Ole Miss Student Athletes Buckle Down as Semester Ends.

As the spring semester comes to an end at Ole Miss, student-athletes are cracking down on practice time and increasing on study time. The Fed-Ex is a place where the students athletes can go to receive tutoring or just a quiet room to study in. This is a busy time for all students due to the fact that final exams are quickly approaching.

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Oxford's Lamar Park No Longer Conducive To Dogs, But New Dog Park Opens Nearby

Lamar Park is one of Oxford's largest and most beautiful recreational parks. Located off of Country Club Drive, it has long been a staple for residents and students looking to get outdoors. In years past, the park has been a haven for dog owners. As the park was once a golf course, its spacious, grassy fairways provide a great environment for dogs to run free.

Rampant dogs, however, have run themselves into new, strict leash laws. Several accidents ushered in the new law. One accident, which may have been the last straw, involved a loose canine knocking down an elderly woman, and breaking her wrist. While the park has certainly never had an issue with malicious dogs, the increasing number of dogs running free became hazardous to young children and other people trying to enjoy the park.

So, where in Oxford can dogs safely play? The answer has sprung up just down the street. Oxford's new Humane Society has built a completely fenced in dog park right next door. The grassy area is over an acre in size and open to the public. It allows dogs of all shapes and sizes to bark, wrestle, and chase tennis balls until they beg for the couch.

The Oxford Lafayette Humane Society is Using Local Volunteers for Help

The Oxford Lafayette Humane Society recently built a brand new facility. The brand new building is not going un-noticed to Oxford residents. The shelter has recently seen an influx of animals being brought in and this is becoming a hard operation for the few employees. The shelter is in desperate need of volunteers to help them with the animals and also find them a family to adopt the pets. If anyone would like more information contact the Oxford Lafayette Humane Society, or click story here.

Former Ole Miss Star Returns to Oxford, MS

During the off season NFL players all go to their respective homes. Baltimore Ravens left tackle Michael Oher returns to Ole Miss for his off season. Here he is able to take advantage of their workout facilities while he waits on the NFL player lockout to be lifted. This off season is longer due to this however, he still stays in shape and finds ways to occupy his time.

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High Gas Prices Affect Oxford, MS

Gas prices continue to rise and recently exceeded 4 dollars a gallon in Oxford, MS. Fortunately, Oxford and the rest of Mississippi are currently below the national average of $4.25 per gallon for premium gasoline. The rise in gas prices definitely hasn't helped the economic recovery, but the United States aren't the only ones hurting from the increase in price per barrel of oil. On other continents, such as Europe, gas prices are way worst than what it is in America. In London, gas was reported at $8.17 a gallon in March and has risen since.
So how does Oxford, MS respond to all of this? Many residents have been forced to find new ways of transportation without it putting a toll on their wallet. Buses, bicycles, and walking have been the preference but many still consider other tips for saving on gas.

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Ole Miss Students Prepare for Finals Week

As finals week quickly approaches, students on campus at Ole Miss are preparing for the end of the Spring semester of the 2010 – 2011 school year. Some students choose to prepare for their finals by studying in J.D. Williams Library (general library on campus), while others may study at the Law Library, Pharmacy Library, or even the Lafayette County & Oxford Public Library. This time of the semester J.D. Williams Library can get quite full and as helpful as the library can be, this may be a distraction to some. Although finding the right place to study is important, actually studying is most important aspect. If you are having problems with the actual "studying" part you might check out, The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. Learning Specialist, Nancy Wiggers along with the three other specialists hold workshops throughout the semester to help students. There are also tutoring sessions available in many classes ranging from Biology to many Business courses at the Learning Center, located in Hill Hall.

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Teacher Helps Smithville, MS Recover from Tornado

After a devastating tornado hit Smithville, MS, a Local school teacher of Senatobia High School started the donations for families, homes, and lives that were taken. The EF-5 tornado took place on April 27, 2011.

There were 27 people killed and 40 injured.

Teacher, Jill Knox, and her students of Senatobia High School started the donations as soon as the devastating news broke out. The donations acquired by Knox and her students have helped hundreds of people in Smithville already. Donations included anything from food items to electrical accessories. Knox worked constantly to organize this important help effort. Not only does she teach tenth grade English, she taught a life lesson in how important giving back is.

