Tag Archive for: #oxfordnews

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Commissioners’ March Meeting to Include Public Hearing on Oxford Prep Annexation

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-Information courtesy Cynthia Bowen, City Clerk, City of Oxford

The City of Oxford Board of Commissioners will hold their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 10, 2020, at 7 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Board Room, City Hall in Oxford.

Agenda items include:

Public Hearing to hear citizen input on the Petition of Voluntary, Non-Contiguous Annexation by Oxford Preparatory School.

Consider approving the request of Andrew Swanner on behalf of Oxford Preparatory School for a non-contiguous annexation of 16+/-acres located at 6041 Landis Rd.

Public Hearing to hear citizen input on the amendment to the subdivision ordinance regarding the installation of sidewalks and curbing under section 71.2 (a).

Consider approving the amendment to the subdivision ordinance regarding the installation of sidewalks and curbing under section 71.2 (a).

Consider authorizing the City Clerk to investigate the Sufficiency of the Petition and certify its sufficiency for a non-contiguous annexation of 2 parcels of land totaling 4.91 acres of land located off of Hwy 158 by Land Seitz, LLC.

Consider calling for a public hearing for the April 14 regular meeting to assign a zoning classification for property located off Hwy 158 at the corner of the 1-85 on-ramp that has been petitioned for a non-contiguous annexation.

Consider authorizing the City Clerk to investigate the Sufficiency of the Petition and certify its sufficiency on behalf of Oxford Prep, located at 6041 Landis Rd, to annex 2.89 additional acres of land.

Consider awarding the 2020 Concessionaire Contract for Oxford Park Athletic Complex to Robert Glover, dba Farmer John’s Ice Cream.

Consider approving a letter of support to apply for a Clean Fuel Advanced Technology (CFAT) grant which requires a 20% match of approximately $11.610.00 from the City.

Please click here for the full meeting agenda.

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Oxford Commissioners to Meet With Parks & Recreation Master Plan Committee

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-Information courtesy Cynthia Bowen, City Clerk, City of Oxford

The Parks and Recreation Master Plan Committee will hold a special session for the Oxford Board of Commissioners on Monday, March 2, 2020, from 3 until 5 p.m.

The meeting will be held in the Third Floor Board Room, City Hall, 300 Williamsboro Street in Oxford. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the Parks & Recreation Master Plan and get feedback from the Commissioners.

All those interested are invited to attend.

Reminder: Oxford City-Wide Neighborhood Watch to Meet Tues., Feb. 18

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-Information courtesy Cynthia Bowen, City Clerk, City of Oxford

All Oxford residents are invited to attend a City-wide neighborhood watch informational meeting on Tuesday, February 18, 2020, in the third-floor Commissioners Board Room of Oxford’s City Hall. The meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Get the information and support needed to start a Community Watch program in your neighborhood, receive the latest on crime in the area and learn about crime prevention from the Oxford Police Department.

Oxford City Hall is located at 300 Williamsboro Street.

Oxford Prep’s Kamarion Moore Commits to NC State School of Engineering

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-Press Release, Oxford Preparatory School

Kamarion Moore, a senior at Oxford Preparatory School, has committed to attend the School of Engineering at North Carolina State University. Kam is the son of JC and Keneica Moore from Oxford, NC. He plans to major in materials engineering while at State.

During his time at Oxford Prep, Kam has earned a number of academic distinctions including being named marshal, earning membership in Beta Club and a Director’s List recipient every quarter.

Kam is a leader in athletics as well and was selected to attend the NC Athletic Leadership Conference. He is a talented soccer player and also ran cross country while at Oxford Prep.

Kamarion Moore, a senior at Oxford Preparatory School, has committed to attend the School of Engineering at North Carolina State University. (OPS photo)

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Oxford Officials Discuss Recent Crime Uptick, Offer Possible Solutions

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-Information courtesy Cynthia Bowen, City Clerk, City of Oxford

Present: Chairman Quon Bridges, Members Commissioners Pat Fields & John Tovey. Staff Advisors: Fire Chief David Cottrell III and Police Chief Al Coley.

Others Present: Mayor Jackie Sergent, City Manager Alan Thornton, City Clerk Cynthia Bowen, Commissioners Danny Currin, Ron Bullock, Patricia Gilreath, Captain Pat Ford, Lieutenants Lynn Curl, and Michel Stockwell.

Agenda Item: Discuss the City of Oxford’s coordinated response efforts to reduce unlawful activity. Chairman Bridges recognized Chief Coley, who gave the following response to the recent shootings and crime in the City of Oxford. (This is an abbreviated version of the Chief’s speech, the full version is on file at the City Clerk’s office.)

This is to inform and update everyone on the efforts of the Oxford Police Department in regards to the recent shootings and violent crimes that have occurred over the last few months. Additionally, it is my intention to illustrate some of the strategies and plans of actions that we are taking to combat these community ills. However, I will be limited in some instances from describing certain details that may compromise our objectives and/or increase the dangers to officer safety.

