News

Updyke assaulted after court appearance

By Jillian Clair / News Editor | April 20

After waiving his preliminary hearing in court Wednesday, Harvey Updyke Jr., the man accused of poisoning the Toomer's Oaks, told the Opelika Police Department he was assaulted in the parking lot of Tiger Express on Hwy. 280 in Opelika.

A-Day showcases new talent

By Brian Woodham / ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR | April 17

With both units running mostly base packages and schemes, the defense defeated the offense 63-32 Saturday in Auburn's annual A-Day game in front of an estimated crowd of 54,290 at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Republican chair defends expenses

By Eric Austin / MANAGING EDITOR | April 14

AUCR chair accused of abusing group funds

Too much Boogie for Waverly

By Jillian Clair / News Editor | April 14

What began as a celebration about the rerouting of a bustling highway out of a tiny town has grown into a festival so large the planners worry there will be too many people.Waverly, which normally has a population of 184, grows exponentially during the Old 280 Boogie Music and Arts Festival held every spring.

Smoking resolution vote nears

By Liz Conn / Associate Campus Editor | April 14

Smokers will have a chance to butt into the conversation regarding a smoke-free campus at the April 18 SGA senate meeting.

On the Tracks is held twice a year in downtown Opelika and features food, drinks and live music. This year's spring event will take place Friday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. (Photo Illustration by Christen Harned / Assistant Photo Editor)

On the Tracks brings good spirits

By Mackenzie Cogle / WRITER | April 14

Transforming the quiet streets of downtown Opelika into a festival complete with food, fellowship and fun, the 11th biannual On the Tracks food and wine festival will take place Friday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Old-time music to ring out in Lee County

By Jade Currid / WRITER | April 14

The Lee County Gathering will provide lessons and performances in dulcimer, guitar, mandolin and more

A-Day plant sale helps scholarships blossom

By Jillian Clair / News Editor | April 14

Planting a tree can help the Earth. Buying it from the seventh annual A-Day weekend plant sale Friday and Saturday can help a horticulture student pay for college.

Divorce bill may force parents to split custody

By Liz Conn / Associate Campus Editor | April 14

A bill facing the state Senate could require judges to appoint equal parenting time to both parents in divorce cases.The bill is currently in committee, said Sen. Paul Bussman, R-Cullman, the sponsor of the bill.

Downtown Opelika renovations boost business

By Molly Montgomery / WRITER | April 14

Opelika's historic downtown district is renovating, renewing and making efforts to recruit businesses to fill the remaining storefront vacancies.

Earl Bryant of Valley, an apprentice blacksmith, makes a fireplace poker at the Battle of Loachapoka Saturday. (Emily Adams / PHOTO EDITOR )

Traveling back in time

By Elizabeth Fite / STAFF WRITER | April 14

Second Saturdays presents a Civil War re-enactment and colonial arts and crafts

Kristen Letsinger began working with the OA News in May after graduating from the University of Tennessee. She covers grades K-12 and the University. (Christen Harned / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR)

People of the Plains

By Morgan McKean / WRITER | April 14

Opelika-Auburn News reporter Kristen Letsinger hails from Knoxville, Tenn., but now calls Auburn home

Local gift shop "ReInvents" itself

By Ellen Weathers / WRITER | April 11

ReInvent, a local gift shop, is getting a new coat of paint.ReInvent, located on 420 S. Gay St., sells gifts created from recycled products.

Business booms during graduation

By Morgan McKean / WRITER | April 10

With graduation approaching, downtown stores and restaurants are stocking their shelves for the increase in visitors who will be celebrating Auburn's newest alumni.

Local souls aim to provide soles to people in Haiti

By Mackenzie Cogle / WRITER | April 10

After months of planning by selfless souls in Auburn and across the country, the "One Million Soles" project will kickoff Thursday at 4 p.m.

Summer concerts blast boredom away

By Jade Currid / WRITER | April 10

Music enthusiasts will rejoice when three outdoor concert series swing into action in May.The Sundown Concert Series will provide free entertainment and feature local and regional musicians every Thursday evening at Town Creek Park."It's a good family-oriented concert and series to get families out and enjoy local music," said Emily Dent, agricultural communications major.Dent worked the event for the city when it was held at Kiesel Park.She said more than 100 people are usually in attendance at the concert series, and sometimes the number of attendees reaches 300.Meg Rainey, public relations specialist for the parks and recreation department, said Town Creek Park is a convenient location to hold the concert."It's a great park--very central to downtown," Rainey said."It's very easy to get there after work or school.

Details emerge on Southern Union shooting

By Staff reports | April 7

Shooting victims identified and probable cause hearing scheduled relating to the shooting on Southern Union's campus Wednesday

Chief of Police Tommy Dawson, Fire Chief Lee Lamar, Public Safety Director Bill James and Communications Administrator Benjie Walker listen during a Public Safety meeting Thursday. Each of their departments will lead a session explaining its duties. (Rebekah Weaver / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR)

A closer look at public safety

By Elizabeth Fite / STAFF WRITER | April 7

The 10th annual Public Safety Academy features demonstrations of each public safety division through hands-on activities

Three windows were shot out of a Toyota minivan which was parked in front of the Higginbotham Academic Center. (Jillian Clair / news Editor)

One dead in shooting at Southern Union

By Jillian Clair / News Editor | April 7

Wednesday at 3:54 p.m., a shooting on the campus of Southern Union State Community College relating to a domestic dispute left one female dead and three females injured, according to Opelika Police Department Capt. Allan Elkins.

Michael McNeil walks into the Lee County Justice Center prior to a hearing. (Emily Adams / Photo Editor)

Judge blocks media from players' hearing

By Jeremy Gerrard / ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR | April 7

Lee County District Judge Steve Speakman announced Wednesday that he found probable cause for a grand jury to hear charges against four former Auburn football players for the alleged armed robbery which took place last month, court officials confirmed.