More bike paths being built
By next spring, bicyclists should have several more miles of bike lanes at their disposal throughout Oxford as the city is currently bidding out Phase 2 of the Pathways Project. (July 29, 2010, Page 1)
IRS cracks down on charities
Close to 50 charities in the community are at risk of losing their tax-exempt status if they don’t file tax returns by Oct. 15, according to the Internal Revenue Service. (July 28, 2010, Page 1)
Getting smart by going green
Whatever a business may do to go green, the members of the new Smart Business Alliance are available to provide encouragement and assistance. The inaugural meeting of the Smart Business Alliance on Tuesday had members discussing a variety of ideas on how to better organize and inform the community. (July 28, 2010, Page 1)
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)
Hospital holds baby abduction drill
Some visitors and staff members were alarmed when the hospital participated in an infant abduction drill at 11 a.m., Thursday. Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi in Oxford had a campus-wide drill as part ongoing emergency preparedness training. (July 23, 2010, Page 2A)
Jobless rate inches up
Just as the temperatures climb in Oxford every summer, so, too, do the numbers of unemployed. As it seems to do nearly every June, the unemployment rate in Lafayette County inched up. The jobless rate climbed from 9.6 percent in May to 9.9 percent in June. (July 23, 2010, Page 5A)
Tourism Council proposes $100K cut
The sluggish economy still has its grip on Oxford tourism. With revenues down this year, the Oxford Tourism Council is planning to cut the 2011 budget by $100,000. Director of Tourism Mary-Kathryn Millner said, “we are being cautious and presenting a budget that is more legitimate as opposed to wishful thinking.” (July 22, 2010, Page 5A)
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)
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)
Deer issue divides Oxford
Both sides of the proposed deer management measure will have one last opportunity to voice their views before city leaders vote on Aug. 3. The deer management plan calls for both lethal and non-lethal measures to control the deer population, such as bow-hunting inside the city limits and habitat modification. (July 21, 2010, Page 1)
