2011: The Year in Review

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Editor’s Note: At the end of each year, we like to reflect on all the events and stories of the previous 52 weeks and remind our readers of what happened. This week we’re featuring the first six months. Next week, we’ll run the rest of the year. Enjoy.
January 5
The Friends of the Addison Township Public Library are hosting an informational meeting for residents to learn more about the library’s potential move into the Lakeville Towne Square strip mall.
Cecilia Faith Stevens-Rivera had the distinction of being Oxford’s first baby of the New Year and the second born in Oakland County. Her parents are Jillian Stevens and Omar Rivera.
According to data from the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department, crime up in Oxford Township and down in Addison Township during 2010.
Addison Fire Chief Jerry Morawski and Firefighter W Rippetoe were among the many departments who aided in the rescue/recovery effort after the William C. Franks Furniture Store in the City of Wayne suffered a natural gas-related explosion on Dec. 29, 2010.
OCSD Lt. Larry Perry left his post as commander of the Oxford Township substation after nearly four years of service. The township board had previously voted to cut his position as of Jan. 1 due to financial constraints.
January 12
Oxford-Orion FISH has expanded its pantry hours and come up with new ways to donate food to those in need.
Oxford Village received an opinion from its attorney Bob Bunting that proposed creating an ordinance requiring medical marijuana dispensaries to operate only in licensed pharmacies under the supervision of licensed pharmacists.
Oxford residents Hans Kalohn and Aaron Curtis are keeping the tradition of fur trapping alive.
Oxford Community Schools has acquired three more sister schools in China thanks to Superintendent Dr. William Skilling’s latest visit to the Far East.
The Village of Leonard is moving forward with a $609,316 plan to reconstruct and repave Forest St.
January 19
Oxford Township voted to cut an Oakland County Sheriff’s deputy from the midnight shift, but keep its substation location and the full-time secretary who staffs it.
The Addison Township Library Board voted 5-1 to enter into a 10-year lease agreement for approximately 3,000 square feet inside the Lakeville Towne Square strip mall for $1,000 per month plus electric and natural gas costs.
Fifteen members of Oxford High School’s Business Professionals of America are heading to the state competition in March.
OSCD Sgt. Scott Patterson is Oxford Township’s new substation commander.
Clear Lake fifth-grader Abby Knop saved schoolmate Rebecca Wood’s life by administering the Heimlich maneuver when a chicken nugget got lodged in her throat, causing her to choke.
January 26
A anonymous private investor has agreed to loan the $300,000 necessary to install synthetic blue turf at the Oxford High School football stadium.
Lake Orion resident Mike Pace won the Bear Paw Cafe’s annual ice fishing contest on Lakeville Lake. He speared a northern pike that measured 41 inches in length and weighed 18 pounds, 11 ounces.
The Oxford DDA directed its attorney to continue his investigation and prepare a report as to whether or not the village’s annual collection of $145,000 in DDA funds for police and DPW services is legal.
February 2
The Oxford Village Council voted 3-0 to suspend Acting Clerk Patricia Paad after it was discovered that she allegedly embezzled some property tax money, then repaid it approximately five years ago.
The Oxford Village Council is holding a public hearing to find out what residents think should be done with the old township office at 18 W. Burdick St. The village took ownership of it Jan. 11.
Tutor, Oxford’s famous weather-prognosticating llama from Windstar Farm on W. Oakwood Rd., is predicting an early spring.
The Ad-Vertiser is celebrating its 50th anniversary. It was started by James A. Sherman, Sr.., former publisher of The Oxford Leader, in 1961.
Oxford School officials are considering building eight tennis courts at the high school using money it saved from the bond voters approved in November 2009.
The Oxford Village Council adopted a Complete Streets resolution designed to help make the downtown area more pedestrian-friendly and prosperous.
February 9
Free wireless internet service, provided by the Frankenmuth-based Air Advantage, is supposed to be coming to downtown Oxford by the fall.
Virginia Hubbard, who helped found and operate the Oxford Hills Golf and Country Club, died Feb. 3. She was 94.
A chimney fire caused an estimated $60,000 in damage at 201 Spezia Drive in Oxford Township.
Oxford, Addison and Brandon’s fire departments will be splitting a $225,359 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. They will use the money to replace and upgrade each department’s communications system.
A blizzard hit the Oxford area dumping a reported 10 inches of snow.
February 16
The Oxford Leader uncovered that Oxford Village Councilwoman Maureen Helmuth knew that Acting Clerk Patricia Paad allegedly embezzled between $2,000 and $3,500 in village property tax funds back in 2006-07. Documents revealed Helmuth also loaned Paad the money to repay the allegedly stolen funds, then remained silent about it until earlier this year when she reported it to village Manager Joe Young.
Oxford Village officials voted to demote Acting Clerk Pat Paad back to deputy clerk. She remains suspended without pay.
The Oxford Township Oakland County Sheriff’s substation will no longer be giving free court-order Preliminary Breath Tests. It will now charge $10 per test for Oxford residents and $20 for anyone who lives outside the community.
Oxford Village is moving forward with the tax abatement process for Royal Oak Boring and Royal Oak Medical Devices, both of which are located at 650 S. Glaspie St.
February 23
Two Oxford Middle School students, ages 13 and 14 allegedly smuggled marijuana into a school dance.
OHS sophomores Paul Strong and Robert Morawski won the school’s annual brake competition.
An Oakland County Sheriff’s deputy discovered three men in an Oxford Township industrial area in the middle of the night with a bolt cutter, electric drill, hand-light, two bandanas and a 16.9 benzomatic torch. One of the men was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon (handgun) without a permit and driving with a suspended license (second offense).
A 20-year-old Pontiac man allegedly attempted to rob a UPS delivery driver on Pontiac St. in Oxford Village. He was arrested in the parking lot of Oxford Elementary School.
The Oxford school district’s enrollment has dropped by 36 students based on the Feb. 9 count.
March 2
Oxford High School’s wrestling team won the Division I state championship in Battle Creek. They beat Novi Detroit Catholic Central 26-25.
Oxford Village has discovered approximately $5,000 in property tax funds paid in cash to the municipality for the July 2010 tax bill are missing. Records discovered at suspended Acting Clerk Patricia Paad’s desk indicate she could be involved. The paperwork showed the taxes were paid, but no cash was deposited.
