LHS win gets ringing endorsement
With over $11,000 raised of the $20,000 needed to buy the Lafayette High School All-State champs their winning rings, Lafayette School District Athletic Director Jeff Nelson said he is thankful for how the entire community has come together to help celebrate these students. (January 4, 2011, Page 1)
Good Gossip
Bad gossip and good storytelling share, local columnist Jimmy Reed writes, a characteristic that makes one more injurious and the other more interesting. Reed relates a recent discussion with some of his students and makes the point that there’s no such thing as good gossip. (January 4, 2011, Page 4)
County election qualifying begins Tuesday
Candidates wishing to run for a county office can begin registering on Monday. The deadline to register for county races is March 1, according to deputy circuit court clerk Baretta Mosely. The qualifying deadline for state races is June 1.
Races on this year’s ballot in the county are for sheriff, chancery clerk, circuit clerk, tax assessor/collector, coroner, constables, supervisors, Justice court judges, election commissioners and school board members. (January 3, 2011, Page 1)
Losing invaluable muses during the past year
The community newspaper business is one where we try to serve our readers by giving them a snapshot of their lives and the lives of those around them. To accomplish this, we count on members of the community to help us with stories, story ideas, pictures, et cetera. Editor Don Whitten notes that some of his most valuable contacts – his “muses” – passed away in 2010 and will be missed. (January 3, 2011, Page 4)
Jobless rate inches up
Lafayette County’s unemployment rate for November inched up by one-tenth of a percentage point from October, according to the latest jobs report. Still, the county continues to have one of the lowest jobless rates in the state. (January 3, 2011, Page 5)
Vision 2020: Land Use and Transportation
The EAGLE is taking a five-week look at the Vision 2020 study. This week’s look back is at land use and transportation. The final feature will run once the AIA report is submitted to Oxford. (January 3, 2011, Page 1)
Rough year for local restaurants
Oxford saw 18 restaurants doors close in 2010 which bucked the national trend of the industry actually improving from the past few years. (January 3, 2011, Page 1)
New judge to be sworn in on Thursday
An investiture ceremony will be held Thursday for newly elected Third Circuit Court Judge John A. Gregory who will fill the seat left open by Judge Henry L. Lackey, who officially ends his 17 years on the bench on Friday.
The ceremony will take place at 2 this afternoon at the Chickasaw County Courthouse in Okolona, where Gregory served as county prosecutor for 23 years. (December 30, 2010, Page 2A)
Health effort begins Monday
Thanks to the a new community health initiative, Healthy You, Healthy L.O.U., expert advice and support is free for those who wish to make 2011 the year they start living a healthier lifestyle.
The five-month program begins with a registration session Monday through Wednesday at the Baptist HealthPlex. Participants’ may stop by the HealthPlex any time between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. during these three days to record their weight, height, body mass index, and blood pressure to establish their starting point. (December 30, 2010, Page 1A)
Year in Review: Voters approve school bond issue
While students, parents and staff of the Oxford School District celebrated after voters approved a $30 million bond for a new high school and massive capital improvement plan, students, parents and staff of the Lafayette County School District rejoiced over their football team winning the Class 4A state championship game.
Both events were the top news stories during a busy fourth quarter of 2010. (December 30, 2010, Page 1A)
