Shop Back-to-School specials at KidzWorld USA Town Center, 1220 Fox Run Ave.
IN THIS ISSUE BUSINESS NEWS A2 | POLITICS A7 | PUBLIC NOTICES A8 | OBITUARIES A14 SPORTS B1 | EDUCATION B7 | FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT B11
Photos from Freedom Festival — B4
2022, 2023 — APA DIVISION D GENERAL EXCELLENCE DESIGNATION — 2024 COVERING LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Vol. 16, No. 40 Opelika, Alabama Thursday, July 11, 2024 Your hometown newspaper created 'for local people, by local people.'
www.opelikaobserver.com
Cheers on the Corner returns
PHOTO BY ED SIKORA | FOR THE OBSERVER
The Auburn Downtown Merchants Association will host the 8th annual Cheers on the Corner event July 26, in downtown Auburn. This event has been a sell-out in previous years, and early tickets purchases are encouraged. Attendees will receive a souvenir wine glass and get to enjoy the tastes of downtown at more than 20 stops. Each stop will provide you with a savory bite paired with a refreshing beverage sample. Vote for your favorite Best Bite and Sip. Enjoy live music. Must be 21 years or older to purchase a ticket. Tickets are $45 in advance and $50 the day of. Tickets went on sale on July 8.
ALDOT seeks input on Opelika bridge rehab
Daewon America to make $46.2 million investment in Opelika
US 29 at I-85 project will force detours on Highways 431, 280
Expansion will create 100+ local jobs
CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA — The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is seeking public comments on an upcoming bridge rehabilitation project in Opelika. ALDOT is proposing a bridge rehabilitation project on U.S. Highway 29 over Interstate 85. The project will involve hydro demolition of the bridge deck to
extend its life. The project will require temporary detours. ALDOT will utilize U.S. Highway 431 and U.S. Highway 280 for the signed detour. ALDOT encourages the public to submit comments online by Thursday, July 18. Project maps, including details on the detour, and comment submissions are available at www. aldotinvolved.com.
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CONTRIBUTED BY CITY OF OPELIKA
OPELIKA — Daewon America Inc. announced a $46.2 million investment in Opelika. The company is planning a building expansion and new manufacturing equipment to be installed in the Opelika facility, located in the Northeast Industrial Park. This investment will create 100 new jobs. “I believe everything in our local economy starts with a good paying job,” said Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller. “That has been my focus since you hired me as your mayor in 2004. Our community has been blessed with over 5,000 new good paying jobs since 2004. This significant additional capital investment by Daewon will result in property tax revenue to benefit
Opelika City Schools, East Alabama Health and Lee County Youth Development Center. There is no question that this has been a team effort with City Council President Eddie Smith and the Opelika City Council, Ronnie Wilson and the Opelika Industrial Development Authority and John Sweatman and his Economic Development team. They have all played an important role in our continued success.” “Daewon America is proud to partner with the City of Opelika and the Economic Development team in expanding our operations,” said Daewon America President Chris Cho added. Opelika has been an incredibly supportive home for our United States headquarters. See DAEWON, page A2
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Free outdoor concerts every Tuesday night, 7 p.m. at Opelika Municipal Park.
July 16 — The James Brown Trio