A study published in a Detroit newspaper indicated that only 18.3 percent of OHS students were considered college-ready based on ACT scores.
Oxford Village’s groundwater won fourth place in the ‘Best Municipal Water 2011? category at the 21 annual Berkley Springs International Water Tasting competition held in Berkley Springs, West Virginia.
Attorneys agree Oxford Village’s use of Downtown Development Authority funds for police and DPW services is legal.
Oxford Village Council voted to offer the clerk’s position Ortonville resident Susan Nassar, who’s currently employed as the clerk/treasurer for the Village of Holly.
March 9
Oxford resident Joe and Ethel Strzelecki will once again host a family gathering at their home to celebrate the start of Lent. The couple will make 432 doughnuts and paczki for the event.
OHS seniors Matt Frisch and Ben Ralston and junior Prescott Line each won their first individual state wrestling championships at the Palace of Auburn Hills.
Mary Jean Hanson, an employee of the Oxford Township Parks and Recreation Department, won the Michigan Recreation and Park Association’s ‘Margaret Whitehead Senior of the Year ? Service Award.?
The Girlfriends Walk, a combination charitable event and downtown Oxford promotion ? received the Outstanding Retail Event Award from Main Street Oakland County.
March 16
Suspended Oxford Village Deputy Clerk Patricia Paad will face five counts of embezzlement by a public official over $50 for property tax and police department funds she allegedly stole from the village.
It appears Oxford Township may have to drill a new groundwater well to replace a faulty one. It could cost an estimated $85,000 to $103,500.
Addison Township Library Director Michele Presley is leaving after nearly 16 years on the job in the rural community. She’s moving to Texas with her husband.
The Addison Township Library Board signed a 10-year lease for approximately 3,000 square feet of space in the Lakeville Towne Square strip mall. The library’s new home will cost $1,000 per month, plus utilities, in rent.
March 23
Addison Township Library Board President Nina Ciccolini has resigned in order to throw her hat into the ring for the library director’s position.
A homeowner on Tanview awoke in the middle of the night to find an intruder in his den.
Former Oxford High School teacher Matthew Wandrie was hired as the new superintendent for Lapeer Community Schools.
Eighteen OHS DECA students are heading for the international competition in Florida in April.
March 30
The 2010 U.S. Census numbers are in ? Oxford Township (17,090) and Leonard Village (403) are up, while Oxford Village (3,436) and Addison Township (5,948) are down. The township numbers do not include the village populations.
Suspended Oxford Village Deputy Clerk Pat Paad was arraigned in Rochester Hills 52-3 District Court on five counts of embezzlement by a public official over $50. She’s accused of stealing village property tax and police department funds.
Alaskan sled-dog handler Joe Pawelek visited Oxford Elementary School with a couple of his canines.
Addison Township approved a $1.1 million balanced budget for the 2011-12 fiscal year, which begins April 1.
April 6
The Oxford school district plans to spend $1.2 million in bond savings on tennis courts at the high school, press box and bleachers for the new middle school football field and a new, separate entrance for the high school’s Performing Arts Center.
Juliane Bagley, 36, of Attica in Lapeer County, was hired as the Polly Ann Trail’s new manager. She will be paid $18 per hour and work up to 60 hours per month.
An unfinished oil panting of a young boy was found in the 117-year-old mausoleum in the Oxford Township cemetery on W. Burdick St. It’s believed to be from around 1900.
Addison resident Nina Ciccolini was offered the job as the township’s new library director, but turned it down because the salary offered didn’t meet her expectations. The library board offered her $33,000 per year.
Downtown Oxford’s Sweet & Savory Bake Shop won the People’s Choice Award at the Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan’s Third Annual Cookie Gala held in Detroit.
OHS seniors Conner Booth and Nick Welch were selected to compete in the Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills state competition.
April 13
Oxford Village agreed to pay the Grove family and its attorneys $180,000, ending a nine-year legal battle over a 0.51-acre piece of property in the heart of downtown’s northeast quadrant.
Oxford resident Debbie Cole is seeking volunteers to help start a community garden.
Oxford Leader Editor C.J. Carnacchio won three awards for his photojournalism from the Society of Professional Journalists, Detroit Chapter.
The RoboCats, Oxford High School’s robotics team, finished third in the state at the Michigan FIRST Robotics State Championship at Eastern Michigan University.
April 20
Oxford Village granted $222,141 in property tax abatements to Royal Oak Boring and Royal Oak Medical Devices, both of which are located at 650 S. Glaspie St.
Bed bugs discovered at the Howell Conference and Nature Center in Marion Township, Livingston County, forced fifth-graders from Lakeville and Clear Lake elementary to leave early.
OHS seniors Conner Booth and Nick Welch took second place at the state finals of the Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills competition.
Oxford Township officials voted to allocate $55,443 in Tri-Party Program funds toward the purchase of gravel to be spread on approximately 5.8 miles of local roads.
Some Oxford Schools employees were upset that contained with their paychecks was a letter asking them to contribute $1,000 each to help pay for the installation of synthetic blue turf at the OHS football stadium.
April 27
Pathway Baptist Church, located at 1285 W. Drahner Rd. in Oxford Township, was vandalized when someone spray-painted Satanic symbols on it on Good Friday.
Oakland County Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Schmitzerie peacefully disarmed a mentally ill woman wielding a knife.
About 300 kids scrambled around Seymour Lake Township Park collecting colored plastic eggs and ping-pong balls dropped from a helicopter as part of the annual Easter Bunny Bonanza.
April Alberty is the new deputy treasurer for Addison Township. She’s the daughter of Treasurer Dan Alberty.
May 4
Former Oxford Village Deputy Clerk Patricia Paad has been bound over to Oakland County Circuit Court on five counts of embezzlement by a public official over $50. She’s accused of stealing village property tax and police department funds.
As part of the Christmas in Action program, volunteers and local businesses donated their time, labor and materials to fix up the home of Oxford residents Dick and Peggy Reddaway.
Jaema Berman was hired as the new director of the Addison Township Public Library. She comes here from the Waterford Township Public Library and will be paid $33,000 per year.
May 11
Evidence of an explosion was found at the scene of a fire that completely destroyed a 6,230-square-foot luxury home at 1897 Man-A-Lee Lane in Oxford Township.
