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Myths debunked at 32nd annual bat walk

(11/01/13 7:15pm)

Skin stretched over skeletal wings, a wide mouth with fangs opened in a shriek and a thick Transylvanian accent growling, "I vant to suck your blood," are the ideas often conjured when bats are mentioned. The flying mammal is the definition of things that go bump in the night and is commonly used as eerie decorations for Halloween.According to Dr. Troy Best and his students Lydia Moore and Sam Hirt, the bat is misunderstood largely because it has been exaggerated by folklore and pop culture."There's a big mystery about them because you don't ever see them except at night or at dusk and there's not a lot of research on them," said Hirt, a PhD. student specializing in bats.Moore, a graduate student in biological sciences, explained that humans have feared nocturnal animals for centuries. Moore said stories were often made up to explain what people couldn't observe for themselves, which led to stigmatizing virtually harmless creatures. "There's this kind of irrational fear about these animals," Moore said.Moore debunked a traditional myth that bats like to get tangled in people's hair. Moore said mosquitos are attracted to the carbon dioxide exhaled by humans, she said. The cloud of mosquitos attracts bats, which swoop around acting like a natural insecticide and occasionally spooking humans.Dr. Best said another common fear is that bats carry rabies and should be exterminated. According to Best, who has more than 40 years of bat research behind him, the incidence of rabies in bats is less than that of foxes, raccoons and skunks.But do vampire bats really "vant to suck your blood"? Dr. Best said this is another misconception. The three known species of vampire bats are usually only found in parts of Mexico and South America and feed solely on the blood of birds or mammals other than humans. Popular culture has taken a particularly gruesome aspect of these bats' diet and capitalized on it.From Bruce Wayne to Dracula, chiroptophobia--the fear of bats--has been a source of horror movie gold, but for the bat population this has been a great disservice."I've heard stories of exterminators taking bats out of houses and stepping on them," Moore said. Attics resemble caves to bats and because of urbanization, the odds of having a screeching, flying guest in your home have increased."They are for the most part harmless," Hirt said. "Just like any wild animal, you don't want to pick it up."If you end up playing host to a bat, Hirt advised opening the windows and doors of your house or apartment and allowing the bat to find its own way out.To help spread education about bat populations in Alabama, Dr. Best and the Tri-Beta COSAM Honor Society organized the 32nd annual Bat Walk at the Donald E. Davis Arboretum, which was held Oct. 26.Information was geared to anyone interested in learning about bats, but Tri-Beta likes teaching children about bats in particular. In addition to showing a film and a Q & A session, attendees were able to hunt for bats in the arboretum using night-vision goggles and get close to bats humanely captured by Tri-Beta for the event. At the end of the night, the bats were released into the arboretum. Moore served as the emcee at the event."This is making them less scary and make people realize that they are very important for agriculture," Moore said.Bats are an integral part of the ecology in Alabama and with education, Best, Moore and Hirt hope to spread the positive image bats deserve.

SGA HeAUrd That! Informs students about upcoming facilities changes

(10/22/13 11:24pm)

Some of Auburn's rumors about the future of the Haley center were answered at the third Student Government Association HeAUrd That! event Tuesday, Oct. 22.In continuing with SGA's push to branch the student and administrative bodies through interactive discussions, students brought tough-to-answer questions to the event to get answers personally from the University administrators who could answer them best.The future of the Haley Center was a question many in the audience voiced to the speakers, but despite recent planning discussions, they said nothing yet is concrete."No decision has been made at this point in time about which direction we should go," said Dan King, associate vice president of facilities. "I'll tell you two years ago that we were leaning very strongly about tearing it down, but the pendulum has swung a little bit and we're considering some reuse options that are not a bad way ahead. Maybe taking out the tower or gutting the building but leaving the courtyard."King said options to move the pharmacy school off campus, implement an unused corner of the school or building on top of the old Haley Center were all being considered, but no plans have been set in stone yet.Additionally, students questioned the administrative speakers about the academic requirements for in-state and out-of-state scholarships at Auburn, as well as the amount they would receive, citing the University of Alabama's scholarship fund as larger and easier to apply for."Auburn is a state sponsored university, and our appropriation from the state isn't that great, but nevertheless it still is," said Paul Harris, honors college associate director. "I would say students aren't being penalized, it's because you're an in-state resident the tuition is going to be lower. If money wasn't a factor we would be giving more scholarships."Besides answering questions the administrators used the opportunity to inform the audience about upcoming events and projects.Strategic initiatives under Emmett Winn, associate provost, to bring advanced wireless technology into the classroom and promote "E-learning" could lead to iPads appearing in select classes across the next few years.The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Fair, which will occur during research week from April 14-17, will be where students can come meet with the different colleges and units on campus to find out about job opportunities.

