Oxford Eagle's Year in Review, part 4: October to December - The Oxford Eagle

Oxford Eagle’s Year in Review, part 4: October to December

Published 2:47 pm Monday, December 31, 2018

As we find ourselves with just one more week in 2018, it’s important to take time to look back at most impactful stories of the year.

Here is the fourth and final part of The EAGLE’s Year in Review.

IHL Approves renaming of Meek School of Journalism

Meek School of Journalism and New Media is located at the University of Mississippi, in Oxford, Miss. on Thursday, September 20, 2018. (Bruce Newman, Oxford Eagle via AP)

Ole Miss Chancellor Jeffrey S. Vitter announced on October 9 the Institutes of Higher Learning board approved the University to take the next steps required in removing Ed Meek’s name from UM’s Meek School of Journalism and New Media.

Ole Miss NCAA case is closed

University of Mississippi athletic director Ross Bjork discusses NCAA sanctions leveled against the football program during a press conference at the Manning Center, in Oxford, Miss. on Friday, December 1, 2017. (Bruce Newman, Oxford Eagle via AP)

NCAA’s Infractions Appeal Committee announced its verdict on November 1st to uphold Ole Miss’ bowl, ban but allow the program to recruit to the fullest extent. This ruling closed a six-year investigation, and an appeal process that lasted 11 months.

Chancellor Jeff Vitter announces he’s stepping down

Chancellor Jeff Vitter attends the University of Mississippi graduation ceremony in the Grove in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 12, 2018. In November Vitter announced he would step down from his position. (Bruce Newman, Oxford Eagle via AP)

Mississippi Institutes of Higher Learning announced on November 9 Vitter will step down as chancellor and transition to a faculty role at UM. He will serve as a Distinguished Professor in the School of Engineering’s Department of Computer and Information Science, effective January 3.

King named state counselor of the year

Amy King, center, with students Xander Fortyz, left, and Malak Albadry.

In her 19th year as a school counselor, and 25th in education, Amy King was named Mississippi Counseling Association’s School Counselor of the Year, representing how she is able to adapt to the twists and turns that come with being a counselor.

Kroger Expansion approved

Customers enter and leave Kroger in Oxford, Miss. on Monday, May 22, 2017.

The City of Oxford’s Planning Commission approved plans to almost double the size of the Kroger on University Avenue after a public hearing on November 16. This would include the addition of a Corky’s BBQ restaurant and a Starbucks.

Canopy of Lights returns after 50+ year hiatus

The “Canopy of Lights”, in Oxford, Miss. on Sunday, November 25, 2018, made it’s return on Tuesday, November 20, 2018. (Bruce Newman, Oxford Eagle via AP)

The Canopy of Lights returned for the first time since 1960s, as lights draped from the storefronts to the clocktower on the Lafayette County Courthouse were lit up on November 20.

Water Valley wins second state title over Seminary

Water Valley head coach Brad Embry, right, and players celebrate after defeating Seminary 34-28 in the MHSAA Class 3A championship game at M.M. Roberts Stadium in Hattiesburg, Miss. on Friday, November 20, 2018. The championship is Water Valley’s first since 1990. (Jake Thompson, Oxford Eagle)

The Water Valley Blue Devils defeated Seminary 34-28 in the win the MHSAA Class 3A state championship at Southern Mississippi’s M.M. Roberts stadium on November 30, marking the school’s second state title and the first since 1990.

Blauer announces relocation out of Lafayette

Blauer, in Oxford, Miss. on Thursday, December 20, 2018, is relocating from Oxford to Batesville.

Blauer Manufacturing, which has been in Lafayette County since 1997 and currently employs 150 employees, announced on November 21 it will be leaving Lafayette County in summer of 2019. Employees at the clothing and protective wear company based in Lafayette County will be offered a lateral move to Panola County.