Letter to the Editor
Lena L. Ward writes to agree with Sid Salter’s recent column about mental health care and adds that considering closing the North Mississippi State Hospital shows we can go lower. (August 26, 2010, Page 4)
Students begin first year of Center for Manufacturing Excellence
The Center for Manufacturing Excellence – an interdisciplinary program that brings together the Schools of Engineering, Accountancy, and Business Administration at the University of Mississippi is reportedly the only undergraduate program of its kind in the country. The program is off to a good start with 27 students enrolled and more are expected as the nearby Toyota plant opens. (August 25, 2010, Page 1)
WV plant expansion will add more jobs
There is welcome news in Water Valley, after months of negotiations — Borg Warner Drivetrain Systems’ Water Valley facility will be expanding. The expansion will include the addition of a production line which means more jobs. According to a press release the new production line will create 120 jobs, but branch manager Kent Tobin clarified that there won’t be exactly 120 positions to fill, as some will be filled internally by current employees. (August 25, 2010, Page 1)
Lion’s Club continues to be ‘knights of the blind’
The Oxford Lions have helped the needy obtain eye glasses for almost 70 years when the club was first chartered.
The club gives out about two $125 grants a month to adults and children who cannot afford to purchase glasses and, for whatever reason, are not eligible for Medicaid.
The club also takes donations of old eye glasses that are recycled and given to needy families. Old eye glasses can be dropped off at most Oxford eye clinics or the Bank of Commerce, 1610 W. Jackson Ave. Monetary donations for the eye program can be mailed to Oxford Lions, P.O. Box 1751, Oxford MS 38655 or given to any local Lions Club member. For more information, call Mulkey at 234-2220. (August 25, 2010, Page 1)
Sheriff’s investigators nab several in burglary cases
The Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department have made several recent arrests of those they feel are responsible for area burglaries including a break-in at the Lafayette High School field house and several vehicle burglaries in Wellsgate. (August 25, 2010, Page 2)
Grappa in Radda
A work-vacation trip to Europe made for some interesting experiences for local columnist John Morgan, who writes about the value of GPS systems when in a foreign land and how surprises can pop up in the least-expected places. (August 25, 2010, Page 4)
Oxford school district growing
The Oxford School District has grown 5 percent since last year with a total enrollement of 3,589 students as of last Monday. Despite growing enrollment, the Oxford School District is focusing in on ways to keep more kids in school until graduation. To improve drop-out rates, the district is developing a new credit recovery program for students who have failed a course twice. By taking the class online class, it will students one last chance to pass the course. (August 24, 2010, Page 1)
Financial issues head list of concerns
Members of the United Way Transition Income Committee have been trying to find ideas to help the financially needy in the L-O-U community in other ways than just being a Band-Aid.
Financial literacy is high on the list of areas the committee is looking at trying to promote. Al Hope, committee leader and human resource director for the city of Oxford wants to see more communication with residents on what services are available. (August 24, 2010, Page 1)
Borg Warner announces Water Valley expansion
Borg Warner officially announced this morning the expansion of its Water Valley facility to facilitate the production of a new “mini direct-acting solenoids” line. (more…) (August 24, 2010)
Court seeks input on pro bono proposals
The Supreme Court is asking the public for its opinion on proposals intended to improve access of legal services for the financially needy. Proposals under review call for making 20 hours of annual pro bono service mandatory for Mississippi attorneys, raising to $500 the payments lawyers may make in lieu of doing pro bono work, and increasing fees paid by out of state lawyers to $500 per case.
The Supreme Court Rules Committee is asking the public to comment on the proposed change by filing a comment with the Clerk of the Supreme Court, Gartin Justice Building, P.O. Box 249, Jackson MS 39205-0249. Deadline for filing the comments is Oct. 1. (August 24, 2010, Page 1)
