Animals recognized, finally
It appears Mississippi is catching up to the rest of the country when it comes to protecting our pets and punishing those who mistreat them. Staff Writer Melanie Addington takes a closer look at some of the bills dealing with the issue that are moving through the Legislature. (February 25, 2011, Page 4A)
Panty thief sparks sex crime bill
Local legislators are working to pass a new bill that would require prosecutors to include a special allegation of sexual motivation in felony criminal cases when sufficient evidence exists to justify a finding of sexual motivation. If convicted, the defendant would be required to register under the Mississippi sex offender registration law. (February 1, 2011, Page 1)
Lawmakers: Economy getting stronger
Lafayette County state lawmakers expressed hope of a brighter economic future for north Mississippi with the addition of three new industrial operations in the area at the annual Eggs and Issues breakfast meeting sponsored by the Oxford and Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and held at the Oxford Conference Center on Monday. (January 25, 2011, Page 1)
Clinton backs Childers at UM
Former President Bill Clinton made a campaign stop at the University of Mississippi on Thursday to encourage college students to go to the polls Nov. 2 and vote for Democrats or they will be “committing malpractice.” Clinton made his remarks in the Grove before an estimated crowd of 2,000 to 3,ooo. It was Clinton’s 76th stop on the stump trail to show support for Democrats in tight races against Republicans. (October 15, 2010, Page 1, 2a)
Tollison considered for U.S. Attorney post
U.S. Rep. Travis Childers says he is asking President Barack Obama to nominate Oxford’s own Sen. Gray Tollison for the U.S. Attorney position in the Northern District. Tollison, 45, who works at the Tollison Law Firm in Oxford, currently serves as the attorney for the Layfayette County School Board and has served in the state Senate for 15 years. (July 20, 2010, Page 1A)
New laws take effect today
A new law, aimed at fighting the state’s growing methamphetamine problem, has made any medications containing pseudoephedrine no longer available over-the-counter. A doctor’s prescription is now required to purchase common cold and allergy medications that include Advil Cold and Sinus, Aleve D, Claritin D, Mucinex D, Nyquil D, Sudafed, Tylenol Sinus Severe Cold and Zyrtec D. (July 1, 2010, Page 1A)
Letters to the Editor
Fred Brown questions why state legislators and government officials hire state biologists and then don’t seem to always follow their advice when it comes to hunting laws and guidelines, while Edwin C. LeGrand III urges Mississippians to find out more about individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities during March which is IDD Month. (March 9, 2010, Page 4)
County schools OK 2010-11 calendar
As Mississippi House and Senate negotiators were agreeing on a plan to restore $82 million in cuts made to the current state budget, Lafayette County School Board members were voting on whether to accept next year’s school calendar, fearing budget cuts could force student and teacher furloughs. (March 3, 2010, Page 1)
Lafayette schools brace for cuts
Lafayette County School Superintendent Mike Foster warned members of the school district that some difficult budget decisions will be made in the coming weeks. With Gov. Haley Barbour calling for more cuts to school budgets, the district is having to address rumors about budget issues, Foster said at Monday’s school board meeting. Many employees have shared their concerns about job cuts with school board members. (February 2, 2010, Page 1)
Eggs & Issues
PHOTO SLIDESHOW — Local leaders meet with area legislators ahead of the 2010 Legislative Session, which begins this week in Jackson. (January 5, 2010)
