DAYS, page A3
PHOTO BY WIL CREWS / THE OBSERVER
AUBURN — A small group of individuals have held a daily vigil for racial and social justice on Toomer’s Corner in Auburn since the summer of 2020. “We are reminding ourselves that these aren’t just things we come out to when our hearts are broken, and yes that’s good to do, but these are conversations we need to have and are willing to have on a daily basis,” said Kelli Thompson, the original founder of the group. Thompson was the initial person plopped down by the iconic street corner in an act that was at first for self-consoling in the aftermath of George
Opelika Chamber Finding Its Flow in 2023
A small group of individuals have held a daily vigil for racial and social justice on Toomer's Corner in Auburn since the summer of 2020. Pictured is group founder Kelli Thompson.
Pink Zebra Aims to Make Moving Fun PHOTO USED WITH PERMISSION
BY KENDYL HOLLINGSWORTH KENDYLH@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM
AUBURN — There’s a new moving company in town — with a vibrant twist. Pink Zebra Moving Company has been operating in Auburn for less than a month, but the Birmingham-based franchise is already turning heads with its pink-striped moving trucks. According to Ron Holt, founder of the franchise, Pink Zebra aims to make moving less of a hassle for its clients and more of a fun, memorable experience. “It’s just fun making people smile,” Holt said. “No one thinks moving is fun, so we’ve challenged ourselves to make it a
See ZEBRA, page A2
Members of Auburn's Pink Zebra Moving team pose for a photo with zebra mascot Zeke.
BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM
OPELIKA — This year, the Opelika Chamber of Commerce wants to find its flow. “When you are firing on all cylinders and in the groove, that’s your flow,” said Chamber President and CEO Ali Rauch. “We have got a lot to accomplish and execute, and in order to do that, each of us need to be on our game, doing what we are meant to be doing.” The Opelika Chamber of Commerce has come a long way since Rauch took the helm less than three years ago. The chamber, like any business, has faced its fair share of ups and downs, but Rauch carries full belief in her team’s ability to continue making a positive impact in the community. “When I look back on the last three years, it is astonishing — everything that we have accomplished,” Rauch said. “We have certainly gone through some ups and downs with transition because change is challenging to some people. I had some growing pains of like, ‘How do I navigate this new world?’ When I was sitting down three years ago to now, I did See CHAMBER, page A3
CONTENTS
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OPINION ................. A4 ENTERTAINMENT ...... A7 RELIGION .............. A13 OBITUARIES ........... A14 COMICS .................. A16
SPORTS ................... B1 POLITICS ................. B9 PUBLIC NOTICES ..... B12 CLASSIFIEDS .......... B14 PUZZLES ................ B15