The Auburn Plainsman 1.26.17

Special Housing section inside

The Auburn Plainsman A SPIRIT THAT IS NOT AFRAID

Thursday, January 26, 2017 Vol. 124, Issue 18, 12 Pages

First copy is free. Additional copies 50 cents per issue.

STUDENT STORIES

CAMPUS

0ne flu over AU Medical Clinic sees flu spike Claire Tully CAMPUS EDITOR

Smith is from Mobile, a scenic city near Alabama’s coast. Like many other Alabamians, her childhood was spent on the beach.

“In Mobile, our four seasons are summer, more summer, blazing hot summer, then fall,” Smith said.

She feels at-ease in a bathing suit and sunglasses, with salt in her hair and sand between her toes.

To her, the sun was comfortable. It was home.

Of course, Smith knew about skin cancer. She was always told it was easily treatable, something only people much older than her needed to worry about.

“I used to say, ‘If I die, at least I’ll die tan,’” Smith said.

In October of last year, Smith noticed a mole on the back of her

Auburn's campus has seen a rapid increase in confirmed influenza cases, as seen by the growing attendance each day at the University's Medical Clinic.

According to the University Medical Clinic's nursing station, they've been tending to students with appointments each day, as well as walk-ins.

"We can get you in the day that you’re here,” said the nurse, who did not wish to be named. “We try not to turn anyone away, and the flu is definitely going around."

The nurse said new cases of the flu have been confirmed each day over the past week, though she's unsure of the exact amount of confirmed influenza cases.

"I’m not sure how many cases we have had. It started last week, and I know that every single day we’ve had positive cases."

Though there is an influx in people coming down with the flu over this past week, the nurse said they've gotten to each patient in varying times depending on the time of day and other special circumstances.

"It all depends on when you come in and what’s going on. We don’t know if somebody’s going to have an emergency or not.

Usually we have people in and out of here within an hour."

Despite the increase in confirmed cases on campus, the Foy Desk in the University Student Center said the City of Auburn itself has not reported any overwhelming amount of influenza cases.

"Auburn Ala., according to the ADPH (The Alabama Department of Health), Lee County is an area with no significant flu reported. That means that there’s no reports of

» See SKIN, 2

» See FLU, 2

Skin deep

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY CARSON SMITH

Carson Smith was diagnosed with melanoma during her sophomore year.

A student’s battle with melanoma motivates her to educate others Corey Williams EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Sometimes, when she drives past a tanning salon, Carson Smith is tempted to stop.

She doesn’t, though. She keeps moving forward and doesn’t look back.

Studies show UV light can be addictive to people who tan often.

The light increases the release of opioid-like endorphins, chemicals that relieve pain and produce feelings of wellbeing, according to a 2006 study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Smith, junior in history, readily admits she was a frequent tanner — she said she used the beds nearly every day for three years.

On days she didn’t go to the salon, Smith was in the sun.

SPORTS

A ‘Chip’ off the Auburn Football block

Former offensive analyst Chip Lindsey selected as new offensive coordinator Jack Winchester SPORTS EDITOR

Will Sahlie

ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

On Saturday Jan. 21, Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn found his man to call the offense. Malzahn introduced new offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey, making one thing clear: his days of running the offense and calling plays are over.

“Chip is going to call the plays,” Malzahn said.

“This is going to be Chip’s offense. This is going to be his responsibility. I have a lot of trust in him, like I said. He’s going to do a

Page 4

Finding your fitness

great job.

“I think I told him – my old offensive clipboard, I’m retiring it. That’s probably the best way to answer that.”

Lindsey was hired from Arizona State after one season in Tempe. His Sun Devil offense averaged 33.3 points per game and 390.8 yards per game last season. Prior to his time at Arizona State, Lindsey spent two seasons at Southern Miss shattering multiple school records.

“My family and I are very excited to return to Auburn and our home

state,” Lindsey said in a statement. “Both are very special places to us. I looking forward to reuniting with Coach Malzahn and his staff. They are great coaches and great people.

I’m looking forward to being part of something special and helping Auburn win championships.”

In 2015, the Golden Eagles racked up 6,800 yards of total offense, including more than 4,200 passing yards and just under 2,500 rushing yards. That season, Southern Miss was the only school in the nation with a 4,000-yard passer,

Page 7

Politicians disagree on grocery tax

a 1,000-yard receiver and two 1,000-yard rushers.

Lindsey described how important it was to him that Malzahn would relinquish his calling duties.

“That’s something that he and I talked about at length,” Lindsey said. “I’m very confident that this is going to be a great situation. He’s given me every opportunity to be successful and this is my responsibility. He hired me to do a job and I’m looking forward to doing it.”

Prior to becoming the

» See

LINDSEY,

Page 8

Women’s tennis now 3-0

10

VIA AUBURN ATHLETICS

Chip Lindsey (left) will be the offensive coordinator for the 2017 football season.

Page 11

Eighth and Rail makes music a priority

INDEX Campus

3

Opinion

5

Community

6

Sports

8

Lifestyle

11

News 2

Thursday, January 26, 2017

The Auburn Plainsman

CAMPUS

Retired general and former football player tapped as newest trustees Corey Williams EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The University has selected a retired general and a former football player as the newest members of its Board of Trustees, the University announced via a press release last week.

Retired U.S. Army Gen. Lloyd Austin and former Auburn football player Quentin Riggins were appointed to the two at-large seats, which were created after Alabama voters passed a state constitutional amendment in November.

Austin retired after 41 years in the Army with

his last posting as four-star general over U.S. Central Command, which oversees operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, in April, according to the Department of Defense.

He was the first African American to head the organization.

Austin earned a Master of Arts degree in counselor education from the College of Education in 1986.

Riggins was an Auburn linebacker from 198689.

He helped the Tigers win three consecutive

SEC championships and earned second-team AllAmerican and first-team All-SEC honors in 1988 and 1989. He was named to the SEC Football Legends Class of 2009.

Raymond Harbert was also reappointed to another term as an at-large member of the Board.

Harbert pledged $40 million to the College of Business in 2013. The Board of Trustees renamed it the Raymond J. Harbert College of Business.

Harbert is a 1982 graduate.

Their appointments are subject to confirmation by the Alabama Senate.

Former Alabama House Speaker Seth Hammett represented Gov. Robert Bentley on the Selection Committee.

“Each one of the nominees is well-qualified,” Hammett said. “Gov. Bentley appreciates their willingness to serve and their dedication to one of the nation’s premiere universities.”

In addition to Hammett, the selection committee was composed of Auburn Trustees Charles McCrary and Elizabeth Huntley and two members of the Auburn Alumni Association’s board of directors, Beau Byrd and Jack Fite.”

CONTRIBUTED BY CARSON SMITH

SKIN

The study, published by Kemig Yang in the Journal of Dermatological Science, showed that women know they are placing themselves at risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging, but most continue to tan indoors anyway.

While 99.4 percent of the women surveyed agreed that tanning can cause skin problems such as skin cancer and premature aging, 69.1 percent said they still like to tan.

Almost 84 percent of the women said they believe a tan makes them “more attractive.”

Melanoma accounts for less than one percent of skin cancer cases, but the vast majority of skin cancer deaths, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, and individuals who have used tanning beds 10 or more times in their lives have a 34 percent increased risk of developing melanoma compared to those who have never used tanning beds.

A 2006 study by the International Agency for Research on Cancer Working Group showed that people who first use a tanning bed before age 35 increase their risk for melanoma by a staggering 75 percent.

UV tanning devices were reclassified by the FDA from Class I (low risk), to Class II (moderate risk) devices in 2014, but the tanning industry is still a contentious issue in the U.S. – especially now that President Trump is promising to repeal the Affordable Care Act. A full repeal would eliminate the 10 percent tax that was part of former President Obama’s original health care reform bill.

“Millions of people [tan] every day and the vast, vast majority do not get melanoma,” said John Overstreet, executive director of the Indoor Tanning Association, which represents companies covering all aspects of the tanning

business, including salons, lotion makers and bed manufacturers.

“Anytime a young person gets any type of sickness, it’s very sad,” Overstreet said to The Plainsman. “I certainly understand why this young woman [Smith] is angry and upset. But melanoma is a very complicated disease and there are lots and lots of risk factors. Sun burning is one of those factors. There is no research that shows a relationship between non-burning exposure and melanoma. The biggest risk factor is heredity.”

Overstreet believes there are benefits to indoor tanning, including vitamin D production.

“There are volumes of research on the role vitamin D plays in overall good health,” Overstreet said. “Just Google vitamin D and health, and see for yourself.”

A little more than one year after Smith’s original diagnosis, her doctor called. The cancer was back.

She endured another surgery a few days before Christmas.

Smith has gone under the knife 20 times since the first irregular mole appeared on the back of her leg, and she anticipates future surgeries – recurrences are common in melanoma survivors.

She visits her oncologist — ironically named Dr. Tan — regularly to catch new moles as soon as they appear.

“This is something I’ll deal with for the rest of my life,” Smith said.

Smith said she’s disheartened that, even after witnessing her battles with skin cancer, many of her friends still tan indoors and in the sun.

She won’t stop fighting, though, and is determined to use her experience to teach others.

“We shouldn't be afraid of the sun, but we have to learn the proper precautions to protect ourselves,” Smith said. “If I would have taken precautions or been educated I might not be in this situation I am now.”

but not limited to the flu, he encourages students to take extra measures to ensure they stay healthy.

"Wash hands regularly and carry hand sanitizer, avoid eating and drinking after people," Smith said. "If you lend your pen or other belonging to someone, clean it with hand sanitizer before using yourself."

Smith offered other health-preservation tips and said taking immune boosting vitamins, such as Airborne, can help fight against the flu as well.

"Avoid touching your face, mouth and eyes," Smith said. "And cover mouth and nose when you sneeze please."

Smith said the Center for Disease Control

and Prevention suggests you make flu vaccinations a yearly habit.

"According to CDC.gov, 'the single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu,'" Smith said.

» From 1

leg. It was growing darker, but she didn’t worry too much — she has Irish blood and is no stranger to freckles. Cancer just wasn’t on her radar at 19 years old.

One day, during her sophomore year at Auburn, Smith noticed a “get checked for skin cancer today” sign at her doctor’s office.

On a whim, she asked her doctor to take a look at the unusual mole.

