---

Hubbard's ethics trial set for May, judge denies motion to dismiss over prosecutorial misconduct

By Jim Little | Editor-in-Chief | March 30

Judge Jacob Walker issued an 18-page order Tuesday, March 29, setting the trial to begin the week of May 16, but ordered lawyers in the case to be ready as soon as May 9 if other cases on the docket are resolved.

Auburn construction company faces proposed fine of $64,000 by OSHA

By Chip Brownlee | Community Reporter | March 30

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has proposed more than $64,000 in penalty fines for an Auburn-based contractor for violations along a construction site on Frederick Road in Opelika. OSHA proposed $64,350 for two citations against D&J Enterprises Inc, a construction and contracting firm, on March 14, 2016.

Auburn alumna completes goal of running a race in all 50 states

By Liz Maddux | Community Writer | March 30

Ashley Ahner pulls back her long blond hair into a braid to prepare for what might be considered the most exciting run of her life.

Staying inside the lines with the Adult Coloring Club

By Lily Jackson | Community Writer | March 30

The Auburn Public Library is hosting Adult Coloring Club every Thursday from noon–1 p.m in the conference room.

Auburn feels impact of Brussels terror attack

By Maria McIlwain | Community Editor | March 30

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.

Brewing science grad's brewery set to open tasting room Friday

By Maria McIlwain | Community Editor | March 30

A Georgia tasting room will soon open its doors to the thirsty community. Omaha Brewing Company, located in Omaha, Georgia, approximately 45 minutes away from Auburn, will host a grand opening for its tasting room Friday, April 1, and Saturday, April 2.

Incident reports from March 22–28

By Staff Report | March 29

The following incidents were reported to the Auburn Police Division between March 22–28.

Man escaped from Opelika police custody, still at large

By Staff Report | March 29

A man who escaped from custody at the Opelika Police Department is still at large.

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.