Village contemplates election changes

New state election laws taking effect in January are forcing Oxford Village to change when it holds its elections and how long its council members will serve. For some council members, these changes could mean extra longer terms without voter-approval. Under the Election Consolidation Act approved by the state Legislature earlier this year, villages can […]

Thanksgiving house fire causes $300K in damage

A Thanksgiving morning fire caused an estimated $300,000 in damage to the home of Oxford Township residents Ron and Karen Nihranz. Oxford firefighters were called to 2869 Grousewood (west off Ray Road) at 8:11 a.m. Nov. 25 to battle a house fire apparently caused by an overheated fireplace chimney, according to Fire Chief Jack LeRoy. […]

Clerks predict 30 percent voter-turnout

It isn’t an exact science, but Oxford and Addison’s township clerks are both predicting a 30 percent voter-turnout rate during the Tuesday, Aug. 7 primary election. ‘Traditionally, the turnout for primary elections isn’t as big as it is for the general election,? explained Oxford Township Clerk Curtis Wright. ‘It’s one of the more important elections, […]

Suicide prevention event draws 110 people, earns $1K

Whether you’re someone who’s contemplating suicide or someone who’s lost a family member or friend to suicide, the communities of Oxford and Lake Orion want you to know they care and they’re here to help. That much was evident as 110 folks, young and old, gathered Saturday morning at Seymour Lake Township Park to participate […]

Football field vandalized

It was obviously someone’s idea of a joke, but Oxford Athletic Director Mike Watson isn’t laughing. In fact, he’s pretty mad about it. ‘I can’t tell you anything else that makes me more upset than this kind of stuff because it takes away from our resources and what we’re here to do,? Watson said. He […]

Cops, village agree to new union contract

A new five-year labor contract was approved last week by both the Oxford Village Council and the Police Officers Labor Council (POLC), the union that represents the municipality’s police officers and dispatchers. ‘We are satisfied with the contract and I think negotiations with the village were outstanding,? said Union Steward Debbie O’Farrell, who works as […]

Library requests tax hike from Oxford voters

Editor’s Note: With the proposed millage increase for the Oxford Public Library on the primary ballot next week, as a service to voters, we decided to republish the in-depth article on the proposal that appeared in the May 16 issue. Back when the Leader submitted its questions, Library Director Bryan Cloutier wrote, ‘Your questions are […]

Oxford Village moves toward fireworks ban

Oxford Village is moving in the same direction as Oxford Township when it comes to the use of fireworks ? ban it. Council last week voted 4-1 to direct the village manager to draft an ordinance ‘similar to the township’s? banning the use of fireworks on all days except for the 30 protected by state […]

Oxford Township trustee candidate profiles

Editor’s Note: There are five candidates running for four trustee seats on the Oxford Township Board. Each carries a four-year term of office. Answers to the profile questions were limited to 25 words each. Sue Bellairs Age: 64 Municipality of residence and number of years lived there: Oxford Township ? 42 yrs. Family: Recently lost […]

101-year-old Leonard resident passes away

Leonard’s oldest resident passed away at her home over the Memorial Day weekend. After living a full, rich life in her beloved rural town, Marie Josephine (Farinetti) Spezia passed away Sunday, May 25, 2008. She was 101 years old. ‘She really loved life ? there was no doubt about that,? said her son, Leonard farmer […]