The Auburn Plainsman 10.04.2018

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2018

A SPIRIT THAT IS NOT AFRAID • NEWS SINCE 1893

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MAYORAL ELECTIONS

Candidates diverge on views of growth

By CHIP BROWNLEE Editor-in-chief editor@theplainsman.com

There’s less than a week left ahead of the Oct. 9 runoff election. Some members of the City Council have already been seated, but several others have yet to be selected. And voters will also make a final decision on who they want to be Auburn’s next mayor.

The Oct. 9 runoff election is unquestionably a significant decision-point in Auburn’s history.

The city’s 20-year mayor, Bill Ham, is stepping down.

And even though Auburn has a “weak mayor” — a system in

which the city manager and City Council hold more administrative and executive power than the mayor — who voters select next week will undoubtedly set the tone for Auburn’s government for at least the next four years.

That decision comes at a time when Auburn is experiencing an unprecedented era of growth. Over the last 5 years, Auburn’s population has grown by an estimated 20 percent since 2010 and has more than doubled since 1990, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

The issue of how to deal with that growth has been front and center throughout the months of this election, and the two candidates have divergent views on how city government should handle it.

SERIES

A Prayer in the Night: Part I

“I think we’re cramming too many students into too small an area,” said mayoral candidate David Hill, referring to the large student-centered apartment complexes being built in the downtown area. “If you take the individual buildings, even as ugly as they are, if they were set back further, if they were maybe located not all just on Gay, Glenn and North College, it might work.”

Even if the developments were placed in a better location — Hill suggested between Donahue Drive and North College Street — he said it’s still possible the city is still growing too fast and elected officials aren’t doing enough to moderate the growth.

But Anders, a current member of the City Council, said it’s

» See MAYORAL ELECTIONS, 2

MISS HOMECOMING

Immigrant seeks refuge, new life in Auburn

MARIE LIPSKI / PHOTOGRAPHER

Sadie Argo wins Miss Homecoming during the Auburn vs. Southern Miss game Saturday, Sept. 29, in Auburn, Ala.

Candidates raise over $5,000 for causes

By EDUARDO MEDINA

By LILY JACKSON

Assistant Community Editor

Managing Editor

community@theplainsman.com

managing.editor@theplainsman.com

Zacarías loves pineapple Jarritos. He’s a husband, a forward for his two-and-five soccer team, a construction worker, a tan-complexioned, boot-wearing, ramen-for-dinner kind of man.

“But above all,” he pauses and points with his chin at the little girl and boy. “I’m a dad, a dad for these beautiful, smart, amazing — ” Zacarías said before getting cut off by his daughter.

“Papi,” she exclaims. “That’s a lot of things.”

This is Zacarías — a father. But in the evening, after he’s tucked in his kids and kissed his wife goodnight, he sits in bed and prays and remembers what else he is.

With clenched fists, he begs God that this night not be his last. He prays and prays for a tomorrow, for another cool, serene evening with his family. He wants nightfall to come endlessly, he said, to flow like a river and drown his worries of being taken. Zacarías prays for this because of what else he is — an immigrant.

But before helming that label, before Auburn and kids and life, Zacarías’ story began as a little boy abandoned by his father and left at his grandfather’s coffee farm in Guatemala.

He remembers “the first day of hell” perfectly.

It was the early 90s when grandpa gave 5-yearold Zacarías a machete.

“You’re old enough now,” his grandfather said to him. “Go on and get to work.”

Little Zacarías grabbed the machete and with all his scrawny, malnourished strength, hacked away at the coffee plants.

“My grandfather worked with the sun,” Zacarías says. “When it rose, we worked. When it fell, we went home. That’s how it was.”

Miss Homecoming 2018 has been crowned, and her platform will continue to move forward. Some may ask what happens to the rest of the platforms and missions from the week.

Over $5,000 was raised over the week of campaigns for scholarships and organizations across campus.

“I think the week went well,” said Bri Thomas, executive director of elections. “The Elections Board and Elections Council were very well prepared, and the candidates were a joy to work with.”

Former Miss Homecoming candidate Maddy Hickman raised $2,500 with the help of her campaign team. The money will be put toward a scholarship for a first-generation college student.

Hickman said running for Miss Homecoming was a dream, but there are always adjustments and improvements to be made.

Thomas agreed. Voting went down 2 percent this election, and Thomas said they are already working toward better elections in the upcoming days.

“You will see increased publicity for elections coming up and more organization visits to encourage people to get more involved,” Thomas said.

Thomas said violation hearings went smoothly and Elections Board, as a whole, was prepared for the decisions they had to make.

Hickman plans to continue working with the high schools in the area to encourage students to go to college. In all, she gathered about 60 letters of encouragement from students for high schoolers. These letters went to Loachapoka High School.

“I told [the guidance counselor] to hold them until students were discouraged or feeling bogged down by the college application process,” Hickman said. “Then, she could use them as a source of inspiration for them to make it through tough times.”

Hickman has one more event coming up with Beauregard High School. She said she hopes to continue her work with high school students.

“I will continue to remember the connections I made this past week and turn those into change in this community,” Hickman said.

» See ZACARÍAS, 2

MADISON OGLETREE / PHOTO EDITOR

Zacarías, a Guatemalan immigrant, sits for a photo on Monday, Oct. 1, 2018.

COMMUNITY City Council candidates speak on the issues ahead of Tuesday’s election

News 24/7 on our website

Voters head to the polls on Oct. 9 to vote in a runoff election for several seats on the Council Page 5

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2018

MAYORAL ELECTIONS » From 1

not possible to stop a city like Auburn from growing.

“Auburn’s going to continue to grow because we’re going to continue to be an outstanding city,” Anders said in an interview with The Plainsman. “Auburn University is not going anywhere. That attracts people in and of itself, but our city now has stepped up alongside our University over the last couple of generations because of great leadership, and now our city is a destination place to live.”

The bigger issue to Anders is that of older student apartments being converted into multi-family apartments for non-student residents who use city services to a greater degree than students.

“The worst thing that can happen is Auburn grows too fast, and we can’t provide services for the people that come to town and everybody becomes frustrated,” Anders said.

Anders said the city needs to formulate a strategy for student housing going forward so that older complexes are refurbished or redeveloped instead of converted into non-student residences.

“We owe it to this community to understand that, because the backfill of those units is not a student who’s putting on a backpack and riding a bike to class and doesn’t use a lot of city services,”

ZACARÍAS » From 1

Sometimes, when dusk turned the sky a murky purple, Zacarías and his cousins gathered plastic bags and jumbled them into a soccer ball.

They’d kick the airy thing until the last light fled. Other times, they’d make toys from coffee plant leaves. Their grandfather would catch them and whip them with his belt, lashing them not with hatred, but fear, Zacarías says. A fear that his boys would not work, that no matter how hard he tried, his family would lay down on the dirt in their disheveled shack and sleep to the tune of their small stomachs growling.

And so, he lashed them.

Zacarías’ impoverished life, however, is rooted in a Civil War that devastated their country.

In 1954, the democratically elected President Jacob Arbenz was toppled by a CIA-backed coup because he was viewed as bringing “communist policies,” such as land reform that would redistribute large estates to peasants like Zacarías family. A war then ensued. This led Rios Montt, a charismatic evangelical preacher, to emerge as dictator in March 1982. His uprising led to a leftist uprising and a bloody Civil War. United States President Ronald Reagan was a fan of Montt, so in 1983, his administration lifted the embargo on the sales of weapons to Guatemala just as Montt’s government “led a campaign to wipe out large portions of the country’s indigenous populations,” as stated in a United Nations report. According to another report by a United Nations-backed Truth Commission, Montt’s government was responsible for “90 percent of deaths, disappearances and other human rights violations during the war,” and the U.S. played “a significant bearing on human right violations” during it.

The aftermath left Guatemala in shambles, and it forced Zacarías to trade in a pencil for a machete. And as he grew and the coffee plants grew and their disparity grew, all he wanted was education.

“I wanted to go to school so bad, but those coffee fields dragged me down,” Zacarías says. “I also grew so tired of getting home and there being nothing to eat, but I realized something then. I realized that our story is one of struggle.”

It was a struggle that suffocated him in the fields when the sun beamed mercilessly. A struggle that made him hallucinate for ceiba trees. A struggle that granted him one ice cube with a single drop of juice, only after three weeks of

THEPLAINSMAN.COM Anders said. “It becomes people who are going to our schools or riding our school buses, playing on our ball fields, and they use city services to a greater length.”

As a sitting Council member, Anders is widely viewed as a more “establishment” pick for mayor. He served his most recent term as mayor pro tempore, and Ham endorsed him to be his successor earlier this year. But with his record on the Council and in city government, Anders has said he’s a more qualified pick for the Council.

Hill, a former public policy professor, has served on the planning and zoning commission in College Station, Texas. He said that experience and his experience as a consultant for local governments, school districts and major companies make him qualified.

Hill said the city needs new, outsider leadership.

“We moved back nine years ago, and I immediately began to see things that troubled me in terms of just lack of openness and transparency in our city government,” Hill said, “kind of a just a headlong rush into any willy-nilly runaway growth and development, which to me was not advisable, and I didn’t see anybody standing up to the insider establishment that seems behind all this.”

The city’s government could be more open, transparent and accessible through an updated website, live-streaming of City Council and Planning Commission meetings and an app for the city that allows residents and students to in-

pinching together 8 cents.

“All of this made me think, ‘I have to go to the United States and leave this hunger and misery,’” Zacarías recalls. “‘I’d rather die trying to cross the Río Bravo than stay here.’”

At age 13, Zacarías packed his sack and left. His family’s goodbyes felt like those given at a funeral, he says.

He trekked across Mexico for three weeks in buses and on foot. Finally, he made it to a small town in Sonora. The place was controlled by drug dealers, and they’d torture those who refused to pay when asked. Most times, people did because on the other side was their destination — Arizona.

The guide responsible for taking them gathered everyone together.

“Buy water for five days. We leave at night,” Zacarías remembers the guide telling the group.

All Zacarías could do was look out to the barren desert and pray. With the first batch of peeking stars, they picked up their bags and ran, knowing full well the likelihood of detection and — if their prayers and saints failed them — death.

They tossed their bags over fences and burrowed underneath as quickly as possible.

“Más rápido,” the guide whispered. Faster, faster. Immigration officers were seen at a distance, shining their flashlights.

Zacarías’ group dived down.

The ground was covered with cacti. They crawled through the thorns, covering their bodies with tiny streaks of blood.

Anyone who yelped from the pain was immediately hushed.

“Gritas, te mato,” the guide said.

Yell, I’ll kill you.

They ran and crawled and bled all through the night. The desert was so vast, so dark, Zacarías remembers, it felt like being lost in space. Then, the guide stopped. Zacarías tried catching his breath but noticed a strange odor.

“I glanced around me, and suddenly, I saw what I was smelling,” Zacarías says.

“There were dead bodies everywhere. … I’m not sure how many. It was around 9 p.m., though, and I couldn’t see good, but I think it was five.

Yes, around five, but I tried not to stare at them.”

The group continued moving. Their guide told them, “Stay close, all bunched together.” People who strayed away had been known to be attacked by coyotes, he said. Zacarías put his head down and focused on the ground. Maybe this way he wouldn’t see more dead people that looked like him.

“That’s when I thought, ‘Lord, please help me. I don’t want to go back; I don’t want to return to that life,’” Zacarías

recalls.

How much must one suffer to get here, he wondered.

There are people, like those whose bodies now lie in the desert, rotting, that leave their country not with deviousness or for pleasure, but because of necessity, he says — a necessity to feed kids, to care for grandmothers and to put pencils, rather than machetes, in the tiny hands of children. And now these people stench the desert with their death, and I can smell them, he thought.

“I just wanted a better life. I didn’t want to die like them,” Zacarías says, looking straight at his daughter, who looks right back.

