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Triathletes sprint through Chewacla in first Auburn triathlon

By Maria McIlwain | News Editor | July 12

Running, swimming and biking are all common at Chewacla. However, these sports were combined at the Tri Chewacla Sprint Trathlon on Sunday, July 11.  Participants swam 500 meters, biked 12 miles and ran 3.1 miles in the first Auburn triathlon, hosted by Tri Auburn.

Auburn Knights swing through the generations at reunion concert

By Maria McIlwain | News Editor | July 12

The Auburn Knights Orchestra alumni bands of the 1970s-80s, 1990s-2000s and the current Auburn Knights played the night away at the second night of their 85th anniversary celebration Saturday, July 11. The first night featured bands from the 1930s-40s, 1950s and 1960s. We're having a great time," said Fritz Siler, conductor of the 1970s-80s band.

Minors in polymers and composites to develop as department closes

By Emily Esleck | Editor-in-Chief | July 10

The department of polymer and fiber engineering department will close Aug. 15 after reviews presented by Christopher Roberts, dean of the College of Engineering, University president Jay Gogue, the University senate and other groups at the June 5 Auburn Board of Trustees meeting.

Syrup Sopping not happening this year

By Maria McIlwain | News Editor | July 10

Loachapoka will be slightly less sweet this October. The annual Syrup Sopping event will not happen this year, marking the first time in 42 years the town has not hosted the event. Sheila Eckman, who sits on the Lee County Commission for District 1, said the event organizers decided not to hold the event, but did not give an exact reason. However, Eckman said she believes they canceled the event so they wouldn't have to report earnings from the event. "I don't think they want to share their financial  info," Eckman said. Eckman said the County Commission was not involved in the decision, however, they attempted to set up meetings with the organizers.

Replacement Magnolia oak transplanted, rolling schedule remains the same

By Emily Esleck | Editor-in-Chief | July 8

After extensive care trying to save the original Magnolia oak, it was replaced by another live oak Wednesday, July 8.  Ben Burmester, design project lead in Facilities Management for the Toomer's Corner project, said the transplant ran smoothly this morning even with the Corner construction.  Gary Keever, professor of horticulture, said the replacement tree was dug from a nursery in Lake City, Florida 16 months ago.  "The construction actually helped us," Keever said.

Incident reports from June 30-July 6

By Staff Report | July 8

The following incidents were reported from June 30-July 6:

Accident on Interstate 85 blocking traffic

By Staff Report | July 8

An accident involving a 18-wheeler was reported to the Auburn Police Division at 5:43 a.m. on Wednesday, July 8, on Interstate 85 northbound near mile marker 53. According to APD Capt.

Mell Street Classroom Building construction to begin in December

By Rachael Taylor | News Writer | July 8

Construction will begin in December on the Mell Classroom Building. The building will be 65,000 square feet and will be located on the west end of the library. The building will contain two large lecture halls and general classrooms that can hold from 20-30 students to 60-80 students, according to Sarah Smith, campus architect. According to Smith, all of the classrooms will have projection and white boards.

Apartment and retail complex coming, softball team recognized

By Maria McIlwain | News Editor | July 7

Auburn students will have another apartment complex to choose from in approximately two years. The building will be a combination of retail and residential areas and will be on the southwest corner of Wright Street and Glenn Avenue, according to Forrest Cotten, director of city planning. Cotten said the property will cater to students. CA Student Living will own the property, located at 201 W.

City of Auburn hosts '80s Timewarp Instagram Contest

By Staff Report | July 7

Starting today, July 6, Auburn Parks and Recreation will be celebrating Parks and Recreation Appreciation Month with an 1980s-themed Instagram contest.  Residents are encouraged to visit their favorite parks, recreation facilities and landmarks and take photos or videos of themselves in 80s gear.  Upload the photos with #auburnparksrectimewarp and the photo with the most "likes" will get a prize pack.  There will be four rounds in the contest.

Float-N-Movie set for July 9

By Staff Report | July 7

 Auburn Parks and Recreation is hosting a Float-N-Movie at Samford Pool on Thursday, July 9, featuring "Paddington." Gates open at 8:15 p.m.

Beloved professor dies unexpectedly

July 6

Professional archaeologist and beloved professor of anthropology, John Cottier, 75, or more commonly known as Doc, died unexpectedly Monday, June 29, from a heart attack.  Cottier graduated from Auburn and was also the faculty mentor for the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.

Confederate Controversy: Conflict surrounds battle flag removed

By Emily Esleck | Editor-in-Chief | July 6

Gov. Robert Bentley made the decision to remove the Confederate battle flag from Capitol grounds Wednesday, June 24.

Auburn students gather to support USA soccer team in World Cup

By Evan McCullers | Sports Writer | July 6

The USA women’s national soccer team defeated Japan 5-2 on Sunday, July 5, to win the World Cup.

Holiday closures for city of Auburn

By Staff Report | July 3

City Hall and other facilities will be closed today, Friday, July 3 in observance of the Fourth of July.

City of Auburn to host fireworks display

By Staff Report | July 3

The city of Auburn is having a fireworks display Saturday, July 4, behind the home side of Duck Samford Stadium.

Auburn Kroger undergoes renovations

By Rachael Taylor | News Writer | July 3

Auburn students and citizens will soon enjoy a larger Kroger, but until then, they will have to deal with the construction. The Kroger on Glenn Avenue has been under construction since February, and will not be finished until May of 2016, according to Bradley Whitman from Store Management for the Glenn Avenue Kroger. The store will still be open during renovation.

Magnolia Avenue Oak to be replaced July 8

By Staff Report | July 2

The Magnolia Avenue Toomer's Oak will be replaced July 8, according to a press release issued by Auburn University. Auburn University's Tree Preservation Committee, Facilities Management and Tim Thoms of Thoms Tress and Plants monitored the Oak and will replace it with a similar-sized oak. According to the release, the committee determined the Oak is not viable for transplant and will not relocate it.