Amendment passes to remove SGA President from the Election Board of the Student Government Association

(10/22/13 2:13am)

Monday, Oct. 21 the Student Government Association meeting focused on an amendment of the chapter 702 in the SGA Code of Laws.Chapter 702.1 requires there be a permanent board in the Executive Branch of the SGA known as the Election Board, which is comprised of the president of the SGA, Harrison Mills, the executive director of elections and five members of the student body at large chosen by the appointing committee.The amendment to Chapter 702, proposed by Jacob Dean, senior in political science and pro tempore, relieved Mills of his duties as a member of the SGA Elections Board and would allow the executive director of elections to vote only in cases of a tie, leaving a total of five members on the panel."Were telling people that they have to sit on E-board and are not giving them an opportunity to do what they want or a way out" Dean said. "Its compulsory and I think it's one of the things in the code that could stand to be changed."The amendment, which would allow the SGA president to utilize his time elsewhere, was brought about by a question of whether or not the president being on the board presents a bias to the Auburn students." I think a bias is a part of human nature," said Walter Whatley, senior in accounting and member of the executive committee representing the Code of Laws. "Every member on that board is bias in that nature."Whatley continued on to compare the SGA to other organizations and governments within our society."There has to be a reason why there are ex officio members on nearly every kind of board," Whatley said. "It's because they guarantee wealth of knowledge and we need that on our board.The motion to pass the amendment was carried by a 31 to 2 vote in favor of the Amendment, which now no longer requires that Mills be a part of the election board of the SGA."The fact that an elected member is on the board makes it that much more legitimate so taking away the only elected member by the Student Body off of the board it just wrong," Whatley said.In other news, Brittany Thompson, a junior Nursing major, was appointed as the 2013-2014 Nursing Council Vice President. Thompson will be the first Nursing Council Vice President as the position has never been filled. The motion to appoint Thompson passed the Senate with a unanimous vote, allowing Thompson to fill the position immediately.

United Way hosts Judith March fashion show

(10/10/13 6:45pm)

On Oct. 17, from 6-9 p.m. the Lake Martin Area United Way will host its first fashion show in Alexander City.Judith March designer Stephanie Carter will be showcasing exclusive first looks from her 2014 spring collection at the Shoppes of Queen's Attic.A trunk show featuring Carter's popular game day dresses will follow with wine and hors d'oeuvres from local eateries. All proceeds from ticket sales and the trunk show will go to the United Way to benefit the area.In the past two years, Tallapoosa County has suffered from many tornadoes, and July brought the Russell Corporation's announcement to lay off more than half of its Alexander City employees and threaten the city's financial stability.For the United Way, these events meant resorting to innovative methods to raise money for services such as Meals on Wheels and the Boys and Girls Clubs.Luckily for philanthropists and fashionistas alike, initiatives coordinator of the Lake Martin Area United Way, Stephan Tomlin, has remained friends with the Judith March creator since they graduated from Troy State.Tomlin recalled Carter's beginning selling clothes to sorority houses, which blossomed into the fashion powerhouse that it is today.Because of her humble start and tenacity to achieve her goals, Carter has made a point of supporting charities.To Carter, fashion and charity go hand-in-hand.Carter said her goal is to boost confidence."Doing the right thing makes you feel more confident as a woman," Carter said.When Tomlin asked her to bring designs to the benefit, Carter didn't hesitate."It warms your heart when somebody cares enough about other people to be able to give back," said Sharon Fuller, executive director of the Lake Martin Area United Way.During the event, guests will mingle with the designer and the CEO of Southern Fashion House, Christy Carlisle Smith.In August, childhood friends Carter and Smith developed Southern Fashion House in Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. to be parent company to Carter's lines Judith March, Deja Vu and Jacque & Janis, as well as two labels which are still in development.Smith, an Auburn apparel design alumna and native of Troy, spent 10 years working in New York City eventually becoming the senior designer for couture eveningwear label Kay Unger.With only high praise for the Auburn University Department of Consumer and Design sciences, Smith encouraged students."Take opportunities that are given to you," Smith said. "You have to take those chances and just let life take you places."She said the call from Carter to start the fashion house was a surprise, but she is happy to be back in the South."To me fashion is starting to go more Southern anyway," Carter said, referring to the latest runway trends which employ lace detailing and chambray fabric as well as a movement toward designs that are simultaneously romantic and casual.In addition to Southern Fashion House labels, attendees can expect to shop among booths set up by more than 10 Alexander City retailers plus Fringe Consignment Boutique from Auburn.Tickets to the event cost $25 and include drinks and food.They may be purchased at Fringe Consignment Boutique at 2436 E. University Drive in Auburn.Call the Lake Martin Area United Way at 256-329-3600 for volunteer opportunities and directions to Queen's Attic. Visit their Facebook event page for more information.

