Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022
Vol. 15, No. 7
Oct. 13, 2022
Opelika, Alabama
FRED ERi CK-DEAN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY
Covering Lee County, Alabama
Compassion • Integrity • Tradition
An award-winning publication created 'For local people, by local people.'
334-745-4667 On-site Crematory Coming Soon
Anders Celebrates Positive Growth, Change in State of City Address AUBURN — There are many milestones to celebrate and upgrades to anticipate in coming years, according to Auburn Mayor Ron Anders. In his fourth annual State of the City address, held Nov. 16 at the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center, Anders discussed Auburn’s growth and how the city is working to keep up with progress, while remaining true to its traditional roots. “As we grow, I believe the things that are essential to Auburn will not be lost,”
PHOTO BY KENDYL HOLLINGSWORTH / THE OBSERVER
BY KENDYL HOLLINGSWORTH KENDYLH@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM
Auburn Mayor Ron Anders delivered his fourth State of the City address on Nov. 16 at the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center.
he said. “Auburn is not a community of buildings or roads, but a community of
people.” Between excellent bond ratings and a new $140
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
A. J. HARRIS results. “A.J.’s experience in scaling organizations and developing highly functional operations departments is critical for our next phase of
See AUBURN, page A3
BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA — The Boys and Girls Clubs of East Alabama announced last week that A.J. Harris will be the organization’s new director of operations. Harris most recently served as the director of Public Affairs & Compliance with his previous employer and is no stranger to the Boys & Girls Club movement, once serving as a teen director and athletic director early in his professional journey. As director of operations, Harris will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the organization, as well as ensuring that the club experience for members and families produces high-quality, data-driven
ues to consult citizens as it plans carefully to improve the quality of life for Auburn
Opelika Main Street Names New Interim Director
East Alabama Boys & Girls Clubs Names New Director of Operations CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF OPELIKA
million budget adopted for fiscal years 2023 and 2024, Anders said the city contin-
residents moving forward. POPULATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT It’s no secret that Auburn is growing. According to Anders, the city is growing by an average of 6.6 people every day. The latest census estimate showed a population of a little over 78,500 people, but today, Anders said that number is closer to 80,000. “It is easy to think of these newcomers as just numbers, and to maybe feel a little anxious about how quickly our population is increasing,” he said during his address. “I assure you, there is enough Auburn to go around. But I understand the concerns about growth. I drive our
growth,” said Boys and Girls Clubs of East Alabama CEO Richard Curry. “I am excited about his leadership and the future of our organization.”
OPELIKA — Melissa Munford-McCurdy has been named the new interim executive director of Opelika Main Street, the organization announced Thursday, Nov. 17. “I’m really excited to be headed with Main Street into its future, growing our program and keeping everything positive,” Munford-McCurdy said. Munford-McCurdy will take over for current director Ken Ward, who accepted a position as manager of public affairs for Montgomery County. Ward has served as executive director of Opelika Main Street since 2019. During his time the organization opened up the new Downtown Resource Center, installed the Industry On Track sculpture
MELISSA MUNFORD-MCCURDY art exhibit, hosted the Main Street Alabama LAB conference, completed numerous placemaking/beautification projects and won 16 Main Street Alabama Awards of Excellence. “I have truly enjoyed my time serving Historic Downtown Opelika as the executive director of Opelika Main Street,” Ward said. “We have accomplished many great things
for this community and I look forward to seeing downtown Opelika continue to grow and thrive for years to come.” Munford-McCurdy has worked on the Opelika Main Street board for three-and-a-half years and was involved in the initial hiring of Ward as executive director. See MAIN STREET, page A2
CONTENTS
Find Us Online: O O
OPINION ................. A4 ENTERTAINMENT ...... A7 RELIGION .............. A13 OBITUARIES ........... A14 COMICS .................. A16
SPORTS ................... B1 POLITICS ................. B9 PUBLIC NOTICES ..... B12 CLASSIFIEDS .......... B14 PUZZLES ................ B15