The doctor’s face told Smith everything she needed to know.

“The light drained from her eyes as soon as she saw it,” Smith said. “In that moment, I could tell she just knew.”

Still, Smith couldn’t believe it was cancer.

She went to the tanning bed the next Monday.

On Tuesday, she got the call. Melanoma.

By Wednesday, she was on the way to Mobile’s Mitchell Cancer Center to prepare for emergency surgery.

Doctors use several factors to determine the severity of a melanoma. One of those factors is depth.

Smith’s cancer was 4 millimeters beneath her skin. A few more millimeters, and the melanoma would’ve become deadly.

“If I had waited another 6 months, it could’ve very well spread to all of my organs,” Smith said.

During the procedure, the surgeon found another melanoma on her stomach.

She woke up with two new scars – two reminders etched into her skin forever.

Smith spent the year after her diagnosis telling her skin cancer story to one of the most atrisk groups: white teenage girls and collegeaged women.

A recent study surveyed more than 600 women who were enrolled at an American university.

FLU

» From 1 positive influenza specimens from the previous three weeks."

Eric Smith, health promotion and wellness services director, said given the increase in students falling ill with illnesses including

Smith has gone under the knife 20 times since her original diagnosis.

CAMPUS CRIME LOG Date Reported

Editorial Staff

Type of Incident

General Location

01/23/2017

Discharging Fireworks

900 Block of W Magnolia Av

01/23/2017

Leaving Scene of Accident

200 Block of Wire Road

01/23/2017

Failing to Appear - Traffic

S College St @ Shug Jordan Pkwy

01/22/2017

Rendering False Alarm

200 Block of Heisman Dr

01/22/2017

Criminal Mischief Third Degree

100 Block of Hemlock Drive

01/21/2017

Leaving Scene of Accident

300 Block of S Donahue Dr

01/21/2017

Forgery-Counterfeiting

200 Block of Beard Eaves Ct

01/21/2017

Driving Under the Influence (Alcohol)

Shug Jordan Parkway @ S College St

01/21/2017

Duty to Give Information and Render Aid

Shug Jordan Parkway @ S College St

01/20/2017

Possession of Marijuana Second Degree

400 Block of Heisman Dr

01/20/2017

Reckless Driving

400 Block of Heisman Dr

01/20/2017

Theft of Property Third Degree

300 Block of War Eagle Way

01/20/2017

Theft of Property Fourth Degree

300 Block of Roosevelt Conc

01/20/2017

Public Intoxication

1500 Block of Wire Road

01/19/2017

Possession of Forged InstrumentThird Degree

W Samford Av @ Mell St

01/19/2017

Minor in Possession of Alcohol

100 Block of E Thach Av

01/19/2017

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

300 Block of S Donahue Dr

01/19/2017

Minor in Possession of Alcohol

200 Block of Roosevelt Conc

01/19/2017

Public Intoxication

100 Block of N College St

01/19/2017

Minor in Possession of Alcohol

200 Block of Wire Rd

01/19/2017

Minor in Possession of Alcohol

200 Block of Wire Rd

01/19/2017

Theft of Property Third Degree

500 Block of W Thach Av

01/18/2017

Minor in Possession of Alcohol

300 Block of Quad Dr

Corey Williams EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Claire Tully CAMPUS

Madison Ogletree PHOTO

Kris Martins ENTERPRISE

Parker Aultman MULTIMEDIA

Dakota Sumpter MANAGING EDITOR

Chip Brownlee COMMUNITY

Weston Sims OPINION

Jack Winchester

Jessica Ballard COPY

Anne Dawson SOCIAL MEDIA

Lily Jackson LIFESTYLE

SPORTS

Submissions

Policy

The Auburn Plainsman welcomes letters from students, as well as faculty, administrators, alumni and those not affiliated with the University.

The opinions of The Auburn Plainsman staff are restricted to these pages.

This editorial is the majority opinion of the Editorial Board and is the official opinion of the newspaper.

The opinions expressed in columns and letters represent the views and opinions of their individual authors.

Letters must be submitted before 4:30 p.m. on Monday for publication.

The Auburn Plainsman 255 Heisman Drive, Suite 1111, AU Student Center Auburn, AL 36849 Newsroom - (334) 844-9108 Advertising - (334) 844-9101

Editor-in-Chief - Corey Williams

Managing Editor - Dakota Sumpter

NEWSROOM

ADVERTISING

CAMPUS

OPINION

Editor - Claire Tully Reporter - Romy Iannuzzi Writer - Loren Kimmel Writer - Amanda Ronan Writer - Kressie Kornis

Editor - Weston Sims

01/18/2017

Minor in Possession of Alcohol

300 Block of Quad Dr

01/18/2017

Possession of Forged Instrument Fourth Degree

S Donahue Dr @ W Magnolia Av

01/18/2017

Drug Paraphernalia

300 Block of Quad Dr

01/18/2017

Theft of Property Fourth Degree

700 Block of W Magnolia Av

01/18/2017

Theft of Property Fourth Degree

200 Block of S Colege St

01/17/2017

Theft of Article from Auto

1200 Block of S College St

01/17/2017

Theft - Miscellaneous

600 Block of Biggio Dr

01/16/2017

Criminal Trespass

200 Block of Thach Conc

01/16/2017

Criminal Trespass

200 Block of Thach Conc

01/16/2017

Brush Fire

800 Block of Lem Morrison Dr

01/16/2017

Criminal Trespass Third Degree

100 Block of Hemlock Dr

SPORTS

01/16/2017

Criminal Mischief Third Degree

100 Block of Hemlock Dr

01/16/2017

Leaving Scene of Accident

400 Block of Heisman Dr

Editor - Anne Dawson Assistant Editor - Carley Prichard Assistant - Su Jin Park

01/16/2017

Disorderly Conduct/Disturbing Peace

100 Block of W Magnolia Av

Editor - Jack Winchester Assistant - Will Sahlie Reporter - Nathan King Reporter - Nathan Deal Writer - Matt Barrentine

01/16/2017

Criminal Mischief

Roosevelt Conc @ Mell St

MULTIMEDIA

01/16/2017

Public Intoxication

Roosevelt Conc @ Mell St

LIFESTYLE

Editor - Parker Aultman

01/16/2017

PossessionofaForgedInstrumentFourthDegree

Roosevelt Conc @ Mell St

01/16/2017

Public Intoxication

Roosevelt Conc @ Mell St

Editor - Lily Jackson Writer - Lily Hendrix Writer - Alex Wilkerson Writer - Brooks Glover

01/16/2017

PossessionofaForgedInstrumentFourthDegree

Roosevelt Conc @ Mell St

COPY DESK Editor - Jessica Ballard

COMMUNITY Editor - Chip Brownlee Reporter - Sam Willoughby Writer - Tori Linehan Writer - Alex Hosey Writer - Gabby Dance

ENTERPRISE

PHOTO AND GRAPHICS Photo Editor - Madison Ogletree Staff Photographer - Matthew Bishop Photographer - Catherine Wofford Graphic Designer - Sterling Waits Design Editor - Emily Shoffit

Editor - Kris Martins

ONLINE

ADVERTISING AND MARKETING ADVISER Elizabeth Snider advertising@auburn.edu

ADVERTISING MANAGER Lacey Gosset admanager@ThePlainsman.com

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Lauren Bagby Katy Knight Kacey Alexander

DESIGNERS Grant Peterson Montana Cole

DISTRIBUTION

EDITORIAL ADVISER Alec Harvey adviser@ThePlainsman.com

Dakota Sumpter Zach Clark Wes Sandlin Lily Jackson

Campus

Thursday, January 26, 2017

3 ThePlainsman.com

Campus

ORGANIZATION

CHAARG helps Auburn women ‘find their fit’ Chris Heaney CAMPUS WRITER

CHAARG has helped Auburn women “find their fit” by providing them with a network of other women looking to get in shape and make new friends.

The Auburn branch of CHAARG was founded last spring semester by Kat Anderson, senior in information systems management.

CHAARG stands for “Changing Health, Attitudes and Actions to Recreate Girls,” which they accomplish through small groups, studio spotlights and daily workouts led by executives.

Elisabeth Tavierne, CHAARG founder, said she hopes each member of the organization finds their own passion for health and fitness.

“My goal is to bring CHAARG to every university in the United States — if not the world,” Tavierne said. “Ultimately though, my mission is to empower every CHAARG girl to be the best version of herself. While CHAARG focuses a lot on fitness, living a healthy life is so much more than the physical aspect.”

Rachele Deluca, senior in communications and CHAARG’s Auburn branch ambassador this semester, said working out with other people can push people outside their comfort zones.

“Working out with other people can seem weird sometimes, but it allows us to encourage other girls to do things they normally wouldn’t be doing,” Deluca said. “It helps push them further.”

A week for CHAARG members starts with a studio spotlight on Monday nights at 8 p.m., which is covered by a membership charge of $45 to grant access to all studio spotlights and small group sessions.

“We go to different workout studios around Auburn like Orangetheory Fitness and The Yoga Room,” Deluca said. “These are all there to help girls see what they like to do and Find their Fit.” During the rest of the week, CHAARG members meet nightly to have executive led workouts they call small groups.

“The small groups are the heart of what CHAARG does,” Deluca said. “It allows you

MADISON OGLETREE / PHOTO EDITOR

CHAARG members promote their organization on the concourse.

to connect with other girls on a more personal level.”

“Small groups are led by the different executives throughout the week, so no matter what schedule you have you can find something to do,” Deluca said. “Almost every day we have something going on.”

Other than working out, Deluca said CHAARG is an organization just as much about support as it is fitness.

“We sometimes get lunch or go for ice cream, just little things that allow us to catch up with other girls in the group,” Deluca said.

“It’s supposed to be about working out, but a big part of it is helping girls through college in other ways too.”

When Deluca joined CHAARG in its first semester here at Auburn, she had no idea what kind of impact it would have on her life.

“I went into it thinking that I would just meet girls to exercise with, but I have met some of my closest friends,” Deluca said.

Deluca said she joined CHAARG last spring when Kat Anderson, the founding member of the Auburn branch, was ambassador.

“She pushed me to the limit,” Deluca said. “I was so tired afterwards, and that’s when I knew CHAARG was going to be for me.”