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Tornado Safety

This tornado season has already been a rough one for the southern states. Already over 350 people have lost their lives to tornadoes in Alabama this year alone. Many southerners don't know the proper way to prepare their homes and protect themselves against these potentially deadly storms. While taking safety precautions may not stop a tornado, it will certainly make dealing with these potentially deadly storms easier. It is very important to recognize the difference between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning. This is especially important for university residents living on the Ole Miss campus and in the rest of Oxford to be aware of what the status of a tornado is, and to have all of the necessary items and a crisis situation plan.

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Should Ole Miss Participate in a Dead Week?

Not only is finals week approaching at the University of Mississippi so is stress. Along with students packing, taking test, and writing papers they are also preparing for Finals, but is this too much? Many schools participate in a "dead week" to help students catch up on previous work. Some students agree with the idea of a dead week while others think it's just a part of life. If you agree with idea of a dead week and stress of finals is too much you can visit the Ole Miss Counseling Center for ways to relief stress.

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Study Drugs remain problem on Ole Miss campus during finals

In recent years, study drugs, such as Adderall and Ritalin, have become more and more popular among college campuses. The University of Mississippi is no exception. A recent survey among college students read that over 25% of students have tried study drugs to help study in the past year. As finals week draws near, more and more students turn to these drugs to help keep them focused during the hectic week.

These drugs are amphetamine based. Most students do not know, or do not take into account, that taking these drugs not prescribed to them is a felony, punishable the same as possession of oxycontin or morphine. These drugs can be very addictive or habit forming, with a wide range of side effects. So before you "pop an Addy" to help study for a test, be careful of what you are getting yourself into...

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Ole Miss Maymester Shepard Smith Class

The University of Mississippi Meek School of Journalism and New Media is offering a class being taught by Fox News anchor Shepard Smith this Maymester. Twelve students will participate in the class that will have one week in Oxford and one week in New York City at Fox News Headquarters with Smith. Students will have the opportunity to learn valuable broadcast journalism skills while in New York.

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O.U.T. Public Bus System Thrives For Mississippi Residents In Oxford

The Oxford University Transit (O.U.T.) bus system is a free public transportation option for everyone with an Ole Miss student ID. The system has been in service for just over a year and has already experienced rapid growth. The bus system has expanded through new features like the G.P.S. trackers located on each bus, in order to give accurate predictions to pick up times. Recently, brand new busses were purchased that are larger than the initial size used in the inaugural season. The bus continues to run over the summer but there will be a change in the schedule for the 2011 summer term. For all those people without an Ole Miss student ID; there are several monthly membership options. The public bus provides transportation to and from campus spanning from Jackson Ave, Lamar, Old Taylor, Anderson and Hathorn Road. Oxford residents continue to rely on the public transportation service to get to and from campus, their homes and work. There are several employment opportunities for those seeking to become part of the growing organization. For more information on the bus system, here is the story.

Shane Battier: He's What's Good for Memphis

It's been almost five years since former small forward Shane Battier was traded from the Memphis Grizzlies to the Houston Rockets and for Grizzly fans that was long enough. Battier began his NBA career in Memphis after being drafted sixth in the first round of the 2001 NBA Draft out of Duke. While playing at Duke Battier was a three time awardee of the NABC Defensive Player of the Year and won the NCAA National Championship in 2001. After graduation Battier was eager to begin playing in the NBA. Almost immediately after Battier was drafted to the Memphis Grizzlies fans began an obsession for Shane Battier. While fans hoped this was a bond that would never break, Battier was traded in June of 2006. Since Battier left the Grizzlies there has been triumph and there has been failure, like many NBA teams struggling to succeed. With great players coming in and out of the Grizzlies organization there still had not been a player who connected with the city of Memphis like Shane. However, on February 24, 2011 Battier was traded back to the Grizzlies; the feedback from fans was phenomenal. It's not just Battier's basketball skills that have fans in such utter excitement, but what Battier stands for. Battier and his wife, Heidi, started the Take Charge Foundation. The foundation is dedicated to providing resources for the development and education of underserved youth and teens. Battier is a leader for the city of Memphis both on the court and off, and that is why he is exactly what Memphis needs. Click here for more on this story. 

Oxford Holds 16th Annual Double Decker Arts Festival

The 16th annual Double Decker Arts Festival was held this past weekend in Oxford, Mississippi. The Festival was held in Oxford's Historic Downtown Square and put on by the Oxford Convention and Visitors Bureau. There were over 100 volunteers and staff members needed to put together such a large event. Double Decker is a two day event starting Friday night. Friday night featured the bands Okkervil River, Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears, and Old Crow Medicine Show on the South Lamar stage. Saturday consisted of art vendors of all types on the square and multiple bands.