Zacarías’ group continued its journey through the desert, the moonlight outlining each ripped shirt, each battered and bloodied body. They walked and walked for three nights and three days, plucking their skin with thorns, staining their memories with lifeless migrants.

“We walked for such a long time until, finally, we saw three white trucks on a dirt road,” Zacarías says.

The men driving the trucks had been hired to transport the migrants to a haven in Tucson, Arizona, where they would get situated to board the bus of their choosing. One by one, the men tied up Zacarías’ group by the hands as they placed them in the back of the pickup. No one made any fuss of being tied. They were too weary and dehydrated to care.

“Thank you, God,” Zacarías thought to himself. “I made it.”

People were crammed on top of Zacarías. In the bumpy, three-hour ride, Zacarías gasped through dusty, sweat-smelling pockets of air.

But he didn’t mind. The journey felt like it was over.

The truck suddenly came to a halt. They were here.

“Everyone stay where you are,” the men driving the truck ordered.

Zacarías felt himself get dragged to the floor. He managed to see the name of the apartment complex and room number as he looked up.

“What the hell is the matter with you?” Zacarías asked the men.

“You shut the hell up, or we’ll toss you back to el desierto,” one of the men barked.

Zacarías saw the guns tucked inside each mans’ jeans and realized what was going on. They looked nervous and high and ready to kill if need be, he said.

“Once I saw that, I knew we had just been kidnapped,” Zacarías said.

They took Zacarías and the rest of the group inside the apartment. Inside, Zacarías saw bags of drugs scattered throughout and other hostag-

NEWS

teract with the city’s government.

The city’s heigh limits and restrictions on student housing in the downtown area have caused major disagreements at City Council meetings for years. Earlier this year, the Council approved a 75-foot height restriction for most of downtown and a 65-foot height limit in parts of downtown affecting College Street and Magnolia Avenue.

Anders supported the 75-foot height limit. He said he voted for it because the proposal came after plans were announced for a Southern Living Hotel that would take the place of Quixotes, the University Inn and the Baptist Student Union on South College Street. The developers asked for an extra ten feet to make the development possible. The surrounding discussions also enacted a downtown Design Review Team, which Anders supported.

But Anders said he would not support any more changes to the height ordinance, particularly proposals that would raise the limit further.

“If future generations want to raise it, that will be up to them,” Anders said. “But if I’m the mayor, we will not take that up, by in large.”

The Design Review Team has no approval authority and can only make recommendations to developers and the City Council. Anders said the state’s Constitution doesn’t allow for a Design Review Team that would have approval authority, but Hill says the City should change its ordinances to give the City Council more authority to approve the designs of new developes that looked like they had not eaten in weeks, he said. They sat them against the wall.

“Listen up, each of you are going to pay us $4,000. Only then, will we take you to the buses,” Zacarías remembers the men saying to his group.

Someone told the men they had no way of getting that money, something Zacarías was too afraid to voice.

“Well then, we have two options,” the man said. “We toss you back in the desert, or we cut off one of your fingers and mail it to your family back home. Those are your choices.”

ments.

He said he favors smaller developments like the recently built three-story cottages on East Samford Avenue near Gay Street.

“To me, those are more conducive to what we think of as Auburn as a small town, The Loveliest Village on The Plains, than these giant, bigbox, undistinguished architectural totems,” Hill said.

Anders agreed that he doesn’t like most of the recent big student-housing developments in the downtown area.

“I was not for the large-scale student projects downtown,” Anders said. “I was not.”

But he also said there is only so much a city can do without violating developers’ property rights.

“Those have to be honored,” Anders said. “The city can do the best we can to plan for the future and try to understand what trends are coming down the pike and that they will eventually make it to Auburn and try to plan accordingly.”

The runoff election will be held on Oct. 9. If you’re registered to vote in Auburn, you can vote in the runoff even if you didn’t vote in the Aug. 28 general election.

There will also be elections for four City Council members in Ward 2, Ward 4, Ward 5, and Ward 6.

This piece accompanies video interviews with both Anders and Hill. Those are available online at ThePlainsman.com The Auburn Plainsman will have live election coverage Tuesday, Oct. 9, on ThePlainsman.com.

One by one, they approached each person and asked who to contact to get money. It came time for Zacarías to answer.

“I told them I had no money, and no way of getting money,” Zacarías said. “They just said to me, ‘Well, we’ll have to make you think harder.’”

As Zacarías readjusts in his couch to continue, his daughter turns off the television and stares at her father intently as if a ghost were in front of her.

“Y qué te pasó?” she asks.

What happened to you?

They brought him to the bathroom. He noticed the

bathtub was filled and braced himself. A damning thought came to his head, he said.

“I may not have drowned in the Río Bravo,” Zacarías recalls. “But I will drown in this tub.”

They submerged him, and as his lungs struggled, he realized another peculiar thing. He was finally in America.

This piece is part of a series.

The second part of the series will be published in our next issue on Oct. 18, 2018.

Editor’s Note: We withheld Zacarías last name because of his undocumented status.

Applications Open!

Looking to make a difference on campus? Consider applying to be a Camp War Eagle (CWE) Counselor or a Successfully

Orienting Students (SOS) Leader. Both of these roles focus on creating a smooth transition into Auburn for incoming students and their families.

Applications close on Tuesday, Oct. 9 at noon, and can be found at fye.auburn.edu/apply.

From Auburn Student Affairs @AuburnStudents

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opinion

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OPINION

OUR VIEW

Reporting sexual assault­­not as simple as it seems

By EDITORIAL BOARD Fall 2018

With the recent accusations made against public figures, sexual assault has come to the forefront of America’s consciousness, particularly the actions surrounding reporting an assault.

At Auburn, this issue is particularly troubling. In 2017, there were only 17 instances of rape and forcible fondling reported

by Auburn students, but the AAU Climate Survey on Sexual Assault and Sexual Misconduct from 2015 reports that 11.7 percent of students at college experience nonconsensual sexual contact — what would be roughly 3,484 students at Auburn.

What is causing this apparent lack of reporting assault?

A California professor, Christine Blasey Ford, recently alleged Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her when they were in high school. The alleged assault happened around 30 years ago.

Why did she wait so long to report?

Survivors of sexual assault often face the fear of not being believed, that when they do come forward they will be derided and ridiculed for not remembering certain details, for wearing a dress that was “too short” or a wealth of other circumstances that people use to place blame on the victim.

That’s exactly what happened to Ford. A prosecutor hired by the Senate Judiciary Committee attempted to poke holes in her story. She has been questioned and ridiculed for her decision not to speak out earlier.

Let us be clear: It is a victim’s decision, and their decision alone, to tell others about their sexual assault and when they choose to do so.

These stories often have one underlying element — that of a power dynamic. These survivors endured abuse from their employers, celebrities and other people in positions of greater power or influence.

But more important than the position the abusers held was that those who suffered at their hands were left powerless — scared, shocked, embarrassed, ashamed, alone.

They could be fired from their job. They could be blacklisted from an industry or a field. Their career could be left in ruin.

And with younger victims, it’s complicated there, too.

Ford was just a young girl in high school, powerless at the time of her assault. She was younger than Kavanaugh and

Mark Judge, the other man whom she said witnessed the assault.

Assaults involving youth are complicated. The levels of power are complex and can often involve drinking and partying. Young victims are often afraid to report the assault should thier parents, the police or other authority figure find out they were breaking a rule, violating their curfew or drinking underage.

Furthermore, it is in one’s youth that it becomes apparent that there is an inherent power differential between men and women.

Women are constantly thinking of how to prevent assault, something most men do not instinctively do.

Women walk from place to place with their keys carefully placed between their fingers.

Women call someone when they walk to their car at night — just in case.

Women avoid parking garages, take self-defense classes, travel in groups. They check the backseats of their cars before they get in, avoid getting in elevators with just men, watch their drinks be poured and never leave their drinks unattended.

Women know assault can occur at any time or place and by anyone, including people they know.

Because of these skewed power dynamics and complicated situations, often times, while an assault can be traumatic, survivors may not fully recognize that what occurred to them was an assault.

“I was too drunk to say no” does not constitute a yes.

“He was just a little drunk and a little handsy” is not an excuse for an assault to occur.

“Her outfit was a little revealing,” but no outfit is asking for it, no matter how revealing. It cannot make attackers act against their own free will.

For many, it is not until they recount these traumatic experiences that they realize what happened was not right and they fully begin to understand what happened to them. Trauma is processed over a lifetime, so while it may be preferred to report an assault immediately after, it may not always be possible.

Reporting an assault gives a survivor dignity. It allows

their voices to be heard and for them to take a stand against their abuser. There is no perfect time to report an assault, except for when the victim is ready to come forward.

If you are a survivor of sexual assault and need counseling, contact the Rape Counselors of East Alabama at 334-741-0707 or Safe Harbor at 334-844-7233.

If you have experienced a sexual assault or witnessed an assault occur and would like to report it you can report through the Title IX Office at aub.ie/titleix or the Auburn Police Division at 334-501-3100.

PETE BAKER / CARTOONIST

THEIR VIEWS

Ford-Kavanaugh leaves indelible mark on nation’s history

By EMILY HALE Contributing Columnist

A common tongue-in-cheek response to someone’s young daughter entering the realm of dating is “Are you going to get a gun?”

This seemingly light-hearted question exemplifies a broader culture that shelters men from consequences for their actions.

The Brett Kavanaugh hearing goes hand in hand with this question. I will go ahead and say the quiet part out loud: women are often treated as stepping stones in a man’s journey. The Kavanaugh hearing is a stain to America, but it is a stain because it brings to the forefront just one aspect of our virulent experience with sexism and misogyny.

Why do we take Kavanaugh’s words at face value and not Christine Blasey Ford’s? These are the kinds of questions that subtly hint at our culture of hostile sexism — this instance is only bubbling at the surface of a much, much larger body of water.

Being a nice, well-dressed and community-involved man does not preclude you from being abusive. In fact, it oftentimes is the very people we look up to. If the #MeToo movement has taught us anything, powerful men often can and do abuse their power and abuse women, particularly women.

The power imbalance present in this kind of abuse is why when women call out practices that subjugate us. It’s an effective tactic that gaslights women and denies responsibility.

Understanding our politics as a system of checks and balances, this process is supposed to be the vetting process– the job interview of all job interviews. This is a position we should want to especially scrutinize over.

Whether we should have a lifetime appoint-

By MICHAEL JONES

ment to an entity with such permanent and sweeping powers is an entirely different conversation. But there should be such strict scrutiny for the very reason that whomever we appoint to this position has the ability to directly influence what many call the “game” of politics.

Unfortunately, this little “game” is theoretically far removed from our day-to-day lives, but in reality, they are anything but removed from us.

Think Dred Scott. Think Plessy. Think Korematsu.

America does not exactly have the best track record, but every decision we face is an opportunity to get it right or to at least try.

It should not be unreasonable to expect that we not appoint an individual who spouts hyper-partisan conspiracy theories in his opening statement; it should not be unreasonable to expect that a Supreme Court justice possess the capacity to articulate a position without belittling potential colleagues and peers; it should not be unreasonable to expect that such an individual be able to undergo meaningful self-reflection and criticism.

If he says that this questioning was a tough process and he reasonably could not “keep his cool,” how can we trust him with some of the most controversial and consequential topics in our nation?

I’ll put it to you this way, who do you believe more — a teenage girl who remembers every vivid detail of an encounter down to the laughter of their peers or a man who claims he does not remember much of anything?

I believe Dr. Christine Blasey Ford. Regardless of whether you do or not, you should be frightened or at the very least concerned by the potential appointment of Kavanaugh to our Supreme Court.

Emily Hale is a graduate student at Auburn University.