Megan Roberts, 20, of Oxford, was allegedly bludgeoned with a baseball bat by her father, Robert Brian Kelly, 52, of Oxford, at their home on S. Glaspie St. in Oxford Village. Minutes after the alleged assault, Kelly turned himself in and confessed at the village police station. Roberts, a 2009 OHS graduate, is in critical condition in a medically-induced coma.
Tractor Supply Co. is expected to submit preliminary plans for a new 20,000-square-foot facility in Oxford Township, on the east side of M-24, just south of Meijer.
Oxford Village Police Officer Mark Lampkowski voluntarily resigned after he accidentally shot a police dispatcher with a Taser gun on Easter Sunday.
The RoboCats, the high school’s robotics team, took seventh place at the world championships held in St. Louis, Missouri.
OHS seniors Nick Colangelo and Chris Marshall took home many ribbons and scholarship offers at the Michigan Industrial & Technology Education Society’s annual automotive competition.
May 18
Victoria Connolly, owner of downtown Oxford’s Victoria’s Delights, won the title of Best Hamburger in Oxford at the first-ever Hamburger Festival.
Oxford Village Councilman Tony Albensi wants the village to at least consider out-sourcing its police and dispatch services as a way to possibly save money.
Oxford Community Schools announced the creation of a virtual high school as a way to enhance educational opportunities and generate additional revenue for the district.
A judge ordered a psychiatric exam for Oxford resident Robert Brian Kelly, 52, of Oxford, who’s been charged with assault with intent to murder. He allegedly brutally beat his 20-year-old daughter, Megan Roberts, with a baseball bat.
Todd Dunckley will be the new principal at OHS in the fall, while Mike Schweig will become the new principal for the school at Crossroads for Youth and the Crossing Bridges Alternative High School. Schweig will also be the new athletic director for Oxford Middle School.
May 25
Sandra Ann Walendzik, the Addison resident credited with turning the Leonard Strawberry Festival into a major area event, died May 18. She was 62 years old.
Daniel Axford second-grade teacher Theresa Giberson is hoping to convince Oxford Village to keep the Northeast Oakland Historical Museum inside the old bank building downtown. Village officials are considering asking voters for permission to sell the building.
Leonard Elementary is rallying to raise funds to help second-grader Gillian Yocum in her battle with leukemia.
June 1
Michigan’s Junior Miss Poppy Kasie Jeffery, of Oxford, delivered a stirring speech at Oxford’s Memorial Day ceremony.
Oxford Village officials are seeking community input regarding police/dispatch services. They want to know whether residents wish to keep their own department or contract for these services with an outside agency.
Local basketball coach ? and living legend ? Joe Bullen, of Oxford, is retiring after 33 years of leading successful teams and turning young boys into men. His last job was coaching for the Lake Orion Baptist School.
Oxford Village officials approved budgets totalling $6.77 million for the 2011-12 fiscal year, which begins July 1. Officials kept the tax rate at 10.62 mills.
June 8
OHS sent 285 graduates into the world. Of them, 134 graduated with some form of academic honors. Senior Thomas Bearse won the coveted Oxford Cup.
Oxford Village Police Dispatcher Bridget Burke resigned after 11 years of service following allegations involving alcohol use and sleeping on duty. She denied all the allegations.
The Oxford Wildcats Athletic Boosters honored 109 senior athletes at their annual awards ceremony. Seniors Matthew Frisch and Megan Seeley were named Best Male and Female Athletes for the OHS Class of 2011.
Oakland County Sheriff’s investigators are looking into two cases of alleged assault ? one physical and one sexual. It’s been alleged that a 12-year-old Oxford Middle School boy committed both assaults against two female OMS students.
June 15
OHS teacher Daniel Sargent has filed recall petition language in the hopes of ousting State Rep. Brad Jacobsen (R-Oxford) and State Sen. James Marleau (R-Lake Orion).
Oxford-Orion FISH honored 10 individuals as ‘Advocates of the Needy.? They are Kelly Fuller and her children Josh, Alex and Sammy, Waldon and Sue Streight, Ann Avesian, Deanna Klersy, Pat Cavellier and Dave Morden.
A pair of 12-year-olds confessed to starting a fire that destroyed a mobile home in the Lake Villa Manufactured Home Community.
June 22
Area resident Jim Fox reported finding a toxic substance draining into Adams Lake at Addison Oaks County Park. He believes it was gasoline, while county officials claim it was paint thinner.
Two candidates filed nominating petitions for two, four-year seats on the Oxford Village Council. They are incumbent Councilman Tony Albensi and Kevin Stephison.
Oxford Village officials agreed to place a 0.431-acre piece of vacant land the municipality owns on the September ballot. Located on Pleasant St., the site used to house the village’s DPW facilities. Council is seeking voter permission to sell the land at some point, if officials so choose.
June 29
Longtime Leonard resident John Michael Moran, 78, was selected to be Grand Marshal of the upcoming Strawberry Festival. He’s lived in Leonard since 1967.
Kelly Oles, a 2006 OHS graduate, was named first runner-up in Miss Michigan.
Oxford Community Television and Bill Service, commander of Oxford American Legion Post 108, won two state awards for their coverage and promotion of local veterans events.
A mother and daughter in Oxford Township were injured when a pit bull attacked them. An Oakland County Sheriff’s deputy was forced to shoot and kill the dog.
The Oxford School Board approved a $42.2 million budget for the 2011-12 fiscal year. W. Drahner Rd. in Oxford Township, was vandalized when someone spray-painted Satanic symbols on it on Good Friday.
Oakland County Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Schmitzerie peacefully disarmed a mentally ill woman wielding a knife.
About 300 kids scrambled around Seymour Lake Township Park collecting colored plastic eggs and ping-pong balls dropped from a helicopter as part of the annual Easter Bunny Bonanza.
April Alberty is the new deputy treasurer for Addison Township. She’s the daughter of Treasurer Dan Alberty.
May 4
Former Oxford Village Deputy Clerk Patricia Paad has been bound over to Oakland County Circuit Court on five counts of embezzlement by a public official over $50. She’s accused of stealing village property tax and police department funds.
As part of the Christmas in Action program, volunteers and local businesses donated their time, labor and materials to fix up the home of Oxford residents Dick and Peggy Reddaway.