Two local daycares do things differently

(10/11/13 1:00pm)

Some things are expected at an early childhood education center: finger paints, smiles, books.Some things are not expected, such as a central-campus location and a philosophy about education based on its Latin root word.Two local early childhood centers, Children's House Auburn Montessori School and Auburn University Early Learning Center are unlike most early education options.AUELC is located on the concourse across from the Haley Center, and The Children's House has a Montessori philosophy-based curriculum."It's wonderful to be where we are," said Sharon Wilbanks, AUELC director. "We have access to almost everywhere on campus."AUELC serves a dual purpose on Auburn's campus. "We're a lab school," Wilbanks said. "That's our main purpose, other than top-quality early childhood education."Wilbanks said The AUELC is the oldest lab school in the SEC.Children's House, located at 231 E. Drake Ave., is a Montesorri school in only its second year, although Charlene Kam has worked in education for 16 years.Kam said it is the only local Montesorri early childhood education option.Children's House aims to,"preserve a home away from home that nurtures the love of learning, values ambition, and fosters the spirit of peace, love and kindness in every child," according to its official website.The children attending Children's House are between the ages of three and six.Kam said the Montesorri philosophy encourages allowing to students study what appeals to them and treating the children in a familial way."It's the nature of learning," Kam said. "Very organic."Kam said allowing students to pursue their interests results in them being more engaged and motivated."The Latin root of the word educate is educari," Kam said. "It means to bring forth from within."Kam said this method of education reveals the essence of the child.The students at Children's House are learning about owls, land forms, writing in cursive and tending to squash, which they planted earlier in the year.Susan Harper, educator at Children's House, said the options offered to children are an extremely important aspect of Montesorri education."It offers the children the opportunity to make choices," Harper said. "They don't need to be catered to; they don't need to be told what to do."The AUELC is open to the public, and the parents of AUELC children are not necessarily affiliated with Auburn.Wilbanks said the unique location of the school opens up opportunities for students and staff, including fairs and on-campus events."We try to fit as many wonderful, fun activities as we can into a day," Wilbanks said.Wilbanks also said the location presents unique challenges."There are two main challenges," Wilbanks said. "The first one is parking."Wilbanks said the second challenge is the occasional presence of gory or graphic images, such as photos of aborted fetuses, on the concourse.She said the solution to this problem is simply asking student groups to make sure the material is not visible from the AUELC."All the students who do these things are very willing to work with us," Wilbanks said.Both of these early childhood education options emphasize physical education as well as academia.Children's House has a partnership with Dance Inc. to instruct the children in motion exploration.Both centers are accepting registration for next year, a though AUELC is full for next fall.

Employee's claims singe Auburn Fire Department

(10/04/13 3:20am)

Auburn City Council met Tuesday, Oct. 1, to discuss street closings, board appointments and alcoholic beverage licenses. The Citizens Communication brought discussions of racism in the fire department and questioned the Council's support of schools.Julian McPhillips, of McPhillips Shinbaum, LLP in Montgomery, represents Christopher Turner, an Auburn firefighter.McPhillips said Auburn's population is approximately half black and half white, however according to the 2010 Census, Auburn is approximately 75 percent white and 16.5 percent black."Few blacks are being hired to begin with, and whites with much less experience and time on the job are being promoted, while blacks are being denied," McPhillips said.McPhillips said no black people have been promoted by the fire department since 1996."Auburn's fire department, in its defense, says that in order to be promoted, the fireman must pass an assessment center validation. And Mr. Turner has not done that, they say," McPhillips said. "We say, the assessment center requirement is frankly a ruse or pretext that allows the Auburn Fire Department to discriminate against black employees, especially in promotion."Council member Arthur Dowdell of Ward 1, said the firefighter assessment test is not designed to take into account experience. He said the test asks difficult and often trick questions."We ought to eradicate or delete, as far as I'm concerned, the assessment center at our discretion, we could do that," Dowdell said. "I think it's time we look at the fire department and see [that] it does not look like America.""And we must look at this and see there is something remiss, there's something wrong in the Auburn Fire Department," Dowdell said. "It seems like we are not going forwards, we are regressing."The city defended their practices citing a history of equality."We use race-neutral hiring practices when they hire, or promote," said Bill James, director of Auburn Public Safety.He said every city department uses race-neutral standards of practice when hiring or promoting.When asked if racial claims had been made before, James said, "Yes, there have been some allegations."