Contributing Columnist

Since this started, this process has been nothing but an attempt to ruin someone’s life to try to win a Supreme Court seat. Nothing more.

The Democrats want to stop Judge Brett Kavanaugh by any means necessary. They want to win back the Senate and reject President Donald Trump’s nominees until 2020 with the hopes of winning the presidency.

They will do anything to achieve this goal.

They simply do not care.

They do not care that they have tried to commit character assassination. The Democrats are out to ruin Kavanaugh’s life.

They’ve taken allegations with no evidence and weaponized them to shame a man with an immaculate life-long record of public service. They simply do not care.

They do not care that every alleged witness to every allegation either disputes or cannot corroborate the claims. They do not care that no one has come forward with more info about any of them. They do not care that all the people who have come forward have been in support of Kavanugh.

They simply do not care.

They do not care that Kavanaugh and his family have received death threats. They do not care that when the FBI investigation yields nothing, he will never get to do the things he loves again like teaching or coaching girls’ basketball. They do not care that they will have tarnished the name and reputation of a good man. They simply do not care.

They do not care that they have made

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

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him seem like an alcoholic in front of the entire country — an allegation, which tons of his friends have refuted. He testified that he loved beer and even drank too much sometimes – which, I hope isn’t a disqualifying quality for people in public life – and they weaponized it to make him seem like an out of control drunkard. They simply do not care.

They do not care about Christine Blasey Ford. Need proof? Sen. Dianne Feinstein withheld the allegations until the latest, politically opportune moment. She could’ve handled it confidentially — per Ford’s wishes — and solved this weeks ago, but that wouldn’t have achieved her goals. She used Ford as a political pawn, which should infuriate anyone who cares about sexual assault victims.

They simply do not care.

They do not care about the #MeToo movement. Need proof? How many Democrats have you seen talking about the allegations of domestic abuse against Rep. Keith Ellison? What about the sexual abuse that Sen. Cory Booker admitted to? What about Juanita Broderick, Bill Clinton’s accuser? It’s simple. The Democrats simply do not care.

Like Sen. Lindsey Graham, this is the most disgusting thing I’ve seen in politics. The lack of regard to compassion, due process and decency by the Democrats is absolutely heinous. This is a stain on our country and will infect these processes for the foreseeable future. Everyone complicit in this sham of a process should be ashamed. And they would be, if they cared.

Michael Jones is a senior in business at Auburn and contributes to The College Fix, a conservative blog, and the Lone Conservative.

GABBY DANCE Assistant Campus ELIZABETH HURLEY Community Editor EDUARDO MEDINA Assistant Community MIKAYLA BURNS Lifestyle Editor

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CAMPUS

HOMECOMING

MADISON OGLETREE / PHOTO EDITOR

Plainsmen and War Eagle Girls celebrate after Auburn’s win against Alabama State on Sept. 8, 2018, in Auburn, Ala.

Miss Homecoming voter turnout drops 2 percent

By LILY JACKSON Managing Editor

Miss Homecoming Sadie Argo collected over 1,000 more votes than second-place candidate Tracy Moore.

The 2018 Miss Homecoming election saw 9,340 votes tallied — a 31percent turnout.

Polls closed on Friday, Aug. 28, at 7 p.m.

Morgan Gaston was crowned Miss Homecoming 2017 after a voter turnout of 33 percent. The votes tallied in 2017 sat at almost 9,500.

In 2016, 6,158 votes were filed — a 22 percent turnout. In 2015, 4,585 votes were filed. In 2014, 5,249 votes were filed — a 20 percent turnout.

Turnout has improved over the past four years, but it is crucial to remember the general increase of students at the University.

Former 2018 Miss Homecoming candidate Maddy Hickman said campaigning in Auburn is difficult. Personally, she said she had trouble paying what was necessary to campaign and felt it was unnecessary.

“Auburn elections are hard because active students are already supporting someone, and others seem not to care about what you have to say,” Hickman said. “My favorite part of campaign weeks is reaching that middle ground of aware publics.”

Hickman said she noticed there were fewer students on campus during voting hours.

She said she believes lower turnout is linked

to new election laws prohibiting off-campus campaigning and the law prohibiting more than 10 people in one area.

Another reason Hickman sited as a reason for possible disinterest in voting was the timing of the election. Being that the vote is conducted the weekend before Homecoming weekend, she said many students leave town.

“I believe the goal with these laws is to ensure that students are making more informed decisions and equality among campaigns, which I think is great,” Hickman said. “I honestly can’t say if they are successfully doing this.”

Here are the results of the election: Sadie Argo: 3,283 votes (*3,336 votes –

AUBIE

53 votes penalty from violation ruling) Tracy Moore: 2,218 votes Sarah Louise Boland: 1,568 votes Maddy Hickman: 1,566 votes Jennifer Eaton: 652 votes According to Elections Board, out of the 9,340 votes, 57.5 percent were cast by female voters and 42.5 percent by male voters.

Freshmen cast 34.8 percent of the votes tallied, sophomores cast 23.7 percent, juniors cast 18.1 percent, seniors cast 18.5 percent and graduate students cast 4.9 percent of the votes.

“One thing I’ve learned in my time at Auburn is that you can’t make people care, and that is OK as long as you care enough for everyone,” Hickman said.

SGA

Senate increases Miss Auburn campaign budgets

By TRICE BROWN Campus Reporter

JOSHUA FISHER / PHOTOGRAPHER

An exhibit featuring Aubie memorabilia sits in the Ralph Brown Draughon Library on Friday, Sept. 28, in Auburn, Ala.

‘The Story of Aubie’ on display in RBD

By ABBY CUNNINGHAM Campus Writer

The Auburn University Special Connections and Archives has put up an exhibit called “The Story of Aubie,” which will be displayed until May 2019.

It is open for all students and faculty to look at and learn about the history of Auburn’s loveable mascot, who first appeared in 1979. The exhibit is located on the first floor of the library, to the left of the glass elevator.

Lisa Glasscock, the technical specialist for the Special Connections and Archives, provides an inside look into the creation of this exhibit. She has been in this position for a year, and her job is to help process items that come in and to create inventories. Glasscock was in charge of the creation of the Aubie exhibit.

“I wanted to do something about school spirit generally, and then I got my copy of Aubie’s calendar this year, and I saw that it was 40 years of Aubie,” Glasscock said. “Usually, it’s fun to make an exhibit around an anniversary or a commemoration.”

Her original idea was to have different shelves for spirit, cheer and Aubie. Glasscock said that once she started with all the materials for Aubie, she realized she had more than she needed.

Now the exhibit is chronological, following the history of Aubie the Tiger. Glasscock used a 1941

football schedule, which had a tiger on the front of it, in her exhibit on the first shelf.

“I saw it on the inventory, and I wanted to see it and the images it had on it,” Glasscock said. “It had a tiger on there, and I thought ‘this is great!’ It looks good, and it shows the ferocious tiger we used in the ‘40s.”

Glasscock noted that she had to check leads from the long inventory of items in order to find some that she thought would work for the exhibit. She would have to check each of these items for a tiger and decide whether or not it was essential to Aubie’s story and how he came to be.

“I used the football programs because they are such a wellknown thing that covers the football programs that have Phil Neel’s illustrations of Aubie,” Glasscock said. “I really wanted to include when was the first time he showed up on there, when he went from a tiger into an anthropomorphic, jersey-wearing tiger that we know now.”

She used these programs to show the evolution of Aubie and how he has changed over the years. Glasscock highlights the start of the tiger, to when he wore a jersey, then to when he got his name and finally to when he first appeared in 1979.

“I wanted to do the exhibit to celebrate the spirit of Aubie,” Glasscock said. “I feel like the students and faculty and even the

people who come in during home games could relate to that and even find it interesting to see that, the highlights of how he came to be the Aubie we see today.”

Glasscock believes the most important part of the exhibit and of Aubie’s history is when he officially came to be in 1979. She said that James Lloyd had the first idea to buy the Aubie costume, while Barry Mask was the first student to become Aubie for the 1979-1980 school year.

“Barry was the one who gave Aubie the aspects of his personality that we still have today: the flirtiness, being so good with kids and being a good dancer,” Glasscock said.

She admires the courage it took to start the idea, and for others to join the concept even though it might have seemed strange at the time.

“I feel like Aubie is a mascot we can be proud of,” Glasscock said.

“I put in the exhibit that he’s an award-winning mascot. He does it with excellence, and it’s very interesting how they keep it up all through the years. I believe that he is a mascot we can really support and enjoy.”

The Special Collections and Archives Office is located on the ground floor of the library and is open for questions. The office currently has two exhibits up for display which are open during gamedays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for any interested fans.

The Student Government Association Senate increased the budget for Miss Auburn campaigns and discussed requiring campaigns to disclose their source of funds at the weekly meet on Oct. 1.

Max Zinner, graduate school senator, introduced the bill to lower campaign funds for SGA president, vice president, treasurer and Miss Auburn candidates.

Sara Haynes, senator for the College of Engineering, said she spoke with former campaign managers and Miss Auburn candidates who said they couldn’t have campaigned with anything less than $1,000.

“I’d also like to point out that we have one of the best voter turnouts in the SEC,” Haynes said. “So clearly our campaign budgets are being used efficiently.”

Annie Ozment, senator for the College of Sciences and Mathematics, said student expectations for campaigning won’t lower if the budget is cut.

Riley Hambrick, senator for the College of Liberal Arts, said he supported the change, citing that Clemson students have a smaller budget and are still able to campaign.

Jordan Bailey, senator for the College of Engineering, said that Clemson’s campaigns were less successful because they had half of the voter turnout of Auburn’s campaigns.

Bailey said that $1,500 was a more

appropriate amount for Miss Auburn based on a survey of recent Miss Homecoming candidates. Bailey said that about half of those who participated in the survey said their budget of $750 was not enough to reach all of the students.

“What are we to say to (students from lower socio-economic backgrounds) if they are not at the advantage to have money at their disposal?” asked Bri Thomas, executive director of elections.

Zinner said SGA needed to make sure they were representing all students, not just wealthy ones who could afford to campaign.

The Senate voted to keep the president, vice president and treasurer campaign budgets at $1,500 while increasing the Miss Auburn budget to $1,500 as well.

Zinner introduced an amendment to the code of laws that included a clause requiring candidates to disclose the source of all campaign funds.

Students deserve to know where campaign funds come from because those funds can influence people once they are elected, Zinner said.

Sam Nunn, at-large senator, said that Greek organizations will provide funds to help a candidate.

“You don’t go behind closed doors with executive members who say, ‘You are going to vote this way and that way,’” Nunn said.

The Senate voted to remove the clause from the bill that required candidates to disclose source of funding and voted to pass the bill into law.

FILE PHOTO

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2018

The Auburn Plainsman

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INVOLVEMENT

MADISON OGLETREE / PHOTO EDITOR

Plainsmen and War Eagle Girls celebrate after Auburn’s win against Alabama State on Sept. 8, 2018, in Auburn, Ala.

Who are the War Eagle Girls and Plainsmen?

By NATALIE BECKERINK Campus Writer

The Auburn War Eagle Girls and Plainsmen (WEGP) have represented Auburn University since the 1960s. They are recognized at every home football game standing tall in their orange and blue, but there is much more to the organization than being seen on the Jumbotron every Saturday.

The War Eagle Girls and Plainsmen are composed of 13 women and 13 men to total a group of 26 Auburn students. They represent the respectable and trustworthy ideals of Auburn through the events they run and projects they work on. Some of these functions include organizing alumni pre-games at the President’s Mansion, giving tours of campus and hosting dignitaries.

James Harris, a senior in materials engineering, is the current president of the War Eagle Girls and Plainsmen. He became a member in the spring of 2017 and was elected into this leadership role on Jan. 30, 2018. Harris talked highly of the organization and how much of an impact it has had on him.