Jaema Berman was hired as the new director of the Addison Township Public Library. She comes here from the Waterford Township Public Library and will be paid $33,000 per year.
May 11
Evidence of an explosion was found at the scene of a fire that completely destroyed a 6,230-square-foot luxury home at 1897 Man-A-Lee Lane in Oxford Township.
Megan Roberts, 20, of Oxford, was allegedly bludgeoned with a baseball bat by her father, Robert Brian Kelly, 52, of Oxford, at their home on S. Glaspie St. in Oxford Village. Minutes after the alleged assault, Kelly turned himself in and confessed at the village police station. Roberts, a 2009 OHS graduate, is in critical condition in a medically-induced coma.
Tractor Supply Co. is expected to submit preliminary plans for a new 20,000-square-foot facility in Oxford Township, on the east side of M-24, just south of Meijer.
Oxford Village Police Officer Mark Lampkowski voluntarily resigned after he accidentally shot a police dispatcher with a Taser gun on Easter Sunday.
The RoboCats, the high school’s robotics team, took seventh place at the world championships held in St. Louis, Missouri.
OHS seniors Nick Colangelo and Chris Marshall took home many ribbons and scholarship offers at the Michigan Industrial & Technology Education Society’s annual automotive competition.
May 18
Victoria Connolly, owner of downtown Oxford’s Victoria’s Delights, won the title of Best Hamburger in Oxford at the first-ever Hamburger Festival.
Oxford Village Councilman Tony Albensi wants the village to at least consider out-sourcing its police and dispatch services as a way to possibly save money.
Oxford Community Schools announced the creation of a virtual high school as a way to chance educational opportunities and generate additional revenue for the district.
A judge ordered a psychiatric exam for Oxford resident Robert Brian Kelly, 52, of Oxford, who’s been charged with assault with intent to murder. He allegedly brutally beat his 20-year-old daughter, Megan Roberts, with a baseball bat.
Todd Dunckley will be the new principal at OHS in the fall, while the Mike Schweig will become the new principal for the school at Crossroads for Youth and the Crossing Bridges Alternative High School. Schweig will also be the new athletic director for Oxford Middle School.
May 25
Sandra Ann Walendzik, the Addison resident credited with turning the Leonard Strawberry Festival into a major area event, died May 18. She was 62 years old.
Daniel Axford second-grade teacher Theresa Giberson is hoping to convince Oxford Village to keep the Northeast Oakland Historical Museum inside the old bank building downtown. Village officials are considering asking voters for permission to sell the building.
Leonard Elementary is rallying to raise funds to help second-grader Gillian Yocum in her battle with leukemia.
June 1
Michigan’s Junior Miss Poppy Kasie Jeffery, of Oxford, delivered a stirring speech at Oxford’s Memorial Day ceremony.
Oxford Village officials are seeking community input regarding police/dispatch services. They want to know whether residents wish to keep their own department or contract for these services with an outside agency.
Local basketball coach ? and living legend ? Joe Bullen, of Oxford, is retiring after 33 years of leading successful teams and turning young boys into men. His last job was coaching for the Lake Orion Baptist School.
Oxford Village officials approved budgets totalling $6.77 million for the 2011-12 fiscal year, which begins July 1. Officials kept the tax rate at 10.62 mills.
June 8
OHS sent 285 graduates into the world. Of them, 134 graduated with some form of academic honors. Senior Thomas Bearse won the coveted Oxford Cup.
Oxford Village Police Dispatcher Bridget Burke resigned after 11 years of service following allegations involving alcohol use and sleeping on duty. She denied all the allegations.
The Oxford Wildcats Athletic Boosters honored 109 senior athletes at their annual awards ceremony. Seniors Matthew Frisch and Megan Seeley were named Best Male and Female Athletes for the OHS Class of 2011.
Oakland County Sheriff’s investigators are looking into two cases of alleged assault ? one physical and one sexual. It’s been alleged that a 12-year-old Oxford Middle School boy committed both assaults against two female OMS students.
June 15
OHS teacher Daniel Sargent has filed recall petition language in the hopes of ousting State Rep. Brad Jacobsen (R-Oxford) and State Sen. James Marleau (R-Lake Orion).
Oxford-Orion FISH honored 10 individuals as ‘Advocates of the Needy.? They are Kelly Fuller and her children Josh, Alex and Sammy, Waldon and Sue Streight, Ann Avesian, Deanna Klersy, Pat Cavellier and Dave Morden.
A pair of 12-year-olds confessed to starting a fire that destroyed a mobile home in the Lake Villa Manufactured Home Community.
Two of Oxford resident Dave Parks? cattle were featured in an episode of the HBO television series ‘Hung.?
June 22
Area resident Jim Fox reported finding a toxic substance draining into Adams Lake at Addison Oaks County Park. He believes it was gasoline, while county officials claim it was paint thinner.
Two candidates filed nominating petitions for two, four-year seats on the Oxford Village Council. They are incumbent Councilman Tony Albensi and Kevin Stephison, chairman of the Downtown Development Authority board.
Oxford Village officials agreed to place a 0.431-acre piece of vacant land the municipality owns on the September ballot. Located on Pleasant St., the site used to house the village’s DPW facilities. Council is seeking voter permission to sell the land at some point, if officials so choose.
Seven Oxford Village residents who attended a public meeting made it abundantly clear that they wish to keep their local police and dispatch services.
June 29
Longtime Leonard resident John Michael Moran, 78, was selected to be Grand Marshal of the upcoming Strawberry Festival. He’s lived in Leonard since 1967.
Sterling Heights resident Bryon Cunningham, 25, caught a black crappie out of Oxford Township’s Davis Lake that weighed 3 pounds, 8 ounces and measured 14 inches in length.
Kelly Oles, a 2006 OHS graduate, was named first runner-up in the Miss Michigan pageant.
Oxford Community Schools laid off four part-time teachers.
Oxford Community Television and Bill Service, commander of Oxford American Legion Post 108, won two state awards for their coverage and promotion of local veterans events.
A mother and daughter in Oxford Township were injured when a pit bull attacked them. An Oakland County Sheriff’s deputy was forced to shoot and kill the dog.
The Oxford School Board approved a $42.2 million budget for the 2011-12 fiscal year.