From November 13, 2019, through January 13, 2020:

 Oxford has experienced eight aggravated assault cases, including one (1) murder case. Of those cases, Oxford Police has arrested two (2) juveniles, one (1) adult was arrested and charged with (Assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury), warrants are on file for three (3) of the cases, and three (3) cases are pending lab results, and one case is active with few leads.

 Oxford Police was dispatched to nine (9) calls of service for shots fired. Seven (7) were unfounded, and two (2) were founded, whereby we have an active investigation ongoing and awaiting lab results. These cases are active and continuous.

 Oxford Police has investigated six (6) robberies resulting in one (1) arrest, one (1) warrant, one (1) case closed leads exhausted, and three (3) active cases.

 Oxford Police has investigated five (5) Breaking & Entering cases. Four (4) B&E cases are active, and one (1) case is inactive.

In many of the cases listed above, Oxford Police is faced with the major challenge of victims and witnesses refusing to cooperate with the investigation. The reasoning for lack of cooperation varies. However, we have found that in most instances, it is the fear of retaliation by the perpetrator.

The victim and witness fear is understandable since the law enforcement community, including Oxford Police, has experienced violent criminals making bond within hours after being arrested.

Strategies to deter crime in the City of Oxford:

 We believe the greatest leverage we have against these types of criminals is the partnership of the public and police and, to that extent, we have initiated a community watch campaign. This new initiative will begin on February 18, 2020, with a meeting at City Hall to generate momentum throughout the entire city. Detective Fields will lead the meeting explaining the operation of community watch, and City Clerk Bowen will be a point of contact in the coordination of the program throughout the city.

 Another strategy we are developing is an increased awareness campaign, whereby members of Oxford Police and I will meet citizens to discuss and answer questions related to their concerns about safety within Oxford.

 Oxford Police is exploring the use of technology to solve crimes and increase the apprehension of criminals through the use of technology. Law enforcement agencies throughout the country have begun to use the “Ring” doorbell camera technology to identify criminals during criminal activities.

 Oxford Police has initiated a “Power Shift,” whereby four selected officers have been assigned to a team to enforce and patrol high crime areas. This team has a unique schedule that constantly changes to meet the challenges and threats that our intelligence information or evidence guides us.

Although we are using many strategies and practices to deter the criminal elements within Oxford, we cannot do it alone. Therefore, we have made great relationships with other law enforcement agencies throughout the state and federally such as the Granville County Sheriff’s Department, North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement, the North Carolina Highway Patrol, neighboring agencies to include Henderson Police, Creedmoor Police, Butner Police, Vance County Sheriff’s Office, Warren County Sheriff’s Office and others.

The Oxford PD Command Staff and Chief Coley will review and evaluate their goals continuously to ensure that they are obtaining results that are reflective of a safe community.

After a brief question and answer period on the information above, the meeting was adjourned.

Oxford Residents Invited to Neighborhood Watch Meeting

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Information courtesy Cynthia Bowen, City Clerk, City of Oxford

All Oxford residents are invited to attend a City-wide neighborhood watch informational meeting on Tuesday, February 18, 2020, in the third-floor Commissioners Board Room of Oxford’s City Hall. The meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Get the information and support needed to start a Community Watch program in your neighborhood, receive the latest on crime in the area and learn about crime prevention from the Oxford Police Department.

Oxford City Hall is located at 300 Williamsboro Street.

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Oxford’s Public Safety Committee to Discuss Crime Reduction Efforts

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-Information courtesy Cynthia Bowen, City Clerk, City of Oxford

The Public Safety Committee for the Oxford Board of Commissioners will meet on Friday, January 24, 2020, at 1:15 p.m. The meeting will be held in the First Floor Training Room, City Hall, 300 Williamsboro Street in Oxford.

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the City of Oxford’s coordinated response efforts to reduce unlawful activity. 

All those interested are invited to attend.

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Oxford’s Property & Public Works Committees to Meet Jan. 29

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-Information courtesy Cynthia Bowen, City Clerk, City of Oxford

The Property, Buildings, and Real Estate Committee for the Oxford Board of Commissioners will meet on Wednesday, January 29, 2020, at 10 a.m. The meeting will be held in the First Floor Training Room, City Hall, 300 Williamsboro Street in Oxford.

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the Armory. 

The Public Works Committee for the Oxford Board of Commissioners will meet on Wednesday, January 29, at 11 a.m. The meeting will be held in the First Floor Training Room, City Hall, 300 Williamsboro Street in Oxford.

The purpose of the meeting is as follows: 

  • Discussion of traffic signalization with John Sandor, District Engineer, NCDOT Div. 5 
  • Staff update on City of Oxford Infrastructure Improvement Initiative Projects 
  • Update on KLRWS Water Treatment Facility Renovations and Expansion Project 

All those interested are invited to attend.

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Oxford PD Making Arrests, Obtaining Warrants, Searching For Suspects

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The Oxford Police Department worked two incidents where three people were shot on January 11 and January 12.  In addition, arrests have been made in a homicide case from December 31, 2019, and in the aftermath of an altercation on December 9, 2019, where a suspect fired multiple shots at a motor vehicle. Both of the December incidents involve 16-year-old suspects.

