Thursday, Dec. 08, 2022
Vol. 15, No. 9
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 PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER
Parades Kick Off Holidays in Lee County
Photos from Christmas parades in the cities of Opelika and Auburn can be found on page A3 and A6. Photos from Smiths Station's Christmas Tree Annual Christmas Tree Lighting can be found on page B8.
SCREENSHOT FROM FACEBOOK
CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF OPELIKA
OPELIKA — Dear Opelika Citizens and Visitors: HO HO HO from the North Pole!
I’ve recently been making early rounds to see how much Christmas joy is being spread near and far. As I approached Opelika, I knew it was a special place. The lights and all of the beautiful
decorations made my heart fill with excitement and wonder. When I saw the reindeer all over town, I first thought … have my very own See SANTA, page A5
Whittelsey Named President of CFEA CONTRIBUTED BY CFEA OPELIKA — The Community Foundation of East Alabama Inc. (CFEA) announced Dec. 4 that Katie Whittelsey has accepted the position of president of the organization. The new president joins CFEA with an extensive background in entrepreneurship, nonprofit development and education. Whittelsey accepted the role with enthusiasm and said she understands that a strong community foundation leads to a stronger community for all residents. She added she is proud to represent Lee, Russell, Chambers, Tallapoosa and Macon counties and is excited to showcase and expand the of- ferings of the CFEA.
PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER
A Letter from Santa to the Citizens of Opelika, Visitors
KATIE WHITTELSEY Whittelsey has a master’s degree in theory and practice in teacher education, as well as a bachelor’s degree in special education from the University of Tennessee. She has served on several boards, includ-
ing the Dean’s Board of Advisors for the College of Education and Human Sciences at the University of Tennessee, the national Board of Directors for the See WHITTELSEY, page A2
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CONTENTS OPINION ................. A4 ENTERTAINMENT ...... A7 RELIGION .............. A12 OBITUARIES ........... A13 COMICS .................. A16
SPORTS ................... B1 POLITICS ................. B9 PUBLIC NOTICES ..... B12 CLASSIFIEDS .......... B13 PUZZLES ................ B15