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Auburn feels impact of Brussels terror attack

By Maria McIlwain | Community Editor | March 28

When she heard of the terrorist attack in Brussels, Valentina Hartarska, professor in agricultural economics, said her daughter was scared for her friends who live there. "I have a young daughter who is horrified because she lived there for three months ... she asked me, 'Why is ISIS so mean?' Hartarska said. ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attacks at an airport and subway station that killed 35 people on Monday, March 21. Hartarska taught microfinance at two universities in Brussels  Hartarska said she thinks the attack will make people think twice about traveling there. "Brussels was a great place, and now I don't know how to think about it," Hartarska said.

UPDATE: Fired ALEA chief accuses Governor of affair with top adviser, Bentley denies

By Maria McIlwain | Community Editor | March 28

Gov. Robert Bentley announced he had fired Spencer Collier, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency secretary, Tuesday, March 22, according to a news release issued by the governor's office.

Defense to argue for immunity for Tiger Lodge shooter

By Maria McIlwain | Community Editor | March 25

Markale Hart's attorney is arguing Hart shot and killed freshman football player Jakell Mitchell in self-defense. Hart killed Mitchell during an altercation at the Tiger Lodge apartment complex in December 2014.

Camp Good Grief helps children battle loss

By Lily Jackson | Community Writer | March 25

Camp Good Grief, a free day camp for children ages 5-18 who have lost a friend or family member, is a safe and welcoming place for children to have those tough discussions. The camp check in begins at 7:45 a.m on Sat., April 16 at the Opelika SportsPlex.

35th annual Easter Egg Hunt to be held March 26

By Lily Jackson | Community Writer | March 24

Auburn's 35th annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held at Kiesel Park on March 26 at 10 a.m. The hunt is sponsored by Wells Fargo.

Mike Hubbard's trial delayed until April

By Maria McIlwain | Community Editor | March 24

Judge Jacob A. Walker III delayed the trial for two weeks, according to multiple reports. The new start date is scheduled for April 11.

Downtown Opelika is growing

By Liz Maddux | Community Writer | March 23

The majority of the growth seen in Opelika is occurring specifically in downtown Opelika.

Auburn unemployment rate increases

By Chip Brownlee | Community Reporter | March 23

Auburn saw its unemployment rate increase during the month of January, marking another month of unemployment rate increases. According to new unemployment statistics released by the Alabama Department of Labor, the unemployment rate for the Auburn-Opelika metropolitan area increased to 5.3 percent — up 0.3 percentage points from December's rate of 5 percent. Most other major metropolitan areas in Alabama also saw their unemployment rates increase last month.

Opelika shines as Alabama's only city with a fiber optic network

By Jim Little | Community Writer | March 23

Google made headlines when they unveiled fiber optic Internet service for cities, such as Kansas City, Missouri and Austin, Texas. Chattanooga, Tennessee styled itself the "Gig City" after building its own fiber optic network. But in Alabama, Opelika has quietly built its own high-tech fiber optic network.

Auburn City Council adopts downtown master plan after three years of development

By Jim Little | Editor-in-Chief | March 23

The process to develop and approve the plan that began in 2013, which drew sharp scrutiny from Auburn residents after the construction of 160 Ross in 2015, was approved Tuesday, March 22, at the Auburn City Council meeting.

State plans four new prisons as Alabama debt nears $70 billion

By Chip Brownlee | Community Reporter | March 23

Total outstanding debt for the state of Alabama exceeds $68 billion, according to a report by the nonpartisan think tank State Budget Solutions.

Incident reports for March 8–21

March 22

The following incidents were reported to the Auburn Police Division between March 8-21. 

Opelika man arrested for robbery and assault

By Staff Report | March 11

An Opelika man was arrested for a robbery and assault that occurred earlier this month, according to a news release issued by the Auburn Police Division. Maurice B.

Closures planned for West Magnolia Avenue and Opelika Road

By Staff Report | March 10

Portions of West Magnolia Avenue and Opelika Road will be closed in the upcoming weeks.

UPDATE: Woman threatening suicide detained, I-85 repoened

By Maria McIlwain | Community Editor | March 10

The woman threatening suicide at a rest stop on I-85 southbound has been detained, according to Cpl. Jess Thornton of the Alabama Law Enforcement Association.

Councilwoman continues family's legacy of service to Auburn

By Chip Brownlee | Community Reporter | March 10

Auburn is a transient college town for many, but Councilwoman Lynda Tremaine's family has lived in Auburn for more than 150 years. Her great-grandfather John F. Heard moved to the small railroad town from Georgia during the Civil War era.

Governor creates new Office of Minority Affairs

By Staff Report | March 10

The new office will advise Bentley on issues affecting minorities and women, according to a press release from the governor's office.

One of Auburn's oldest fans celebrates 103rd birthday

By Maria McIlwain | Community Editor | March 9

A group of family and friends came to celebrate Edna Fellows' 103rd birthday, which was Saturday, March 5.