Good morning, Auburn.

Village Friends is a nonprofit that helps seniors in Auburn-Opelika live independently by offering rides, home fixes, lawn care, and digital classes—one of which is on Tuesday, June 10 at 2 p.m. at the Lee County Literacy Coalition center.

The organization also holds monthly lunches and relies on volunteers to support residents aged 65 and up.

Data from the U.S. Census shows Tuscaloosa grew 13% and Auburn grew 9% since 2020—figures that mark fast growth in both college towns.

Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox said research and new investments drive the growth while Auburn officials work to keep a small-town feel—plans are in place to add services as more residents and students move in.

Auburn’s SummerNight Downtown Art Walk will be held on Friday, June 6 from 6 to 10 p.m. in downtown Auburn and will feature live music, art vendors, and family activities.

The event will include The Lazybirds —known for their blend of swing and jazz— and a Marshmallow Mania culinary contest with entries accepted from 8 to 11 a.m., and it will take place rain-or-shine.

Twin Cedars Child Advocacy Center will host its 1st Annual Golf Scramble on Monday, June 9 from 12:30 to 6 p.m. at the Auburn University Club to support care for abused children in Lee and Macon counties & participants may register as individuals for $200 or in foursomes for $600 & registration starts at 10 a.m.

Local organizers plan several Juneteenth events to honor the end of slavery — the Auburn Juneteenth Parade starts at 8:30 a.m. on June 14 from Boykin Community Center to Drake Middle School, and the Lion Tamers Social and Civic Club hosts Family Fun Day at Covington Recreation Center the same day. Additional events include a teen summit on June 19 at Opelika High School, a Dukes & Boots train ride on June 21 at Lee County Fairgrounds, a celebration at Kiesel Park on June 22, and a Freedom Day event at St. Luke AME Church on June 28.

Ashley Kauffman, a former Auburn middle school teacher turned stay-at-home mom, started Itty Bitty Bakers classes that combine hands-on baking with lessons in science and math for children ages three to 14.

The program, which began in Auburn in 2023, offers safe home kitchens for small groups—building confidence through creative cooking.

Dr. Kevin Davis will become superintendent of Opelika City Schools starting July 1 + he brings over 20 years of experience in education.

The board will announce a community meet and greet soon to introduce him.

Auburn City Council unanimously approved a fee increase for solid waste collection that will raise residential service from $23.50 to $32 a month, with new rates starting Oct.

1. The increase is the first since 2014 and comes as the number of households served grew by 55%—council officials said the change is needed to maintain reliable service.

The Lee County Commission approved the start of a search for a chief operating officer with a salary range of $175,000—$225,000 to oversee county operations.

The commission also hired an interim county attorney as it began its formal search for a permanent replacement.

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