Community

On its 696 acres, Chewacla State Park features many of the original structures, like this cabin, which was built in the 1930s. (FILE PHOTO)

Change coming to Chewacla, rise in entrance rates and other fees

By Pierce Ostwalt | Community Writer | April 9

Several changes will be coming to Chewacla State Park, and some have already been put in place. The first change that is already in place is an increase of the entrance fee by one dollar, now making the fee $4 per patron.

Annual Citizen Survey reveals high satisfaction

| April 8

City leaders were able to find out how the citizens of Auburn feel about the way the city is run after getting the results of the Annual Citizen Survey. Chris Tatham, Vice President with the ETC Institute, a market research firm for local governments, presented the survey results at the Auburn City Council meeting on April 7. Auburn ranks among the highest in citizen satisfaction from the more than 800 cities where ETC conducts surveys, according to Tatham. “The nice thing when I get to come present here is Auburn is one of the standard setters for community performance,” Tatham said. Ninety-two percent of survey respondents said they were satisfied with the quality of life in Auburn.

UPDATE: University issues public safety advisory, suspects at large

By Staff Report | April 7

The Auburn Police Division announced Tuesday, April 7, they are looking for two suspects involved in reported sexual assault.

SGA organizing students' participation in annual Higher Ed Day on April 9

April 7

The SGA has chartered buses for the first 100 students who register to attend this year’s Higher Ed Day on April 9.

Crime reports from March 30 to April 5

By News Staff | April 7

The following crimes were reported by the Auburn Police Division from March 30-April 5: March 30: -Torture and willful abuse of a child involving a family was reported in Auburn. -Second-degree sexual abuse was reported in Auburn. -Second-degree theft of property and third-degree theft of property were reported at the 1000 block of N.

Auburn alumnus shares journey to success as novelist

By Kendyl Hollingsworth | Community Writer | April 2

Auburn alumni Ace Atkins shared his journey from newspaper reporter to bestselling crime novelist as this year’s speaker in the Graduate School’s seventh annual New Horizons Lecture in the Foy Ballroom on Thursday, April 2. In his lecture, “From Notebook to New York Times Bestseller: The Journey of a Novelist,” Atkins focused on his time at Auburn and the chain of events that led him to become the author of 17 crime novels.

A day in the life of a firefighter

By Kailey Miller | Community Reporter | April 2

A call crackled out over the radio at 2:35 p.m. and four firefighters at Fire Station 1 on East Magnolia Avenue were on alert.

Local chef offers home-cooked meals to order

By Kendyl Hollingsworth | Community Writer | April 2

Yum Yum’s, which opened in December 2014, is a food specialty shop that provides customers with home-cooked meals they can request and pick up in the same day. Tod Bottcher, chef and owner of Yum Yum’s, has been in the food business for more than 25 years.

UPDATE: Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Lee County canceled

By Staff Report | April 1

The National Weather Service has issued at Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Lee County and much of Central Alabama and Georgia until 7 p.m.

Construction to begin at Toomer’s Corner intersection after A-Day

By Rachael Taylor | News Editor | April 1

While the new trees were planted February 14, there will soon be more changes to Toomer’s Corner. According to Jeff Ramsey, the public works director and city engineer for the City of Auburn, construction will start Monday, April 20.

City teams up with Save Our Saugahatchee group to monitor creeks

By Kailey Miller | Community Reporter | April 1

The Water Resource Management Department has partnered with the Save Our Saugahatchee and the Alabama Water Watch to improve the water quality of local creeks.

Crime reports from March 23 to March 29

By News Staff | March 31

The following crimes were reported by the Auburn Police Division from March 23-29: March 23: -Second-degree burglary was reported at the 800 block of W.

Amaya and Alissa Ware, 6 and 7, of Auburn show off their Easter eggs at Kiesel Park. (FILE PHOTO)

Auburn Egg Hunt Preview

By Pierce Ostwalt | Community Writer | March 28

The City of Auburn’s 34th Annual Easter Egg Hunt will take place Saturday, April 4, at 10 a.m. at Kiesel Park. “The event really showcases and highlights Kiesel Park, which is a very popular park for our citizens,” said Allison Hall, community and special programs director for the Auburn parks and recreation department.

Auburn appoints new fire chief

By Staff Report | March 26

Auburn appointed a new fire chief Wednesday, March 25. Charles Duggan, Auburn city manager, accepted the recommendation of Bill James, Public Safety director, to appoint Deputy Chief John C.

Auburn City Council approves new software contract

By Kailey Miller | Community Reporter | March 25

The Auburn City Council approved the execution of a contract with Innovyze, Inc. during their meeting Tuesday, March 17, that will effect approval of building projects in the community. The contract includes the purchase of InfoSWMM sanitary sewer modeling software. “It is a modeling software package that allows us to basically model capacity in our sewer mains, which in turn basically allows us to analyze our existing capacity as well as future capacity needs,” said Matt Dunn, water resource management assistant director.

Auburn Bike Bash coming April 11

By Pierce Ostwalt | Community Writer | March 24

The City of Auburn and the Auburn Bicycle Committee will host the Auburn Bike Bash on Saturday, April 11, at Pick Elementary School. The Bike Bash is in its 16th year, according to Allison Hall, community and special programs director for the Parks and Recreation department. “The goal has always been to let the Auburn citizens know that there are a variety of biking options in the community,” Hall said.

Auburn Police partners with U.S. Marshals

By Kailey Miller | Community Reporter | March 24

The Auburn City Council voted to execute a memorandum of understanding with the United States Marshals Service during their meeting Tuesday, March 17. “What we’ve agreed to do is have one of our investigators work in an as needed part-time role with this task force,” said Police Chief Paul Register.

Jason Dufner brings 5K to Auburn

By Rachael Taylor | News Editor | March 20

On March 20, the Auburn community gathered to support The Jason Dufner Foundation with a 5K that toke place at the Red Barn. Dufner graduated from Auburn in 2000.

Church marches to raise awareness about Spencer Avenue shooting

By Kailey Miller | Community Reporter | March 20

On Feb.

Free parking during break

March 20

For those staying in town over spring break, free parking will be available in downtown Auburn. The city code of Auburn allows for parking holidays, usually tied to when the University is out, according to David Dorton, public affairs director for the City of Auburn. Meter-free parking will begin on Monday, March 23, and last until Friday, March 27.