“My experiences as a member of the War Eagle Girls and Plainsmen have provided me a

new perspective on the University and fostered a deeper appreciation for ideals and character of Auburn men and women,” Harris said.

Not only being a member, but also leading this group of students has been important in Harris’s life. He expressed that he has learned a lot from this experience and formed many meaningful relationships.

“Although I hold the title of president, I continue to serve alongside the other 25 members at the president’s home, football games, alumni events, campus tours and all the other events we have the opportunity to assist with as members of WEGP,” Harris said. “It’s an honor to serve in this role, and I hope to finish this year strong and continue to serve for the betterment of Auburn.”

Younger members in WEGP have also had similar positive answers when asked about the organization. Certain themes, growth and knowledge, were brought up frequently in their responses.

Chad Barfield, a junior in public relations and marketing, only joined the group six months ago.

He mentioned how he was in awe that he was able to be a part of such an esteemed group.

“I was nervous to see if I was adequate for the position; however, the returners of the group, once I was selected have taken me in, and I built

relationships that I am confident will last far past graduation,” Barfield said.

Another newer member, Ari Alexander, who is a junior in industrial and systems engineering, discussed how much she has learned so far in this organization.

“Coming into this group I thought I knew a lot about serving, but it wasn’t until I was surrounded by 25 of the most selfless people that I truly began to understand the definition of service,” Alexander said.

The group also shared some of their most memorable moments from being in WEGP, highlighting the bond formed between all the students.

“The most memorable moment for me thus far has probably been when we went to the lake the first weekend of the semester and were just around each other after being separated for summer,” said Barfield. “The time and conversations felt very organic. I just remember sitting on the dock around the other 25 members thinking, ‘wow these people are some of my best friends.’”

Through her most memorable moment, Alexander emphasized the tightness of the group.

“I would have to say my most memorable moment would have to be senior speeches,” Alexander said. “You really get to see how close-knit the

group becomes over a year and the great opportunities they were given to serve Auburn.”

To become a member of the organization, one must go through two rounds of interviews. The first round cuts down the pool of people to 25 men and 25 women, and the second results in callouts at Samford Hall. The standing Miss Auburn also serves as a member of the group.

The students also provided some advice for any students looking to become a member of WEGP. “I think there is a misconception that you have to have been previously involved in a bunch of organizations on campus or have to have a polished resume in order to be considered or apart of WEGP,” Alexander said. “No one is placed in this group based on his or her resume, but rather individuals are measured by his or her character and willingness to serve the University.”

Harris also gave some tips from a president’s perspective.

“I feel that a lot of people are constantly looking for what they can be doing to set themselves up for a better chance to achieve the next position, job, organization, etc. If you work hard and focus on what you are doing now, it helps you immensely when you step into a new role,” Harris said.

INVOLVEMENT

FILE PHOTO

IHSA team welcomes anyone to be an equestrian

By TRICE BROWN Campus Reporter

The Auburn University Equestrian Center’s quiet, green pastures and dusty dirt road feel impossibly foreign to be so close to the heart of campus. It seems to resemble the University only by name and familiar sight of construction.

Beside the covered performance arena, a small brown building stands. Inside, the executive committee for the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association meets atop a dusty floor with a refrigerator labeled “Human Consumption Only.”

Lisa Dorsey, head coach and Western coach, worked with Greg Williams, head coach of the NCAA team, to bring the club team back to Auburn, which was abandoned after the team moved to the NCAA. Dorsey had previously been the associate Western head coach for the NCAA team for seven years.

“He gave us the facility, he let us have horses, he figured out how to make it work and then I just ran with it,” Dorsey said.

Dorsey said the NCAA team is elite, but because of this, it can’t serve all the students at Auburn.

“There are so many people at Auburn that love horses, want to ride, want to do things, but they don’t have the opportunity,” Dorsey said. Dorsey participated in IHSA while she was in college and coached IHSA before coming to Auburn.

Dorsey said she stepped down from her position on the NCAA team when she had her son because she wanted more time, which prompted a laugh from the executive committee.

Jennifer Beck, treasurer of the IHSA team and senior in psychology and kinesiology, said she estimated about half of the members have ridden horses since they were very young, while the other half had a love for horses but never had an opportunity to ride.

“Before I started the team three falls ago, I had maybe sat on a horse five to 10 times in my entire life,” said Claire Reach, fundraising chair and senior in animal science production management.

Last year, Reach placed ninth at the IHSA nationals for the Beginner Western Horsemanship competition. She said she never could have anticipated making it that far whenever she started.

“It’s kind of like a disease or an addiction, and I really don’t want to get away from it,” Reach said.

“They’ll all tell you the same thing.”

Addison Howe, show committee chair and sophomore in pre-pharmacy, said she participated in horse shows every weekend before college.

“We have the whole spectrum,” Howe said.

“We have people who have never been on a horse before, and we have people who have done this their whole life.”

“It’s a great family if you don’t want to do the sorority [or] fraternity route,” said Emilie-Grace King, community service chair and junior in exercise science.

According to Beck, general members of the club pay $75 per year, while non-competing members pay $375 and competing members pay $800 a semester to practice.

“Practices break down to about $32 a practice, and if you were able to get lessons somewhere, most places are $50 to $60,” Dorsey said.

“So it’s actually a lot more reasonable to ride on the team.”

The team fundraises to alleviate the financial cost for members by hosting benefit nights and meeting with the Organizations Board on campus to get funding. They are also considering having a candle sale, and each member is required to sell $50 worth of ads for their home shows.

Last year, the organization participated in Tiger Giving Day with “Four Feet for a Future,” which asked for donations so the club could purchase a reigning horse, which are difficult to acquire through the horse donation process.

The IHSA club was nominated last year for Organization of the Year at Auburn. It was only its third year as a club.

The club will have its home shows on Nov. 10 and 11 at the Auburn University Equestrian Center.

Sarah Brown Ad I hope to serve as your new voice for Ward 6 on Auburn City Council. Ward 6 encompasses a large part of Auburn University. I care deeply for the future of Auburn and want to continue to foster the strong relationship we have with Auburn University. We have much to be proud of and still much to accomplish. I welcome your ideas as we continue to grow and prosper together.

My husband and I aare both Auburn Alum, and we have two sons attending Auburn. Our roots run deep and we are Auburn family! I ask for your vote on October 9 for Ward 6, Auburn City Council and your future Auburn.

“I believe in Auburn and LOVE it.”

SarahBrownForOurHometown.com Paid for by Sarah Brown for Auburn City Council

community

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2018

THEPLAINSMAN.COM

COMMUNITY

MADISON OGLETREE / PHOTO EDITOR AND CONTRIBUTED BY CAMPAIGNS

Top L to R: Todd D. Scholl (Ward 2), Kelley Griswold (Ward 2), Jim Ryan (Ward 4), and Brett Smith (Ward 4).

Bottom from L to R: Walter M. Northcutt (Ward 5), Steven Dixon (Ward 5), Sarah Brown (Ward 6) and Bob Parsons (Ward 6).

Council candidates discuss key issues

By ELIZABETH HURLEY Community Editor

WARD 2

WARD 4

WARD 5

WARD 6

City Council candidates for Ward 2, Kelly Griswold, 62, and Todd Scholl, 51, both want to restore trust and improve ward 2’s infrastructure such as roads, sidewalks and other aspects of the community.

Both candidates agree the traffic in Ward 2 is in bad shape, especially after the addition of the Richland Elementary School on Richland Road.

The traffic has mainly come from growth throughout the city. Ward 2 has seen the addition of several neighborhood developments.

“The infrastructure has to be developed before any new neighborhoods are approved to developers,” Scholl said.

Griswold is concerned with annexation when it comes to growing the city.

“Any kind of growth that we have in terms of our city footprint needs to be something that benefits the city, not necessarily just the land owner,” Griswold said. “We don’t want to annex something that is way out, which will further strain our ability to provide infrastructure.”

In April 2018, the City Council voted to increase the maximum height limit of buildings that can be developed downtown from 65 feet to 75 feet. There was much debate over the decision and has been brought up at candidate forums.

Griswold and Scholl disagreed with the decision the Council made in April. Griswold said he believes the Council did not respect what the citizens of Auburn wanted.

The Council cannot go back at this point and undo the decision because buildings are already being built at the 75-foot limit, however, Griswold would like to revisit the topic.

“I’d like to see some kinds of protection put in place for the parts of Auburn that peo-

Ward 4 City Council candidate Jim Ryan, 58, says his main focus would be representing the people of his ward as best he can. And candidate Brett Smith, 35, says his goal is to get to know everyone is his ward and learn their concerns.

One of the topics that was brought up during candidate forums in preparation for the first municipal election on Aug. 28 was the new 75-foot height limit for buildings downtown. In April 2018, the City Council voted to increase the maximum height limit that can be developed downtown from 65 feet to 75 feet.

Ryan, an English professor at Auburn University, said the problems that arose around the 75-foot height ordinance are exemplary of long-standing issues in the city.

“Promises were made to Auburn citizens about restrictions on height,” Ryan said.

“And unfortunately, those promises were not kept. I think that issue really shows that it’s extremely important for a City Council and mayor, you know, who are responsible for many of the other commissions that are appointed, to be very, very reliable.”

The decision is hard to reverse at this point, but restrictions can be put in place to prevent things like this from happening again, Ryan said.

Smith said he thinks the reason why the height discrepancy is still discussed months after the Council made a decision is because of lack of communication.

“A lot of people said they want to know why we head in this direction, why do we need building height or taller buildings or shorter buildings,” Smith said. “That’s why the communication has been huge for me because I want to make sure that people feel that they can reach out to me and talk to me.”

City Council Ward 5 candidates want to focus on the people.

Steven Dixon, 33, wants to establish better communication with citizens such as by creating a more interactive and informational city website.

“My main goal is better communication between the residents and the city,” Dixon, who owns a video and photography company, said. “The only way to know what’s happening is to attend the City Council meetings and not everybody can make the City Council meeting. So, I would like to livestream those and make them more accessible.”

Walter Northcutt, 60, wants to invest in the people of Auburn and the infrastructure they use each day.

“No. 1: Make sure people feel invested in a city government,” Northcutt, an attorney, said. “They’re a part of the decision-making process. No. 2 would be to make sure our infrastructure, sidewalks and streets meet the needs of Ward 5. And, of course, everybody wants to talk about downtown. So, we would have to get together and make a suitable plan for our downtown area.”

The city is growing with many new developments already underway. Dixon is concerned with the infrastructure, especially parking in areas such as downtown.

“I’ve seen Auburn grow, and I think it’s a great thing to see a small-town community like ours really grow,” Dixon said. “I think we just need to be careful about specifically the downtown area. I think we need to just be careful about what we’re doing there because the more spaces that go there that’s going to cause more traffic.”

Northcutt said growth is inevitable. Auburn has some of the best schools and other city programs, such as fire, in the state so

The candidates for City Council Ward 6 want to work to represent the people of their ward and their interests to continue to grow Auburn in a positive direction.

Bob Parsons, 54, said his main goal is to make sure his neighborhood has representation on the Council.

“I feel like I’ve been going to a lot of City Council meetings over the last year or so, and it seems to me that a lot of everyday residents, the long-term residents, that there’s a disconnect between us and the City Council representatives,” said Parsons, the fire inspector for Opelika. “I really want to make sure that all voices are represented on the City Council and that particularly is longterm residents of Ward 6.”

Sarah Brown, 46, wants to work to better communicate with the people of Ward 6, especially students and the University.

“We have such a great place, and we need to celebrate the great things that we have, and we need to look forward to the future, continue to grow and just make sure that we have the resources to continue our safety, our infrastructure and all the positive things that we have going,” Brown said, a design consultant for Three Sixty Real estate.

During the candidate forums leading up to the first municipal election, candidates were often asked about the City Council’s vote in April to increase the maximum height limit of buildings that can be developed downtown from 65 feet to 75 feet.