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Double Decker Arts Festival Brings Exciting Merchandise Into Oxford, MS

     The Double Decker Arts Festival is an annual event that always brings new and interesting vendors into Oxford, Mississippi.  Double Decker is an exciting experience for everyone, especially first time vendors. At the 16th annual Double Decker Festival, one of this year's new vendors, Nash Designs with a Dash of Beck, brought their interesting merchandise to the square.
      Cashing in on one of Oxford's latest fads, Becki Hicks and Jamie Nash specialize in feather accessories. Jamie and Becki's products can be found year round at The Shoe Bar in Jackson, Mississippi. Their booth was a hit this year and vendors like Jamie and Becki come to Oxford every year hoping to sell their products.

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Scientists Say Likelihood of a Damaging Earthquake Rocking Memphis Within the Next Fifty Years is Very Possible. Oxford Could Feel the Force.

A colossal earthquake similar to the one that devastated Memphis, Tennessee in 1812 is long overdue to strike again, according to Center for Earthquake Research and Information at the University of Memphis in Memphis, Tennessee. The city sits near the New Madrid Seismic Zone, a series of faults beneath the earth’s crust capable of producing major earthquakes, one of which altered the entire direction of the Mississippi River in 1812.

An earthquake of significant magnitude could heavily affect surrounding regions including North Mississippi. University of Mississippi Geology instructor, Cathy Grace, discusses what north Mississippians should expect in case of such a disaster and how to prepare. Click here for the story.

Chicken on a Stick at Chevron

The Chevron gas station on the corner of South Lamar and University, is known throughout Oxford- Lafayette area for its' variety of late night fried-food such as pizza rolls, egg rolls, crispitos, and quesadillas. But, its most loved item amongst Ole Miss co-eds is the famous Chicken on a Stick.

Twenty-five years ago, this Chevron introduced the Chicken on a Stick and Ole Miss students and Oxford residents alike are still coming back and lining up out the door for this late night snack. While other gas stations in the Oxford area offer Chicken on a Stick, Chevron claims their version is unique due to their secret batter. Whether it is the secret batter or just the late night munchies, "Chicken on a Stick" customers keep coming back for more.

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Gas Prices Continue to Rise in Oxford, MS

Here we go again. Gas prices across the United States are increasing at an alarming rate. The national average has risen 36 percent in one year. Gasoline has not cost this much since the economic downturn began in 2008 and it's not getting any better. Congress has begun working on legislation to ease to pain at the pump, but there is no quick fix.

The college town of Oxford, Mississippi is feeling the heat. While prices there have not reached four dollars a gallon yet, it is only a matter of time. This has caused several Oxford residents to cut back on their driving and some are even investing in bicycles. America has survived one gas-gouging epidemic in the last few years, here's hoping we can do it again.

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16th Annual Double Decker Arts Festival in Oxford, MS

The City of Oxford kicked off its 16th annual Double Decker Arts Festival last weekend. The festival is an annual celebration put on by the Oxford community bringing together a mixture of food, music, and art. Double Decker, which lasted Friday and Saturday, was hosted on the town's Courthouse Square.

The festival began Friday afternoon and featured live music by many artists including headliner, Old Crow Medicine Show. The event continued through Saturday and lasted from 10am until 8pm. From more information about the annual arts festival click here.

Q93.7 Finds Success in Oxford, MS

Q93.7 has been on the radio in Oxford, MS for some time now. Rick Mize is the general manager of 93.7 and it's sister network Supertalk 105.5 and is a graduate of The University Of Mississippi. Q93.7 also broadcasts Ole Miss sports, something that has led the station to being so successful for many years.

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Beale Street, A Major Attraction For U of M Students

Beale Steet is a street in Downtown Memphis, Tennessee, which is a fairly short commute for Ole Miss students. It is a significant location in the city's history. Today, students acclaim to be most attracted to the blues clubs and restaurants that line Beale Street. Festivals and outdoor concerts periodically bring large crowds to the street and its surrounding areas. For some time the street was open until 5 a.m.; however, after many encounters with the law the hours have been reduced to a 3 a.m. closing time.

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Dreams of rebuilding Oxford Gin may become a reality.

It has been over a year since the historic 1970's Oxford Gin burst into flames. Some called it, "The best bar in the history of Oxford." The Gin was a favorite landmark amongst alumni and residents who had the chance to experience it. Some question if the Gin could be duplicated or was it simply one of a kind?

