Developers tweak Checkers project
Although the project was initially approved by local review boards in March, the owners of the new Checkers restaurant slated to open later this year on the corner of University and South Lamar Boulevard are tweaking their plans for the fast-food business. The changes include a new retail component and a 15-foot setback from the road. (June 11, 2010, Page 3A)
OUT OKs more buses, hours
The Oxford University Transit Commission approved a third bus for the green route and extended hours for several of the lines beginning this fall. During the summer, routes have been slowed down or discontinued to account for the lower ridership. (June 10, 2010, Page 1)
Calling all Mississippians: Movie needs help
Oxford Film Freak – The new Mississippi film, “The Help” needs your help. An open casting call for extras and some speaking roles will be held on June 19 at the Leflore County Civic Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (June 10, 2010, Page 14)
Beauty comes with cost
The owner of the Eastgate Shopping Center parking lot on University Avenue is in favor of adding foliage to his black-top lot but would like the city to consider giving him a couple extra years to come up to code with the landscaping ordinance. The request is the first for the city since passing the ordinance in 2006 that requires all parking lots with over 100 spaces to have one tree per every five parking spaces. (June 9, 2010, Page 1, 12)
County school policy bans bullying
The Lafayette County School Board approved Monday a new policy aimed at addressing bullying in county schools, the first such policy for the district. An informational meeting about bullying will be held on August 2 at the Lafayette Middle School Auditorium from 5 to 6:30 p.m. (June 9, 2010, Page 12)
Old home near Square to be moved
Although already approved, the Courthouse Square Historic Preservation Commission asked for Capomazzo Construction to return before the board with the plan to move the 100-year-old house, formerly Andy’s Steakhouse, from Jefferson Avenue to Brittany Woods. The move is part of a two-phase plan to construct a new hotel across the street and then create private parking on the site of the current historic home. (June 9, 2010, Page 2)
Education briefs
- Peter Joseph Dunbar graduated from Princeton University.
- Philip Malatesta joined the National Honor Society at Arkansas State University
- Whitney Leigh Woodington and others graduated from University of Alabama
- GED classes are set at Northwest Community College
- Mary Randall Ivy has been selected to attend the Trent Lott Institute
- Lafayette Upper Elementary announced honor roll for fourth nine weeks.
- Oxford School District Consolidated Federal Programs application available to view in the district office.
- 40th reunion of the Oxford High School Charger football program set for July 17
- Henry Self graduated from McCallie School.
- Tailgate for Boys and Girls set for July 31
County schools seek federal funds
With fewer federal funds available for schools this year, officials with the Lafayette County School District are searching for whatever is available. The school board approved a request from administration officials to apply for $321,831 in Title 1 funds and $118,568 in Title 2 funds. (June 8, 2010, Page 3)
City orders business’ lights removed
Lights placed outside Downtown Dezigns on the Square will soon be coming down, after the Courthouse Square Preservation Commission denied the company’s lighting request. The owner originally installed them without obtaining correct permissions. Owner Na-Ann Watts said she was simply trying to add antique character and charm to her business. (June 8, 2010, Page 1)
Poor doesn’t equal failure
Telling people Mississippi is poor and needs to improve its educational system is one thing, but Eric Weber, a professor at the University of Mississippi, hopes to show them. Working on a three-year research project that will result in a documentary, Weber intends to focus on the connection between poverty and failure in education which more often than not is due to self-fulfilling prophecy. (June 7, 2010, Page 1A)