Deluca said, upon becoming ambassador this semester, she realized the impact the organization has on campus.

“Since most of the girls in the group are

freshmen, it’s been interesting to see how they develop in college,” Deluca said. “I didn’t have CHAARG my freshman year, so it was tough figuring out how to work out and stay healthy in my own way.”

The organization has become a source of relaxation for Deluca where she said she can sort things out with other women’s support.

“This is a way for girls to find an outlet,” Deluca said. “For me it’s a huge stress relief, so I feel like it’s become a community where girls can trust others and work through problems.”

Right now the Auburn branch of CHAARG has around 30 members, but Deluca said she estimates to have close to 100 by the end of the semester.

We know finding and applying for scholarships can be hard work. With the Auburn University Scholarship Opportunity Manager (AUSOM), it has never been easier.

Through AUSOM, students view available scholarships for which they may be eligible, complete the application for consideration, accept scholarships awarded, and more.

Students must complete the scholarship application through AUSOM at auaccess.auburn.edu by 4:45 p.m. CST on the following dates: › March 1 for current Auburn students to receive General and Departmental Scholarship consideration › June 1 for Nursing or Veterinary Medicine students accepted into the professional program and Pharmacy students enrolled in the professional program by June 1 to receive Departmental Scholarship consideration Students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)*, available October 1 online at fafsa.ed.gov for financial aid. The FAFSA must be received by March 1 for consideration of financial aid, including need-based scholarships.

For more information on AUSOM and available scholarships, visit auburn.edu/scholarship. * The FAFSA is the only form a student is required to complete to be considered for student assistance from any of the Title IV HEA programs, except for information needed to ensure the student’s eligibility for such assistance (e.g., information needed to complete verification or to demonstrate compliance with the student eligibility provisions of the HEA and the regulations). Additional information, if requested, will be listed on the student’s AU Access My Finances page after we receive the results of the FAFSA. For additional information, visit auburn.edu/finaid.

THIS IS AUBURN. ausom@auburn.edu /AUScholarships /AUScholarships

Campus 4

The Auburn Plainsman

SENATE

ORGANIZATION

Thursday, January 26, 2017

SGA talks syllabus bank, activity fees Romy Iannuzzi CAMPUS REPORTER

Monday’s SGA meeting included executive updates on registration initiatives and future orders including a referendum to raise Student Activity Fees incrementally over the course of several years.

SGA President Jesse Westerhouse said the Office of the Provost had taken action to reduce the number of “TBA” slots appearing under courses during summer registration.

“As of a couple weeks ago, [the Office of the Provost] passed an academic code that requires professors to send in TBAs that they have, and department heads to send in any TBA’s that exist and a reason for why they exist to go with it,” Westerhouse said. “Hopefully, over next semester, we’ll see a really sharp decrease in the number of TBAs.” Westerhouse said this decrease will affect the development of the syllabus bank.

“That’s also gonna coincide with the syllabus bank,” Westerhouse said. “If you don’t know who your professor is, you can look them up in the syllabus bank.”

Liberal Arts Senator and Code of Laws Committee Chair Cody Bass successfully passed an amendment to election law regarding Elections Board hearings, adjusting the requirement for accused parties or their representatives to be present at hearings.

The change passed Monday would allow Elections Board hearings to continue even if the accused party did not show up. The update would ensure that accused parties can’t “boycott” their hearing and stall the process.

Reagan Drake, senator at-large, objected to the amendment.

“My concern is that requiring the accusing party to show up at election violations … kind of seems like an intimidation factor, as if we’re keeping people from turning in violations because they have to face the people who they’re turning in violations about. It’s almost like punishing people for looking for violations.” Drake said. “I just don’t see the merit in someone who is turning in a violation having to defend it.”

The update passed Monday would not affect the accusing party though, Bass pointed out. It only affects the accused party, and leaves the language affecting the accusing party as-is.

“

It’s almost like punishing people for looking for violations. I just don’t see the merit in someone who is turning in a violation having to defend it.”

—Reagan Drake SENATOR AT- LARGE

The bill passed in a unanimous vote after Bass and other senators clarified the intent of the bill.

College of Business Senator and Budget and Finance Chair Dixon Simmons presented a referendum suggesting student activity fees be increased from $45 to $54 in the 20172018 academic year, as well as $3 a semester incrementally each year until the 2022-2023 academic year.

Simmons said SGA will not vote on the increase, but it will appear as a referendum on the 2017 SGA election ballots. The bill would bring a referendum before the student body during SGA elections in February.

Drake later proposed a resolution offering support for the University on improving campus environmental sustainability. The resolution supports improving indoor air quality and day lighting. It also suggests “water use reduction, green power and carbon off-setting/ on-setting and recyclable materials collection receive particular priority in design and construction.”

Drake said these conditions would render construction products “LEED-certified” (LEED standing for Leadership Energy and Environment Drive).

“Auburn has a climate action plan that has a goal of being carbon-neutral by [2050],” Drake said. “A 2016 study from Harvard on cognitive ability showed that across nine functional domains students performed better in environmentally responsibly designed buildings.”

According to the Harvard study, students learn better in environmentally friendly buildings.

ACADEMICS

McCrary Institute focuses on security Loren Kimmel CAMPUS WRITER

Claire Tully CAMPUS EDITOR

The McCrary Institute’s focus is on optimizing the protection and security of essential resources necessary for day-to-day survival.

Anthony Skelljum, cybersecurity and information assurance professor and Auburn Cyber Research Center director, said the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering is doing this because it is “a pillar and core area” of the college and to “take on the mission of critical infrastructure and security.”

“The Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering is taking on the mission,” Skelljum said. “No one is giving us this. We are taking on that challenge.”

Skelljum said he came in to build the engineering technical side of the venture.

“McCrary Institute is a gift from Alabama Power Foundation for cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection and natural resource protection,” Skelljum said.

Skelljum said the goal in mind is to “keep our society going electrical and computer systems.”

Skelljum said he hopes to have “successful students that go on to be successful in those areas” as a direct result of their work done with the McCrary Institute. “[The goal is to] establish a national program that graduates excellent scientists and engineers,” Skelljum said. “Make improvements to security safety of critical systems in the U.S.” “[The McCrary Institute] goes beyond engineering,” Skellhum said. “There is strong participation from the College of Forestry and Wildlife as well as social sciences to go beyond these borders.”

The program is active from freshmen to PhD students, Skelljum said.

“Half a dozen students working on cyber research projects in the area and alongside other professors,” Skelljum said. “The department is really active and growing.”

Skelljum said he’s already had to add sections for next year due to the growth.

“Cyber security...is a neat area where you use your brain power and keep learning,” Skelljum said. “Graduates find really good jobs that are rewarding all over the private and public sector.”

Lt. Gen. Ronald Lee Burgess spoke during the University’s Speaker Series about cybersecurity and its relation to national security.

“I would like for the McCrary Institute to become the preeminent center in the nation that focuses on safeguarding the nation’s power grid while optimizing power distribution,” Burgess said. “We want to leverage Auburn University’s expertise in cyber technology, information assurance, network security, wireless technology,

STERLING WAITS / GRAPHICS EDITOR

SDA speaker on treatment Kressie Kornis CAMPUS WRITER

Martha Lee Anne Baugh, MS, RD, LD of A Center for Eating Disorders in Birmingham, spoke during the Student Dietetic Association’s monthly meeting. Baugh is a former Auburn student and a registered dietitian nutritionist.

SDA helps students interested in a career related to dietetics meet professionals already in that field of study through speaking events and volunteering programs.

SDA Vice President MC Ellard, senior in nutrition, said SDA serves as a community for students in nutrition and dietetics to grow professionally and to learn more about the field.

Ellard said the speaker shared what her job entails on a day-to-day basis.

“The sole purpose of her job is she really wants her clients to find health again,” Ellard said.

Ellard said Baugh shared how she helps clients develop a healthy relationship with food and the body and how to practice selfcompassion for the mind and the body.

“She taught how to guide clients toward self-love and physical activity in a way that promotes self-esteem, strength and joy instead of guilt and shame,” Ellard said.

The National Institute of Mental Health estimates 25 percent of college students have eating disorders. Although it’s more

common among college women, the association says 10 percent to 15 percent of people affected by anorexia and bulimia are male students.

“It doesn’t take long for clients to restore their weight, but she works really hard for the clients to reach full recovery so they don’t have to come back for treatment,” Ellard said.

“Their mind is guilty, and they have negative thoughts and worries about their features and their body.”

Baugh said she doesn’t care about the number on the scale, but rather the person becoming healthy again so they can move on and pursue the things they love.

A study done by the National Eating Disorders Association showed eating disorders among females increased from 23 percent to 32 percent and from 7.9 percent to 25 percent among males since 1995.

NEDA’s study of college students also found only 6 percent of students with disordered eating were queried about it by a health provider.

The study also said screenings for eating disorders on campus are “seriously lacking.”

The University’s Student Counseling Services offers ten free individual counseling sessions for students per academic year, including eating concerns and body image issues.

SECURITY

​Campus Safety & Security promotes stalking awareness Claire Tully CAMPUS EDITOR

VIA GOOGLE

Lt. Gen. Ronald Lee Burgess

as well as mechanical, electrical and civil systems to develop next generation infrastructure protection strategies.”

Burgess said the University could help optimize security.

“Bringing Auburn University’s capabilities, along with industry and other academic partners, will go a long way in addressing national needs for optimized power distribution and a secure power grid thus serving our national interests,” Burgess said.

Burgess said he was asked to serve as the chairman of the Charles D. McCrary Institute Advisory Council by the University Board of Trustees, the Deans of the Colleges of Engineering and the College of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences.

“I think my background in the cyber domain played an integral role in the advancement of the idea for the Institute,” Burgess said.

Janaki Alavalapati, dean of the College of Forestry and Wildlife, said the institute will be supporting the college.

“The McCrary Institute’s support of the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences serves to advance its state-of-the-art peer-reviewed research and outreach relating to wildlife and forestry conservation and management,” Alavalapati said.

Alavalapati said it’s crucial for coming generations to understand the importance of sustainability.

“Given the economic importance of forests, wildlife and other natural resources in Alabama and elsewhere, it is critical that we gain a deeper understanding of the sustainable use of our resources to advance the wellbeing of current and future generations,” Alavalapati said.

