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

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.

SportsPlus

News

Hosemann breaks bread with Rotary Club of Oxford, talks 2024 Legislative highlights

News

Work on Highway 7/University interchange to start soon

News

Aldermen approve design agreements for North Lamar improvements, roundabout

News

Junior League of Oxford celebrates “International Find the Good Day” today

Business

Live music at Home Place Pastures

Events

Oxford musicians to perform at First Memphis Pizza Festival

News

Aldermen OK new wood fence along Oxford Memorial Cemetery

News

Transfer of Punkin Water to Oxford complete

Business

Newk’s customers can help fight ovarian cancer

News

Regents soccer takes Kirk Academy 3-0

Elections

MS’s Election Division among several states targeted with suspicious package

Featured Photo

Constitution Week Proclamation Signed

News

JJ Pegues named Wuerffel trophy semifinalist, AFCA Good Works Team Honoree

Events

Oxford, Lafayette remain A school districts

Education

2nd Chance MS announces annual Party on the Green fundraiser

Education

OSD announces National Merit Semifinalists, Commended Students

Education

Two Lafayette seniors named as National Merit Scholar Semifinalists

News

Oxford Fire Department weekly calls

Events

Photo Gallery: 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

Business

Big Bad Business workshops aim to support entrepreneurs

Lafayette County

Hopewell Water issues self-imposed boil water notice

Education

New OSD Director of Transportation, Supervisor of Grounds announced

Lafayette County

City, county board approve 2025 budgets

Events

Free Square Jam Session to feature Neon Junkies, Thistle Ridge, Maggie Rose