Auburn professor, student marches his dream, trumpet in hand

(10/08/13 4:00am)

Joseph Fetsch has no hobbies. In his spare time, he studies. On bus rides with the band, he does homework.Afterward, he goes home, sleeps for four-six hours and does it again.His schedule leaves no spare time. Fetsch, 47, is a full-time student, instructor and member of the Auburn University Marching Band.His days consist of four upper-level accounting courses, teaching two classes on aviation management and playing trumpet in the band.Fetsch said he wanted to join the marching band ever since he stood in the end zone at Jordan-Hare Stadium during a game for ROTC duty."I got to see the band go, and that whole performance was really overwhelming," Fetsch said. "I decided if I ever was a full-time student, I would live that chance."The game was a different experience for Fetsch, who originally graduated from a private university, Clarkson University, in New York.The small, upstate college didn't even have a football team."We just never experienced anything like being in Jordan-Hare," Fetsch said. "My first year at Auburn was the undefeated national championship season, so that probably helped."He said he likes the band specifically, his fellow trumpet players, who earned the dubious honor of "Most Egotistical Section" at last year's band banquet."If you're good, there's nothing wrong with knowing you're good," Fetsch said.He said band life is enjoyable despite the weird relationship and age gap between him and the average marcher.He said he prefers to avoid the band's extracurricular activities and declines invitations to parties. Fetsch attended one once, but left early."It was more fun without me there," Fetsch said. "Besides, I've had more fun than they're ever going to have."Fetsch had his fun in the Air Force, whose members enjoy his practical jokes and tomfoolery."We call them spirit missions," said retired Major Dale Lightfoot, who worked with Fetsch in the Auburn ROTC program. "It's a culture in the Air Force."When a superior officer complained about trucks blocking his parking space, Fetsch acted."I took a 10,000-pound all-terrain forklift, went over to his car, picked it up, took it over to the loading docks and put it between these two ramps," Fetsch said.The superior officer's Honda Civic was stuck between the ramps, bumper-to-bumper, impossible to move."I thought it was really funny," Fetsch said.Last April, when his children, Mike, 16, and Karen, 12, returned home from school, Fetsch directed them to "brownies" in the kitchen.They left disappointed, finding only a foil-wrapped plate of brown-colored capital letter "E", or brown-E's.Fetsch was known for his sense of humor when he served as commander of the Auburn Air Force ROTC Detachment.When he would announcegood news or scholarships, the colonel favored a red-and-white Santa Claus hat.Fetsch worked hard at the job though, sometimes staying on duty for 12 hours per day.Lightfoot called him an absolute perfectionist, someone who drove himself and the Air Force ROTC cadets to give their best effort in every activity."He was really passionate about taking care of the students," Lightfoot said. "He was just a big cheerleader and fan for them."Fetsch could be competitive at times, according to Lightfoot.In 2011, Auburn held the Gamma Cup, a competition among Air Force ROTC detachments from schools including Clemson, Alabama and Tennessee.When the organizers put together a flag football game for the senior staff members, the colonel played receiver intensely."Colonel Fetsch, for being in his mid-40s, was doing these crazy routes every time," Lightfoot said.Fetsch retired on Oct. 31, 2012, to avoid a transfer to South Korea."It just got to the point where that was too much family sacrifice to do," Fetsch said.He enrolled at Auburn to study accounting in spring 2013.Fetsch said he hoped to become a certified public accountant specializing in tax work.The father of three juggles his other commitments with classwork and trying to maintain his 4.0 GPA.Jefferson Jones, associate professor of accounting and one of Fetch's professors, spoke highly of Fetsch's academic abilities."Always prepared; always gave great effort," Jones said. "I could not have asked for anybody to be more conscientious."Fetsch said accounting appeals to him because he can take it at half speed, a happy prospect after 25 years of military service."Now what I want back is time," Fetsch said. "Time is the most valuable resource."He said he also wants to spend more time doing something good to make a difference, and spend more time with his family.His first step? Buying football tickets for them to come see him march every Saturday.

R-E-S-T-I-T-U-T-I-O-N, find out what in means to me

(09/16/13 3:26pm)

Fans, foliage and freedom have paid the price following Harvey Updyke's poisoning of the Toomer's Oaks in 2010.After more than three years, a sentencing and a serving, the Opelika-Auburn News reports that the state is not done with him quite yet.The state now asks that Updyke pay $1.35 million instead of the $1.042 million sum originally instated.An Alabama Code Statute requires those convicted of animal or crop damage to pay twice the value of the offense.O-A News said District Attorney Robbie Treese amended the total after receiving the new figures compiled by Auburn University.A hearing to discuss the restitution case is schedule for Wednesday, Sept. 18 at Elmore County Courthouse.

Auburn's smoking ban, fresh air or just a drag?

