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Manufacturer announces Auburn expansion, will bring two dozen new jobs

By Staff Report | February 20

ARKAL Automotive, a manufacturer of lightweight plastic automobile parts with markets all over the world, announced plans to invest $2.3 million in its Auburn operation, and bring more than two dozen jobs to the city over the next two years, the City of Auburn announced Wednesday. 

Why Auburn nixed creating a local holiday for Rosa Parks

By Cory Blackmon | Community Writer | February 20

The City of Auburn recently entertained the idea of making a city holiday in honor of Rosa Parks before deciding the cost was too high. But how exactly is a holiday created, and why is the cost so high? 

Man shouts Nazi slogans, flashes gun at local coffee shop

By Chip Brownlee | Editor-in-chief and Tim Nail | Community Writer | February 19

Police briefly investigated an incident Tuesday evening at a coffee shop in Auburn during which eyewitnesses said a white man who appeared to be in his mid-20s stood on a chair, yelled Nazi slogans including "Heil Hitler" and flashed a gun to the cafe's manager who told him not to come back.

Auburn's Journalism Advisory Council strips award from editor who wrote Klan editorial

By Chip Brownlee | Editor-in-chief and Mikayla Burns | Managing Editor | February 19

The Auburn Plainsman first reported the nature of the editorial, which published on Feb. 14 under the headline, "Klan needs to ride again."

The Plainsman relaunches 'On The Plains' news podcast

By Chip Brownlee | Editor-in-chief | February 18

The daily news podcast is only a few minutes long. It breaks down the biggest local, state and national news of the day in an easily consumable format.

Coroner: Shooting suspect died from self-inflicted gunshot wound not from fire

By Chip Brownlee | Editor-in-chief | February 18

Lee County Coroner Bill harris said the suspect's death and the death of an unidentified woman with him were the result of a murder-suicide.

Lawmakers expect vote to block Trump's emergency order, and then face a veto

By Mark Niquette | Bloomberg News and Christopher Condon | Bloomberg News | February 18

Trump issued the order Friday to divert certain military funding for wall construction, after Congress approved only $1.375 billion of the $5.7 billion he sought in a bipartisan budget bill to avoid a second partial government shutdown.

‘Healing without the high’: Local business promotes CBD

By Ellie Falconer | Community Writer | February 18

 Pamala Connor, owner of Your CBD Store in Auburn, said her products can help the body heal. 

Motorcycle accident claims life of Auburn man

By Staff Report | February 17

A motorcycle accident Saturday night has killed one Auburn man, Lee County Coroner Bill Harris said in a statement. 

Photos show damage to condo complex where suspected shooter died in fire

By Olivia Wilkes | Videographer | February 16

Photos show the extent of the damage to the Crossland Downs condominium-style apartment complex on Wire Road and Stonegate Drive that become the hub of a law enforcement activity Friday night as officers attempted to locate a suspected shooter.

Auburn police confirm identity of wounded officer, who remains in stable condition

By Chip Brownlee | Editor-in-chief | February 16

Police identified the officer, who sustained serious injuries during a traffic stop of a robbery suspect, as Officer Justin Sanders, 30, from Auburn.

'All I smell is gunpowder': Crossland Downs residents witness police pursuit of shooting suspect

By Eduardo Medina | Enterprise Editor | February 16

Gunshots pierced the silence of a chilly Auburn night. Police officers yelled to get back. The sirens from their vehicles echoed. And, for the remainder of the evening, sheets of smoke drifted around Wire Road like a thick fog after a storm.

Shooting suspect dies in fire after confrontation with police

By Chip Brownlee | Editor-in-chief , Eduardo Medina | Enterprise Editor and Cory Blackmon | Community Reporter | February 15

An Auburn Police Division officer was wounded by gunfire in a shooting along Opelika Road by Dollar General Friday evening. A massive manhunt ensued. The wounded officer is in stable condition.

Local autism resource center closes

By Elizabeth Hurley | Community Editor | February 15

Parents with children in the autism community were shocked earlier this year when they learned that Lee County Autism Resource and Advocacy was closing its doors for good.  

Trustees approve new dining facilities, other major campus projects

By Scott Berson | Assistant Community Editor | February 15

The total estimated cost of the approved projects is roughly $232 million. 

Additional police present at Auburn Junior High after student arrested for bringing firearm to campus

By Staff Report | February 15

Police found an unexpended bullet on Auburn Junior High School grounds Thursday.

Big Blue Crawfish and Cajun Market opens storefront in Opelika

By Abigail Murphy | Operations Editor | February 14

On Tuesday, the Big Blue Crawfish and Cajun Market had a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Mayor of Opelika to embark on their new business journey from a food truck to a new storefront.

Looking for a way to spend Valentine's Day in Auburn? Here are a few ideas

By Cory Blackmon | Community Reporter | February 14

With Valentine's Day Thursday, many couples throughout the city are looking for a way to make the day special. Here are a few ways to share the special day with a loved one.