Oxford University Transit Sees Growth and Breaks Records

Oxford residents ride the Yellow Route Bus

Since the start of the Oxford University Transit system in October of 2008, Oxford has seen a steady increase of riders over the last 6 years.
O.U.T. currently has 9 bus routes with 22 buses that run to transport Oxford citizens around the town. O.U.T. provides a program called NextBus that offers riders an arrival time prediction for the next bus at whatever location the rider selects.

In September, Oxford University Transit had a record of more than 110,000 people taking the bus. To help continue to be able to meet the growing demands, General Manager Ron Biggs plans to purchase an additional 6 buses.

With the construction of a new parking garage taking place next semester Oxford Universty Transit plans to see ridership increase even more. 600 parking spots will no longer be availible to Ole Miss students and faculty. The anticipated start date for construction on the new parking garage is said to be December 16, 2013.

For information on bus routes and fares click here.

For more on the story click here.

Life of Special Girl Still Impacts Through Brandi's Hope Community Services.

Painting of Brandi Cowart.
Courtesy of Pam Puckett. 

Brandi's Hope Community Services first started it's operations in June 2010, after long time dream of owner and CEO, Danny Cowart. Danny and wife Brenda named the business after their daughter Brandi. Brandi suffered from Trisomy 18 and passed away back in 2005. Brandi's memory is the humble drive force behind the company as they provide services to the disabled. Brandi's Hope not only aims to render it's services to disabled individuals, but to also give a better quality of life and a sense of hope and family. Brandi's Hope currently has 8 locations in Mississippi. Brandi's Hope centers are located in Tupelo, Meridian, Hattiesburg, Picayune, Natchez, Pascagoula, Gulfport, and the home office in Magee. For more on the story click below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2QcnYNSXL4&feature=youtu.be

Oxford, Mississippi Workers Hopeful for Hike in Minimum Wage

A Wal-Mart cart pusher collects carts
in freezing winds. Cart pushers are expected to
work in all weather conditions.

In March, Democratic Rep. George Miller and Democrat Senator Tom Harkin, proposed a bill to raise the federal minimum wage to $10.10. The White House has stacked its support behind the Harkin-Miller bill, also known as the Fair Minimum Wage Act.

In Oxford, Miss., low wage workers make up about 30 percent of resident households. With the economy at a stagnant edge, workers hope that the proposed bill will come to pass- giving them an opportunity at a more fulfilling life.

Workers take us inside a day at work, and show us why they believe the increase couldn't come at a better time. Christina Sallis has that story here.

1983 Ole Miss Football Team Reunites--Recalls "Immaculate Deflection"

The 1983 Ole Miss football did not finish with a winning record, going 6-6 on the season. But it was still a tremendous accomplishment for the Rebels and new coach Billy Brewer. Brewer guided Ole Miss to the Independence Bowl--the school's first bowl appearance in twelve years.
To get the bowl bid, Ole Miss had to beat rival Mississippi State in the Egg Bowl, and did so when a last-second field goal attempt by the Bulldogs was batted down by a sudden gust of wind. The 24-23 Rebels' victory has come to be known as the "Immaculate Deflection."

On October 12 before the Rebels' home game with Texas A&M, members of the 1983 team reunited to share memories on the thirtieth anniversary of their great season. Brad Schultz has that story.