Community

14-year-old arrested in relation to shooting threat on Opelika High School

By Michaela Yielding | News Editor | October 24

The lockdown at Opelika High School has been lifted after an "external" threat was reported to Opelika School resource officers at approximately 10:45 a.m. on Tuesday. The school remained on lockdown until 12:45 p.m. and parents are now allowed to pick up their children through the main entrance as long as they have their ID.

Author Eileen Garvin speaks at 2024 Common Book keynote

By Jennifer Santiago | Lifestyle Editor | October 24

On Wednesday, Oct. 22, author Eileen Garvin discussed her debut novel, The Music of Bees, Auburn University’s 2024 Common Book, at the Student Activities Center Auditorium. Introduced by Provost Dr. Vini Nathan, Garvin shared insights into her writing process and the novel’s themes of community, mental health, and sustainability. The event concluded with a Q&A and book signing.

Auburn celebrates Girls in Aviation Day 2024

By Auston Kucholtz | News Writer | October 22

Auburn's War Eagle Chapter of Women in Aviation hosted Girls in Aviation Day at the Auburn University Regional Airport on Oct. 19, where students of all ages were able to explore a variety of different aerospace activities and learn about potential careers.

Tipoff at Toomer’s returns to the Plains

By Heather Wright | News Writer and Railey McCord | News Writer | October 18

On October 17, Tipoff at Toomer’s marked the highly anticipated beginning of Auburn University’s men’s and women’s basketball seasons. The event made its long-awaited return to the Plains since its last appearance three years ago in 2021. This year, Tipoff at Toomers expanded to include more festivities, including a marketplace and a live music performance by popular country music artist Cole Swindell.

Cole Peake - 10,000Hz Records Spotlight 5

Russell Baggett: Rediscover Vinyl at 10,000 Hz Records

By Landi Rutledge | News Editor | October 17

10,000 Hz Records, owned by Russell Baggett in Opelika, Alabama, has become a popular destination for vinyl lovers, offering a diverse selection of records. Inspired by his love for music and a lack of local vinyl stores, Baggett opened the shop in 2018. With a focus on quality and community, the store blends online sales with engaging in-person experiences.

Previewing AU Oktoberfest 2024

By Auston Kucholtz | News Writer | October 16

Auburn's Oktoberfest returns on Saturday Oct. 19 at Agricultural Heritage Park, featuring over 60 breweries, live music, contests, food trucks and a variety of activities. The event will showcase national and local brewers, including a homebrewing competition, with attendees voting for the best in central Alabama. Highlights include the Samuel Adams Beer Stein Holding Contest, weiner dog racing, and a Friday night kickoff dinner.

Tiger Rags: Where spirit begins again

By Ally Northridge | Content Editor | October 15

Tiger Rags made its return to the Auburn community with the launch of its official website under new owners Brett and Natalie Whiteside. Known for its iconic game day shirts featuring Rags the tiger, the brand had paused production for five years, but is now reviving its beloved designs. With deep Auburn roots, the Whitesides aim to preserve and expand the Tiger Rags tradition, offering both vintage and new designs through online sales and partnering with Mike Lester and The Atelier in downtown Auburn.

A stage for all, a community for everyone: The Jailhouse's Open Mic Nights

By Albert Osorio | Sports & News Writer | October 14

Local Auburn artists no longer have to compete for play time because there is a place that welcomes musicians of any skill level to play their instruments and sing covers, originals and other types of songs. The Jailhouse in Downtown Opelika behind Rock ‘N Roll Pinball hosts Open Mic Night every Thursday from 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Musicians from every skill level are welcome to perform their music there, and poets are welcome to perform their acts.

How Hurricane Helene affected the Auburn community

By Ally Northridge | Content Editor | October 9

In light of Category 4 Hurricane Helene, Auburn University shut down its campus on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 5:00 p.m. and reopened at 11:00 a.m. the following morning on Friday, Sept. 27. Whether affected directly or indirectly by Hurricane Helene, the Auburn community is joining together to support each other and neighboring states in the aftermath.

The Farmer in the Dell: more than just a pumpkin patch

By Landi Rutledge | News Editor | October 8

The Farmer in the Dell pumpkin patch has been around for 17 years, but they have been farming on the land since 2005. Read more about Marie Foshee's journey and heart behind this project, and how the love from the Auburn-Opelika community has fueled her going forward.