As January is National Stalking Awareness Month, the University Department of Campus Safety and Security has developed a list of tools they believe students should be equipped with in the event they find themselves in a stalking situation where they’ve become uncomfortable or fearful.

The department had also provided a brief history of reported stalking cases on campus in the last few years.

Read the full statement from Susan McCallister, Campus Safety & Security assosicate director, below.

“The month of January is recognized as National Stalking Awareness Month.

The Auburn University Department of Campus Safety & Security, along with other campus partners, is working this month to promote awareness of what constitutes stalking, its prevalence and what resources are available for those experiencing stalking behavior.

Stalking definitions vary.

For purposes of campus policy and crime statistics, stalking is two or more acts, directed at a specific person, which would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or the safety of others, or suffer substantial emotional distress.

Stalking behavior may include following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating to or about a person by any means (includ-

ing phone, text, e-mail, social media or in person) or interfering with a person’s property. Stalking is prohibited by the Policy on Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct and Other Forms of Interpersonal Violence (Title IX Policy). Under Alabama law, the above behaviors may be classified as stalking, harassment, harassing communications, intimidation or another crime.

National statistics from the Stalking Resource Center (www.src.org) indicate that one in four women and one in 13 men will be victims of stalking in their lifetime. Rates of stalking among college students are higher than the general public, with 13 percent of women reporting being stalked while in college. Intimate partner stalking is the most common type of stalking and is also the most dangerous.

In 2015, 24 cases of stalking were reported on the Auburn University campus, up from 14 in 2014 and 10 in 2013.

In reality, the number of actual cases is likely higher, since studies show that most victims don’t report stalking to the police or campus officials.

So what should you do if you’re being stalked?

Trust your instincts. Don’t downplay the stalking behavior. Recognize that stalking can pose a real threat of harm.

Contact Safe Harbor to talk with an advocate about resources and reporting options on and off campus.

Safe Harbor advocates are available for a confidential

consultation 24/7 at 334844-7233 or safeharbor@ auburn.edu.

Consider reporting it to officials.

Call the police (911 for emergencies or crimes in progress; 334-501-3100 for non-emergencies) to report the behavior, especially if you feel you’re in immediate danger. Explain why the behavior makes you feel fearful.

Report it to the Title IX Coordinator (334-844-4794 or via the online reporting form at www.auburn.edu/titleix).

The Title IX Coordinator is responsible for officially investigating reports of policy violations and holding those found responsible accountable, and may also provide temporary protective measures and accommodations for the safety and well-being of survivors.

Keep a record or log of every contact made by the stalker, including in-person encounters, phone calls, texts, e-mails and social media messages.

Keep records of police reports filed and orders of protection requested or obtained.

Save all e-mails, text messages, photos, social media posts and other communications as evidence of the stalking behavior.

Remember, stalking is a pervasive, dangerous and potentially lethal crime that can happen to anyone.

To learn more, visit the Stalking Resource Center’s website at www.VictimsOfCrime.org/src.”

Opinion Thursday, January 26, 2017

5 ThePlainsman.com

Opinion

OUR VIEW

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

SGA: Don’t forget about state politics STERLING WAITS / GRAPHICS EDITOR

Auburn remains resilient SPRING EDITORIAL BOARD 2017

Among all of the places to live in Alabama, Auburn remains one of the most resilient.

At its heart lies Auburn University, which has had a profound effect on the city. Auburn University provides not only an intellectual component to the area, but it also benefits the community economically.

One of the biggest issues floating around the political sphere concerns trade deals.

With Donald Trump assuming the presidency, some trade deals will now be under executive scrutiny; plans are underway to pull out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and there are plans to potentially renegotiate NAFTA. All of this trade talk has risen to the top of the political news because of the damage

trade deals cause to certain United States industries, such as manufacturing.

Certain cities, especially ones heavy with manufacturing jobs, have been hit hard due to increased international competition resulting from opening trade with other countries.

The economic landscape has shifted, and some workers have been left behind. Auburn, however, is an example of a city that pulled through its job loss with help from its university.

According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, Auburn’s partnership with the University gives the city an economic boon, one that eases the shift from low-skill jobs to highskill jobs.

Auburn University attracts companies like

General Electric, a company that depends on an educated workforce.

Additionally, as The Wall Street Journal points out, companies are able to work with universities on research. This may result in greater efficiency in the production process.

We are proud of the way Auburn has weathered this storm, and we hope the example it sets will influence college towns around the nation to find university-driven ways to succeed through economic hardship.

Despite hardships, the Auburn-Opelika area has risen through the ashes of companies like Pepperell Mill and transformed itself into an economically viable place to live.

We hope similar outcomes become more prevalent throughout the nation.

Embrace empathy now HER VIEW

Corey Williams EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Last weekend, scrolling through Facebook felt like wading through a seemingly endless sea of pink hats, homemade signs and aerial photos of packed streets.

The pure, unadulterated determination seemed electric — like it was much too big, too important, to be contained inside a 2x5 iPhone.

Experts estimate as many as 4.6 million women and men participated in the Women's March. That's approximately 1 out of every 100 Americans.

If you truly believe in honest-to-goodness,

bona fide American values, you'll find that inspiring — no matter where you fall on the political spectrum.

Donald Trump promised to bring Americans together. At least this once, he's proven to be a man of his word.

The demonstrators proved that most humans, no matter how seemingly different, are tied together by empathy.

Some people, though, weren't impressed

by Saturday's events. Some were actually angered.

If you feel that way, especially if you are a woman who feels that way, I urge you: reconsider.

The women and men who marched didn't do it because they, themselves, feel victimized.

They did it because they know others do.

Many of us, in our daily lives, interact exclusively with people who look like us. These

people usually have similar socioeconomic and education backgrounds.

It can be easy to get sucked into a vacuum.

But you can't allow yourself to forget that there is a great, big world outside of that vacuum. Other people exist, and their experiences are just as valid as yours.

Someone on the news this weekend, I can't remember whom, said, "Saying nobody should march because you don't personally feel oppressed is like saying nobody should go to the hospital because you feel fine."

I think that's a wonderful, simple explanation for a confusing and contentious concept.

There's not enough space on this newspaper page or ink in the printer to explore every issue that prompted the demonstrators to march this weekend. So, I'll leave you with this thought: You matter. Other people matter. Solidarity matters.

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Recently, all the attention has been on Washington D.C. and the 2016 election.

We endured the rigorous battle for the White House that has left most of us politically drained and looking at cat memes rather than the news.

However, in this new era of government, we must not forget the important role state government plays in the political process.

Many policies enacted at the state level directly impact us more than those passed

by Congress.

From infrastructure bills to alcohol regulations, the decisions of state lawmakers shape our day-to-day life.

Specifically, in Alabama, the Legislature has more power over law creation than any other branch of government.

The Alabama Constitution even gives the Legislature authority to approve or deny some policies of local governments.

Our lawmakers play a leading role in shaping the future of our state.

Therefore, it is our responsibility as Alabamians to be educated and engaged in these political matters.

Many issues will dominate the upcoming legislative session, but one issue that directly affects Auburn students is funding for higher education.

In 1997, drastic cuts were made to higher education funding that has been a factor in tuition increases.

Without increased funding from the state Legislature, it is probable tuition costs will continue to rise.

Every year, SGA hosts Capitol on the Plains and invites government officials to speak to students regarding various issues and topics.

This event is your opportunity to learn firsthand from top lawmakers about their priorities as a new legislative session approaches.

Our panelists include Speaker of the House Mac McCutcheon (R), Rep. Terri Collins (R), Rep. Anthony Daniels (D), and Rep. Elaine Beech (D).

This year’s event will take place Jan. 26 at 7p.m. in Langdon Hall.

Students can submit questions via Twitter using #COTP2017.

We cannot guarantee all questions will be asked but will try our best.

Our goal is to encourage students to become civically engaged and inspired to keep up with state politics.

All Auburn students are invited to attend.

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Community Thursday, January 26, 2017

6 ThePlainsman.com

Community

STATE

Legislators hope to get ahead of driverless cars Chip Brownlee COMMUNITY EDITOR

Alabama legislators are hoping that Auburn University and the University of Alabama can help the state and the country get ahead in regulating self-driving cars and promoting research and development.

On Thursday, the Joint Legislative Committee on Self-Driving Vehicles held its first meeting at Auburn’s Center for Advanced Science, Innovation and Commerce. Auburn’s State Sen. Tom Whatley was elected as chairman of the joint committee.

Whatley and other members of the committee hope the University’s Samuel Ginn College of Engineering can give the State Legislature guidance on how the state should deal with self-driving cars and the impacts they may have on safety, revenue and insurance.

The Legislature appropriated nearly $250,000 to Auburn last year to study autonomous vehicles. Whatley hopes the Legislature can increase appropriations this year and possibly establish an independent research institute with help from Auburn and the University of Alabama.

“I would like to see appropriations even increase after that,” Whatley said.

The Joint Legislative Committee was established to study what effects self-driving vehicles may have and what legislation may be needed to regulate those effects. They hope to survey legislation in other states and get industry advice before the committee passes any bills on to the full legislature.

More than 34,000 fatal car accidents occurred in the U.S. in 2015, and more than 94 percent of those were caused by human error, according to the experts who spoke at the meeting Thursday. Fifty percent of the accidents occur simply from lane departure.

Driverless cars have the ability to prevent the vast majority of those accidents before they happen.

Budgetary concerns are some of the top issues if self-driving cars become prominent in the state. In addition to preventing accidents,

self-driving cars could drastically reduce speeding tickets, DUIs and other traffic citations, which provide more than $200 million in revenue to the state government and municipalities in Alabama.

“If we eliminate DUIs, if we eliminate speeding, if we eliminate running stop signs, that’s going to have a negative effect on the income that’s brought in through fines and fees,” Whatley said.

Budget concerns weren’t the only topic on the agenda Thursday. The committee also asked presenters from Auburn and Alabama to address topics like auto loans and car insurance, which normally require a licensed driver to be purchased under Alabama law.

If cars drive themselves, Whatley noted, who would need a license and could licenseless riders get loans to purchase a self-driving car?

Driverless cars will be a common occurrence on the road even faster than most people think, Sen. Gerald Dial said.