(09/04/13 7:51pm)

Students may be fuming over Auburn University's new policy to ban tobacco products and e-cigarettes from campus. But for many, the policy came as a breath of fresh air.Like many other universities across the country, Auburn made the final push to go entirely smoke-free by eliminating the designated smoking areas on campus and by banning all smoke-able tobacco products. The bans included cigarettes, cigars, tobacco pipes, hookahs and e-cigarettes."The spark of it was the result of a student letter to [President Jay] Gogue where he asked the president, essentially, for Auburn University to go smoke-free and their concern for the health effects on others by second-hand smoke," said Christine Eick, executive manager of risk management and safety for Auburn University."Each governance group, meaning the Student Government Association, faculty senate, the staff council and the administrative professional assembly, were all supportive of going smoke free," Eick said. "So their votes passed in support of doing so."Rather than ban tobacco products outright from the start, the University initiated a multi-stage program to phase out smoking in places deemed harmful to non-smokers, beginning with the creation of designated smoking zones, a government-approved distance of 25 feet from doors and walkways.While never intended to be a permanent solution, it became clear that designated zones could only function some of the time, when it was a convenience to the smoker."I'm not saying you can't smoke, I'm not saying I'm against smoking. I'm just saying that when I walk to class in the morning, I want to be able to not breathe in smoke," said Scottie Brown, senior in journalism. "If it stayed in the designated areas, that would be fine, but I see them smoking right outside the door."There are no penalties if you get caught smoking on campus, nor any fines to pay, as was the rumor at the beginning of the year.The evolution to smoke-free permanence also came with a solution for students: the Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy has a step-by-step program to assist you in quitting nicotine for good, complete with a "Pack It Up" to help motivate and keep students on track.Despite being a solution to the problem many have complained about in the past, some people would rather make the decision for themselves instead of allowing the school to be the deciding factor."People's personal lives are their personal lives, and no one should butt into that. I worked at Disney World for six months, and they have designated smoking zones all over the park, and it's just away from kids, and away from tourists," said Taylor Carr, senior in sociology. "It's not banned at all; there are spots for it in the Magic Kingdom. I think the designated zones were the perfect middle ground between the two different parties here, and I've seen that work fine before where 60,000 people go everyday, so why not a campus of 25,000?"Eick said it's a decision that's been taken out of the hands of Auburn students, but one in which they did much of the groundwork to inform the administration.E-cigarettes, in particular, have proven to be something of a slippery slope as they aren't technically tobacco products and can vary greatly from user to user, but still contain unsafe levels of nicotine that could potentially harmful to non-users in the vicinity."The whole premise of the smoke-free policy was the health benefits of the person who's choosing not to smoke, and there's just not a lot of good research on electronic cigarettes," Eick said. "So we were looking to federal agencies in their standards, we primarily looked to the Food and Drug Administration. They say the e-cigarette is a tobacco product and so it kind of comes under that jurisdiction."Regardless of student's decision to smoke or not to smoke, most can appreciate the push to improve the quality of life for all involved."We have received so much positive feedback from people, I think sometimes the focus is on the negative aspects of change, but we have received many more 'thank yous' than complaints," Eick said. "I'm administering a policy asked for by the community."

Hookah and cigars dominate City Council meeting

(09/04/13 3:13am)

The City Council met Tuesday, Sept. 3 to discuss Havana Dreamin' requesting an alcohol license, and Exhale's request to operate as a cigar and hookah lounge. "They died because a lack of action," said David Dorton, city director of public affairs. "The Havana Dreamin' one is two issues, even though they are both dealing with smoking. Havana Dreamin's issue was that they wanted to add alcohol to a smoking lounge."Havana Dreamin', 2328 S. College St. suite 12, sought approval for an alcoholic beverage license, but the license was denied after being granted approval to operate as a retail tobacco shop in January.Zamil Ali of Exhale, the cigar and hookah lounge, requested approval to operate as a tobacco specialty shop, or operate as a cigar or hookah lounge. Exhale is located at 221 N. College St. in the College Edge Overlay District. At the Aug. 6 meeting, both Havana Dreamin' and Exhale's requests were tabled in order for the Council to research the businesses' compliance of the City's smoking ordinances."The problem the Council saw with that was we've told bars that they can't smoke anymore," Dorton said. "So if you allow a smoking lounge to add alcohol to the smoking lounge, then that might be inconsistent with rules bars have to abide by."Three citizens approached the Council to discuss the potential harms of smoking, while Havana Dreamin' owner, Rick Payne argued for the approval of the alcohol license. "I think the hookah bar goes back to the issue of what do they want the smoking ordinance to allow, and the idea that we are going back and being consistent in how we apply all of these rules," Dorton said. "And really do they want to allow any type of smoking establishment, I think is part of the discussion."In other business:Katie Robinson from the planning department was named employee of the month.The Mayor awarded five service pins and plaques. Stephanie Spraggins with the finance department and Audrea May with the public works department were awarded pins for their five year service to the City. David Carr with the public safety department and Marty Beckwith with the public works department were honored for their 10 years of service. City Manager Charles Duggan announced vacancies in the Auburn City Public Library board, cemeteries advisory board and two vacancies in the industrial development board. The Council approved alcoholic beverage licenses to Halftime Sports Bar and Grill on 154 and 156 N. College St.The Council approved with unanimous consent the establishment of a stop sign in the Shelton Cove Subdivision.Approved closing City streets for the Historic Pine Hill Lantern Tour and the Downtown Trick or Treat in October. Approved Zazu's, 149 E. Magnolia Ave., request for an outdoor cafe permit. Approved fixed costs for cutting overgrown lots at 804 Cahaba Drive and South College Street parcels. Approved non-educational tax abatements for Pyongsan America Inc and toolCare U.S. International. Approved conditional use of an accessory road for Oly's Automotive Detailing located at 465 Opelika Road. The item originally appeared in the August 20 City Council meeting where it was tabled to ensure the correction of zoning violations.Approved Boykin Center tenants leasesApproved the purchase of 60 Motorola two-way radios at a cost of $59,145.Approved purchase of two 60-inch Exmark mowers, three weed eaters, two edgers and one backpack mower at a total cost of $21,968.25Approved drainage and utility easements at lot 2-C of the Samford Glenn Subdivision and two easements for the Northeast Parallel Outfall Sewer Project.Approved nomination of Anna Hovey on the Mental Retardation Board.