The issue of the building height downtown has been a hot topic for several years, Brown said.

“We have to continue to grow downtown and for sustainability reasons, for economic reasons, we have to go up and not out,” Brown said. “To be able to grow the retail,

» See WARD 2, 7

» See WARD 4, 7

» See WARD 5, 7

» See WARD 6, 7

PARKS

Best places to take dogs for a cool, cuddly time on The Plains

By EMMA MCCALL Community Writer

With so many parks and outdoor areas in Auburn to bring dogs, a few restaurants and businesses may be a surprise.

Kiesel Park at 520 Chadwick Lane and Town Creek Park at 1150 S. Gay St. are popular local destinations for residents to bring furry friends.

Kiesel Park, Auburn’s largest park, has an off-leash area for well-behaved dogs as well as a 2-mile walking trail, pond and garden, according to The City of Auburn’s website. There have been many events held at the pavilion, including city events such as The Auburn CityFest and The Annual Easter Egg Hunt. The pavilion and Nunn-Winston house can be rented for weddings.

With all the open green area, it is an optimal place to bring dogs.

Town Creek Park is smaller than Kiesel Park, but it has similar amenities. According to The City of Auburn’s website, Town Creek Park has a workout area with simple machines and the .87-mile walking trail goes around a pond that welcomes many different

species of birds, fish and other wildlife.

The City of Auburn’s website says Town Creek Park is home to Spring Sundown Concert Series in May which is a city event that showcases diverse music performers at a laid-back green space at the park where the whole family and all the dogs can come.

Mama Mocha’s Coffee Roastery has grown in popularity in the recent years with their diverse array of coffees, teas and merchandise. The local favorite also allows dogs inside and outside of their shop. Located at 414 S Gay St., the coffee shop is situated close to campus.

Baumhower’s Victory Grille at 2353 Bent Creek Road allows dogs on their patio. With being right off the interstate, Baumhower’s understands travelers and their dogs have been awaiting a cold drink. Your server may lend your dog a water bowl to cool down on the shaded patio. The big restaurant, with dozens of TV’s and fans inside and out, will be sure to make furry friends happy.

Soon, Baumhower’s Victory Grille will start a new patio policy in which dogs, who have always been welcome, will now be treated with chicken wing

shaped dog bones, along with water bowls, according to Danita Billups, director of service for Baumhower’s Victory Grille.

“It’s official, dogs eat free at Baumhower’s Victory Grille,” Billups said.

“Who let the dogs out?” said James

Rowell, sous chef. “Baumhower’s did!”

Bruster’s Real Ice Cream is located on 2172 E University Dr. Bruster’s has a vibrant environment for everyone. Whether it be an ice cream date with a friend or a mom and dad treating their kids to ice cream after school,

Bruster’s gives Auburn locals a place to meet with dogs. The dogs even get a fun treat.

“We give [the dogs] a baby scoop of vanilla ice cream with a dog treat on top,” said Kayla Yost, an employee at Bruster’s.

MADISON OGLETREE / PHOTO EDITOR

Two dogs run together during Puppy Palooza at Kiesel Park on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017, in Auburn, Ala.

The Auburn Plainsman

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2018

WARD 6 » From 6

the services that we want to stay downtown that (the 75-foot height limit) was a necessary component.”

Parsons does not have much a problem with whether downtown has 65- or 75-foot buildings, rather that the Council went against a promise they previously made to the citizens, he said.

“Not but two years ago the Council made a compromise with the residents of Auburn to reduce that height to 65 feet,” Parsons said. “Then, they basically just broke that promise, broke that agreement with the residents. It was just done very quickly and not particularly well.”

Earlier in 2018, the city began working on an ordinance that will regulate shortterm rentals, which are commonly done through companies such as Airbnb.

WARD 4 » From 6

The City of Auburn began working in 2018 on an ordinance to regulate shortterm rentals, often done through companies such as Airbnb and VRBO. Ryan said he is cautious of short-term rentals because they reduce the quality of life for the long-term residents if the rentals are not strictly regulated.

“What I’ve observed in many Auburn neighborhoods is that streets and neighborhoods have significant numbers of rental properties, and it’s short-term rental properties, and it’s easy to pick those out because they’re less well-maintained there,” Ryan said. “They’re less at-

WARD 2 » From 6

ple expect to see when they return to Auburn,” Griswold said.

“They like the small-town feel of out downtown and I don’t want that to disappear because of lack of protection.”

Scholl would also like to revisit the topic.

“They voted for it in a political moment because of the

Short-term rentals provide accommodations for tourists that they want, Brown said when discussing friends of hers that would have rather stayed in a short-term rental house than a hotel.

“I think it’s necessary in this community that we have that opportunity for people that are coming into the community,” Brown said. “We need to be able to provide for people that are coming here and tourists that are coming here, but we also need to do it and make sure that we’re following the rules and regulations so we make sure that the city is benefiting from the tourism that’s coming into Auburn.”

Parsons said he believes short-term rentals have a place in Auburn.

“With regards to Ward 6, we have already in place unrelated occupancy laws that no more than two people unrelated can live in the same home,” Parsons said.

“So I think any kind of ordinance concerning Airbnb in mind would have to take that

into account. Since they’re a business, they would be subject to the taxes.”

Parsons said if he is elected, he plans to have a strong social media presence and use his website to get messages out to citizens.

“I intend to follow Councilmember Linda Tremaine’s model of ensuring there is a monthly public ward meeting, where concerned residents from any part of the city, but most focused on Ward 6, would be able to come and meet with me and discuss and learn about any matters that are deemed important to the residents in Ward 6,” Parsons said.

Brown said there is a lot of talent and ideas within the student body. She wants to work with the students to get them involved in the city government.

“I think the SGA involvement is a huge part of that,” Brown said. “I mean your SGA is the leadership of the University. I think we should work hand in hand with the SGA and City Council.”

tractive neighborhoods.”

Smith is also concerned about quality of life for residents. He said renters sometimes do not respect the property and neighbors as much as a long-term resident would, which can cause problems.

“If property owners are going to use their home, similar to a hotel or lodging, then they (property owners) need to go through the procedure and the policy the way that a normal hotel would, whether that includes getting a business license and paying the particular taxes,” Smith said.

Getting young people involved in government, especially local government, can be difficult.

Ryan said he wants to encourage all eligible voters and community members,

including students, to get involved in their city.

“I think that one way we can do it is by making sure that the City Council meetings can be watched on video, which is currently not possible,” Ryan said. “That’s something that I have suggested this year, and I think it probably will be adopted.”

Often times, young people come to Auburn for the University and stay after they graduate because they like the city.

It’s important to get students involved as students, Smith said.

“I hear people talking about, you know, there’s Auburn University and the City of Auburn,” Smith said. “Well, if you look at it, we’re all together as one family. The University here is — it’s a humongous economic driver in our city.”

approval for the hotel project downtown,” Scholl said. “I think they had the regulation on the books already and they should have stuck to that.”

Short-term rental companies such as Airbnb and VRBO have become popular ways for homeowners to rent out anything from extra rooms to their entire home. The City began working on an ordinance to regulate short-term rentals in 2018.

Griswold and Scholl said they need to be regulated. Griswold said he would like to see regulations on short-term rentals that require lodging taxes and licenses for short term renters.

“I think short-term renters are inevitable in a college town,” Griswold said. “I think that we need to restrict them, similarly to how we restricted unrelated occupancy within the city.”

Scholl said he would like to

AU

see lodging taxes as well as require homeowners that participate in short-term rentals to be available for neighbor’s concerns while their home is being rented.

“I would be in favor of shortterm rentals,” Scholl said. “But I would need the owner of the rental to be available for any complaints that would be lodged by the neighbors against the renters.”

With over 29,000 students,

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WARD 5 » From 6

people will move to Auburn for those things.

“Let me sum it up like this: Growth should depend on if we have the infrastructure in place to support it,” Northcutt said. “In other words, if we’ve got a bunch of growth and it outruns our infrastructure, then we’ve got a horrible problem on our hands.”

Short-term rental companies such as Airbnb and VRBO have become popular ways for homeowners to rent out anything from extra rooms to their entire home.

This is one of the main concerns for the people of Ward 5, Northcutt said.

“I think we go to sit down and first see if there is a mutual way to govern it, and if it can be effectively governed, then I’m OK with it,” Northcutt said. “But if we see that it can’t be effectively governed and controlled, then we will have to come up with something different.”

Dixon said if the city allows short-term rentals, they need to be heavily and strongly regulated.

“I’d like to look at a plan where they could continue to rent the property out on short-term rentals, but if there’s an issue that comes up from it, you give them (the owner) two or three times, and then the third time, they can’t rent their property for a whole year,” Dixon said. “Something along those lines will be one way to use it. Another way would be to make it owner-occupied, so the owner actually has to make that their homestead.”

Auburn students make up a significant portion of the Auburn community.

Getting Auburn students involved in the city has been a problem since Northcutt’s father was on the Council in the 1970s, he said.

“That’s because, of course, they’re transient,” Northcutt said.

“They’re going to be moving in and out, and they don’t have a vested, long-term interest that they know of until they realize they might live here one day. Keeping the students involved, we just have to work with the SGA. Keep them involved and hopefully, from their side, they would bring it to the students.”

Dixon said he would encourage students to attend city meetings, such as City Council and Planning Commission meetings.

“See if they can volunteer their time with some of the parks and rec events that are going on,” Dixon said. “There’s always events going on with our community.”

Auburn University students count for a significant portion of the city of Auburn, which had a population of 63,118 in 2016.

Griswold said in order to involve students more in the city government, they need to be willing to work at the relationship just as much as the city is.

He is willing to work with students and wants the city and University to continue to collaborate.

Scholl said he plans to reach out to students.

“I’d like to work with the Student Government Association and any student that would have interest in the city of Auburn,” Scholl said. “I’d be welcome to have them meet with me. Any student group that would like sit and talk with me that would be in my ward, I’d be more than happy to sit and speak with them and find out what I can do to assist.”

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SPORTS

FOOTBALL

‘That’s what they came here for’ Freshman defensive backs making early impact for Auburn defense

By NATHAN KING Sports Editor

With a fourth-quarter strip sack of Jarrett Stidham, Southern Miss took possession, down just eight, with all the momentum of a muggy Jordan-Hare Stadium swung to its side.

It took just two plays for an Auburn freshman to thwart the attempt at a game-tying drive.

True freshman defensive back Christian Tutt intercepted the second-down pass of Jack Abraham, all but locking in a 24-13 Auburn victory over the Golden Eagles last Saturday.

Tutt is one of four youngsters in the defensive backfield that has seen his role quickly take shape in the young season. Tutt rotates at corner and nickel, while true freshman safeties Smoke Monday and Jamien Sherwood work in tandem with starters Jeremiah Dinson and Daniel Thomas.

Auburn knew all along how quickly the trio would be prodded into action.

“I mean, that’s what they came here for: to play as true freshmen,” Dinson said. “We needed them; we told them in fall camp, we told them in the spring, to be honest with you, that we’re going to need them somewhere down the season. I mean, it’s good those guys are making plays, it’s good those guys are playing early to get their feet wet, and they’re doing a good job.”

Each freshman has made waves with his own unique impact through five games.

Monday is quick and physical, showing ability to track fast receivers and backs sideline-to-sideline. While he’s been efficient in coverage, the Atlanta native’s pair of sacks — tied for best on the team — stick out, particularly his game-winning sack of Washington quarterback Jake Browning in the team’s opener.

“Smoke is a good guy in terms of coverage,” Auburn defensive coordinator Kevin Steele said.

“He’s got a lot of range, he’s a good blitzer. He plays the game with a high motor, and he’s still learning… but he’s very teachable, and he’s getting better every week.”