David Bevly, a professor of mechanical engineering and the founder of Auburn’s GPS and Vehicle Dynamics Lab, said driverless cars are already on the road for research and tests in many states, and many new vehicles can already be purchased with lower-level automated features.

At Auburn’s GPS and Vehicle Dynamics Lab, researchers and graduate students have been studying autonomous vehicles for more than a decade. Auburn researchers recently developed technology that will allow tractortrailers to platoon, driving closely together to increase fuel efficiency.

Auburn’s technology uses close-range radar and wireless connections to enable the trailing vehicle to follow closely behind the leading vehicle, at ranges as close as 5–15 meters. If the first vehicle in the platoon stops, the second brakes automatically. Platooning allows both trucks to reduce fuel consumption by an average of 8 percent.

Bevly said “platooning legislation” that would allow for this type of technology on

CHIP BROWNLEE / COMMUNITY EDITOR

A self-driving car used for research at Auburn University sits outside at the first meeting of the Joint Legislative Committee on Self-Driving Vehicles.

the road would be a good start for the state.

Walmart and Target, even though they are fierce competitors, have said they would work together to platoon because of the fuel efficiency and cost saving.

The committee hearing today saw representatives from Auburn, Alabama, Honda, Mercedes, local officials and the Association of Global Automakers.

Davie Garriepy, a representative from Global Automakers, said the state should avoid contributing to a patchwork of different regulations across state lines, eliminate barriers to innovation and avoid establishing strict regulations that would inhibit development.

“Automated technology does exist,” Garriepy said. “I think that’s an important note in the public policy point because we’ve quickly jumped to self-driving cars and fully automated vehicles. We’ve seen other states pass legislation that would ban technologies

that are currently on today’s roads.”

Allowing automation technology to develop could save lives, improve traffic flow and reduce fuel consumption across the board, Garriepy said.

Auburn Rep. Joe Lovvorn, who recently won election in September, is a member of the joint committee and said he is excited about the opportunities the self-driving technology may present in terms of economic development and safety.

“This was a great initial discussion,” Lovvorn said. “We had industry experts, the safety aspect, the research technology.

Alabama could be a leader in this innovation.

We’re already so far ahead of many other states. We have the universities working hard on it. I think we need to grab ahold of the opportunities because the technology is coming. It’s already here. It’s already making our highways safer.”

BUSINESS

TUTORING

Students volunteer at local school

Gabby Dance

COMMUNITY WRITER

MADISON OGLETREE / PHOTO EDITOR

Tim Spicer, (left) co-owner of Spicer’s Music, and Josh McKenzie, (right) manager, discuss the past and future of Spicer’s Music.

Spicer’s Music announces plans for expansion Lily Jackson

LIFESTYLE EDITOR

Spicer’s Music had an eventful 2016 after receiving the Alabama Small Business of the Year award in the Emerging Small Business category. The family business has decided to keep moving full speed ahead with an announcement of expansion plans.

The Spicers will be knocking down their neighboring wall at their current location and expanding into that space.

“We’ve been working on it for quite some time, about a year now,” said Tim Spicer, co-owner of Spicer’s Music.

Spicer said one of the biggest problems they have faced as a business has been lack of space over the past few years. They are hoping the expansion helps bring in more business, facilitate more of the community’s needs and allow for more flexibility of services.

The addition will double the business’ size and allow for expansion in

many areas of service. Spicer stresses the importance of customer service, and he feels that with more room the business will be able to better suit clients’ needs.

“We will be adding Martin and Gibson guitars, expanding our drums and keyboard selection and adding lighting and DJ equipment,” Spicer said.

The space will allow the business to build a larger stage for an on-going open mic-night event they hold monthly for new artists around the area.

Spicer’s Music is known for its community involvement and passion for the Auburn and Opelika communities.

“All in all, we just needed some leg room, and that’s what we will be getting from knocking down the wall,” Spicer said.

They were rewarded for that passion when they receieved the 2016 Alabama Small Business of the Year award in the Emerging Small Busi-

ness category.

Spicer was born and raised in Auburn, attended Auburn High School and graduated with a degree in special education from Auburn University.

His experience and love for people has made the business more than beneficial for the entire team. Spicer said working with people and music go hand-in-hand; there’s no fun in playing by yourself. Once people join together, something truly beautiful happens.

Spicer’s Music just celebrated its fourth year in business. The store has grown exponentially in sales and lessons over the past four years. The team started with four main instructors and the family. The team currently consists of 12 employees, 18 instructors and a full store. Spicer’s is now teaching over 350 students a week.

“We started with a strong emphasis on lessons, summer camps and music programs in the school systems, which we still do heavily, but our re-

tail was very slim because we started family-owned and operated on the money we could scrounge out of our pockets,” Spicer said. “It really just exploded with us.”

The Spicer family has been involved and interested in music for a long while, but a separate passion held by the parents was in helping families and those in their community. Combining the two passions, community and music, was a no-brainer for the bunch.

“Community, to me, is what makes the world go ‘round,” Spicer said.

“Auburn is such an amazing community, so we started from day one trying to get as involved in the community and trying to reach as many lives as possible. I’ve really been blown away with how open and loving our community has been.”

Spicer said every decision made in the store is based upon two criteria: “How are we putting our customers first, and how are we positively affecting the world through music?”

Several Auburn University students have dedicated some of their time to tutor struggling students at Auburn Junior High School.

Kylie Mimnaugh, the founder of this group which has yet to be named, started the program when looking to get involved at Auburn.

“I transferred here my sophomore year and wanted to join a tutoring group, since I tutored all through middle and high school,” Mimnaugh said. “When I went to the Honors College and asked about it, I was encouraged to start the program myself.”

Mimnaugh’s tutoring career dates back to her childhood.

“When I was 12 and my brother was 9, our mom passed away from ALS, and our dad was traveling a lot for work,” Mimnaugh said. “My brother had a learning disability and struggled in school, so I was kind of the one who took over helping him learn and get past his academic issues.”

Mimnaugh and many other Auburn students go to AJHS twice a week to help students in subjects such as math, science and English.

They also teach them organization and study skills.

“I really enjoy watching the students grow more confident in each subject as the semester goes on,” said Abi Arndt, one of the program’s tutors. “It’s really cool to be able to see a student who struggled with a topic initially conquer harder problems later in the year.”

The group meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30–4:30 p.m.

They usually tutor between 10 to 20 students at a time.

Any Auburn University student can become a tutor. According to Arndt, it is a beneficial experience for all Auburn students, regardless of major.

“It’s a really good opportunity to work with people you wouldn’t normally work with,” Arndt said. “You don’t realize how much it’s going to impact you until you start.”

Thursday, January 26, 2017

Community 7

The Auburn Plainsman

STATE

Politicos disagree on grocery tax

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY MADISON OGLETREE / PHOTO EDITOR

Sam Willoughby COMMUNITY REPORTER

State Rep. John Knight, D-Montgomery, is once again renewing his efforts to eliminate sales taxes on groceries in Alabama.

House Bill 44, prefiled for the next regular session of the Alabama House of Representatives, would “exempt sales of food from the sales and use tax beginning Sept. 1, 2017.”

Alabama is one of seven states that tax groceries at the full rate. In most states, food is exempt from state sales tax. In others, like Illinois and Arkansas, it is taxed at lower rates than the general tax.

According to the tax research group Tax Foundation, Alabama’s 4 percent sales tax rate ranks 40th lowest out of the 45 states that levy sales taxes. However, the average combined tax rate in Alabama, taking into account local taxes, is 8.97 percent, putting it at the fourth highest in the nation.

The bill would exempt groceries from being subject to the state sales tax but not from local taxes. In Alabama groceries would still be taxed at, on average, about 5 percent.

In the past, as in HB 307 presented last year, Knight has proposed replacing revenue lost from repealing the state sales tax on groceries by repealing Alabama law that allows taxpayers to deduct federal income tax from their state income taxes.

Arise Citizens’ Policy Project, a progressive Alabama nonprofit organization focusing on policies affecting low-income residents, has been one of Knight’s biggest supporters on the issue.

Carol Gundlach, policy analyst at ACPP, said Knight decided to remove the language from this year’s bill that would repeal the tax deductions.

“It’s going to be incumbent on the legislature to figure out what to do to replace that money,” Gundlach said.

Much of the money from the state sales and use taxes go into Alabama’s Education Trust Fund, and exempting groceries from taxation would leave a large hole in the fund.

While ACPP continues to support the elimination of the tax deductions, Gundlach said separating the two issues could help garner enough bipartisan support to pass the bill.

“We have heard a number of relatively conser-

vative legislators say they do think that it’s fundamentally inappropriate to be taxing groceries.”

State Sen. Gerald Dial, R-Lineville, said he believes ACPP has hindered progress on advancing similar bills of his in the past.

“That bill is never going to pass,” Dial said of a bill that would end the income tax deductions.

“That bill will not pass in the next 20 years.”

“They’re so stuck on that, that they’re willing to kill my bill and not get anything,” he continued.

Dial’s past bills, like SB 272, introduced during the 2016 session, also eliminate the state sales tax on food. SB 272 would have reduced the tax on groceries 2 percent per year for two years. To make up for lost revenue, state sales tax on all other goods, except automobiles and other machinery, would be raised from 4 to 5 percent, also over a two years period.

“I don’t know why Arise won’t get on my bill and say, ‘We realize we can’t get ours, we think this is not the best solution, but it’s the only solution that has a practical way to pass,’” Dial said.

“It didn’t come with a replacement,” he said, referring to HB 44’s lack of solution for lost rev-

enue. “So it sounds good, but it’s just not going anywhere.”

Dial also said some of his Republican colleagues are reluctant to vote for what is, for nonfood goods, a tax increase.

While the two bills share the goal of eliminating state sales tax on groceries, Gundlach said ACPP would prefer to see a bill passed that didn’t raise sales tax any further.

“Sales tax is, in general, regressive,” Gundlach said. “So to replace a tax on groceries with a tax on sneakers for your kids does not help lowincome people very much.”

Dial argued food is more of a necessity than other goods and said completely eliminating the sales tax on groceries would make up for the percent increase in general sales tax.

A 2016 study on the correlation between grocery taxes and food security — the measure of access people have to quality affordable food — conducted by professors from Auburn University, University of Kentucky and Cornell University found “households living at or near the poverty level are the most vulnerable to the negative repercussions of the imposition of a grocery tax.”

