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Cake, lace, flowers

By Laura Maxwell / ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR | January 28

Call it a passion. Call it an obsession. Call it wedding planning. Those planning their bigday had plenty to be passionate about and obsess over Saturday at the Qantum Communications bridal expo at the Auburn University Hotel and Conference Center.

Prometric offers business students exam

By Crystal Cole / STAFF WRITER | January 28

The days of sitting in a classroom all semester and stressing over homework may be long gone with the release of Prometric's 38th DSST Credit by Exam subject in Business Ethics and Society.Jodi Katz, public relations manager for Prometric, said the exams are an alternative, flexible path to learning."A lot of time adults that go back to school don't have the time to sit in a classroom for a full semester," Katz said.

Taxis blame bus service

By Daniel Chesser / ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR | January 28

The black and yellow truth about taxis in Auburn is bar-hoppers are choosing an alternative to doling out dollars for a lift home.Instead of taking taxis, students are using the free Toomer's Ten bus system to get home, organized by the SGA, after a night at the bars.SGA said it organized the bus system to give students a way to avoid drinking and driving.But, while this service is free, it does not come without consequences.

Grant funds 'green' jobs

By Patrick Dever / ASSOCIATE SPORTS EDITOR | January 28

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs was awarded a $6 million grant for "green" job training and establishing the Alabama Energy Sector Partnership program."This grant not only will help Alabamians reduce energy costs, it also will provide employment opportunities for many residents," said ADECA Director Doni Ingram in a press release Jan.

Committee passes PACT bill Tuesday

By Daniel Chesser / ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR | January 28

The Senate Fiscal Responsibility and Accountability Committee met Tuesday to vote on a PACT program bailout for 45,000 remaining unfulfilled contracts.The committee voted 10-0 for the plan.Sen.

City of Auburn updates flood insurance maps

By Derek Lacey / WRITER | January 28

For the first time since 1993, Auburn's Flood Insurance Rate Maps are being updated.FIRMs are used to determine flood insurance rates and requirements through the National Flood Insurance Program.The NFIP uses FIRMs to decide which residents require flood insurance by locating floodplain zones.FEMA is leading a Congress-initiated effort to update the FIRMs of over 20,000 communities, including Lee County.FEMA could not be reached for comment."The updated maps will provide Auburn residents with a resource to more accurately determine flood risk," according to an Auburn City press release.The updated maps will likely change floodplain zones, meaning buildings that aren't in zones requiring insurance on the current maps, may be required to have flood insurance with the new ones.The Auburn assistant city engineer, Brett Peterson, said the maps will be updated with new hydrology and terrain information using aerial photography technology and computer software for modeling.Lisa Simpson, mapping specialist for the City of Auburn, said the maps will be upgraded by mea- suring elevation at 2-foot contours instead of the 10-foot contours of the old maps, which will make them more specific.

Ordnance receives honors before deploying to Iraq

By Jake Mastroianni / WRITER | January 28

In front of a full Opelika High School Gymnasium, the heroes of the 111th Ordnance were honored by friends and family on Sunday afternoon.The group will be deploying for Iraq around Feb.

House Reviews Casino Amnesty Bill

By Jillian Clair/ Staff Writer | January 25

The House Tourism and Travel Committee approved a bill Jan. 20 which would provide casinos amnesty from all taxes, criminal prosecution and civil lawsuits. The bill would also allow casinos to be operated anywhere in Alabama.

MLK Week: Alumnus Recalls First Step

By Blake Hamilton / ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR | January 21

If one were to dig up an issue of The Plainsman from early 1964, one would find a story describing Jan.

Auburn City Construction Affects Wire Road Traffic

By Patrick Dever / ASSOCIATE SPORTS EDITOR | January 21

The bridge on Wire Road crossing over Choctafaula Creek is being replaced this spring to meet regulations for safety.Project manager Bryan Wood said the replacement, which began Jan.

City Council Authorizes Resurfacing

By Laura Maxwell / ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR | January 21

During its Jan. 19 meeting, the city council announced a list of expenses that will be going toward improving the city.Mayor Bill Hamm authorized $1,245,375 to go toward resurfacing various streets."The planning commission would have to look at it and take a vote and it takes the majority vote to get it up to us," said council member Arthur Dowdell.

Residents Run, Walk for Cancer Center

By Jessica Shaddix / WRITER | January 21

On your mark.Get set.Race toward cancer awareness.The 10th Auburn Classic Half Marathon was held Saturday, Jan.

Commission Elects New Officials

By Laura Maxwell / ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR | January 21

In addition to typical business, the Planning Commission also held elections during its Jan. 16 meeting."The nine members are appointed by the mayor with confirmation by the City council for 6-year terms," said Warren McCord, planning commission member.

People of the Plains: Victoria Bott Keeps Students, Drivers Safe, Smiling

By Ellison Langford / News Editor | January 21

To the sound of transits accelerating, students drowsily shuffling across the crosswalk and the tweeting of her blue whistle, Victoria Bott directs traffic five days a week on Donahue Drive.Bott, 49, guides drivers in the early morning and during lunchtime."I love it!" Bott said.

State Pays Income Tax Refunds as New Tax Season Begins

By Daniel Chesser / ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR | January 21

A new year brings two things to the minds of Americans: resolutions that won't be kept and filing taxes before April 15.As a new tax season begins, the state of Alabama can see the light at the end of the "income tax refunds from 2008" tunnel.The economy and the recession are the reason for the slow returns on refunds this fiscal year.One of those delayed refunds belonged to Ray Gabriel of Gulf Shores."The department of revenue told me my refund was approved, but they don't have any money," Gabriel said.He was one of the 11,774 taxpayers who were still waiting for their income tax refunds at the beginning of 2010.Gabriel said he received his refund Jan.

MLK Week: Darden House is Symbol for Opelika

By Ellison Langford / News Editor | January 21

The white-washed boards and shutters of a building often house more than just the family who lives inside it.It can house the inspiration of a community.The hope of a people.One such edifice is the Dr. John W.

'The Pit' Closes Permanently

By Drew Thompson / ASSISTANT CAMPUS EDITOR | January 21

The B-zone Petrie Lot, commonly referred to as "the pit" is permanently closed and covered with construction workers and equipment.The pit is located north of Jordan-Hare Stadium between the stadium and Petrie Hall."The lot is permanently closed and Duncan will be relocated," said David Vedder, manager of parking services.The lot is closed because the Tiger Transit route takes the busses down Duncan Drive and left on West Thatch Avenue. "The angle is too steep for buses right now," Vedder said.The pit will be filled in and a new transit route will be paved with an outlet on South Donahue Drive.Parking services plans for a more level road for the busses to exit from the Transit station without a hill to climb.When the project is completed, the remaining section of West Thatch Avenue will be turned into a pedestrian walkway.For more information, call the Parking Services' office at 844-4143.

Society Teaches Barbecue Judging

By Ben Bartley / COPY EDITOR | January 21

First rule of barbecue judging: love barbecue in all its forms -- ribs, pulled pork, brisket, chicken.Palates were tested and paper towels devastated Saturday at The Auburn Hotel and Dixon Conference Center during the Kansas City Barbecue Society Certified BBQ Judging Class.When completed, the class, which costs $65 for Kansas City Barbecue Society members and $95 for non-members, gives graduates the opportunity to judge KCBS contests.Ron Harwell of Trinity said he has been a member of KCBS since 1992 and a certified instructor since 1996.Harwell was the lead instructor for the Auburn class."It happens to be the largest (barbecue society)," Harwell said.