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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.

Middle school students learn about the importance of art at Auburn Studio Project

By Liz Maddux | Community Writer | March 9

Seventh-grade students from Auburn City Schools got to be Pablo Piscassos for the day during the Auburn Studio Project.

Alabama primary results

By Staff Report | March 8

Live election results for Auburn races.

Incident reports from March 1–7

By Staff Report | March 8

The following incidents were reported to the Auburn Police Division from March 1–7.

Former editor reflects on civil rights coverage

By Jim Little | Community Editor | March 8

It was a hot and muggy summer day in 1964 in a small Georgia town outside of Atlanta. The 1964-65 editor for The Auburn Plainsman was covering a standoff between civil rights demonstrators and a crowd of white townspeople for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Don Phillips was originally an engineering major, but decided to change his major to journalism because he said he wanted to graduate quicker. After graduating, Phillips went on to work for the United Press International wire service and became Atlanta bureau manager in 1969.

Big Event helps Auburn community

By Marissa Luckie | Intrigue Writer | March 5

The Big Event covered over 200 job sites across the Auburn-Opelika area this year, including businesses, homes and churches.

Pebble Hill to host Bridal Faire

By Liz Maddux | Community Writer | March 4

The event will take place Sunday, March, from 2–4 p.m.

CrossFit for a cause, bone marrow registry drive to be held in Auburn

By Lily Jackson | Community Writer | March 4

ALL IN CrossFit and CrossFit Black Knight, two CrossFit gyms, are teaming up with Be The Match, a bone marrow registry, to increase awareness and lengthen the list of those ready to donate. The registry drive will be held in Kiesel Park on Mar. 5, from 9–11 a.m.