June 1
Michigan’s Junior Miss Poppy Kasie Jeffery, of Oxford, delivered a stirring speech at Oxford’s Memorial Day ceremony.
Oxford Village officials are seeking community input regarding police/dispatch services. They want to know whether residents wish to keep their own department or contract for these services with an outside agency.
Local basketball coach ? and living legend ? Joe Bullen, of Oxford, is retiring after 33 years of leading successful teams and turning young boys into men. His last job was coaching for the Lake Orion Baptist School.
Oxford Village officials approved budgets totalling $6.77 million for the 2011-12 fiscal year, which begins July 1. Officials kept the tax rate at 10.62 mills.
June 8
OHS sent 285 graduates into the world. Of them, 134 graduated with some form of academic honors. Senior Thomas Bearse won the coveted Oxford Cup.
Oxford Village Police Dispatcher Bridget Burke resigned after 11 years of service following allegations involving alcohol use and sleeping on duty. She denied all the allegations.
The Oxford Wildcats Athletic Boosters honored 109 senior athletes at their annual awards ceremony. Seniors Matthew Frisch and Megan Seeley were named Best Male and Female Athletes for the OHS Class of 2011.
Oakland County Sheriff’s investigators are looking into two cases of alleged assault ? one physical and one sexual. It’s been alleged that a 12-year-old Oxford Middle School boy committed both assaults against two female OMS students.
June 15
OHS teacher Daniel Sargent has filed recall petition language in the hopes of ousting State Rep. Brad Jacobsen (R-Oxford) and State Sen. James Marleau (R-Lake Orion).
Oxford-Orion FISH honored 10 individuals as ‘Advocates of the Needy.? They are Kelly Fuller and her children Josh, Alex and Sammy, Waldon and Sue Streight, Ann Avesian, Deanna Klersy, Pat Cavellier and Dave Morden.
A pair of 12-year-olds confessed to starting a fire that destroyed a mobile home in the Lake Villa Manufactured Home Community.
Two of Oxford resident Dave Parks? cattle were featured in an episode of the HBO television series ‘Hung.?
June 22
Area resident Jim Fox reported finding a toxic substance draining into Adams Lake at Addison Oaks County Park. He believes it was gasoline, while county officials claim it was paint thinner.
Two candidates filed nominating petitions for two, four-year seats on the Oxford Village Council. They are incumbent Councilman Tony Albensi and Kevin Stephison, chairman of the Downtown Development Authority board.
Oxford Village officials agreed to place a 0.431-acre piece of vacant land the municipality owns on the September ballot. Located on Pleasant St., the site used to house the village’s DPW facilities. Council is seeking voter permission to sell the land at some point, if officials so choose.
Seven Oxford Village residents who attended a public meeting made it abundantly clear that they wish to keep their local police and dispatch services.
June 29
Longtime Leonard resident John Michael Moran, 78, was selected to be Grand Marshal of the upcoming Strawberry Festival. He’s lived in Leonard since 1967.
Sterling Heights resident Bryon Cunningham, 25, caught a black crappie out of Oxford Township’s Davis Lake that weighed 3 pounds, 8 ounces and measured 14 inches in length.
Kelly Oles, a 2006 OHS graduate, was named first runner-up in the Miss Michigan pageant.
Oxford Community Schools laid off four part-time teachers.
Oxford Community Television and Bill Service, commander of Oxford American Legion Post 108, won two state awards for their coverage and promotion of local veterans events.
A mother and daughter in Oxford Township were injured when a pit bull attacked them. An Oakland County Sheriff’s deputy was forced to shoot and kill the dog.
The Oxford School Board approved a $42.2 million budget for the 2011-12 fiscal year.

2011: The Year in Review added by on
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Editor’s Note: This week we continue our look back at 2011 by reviewing the last six months of the year. Enjoy!
July 6
Test results have once again declined for Oxford High School juniors who took the Michigan Merit Exam and ACT.
The Oxford Village Council publicly addressed and discussed Councilwoman Maureen Helmuth’s role in covering up an alleged embezzlement of approximately $3,300 in village property tax funds back in 2006-07.
A rifle bullet burst through the window of a home in the Oxford Woods subdivision. No one was injured.
The Addison Township Public Library has a new website and a Facebook page.
July 13
Addison Township officials have to decide whether or not to stay a general law township or change to a charter township, which has additional powers.
Oxford firefighters saved a building in the Village Manor Apartments complex from a potentially devastating blaze started when a construction vehicle struck a natural gas line, causing it to ignite.
Kelly Oles, a 2006 OHS graduate, won the title of Miss Oakland County.
Local business owner Bob Warnke is the new president of the Rotary Club of Oxford.
Former Oxford Village President Renee Donovan died on July 5. She was 63. Donovan served on council from 2001-06.
July 20
The Oxford Downtown Development Authority board voted 5-3 to pay $52,500 for the development of a new streetscape plan designed to make the downtown area more pedestrian-friendly, attractive and prosperous.
Oxford Township amended its hunting/firearm ordinance to mirror state law.
Installation of synthetic blue turf began at the OHS football stadium.
An experimental road surface is working well in Addison Township, according to Supervisor Bruce Pearson. It was spread along Lake George Rd. between Lakeville and Oakwood roads. Drivers are reporting a much smoother ride.
Oxford Township officials are debating what to do with $223,927 in unspent funds from the 2010 fiscal year.
July 27
Oxford Village resident Maria Martin, a native of South Africa, is the DDA’s new administrative assistant.
Jeff Acton, owner of the Oxford-based Acton Trucking, is quite upset and wants to find whoever vandalized his vehicles, which were parked at Koenig Sand & Gravel off Lakeville Rd. The damage was estimated to be around $6,000 and that doesn’t include the $3,000 to $4,000 in business Acton claims he’ll lose.
The family of Oxford resident Megan Roberts, 20, has filed a civil lawsuit against her father, Robert Brian Kelly, who allegedly brutally beat her with a baseball bat back in May. The family is seeking damages to help pay for Roberts? medical care, as she’s in a coma and suffered a traumatic brain injury.
Oxford DDA Director Madonna VanFossen was criticized by DDA Board Member Bill Dunn for representing the interests of a local business as opposed to her employer at a village council meeting.
