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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.

NEWS ALERT: Unknown Suspect Robs Bank Trust

By Ellison Langford / News Editor | January 14

The Bank Trust branch on North Dean Road was robbed Wednesday afternoon.An Auburn Police Department police report said the suspect was armed with a semi-automatic handgun and stole an undisclosed amount of cash.

Cupcakes Make a Bang at Taylor's Bakery

By Ellison Langford / News Editor | January 12

Love Potion #9.Tiramisu.The two are often part of a solid beginning for a romantic evening. But at Taylor's Bakery, they're part of the more than 20 flavors that make up Cupcake Explosion.Cupcake Explosion is held once in May, October and January each year. For the May and October Events the bakery churns out 120 dozen cupcakes, but scales back to 50 dozen in January.

Welcome Back Issue Available for Auburn Readers

January 11

The Welcome Back Issue is now available at various locations around campus for Auburn University students, faculty and staff.The first spring edition of The Auburn Plainsman will be published Jan.

Auburn Triumphs Over Northwestern in Outback Bowl

By Nick Van Der Linden / ASSOCIATE SPORTS EDITOR | January 1

In what was arguably one of the most exciting Bowl games of the season, it was Auburn (8-5) do the proper record SEC, whatever that came out on top with a 38-35 overtime thrillerover the Northwestern University Wildcats (8-5) in Raymond James Stadium."People certainly got their money's worth," said Auburn head coach Gene Chizik. "I've been in some wild games, ones that come down to the end numerous times; games where you don't know what is happening. Was he down? Was he not down? This was certainly one of them."

Auburn's Outback Bowl Activities

By Rod Guajardo/ MANAGING EDITOR | December 23

Bowl games offer fans a chance to visit and interact with new locations and give them one last chance to cheer on their team.While bowl games offer fans a chance to expand their tailgating range, the teams are often invited to outings and events as a reward for their hard work and dedication.Wonder what the Auburn football players will be up to during their stay in Tampa?Various events for both teams will be held throughout the week.Auburn will arrive in Tampa Saturday, Dec.