Movers and shakers in the Lafayette County region brought some big names to Ole Miss, made sure local students had needed resources, bailed one student out from a sticky situation, honored a long-serving police chief and pushed to get a mental health center locally. Read these excerpts in yesterday’s papers from 2014, 2007, 1994, 1981 and 1965.

Dec. 16, 2014

Justices share the stage at Ford Center

Two of the world’s biggest decision-makers were seated together on stage at the University of Mississippi’s Ford Center to discuss their profession and life.

U.S. Supreme Court Justices Antonin Scalia and Elena Kagan discussed how they got involved with the law and chose to attend law school. They discussed their careers and gave motivation for law and regular students alike.

Dec. 18, 2007

Oxford schools reviewing special ed program

The Oxford School District is hiring consultants to review its special education program to ensure it is completely meeting needs of students.

The board approved hiring consultants from the Center for Special Education Services for $8,750, plus lodging and travel for four days.

The company will conduct on-site reviews of staff, records, classes and more.

The board also approved an expenditure for more equipment in the special education room.

Dec. 16, 1994

Retiring police chief honored

Local officials, the Oxford Police Department and other law enforcement representatives Thursday came together to honor retiring OPD Chief Billy White.

White announced his retirement Nov. 7 after 21 years as the chief and 43 years in law enforcement. The resignation takes effect Dec. 31.

“It’s been a great 21 years,” he said.

Dec. 17, 1981

Freak accident begins gasoline fire; leads to dented fire truck

When Ole Miss student Howell Taylor stopped for gas at The Store, he left the nozzle of the pump in his gas tank, paid and drove away without removing the nozzle.

The pump was “snatched up” off the ground and a spark from wiring ignited the gas in the hose and pump. Taylor scrambled out of the car, but left it in drive.

Three companies of firemen responded, and when they hit the truck with water, it drove into a fire truck.

A shut-off valve protected everything else at the gas station.

Dec. 16, 1965

Move underway to get center

The Lafayette County Mental Health Chapter began intense mobilization of its forces this week to spearhead a community effort to get a medical center in Oxford.

Dean Charles W. Hartman, regional first vice president of the state Board of Mental Health and member of the local chapter, stated that no definite location has been made for the center but he believes that the Oxford-University community can and should be one of the first locations for a regional center.