August 3
Oxford resident Megan Roberts, 20, died July 27 ? 13 days after being taken off life support. She died as a result of the severe injuries she sustained when her father, Robert Brian Kelly, allegedly brutally beat her with a baseball bat as she slept back in May. The criminal charge against Kelly was elevated from assault with intent to commit murder to first-degree premeditated murder and a judge ruled him competent to stand trial following a psychiatric exam.
Someone ripped a statue honoring Oxford’s fallen soldiers off its base and left it on the ground in downtown’s Centennial Park.
Oxford Village Clerk Susan Nassar has discovered the village has under-billed 12 water customers by at least $20,000 for approximately 5 million gallons over the last three to five years.
The historic Axford home, owned by Scott and Kelly Sutphin, is one of nine Oxford Village properties slated to receive a Beautification Award.
Oxford Community Schools has approved the purchase of a virtual reference library for $141,315.
August 10
A gun sale in Oxford Township’s Twin Lakes subdivision turned into an armed robbery. A shot was fired, but no one was injured.
At 12:01 a.m. Aug. 8, the OHS varsity football team began their very first practice on the new synthetic blue turf field.
A 52-3 District Court judge bound Robert Brian Kelly, 52, of Oxford, over to Oakland County Circuit Court on the charge of first-degree premeditated murder. He’s accused of brutally beating his daughter, Megan Roberts, a 2009 OHS graduate, with a baseball bat in May, which led to her death in July.
A golf cart crash at Copper Hills Golf Course in Addison Township killed a 43-year-old Troy man.
August 17
Oxford resident Ruth Wright had a brush with death when a tree limb estimated to be 50 feet long and 15 inches in diameter struck her as it fell to the ground in the township cemetery. Fortunately, she sustained only minor injuries.
Oxford Township is increasing its sewer rates. The nonmetered rate will go from $67 to $86 per REU per six-month billing cycle. The metered rate will go from $17.50 to $23 per thousand cubic feet.
Oxford Community School explains the recent ACT scores and asserts they actually went up.
Longtime Oxford resident and community volunteer Gayle Schlicht passed away Aug. 8. He was 70 years old.
Gerald Wichman III, a 2004 OHS graduate, is off to China to teach U.S. history and physical education.
August 24
The Stanley Cup, professional hockey’s highest prize, visited the 24th Street Sports Tavern in downtown Oxford. A large crowd showed up to see it, touch it and be photographed with it.
Oxford Meijer has filed an appeal to reduce its taxable value. If successful, the township would have to refund $43,205 to the corporate chain.
Clawson resident and U.S. Navy veteran John Heller spoke to the Rotary Club of Oxford and told the story of how he survived the sinking of the USS Indianapolis during the last days of World War II.
All seven schools in the Oxford district met the adequate yearly progress standards put out by the U.S. Department of Education.
Vandals struck Oakwood Lake Township Park in Oxford, causing $1,500 to $1,800 in damage.
Lauralei Pariseau, a junior at OHS, was crowned Miss Lapeer Days.
The Addison Township Board unanimously rejected the idea of becoming a charter township. It will remain a general law township.
August 31
The OHS varsity football team trounced arch-rivals, the Lake Orion Dragons, 41-20 in the opening game of the season.
NFL Hall of Famer Dan Dierdorf visited the Wildcats prior to the big game against Lake Orion to give the team a pep talk. Also on hand was U-M football legend Jim Brandstatter.
The first five Chinese students for the new Oxford International Residency Academy arrived in town.
Oxford Community Schools beefs up security at OMS and OHS by hiring three private security guards and a dean of students. The district budgeted $100,000 for security at the two schools.
Seven reproductions of famous paintings hanging at the Detroit Institute of Arts are coming to Oxford.
Scott Jensen, 46, of Mayfield Township, got a hole-in-one while playing at the Boulder Pointe Golf Club in Oxford.
September 7
Oxford students returned to school and the district is reported it’s grossed 638 new students.
Free wireless internet is still coming to downtown Oxford, but the company installing it, the Frankenmuth-based Air Advantage, indicated it might not happen until ‘the official winter season? begins.
A 64-year-old Oxford woman was killed in a crash after she allegedly drove through a red light at the intersection of M-24 and Market St.
Upland Hills School celebrated its 40th anniversary with a celebration featuring students, parents, staff and alumni.
Crossroads for Youth President Dr. Janet McPeek won a Diversity Champion Award from Corp Magazine.
September 14
Oxford Village voters re-elected Tony Albensi and elect Kevin Stephison to the council. They also gave permission to sell a 0.431-acre parcel of vacant land the village owns on the west side of Pleasant St.
The OHS Hall of Fame inducts 10 new members. They are Mike Gardner, Bud Rowley, Caryn (Inman) Herrick, Eric Ghiaciuc, Lee Noftz, Ed Stull, Bud Laidlaw, Don Richmond, Kellen Kalso and Patti (Niemi) Anderson.
September 21
Oxford Township is withholding approximately $4,400 in funding from the North Oak land Transportation Authority until it receives information on the ridership. Officials are concerned they’re paying for riders who are already covered by other means such as grants. The NOTA board tells Oxford to put what they want in writing and submit it.
Local veterans groups came together and donated $400 to a soldier who was robbed in Pontiac while on leave.
A helicopter from U.S. Customs and Border Patrol landed at Leonard Elementary as part of a lesson for students.
Dry Coolers, Inc. has purchased a 58,000-square-foot building at 575 S. Glaspie St. in Oxford Village. The company plans to move its operations there from its current township location on Adventure Lane.
Oxford Community Schools reported 283 students enrolled for on-line classes.
September 28
The OHS varsity football team won its homecoming game against the Stoney Creek Cougars. The score was 42-6.
Oxford Township expects to begin accepting applications for U.S. passports soon. The township’s awaiting approval as an acceptance facility.
A walkability audit conducted in downtown Oxford indicated the area is noisy, lacks pedestrian crossings and needs more trees.
The Oxford Township Board voted down a proposed property tax cut of 0.05 mill. The rate will remain at 0.95 mill.
Oxford Community Schools was recognized as one of the top Chinese teaching schools in the U.S. and will receive a grant of $10,000.
The Addison Township Public Library will shut down from Oct. 1-15 in order to accommodate moving all of its materials to its new location in the Lakeville Towne Square strip mall.
