Community

Raising Cane's looking to add downtown Auburn location

By Tripp Hedden | News Writer | October 29

On Tuesday, Oct. 21, Auburn’s Downtown Design Review Committee (DDRC) met with Sarah Holmes, Raising Cane’s property development manager for the Southeast, and other Raising Cane’s representatives, to discuss initial plans for a new Raising Cane’s location at 103 N. College St., directly next to Whataburger.

Graphic for BigHouse fundraiser. Contributed by Hailey Mouat.

Students host BigHouse fundraiser with Jackson Arnold

By Kristen Kloman | News Writer | October 29

This year, students taking a persuasion class that Auburn University offers are handed a uniquely impactful opportunity to engage in a fundraiser for the BigHouse Foundation, a nonprofit organization that serves to meet the needs of foster and adoptive families in East Alabama. A group in this class speaks to how this fundraiser lays the groundwork for a much-needed system of care, one that reaches beyond the area.

A personalized production home built by Stone Martin builders, showcasing their design and construction innovations. Contributed by Stone Martin.

Stone Martin Builders launches new program for home design

By Gracie Goodman | News Writer | October 27

On Sept. 23, Stone Martin Builders launched its new Build On Your Land program, which provides property owners with the opportunity to create and design their dream home on their land.

Auburn students give back in IMPACT's Rooted in Service event

By Lindsey Niles | News Writer | October 27

On Oct. 26, Auburn students set out to give back to the community they call home during the Rooted in Service event. This event, hosted annually by on-campus service organization IMPACT, sends students out in teams to tackle tasks for Auburn and Opelika residents who could use a few helping hands.

Lee County Historical Society hosts annual Syrup Sopping Festival

By Amanda Machamer | Assistant Content Editor | October 25

On Oct. 25, the Lee County Historical Society hosted the annual Syrup Sopping Festival at Pioneer Park from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Held for over 50 years, the event features food, live music and pop-ups by small businesses in the area. Among these vendors were local businesses selling products like custom hydrographics and jewelry, while others were there on behalf of organizations.

Auburn Area Community Theatre presents 'Misery'

By Auston Kucholtz | News Writer | October 23

The Auburn Area Community Theatre (AACT) will be presenting "Misery," a new production based on the novel from Stephen King, from Oct. 24 to Nov. 2 at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. The psychological thriller is one of many productions in AACT's 21st season and is recommended for patrons 16 and older.

Vendor pours Oktoberfest attendee a beer at an event. Photo by Hanjiaxi Qin, former photo editor.

14th annual Oktoberfest returns to Auburn

By Nicolle Generaux | News Writer | October 22

The 14th annual Oktoberfest will return for the weekend at Ag Heritage Park, with the festival taking place on Oct. 24 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Oct. 25 from 1 to 5 p.m. Established in Auburn in 2008, Oktoberfest has become one of the largest beer festivals in the South. Around 70 of the world’s most renowned breweries and wineries are registered for the event, including Blue Moon, Sweetwater, Goat Island, Stone, Victory, New Belgium and more.

Tensions flare at APLS hearing on 'gender ideology' material in children's sections

By Erin Cosby | Legal Reporter and Sydney Gallardo | News Reporter | October 22

On Oct. 21, 2025, at 10 a.m., the Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) board held a contentious public comment hearing on LGBTQ-related topics in the children’s section. The change to the code would deem any material that “promotes, encourages, or positively depicts transgender procedures, gender ideology, or the concept of more than two biological genders” as "inappropriate" for minors. According to the contested proposal, libraries would have to have to move all material that “promotes, encourages, or positively depicts transgender procedures, gender ideology, or the concept of more than two biological genders” to the adult section. The proposed rule change provides an exception regarding “age-appropriate materials regarding religion, history, biology, or human anatomy.”

Over 400 Auburn and Opelika residents gather for 'No Kings' protest

By Sydney Gallardo | News Reporter | October 18

On Saturday, Oct. 18, over 400 Auburn and Opelika residents of all ages gathered for the “No Kings” protest outside the Kreher Preserve and Nature Center from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Protestors stood along North College Street and held up American flags and light-up letter signs that spelled out “COUNTRY OVER PARTY.” According to the Auburn/Opelika No Kings website, they wanted to “take advantage” of game-day traffic.

