Community

Patrons raise $11,000 for Coffee Cat after federal grant rescinded

By Evan Mealins | Editor-in-chief | August 1

The community rallied around Coffee Cat, the coffee shop on Tichenor Avenue in Auburn, after a GoFundMe post was made explaining the cafe's experience with the Restaurant Revitalization Fund.

Local church puts musicians back on stage with outdoor music series

By Jacob Taylor | Writer | July 30

Saint Dunstan's Episcopal Church, located on East Magnolia Avenue, has hosted a music series this summer every Thursday starting at 5:30 p.m. with the goal of supporting artists and giving the Auburn-Opelika community good music.

Opelika City Schools to require masks when fall classes start

By Evan Mealins | Editor-in-chief | July 27

Opelika City Schools will require that masks or face coverings be worn inside its eight schools when students return for fall classes, the school district announced Tuesday.

City of Auburn welcomes new planning director

By Charlie Ramo | Content Editor | July 27

Steve Foote gained 30 years of experience in cities such as Spring Hill, Tennessee, Dunwoody, Georgia and Gulf Shores, Alabama before joining the City of Auburn.

EAMC tightens visitation rules as COVID-19 hospitalizations climb

By Evan Mealins | Editor-in-chief | July 26

Starting Monday, EAMC and EAMC-Lanier have returned to "red level" guidelines to protect patients, staff and the community, allowing one visitor in some situations and no visitors in others.

Shots fired in police standoff leaving suspect in hospital

By Evan Mealins | Editor-in-chief | July 26

Family members were extracted from a second story window during a police standoff Sunday night in which a suspect and police officers exchanged fire, leading the suspect to be hospitalized.

APD's upgraded tech to include live body-cam footage, VR training

By Charlie Ramo | Content Editor | July 22

APD is changing several parts of its technology system, including new body-worn cameras and vehicle cameras that send live footage to the police headquarters and a virtual reality training system.

Ross House to open second location in 320 West Mag lobby

By My Ly | Podcast Editor | July 21

Ross House Coffee and Roastery, housed in the historic building on Ross Street, will open up a second location on July 22. The new location will be located in the lobby of the 320 West Mag apartment complex near Chick-fil-A.

Plainsman Lake subdivision approved by City Council

By Charlie Ramo | Content Editor | July 21

The Plainsman Lake subdivision will connect through the Solamere subdivision, sharing its entrance.

Man fires airsoft gun at people near SkyBar, police investigating

By Evan Mealins | Editor-in-chief | July 14

Someone drove through downtown and shot an airsoft gun at people near SkyBar Tuesday night, according to an email sent by Auburn University Campus Safety and Security at 12:20 a.m. Wednesday.

Police investigating case of firecracker thrown at crowd at Toomer's Corner

By Evan Mealins | Editor-in-chief | July 13

Police are investigating an incident in which a lit firecracker was thrown from a white SUV at a crowd of people at Toomer's Corner.

With 28% of Lee County vaccinated, community in race against new variants

By Evan Mealins | Editor-in-chief | July 11

The only way we're going to make Auburn more resilient is through vaccination, Dr. Fred Kam of the Auburn Medical Clinic said.

Former manager turns Mama Mochas into Coffee Mafia

By David Shannon | Campus Writer | July 10

Coffee Mafia is now owned by Ian Oriol, the general manager when it was still Mama Mochas.

COLUMN: Urbanization of Auburn leaving behind some community members

By Regan Moss | Columnist | July 9

Auburn has been positioned as one of Alabama's fastest growing cities, yet its growth is quickly leaving behind some members of the community, ignoring their needs and the preservation of the town's historic charm.

The door to the Auburn Police Division on Friday, April 6, 2018, in Auburn, Ala.

Police ask for help identifying harassment suspect

By Evan Mealins | Editor-in-chief | July 8

APD said the suspect was described as a Black male of average build and approximately 5-foot-8 wearing a white shirt, dark-colored medical mask, a dark-colored do-rag, dark shorts and socks and no shoes.

Council approves 24/7 fees for Wright Street Parking Deck

By Charlie Ramo | Content Editor | July 7

Once the Baptist Student Union moves in and an elevator receives extra equipment, the parking deck will be ready to open.

Hiring still a struggle for some Auburn businesses

By Emery Lay | Campus Editor | July 5

Prof. Alan Seals weighs in on the national hiring shortage being experienced currently, with insight from local places such as the Auburn Rec, Niffer's and Lifesaver's Mission Thrift.

Auburn Council member sues City and 13 employees over short-term rental restrictions

By Evan Mealins | Editor-in-chief | June 30

Ward 5 City Council member Steven Dixon has filed a lawsuit against the City of Auburn and City employees over short-term rental restrictions, according to a press release sent from Dixon Wednesday morning.

Auburn's development pushes some residents to move to Opelika

By Destini Ambus | Editor-in-Chief | June 28

The expansion of Auburn, upwards and outwards, to more chains than locally-owned businesses, seems to be causing some of its residents to decide to settle in the quieter neighboring town of Opelika.

July Fourth celebrations in Auburn-Opelika area

By Emery Lay | Campus Editor | June 27

As fireworks light the sky, activities run the streets and laughter fills the air, the Auburn community will be reminded this 4th of July that they are just that: a community.