A suspected drunk driver crashed into and destroyed the freestanding sign outside the Oxford Free Methodist Church.
October 5
A reproduction of a famous painting was stolen from the Polly Ann Trail near W. Drahner Rd.
Oxford resident Spencer Petoskey, a seventh-grader at OMS, shot his first buck ? a 9-pointer weighing 192 pounds dressed out.
Life Scout Alex McDonald, a junior at OHS, is building bluebird houses for his Eagle Scout project.
Oxford Leader Editor C.J. Carnacchio won two photo-related awards from the Michigan Press Association while reporter Andrew Moser won one for sports writing.
October 12
Oxford Community Schools indicated enrollment is up by 200 full-time equivalent students.
Oxford Middle School sixth-graders took a fun and educational field trip to the Sloan Museum and Longway Planetarium in Flint. The Leader tagged along to get some great color photos.
Katie Champagne, a home-schooled member of the OHS Equestrian Team, doesn’t let the fact she was born without hands slow her down.
The OHS National Honor Society inducted 34 new members.
Oxford Village Police Chief Mike Neymanowski is planning to approach the council about his proposal for the municipality to set and collect its own parking fines as opposed to continuing to use the court system.
October 19
Oxford Township planning commissioners gave their approval for a business at 715 N. Lapeer Rd. that plans to repair and refurbish U.S. military vehicles used overseas.
The Addison Township Public Library held a grand opening ceremony for its new 3,000-square-foot home in the Lakeville Towne Square strip mall. It was well-attended by the public, who overall loved the new facility and all it had to offer.
A meeting will be held by the Oxford DDA at which there will be a discussion as to whether or not the creation of a truck bypass should be pursued for the downtown area.
A colorful hot-air balloon visited Oxford Elementary as part of a lesson for the third-graders.
Oxford Township officials voted to approve a 2012 contract with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department that maintains the current level of manpower. However, officials also voted to ask residents for a millage increase on the August 2012 primary ballot. An amount has yet to be determined.
Oxford Township officials voted to opt-out of a new state law regulating how much public employers can pay for medical coverage. Officials plan to stick with their own plan.
October 26
Pat Fitchena, director of the North Oakland Transportation Authority since January 2004, announced she will retire Nov. 18 and move to Florida.
Oakland County Sheriff’s deputies in Addison Township are searching for a man who goes by the name of ‘Monkey? because he crashed his vehicle into a home on Rochester Rd.
Addison residents Lauri Hoffman and Barbara Lester won the first annual rib cook-off at Louie’s Food & Spirits in Lakeville.
Lakeville and Leonard students went shopping for free clothing and supplies as part of the Operation School Bell program.
November 2
The Oxford DDA’s Economic Restructuring Committee determined that truck traffic will continue to go through the downtown area as part of the new streetscape plan, however, attempts will be made to control their behavior and speed.
Oxford Village Police are looking for three men who allegedly robbed a woman at gunpoint at the Village Manor Apartments complex off Pontiac St.
A total of 80 kids dressed in their Halloween costumes participated in the Jack-o?-Lantern Jamboree at Oakwood Lake Township Park in Oxford.
Two new members were added to the Oxford DDA board. They are Dorothy Johnston and Jim Bielak.
The Oxford Village attorney has issued an opinion that it’s okay for Kevin Stephison to simultaneously serve on the village council and DDA board.
November 9
Based on new cut scores, Oxford students saw a drop in their proficiency on the state’s MEAP and MME tests.
The Oxford-based Fix-N-Go Auto Center (1661 N. Lapeer Rd.) donated $2,000 to $2,200 worth of labor and parts to help fix up a used van so a Pontiac mother can better care for her disabled children.
OMS sixth-grader Shae Walters is excited that he will turn 11 on November, 11, 2011 (11-11-11).
The community turned out in droves to remember Alyse Prince, an Oxford Schools employee for 22 years and parks/rec. commissioner for 19 years. She died of cancer on Oct. 28 at the age of 62.
November 16
Oxford Village President Tom Benner wants to see what folks think of the idea of selling the municipal complex on W. Burdick St. and building a new one on village-owned property at 98 S. Glaspie St.
Robb Leland, owner of ArtCapsule Gallery & Frame, is proposing adding art and a sales area to downtown Oxford’s historical museum. He wants a new non-profit entity of his creation to take over running the museum.
The OHS Theater Company is all set to bring ‘Alice in Wonderland? to the stage. This will be teacher Deb Brown’s last play as director and adviser.
The Oxford Township Board voted 4-3 to approve a tax abatement policy pertaining to industrial facilities.
Oxford Life Scout Kenny Wellens received approval from the township board to create two new ‘Welcome to Oxford? signs for the community. Officials voted to give him up to $1,000 for the project.
November 23
Oxford Community Schools added more than $1 million to its fund balance as of June 30, 2011, according to the district’s auditor. The total fund balance is $6.86 million.
The public got its chance to view the new streetscape concepts for downtown Oxford. The reaction was favorable.
OMS launched a new anti-bullying program with some help from former Detroit Lions offensive tackle Lomas Brown (1985-95), who visited the school.
The Oxford school district could receive $500,000 from the state if it commits to adopting ‘best practices? to make it more efficient and save money.
A group of Oxford teachers won a total of $9,000 in grants.
November 30
The Oxford Village Council voted to place two properties the municipality owns on the November 2012 ballot. Officials are seeking voter permission to sell the municipal complex on W. Burdick St. and the property at 98 S. Glaspie St.
The Village of Oxford was once again ranked as one of the top 44 communities in the state in which to do business by a University of Michigan-Dearborn study.
Oxford firefighters raised $4,800 with a ‘boot drive? to help local kids in need shop for Christmas gifts.
The Oxford DDA approved spending up to $8,000 for a South Carolina-based firm to develop a marketing/branding plan for the downtown district.
Someone shot Oxford Pastor Liz Wilson’s dog, Duke. He survived following $6,000 worth of medical treatment, of which $4,000 was paid for by an anonymous donor.
The Oxford Area Cable Communications Commission (OACCC) voted 4-2 to terminate Don Huegerich, station manager of Oxford Community Television. However, an attorney opinion indicated the board needed five votes to fire him.
December 7
The OACCC met again and voted 5-3 to fire Oxford Community Television station manager Don Huegerich.
