News

Partygoers at last year's Masquerade wore simple and elaborate masks with their semi-formal dress. This year's Gala begins at 6 p.m., and the Masquerade begins at 8:30 at the Event Center Downtown in Opelika. (CONTRIBUTED)

Local art organization throws second annual masked event

By Kristen Oliver / COMMUNITY EDITOR | February 9

The Layman Group will be hosting its biggest social event of the year Feb. 10 at the Event Center Downtown in Opelika. The semi-formal dress code requires one specific piece: a mask.

Holy grail comes to Opelika in 'Spamalot'

By Susan Ann Cook / WRITER | February 9

If you are a fan of Monty Python, or just looking for a different way to spend an evening, The Arts Center of East Alabama's showing of "Spamalot" could be the perfect way to spend next Wednesday night.

Loachapoka contest takes the cake

By Alison McFerrin / COMMUNITY BEAT REPORTER | February 9

A 100-year-old cake recipe will be the recipe for success at the second annual Heritage Cake Contest at Pioneer Park Museum in Loachapoka.

Statewide fundraiser collects $800,000 for nonprofits

By Alison McFerrin / COMMUNITY BEAT REPORTER | February 9

Alabama charities are richer after a Feb. 2 statewide fundraising effort.

Beth Vaughan, court appointed special advocate, volunteers to take on cases involving children in the Auburn community. (Kristen Oliver / COMMUNITY EDITOR)

People of the Plains

By Kristen Oliver / COMMUNITY EDITOR | February 9

Beth Vaughan's bachelor's and master's degrees in civil engineering trained her to have a sharp eye for facts, which she uses in an unexpected way.

Driver suffers minor injuries from wreck on College Street Wednesday night

By Nick Bowman / OPINIONS EDITOR | February 8

A Chevy Equinox struck a Jeep Wrangler and overturned onto its passenger side tires to rest against two parked vehicles in front of Quixote's on Wednesday night.

Suspect in Tuesday morning shooting on the run since beginning of 2012

By Alison McFerrin / COMMUNITY BEAT REPORTER | February 8

An Auburn citizen is in custody after a car chase that turned into a foot pursuit Tuesday morning.

Shots fired by police officer at East University and North Dean Tuesday morning

By Alison McFerrin / COMMUNITY BEAT REPORTER | February 7

The Alabama Bureau of Investigation will be investigating an incident in which an Auburn police officer fired shots into a vehicle Tuesday morning.

Trustee Selection Committee chooses nine nominees for Board of Trustees

By Nick Bowman / OPINIONS EDITOR Rachel Cooper / WRITER | February 6

The Auburn University Trustee Selection Committee chose nine nominees to the Board of Trustees, presided by Gov. Robert Bentley, Monday.

Auburn career fair coming Tuesday

By Andrew Yawn / WRITER | February 5

The Auburn University Career Center will be hosting a Career Expo next week on Tuesday and Thursday from 3-7 p.m. at the Auburn Hotel and Conference Center.

Habitat Around the Hearth

By Ali Jenkins / WRITER | February 4

The Lee County Habitat for Humanity is hard at work building houses for those who have never owned their own home, as well as rebuilding and restoring homes damaged in the recent tornadoes.

From left: Amira Roshdy, Maher Ismail, Basem Ismail and Farida Abou Zeida gather to show support on the one-year anniversary of the Egyptian Revolution. (Christen Harned / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR)

One year of revolution

By Elizabeth Bonner / WRITER | February 2

Waving their nation's flag and displaying signs and banners, Egyptian students and community members gathered in front of Ralph Brown Draughon Library Jan. 25 to mark the anniversary of their nation's revolution.

From left: Marian Carcache, Judith Nunn, Mary Dansak, Joanne Camp, Margee Bright-Ragland and Gail Langley, the Mystic Order of East Alabama Fiction Writers, will hold a one-hour writing workshop Feb. 7 at the Auburn Public Library. (CONTRIBUTED)

Workshop to provide magic of fiction writing

By Andrew Yawn / WRITER | February 2

What started 10 years ago in the meeting room of a Bruno's Supermarket has become a monthly meeting of eating, drinking, laughing, remembering and occasional writing for the women of the Mystic Order of East Alabama Fiction Writers.

Punxsutawney Phil continues making predictions

By Alison McFerrin / COMMUNITY BEAT REPORTER | February 2

When one furry rodent pokes his head out of his burrow, he enters a spotlight of media attention as he decides whether winter is over.

Mix 96.7's program director Donny Blankenship relaxes behind the mic. Blankenship also hosts the station's weekday morning show from 6-10 a.m. (Christen Harned / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR)

People of the Plains

By Brandy Volovecky / WRITER | February 2

Just three years ago, Donny Blankenship graduated from Auburn with no clear plan for his future.

Take health to heart

By Katelyn Gaylor / WRITER | February 2

February is a time of romance, chocolate and mass-produced greeting cards thanks to the celebration of Valentine's Day.

The holes on the lake at the Grand National golf course are said to be some of the best views in the nation. (Courtesy of Michael Clemmer)

Nationally recognized golf course celebrates 20 years of business

By Kristen Oliver / COMMUNITY EDITOR | February 2

For 20 years, people have traveled from across the world to play golf at Robert Trent Jones at Grand National in Opelika.

Opelika probate judge candidates speak at community forum

By Callie Ward / WRITER | February 1

The 2012 Lee County Probate Judge Forum provided an inside look at the political opinions of the two candidates, Probate Judge Bill English and his challenger Jon Chase.

Opelika probate judge candidates to speak at community forum

By Kristen Oliver / COMMUNITY EDITOR | February 1

The 2012 Lee County Probate Judge Forum will be held Tuesday from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Event Center Downtown in Opelika.

Free workshops focus on building healthy relationships

By Alison McFerrin / COMMUNITY BEAT REPORTER | January 30

Finding a significant other is usually a high priority for people of all ages, but one group is more concerned with helping make that relationship lasting and healthy.