Chamber News — A4 Opelika's Azalea Trail is open — A5 A-Day activities — B3
IN THIS ISSUE BUSINESS NEWS A2 | SOCIETY A7 | OBITUARIES A12 SPORTS B1 | POLITICS B9 | PUBLIC NOTICES B12
2022 — APA DIVISION D GENERAL EXCELLENCE DESIGNATION — 2023 COVERING LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Vol. 16, No. 26 Opelika, Alabama Thursday, April 4, 2024 Your hometown newspaper created 'for local people, by local people.'
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Egg-cellent fun at egg-stravagant holiday events PHOTO BY ED SIKORA | FOR THE OBSERVER
Enjoy our photos from the aquatic egg hunt and other local Easter events on pages A8 & A9
Mayor notes growth in State of the City address PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
The Rev. Dr. Clifford E. Jones Jr., center, pastor of Greater Peace Baptist Church, received the Spirit of Opelika award from the Opelika Chamber of Commerce during the State of the City event held March 28. The Spirit of Opelika award is presented annually to a citizen who has brought exceptional benefit and/or recognition to our city, county or state and who embodies the spirit and nature of Opelika in their everyday interactions and relationships. Pictured with Jones are members of his family.
Chamber presents Jones with Spirit of Opelika award BY DAVID BELL FOR THE OBSERVER OPELIKA — Speaking before a crowded room at The Southerly on March 28, Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller delivered his annual State of the City address. Fuller, the city’s longest serving mayor currently in his sixth consecutive term, began his address by acknowledging the efforts of his entire staff. “We have the greatest team,” he said. “We all work together to make our city a safe and enjoyable place to live, work and raise our families.” The mayor focused on a thriving local economy that continues to prosper.
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“Our economy continues to grow at a healthy pace in all sectors,” said Fuller. “The highlight of our year was the announcement by Miele Manufacturing that they would be locating their first North American manufacturing facility in Opelika, with a capital investment of more than $650 million and the creation of 850 jobs.” The company has purchased property on Orr Avenue to construct a plant that will produce high-end domestic and commercial appliances. “In total, we picked up about 950 new jobs and $732 million in new capital investments,” said Fuller. The mayor said residential housing experienced the second highest growth on record.
“People ask me why so many homes are being built, and I tell them it’s because people are buying them,” he said. “Since 2006, we have permitted and built 4,611 single family homes at a permitted value of $1,037,000,000.” “There are two main things that attract people to your community: good paying jobs and great schools. We have both in Opelika,” he said. In addition, the mayor gave high praise to the city’s public safety officials for their efforts in law enforcement and fire protection. “Overall crime has been reduced by 25% through the efforts of our police department,” said Fuller. “Over the next year, police will See THE CITY, page A2
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