Tutt boasts similar heroics with his game-sealing interception last Saturday, despite a position change in the offseason.

“Christian is a little bit different in that he was at corner for the spring practice and early fall camp,” Steele said. “Then we move him to star, so he really doesn’t have that much time under his belt at star. But he’s progressing nicely. He’s very, very intelligent. He’s highly competitive, and that’s the thing that probably makes it easy.”

Sherwood, who burned his redshirt Saturday after playing in his fifth game of the season,

JOSHUA FISHER / PHOTOGRAPHER

» See FRESHMEN, 9

Christian Tutt (6) celebrates an interception during Auburn football vs. Southern Miss on Sept. 29, 2018, in Auburn, Ala.

FOOTBALL

ATHLETICS

City approves alcohol licenses

By NATHAN KING Sports Editor

JOSHUA FISHER / PHOTOGRAPHER

JaTarvious Whitlow (28) runs the ball during Auburn football vs. Arkansas on Sept. 22, 2018, in Auburn, Ala.

What happens without Whitlow?

With top RB in question, Tigers searching backfield

By JAKE WEESE Sports Writer

Auburn may be down its top tailback.

JaTarvious Whitlow, who leads the team with 326 rushing yards, left Auburn’s last game against Southern Miss in the second quarter with a shoulder injury. Whitlow is unable to play on Saturday against Mississippi State then the other running backs, Kam Martin, Asa Martin, Shaun Shivers, and Malik Miller, and possibly Harold Joiner, will all be on deck.

Kam Martin has been the No. 2 running back this season and has 253 rushing yards. He will be the clear leader if Whitlow is not able to play this weekend. After Whitlow was injured, Kam Martin lead the team with 24 carries totaling 90 yards.

Out of this running back group, Kam Martin has the most experience with 453 yards in 2017 and 320 yards in 2016.

Gus Malzahn is expecting Kam Martin to be the lead guy if Whitlow cannot play.

“Kam Martin will be the first guy out there because we have a lot of confidence in him,” Malzahn said. “You saw him last week; he ran with a passion and with a will, especially when the game was on the line. He protected the football, and we were very impressed with his performance last week.”

Malik Miller is a redshirt sophomore whose most successful season with Auburn so far has been 2017, in which he

You might be able to buy a drink at a few more Auburn Athletics facilities soon.

A special retail alcohol beverage license from B&B Bartending was approved Tuesday night for multiple athletic facilities on Auburn’s campus. The Auburn City Council unanimously approved the licenses.

The council approved annual contracts for licenses at Auburn Arena, the Auburn Athletics Complex, Plainsman Park and the Auburn University Softball Complex.

“As best I can understand it, this is the first time the university has just kind of gone for an annual contract,” said Forrest Cotten, the city’s planning director.

Cotten said athletics and providers have applied for event-specific licenses in the past, resulting in repeat applications numerous times in a year. This would be a blanket license for the year.

“This will kind of cover that facility for a year, which will keep us from having to bring those things back to the council,” Cotten said.

In the spring, the council approved a license request from B&B to sell alcohol at Plainsman Park. That license allowed only VIP and premium ticket holders to purchase alcohol in a designated section of the baseball stadium.

The Plainsman has reached out to Auburn Athletics and the city manager’s office for more information about what these approved licenses will allow.

“Their No. 1 priority is student safety on Saturday, or whatever sporting event it may be,” said SGA President Dane Block. “It’s the whole Auburn Family’s safety that is at the top of their priority list. That’s not going to change moving forward. I have full confidence in that.”

FOOTBALL

Kickoff time announced

By NATHAN KING Sports Editor

JOSHUA FISHER / PHOTOGRAPHER

Shaun Shivers (25) during Auburn football vs. LSU on Sept. 15, 2018, in Auburn, Ala.

had 34 carries for a total of 135 yards and one touchdown.

Miller was competing for the No. 2 spot during the spring when he suffered a knee injury during A-Day. So far this season, along with Asa Martin, Miller has been near the bottom of the depth chart at running back.

Miller has had some small successes this season with a rushing touchdown against Alabama State and a 30-yard reception against Southern Miss. He’s primarily viewed as a pass protector.

“Malik has kind of worked as a thirddown protector for us,” Auburn offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey said.

“Obviously when Boobee went down,

» See RUNNING BACKS, 10

JOSHUA FISHER / PHOTOGRAPHER

Kam Martin (9) during Auburn football vs.

Southern Miss on Sept. 29, 2018, in Auburn, Ala.

Auburn and Tennessee will kick at 11 a.m. CST on Oct. 13 inside Jordan-Hare Stadium. The game will be televised on either ESPN or SEC Network (network will be finalized after Week 6 games have concluded).

The game comes a day after the University’s fall break period, which spans from that Thursday to Friday.

The Tigers are currently riding their longest win streak in the series’ history at six games, dating back to 2003’s victory on The Plains.

Auburn owns a 28-21-3 edge in the all-time series.

Auburn last played the Volunteers in 2013, Gus Malzahn’s first season as head coach. Thanks to 444 yards on the ground, Nick Marshall and the Tigers offense blew out Butch Jones’ Vols, 55-23.

The most recent meeting between the teams in Auburn was a 2622 win for the Tigers in 2009, Gene Chizik’s first year at the helm.

Under first-year coach Jeremy Pruitt, Tennessee is 2-3 (0-2 SEC) on the season; a showdown with No. 8 Auburn will be the second of a incredibly brutal three-game stretch. After a 38-12 loss at No. 2 Georgia over the weekend, the Vols will have a bye week before playing in Jordan-Hare. Following the Auburn game, Tennessee hosts No. 1 Alabama.

Auburn (4-1, 1-1 SEC) will play its first true road game of the year this weekend at Mississippi State before hosting the Vols. Quarterback Jarrett Stidham and the Tigers offense is still searching for their identity, having failed to score more than 30 points as a unit against FBS foes this season.

Coordinator Kevin Steele and the defense have carried the team through five weeks, ranking No. 8 nationally in rushing defense, No. 3 in scoring defense, No. 5 in opponent third-down conversions and No. 8 in tackles for loss.

THURSDAY,OCTOBER 4, 2018

The Auburn Plainsman

PAGE 9

PLAINSMAN PICK ‘EM

FRESHMEN » From 9

is the only true freshman besides Tutt to record an interception this year. Through five games, Sherwood has the most tackles of any first-year Tiger on the team.

“Sherwood is a really, really smart guy,” Steele said.

“He’s a very good tackler, and he’s physical — he’s a big guy who’s physical, plays with good balance and body control.”

In addition, sophomore defensive back Jordyn Peters has been unstoppable on special teams, blocking 2.5 punts through the first five games and recovering a muffed punt fumble against Southern Miss. Defensively, Peters has been the first nickelback on the field in the past two games.

“Well, he’s a smart guy,” Steele said of Peters. “He’s got more football under his belt than people realize that he’s got. He’s been in the big games and the big moments, so it’s not too big for him. And he’s still young — there’s a learning curve there. But he’s progressing nicely.”

With the exception of converted receiver Noah Igbinoghene starting at corner, Auburn returned all veterans in its secondary entering the season. Still, the position group was commonly viewed as the weakest link in an otherwise dominant defense.

The addition of Tutt, Sherwood, Monday and Peters into consistent rotation may have been the final piece needed to complete Steele’s puzzle. Auburn’s defense is fifth nationally in opposing third-down conversions, eighth in points allowed and already has more interceptions (6) than it did all last season (5).

“We’ve made a commitment on the back end, which is probably pretty rare,” Steele said. “None of those three guys (Tutt, Sherwood, Monday) are starters, actually, but they’re playing early in games, and they’re playing often, simply because they deserve to play and they’re good players.

“There’s still a learning curve there; each time we come off a drive, there’s something for Christian, there’s something for Jamien, there’s something for Smoke that we’ve got to go back over and make sure they understand. But, they’re progressing at a high rate. They’re still young; they still make mistakes, but they’re good football players.”

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Nathan King (17-8) Sports Editor

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Cole McCauley (18-7) Sports Writer

MEN’S BASKETBALL

‘Tipoff at Toomer’s’ to bring AU hoops downtown

By LILY JACKSON Managing Editor Bruce Pearl is bringing his basketball court to the core of downtown Auburn.

Tipoff at Toomer’s will feature player introductions, a 3-point contest, dunk contest and 3-on-3 games on Oct. 11 at the corner of College Street and Magnolia Avenue. The event is a product of a partnership between Auburn University, Auburn Athletics and the City of Auburn.

“Tipoff at Toomer’s is a celebration of Auburn basketball, it’s a celebration of the history of our university and athletic program and some of the most iconic celebrations in the history of college sports,” said head coach Bruce Pearl.

The event will tipoff at 10 a.m. with a 3-on-3 basketball tournament open to Auburn University students.

Tiger Talk will broadcast live from 6-7 p.m., and the main event will begin at 8 p.m. with the rest of the activites.

Following the close of the SEC Network broadcast, Auburn fans will have the opportunity to meet the players and get autographs.

There will be interactive fan activities on Samford Lawn throughout the day.

Wright Street at West Magnolia Avenue, Thatch at South College Street, Gay Street at East Magnolia Avenue and Tichenor at North College Street will all close starting at 10 p.m. on Wednesday evening.

“We’re excited to show off the best college basketball fans in the country in what will be a great night for the program and university in this uniquely Auburn event,” Pearl said.

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Austin Wiley (50) drives the ball to the goal during Auburn men’s basketball vs. Alabama on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017 in Auburn, Ala.

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Jamien Sherwood (9) intercepts a pass during Auburn vs. Alabama State on Sept. 8, 2018, in Auburn, Ala.

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RUNNING BACKS » From 8

Malik was the next guy, and he stepped in there and made some nice plays... he’s ready when his number is called, and I thought he rose to the challenge pretty well.”

Asa Martin and Shivers are the two true freshman running backs, and neither back has gotten a ton of reps in-game as of late.

Asa Martin has two carries this season for 13 yards against Alabama State.

He has been used in the passing game and has found some success on wheel routes.

Even though the sample size is small, Asa Martin has had two receptions this season: one against LSU for 33 yards and the other for 3 yards against Southern Miss.

“I know Asa has gotten a couple here and there throwing the ball to him and we have some runs for Asa,” Lindsey said. “I think just continue to practice well, that would be it.”

Shivers has been an enigma this season. He started off the season with one rushing attempt for 7 yards against Washington.

Then, in his next game, Shivers exploded for 117 yards and a touchdown against Alabama State.

He followed up his big game with moderate success against LSU (seven carries and a touchdown).

Lately, in the two most recent games, he has

The Auburn Plainsman barely seen the field and has a combined four touches for 2 yards.

Before playing Southern Miss, Malzahn addressed the disappearance of Shivers in the offense.

“Shaun Shivers is a guy that I think you could see get some more carries, too,” Malzahn said. “I think, if we get more volume of plays, you get more touches, and you get more carries and everything, but the last two weeks, our play count has been not what we want.”

Lastly, Harold Joiner, a highly touted freshman who has been buried deep in the tailback depth chart, will continue to receive looks from the offense in practice.

The 6-foot-3 running back scored a touchdown out of the Wildcat formation against Alabama State in Week 2.

“Harold is a guy that is going to be an excellent football player if he’ll keep working and all that,” Malzahn. “Right now, he’s not in the mix as far as the every-down running back deal, but he has a bright future.”

In addition to Whitlow, the statuses of starting tackles Jack Driscoll and Prince Tega Wanogho are still up in the air. Malzahn said Wednesday that all three practiced on Tuesday, but were limited.

Auburn and Miss State kick at 6:30 p.m.

CST on Saturday. The Tigers will be searching for more run-game success after failing to reach 100 yards in back-to-back games for the first time since 2012.