U.S. households in the lowest income quintile spend between 28.8 and 42.6 percent of their before-tax income on food, compared to the highest income quintile households, which spends 6.5 to 9.2 percent, according to the Economic Research Service of the USDA. Gundlach said ACPP is open to looking at other possible means of replacing the lost revenue, including raising sales tax on automobiles or levying one on services, which are currently not taxed in Alabama.

“We could see some other sales taxes that we might consider more progressive, and therefore more acceptable,” she said.

Skeptical of some that suggest growth in the budget could make up for the loss of funds, Dial said he continues to believe the increase on general sales tax is the only “logical” way a bill like his or Knight’s could pass.

Dial said he is unsure whether he will propose another bill this session to eliminate the grocery tax, but said he is sure the governor would sign it into law if one were to pass.

Knight could not be reached for comment.

CITY

Million-dollar Boykin Center renovations to begin in February Alex Hosey

COMMUNITY WRITER

Renovations to the Boykin Community Center valued at $1.8 million are expected to begin in February.

The Boykin Center was built in the 1950s as a public elementary school for African-American children during segregation.

Alison Hall, community and special programs director for Auburn Parks and Recreation, says it’s time for the

center to be upgraded.

“We all knew with the age of that building that it was time, so we’ve been working on a plan for several years to come up with funding and finally everything has come together,” Hall said.

According to Hall, the renovations are expected to upgrade the entire center’s fire alarm system and electrical wiring, bring all of the restrooms up to code to ensure that they meet Ameri-

cans with Disabilities Act standards and generally improve the interior rooms. A new security system is also planned to be installed.

“When construction is done, each tenant will be in their own section of the building, so we’ll be able to put in security doors with swipe-card access so they can feel safe with their children in one area and not have to worry about security,” Hall said.

The Boykin Center currently has

four tenants that occupy the building, which include the Auburn Day Care Center, the Boykin Senior Center, the Joyland Day Child Development Center and the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Lee County.

While the tenants will remain active in the Boykin Center during construction, they will be relocated to different rooms within the center to accommodate for the renovations until the project is complete.

“It’ll be a little bit of a pain for a couple of months for each tenant, but in the long run they won’t have to close down, and they won’t have to move off site, so that’s the best of both worlds,” said Hall.

The Hudak Construction Company from Gadsden, Alabama, is expected to perform the renovations.

The Auburn City Council approved a $1,840,000 contract with Hudak at its meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 24.

EDUCATION

New Auburn High School to be finished in April Gabby Dance

COMMUNITY WRITER

Construction is in full swing on the new Auburn City High School, which is set to be finished this coming April.

According to Daniel Chesser, the Auburn City Schools public relations specialist, the new high school will include many new features to help students succeed.

“Whether our students move on to a two-year college, four-year college or straight to work, we want to provide them with the tools to be prepared,” Chesser said.

A three-story academic wing will house core curriculum classes. It will also host career tech education classes for culinary arts, hotel and restaurant management, aquaculture and junior ROTC. Classes in the new school will be taught with a floating

MADISON OGLETREE / PHOTO EDITOR

A new Auburn High School is under construction on Samford Avenue.

classroom method to prepare students for college. Teachers will have their own office spaces and switch classrooms throughout the day instead of staying in one room.

Some other new features

include a performing arts facility that will fit up to 900 audience members, two competition gyms, a competition track, a band practice field, baseball and softball fields, tennis courts and an indoor

turf facility.

The new school will also have 1,100 parking spaces. This is an upgrade from the current high school’s 600 spaces.

This new building comes

with a surge in growth for the Auburn school system.

“Our school system is growing by an average of 400 students per year,” Chesser said. “This building will give us much more space for

the amount of students we’re taking in.” The new school will have a capacity for up to 2,200 students.

This new building will cause a shift in the school system’s grade locations. The new high school will have 10th—12th-grade students, the current Auburn High School will become the new junior high and will house 8th and 9th grade, the current junior high will become 7th grade only and Drake Middle School will become 6th grade only. The new junior high school location for 8th and 9th graders will be getting a name change as well. No decision on the name has been made yet.

Supplies and equipment will be moved among the four schools this coming summer.

The shifting of grades and buildings will be in effect fall 2017.

TAXATION

Lee County Commission supports increase to statewide gas tax Tori linehan

COMMUNITY WRITER

The Lee County Commission passed a resolution last week supporting a proposed increase to the state gas tax.

The Association of County Commissions of Alabama has proposed a 3 cent increase to the tax for gasoline in order to pay off a $1.2 billion bond that will provide each coun-

ty in Alabama with the proper funds to repave miles of roads and bridges.

“This is a temporary increase in gas and diesel fuel to fund a bond issue to do infrastructure on roads and bridges in Alabama counties and cities,” said Sonny Brasfield, director of the ACCA. “We need to take advantage of the fact that inflation works against us

in road construction.”

Right now the cost for road construction is cheaper than it will ever be in the future, Brasfield said.

According to the director, it is estimated to take anywhere from 13 to 15 years to pay off the $1.2 billion bond.

“The bonds issued would have a sunset provision for the repayment of the bonds

not to exceed 15 years from the passing of the bill,” Brasfield said. “There is no way for the tax to be extended without another act of the legislature.”

The bill will include content that ensures the bond money be restricted to road and bridge construction repair only. It will “prohibit the use of the bond money to build

salaries, equipment purchases or any other construction besides roads and bridges.”

The regular legislative session, during which this bill will be considered, begins on Feb. 7.

If it passes, it is planned to “become effective in July of 2017 with hopes for road work to begin in March of 2018,” said Terri Reynolds,

director of Public Affairs for ACCA. “A 3 cent increase in gasoline tax could result in over 12,300 miles of road resurfacing,” she said.

The small increase in tax would cost the average driver $1–2 per month.

“This is a small investment with a long-term impact,” Reynolds said.

Sports

Thursday, January 26, 2017

8 ThePlainsman.com

Sports

MADISON OGLETREE/ PHOTO EDITOR Austin Wiley (50) prepares to dunk the ball during Auburn men’s basketball vs Alabama on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017 in Auburn,Ala.

WELCOME T O THE SHOW Wiley earns SEC Freshman of the Week after career night vs. Alabama Will Sahlie

ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

After his career night vs. Alabama Saturday night, Austin Wiley was named SEC Freshman of the Week on Monday.

Wiley scored a career-high 19 points and grabbed a career-high nine rebounds in Auburn’s 84-64 victory over the Crimson Tide.

The Hoover, Alabama native scored 15 of his 19 points in the second half and knocked

down 11 of his 18 free throw attempts.

Wiley also helped lead Auburn to a victory over LSU earlier in the week, scoring 10 points acompanied by six rebounds and two blocks.

He averaged 14.5 points and 7.5 rebounds in Auburn’s two victories last week.

The 6-foot-11, 255-pound center has appeared in 10 games for the Tigers since his enrollment on Dec. 16. He is averaging 8.6

points per game and 4.7 rebounds per game.

Wiley is the second Auburn player to receive the SEC Freshman of the Week honor this season.

Point guard Jared Harper earned the accolade after he averaged 21.5 points in Auburn’s two victories over Oklahoma and UConn earlier in the season.

After back-to-back victories in Auburn Arena, Auburn hit the road looking for victo-

ry but fell to the South Carolina Gamecocks on Tuesday, Jan. 24.

The Tigers move on to Forth Worth, Texas to take on TCU as part of the Big 12/SEC Challenge.

The Orange and Blue will return to Auburn Arena on Tuesday, Jan. 31, to take on the Tennessee Volunteers with tip-off set at 8 p.m.

CST. The game can be seen on SEC Network.

Gymnastics drops to No. 16

Tigers fall to Gamecocks

Jack Winchester

Jack Winchester

SPORTS EDITOR

SPORTS EDITOR

The Auburn gymnastics team dropped to the No. 16 spot in this week’s RoadToNationals.com rankings with an average of 195.717.

“I believe we improved as a team last Friday, but our score didn’t reflect that growth,” head coach Jeff Graba said. “We had a long, four-day road trip, and I think the team handled it well.

We are excited and determined to get a strong week of work in before we go on the road and face high-quality opponents in Florida and Alabama this weekend.”

Oklahoma stayed in the No. 1 spot, while LSU remains second nationally. Florida, Utah, and Alabama close out the top five.

Kentucky ranks sixth, Denver at No. 7, UCLA is eighth, and Southern Utah and Michigan hold on to ninth and tenth.

The Tigers rank in the top 20 in three events, including 12th on bars with a 49.050 average.

Auburn is tied for 16th on floor at 48.942 and is 20th on beam (48.858).

Auburn continues its road swing, traveling to No. 3 Florida. The SEC Network will broadcast the meet.

After their match-up with the Gators, the Tigers will then head to Birmingham for the annual Elevate the Stage meet, facing arch rival Alabama in the BJCC.

CATHERINE WOFFORD Kullen Hlawek during a gymnastics meet against the University of Georgia.

After two critical victories at home last week, Auburn visited Columbia, South Carolina in search of their fourth conference win. They were unsuccessful.

The Gamecocks knocked down 58 percent of their shots from behind the arc, and shot well from start to finish on their way to a 98-69 win over Auburn.

“It was a complete asskicking. That’s all it was,” Auburn coach Bruce Pearl said.

“That’s the second-best team in the league on their home floor and we just weren’t ready. We weren’t prepared.

We got out-coached, outplayed. That’s going to happen some nights.

Auburn guards Jared Harper, Mustapha Heron and Danjel Purifoy all struggled, which left head coach Bruce Pearl few options to rely on.

Harper finished with 12 points and zero rebounds followed by Heron’s 10 points

and five rebounds.

Purifoy, who returned from injury on Saturday, struggled throughout the contest and recorded only one rebound and zero points.

With minimal production from the guards, the Tiger big men were forced to step up.

Anfernee McLemore led the way for the posts with 18 points and six rebounds.

After his career nght against Alabama on Saturday, freshman center Austin Wiley continued to play well and recorded 10 points and 11 rebounds.

The big night from the bigs was not enough.

Duane Notice and Sindarius Thornwell led the way for the 23rd ranked Gamecocks as they led the Tigers from start to finish.

