Storm debris mulch ready for use
Tons of mulch made from the downed trees and brush from the storms that wreaked havoc in Lafayette County on April 27 are ready for the public to come and take as much as they’d like for free at the Lafayette County Industrial Park. (August 23, 2011, Page 1)
Races to be decided Tuesday
Voters will decide Tuesday who will be Lafayette County’s new tax assessor/collector during the runoff election. There are a total of four local races on the ballot. Voters will also finish choosing the Democratic nominee for governor and the Republican nominee for state treasurer. (August 22, 2011, Page 1A)
Construction begins on BMX track
The BMX track construction is underway as the Pathways Commission works to obtain a new grant for a small dirt area near the Stone Center. (August 19, 2011, Page 1A)
Class changes lead to design changes
Changes to the career and technical education programs in Oxford Middle and High School could impact the design of the new high school and renovation of the current one into a middle school. Oxford School Board members heard a presentation on the many changes on Thursday. (August 19, 2011, Page 1A)
Clamp down on DUI starts today
If you plan on drinking alcohol and getting into a car to drive over the next three weeks, think again.
Local law enforcement agencies will ban together starting today and continuing through Sept. 5 for an intense crackdown on impaired drivers, known as “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.” (August 18, 2011, Page 1A)
Baptist buys hospital
After two long years of negotiations, Baptist Memorial Health Care Corp purchased the South Lamar and Belk boulevard building of its BMH North Mississippi hospital for $60 million and an additional $5.6 million from its Health Trust Fund. The city and county will jointly share the profits. The hospital will move forward with building a new $250 million facility in Oxford. (August 18, 2011, Page 1A)
City workers may get pay hike
Aldermen continue to work on the city 2011-2012 budget and mulled providing a 1.5 percent cost of living raise for city employees on Tuesday. (August 17, 2011, Page 1)
Forgotten stash of silver discovered
Local officials have discovered 4,200 ounces of silver nitrate, or $200,000 worth of silver, in a lock box tucked away since 1989 from the former x-ray machines at the county hospital. (August 17, 2011, Page 1)
City restores $2M to fund from hospital sale
The Oxford Board of Aldermen voted Tuesday morning to keep intact the $30 million it is getting as its share of the sale of the hospital building to Baptist Memorial Health Care Corps. The board had voted last week to set aside $2 million of the $30 million to use to fund some immediate community needs and invest the remaining $28 million to use for long-term needs. However, at a meeting today, the board reversed itself and voted to restore the $2 million back into the investment pot, so the city has a total of $30 million to invest. The board took the action after Mayor Pat Patterson threatened to veto the effort to use $2 million for community needs. The sale of the hospital is expected to close Thursday. (August 16, 2011)
County weighs tax cut
The Lafayette County Board of Supervisors met on Monday to continue discussions on the 2011-2012 budget including potentially lowering the millage rate by ten percent. (August 16, 2011, Page 1)