FOOTBALL

Injured Tigers practice Tuesday

By NATHAN KING Sports Editor Auburn is still weighing the statuses of three crucial offensive players for its first true road game against Mississippi State this Saturday.

Top running back JaTarvious Whitlow (shoulder), right tackle Jack Driscoll (leg) and left tackle Prince Tega Wanogho (leg) all suffered injuries in Auburn’s 24-13 win over Southern Miss. All three practiced Tuesday.

“They all three practiced yesterday, but were not full speed,” head coach Gus Malzahn said on the weekly SEC coaches teleconference.

Whitlow went down before the 2-hour, 44-minute lightning delay after a Southern Miss player landed on his right shoulder. Auburn’s leading rusher (326 yards) was examined on the sideline, sent to the locker room and came out after the delay with no pads.

Both tackles sustained their leg injuries in the fourth quarter. Driscoll was first replaced by redshirt freshman Austin Troxell, whose right side of the line allowed a sack on his first play. Redshirt freshman Calvin Ashley quickly supplanted him.

Wanogho’s slot was filled by junior Bailey Sharp, who allowed Southern Miss’ Jacques Turner to blow by him in the fourth quarter for a stripsack of Jarrett Stidham.

Malzahn said Tuesday the team’s backups at the injured positions will receive added reps in practice this week in case they’re needed against Miss State.

“Bailey Sharp, Calvin Ashley, Austin Troxell will be ready to go at the tackle position,” Malzahn said. “And all those guys we have confidence in and have gotten a lot of reps in practice, scrimmages and everything that goes with that. Of course, tailback wise, Kam Martin, (Shaun) Shivers, Malik Miller and Asa Martin if Whitlow can’t go.”

PAGE 10

FOOTBALL

JOSHUA FISHER / PHOTOGRAPHER

Anders Carlson (26) winds up to kick the ball during Auburn football vs Alabama State on Saturday, Sept.

8, 2018, ​in Auburn, Ala.

Auburn ‘asking a whole lot’ of freshman Anders Carlson

By NATHAN KING Sports Editor

As a freshman kicker, Anders Carlson hasn’t been placed in the most advantageous of situations five games into Auburn’s 2018 season.

Crowned early on as the heir apparent to Auburn’s illustrious kicking throne, Carlson, the younger brother of SEC all-time leading scorer Daniel, is just 6 of 12 on field goals this year.

For most collegiate kickers, a 50 percent mark, at any point in a season, is sub-par.

However, Carlson has had to attempt half his kicks from 50 yards or more.

From 50-plus, he’s 1 of 6. From inside that range, he’s only missed one of six kicks.

“I don’t know that Anders (Carlson) is struggling,” Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn said. “I know that we’re asking him to kick a lot of 50-plus-yard field goals. I know if you’re a young guy, obviously you have a few more shorter ones, then when those long ones come around every now and then, it’s not as big a deal.

“But we’ve been asking a whole lot of him.

I think he’s an excellent kicker. I think you’ll see that the rest of the season, him being con-

sistent. We just have to put him in positions to be a little more successful.”

Malzahn is spot-on — when Auburn’s offense stalls out around the 30 to 40-yard-line range, it often deploys Carlson to try the long kick instead of utilizing punter Arryn Siposs, who ranks 13th nationally in yards per punt.

Looking ahead to a likely defensive grudge match this weekend against Mississippi State (Auburn and Miss State averaged 235 and 201.5 total yards in their past two games, respectively), flipping the field through punting and winning the field-position battle should be a key factor in the Tigers’ first true road game of the year.

“The thing we’re learning about (punter Arryn) Siposs is he’s a weapon downing the ball inside the 10,” Malzahn said. “So strategically, yeah, you could see a little bit of a change. I think more than anything after five games, you know where your strengths are. As a coach, you’ve got to play to your strengths. That’s not just offensively; that’s as a team.”

The Tigers and Bulldogs kick off at 6:30 p.m. CST in Starkville, Mississippi.

“We’ve got good information on our team,” Malzahn said. “So I think you’ll see us play to our strengths a little bit better than we have.”

lifestyle

11

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2018

THEPLAINSMAN.COM

LIFESTYLE

FOOD

A new, whimsical way to drink coffee in Auburn

By MIRANDA SHAFFER Lifestyle Writer

A new traveling coffee and matcha food truck called the Whimsy Beverage Bar has popped up in Auburn, bringing fresh, organic drinks to the area along with the inspired stories of two young women.

The owners, Victoria McAbee and Jasmine Lee, focus on community and shared experiences and want to promote the Ayurveda lifestyle that had a huge impact on their lives.

McAbee and Lee became best friends in their freshman year of college at an event that brings many southerners together — the Iron Bowl.

These two Auburn fans hit it off at the 2013 game tailgate and have been inseparable ever since.

Together, these women discovered their passion for wellness and leading a holistic lifestyle, which was, in many ways, a life changer.

“We have both dealt with eating disorders in the past, and we are both finally at a place in our lives where we have a great relationship with food and our bodies,” McAbee said.

Lee graduated from the College of Liberal Arts at Auburn University in December 2017 and McAbee went to the University of Alabama to study design before leaving to start her own online company.

Staying in Auburn to open a coffee shop was never their plan.

“A few months ago, we honestly wanted to pack our cars and move to the West Coast

where wellness is truly prioritized and the word adaptogenic isn’t a total mind bang,” Lee said.

They were entirely ready to say goodbye to their lives in Auburn and head to the coast until one seemingly ordinary night out at a bar. As they sat having a glass of Prosecco, McAbee asked Lee if she would want to open a coffee shop. She said yes, and three months later, Whimsy Beverage Bar was born.

“It required a lot of sleepless nights, and while I did all of the brand-identity design and website design, Jasmine did a ton of research on the nutrition side of things,” McAbee said.

McAbee’s experience in web design from owning her own web branding and design studio came in handy in creating the aesthetic that represents Whimsy today. Lee also contributed with her prior health food knowledge from running a health and wellness site called “Sprinkled,” where she makes vegan and plant-based recipes.

McAbee and Lee said that their drinks hold many health benefits for customers.

“Our drinks promote overall wellness and cellular health, but some of the top benefits that we adore are increased brain function along with stress and anxiety relief,” Lee said.

The Whimsy owners explained the history and benefits of the ancient lifestyle of Ayurveda and adaptogenics.

“Ayurveda means ‘the science of life’ and is a holistic healing practice that originated from Hindu medicine,” McAbee said. “Nutrition-wise, Ayurveda focuses on using herb-

MIRANDA SHAFFER / LIFESTYLE WRITER

Victoria McAbee (right) and Jasmine Lee (middle) serve a customer on Sept. 28, 2018, in Auburn, Ala.

al superfoods called adaptogenics to balance the body.”

Their business concept is centered around making Whimsy stand out from competing coffee shops.

“We are the only coffee and matcha bar locally and possibly in the Southeast that offers organic, all-natural, adaptogenic beverages with a primarily plant-based menu,” McA-

FITNESS

Pure Barre and Pūrvelo team up

By STEPHANIE TUNNELL Lifestyle Writer

Owners of Pure Barre and Pūrvelo strive to create a cohesive community fo group fitness in Auburn.

Ashley Caldwell, owner of the Pure Barre Auburn located off of Moore’s Mill Road, and Libby Gahn, studio manager of Pūrvelo Auburn off East Glenn Avenue, have partnered to provide complimentary workouts to patrons and offer discounts across the two studios. Separately, Pure Barre and Pūrvelo offer different mission statements and class types for those looking for different workouts. Pure Barre is a high-intensity, low-impact form of exercise with roots from ballet allowing for muscle toning, whereas Pūrve-

lo is a high-intensity, cardio-based cycling studio.

After a month of dedication to Pure Barre, one can see difference in muscle tone and muscle measurements. And it is possible to do both Pure Barre and Pūrvelo everyday, allowing rest when needed.

“Every class is different with new challenges,” Caldwell said.

At Pūrvelo, an increase in cardiovascular strength is common regardless of whether the entirety of the workout is completed.

Gahn said Pūrvelo can “absolutely be done everyday, but results can be seen in as little as three classes a week.”

No matter the frequency, both women agree Pure Barre and Pūrvelo balance each other well and are in unison for great com-

plimentary workouts. It has become a common trend in the fitness world to belong to multiple studios for group fitness, as some believe in the need for well-rounded workout routines to sustain everyday life. Caldwell called these patrons “snackers,” who tend to do a little bit of everything. Even their employees overlap.

In the past, Caldwell and Gahn have done combination classes at different locations in Auburn and are planning another combination class sometime this fall.

Both studios have classes throughout the day beginning as early as 5:45 a.m. at Pūrvelo and 6 a.m. at Pure Barre to as late as 6 p.m. at both establishments, and both have different packages at different rates for all exercise needs.

BOOKS

Representing women in science-fiction

By MARY GRACE VINSON Lifestyle Writer

Alyssa Ross is an English instructor at Auburn, but lately, her passion is genetics. Her research has led her to be knowledgeable about things like CRISPR, a gene-editing technology that is theoretically capable of gene editing embryos or even adult humans. Ross also is intrigued on the kinds of genetic editing imagined by people like geneticist George Church, who envisions modifications for a genetically ideal astronaut, and in astronomy and physics.

This level of scientific interest wasn’t an obvious jump for Ross.

“I think I got out of college only having to take two science courses, and they were both environmental science,” she said.

However, her current project, a science -fiction novel, deals with genetic modification.

“Reading through a lot of these densely scientific texts to research for my sci-fi novel has been an interesting experience for sure,” she said.

This sci-fi novel is not Ross’ first foray into scientific research. Her writing style is self-described as research heavy, as she worked on two poetry collections— one based on human anatomy and another about female astronomers at Harvard in the late 1800s. The subject matter led her, naturally, to look into astronomy and genetics. Through research, she has developed a passion for the potential of the sciences.

However, Ross never pursued the sciences academically. Instead, she hopes to use her own skills to drive more people toward the sciences.

“I want (the sci-fi novel) to feel like something that we’re on the cusp of doing, so that readers are inspired to do what I can’t do,” she said. “Because you

CONTRIBUTED BY ALYSSA ROSS

know, at this point, I’m in my 30s, and I did not pursue the sciences. But I see so much merit in that if there’s any way I can contribute to those goals then, in my own creative way, I hope to do that.”

Ross is specifically concerned about the imbalance of encouragement men and women are given to pursue the sciences.

“I think women aren’t always pushed in the direction of the sciences,” she said. “I think we’re working to change that now, but that’s really one of the things that inspired me to want to write a sci-fi novel. … I think if women saw themselves reflected more in that genre, then we could inspire women to actually hit the books as far as science goes.”

As far as the courses she teaches at Auburn, she likes to marry her curriculum and her current research interests.

“For me to keep my attention on my students but also progress my work, I find that I need the two to be symbiotic, and that’s what I’ve done,” Ross said.

This marriage between her research and her teaching is clear from the readings she currently teaches in her American literature. She takes inspiration from works, with the first influencing her primarily on

the basis of its strong female protagonist and the latter providing the research and scientific grounding she strives to achieve in her own work. The sci-fi novels have not always been the kinds that she teaches, though, and are not the only kinds she plans to assign to her students in the future.

“I do like to switch up my teaching,” she said. “I like to teach new classes or different classes. I always keep some of the same texts that are really close to my heart, but I imagine in five years, my list of texts may be completely different.”

Beyond science fiction, she has an interest in fairy tales and folk tales, which inspired her doctoral dissertation, and in graphic novels. Besides teaching different literary works, she changes things up in her teaching by doing an entirely different sort of classes: culinary. She teaches periodic jam-making workshops for Auburn Outreach, in which she is able to explore her love of science — “jam (is) a lot of chemistry” — and an interest in food science and nutrition, which she also tries to bring to the forefront in her freshman English Composition classes. Additionally, Ross keeps herself busy by periodically teaching for the Alabama Prison Arts program, which she said is rewarding.

