---

Alabama Supreme Court Justice bans probate judges from issuing same-sex marriage licenses

February 8

Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore has issued an order to probate judges banning them from issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

Student injured in fall at a quarry near Chewacla State Park

February 8

Capt. Will Mathews with the Auburn Police Division said the student was airlifted to Columbus Regional Medical Center with moderate injuries after responding to the call at 3:30 p.m.

Ribbon cutting held to celebrate Auburn Mall re-opening

By Rachael Taylor | News Editor | February 6

People of Auburn gathered in the center of the Auburn Mall on Feb. 6 to celebrate the changes that Hull Property Group has made to the mall since buying it in 2012.

Auburn names new vice president for alumni affairs

February 6

Auburn University has named Gretchen R. VanValkenburg as vice president for alumni affairs and executive director of the Auburn Alumni Association.

VIDEO: This Week on the Plains 2.6.15

By Jordan Hays | Copy Editor , Becky Hardy | Editor-in-Chief , Eric Wallace | Sports Writer and Kris Sims | Multimedia Editor | February 6

A weekly highlight of The Auburn Plainsman.

Sand Hill recycling leaves local farmer up a creek

By Kailey Miller | Community Reporter | February 6

Robert M. Ward knows his land well. He has been living on the same farm on Cecil Ward Road since his father bought it in 1950. In April 2011, Ward went before the Auburn City Council with a complaint regarding pollution from Sand Hill Recycling Center, located near his property.

Cynthia Farnell brings her art to Biggin

By Anne Dawson | Intrigue Writer | February 5

Students filled Biggin Hall on Thursday, Feb. 5, as artist Cynthia Farnell, originally from Birmingham, talked about her most recent exhibit, called "Ancestors". After a brief lecture, the exhibit was open for viewing in the gallery.

Student died Thursday, Jan. 29

February 5

A student who lived in the Upper Quad Dormitories died Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015.

Response to the 'War Equal' letter

By Evan Smith | February 5

Again, Mr. Puchner seems to have a pretty good idea of what a marriage should be, but not a clue why it shouldn't be extended to gays.

Crime reports from Jan. 26 to Feb. 1

February 5

The Auburn Police Division reported the following crime from Jan. 26 to Feb. 1.

'Full service is back' as Saco gas station reopens

By Rachel King | Community Writer | February 5

Saco has been closed for nine years, after the murder of its previous owner, Dick Salmon, who was shot during a robbery in 2005. Now, after a three-month process, the gas station located on the corner of Dean and Opelika Roads has been reopened.

City Council delays vote on revised apartment moratorium

February 3

The issue has been under discussion since fall 2014 and has again been pushed to a future meeting on Feb. 17. The ordinance needed unanimous consent to make it to a vote on its first reading, but was objected to by Councilman Dick Phelan of Ward 6.

Locals reminisce on Vault memories as the bar gets closer to closing

By Kailey Miller | Community Reporter | February 3

As word of The Bank Vault closing has spread through Auburn, students and regulars of the bar gave their opinions on the closure of the historical space. The Bank Vault will be closing May 31 because of an increase of rent. They will not be relocating according to Ben Barley, general manager.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Response to 'War Equal'

By Joe Puchner | February 3

I was disappointed, yet not surprised, that the opinions board of The Plainsman voiced their support of Judge Granade's recent attempt to redefine marriage. The view of the staff reflected the popular sentiment that the movement to legalize gay marriage is grounded in equality, but, after just a bit of thought, one can clearly see that same-sex "marriages" and marriages between one man and one woman are intrinsically, by the very essence of what they are, unequal.

Same-sex marriage to become legal on Feb. 9

By Maria Mcllwain | Copy Editor | February 3

Same-sex marriage will be legal in Alabama on Feb. 9 after a federal appeals court denied a request to stay the lower court's decision Tuesday, Feb. 3, according to The Montgomery Advertiser.

'The Funniest Man in America' to come to Opelika

By Rachael Taylor | News Editor | February 3

Comedian James Gregory will perform at the Event Center Downtown in Opelika on Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 purchased ahead of time or $30 the day of the event, according to the event center's website.

Ward 5 residents discuss apartment moratorium and new high school construction

February 2

Councilwoman Lynda Tremaine heard comments from her constituents about a proposed moratorium on the building of apartment complexes and Superintendent Dr. Karen DeLano gave a presentation regarding a future high school that will break ground in August 2017.

Students stay safe in Auburn when choosing where to live

February 2

The majority of Auburn students enjoy the perks of living in local off-campus housing. Several factors go into choosing where to live off-campus -- safety among them.