Community

Portion of Donahue Drive to be widened this summer

By Rachael Taylor | News Editor | May 11

The construction at the Toomer’s Corner intersection may not be the only road construction taking place in Auburn this summer. Plans are in the works for Donahue Drive to be widened from Cary Drive to Bedell Avenue. According to Brian Wood, project manager and civil engineer with the City of Auburn, the goal of the project is to widen Donahue to three lanes and to add turn lanes to Spencer Avenue and Cary Drive. There will be sidewalks added as well. The widening was designed to address traffic and congestion issues in the area. The project will be bid this summer.

Department of Public Safety to hold Citizens’ Public Safety Academy

By Kendyl Hollingsworth | Community Writer | May 11

Auburn’s Department of Public Safety will offer participants in this year’s Citizens’ Public Safety Academy the rare opportunity to gain an inside look at how each division keeps Auburn safe.

Accident at the corner of East Glenn Avenue and North College Street

By Staff Report | May 10

According to Battalion Chief Dow Sport with the Auburn Fire Division, four people were treated for injuries. People were also taken to East Alabama Medical Center.

Former Auburn police chief dies

By Staff Report | May 5

DeGraffenried served in the Auburn Police Division for 33 years, retiring in 2010 after becoming chief in 2003, according to an APD press release.

Cyclist pedal for emergency relief at Bo Bikes Bama event

By Rachael Taylor | News Editor | May 2

Bo Bikes Bama, now in its fourth year is a fundraiser for the Governor’s Emergency Relief Fund.

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 confessed his guilt at the Lee County Justice Center in 2013.

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.