Pro-Palestinian group holds memorial vigil on one-year anniversary of Oct. 7 attacks

By Connor Copeland | Assistant Managing Editor and Michaela Yielding | News Editor | October 7

On the one-year anniversary of the deadly Hamas attacks, students and community members held a vigil memorial for those killed in Gaza and others during the Israel-Hamas war. Held from 5 to 7 p.m. demonstrators sat at Toomer's Corner, with some holding up pro-Palestine signage, creating artwork and lighting candles for the vigil.

Several protest Israel-Hamas war at Toomer's Corner following day-long art demonstration

Pro-Palestinian demonstration ends in violent altercation

By Connor Copeland | Assistant Managing Editor and Michaela Yielding | News Editor | October 6

Following a planned protest at Toomer's Corner on Sunday evening, an unnamed counter-protester attacked a pro-Palestinian protester before fleeing. The altercation, which happened after university employees power-washed chalk writings associated with the protest, effectively ending it, involved several people opposed to Stephen McGentry, 27, the most vocal of a small group protesting Israel's involvement in the Israel-Hamas war.

East Alabama Domestic Violence Intervention Center granted $60,000 to create Safe Housing Pet program

By Albert Osorio | Sports & News Writer and Michaela Yielding | News Editor | October 3

The Domestic Violence Intervention Center, along with the Auburn University Department of Psychological Services, and College of Veterinary Medicine, received $60,000 in grant funding from RedRover to create a Safe Housing Pet Program. RedRover is an organization that works to rescue animals from crises and strengthen the bond between people and animals. The grant is part of the nonprofit's 25 by 2025 plan.

Exterior view of The Graduate Auburn Hotel

Take a look at Auburn's newest hotel, The Graduate Auburn

By Rachel Swan | Assistant News Editor | September 27

The Graduate Auburn, the newest hotel in downtown Auburn, offers 177 rooms across five floors, featuring Auburn-themed decor that immerses guests in the Auburn spirit. Located just half a mile from Jordan-Hare Stadium, the hotel features a rooftop bar and restaurant and a coffee shop honoring sports legend Bo Jackson. The grand opening for the Graduate Auburn will take place on the evening of Friday, Sept. 27, on the rooftop.

Opelika man killed by police after forced entry of apartment

By Sami Grace Donnelly | Editor-in-Chief | September 3

On the night of Sept. 2, an Opelika man was fatally shot by an Auburn police officer after the man forcibly entered an apartment. The incident is still under investigation by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

Opelika Fire Department battalion chief charged with indecent exposure

By Sami Grace Donnelly | Editor-in-Chief and Michaela Yielding | News Editor | June 18

Opelika Fire Department Battalion Chief Noah Leavell Tarrance Allmond was charged with indecent exposure after he allegedly exposed himself to multiple victims at an apartment complex on the 700 block of West Glenn Avenue. Allmond’s arrest not only shocks Auburn and surrounding communities but raises questions about the safety of popular student neighborhoods.

Bo Bikes Bama returns to Auburn for 11th year

By Carrington Romanick | Community Writer | May 1

Arguably one of the biggest bike events in Alabama occurs every year on April 27 right here in Auburn. Bo Bikes Bama is the idea of two-sport athlete and Auburn legend, Bo Jackson.

Deed issues discussed at second April City Council Meeting

By Sam Vise | Community Reporter | April 17

The Auburn City Council held their final meeting of the month on Tuesday night. While a variety of topics were discussed, deed issues seemed to be the highlight of the conversation.

Pickleball grows in Auburn along with court wait times

By William Speigner | Legal Reporter | April 12

Pickleball, a sport much like a mix of tennis and ping pong, has experienced an unprecedented rise in popularity and has become one of Auburn students' favorite pastimes. In Auburn, this burgeoning interest has led to the creation of a pickleball club and a large and growing community on the hardtop. However, pickleball's popularity has created growing pains, such as significant wait times for open courts.

Robyn Bridges and AO Tourism bring people to the Plains

By Daniel Locke | Community Editor | April 8

In a growing community like Auburn, marketing the city as a tourist destination is essential. That is the purpose served by Auburn-Opelika Tourism and its president Robyn Bridges.