FEMA sets up in Abbeville
With President Barack Obama’s federal disaster declaration for several north Mississippi counties on Friday, disaster assistance is now available for those who suffered damages or losses due to the severe weather and tornado outbreak on May 2 that left six dead, including an Abbeville woman. (May 17, 2010, Page 1A)
Judge OKs reorganization plan for Belk building
With the approval of its reorganization plan, Belk Properties LLC can now partner with an investment company to help finish Phase 1 of the Vieux Carré project, located on the corner of North Lamar Boulevard and Jefferson Avenue on the Square. (May 17, 2010, Page 1A)
Disaster recover center to open in Abbeville
President Barack Obama has approved a federal disaster declaration for Lafayette County and five other northern Mississippi counties hit by severe weather earlier this month that killed six people, including an Abbeville woman.
A Disaster Recovery Center will be open at 8 a.m., Monday at Abbeville Baptist Church for residents to register for federal assistance.
“They need to come by and register and then they can find out what type of assistance they may be eligible for,” said Lafayette County Emergency Management Coordinator David Shaw.
Gov. Haley Barbour said Friday the declaration gives residents access to federal government assistance programs in Alcorn, Benton, Lafayette, Prentiss, Tippah and Tishomingo counties. (May 14, 2010)
Lafayette layoffs continue
The Lafayette County School District continued the process of letting employees go at the beginning of this week, citing a shrinking budget. This brings the total count to 23 employees who have lost their jobs since last Thursday. Seventeen others are retiring, and many will not be replaced. (May 14, 2010, Page 1A, 5A)
Retiring educators
The end of the school year brings numerous retirements. This year, two couples, take their final bow together.
The Shollenbergers retire after more than 30 years of teaching drama. Leah Shollenberger retires at the end of this month from Lafayette High School and her husband Jim Shollenberger retired from the University of Mississippi.
The McClungs will retire after seven years from Lafayette School District and more than 35 years as educators. Ben McClung serves as assistant superintendent and ends his career as the last assistant superintendent. Due to budget cuts, his position will not be replaced. (May 14, 2010, Page 1A, 5A)
Sunday alcohol sales on table
City leaders will consider Tuesday whether to allow for special exceptions for some Sunday alcohol sales. A proposed ordinance was submitted by the Oxford Restaurant Association to the Board of Aldermen asking for the sale of alcoholic beverages for Fathers Day, Fourth of July and home football game weekends. (May 14, 2010, Page 1A, 2A)
Youth job program in danger
The Summer Coin program put 1,500 teens to work last summer, keeping them off the streets and allowing them to be vital contributors to their families, all the while learning important life lessons and work ethics that would stay with them for a lifetime.
While the folks at Three Rivers are hoping to be able to put teens to work again this summer, the necessary funds needed are being tied up in Washington, D.C. (May 13, 2010, Page 1A)
Hotel project moves forward
Despite ongoing dissent from many who live in the Jefferson Avenue neighborhood and other city residents, both downtown historic commissions approved a request for a new hotel and parking lot near the Square. The Historic Preservation Commission voted 5-4 on favor of the new hotel. The Courthouse Square Historic Preservation Commission voted 4-1 in favor of the parking lot across the street. (May 13, 2010, Page 1A, 5A)
Buses’ routes scaled back
Ridership for the Oxford University Transit bus system in April was up with 16,255 riders, an increase of 1,466 passengers from March. Despite the increased ridership this spring, with the onset of summer, expectations of ridership numbers are lower. (May 13, 2010, Page 1A)
Headlighting appeal wins
A man found guilty of headlighting deer won an appeal in the Lafayette County Circuit Court during the April court term. See his story and the entire court term results. (May 12, 2010, Page 1)