Cable Commissioner Jack Gray, who represents Oxford Schools, suggested the district is interested in ‘forging a new relationship? with OCTV and ‘maybe housing (the station) in the schools.?
Santa Claus and the Oxford Christmas parade rolled through downtown. This year’s Grand Marshal was James A. Sherman, Sr., publisher of the Oxford Leader from 1955-93.
The North Oakland Transportation Authority received a $1.37 million grant, however, Interim Director Lynn Gustafson said the entity won’t be able to use it all.
Oxford Elementary students celebrated raising $24,000 in the annual Fun Run by dunking various staff members.
December 14
A group of private investors from China has signed a purchase agreement for 56 acres of land around Oxford High School. They plan to build housing for visiting foreign students, a hotel and convention center.
Metamora resident Jason Hickmott, a 1996 OHS graduate, has put up 25,712 Christmas lights on his house.
Retired Lt. Col. Harry T. Stewart, Jr., one of the most decorated Tuskegee Airmen from World War II, addressed the Rotary Club of Oxford.
Charles Drumheller, who owned the Oxford IGA from 1972-91, passed away Dec. 9. He was 83 years old.
December 21
Oxford Village’s auditor tells the council its financial statements are in order, however, the municipality continues to face declining revenues and a shrinking fund balance.
OHS senior Prescott Line won the 2011 Mr. Football Award, a statewide honor.
Oxford Fire Chief Pete Scholz? new contract includes an 8 percent pay raise and cuts in benefits such as the elimination of his retirement health insurance.
Oxford Township officials voted to recommend changing the cable commission’s voting composition to three members for Oxford Township, two for Addison Township and one each for the villages of Oxford and Leonard. They want the library’s seat on the cable board eliminated completely.
The Oxford school district and teachers union have approved a new contract for Jan. 1, 2012 through Aug. 31, 2013.
Oxford Village officials vote to opt-out of the new state law regulating how much public employers can pay for medical coverage for public employees and elected officials.
December 28
Oxford parent Adrienne Boaz would like to see OMS and OHS students bused separately. She wants to know if any other parents out there agree with her.
Because its population increased based on the 2010 U.S. Census, Oxford Township is getting three more on-premises liquor licenses, bringing the total up to 11.
The Oxford Public Library has informed the cable commission, via letter, that it no longer wishes to have a voting seat on the board. The school district informed the commission, via letter, that it does not wish to take over and run Oxford Community Television.
The embezzlement trial for former Oxford Village Deputy Clerk Marion Patricia Paad is scheduled to begin March 5. She faces five felony counts of embezzlement by a public official over $50. Five members of Bryant’s Karate in Oxford went to Spain and won five medals in the World Karate Championships.
November 30
The Oxford Village Council voted to place two properties the municipality owns on the November 2012 ballot. Officials are seeking voter permission to sell the municipal complex on W. Burdick St. and the property at 98 S. Glaspie St.
The Village of Oxford was once again ranked as one of the top 44 communities in the state in which to do business by a University of Michigan-Dearborn study.
Oxford firefighters raised $4,800 with a ‘boot drive? to help local kids in need shop for Christmas gifts.
The Oxford DDA approved spending up to $8,000 for a South Carolina-based firm to develop a marketing/branding plan for the downtown district.
Someone shot Pastor Liz Wilson’s dog, Duke. He survived following $6,000 worth of medical treatment, of which $4,000 was paid for by an anonymous donor.
The Oxford Area Cable Communications Commission (OACCC) voted 4-2 to terminate Don Huegerich, station manager of Oxford Community Television. However, an attorney opinion indicated the board needed five votes to fire him.
December 7
The OACCC met again and voted 5-3 to fire Oxford Community Television station manager Don Huegerich.
Cable Commissioner Jack Gray, who represents Oxford Schools, suggested the district is interested in ‘forging a new relationship? with OCTV and ‘maybe housing (the station) in the schools.?
Santa Claus and the Oxford Christmas parade rolled through downtown. This year’s Grand Marshal was James A. Sherman, Sr., publisher of the Oxford Leader from 1955-93.
The North Oakland Transportation Authority received a $1.37 million grant, however, Interim Director Lynn Gustafson said the entity won’t be able to use it all.
Oxford Elementary students celebrated raising $24,000 in the annual Fun Run by dunking various staff members.
December 14
A group of private investors from China has signed a purchase agreement for 56 acres of land around Oxford High School. They plan to build housing for visiting foreign students, a hotel and convention center.
Metamora resident Jason Hickmott, a 1996 OHS graduate, has put up 25,712 Christmas lights on his house.
Retired Lt. Col. Harry T. Stewart, Jr., one of the most decorated Tuskegee Airmen from World War II, addressed the Rotary Club of Oxford.
Charles Drumheller, who owned the Oxford IGA from 1972-91, passed away Dec. 9. He was 83 years old.
December 21
Oxford Village’s auditor tells the council its financial statements are in order, however, the municipality continues to face declining revenues and a shrinking fund balance.
OHS senior Prescott Line won the 2011 Mr. Football Award, a statewide honor.
Oxford Fire Chief Pete Scholz? new contract includes an 8 percent pay raise and cuts in benefits such as the elimination of his retirement health insurance.
Oxford Township officials voted to recommend changing the cable commission’s voting composition to three members for Oxford Township, two for Addison Township and one each for the villages of Oxford and Leonard. They want the library’s seat on the cable board eliminated completely.
The Oxford school district and teachers union have approved a new contract for Jan. 1, 2012 through Aug. 31, 2013.
Oxford Village officials vote to opt-out of the new state law regulating how much public employers can pay for medical coverage for public employees and elected officials.
December 28
Oxford parent Adrienne Boaz would like to see OMS and OHS students bused separately. She wants to know if any other parents out there agree with her.
Because its population increased based on the 2010 U.S. Census, Oxford Township is getting three more on-premises liquor licenses, bringing the total up to 11.
The Oxford Public Library has informed the cable commission, via letter, that it no longer wishes to have a voting seat on the board. The school district informed the commission, via letter, that it does not wish to take over and run Oxford Community Television.
The embezzlement trial for former Oxford Village Deputy Clerk Marion Patricia Paad is scheduled to begin March 5. She faces five felony counts of embezzlement by a public official over $50.

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