According to information obtained from the Oxford Police Department:

January 12, 2020, the OPD responded to Granville Medical Center for two persons who had been shot. Officers talked with both victims – Jerome Bumpass, 20 years old, and Lakeem Lyons, 27 years old and determined that the incident took place on Hicks Mill Rd. Both victims were transported out to other medical facilities for treatment. Neither had life-threatening injuries. No suspects have been identified in this case.

January 11, 2020, the OPD responded to Speedway on MLK Blvd. in reference to a shooting victim. The victim, Matthew Jones, 33 years old, reported that he had been shot in the leg by Leo McCoy, 31 years of age. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Warrants have been obtained for McCoy, however, he had not been located as of this publication. Oxford Police Chief Alvin Coley told WIZS News the warrants for McCoy were for “assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury.”

The homicide victim from December 31, 2019, was identified as Ms. Sharday Thorpe, age 34, of 306 Lanier St. An arrest warrant was obtained for 1st Degree Murder and the suspect was taken into custody. However, the suspect is 16 years old and the name cannot be released. This is an active investigation and a motive cannot be released.

December 9, 2019, at or near the intersection of Leak and Wilmington Avenues, an altercation occurred where a suspect fired multiple shots at a motor vehicle. The suspect in this case is 16 years old and has been taken into custody. No additional information can be released.

Chief Coley said he believes the crimes are unrelated. He said, “However, I can’t say for sure if all of our recent crimes were all random. However, it does appear that in some cases individuals were purposely shot or shot at for unknown reasons.”

Oxford Mayor Jackie Sergent said, “As you might imagine, the City and Police Department are working hard to address the recent incidents, and we feel secure that they will prevail in their efforts to restore the peace.”

Coley said, “As always, each act of crime is a public safety concern, and we will continue to work towards the apprehension of the perpetrator(s).”

Oxford Prep School Announces Homecoming Representatives

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-Press Release, Oxford Preparatory School

Oxford Preparatory School celebrated Homecoming on Friday, January 10, 2020. The newly selected 2019-2020 OPS Homecoming King and Queen, chosen from members of the senior class by their peers, is Ridge Huff and Sophia Metcalf.

Oxford Preparatory School celebrated Homecoming on Friday, January 10, 2020. The newly selected 2019-2020 OPS Homecoming King and Queen, chosen from members of the senior class by their peers, is Ridge Huff and Sophia Metcalf. (OPS photo)

Quincy Burreal, the 2018-2019 OPS Homecoming King, crowned the newly elected King and Queen. Quincy was joined by Ey’mania Alston, President of OPS Interact, Hailee Bissett, Interact Vice President and Avery Thomas, Interact Secretary.

The OPS Senior Homecoming Court representatives were Catherine Slack, daughter of Penny Slack; Ridge Huff, son of Sandy and Randall Huff; Sophia Metcalf, daughter of Mary and Ken Metcalf and Alexander Slack, son of Penny Slack and Bob Slack.

Catherine Slack is already a successful college student in the CCP program, an honors scholar and a key OPS leader on the cross-country trail and on the basketball court. With a consistently positive attitude, others often look to Catherine for her leadership and support.

She plans to attend Montreat College with a running scholarship so that she can pursue a career as a Physical Therapist.

Also an honors scholar, Ridge Huff has earned a large number of college credit hours while also being a standout athlete on the soccer field and on the basketball court. Ridge is a leader in academics, in athletics and in serving others through school and with his church. His peers look to Ridge to see the positive in every situation.

Ridge will be attending NC State and majoring in Biomedical Engineering and will pursue a career as a dentist.

Sophia Metcalf is an honors scholar who has already earned 24 college credit hours. She is a highly talented musician, a skilled artist and a nationally decorated equestrian. Sophia is the founder of the OPS Equestrian Club. As a leader, Sophia works to make certain that others feel valued and included.

She will be attending either NC State or Averett University to pursue a career in Biology.

OPS Senior Homecoming Court representatives Catherine Slack and Alexander Slack are pictured above. (OPS photo)

Alex Slack has also maintained status as an honors scholar while successfully earning college credits. He is an extremely skilled musician and a key contributor to the OPS strings with not only his talent but also the kind manner in which he urges others to try harder and to reach higher, along with the spark of humor he adds to each endeavor.

Alex will attend UNCG to major in Psychology and to pursue a career as a Therapist.

The 7th-grade homecoming court representatives were Emily Wilkinson, daughter of Nancy and Chance Wilkinson and Davis Faulkner, son of Marian and Starr Faulkner.

8th-grade representative Janari Johnson, daughter of Tasha Blackwell and Jerry Johnson was escorted by 8th-grade representative Jonathan Gouldman, son of Shannon Wilkerson.

9th-grade was represented by Reese Newton, daughter of Mary and Chad Newton. She was escorted by Zack Crosby, the son of Alwason and Robert Crosby.

10th-grade representatives were Zoe Holland, daughter of Tracy and Christopher Holland and Lucas Juntunen, son of Tammy and Jon Juntunen.

11th-grade representatives were Rachel Daniel, daughter of Cindy Woodard and the late Gerald Daniel and Bryce Garrett, son of Shelby and Todd Garrett.