The front of the new IHOP on South College Street in Auburn, Alabama.

New IHOP location opens on South College Street

By Amanda Machamer | Assistant Content Editor and Gracie Goodman | News Writer | October 16

On Oct. 14, a new IHOP location opened on 1678 S. College St. The restaurant, formerly a Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, was rebranded to meet profit expectations and create a high-quality family dining experience.

Harold Rashad Dabney III, who is charged with two counts of capital murder, flashes a peace sign to his family following the conclusion of his Oct. 15 preliminary hearing. Photo by Adam Sparks, photographer for Opelika-Auburn News.

Court moves forward with charges for the murder of Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle

By Erin Cosby | Legal Reporter and Sydney Gallardo | News Reporter | October 15

On Oct. 15, 2025, the preliminary hearing for the murder of retired Auburn University professor, Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle, was held at the Lee County Justice Center. The hearing determined that there was enough evidence against the accused, Harold Rashad Dabney III, to move to a grand jury. While the case is still in its early stages, lots of new information surrounding the case emerged in the hearing.

Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle tends to one of her patients, a dairy cow of the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. Contributed by the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine.

In tribute to Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle

By Kristen Kloman | News Writer | October 14

Known for her intentional heart and driven mind, Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle was a brilliant light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Every experience and opportunity she encountered was met with exceptional leadership and an unconditional compassion for others. Before her retirement in 2021, Dr. Gard Schnuelle held a specialty in reproduction and served as a board-certified theriogenologist in the large animal section of the Department of Clinical Sciences at Auburn University's College of Veterinary Medicine.

The Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center at Auburn University in February 2023.

Gas leak reported near the Gogue

By Ally Northridge | Content Editor | October 13

On Oct. 13, 2025, Auburn University reported a gas leak near the Gogue Performing Arts Center. The notice was sent out at 9:08 a.m. in an AU Alert, which provided instructions and more details about the leak.

In memoriam: Dr. Troy Best

By Auston Kucholtz | News Writer | October 6

Troy L. Best, an emeritus professor for Auburn University’s Department of Biological Sciences, passed away at his home in Fort Sumner, New Mexico on Sept. 9, 2025. Dr. Best, 80, was a beloved father, grandfather, uncle, educator and friend.

East AL health & Tuskegee announce research partnership Graphic.jpg

East Alabama Health and Tuskegee University launch cancer research partnership

By Tripp Hedden | News Writer | October 6

On Sept. 29, East Alabama Health and Tuskegee University announced a research partnership that will bring together doctors and scientists from both organizations to study, diagnose and treat various forms of cancer.

Opelika hosts the 76th annual Lee County Fair

By Auston Kucholtz | News Writer | October 5

The 76th Lee County Fair returned to Opelika from Sept. 30th to Oct. 3rd, 2025. First opening in 1948, the event sees it annual return in the first week of October, and this year's edition has seen record attendance. While some aspects have changed, the fair continues to feature carnival rides and games, live music, livestock showcasing and other activities.

Mayor Ron Anders holds 2025 State of the City Address

By Sydney Gallardo | News Reporter | October 3

Auburn Mayor Ron Anders presented his seventh annual State of the City Address at the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center on Oct. 2. The address focused on the city’s challenges and successes over the past year.

Southern Greens opens in downtown Auburn

By Gracie Goodman | News Writer | October 1

On Friday, Sept. 19, downtown Auburn welcomed Southern Greens at its grand opening, featuring customizable menu items and ready-made meals all with a focus on health and wellness.

Downtown Opelika vandalized, more than $2,500 in damages

By Brychelle Brooks | Editor-in-Chief | September 29

On Sept. 28, Opelika Police Department (OPD) responded to calls about graffiti in the downtown area. Over $2,500 in damages resulted, with buildings and vehicles being painted on. OPD has identified the vandals, and they're now in custody.

Opelika removes 2013 Miss America signs following statements about Charlie Kirk

By Sydney Gallardo | News Reporter | September 25

Late last week, the city of Opelika took down signs identifying itself as the hometown of Miss America 2013 Mallory Hagan, following her controversial statements about the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk. A Sept. 19 Facebook post by the City of Opelika states that the mayor Gary Fuller requested for the signs to be taken down.