Caching in on Oxford’s history
Oxford’s Convention and Tourism Bureau is hiding buried treasure which could mean extra cash for businesses. Using geocaching the Oxford Convention and Tourism Bureau hopes to attract more visitors to the area. With an estimated 5 geocachers worldwide this treasure hunting activity is a growing area of tourism, and Oxford is ready with 60 hidden caches. (July 26, 2010, Page 1)
Funds still available for shelters
Thanks to grants being offered by Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, finding a safe place away from tornadoes will be much easier for those who take advantage of a program that reimburses residents up to $4,000 to help build a safe storm shelter on their property. (July 26, 2010, Page 1)
Social media sites changing law
Like many judges around the country, Circuit Court Judge Andrew Howorth has had to start including warnings to jurors that as long as they are sitting on the jury, they can’t discuss the case on any social media outlet, such as Facebook, Myspace and Twitter. (July 26, 2010, Page 1)
Parking lot owners: tree law costly
Planting trees can be costly, especially if you are the owner of a large parking lot. Operators of the Eastgate Shopping Center are requesting city officials to allow them not “comply” with Oxford’s landscape ordinance. To comply with the ordinance some 48 trees would have to be planted which would cost Eastgate owners an additional $190,000. (July 23, 2010, Page 1A)
Court to hear killer’s appeal
The Mississippi Supreme Court says it will grant convicted killer David Williams the opportunity to appeal his 2007 conviction when he was sentenced to life in prison for killing college student and former ex-girlfriend, Demetria Bracey of Jackson. Willams’ attorney, David Hill, said that his client did not have a fair trial and they feel confident that the court will correct a bad result. (July 23, 2010, Page 1A)
County schools: No tax hike
Taxpayers will have a few more dollars in their pockets this year. During a public hearing on Thursday evening, the Lafayette County School District announced that they intend to hold the line on taxes and operate within available revenues. (July 23, 2010, Page 1A)
United Way steamlining focus
Through research, a Transition Committee has been formed by the United Way of Oxford-Lafayette County that’s designed to coordinate a community agenda for change by focusing on three main areas — health, education and income. Over the next few weeks, The Oxford EAGLE will publish a series of articles that examine the United Way’s three focus areas and what plans are in place or being considered to improve the health, education and income of our area’s residents. (July 22, 2010, Page 1A)
Dance troupe to perform on cruise
Soon dancers from the Deborah Kaye School of Dance will perform their way across the Gulf of Mexico on a five-day Carnival Cruise ship. The troupe, who range in age from 6 to 18, will have the opportunity to perform a 30-minute show that will include tap, jazz and lyrical dance routines. (July 22, 2010, Page 1A)
Lions Band wins title
Five student musicians from the Lafayette County and Oxford high schools were instrumental in the Mississippi All-State Lions Band winning its 27th title of the Marching International Championship in Sydney, Australia. (July 22, 2010, Page 1A)
City looking into future needs
A preliminary visit from the Sustainable Design Assessment Team wrapped up Tuesday as part of a larger study of how to make Oxford a more sustainable community. A team selected by the American Institute of Architects will work with city leaders and a steering committee to identify strategies to control sprawl and encourage compact development. (July 21, 2010, Page 1)
