Weatherly very deserving of latest honor
Former Pontotoc High School and Ole Miss football standout Jim Weatherly, who followed his gridiron career with even more success as a singer and songwriter, will be honored with “Jim Weatherly Day” this weekend in his hometown of Pontotoc. Editor Don Whitten, a longtime Weatherly fan, tells why. (August 4, 2010, Page 4)
L.Q.C Lamar statue firmly in place
A new statue of L.Q.C. Lamar has finally been erected at the front of his former home in oxford, which was recently restored and includes a museum about his life. Standing in his famed orator pose, the life-size statue was created by Taylor artist Bill Beckwith. (August 3, 2010, Page 1)
City school parent survey finds positives, negatives
The district presented the results of the annual gifted, parent and teacher surveys to the Oxford School Board in July noting that while some areas showed improvements, other areas continue to need work. (August 3, 2010, Page 8)
Getting tough on bullies
At a meeting with parents Monday at Lafayette Middle School, Jim Keith, attorney with the Council of School Board Attorneys, shared about bullying laws. (August 3, 2010, Page 1)
County school budget approved
The Lafayette County School Board approved Monday a $20 million budget for the 2010-2011 school year. Despite an almost $3 million deficit compared to this past school year’s budget, county school leders intend to hold the line on taxes and operate with the available revenues. (August 3, 2010, Page 3)
Closed plant gets tax break
The Whirlpool Corporation got a $6 million assessment break Monday morning when the Lafayette County Board of Supervisors agreed to cut the tax assessment of the building and land down from $13 million to $7,750,000. (August 3, 2010, Page 1)
Road work in city continues
Summer has been a busy time for road projects, but the work won’t stop thi fall as crews continue with their efforts to complete ongoing transportation improvements. In other words, motorists can expect to encounter more detours and a few delays as this necessary, but inconvenient, infrastructure work continues – especially along Anderson road. (August 3, 2010, Page 1)
County snuffs out fake pot
The Lafayette County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously this morning to follow what about a dozen other Mississippi cities and counties have done recently and made possessing, selling or distributing all forms of synthetic marijuana that’s known by several brand names — K2, Spice, Demon, Voodoo, Genie and Zohai. (August 2, 2010, Page 1)
Scouts celebrate 100th birthday
Hundreds gathered in the Grove during the 2010 Boy Scout Jamboree to celebrate 100 years of scouting. Despite the 100 degree weather, about 300 people attended the local event. Closing ceremonies were telecast live from the national ceremony into the Grove giving scouts an opportunity to “feel like they’re a part of the national event.” (August 2, 2010, Page 1)
Can Square be improved?
Oxford city leaders will unveil a Square Enhancement Project on Tuesday. Oxford leaders will consider whether the Square can be improved by making the historic downtown area more pedestrian friendly.
Details of the project will be unveiled at Tuesday’s 6 p.m. Board of Aldermen meeting. Mayor Pat Patterson said at least part of this new initiative involves improving parking and pedestrian access. (August 2, 2010, Page 1)