Volleyball opens season with straight set victory over SLU

(08/31/13 2:19am)

The Auburn volleyball team cruised to a season opening victory over St. Louis University Friday night during opening round action of the Marcia E. Hamilton Classic.Led by seniors Katherine Culwell and Chelsea Wintzinger, the Tigers swept the Billikens in straight sets (25-21, 25-21, 25-22).Auburn (1-0) dominated the first set of play, and overcame several strong runs by the Billikens (0-1) in the second and third sets.Culwell led the team with 18 kills, while Wintzinger collected 20 assists and 10 digs.Early in the 3rd set, Wintzinger became just the 6th player in Auburn history to reach the 2000 career assist mark.Sophomore Alyssa Ivey, who transferred from Middle Tennessee State University in the offseason, had 16 assists and four digs in her first match as an Auburn Tiger.Redshirt senior Sarah Wroblecky contributed 17 digs and two assists in the season opener.The Tigers will face a tough test Saturday morning when they face off against the #10 ranked Nebraska Cornhuskers on the second day of play from St. Louis.

Veteran Tigers squad strives for return to NCAAs in 2013

(08/28/13 2:55pm)

The Auburn University women's volleyball team sets off its 2013 season Friday, Aug. 30, in St. Louis for the first round of the Marcia E. Hamilton Classic.An experienced team featuring six seniors, the Tigers will be tested early in the season by talented squads such as St. Louis University and the University of Nebraska, a national volleyball powerhouse that made it to the NCAA quarterfinals last season."There's some really good competition for us, obviously we start off with St. Louis," coach Rick Nold said. "They've had a very good program for a number of years and they're well coached. That's kind of where our focus is."Senior middle blocker Camila Jersonsky said though the competition will be difficult, the preseason tournaments are a chance to see how their offseason preparation paid off."We have a good feeling about the season, but until you play someone, you don't really know," Jersonsky said. "We work really hard in the preseason, so it's a time for us to know where we are in comparison to the other teams."Jersonsky, a 2012 All-SEC second team member from Buenos Aires, Argentina, said Nold has pushed them harder in training this offseason."We're practicing with 2-hour practices, twice a day," Jersonsky said. "Compared to my previous seasons, it's been really good."Nold, who improved the Tigers' record by six games in his second season, said the large senior class has been crucial to the Tigers' productive offseason."Compared to the last few years, this has been without a doubt, one of our best preseasons in terms of being on the same page and getting through the stuff we need to get through," Nold said.Nold said he hopes the senior leadership will help to incorporate the younger team members into the program."Chelsea (Wintzinger), in terms of setting, brings leadership and understands what hitters can handle different situations and how to put our team in the best situation to attack a defense," Nold said. "We've got a big group of newcomers, so when you have people that have been through the battles, it helps a lot."Going into her senior year, Wintzinger said the team's goal is to finally return to the NCAA tournament, something the Tigers haven't accomplished since 2010."I went my freshman year as well as the other seniors, but I didn't go my sophomore and junior years," Wintzinger said. "I really want to end strong and make it my senior year."Though volleyball is not the biggest sport on campus, both Wintzinger and Nold said they noticed those who come rarely leave disappointed."People don't really realize how fun and fast-paced volleyball is until you come and experience it for that first time," Wintzinger said. "I think a lot of people would love it because the energy and excitement make it a great sport to watch."A change of venue should also help the Tigers increase attendance this fall."With us moving to the Arena, I think it puts us in a position where we're easier to get to than last year," Nold said. "You put it all together, it's a great environment."

