Community

Keep Auburn Lovely continues to push for citizen task force

By Chip Brownlee | Community Reporter | February 17

The Downtown Master Plan was approved last year by the City Council and the planning commission approved text amendments last week that will place its vision in city code as soon as March, but city residents cannot escape disagreement over the course of Auburn's future. Susan Hunnicutt, public relations representative for the Keep Auburn Lovely coalition, took to floor at the meeting Tuesday, Feb. 16.

Auburn alumna readies for cross-country bike trip

By Alex Wilkerson | Community Writer | February 17

For many students at Auburn, biking across the state seems nearly impossible, much less biking across the country. But for Hillary Rizk, an Auburn graduate who works with the Wesley Foundation, she knew she could do one better.

Southern Union could merge with Central Alabama and Chattahoochee Valley Community Colleges

By Chip Brownlee | Community Reporter | February 17

The Southern Union State Community College system may soon be gaining two sister campuses — and possibly a name change. Pending approval in July, Southern Union will be merging with Central Alabama Community College in Alexander City and Chattahoochee Valley Community College in Phenix City.

Drag me around Auburn

By Lily Jackson | Community Writer | February 17

Auburn's nightlife isn't always confined to downtown. I followed Marcus Gulatte, referred to as Aalora DiArmani on stage, as he performed in a classic bar scene on Friday, Feb. 12, and then switched gears to perform for Auburn Spectrum's "What A Drag" charity event, Saturday, Feb. 13.

Incident reports for Feb. 9-15

By Staff Report | February 16

The following incidents were reported to the Auburn Police Division from Feb. 9-15.

UPDATE: Tornado warning and watch canceled

By Staff Report | February 15

The weather service said tornadoes, damaging winds gusts up to 70 mph and hail up to 1.5 inches in diameter are possible.

Grammy Award winner performing in Opelika on Feb. 17.

By Liz Maddux | Community Writer | February 15

The East Alabama Arts Association is hosting a rare event that combines the musical talents of three women.

Auburn Knights play at annual Valentines Day concert

By Alex Wilkerson | Community Writer | February 13

On Friday, Feb. 12, the Auburn Knights Orchestra held their annual Valentine's Day concert at the Bottling Plant Event Center in downtown Opelika.

Boykin center hosts program to celebrate black heritage

By Lily Jackson | Community Writer | February 12

In honor of February being Black History month, the Boykin Community Center hosted a program on Feb. 12 to celebrate black heritage.

Community comes to student’s aid after she loses home, pets in fire

By Maria McIlwain | Community Editor | February 12

Katie Hogan’s pets died in a fire that destroyed her home on Monday, Feb. 1. She was at school, sitting in the critical care rounds room working on a computer when she heard the news of the “devastating” fire.

Planning Commission approves codifications of the Downtown Master Plan

By Chip Brownlee | Community Reporter | February 11

The Auburn Planning Commission gave their final approval to several codified elements of the Downtown Master Plan on Thursday night, Feb. 11. Amendments to the comprehensive plan for the city of Auburn, CompPlan 2030, were approved and followed a series of work sessions held by the planning commission to discuss the implementation of the Downtown Master Plan.

Alabama Speaker Mike Hubbard hopes to balance state General Fund while creating jobs

By Chip Brownlee | Community Reporter | February 10

The 2016 regular legislative session for the Alabama Legislature began last week. Balancing the state's General Fund budget and encouraging job growth are on the top of this year's agenda for Alabama Speaker Mike Hubbard, R-Auburn.

BigHouse offers volunteer options to students

By Liz Maddux | Community Writer | February 10

Blake and Micah Melnick got to see the process of the foster system up close and personal when Micah’s parents decided to become foster parents.

'Stormtrooping' is a family affair for local father and son duo

By Lily Jackson | Community Writer | February 10

The Auburn-Opelika stormtroopers are commonly known as Ronnie Sparks, a substitute teacher, and his son Will Sparks, a ninth-grader at Auburn Junior High.

Incident reports from Feb. 2-8

By Staff Report | February 9

The following incidents were reported to the Auburn Police Division from Feb. 2-8.

City Council to hold special meeting tomorrow

By Staff Report | February 9

The Auburn City Council will hold a special meeting tomorrow, Wednesday, Feb. 10 at 6 p.m. in council chambers.

Alabama unemployment rate increases to 6.2 percent

By Chip Brownlee | Community Reporter | February 9

Alabama saw its unemployment rate increase during the month of December.

Auburn man arrested, tried to escape Auburn Police Division

By Staff Report | February 8

An Auburn man was arrested Sunday, Feb. 7, and charged with three counts of first-degree kidnapping, first-degree burglary, first-degree rape, first-degree domestic violence, third-degree escape, third-degree criminal mischief and violation of a protection from abuse order, according to a news release issued by the Auburn Police Division.

Overall Company moves to John Emerald with big plans for the future

By Alex Wilkerson | Community Writer | February 7

After three years of running The Overall Company at its original location, owners Jay and Laura Pritchard knew it was a time for a change.

Auburn student wins Miss Auburn-Opelika Area pageant

By Maria McIlwain | Community Editor | February 6

After each contestant performed, danced, modeled and answered questions in front of a panel of six judges, one woman was chosen as Miss Auburn-Opelika Area — Jean Elizabeth Miles.