Thursday, April 6, 2023
COVERING LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA
IN THIS ISSUE BUSINESS NEWS A3 | SOCIETY A7 | OBITUARIES A14 | COMICS A16 SPORTS B1 | POLITICS B9 | PUBLIC NOTICES B12 | PUZZLES B15 Your local publication created 'For local people, by local people.'
Vol. 15, No. 26
Opelika, Alabama
A Mother's Love, A Mother's Sorrow PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER
Sherry Wiggins, mother of Amore Jo'Veah Wiggins — the female child formerly known in Opelika as Baby Jane Doe — mourns her daughter. For more photos from the memorial service turn to A2.
BY MICHELLE KEY MICHELLE@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM
OPELIKA — Amore Jo’Veah Wiggins was born on Jan. 1, 2006, to Sherry Wiggins — a mother that loved her and named her accordingly. Six years later, the remains of a small child were discovered in a wooded area in Opelika. The female child became known as Baby Jane Doe. The Opelika Police Department and many others spent the next 11 years diligently searching for answers as to what had happened to her, where she had come from and most importantly, who she was. For 11 years, the Opelika community watched and waited for updates about Baby Jane Doe. Members of
the community came to love this child as one of their own and grieved for the unknown little girl who suffered great abuse during her brief time on Earth. Even though they did not know her name, she was loved. In January 2023, the police announced that her family had been found, and that her name was Amore Jo’Veah Wiggins — A fitting name for the child loved by many who have never even met her. A child whose tragic circumstances brought a community together for a common cause — to find those who had hurt her and bring them to justice. Amore was laid to rest in her mother’s hometown of Norfolk, Virginia, in February. Just as the community held vigil for this child See AMORE, page A2
Buc-ee’s to Celebrate Grand Former Lee County Opening in Auburn April 10 DA to Release First AUBURN — Buc-ee’s, which prides itself on having “the world’s cleanest bathrooms, freshest food and friendliest beaver,” will unveil its newest travel center in Auburn on Monday, April 10. Doors will open to the public at 6 a.m. Central Daylight Time, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony will follow at 9:30 a.m. Located at 2500 Bucee’s Blvd., Buc-ee’s Auburn occupies more than 53,470 square feet and offers 120
Book
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY BUC-EE'S
CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
Buc-ee's' newest location in Auburn is set to open April 10. The Texas-based gas station and country storeS will be located on Buc-ee's Boulevard off of I-85.
fueling positions just outside its store with thousands of snack, meal and drink options for travelers on the go. The new travel
center also offers the same award-winning restrooms, cheap gas, quality products and excellent service that have won the hearts,
HUGHES BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM
trust and business of millions in the South for nearly 40 years. Buc-ee’s favorites —
OPELIKA — What makes a hero? That is what former Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes explores in his debut novel, “The Hero Rule: Is It Justice…
See BUC-EE'S, page A3
See BOOK, page A5
O O
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