AUBURN, Ala. (AP) - Auburn city officials plan to replace the iconic oak trees at Toomer's Corner with a system of wires to allow students and sports fans to continue the tradition of rolling.
Assistant City Manager Kevin Cowper tells the Opelika-Auburn News the city will install three concrete poles and string wires between them to catch toilet paper fans typically draped over the poisoned oak trees. Cowper says the wiring system will be installed after the 2013 season.
The trees were allegedly poisoned in 2010 by University of Alabama fan Harvey Updyke during Auburn's run to the national championship in the 2010 football season.
Updyke has pleaded not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect to charges that include desecrating a venerable object. A trial is set to begin April 8.
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