“A lot of my friends tell me, ‘Alyssa, you could be so much more successful if you would just focus on one thing at a time,’” she said. “It may be a product of our times that we can’t pick one thing and stick with it. And I also think as people live longer, it becomes more unrealistic to pigeon-hole ourselves into one specific path or passion. If we live to be 90 or 100, you don’t wanna be doing the same thing for 90 years.”

Ross will be reading from her poetry chapbook, The Harvard Computers, at the Jule Collins Smith Museum on Thursday, Oct. 4, at 12:30 p.m.

bee said.

She said her favorite drink they make is the “matcha made in heaven,” which is a frothy matcha drink infused with lavender oil. It is also great for your hair, skin and nails because of the high levels of vitamin D and E. Lee is a coffee lover, so her favorite is the “don’t worry be happy,” which has a rich, buttery taste, even though it contains no dairy.

FOOD

MARIE LIPSKI / PHOTOGRAPHER

Auburn’s new restaurant, Lucy’s, is open and located off of Moore’s Mill Road.

Auburn, meet Lucy’s

By MALLORY PITTS Lifestyle Writer

Auburn foodies are flocking to the newest restaurant in town.

Since its opening on June 7, 2018, Lucy’s has been packed with locals and out-of-towners, eager to try the restaurant’s take on modern American cuisine.

Lucy’s, located on Moore’s Mill Road, is open for weekend brunch and dinner.

Adorned with Instagram-worthy details and bright yellow accents, it should come as no surprise that Lucy’s owner Lisa Van Der Reijden is an interior designer.

The dining area is awash with natural light, which mirrors the sophisticated simplicity of the menus.

As for the name, according to Lucy’s Executive Chef Brian Paolina, Van Der Reijden inherited both the restaurant’s name and her love for cooking from her late father.

Lucy was the nickname Van Der Reijden’s father gave her as a child.

General Manager Tiffany Davis described Lucy’s as fun, modern and friendly.

She thinks Lucy’s has set itself apart from other restaurants in the area with its beverage program — it’s the only spot in town to get wine on tap — and its winning combination of casual and quality.

Davis believes one of Lucy’s best attributes is the “unique ambiance that incorporates both a casual, laid-back atmosphere with this level of service and cuisine that you would normally find in a more fine-dining establishment.

You’re getting the best of both worlds here.”

Unsurprisingly, one of the most popular menu items at Lucy’s has been the “juicy Lucy

burger.”

Topped with bacon and onion marmalade, poblano aioli and sharp white cheddar, it’s a true crowd pleaser.

Davis and Paolina agreed the busiest time for the restaurant is Sunday brunch.

Lucy’s brunch menu is available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays and features specialty cocktails, mouth-watering food options and the restaurant’s signature wine on tap.

After a whirlwind first few months, plans for Lucy’s include anything but slowing down. Davis and Paolina mentioned a few projects in the works, including expansion of private dining space and a potential grab-and-go coffee bar.

Another development to look forward to is Lucy’s fall menu. Paolina is currently working on the menu with Sous Chef Hayley Carson and Van Der Reijden.

The menu at Lucy’s changes seasonally, and Paolina is looking forward to comfort foods and soups for autumn.

Although the menu changes every so often, Paolina noted the restaurant’s consistent focus on local produce and sustainability.

Even though the restaurant has been operating for a fairly short time, it has already been a major hit.

Paolina credits a large portion of Lucy’s success thus far to the creative touches and attention to detail on food and beverages and the restaurant’s social media presence.

“This area is growing so much, residentially and with new businesses at a really, really quick rate, and I feel like this area kind of needed a neighborhood hangout — another option for good food — and we filled that void for them,” Davis said.

The Auburn Plainsman

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2018

PAGE 12

ART

Finding fulfillment and purpose through art

By LAUREN PIEPER Lifestyle Writer

Amy Briggs has done everything from bodybuilding to business school, but today, she has discovered that her passion lies in creating art.

She said everyone has something that prevents them from going crazy, and art is the outlet that keeps her sane.

Briggs grew up in Auburn, Alabama, in a loving home environment.

After graduating high school in 2012, she set out to Mobile to attend business school at the University of South Alabama.

“When I graduated I was put in that track,” she said as to why she went to business school. “I have always been very assertive and capable of leading.”

She thought she had found her calling in business school because she was in it to be “applicable.” Then, Briggs worked through classes that dove deeper into the business world, like the mathematical and law side.

“I started to see through corporations,” Briggs said. “They kept pushing and pushing for people to go into big, large corporate internships with people who don’t care what your name is and just people who just want you as a worker and nothing else.”

During this eye-opening time in her life, she began to question what she wanted and where to go in her education and career. At the same time, Briggs became certified to instruct whitewater rafting and was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease.

“I was having this existential crisis about having this lifelong disease, and I was seeing all these new people that living on the river making no money, but as happy as can be,” she said.

This made her question much about her life. She told her mother she wanted to drop out of college and be a flight attendant or attend some kind of trade school, such as culinary. Her mother told her that instead of doing that she would allow her one semester to take any classes she wanted to help her figure out the path she wanted to take.

Briggs chose to take all art classes.

“I loaded up my classes with perceptual drawing and ceramics, and I had intro to ancient literature and Greek culture class and I also had a sociology class,” she said. “I was learning about the social setting and the historical settings of the social paradigm that we are in.”

Briggs said once she started these classes, specifically the art-based sections, she began to see the world from a new perspective.

“I couldn’t go back,” Briggs said.

Briggs moved back to Auburn with the motivation to begin art school. In the fall of 2015, she was enrolled in art school at Auburn University. She took all art classes and received all As. “I came from South Alabama with a GPA of 2.75, and I’m about to graduate this semester with a 3.8,” Briggs said. “That is proof that what I was in I was not wanting to do.”

Her testament to this self discovery is that the key to finding purpose is by being truthful with oneself. Briggs suffers from depression and has found art to be an outlet that aids her in her journey of life. Art has allowed her to see the world and relate to it.

“If I would have listened to other people, I would never be a ceramic artist or an aspiring sculptor,” she said.

“I would be a business woman behind a desk suffering from Crohn’s disease, miserable.”

Art has helped guide Briggs through emotional distress and her physical ailments. She was put in the hospital three times last year and was very ill.

“Something my doctors told me was stress will kill you, and with my disease it will kill you even faster,” Briggs said. “If I was in business school and remained doing what I was doing, I would have died behind a desk somewhere with no one knowing who I was or what I stand for, and that’s not the way I want to be.”

Right now, Briggs is working on a three-part ceramic series that is inspired by kudzu, caves and plant life in the desert, and metaphorically represents something deeper than what meets the eye.

Briggs made the kudzu section to flow along the ideal that the cycle of

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CONTRIBUTED BY AMY BRIGGS

the plant went along with her mental state at the time: untouched, consumed, fully consumed and deteriorated.

“I think the behavior of nature as a whole, as a series, has been me confronting the metaphoric qualities of nature and what we can learn from it,” Briggs said.

The desert and uncommon environments have been inspiring to Briggs in the fact she sees personification in their pieces and has used the phrase “growth in inhospitable environments” to describe and represent what she sees, feels and believes after creating art from the inspiration. “‘Caves’ was the subconscious of the earth. You can find all these gems in caves, and it’s underneath the surface where you can’t see it. This is what we deal with in our heads,” she said.

Briggs thinks it is very important that the artist has an emotional connection to the art they are producing and what has inspired them.

She has excelled as an artist and was the first student asked to do a solo show at Auburn. However, she did not get to where she is on her own.

Briggs has had two notable professors throughout her art school career that

have pushed her and inspired her.

The first is Tony Wright from South Alabama. Briggs said he was always so happy to be teaching, and claims he influenced her in “every way possible.”

“He was the one that introduced me to a lot of the firing techniques that I like to use, and all those introductions came from him in such a nonchalant manner. It just made me want to pursue it even more,” Briggs said.

The other is Annie Campbell, who is a professor at Auburn University.

Briggs said Campbell has supported her through sickness and existential crises. More than just that, she said she also gives her motherly, as well as sisterly, support.

“She knows my personality, and what I need,” Briggs said.

Briggs intends on going to graduate school to pursue sculpting because it has a lot more access to tools and machinery she does not currently have.

Afterwards, her big dreams lie with wanting to have her own community studio that is run by Briggs.

“I do not believe I went to business school for nothing,” Brigg said.

“The end goal is a community studio where I run it and have employees.

There would be studio space available for rental in the back, and in the front would be having a gallery.”

Briggs also wants to sell her work for the community in her dream studio. Being involved in the community has been very important to her throughout her entire artistic journey.

Briggs has donated many pieces and proceeds from her work sales to help those less fortunate.

She has participated in showcases and sells her work around Auburn.

One of her retailers is Mama Mocha’s, a local coffee shop on Gay Street.

She has been selling there for two and a half years and said the owner, Sarah Gill, has become not only a good friend to her, but one of her biggest supporters who has encouraged Briggs to get her pottery in the shop even when she knows Briggs is feeling low.

Her work has been well received, but Briggs knows there is still a road ahead of her until her dreams are accomplished.

In the end, she just hopes to be fulfilled in what she has done and created.

“I don’t aspire to be happy,” Briggs said. “I aspire to be fulfilled.”

JOSHUA FISHER / PHOTOGRAPHER

TIGERMARKET

Abbigail Hickey, Auburn Universitys campusPrint dietitian speaks with The PlainsDeadline: man on Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018 in Auburn, NoonAla. three business days

prior to publication.

Release Date: Thursday, October 4, 2018

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

ACROSS 1 Abruptly end a relationship with by ignoring texts, calls and such 6 European airline 9 Uninspiring 14 Pizazz 15 Flightless bird 16 Not in the dark 17 Prickly shrub 18 Prefix with match or fire 19 One with no hope 20 Spotify category for courageous Motown lovers?

23 Alpine lake 24 Fair-hiring initials 25 “The Waste Land” monogram 28 One hiking in a Maine national park?

32 Org. for the Williams sisters 33 Blood fluids 34 Damascus native 35 Says 22-Down, perhaps 37 Octane Booster brand 39 Loan figs.

40 “Field of Dreams” actor 43 Cy Young stats 46 Final: Abbr.

47 Weekend in the Hamptons, say?

50 Pinafore letters 51 Hebrew for “day” 52 Small fruit pie 53 Like a delivery truck blocking your car, maybe ... and a hint to 20-, 28- and 47-Across 58 Gulf States inlet 61 Bagel go-with 62 Flower child’s greeting 63 Track meet part 64 Cooperstown winter hrs.

65 Legally bar 66 Sees regularly 67 Rehab issue 68 Angioplasty implant

DOWN 1 Mongolian desert 2 Traffic sound 3 Jump over 4 Ancient Peloponnesian state 5 Winds (one’s way) through 6 Some advanced college courses 7 Surrounded by 8 Prince Harry’s dukedom 9 Without much detail 10 MPs’ concern 11 Bad review 12 Steam 13 German article 21 __-dieu 22 Unwelcome word from a barber 25 Catch in a lie, say 26 NutraSweet developer 27 Accounting giant __ & Young 28 Courtyard that may feature glass elevators

29 Pod-bearing trees 30 Consumed 31 60 minuti 32 __ corgi 36 R-V link 38 Excuses 41 Casting calls 42 “__ Ben Adhem” 44 “Stat!”

45 Skins, as a knee 48 Strolled 49 Taking it easy

53 Finished 54 In need of guidance 55 “This Is Us” role for Chrissy Metz 56 Micro or macro subj.

57 Cabinet div.

58 __ Bath & Beyond 59 “Selma” director DuVernay 60 Nevertheless

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE:

By Wendy L. Brandes and Martha Jones ©2018 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

10/04/18

10/04/18