Sweet tea, duck calls and beard masks

(08/25/13 2:33am)

"Duck Dynasty" lovers rejoiced over the appearance of Uncle Si, his sweet tea and Alan Robertson.The event called Characters of Character was held by Youth First in the Auburn arena from 7-9 p.m. Aug. 24.Youth First is a Christian organization that works with churches and young people in middle and high school to spread the Word of God.All proceeds from the $25 tickets benefited Youth First, Campus Life and Orphanage Emmanuel.Along with Uncle Si and Alan Robertson, recording artists Bryan Duncan and Shanna Henderson; comedians Jody Fuller and Clayburn Cox; musician Kevin Flannagan and Michael Franzese, former Mafia Don, author and TV host performed.With faith being a huge part of the Robertson family, Youth First welcomed the characters of A&E's "Duck Dynasty" to Auburn with open arms."They don't disconnect their faith from living real life," said Dan Woglemuth, director of national Youth for Christ. "They blend that beautifully and authentically and that's very much the way we want to live out our families and the mission that we're apart of."Alan Robertson detailed the past of the Robertson family and how he fits in.Alan said he is the black sheep among a black sheep family."Duck Dynasty" now reaches approximately 12 million households and was recently named the most watched non-fiction series on television.The silliness of Uncle Si probably has a lot to do with that.The event was a time for Si to tell his stories including one about running from coyotes and catching his Keds on fire in the process.Many of Si's stories will be published in "Si-cology," planned to release Sept. 3."I smelled the smoke that smelled like burning rubber and I looked down and my Keds tennis shoes were on fire," Si Roberston said, "Everything about that story is true except for one part, but I'll let y'all figure it out."The Robertson family's values are deeply rooted in their faith.Alan has been his church's pastor for approximately 20 years.Si also told a story of when he was 16 years old and was not connected with God, but found his way back.Si said he went to get his DNA tested and told the doctor, "That God's DNA, Jack, and I've got it."Flannagan, the event's coordinator, found his characters through constant phone calls to the Robertson's agent.Out of more than 500 other guest appearance requests, Si and Alan chose to come to Auburn."They really wanted to come to Auburn and we love that," Flannagan said. "We told them that if they came here, they would leave knowing this was a special place and a great place to be. Alan shared with [Youth First's] president that he felt like there was something spiritual that was guiding him down to Auburn."Alan shared his common ground with Auburn fans."One thing we can share from being from Louisiana and y'all being from Auburn is we all hate Alabama," Alan said.

Auburn welcomes all strangers to campus

(08/25/13 1:59am)

Walking past strangers happens every day.Usually, it's accompanied by darting eyes and a quick glance at a phone.It's a daily source of awkward inconvenience.Liz Ball, junior in psychology, sees these encounters as opportunities instead of annoyances."Every stranger has a story, but I don't have the time to talk to all of them," Ball said.It is this desire to discover the stories and common experiences of people that led Ball to organize and plan International Story Day."International Story Day is about making strangers less strange," Ball said. "I think it will show how people work and how people are connected."Ball said she was inspired to create International Story Day by multiple websites that place an emphasis on the shared human experience through storytelling."I don't really remember how I found out about it," Ball said, but said the idea of collecting true stories resonated with her.The event is an offshoot of The Stranger Project, a New York based blog with a focus on collecting true stories.International Story Day has the goal of promoting a sense of international community, but the event itself will be simple.Ball and several volunteers will set up in the Student Center and be equipped with plenty of pens, paper and clipboards for anything that would like to write down an anonymous, true story.The stories will then be uploaded to a Tumblr created specifically for the event.Although she acknowledged there is some risk in providing a venue for people to anonymously share their thoughts, Ball thinks people will generally stay true to the spirit of the event."If it can be done in Central Park, then I don't think we'll have a problem," Ball said.Ball also said anything blatantly vulgar or obviously fake would simply not be posted."I wanted to be able to let everyone that wanted to contribute stories be able to do it," Ball said. "I'm trying to be over prepared."Even with thorough preparation, Ball said International Story Day likely would not have happened without sponsorship from the Women's Leadership Institute and the Auburn Student Writing Council."I sent at least 50 e-mails to organizations just hoping one would reply," Ball said.Barbara Baker, executive director of the Women's Leadership Institute, said the theme of common human connection made the event something the Women's Leadership Institute was glad to sponsor."This office connects Auburn to the nation," Baker said. "We consider ourselves a grand network."Baker also said her familiarity with Ball helped persuade the Women's Leadership Institute to sponsor the event as well."I was confident she wouldn't engage in anything that wasn't very well thought through," Baker said.The sponsorship also allows the event to be an official part of Auburn's Welcome Week. Ball hopes this will allow her to collect even more stories.Ball said if Saturday's 10 a.m.-8 p.m. event goes well, story collection could be a repeat event."I plan on randomly setting up on the concourse throughout the year," Ball said. "Overall, I think the gain will be hugely positive."

