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OPINION: From Cali to Bama | How a writer found his voice

By Nickolaus Hines | Community Reporter | April 25

When I first tell people I am a journalism major and write for the school newspaper, the general response is something along the lines of, "Good luck finding a job."

Addams Family Musical Comedy to perform in Opelika on May 11

By Ashtyne Cole | Community Editor | April 23

One of the nation's most beloved and creepy families are coming to Opelika for a night of music, drama and Uncle Fester. The Addams Family Musical Comedy will feature a new original storyline and old family favorites.

Auburn's newest apartment complex, 319 Bragg, to open for fall 2014

By Ashtyne Cole | Community Editor | April 23

Auburn is stepping up its game with the opening of yet another apartment complex geared toward students. The University enrolls roughly 25,000 students, and they all need a place to live.

Temporary road closure in partial area of Thach Avenue

By Chandler Jones | Community Editor | April 21

Partial areas of Thatch Avenue will be closed today, April 21, tomorrow, April 22, and potentially for the entire week to allocate space for sewage construction. The closure extends from the intersection of Thatch Avenue and Ross Street and intersection of Thatch Avenue and Debardeleben Street.

Skateboarders don't fear downhill slope

By Nickolaus Hines | Community Reporter | April 20

Heritage Road is similar to many other residential roads in Auburn. The quiet is only broken by the chirps of birds playing on carefully manicured lawns. Relatively few cars drive by, all of which are driving slower than the speed limit.

OPINION: My time in the community

By Ashtyne Cole | Community Editor | April 17

When people find out that I work for The Auburn Plainsman, they always ask me what I do. Then comes the follow-up, "What does being a reporter even mean?" It means a myriad of things to multiple people.

Auburn City Council addresses the safety of railroad conditions

By Nickolaus Hines | Community Reporter | April 15

Questions about the safety of several railroad crossings were brought to attention at the Auburn City Council meeting on April 15, five days after a train and 18 wheeler collision.

Auburn water exceeds maximum contaminant levels

By Ashtyne Cole | Community Editor | April 15

When Auburn residents opened their mailboxes this week, they had a notice from the Auburn Water Works Board. Opening the letter, they read past the large words, percentages and unfamiliar names before stumbling upon a few troubling words.

Updated: Post-Rodeo car accident victim now in stable condition

By Ashtyne Cole | Community Editor | April 15

Santa-Cruz is still being treated at Midtown Medical Center in Columbus and is listed in stable condition. Amanda Cyr, a junior at Auburn, was also involved in the accident and sustained multiple injuries. She was released from the hospital on Sunday.

Auburn alumni Rosco Davis enhances city and gathers following

By Ashtyne Cole | Community Editor | April 11

Rosco Davis teaches yoga, travels the world and loves animals. He started out as a personal trainer when he was still attending high school in Albertville, Al.

Hometown hero lends helping hands and heart to feed community

By Taylor Ennis | News Reporter | April 10

A large warehouse sits on Industrial Road. It's packed to the brim with mountains of boxed food and stocked shelves. It is the East Alabama Food Bank.

Auburn Real Food Challenge's Community Garden

By Ashtyne Cole | Community Editor | April 10

They gather in the Auburn Community Garden, run by the Auburn Real Food Challenge with help from the College of Agriculture. With 60,000 square feet and over 100 plots, the garden is a place for members of the community to garden and commune with other gardeners.

Bark in the Park 2014

By Chandler Jones | Community Editor | April 7

Hundreds of dog barks could be heard near Kiesel Park at the City of Auburn's annual Bark in the Park on Saturday, April 5, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Bark in the Park celebrates responsible dog ownership and provided rabies vaccines for $10.

Storybrook Farms helps disabled children in fairytale setting

By Ashtyne Cole | Community Editor | April 5

Down a few winding back roads in Opelika, Storybook Farms sits nestled between large green trees and rolling plains of grass.

Local businesses provide discounts for students on a budget

By Ashtyne Cole | Community Editor | April 4

A multitude of aspects tear a tiny budget in many different directions. Auburn estimated student expenses for the year of 2013-2014, with the total cost of an in-state resident being $28,098 and non-resident being $44,610. However, that only accounts for tuition, room and board, books, "personal" and transportation.

International student and medical researcher dreams of farming

By Justin Ferguson | Managing Editor | April 3

On an acre of land behind the East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, Fu Zhao is living out his dream. While he spends his days devoting himself to cancer research at Tuskegee University, the Chinese international's passion for helping others can be found just outside the four walls of the East Alabama Medical Center.

Renew Opelika Road project aims to attract new businesses

By Nickolaus Hines | Community Reporter | April 2

According to Auburn Planning Department principal planner Justin Steinnman, the plan proposes to make improvements from the start of Opelika Road on Gay Street to the road's city limits.

City Council looks forward to reelections

By Nickolaus Hines | Community Reporter | April 1

Two members of the City Council, including Mayor Bill Ham, made it clear they will run for reelection this year at the City Council meeting on April 1. Elections for Auburn city government officials are held on even-numbered years on the fourth Tuesday in August.