Notice recorded 27 points and four rebounds, while Thornwell followed with 22 points and eight rebounds.

South Carolina shot 49 percent from the field, and were 15 for 26 from behind the arc.

“They got a lot of open shots. Uncontested shots,” Pearl said. “I thought we had a good defensive game plan to let the guards be aggressive up top and let the bigs protect them, and it just didn’t work out.”

The 98-point Gamecock performance was the second-most points South Carolina has ever scored in an SEC game.

It was also the largest margin they have ever beaten Auburn by.

“I don’t think I’m going to get out-coached many nights but I did tonight,” Pearl said.

“They took us out of everything we wanted to do.”

The victory puts South Carolina back in the win column, and dropped Auburn to 13-7 overall and 3-5 in conference.

Auburn will remain on the road to face TCU in Forth Worth, Texas, on Saturday Jan. 28 as a part of the BIG 12/ SEC Challenge. Tip-off is set for for 5 p.m. CST on action can be seen on ESPNU.

Thursday, January 26, 2017

TRACK AND FIELD

Tigers place second Jack Winchester SPORTS EDITOR

Behind two event wins and 10 personal bests in the Auburn Invitational at the Birmingham Crossplex on Saturday, the Auburn track and field men finished second with 112 points. The Tigers finished with three event wins and 14 personal bests overall.

“I was pleased with our effort today, and I think we definitely improved from last week,” Auburn head coach Ralph Spry said. “I saw a lot of our athletes lineup and really compete hard. The times will start coming as we get further into the season, so all I am really looking for is if they line up and compete.”

Wellington Zaza finished with his second straight win in the 60-meter hurdles on the men’ side, posting a 7.93.

Junior Odean Skeen followed up by winning the 60-meters with a 6.63, which ranks fifth in program history.

On the Women’s side, Deja Hillman led the

way winning the women’s triple jump with a 40-0.75/12.21m.

Jakayla Hand finished third in the event with a 39-08.50/12.10m.

Wesley Curles moved into eighth in Auburn history with a time of 1.51.12 in the men’s 800-meters.

The Tiger men finished second behind No. 17 Alabama, who finished with 127.5 points.

No. 3 LSU finished third with 104.5, and the 21st ranked Ohio State Buckeyes finished with 82.

No. 22 Alabama won with 150 points with No. 7 LSU coming in second with 145 on the women’s side.

Ohio State finished third with 101 points, while Auburn finished fourth with 89.

The Tigers will return to action on Friday for the SEC Challenge in Fayetteville, Ark. at the Randall Tyson Center. All of the action can be seen Saturday on the SEC Network.

WOMEN’S TENNIS

FILE PHOTO

Building on an undefeated spring Jack Winchester SPORTS EDITOR

AUBURN ATHLETICS

COLUMN

Chip Lindey is right for Auburn Sumner Martin SPORTS@THEPLAINSMAN. COM

For the majority of Auburn fans, the past three seasons can be summed up in one word: disappointment. Since falling short in the national championship game against Florida State in 2013, the Tigers and Malzahn’s once high octane offense have steadily declined.

Each year brought new expectations, and one after the other those expectations weren’t met leading to frustration and a fan base ready to shut down the “Gus Bus.” Malzahn found himself in the hot seat at the end of this season one again.

Although Rhett Lashlee was not fired, Auburn fans can assume that he was forced out, because Malzahn knew a change needed to be made.

Enter Chip Lindsey.

After a long search, Malzahn introduced Lindsey as the new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for Auburn. This is not the first time the two have worked together. Lindsey came to Auburn from Spain Park high school in 2013 as an offensive analyst to learn more about Malzahn’s system.

Four years later, he returns to the Plains as the new offensive coordinator and plans to implement his own variation of the hurry up, no huddle offense.

At times in 2016 the Auburn offense looked promising, scoring 38 points at Mississippi State, 56 at home against Arkansas and 40 points on the road at Ole Miss.

But, most of the season, especially in rivalry games, the offense was pitiful and struggled to muster up first downs, not to mention touchdowns.

Despite leading the conference in rushing this past season, the play-calling was unauthentic and the offense was, for the most part, stagnant and predictable.

In 2016, the Auburn passing attack was a train wreck. The Tigers ranked 110th in passing yards per game (171 yards) out of 128 Division 1 FBS schools, and dead last in the SEC. Auburn desperately needs help on the offensive end, and Lindsey can bring that.

It is time for Auburn to dispose of the runheavy offense and aim for a more balanced attack in the future.

Before coming to Auburn, Lindsey’s offense was built around air raid concepts, with quick passes and wide splits.

In Lindsey’s time as the offensive coordinator at Southern Miss in 2015, the Golden Eagle offense ranked 9th nationally in total

Sports 9

The Auburn Plainsman

offense averaging 519 yards per game, while also ranking 12th nationally in scoring at 40.6 points a game.

While at Arizona State, Lindsey led the Sun Devil offense to the 31st best passing attack in the country averaging 266 yards per game, 79 spots ahead of the Tigers.

Lindsey is touted as a skilled quarterback coach with an immense knowledge on how to develop them and extract the best from his players on a daily basis.

This is a huge plus considering the quarterback play has been horrendous the past few years with the likes of Jeremy Johnson and John Franklin III.Auburn also cannot afford to waste a highcaliber talent like Jarrett Stidham.

He needs to be in the right system under the right guidance if he is going to flourish, and who better to do this than Lindsey.

Under Lindsey’s coaching at Southern Miss in 2015, quarterback Nick Mullens torched teams by throwing for a whopping 4,476 yards and setting a school record with 38 touchdowns.

In addition, the new offensive coordinator can energize Auburn’s quarterback recruiting and give it a much needed boost. Lindsey has high school coaching ties in the Southeast, which will prove very effective on the recruiting trail.

His familiarity with high school football in Alabama and Georgia will be key to the Tigers recruiting success for years to come.

One thing is clear.

Auburn needs a drastic turn around in its passing scheme if Malzahn wants to keep his job. Lindsey may not be the big time hire that every Auburn fan was hoping for, but he checks off every box that Malzahn was looking for. Malzahn needed someone he was familiar with, a coach that can recruit and develop quarterbacks and an offensive mind that has proven to throw the ball effectively.

Lindsey’s previous offenses have put up monster passing numbers, while Malzahn’s run-heavy offense led the conference in rushing but failed to ever establish a solid passing game.

If Lindsey can meld these two schemes together, then Auburn can return to the heights it reached in 2013 with Nick Marshall and contend for a championship in the SEC, and possibly a spot in the playoff.

With the SEC’s leading rusher, young talent at the wideout position and the biggest quarterback talent since Cam Newton all at Lindsey’s disposal, the pieces are there for an offensive juggernaut. All that is needed is guidance from a rising star, Chip Lindsey.

On Saturday Jan. 21, the Auburn women’s tennis team defeated LouisianaMonroe, 4-1 and Georgia State, 4-0 at the Yarbrough Tennis Center. The Tigers improved to 3-0 on the season.

“I think we really learned a lot about our team and the things we need to work on going into the ITA Kickoff on Saturday,” Auburn head coach Lauren Spencer said.

“ULM and Georgia State are both very tough, very different teams. I challenged the girls to come out and be competitive, and I think they did

that. We still have a lot to build on, but this is a very talented team and I think we will do well in the ITA Kickoff.”

In both matches, the Tigers took the doubles point behind the play of Andie Dikosavljevic and Alannah Griffin, who won both matches on the day.

Auburn took control of the match early, behind Andie and Griffin’s 6-1 victory over ULM’s Madalina Grigoriu and Karolina Snita. No. 31 Georgie Axon and Caroline Turner clinched the doubles point, defeating Luana Stanciu and Tiffany Mylonas, 6-2.

No. 101 Dikosav-

ljevic defeated Patricia Villar 6-0, 6-4 to give the Tigers a 2-1 lead after the score was tied in singles.

No. 13 Alizee pushed it to 3-1 with a 7-6 (6), 6-2 victory over Andrei Stefana on court one. Georgie Axon clinched the match for Auburn with a 7-6 (2), 6-2 victory over Madalina Grigoriu.

Dikosavljevic and Griffin earned their second doubles victory of the day over Daniela Ramirez and Anastasia Grosheva of Georgia State, 6-3.

No. 25 Michaud and Taylor Russo clinched the point with a 6-3 win over Kristin Rehse and Damira Muminovic.

Axon improved to 12-4 in singles with a 6-1, 6-0 victory over Georgia State’s Ilona Golynker. The freshman earned four total wins on the weekend.

After not appearing in the first match, Russo defeated Tarani Kamoe 6-0, 6-1. Michaud then clinched the match on court two, defeating Daniela Ramirez 7-6 (1), 6-2.

Auburn women’s tennis will return to action this Saturday and Sunday as it hosts the ITA Kickoff Weekend. Auburn will take on Fresno State in the first round at Yarbough Tennis Center. The action begins at noon CST.

Sports 10

Thursday, January 26, 2017

The Auburn Plainsman

This week in Auburn sports

MADISON OGLETREE / PHOTO EDITOR

Austin Wiley (50) drives towards the basket during Auburn’s game against Alabama on Saturday, Jan. 21.Auburn defeated Alabama 84-64.

“

WADE RACKLEY / AUBURN ATHLETICS

Ronnie Johnson (35) lines up for a shot during the second half.

MADISON OGLETREE / PHOTO EDITOR

TJ Dunans (4) jumps over an Alabama defender for a shot.

DAKOTA SUMPTER / AUBURN ATHLETICS

Bruce Pearl celebrates with fans after beating Alabama. Pearl wore the “Autlive” t-shirt, his foundation that raises money for cancer research.

LINDSEY » From 1

offensive coordinator at Southern Miss, Lindsey spent the 2013 season serving as an offensive analyst under Malzahn at Auburn.

“I just want to say how honored I am to be here at this great university,” Lindsey said. “It really is a dream come true.

“Obviously, Auburn has been good on offense before and done some things that are really good. We’re not going to lose touch with those things. But I think a few new wrinkles and a little different personality on it maybe will lead to a lot of success.”

Lindsey enters the fold at Auburn with

I’m very excited about him coming in and spicing up our offense. I have a lot of confidence in him and I’m very excited Chip Lindsey is our offenseive coordinator.”

a copious amount of talent on the offensive side of the ball. The nation’s No. 1 junior college recruit, quarterback Jarrett Stidham, is the prohibitive favorite to start under center for Auburn.