Barbee announces golf tournament to raise scholarship funds for children of Korvotney Barber

(07/31/13 5:11pm)

When head basketball coach Tony Barbee's third annual M.A.D.E. Golf Tournament tees off this September at Moore's Mill Country Club in Auburn, participants will know that their proceeds will help the family of a former Auburn star.On Monday, July 29, Barbee announced the tournament, scheduled for Sept. 27, will start a scholarship fund for the children of Korvotney Barber, the former Auburn center who drowned off the coast of Panama City Beach, Fla., on July 20."Happy 2 say proceeds from my CharityGolf Event will benefit an educational fund set up 4 the children of Korvotney Barber," Barbee posted to his Twitter account, @CoachTonyBarbee.The former McDonald's All-American played for the Tigers from 2005-2009. Barber, who had been playing basketball professionally in Europe since his departure from The Plains, is survived by his fiancee and two children, a girl and a boy.Although Barbee was not a member of the Auburn coaching staff when "Vot" was playing for the Tigers, he sat down with the current basketball head coach days before his death."The Auburn basketball program is deeply saddened to lose one its great players in Korvotney 'Vot' Barber," Barbee said on July 21. "I was fortunate enough to meet Vot just last week when he stopped by my office to introduce himself to me. What an impressive guy. Our prayers are with his family and loved ones."According to AL.com's Joel Erickson, Barber's family will attend the tournament's awards dinner on the night of Sept. 27.For $250, a golfer can play in a four-man scramble with a former Auburn basketball player or coach. To sign up for the tournament or learn more information about donating to the scholarship fund, call 334-844-9777.

'Duck Dynasty' stars heading from the swamp to The Plains

(06/01/13 1:00pm)

Silas "Uncle Si" Robertson, a star of A&E's hit reality series "Duck Dynasty," will be one of several celebrities at an upcoming fundraising event at the Auburn Arena. Si will be joined by his oldest nephew, Alan, at the first "Characters of Character" event taking place August 24 at the Auburn Arena 7-9 p.m. The Robertsons are two of several celebrities invited to take part in the event, which will benefit local outreach organizations such as Youth First and Orphanage Emmanuel in Honduras.Youth First director Kevin Flannagan said the organization recently received confirmation from the Robertsons after several months of negotiation."When they were looking at our offer for this event, they were looking at 100 other offers as well," Flannagan said. "We had to show that we were serious about wanting them to be a part of this."Youth First could not confirm any additional celebrities for the event at this time, but the staff was recruiting former professional athletes, Nashville recording artists and comedians to join the Robertsons.Flannagan and his staff wanted the Robertsons to headline the event because they felt the Robertsons embodied the event's title."These guys are men of character, and they're also real characters--they're fun folks, and people really enjoy watching their show," Flannagan said. "Their style may be a little off-kilter, but they work hard and love their families. They bring the character qualities we want to communicate to those in attendance.""Duck Dynasty" follows the lives of the Robertson family, which runs multimillion-dollar duck call company Duck Commander in West Monroe, La.While Alan will become a full cast member of the show in the upcoming season, Si has already established himself as a "cult celebrity" since the series premiere in March 2012. A Vietnam War veteran, Si is known for his ever-present blue cup and wild storytelling.The show's third season finale, aired April 24, was the highest-rated telecast in A&E history with 9.6 million viewers. The Robertsons' name value alone resulted in more than 1,000 tickets sold in the first week of sales. The event was not official until the Robertsons' confirmation. Although there has not been much promotion yet, the response from the community has been remarkable for Youth First's staff.While the event will be held on Auburn's campus, Flannagan stressed the event will be for all ages.“It’s the kind of thing the whole family can come to,” Flannagan said. General tickets for the event are $25, and passes for a special backstage meet and greet with the celebrities are $250. Both types can be purchased at youth-first.org or by contacting the Youth First office at (334) 501-5637.

Her view: Despite negative stigma, bad news brings people together

(05/30/13 5:44pm)

Without a doubt, the news and media affect people.

Gnu's Room turn the page

(05/21/13 11:32pm)

Local used bookstore and long-time trailblazer in the Auburn-Opelika arts scene, the Gnu's Room, has been a favorite destination to drink a cup of coffee, engage in discussion and read a good book. After starting as a copier shop for students more than 20 years ago, owner Tina Tatum decided to go in a different direction when she purchased the shop in September 2007.

(05/10/13 1:57am)

J&M Bookstore on South College Street is looking to adapt to the changing environment in today's textbook industry with a name change and a new sales focus.

Enjoying the great outdoors at AU's Davis Arboretum

(04/27/13 7:07pm)

There's a reason why Auburn is called the loveliest village on the Plains: its natural beauty.