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10th-Annual Mayors Ball benefits Boys & Girls Clubs

By Kendyl Hollingsworth | Community Writer | May 1

Attendees of the 10th-Annual Mayors Jeans & Jackets Ball on Thursday, April 30, enjoyed an elegant evening of music and fine dining to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Lee County. The evening at the event center in downtown Opelika kicked off with a cocktail hour, during which the Atlanta-based jazz band 1st Generation performed, and guests could mingle and bid on various items in a silent auction.

NFL executive chosen as keynote speaker

By Kailey Miller | Community Reporter | April 30

As the class of 2015 reaches the end of their educational journey, words of wisdom from someone who has taken the steps they are about to take are priceless.

His Place leads men to recovery from addiction through faith

By Becky Hardy | Editor-in-Chief | April 30

Located on a busy street, where temptation disguised as a liquor store resides a couple blocks away, sits His Place, a free home and faith-based rehabilitation center that has been treating drug addicts and alcoholics for 34 years.

Best-selling author discusses writing approach

By Kendyl Hollingsworth | Community Writer | April 30

Best-selling author Lydia Netzer shared her approach to writing and discussed her book, “Shine Shine Shine,” at the Auburn Public Library on Thursday, April 23, as the conclusion to the second annual One Book, One Village community reading program. Netzer was raised by her grandmother, who encouraged her to read mostly classic literature as a child.

Toomer's Corner construction may affect downtown businesses

By Rachael Taylor | News Editor | April 27

In the summer months, many visitors of Auburn drive through downtown to discover the shops and restaurants.

10th-Annual Mayors Ball to benefit Boys & Girls Clubs

By Kendyl Hollingsworth | Community Writer | April 27

The 10th annual Mayors “Jeans & Jackets” Ball, which benefits the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Lee County, will be held at the Event Center Downtown Opelika on April 30, at 6:30 p.m. The event will be hosted by Auburn Mayor Bill Ham and Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller.

Rain doesn't deter residents from coming to 15th annual Auburn CityFest

By Jordan Hays | Copy Editor | April 25

The concept for CityFest originated on a restaurant napkin in 2000, when two Parks and Recreation employees decided over lunch to put together an arts and crafts festival. It began small, like many festivals, but, now, the festival has 10,000-15,000 patrons who attend each year, according to Custer.

UPDATE: Severe thunderstorm watch for Lee County canceled

By Staff Report | April 25

The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Lee County until 10 p.m.

Vice president of Student Affairs writes letter to community about Auburn Airwaves

April 24

Bobby Woodard, vice president of Student Affairs and associate provost, wrote a letter to the Auburn community published Friday, April 24, in the Opelika-Auburn News in response to Auburn residents complaints about the Auburn Airwaves concert.

Historic Pebble Hill under renovation

By Kendyl Hollingsworth | Community Writer | April 21

Auburn’s historic Scott-Yarbrough House, also known as Pebble Hill, is undergoing renovations to better serve the community.

Crime reports from April 13-19

By Staff Report | April 21

Weekly crime reports released by the Auburn Police Division.

“The Bottle” to receive historic marker dedication

By Kendyl Hollingsworth | Community Writer | April 21

The site of an iconic Auburn structure, The Bottle, will receive a historic marker dedication from the Auburn Heritage Association to celebrate its status as a piece of Auburn history. The event will take place at The Bottle’s original location at the corner of North College Street and US Highway 280 on Saturday, April 25, at 2:30 p.m. The Bottle was originally built in 1924 by John Williams of the Nehi Bottling Company in Opelika, according to AHA’s spring 2015 newsletter.

UPDATE: Tornado watch issued for Lee County canceled, more severe weather expected

By Staff Report | April 19

The watch area also includes eastern Alabama, southwest and central Georgia and parts of the Florida Panhandle.

Desmonte Leonard denied new trial

By Staff Report | April 17

Desmonte Leonard's request for a new trial has been denied by Jacob Walker, Lee County circuit court judge, according to an AL.com article. Leonard was accused of fatally shooting three people, including two former Auburn University football players in 2012, and was convicted of capital murder in October 2014.

Updyke not present at hearing about restitution

By Staff Report | April 17

Harvey Updyke had a hearing today, April 17, to review his compliance with his restitution payment.  According to The Opelika-Auburn News, Updyke is making regular payments of $350 per quarter and performing community service.  Updyke was not at today's hearing because of medical issues, according to the O-A News.

Mike Hubbard's attorneys seek to prove prosecutorial misconduct

April 15

Lee County Circuit Judge Jacob A. Walker told Hubbard’s attorneys to file a discovery motion for evidence from the attorney general’s office and did not immediately rule on prosecutor’s motion to squash subpoenas issued by the defense during an evidentiary hearing at the Lee County Justice Center on Wednesday, April 15.

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist delivers lecture on coverage of civil rights

By Kendyl Hollingsworth | Community Writer | April 15

A Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist discussed the coverage of racial struggles during the Civil Rights Era to a packed auditorium at the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art on Wednesday, April 15. Hank Kilbanoff, this year’s speaker for the 18th annual Neil O.

Event raises money and awareness for domestic violence

By Kailey Miller | Community Reporter | April 15

While Auburn can be a happy home for most of the community, there are some citizens who cannot feel safe in their own homes.