—Gus Malzahn

HEAD FOOTBALL COACH

The running back position is stacked with talent with the thunder and lightning combination of Kamryn Pettway and Kerryon Johnson. The Tigers possess loads of young talent at wide receiver with Kyle Davis, Eli Stove,

Darius Slayton among others. Malzahn said he assured Lindsey of the firepower that Auburn will have on display.

“I told him we’re in great shape offensively with talent,” Malzahn said. “I’m kind of jealous, really.

“I’m very excited about him coming in and spicing up our offense. I have a lot of confidence in him and I’m very excited Chip Lindsey is our offensive coordinator.”

Lindsey will hit the ground running as National Signing Day nears. His hire comes just 11 days before Signing Day. “I’m ready to start now,” Lindsey said. “[I’m] really looking forward to our time together and having a lot of fun next year.”

Lifestyle Thursday, January 26, 2017

11 ThePlainsman.com

Lifestyle

ENTERTAINMENT

CATHERINE WOFFORD / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

TOP: Patrons enjoy conversation at the bar in Eighth & Rail.

TOP LEFT: Eighth & Rail is located at 807 S Railroad Avenue, in Opelika,Ala. BOTTOM LEFT: The performance area inside Eighth & Rail.

Eighth and Rail continues to make music a priority in Opelika Alex Wilkerson LIFESTYLE WRITER

Opelika, much like its college-town neighbor, has begun to develop a thriving nightlife in its historic downtown.

With its own brewery and taproom in Red Clay, a distillery and bar in John Emerald and iconic restaurants, such as Ma Fia’s and Zazu’s Gastropub, Downtown Opelika has established itself as a destination for a classy night out, as well as a proper good time.

One business has remained a Downtown Opelika staple: the music venue Eighth and Rail.

The bar was originally opened by Richard Patton and K. Cooper Ray in 2002. After the venue closed down in 2011, Mike Patterson bought the historic building to reopen it as a piano bar.

“I was looking for a way to kind of get back involved, not exactly playing out, but a way to get involved in the music scene in the area,” Patterson said.

When the piano bar idea didn’t take off, Patterson, a musician himself, decided to begin featuring local musicians and original music.

“It’s kind of metamorphosed into an outlet for songwriters and musicians, and that’s really where we put most of our emphasis,”

Patterson said.

Eighth and Rail features a jazz music night on Tuesday, open jams on Thursdays and live bands every Friday and Saturday.

“I feel like it is an outlet that is needed since Auburn’s music scene is geared more toward DJs and cover bands,” Patterson said.

Though Patterson does book cover bands as well, he consistently tries to maintain a solid foundation of songwriters.

“I’ll have people come in and say ‘Is it okay if we play originals?’ and I say ‘Absolutely play all that you can,’” Patterson said.

These personal touches have led to a heartfelt reverence for the venue in the local music scene among musicians and patrons alike.

“It’s one of the only places around here where you can go and play original music, and everyone listens, and everyone loves it,” said Brett McDaniel, a local songwriter who performs at Eighth and Rail.

Beyond the musical appeal, Eighth and Rail features a cocktail menu as well as a rotating beer selection featuring 45-50 beers at a time. From Red Clay Brewing Company down the street to breweries based in Atlanta, Birmingham and across the country,

8th has an impressive selection for even the pickiest beer snob.

Patterson’s 16 years of experience in the restaurant industry inspired him to try something different with the food menu at Eighth. The venue features a sushi menu with many choices including a secret menu item, “The Chuck Norris,” a spicy roll that is not for the faint of heart.

For those with sweet cravings, Eighth and Rail serves signature cheesecake, ranging from classic flavors such as blueberry to the ever-popular peanut butter cheesecake and cookies and cream.

Patterson’s main focus at 8th remains music, and he hopes that he can use his resources in the future to further serve the music scene in Opelika.

“A lot of it is how to get them more exposure, especially for their original music, hopefully getting them some larger scale exposure to further their careers,” Patterson said.

While Patterson doesn’t get into specifics about his plans for future events, it is apparent that wherever Eighth goes from here it will continue to have the artist’s best interests in mind.

“Everything that I’m doing is geared toward helping local musicians better themselves and ideally get them where they want to go,” Patterson said.

Lifestyle 12

Thursday, January 26, 2017

The Auburn Plainsman

STYLE

RESTAURANT REVIEW

This week’s Fashion Ambush Fashionista of the week

Kayla Jones, sophomore in animal sciences, was seen enjoying the warm weather in front of the student center with friends.

Jones said the weather determines her style, and her favorite season is summer.

“Dresses are easy to wear and simple to throw on,” Jones said.

For hair and makeup, Jones said her style depends on where she is planning on going. But, if it isn’t up to her standards, she can’t leave the house.

“I put a lot of time into the way I look,” Jones said. “It’s fun for me.”

Jones said the one accessory she can’t live without is high heel shoes.

“Even though they are painful, I have a lot MADISON OGLETREE / PHOTO EDITOR of them,” Jones said. “I wear them all the Kayla Jones, sophomore in animal sciences, is time, and they always make outfits cuter.” this week’s Fashion Ambushee.

PLAINSMAN PICKS PLAYLIST:

this week, the plainsman editors chose their break up songs. listen to their picks and follow the auburn plainsman at spotify.com/the_auburnplainsman.

“F*** You” by Lily Allen Emily Shoffit, design editor “Male or female, it make no difference — I stop the world.”

MADISON OGLETREE / PHOTO EDITOR

A review of Sheila C’s Burger Barn Brooks Glover LIFESTYLE WRITER

Mountainous, greasy burgers, large pizzas covered and piled with toppings and pitchers of beer to wash it all down — the components of a college life.

Together, the three form a trinity perfect for late nights and earlier mornings. While burgers topped with avocado, blue cheese or charcuterie serve their specific purpose, the classic diner burger is the gastronomic equivalent of an American flag flying in the heat of July.

Unlike pizzas and beer, Auburn’s best burgers are found in the opposite direction of downtown.

Right past the intersection of Shug Jordan Parkway and Wire Road, you’ll find Sheila C’s Burger Barn. It’s a befitting location; approaching the restaurant from South College Street, passing the cow pastures of Auburn Research Park, you can see your meal in motion. Though Sheila C’s burgers are much more gratifying.

The Burger Barn’s interior feels like a town much smaller than Auburn. The walls are plastered with homages to all things Southern—farms, hunting and beef. A

stuffed squirrel welcomes patrons to order at the counter.

In lieu of ticket numbers or laminated card numbers, cow tags are appropriately and amusingly used to denote orders.

The menu is simple. In addition to the burgers, chicken tenders, hot dogs, BLT’s and chicken sandwiches are served to costumers. However, one would be amiss to not order the cheeseburger combo that comes with fries and a drink or if feeling a bit more gluttonous, the double-meat cheeseburger.

The burger is truly a beautiful mess stacked with a perfectly grilled patty topped with fresh tomatoes and lettuce and pickles. The patty is packed together gently therefore increasing the surface area for a crust to be formed while allowing for every bite to be a tender one. The fries are excellent, thickly cut with a crisp exterior and without any inner mushiness that plagues too many other restaurants’ fries. It’s a shame Sheila C’s doesn’t bother with milkshakes because I’m sure she would have mastered them too.

Forget the barn, these burgers deserve a temple.

Auburn dog of the week

“Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” by Miranda Lambert Lily Jackson, lifestyle editor “Not saying I am one, just saying I like the song.”

“The Sound” by The 1975 Anne Dawson, social media editor “Ex-boyfriends seem to get more conceited with time.”

“Kiss With A Fist” by Florence + The Machine Corey Willaims, editor-in-chief “Figuratively, of course.”

“Nobody To Blame” by Chis Stapleton Dakota Sumpter, managing editor “I think I’ll take the blame for that one.”

MADISON OGLETREE / PHOTO EDITOR

Paul Lathrop walks in the Village with his owner Corrie Lathrop, first year graduate student in communications.

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RELEASE DATE– Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis

ACROSS 1 Memo phrase 5 Music-playing Apple 9 Improvises musically 14 Primary 15 “__ Lisa” 16 Many a jukebox tune 17 Type of film industry contract 19 Capital south of Moscow 20 Former justice Antonin 21 Musician’s suffix 23 Make (one’s way) 24 M&M’s choice 27 Solidify 28 “High Voltage” band 29 Starting on 33 Soft shot 35 Mothers of Invention leader 39 Academic ultimatum 43 Early computer 44 Quite small 45 Gear on slopes 46 Coral formation 49 Cavity filler’s org.

51 Shopper’s decision 58 Smelting waste 59 Neighbor of Turk.

60 Poke fun at 62 Dutch city, with “The” 64 Portmanteau word describing some great music ... or, initially, four answers in this puzzle 66 Modify 67 Not yours, in Tours 68 Singer k.d.

69 Superlatively bad 70 Short period of time, for short 71 Long period of time DOWN 1 They’re hard to sit for 2 Rights org. since 1909 3 Saudi currency 4 Name on a 1945 bomber

5 Populates, as a grand jury 6 D.C. insider 7 Studio sign 8 Place for some serious me-time 9 Break down 10 High-occupancy vehicles?

11 “Farewell, ma chère” 12 Naysayer’s contraction 13 Future flowers 18 Social reformer Jacob 22 Noir sleuth 25 Texter’s “however” 26 Cooper’s tool 29 Lummox 30 Source of awakening rays 31 Back-tied sash 32 Distress signal devices 34 Fiddler’s need 36 Dental suffix with Water 37 Pressure meas.

38 Sounds of relief 40 Cupcake finisher 41 Twitter handle word for a celeb, perhaps

42 Overly focused on minor rules 47 Lip balm brand derived from “evolution of smooth” 48 Skillet 50 On a cruise 51 Dismissive word 52 Mission on a commemorative 1936 stamp

53 Beeper 54 Providers of senior moments?

55 Inventor Nikola 56 “Hi! I’m ... ” badge 57 Patsy of country 61 Heart tests, briefly 63 Del. summer hrs.

65 “The Fall of the House of Usher” author

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE:

xwordeditor@aol.com

By Ed Sessa ©2017 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

02/01/17

02/01/17