Good morning, Auburn.

Auburn Public Safety has added sensory-inclusive bags that help community members who are sensitive to loud noises and bright lights during emergencies.

The bags include a communication card, headphones, fidget toys and sunglasses and are now part of emergency-response procedures after new training began on Jan. 1st.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service cleared Hughston Homes after an investigation into the November 2024 removal of a bald eagle nest at the Heritage Ridge development near Auburn, saying no eggs or young were taken.

The developer said its biologist had obtained a permit with compensatory mitigation, and officials will review permit language—aiming to improve future communications.

Alabama Supreme Court Justice Jay Mitchell resigned from his position after saying he felt called to play a larger role in the state—and Governor Ivey appointed Judge Bill Lewis to complete his term, with his appointment effective immediately.

The Observer published several public notices on legal matters in Auburn and Opelika—showing a custody petition response due by June 21, deadlines for creditors to present claims against several estates, a contractor’s request for final settlement on stadium improvements, and a public hearing on June 3 for a proposed right-of-way vacation. These notices provide key information for affected parties to meet statutory deadlines and respond in a timely fashion.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc hosted a Mind Matters Workshop on May 6 at the Opelika Clubhouse of the Boys and Girls Clubs to teach youth about stress, anxiety, and self-care.

The event partnered with the Alabama Department of Mental Health and Integrea Community Mental Health System to provide age-appropriate discussions and activities — and organizers hope to make it an annual tradition.

Auburn High School’s softball team ended its tournament run with an 11—1 loss to eventual state champion Thompson High School on May 14, finishing a season with a 28—19 record in their second final-four appearance.

The Tigers fought hard throughout and showed great resilience in close games before their journey ended.

Shenan Motley, a former coach at Wadley High School, was named head football coach at Beauregard High School at a Lee County Board of Education meeting on May 13.

He brings 13 years of coaching experience — leading his previous team to state championship finishes in 2021 and 2024 — and holds a master’s degree from LaGrange College.

13-year-old Auburn teen ElliReese Niday won the Senior USA Diving National Championship at Auburn University on May 15—she achieved scores that qualify her for international events even though she is too young to compete in some of them.

Her coaches John Fox and her mother Lauryn Niday praised her strong performance and dedication during her intensive training schedule.

Auburn High School girls golf team won the AHSAA 7A State Championship on May 13 at Oxmoor Valley in Bessemer, setting new records for the lowest 18-hole and 36-hole team scores while beating UMS-Wright, Grissom and Hewitt-Trussville in a 36‐hole stroke play event.

Junior Kate Ha tied as co‐champion for the individual title with a 68—her second state win after first achieving the feat as a seventh grader.

Turf Wars Auburn

1-5 p.m. — Wire Road Soccer Complex — Free entry — Experience an exciting sports event during Memorial Day weekend in Auburn with Turf Wars.

On-Site Tour of Auburn Assisted Living

9 AM – 7 PM — Auburn Assisted Living — Free entry — Explore the best senior living community with exceptional care, dining, and activities.

Lunar Parque + Brotha Josh Concert

8:30 p.m. – 2:30 a.m. — John Emerald Distilling Company — Ticket info TBA — Enjoy a night of funky rhythms and smooth neo-soul vibes from two Alabama bands.