Oxford Eagle’s Year in Review, part 3: July to September

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 third part of The EAGLE’s Year in Review.

Lafayette Teacher Arrested for enticement

A probable cause hearing for former Lafayette High teacher Molly Wray, right, was waived at the Lafayette County Courthouse, in Oxford, Miss. on Monday, July 16, 2018.

An arrest warrant for Molly Wray was issued on July 16, and the Lafayette County High School was formally charged with one count of enticement of a child with intent to meet for sexual purposes. Circuit Court Judge John A. Gregory issued a bond of $10,000 for Wray, who had been under investigation since June 4.

Ole Miss unveils Tony the Landshark

The University of Mississippi’s new mascot, Tony the Landshark, makes his debut at the “Meet the Rebels” fan day at the Manning Center in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, August 11, 2018. Fans were also able to get autographs from Rebel football, soccer, volleyball, rifle and spirit squads during the event. (Bruce Newman, Oxford Eagle via AP)

The Ole Miss athletic department debuted Tony the Landshark during Ole Miss’ annual ‘Meet the Rebels’ event on August 11 as the newest on-field mascot. Tony replaces Rebel the Black Bear, who was the mascot from 2011 to 2017.

Humane Society steps away from running animal shelter

Volunteer Caroline Hamilton accepts a dog into the Oxford-Lafayette Humane Shelter in Oxford, Miss. on Wednesday, August 7, 2018. The Oxford-Lafayette Humane Society has informed the Oxford Mayor and Board of Aldermen via letter that it will not be renewing its management agreement at the end of the fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30. (Bruce Newman, Oxford Eagle via AP)

The Oxford-Lafayette Humane Society announced the week of August 9th that it will close its doors Sept. 30. This also meant the Humane Society’s animal shelter would be vacated, as well. Oxford’s funding contract with the Humane Society, and its lease on the city-owned building, expired on Sept. 30.

Fire Chief Mark Heath Resigns

Oxford Fire Department chief Mark Heath, in Oxford, Miss. on Thursday, August 30, 2018, is resigning from his position effective September 5..

Mark Heath, who was just shy of his two-year anniversary with the department, announced his resignation as fire chief, effective September 5. Heath said there were three key factors to his resignation: his health, work environment and his family.

Long-time sheriff F.D. “Buddy” East Dies

Longtime Lafayette County Sheriff Buddy East died on Saturday, September 8, 2018.

Buddy East was 76 years old and had recently celebrated 46 years serving the county as sheriff, having been elected for 12 consecutive terms dating back to 1972. He passed away on September 8, following a brief illness.

Oxford’s largest annexation goes into effect

A hearing on the city of Oxford’s proposed annexation of several areas, one of which is Thacker Heights, was healed at the Lafayette County Chancery Building in Oxford, Miss. on Monday, August 27, 2018.

The City of Oxford officially annexed an area of approximately 12 square miles on September 19, following a Sept. 10 decree from Judge Glenn Alderson. With the annexation, Oxford city limits officially expanded from 16 square miles to 28 square miles, increasing the population by 3,600 people.

Ed Meek, namesake for UM’s journalism school, posts Facebook tirade

Ed Meek’s name has been removed from the University of Mississippi’s School of Journalism and New Media building, in Oxford, Miss. on Sunday, December 23, 2018. (Bruce Newman, Oxford Eagle)

A Facebook post by Ed Meek, namesake for the University of Mississippi’s Meek School of Journalism and New Media, went viral Wednesday afternoon for what apparently came as a response to a series of fistfights that took place on the Square and in The Grove last weekend. Meek’s post featured two pictures of African-American women on a night out, seemingly unaware their photos had been taken.

SportsPlus

Crime

Judge denies mistrial motion during Herrington murder trial on Saturday

News

Ole Miss athletes participate in Day of Service at Oxford Food Pantry

Crime

More details emerge on Day 4 of Herrington trial

Crime

Calhoun City man charged in Oxford shooting

News

Dart named Manning Award finalist; Pegues honored for community service

Events

Holiday House Tour to Benefit Doors of Hope Transition Ministries

Events

Oxford Tractor Supply to host free holiday craft for kids

Events

Celebrate the season at OXCM’s annual Hometown Holiday Markets

Crime

Digital evidence, chilling searches unveiled during Day 3 of Herrington murder trial

Crime

Oxford man charged with felony stalking

Crime

Man charged with aggravated domestic assault

Crime

Oxford man charged with asking a minor for explicit photos

Lafayette County

Calhoun County lawmaker Andy Stepp dies at 66

News

Oxford COO Bart Robinson retires after 27 years of service

Crime

Day two of Herrington trial focuses on timelines, video footage of Lee’s car

Business

PSC approves sale of CenterPoint to Delta Utilities

Arts

Ole Miss QB walk-on produces comedy-horror film

Lafayette County

Lafayette County property transfers

Business

Lafayette County restaurant inspections

Arts

UM Department of Music to hold Holiday Concert

Education

OSD teacher, director of student development, recognized with awards

News

Salvation Army Red Kettle Bells return to Batesville

Crime

Trial of Timothy Herrington begins in Oxford

Arts

Sam Haskill to produce Liza Minnelli’s memoir for television