The answer may lie in the hands of Senior Ole Miss student, Mike Mabry who received his real estate license at age 19. After researching commercial real estate he noticed an old building with a promising social atmosphere. Mike hopes to eventually build the "recreation plans" that he has digitally created according to The Gin's legally recorded layout and footage.

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The Journalism School Adds a New Requirement for Incoming Journalism Students

The Meek School of Journalism and New Media will now require incoming students to have an Apple laptop with software such as Final Cut Pro and iDVD on it. Starting in the fall, it will be necessary for students planning on enrolling in Journalism 271 and 272 and higher, but not for students just in the 100 level classes. Charles Mitchell, Assistant Dean of the Journalism school, says the requirement addition could add about $2,000 extra to student's tuition for the fall semester, but it would be a one time fee, and it would have long-term benefits for the students. Mitchell says other universities, such as LSU, Florida, and even USM, already require journalism students to have a personal Apple computer. He says the Apple is the industry standard for Journalism. Mitchell also says that this was a tough decision for the faculty and took nearly two years to become official.

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Ole Miss Student Dance Company

The University of Mississippi offers many theatre and music classes, including dance. But what if you are looking for other ways to get involved? There are several student-led dance groups on campus including Ole Miss Student Dance Company.

OMSD is completely student-led and meets a few hours a week in Meek Hall to work on choreography that they design themselves. This company is open to all ages and skill levels. It is perfect for students who are passionate about dance and want to continue to pursue it in college without registering it as a class.

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Ole Miss students get help fighting stress

With final exams looming, many students feel added stress this time of year, and as a result, some students may not know how to properly cope. So in order to help students, the University of Mississippi Counseling Center and the Oxford Humane Society is putting on a program called "Stress Less" Week.

With several activities ranging from meditation and massages to playing with dog's, Stress Less week has many options for any level of stress. In addition, this event helps the the dog's brought by the Humane Society, which are all available for adoption.

Stress less week is a program designed to help students cope with the overwhelming stresses of student life this close to exam week, while also creating awareness for stress management programs offered at the university counseling center. The program ends Friday April 29th.

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High Gas Prices Affect Oxford, Miss. Residents

As the summer vacation season draws closer, you can expect to pay even more at the gas pump. Summer means high demand, but there are other reasons for the high gas prices, such as the wave of unrest in the Middle East.

The rising price of gas is making Oxford residents increasingly annoyed, and forcing some to change their driving habits. And if you think local gas station owners are making huge profits nowadays, think again.

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Questionable Police Brutality

The Atlanta Police Department has launched an internal investigation after a shocking video surfaced showing a cop slugging a woman in the face during a late-night scuffle at an IHOP. In the video, shot at 3 a.m. on Saturday at one of the pancake chain's restaurants in the Buckhead area, two cops confront a young woman in a booth. As one of the officers tries to yank the woman out of her seat, a girlfriend grabs the officer's shoulder, prompting him to swat her away with a smack to the face. The woman then flies into a rage, swinging wildly at the officer's head. The officer ducks and then counters with a hard right punch to the woman's jaw. Amazingly, the petite brunette stays on her feet, and the two officers wrestle her to the ground, before cuffing her and hauling her away in front of dozens of stunned diners. For more on this story click here.

Ole Miss Student Raises Awareness for Invisible Children Through 25 Hours of Silence

Invisible Children has been helping raise awareness and money for African children for the past 8 years through powerful documentaries. The documentaries spotlight the children effected by the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) in Uganda and how they constantly live in fear of being kidnapped and forced to become a child solider.

As Africa's longest rebel war approaches it's 25th year, Invisible Children offers help for children to prepare to go into hiding and avoid abduction by the LRA through warning sirens and helps educate them for a brighter future.

One of the main campaigns, '25', ended with Break The Silence, a 25 hour long silence that urged Americans to "Speak Out Without Speaking". One of the participants in this campaign was Ole Miss student, Elizabeth Rainey. Her personal accounts of time spent in Africa brings the mission of Invisible Children right into the Oxford community.

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Stress Less Week Helps Students at Ole Miss Unwind Before Finals

As a semester comes to an end students at Ole Miss are beginning to feel the pressure as final exam week approaches. The university's Counseling Center kicked off its annual Stress Less Week which is filled with activities to help students unwind and take a break from their busy schedules. Students were able to play with puppies through the Pet A Pooch program, receive free massages, and get tips on how to study.

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