Editor’s Note: Oh, what a year it was. As 2015 draws to a close, the Leader looks back at all the local happenings in Oxford and Addison townships. This week is January through mid-June. We’ll look back at the rest of the year next week. Happy New Year!

January 7
Addison Township received its final ride from the North Oakland Transportation Authority last week. Voters there twice turned down a NOTA millage request, which makes Addison residents no longer eligible for the local bus service.
Twenty-two Oxford High School students are heading to the Business Professionals of America’s state competition.
Former Oxford resident Kim Rossman, a retired Oakland County Sheriff’s deputy, attempted to break the Guinness World Record for the most powdered doughnuts eaten in 3 minutes. He tried to break it while vacationing in Aruba.
Oxford Township finished the year with 106 housing starts.
The restaurant located at the corner of Rochester and Lakeville roads, a community fixture since 1937, has re-opened as The Celtic Knot, owned by the Abbey family.
January 14
At a community leaders breakfast, local officials received an opportunity to learn more about the partnership between Oxford Schools and the China-based Weiming Education Group, the latter of which wants to build a dormitory in Oxford to house international students.
Forty members of Immanuel Congregational United Church of Christ in Oxford Village have committed to reading a little bit of the Bible each day, the goal being to read the entire book by the end of the year.
The new Oxford Board of Education is discussing its options with regard to the search for a new superintendent.
Despite strong citizen opposition, the Oxford Township Planning Commission recommended rezoning a 41.7-acre parcel on the north side of Stanton Rd., just east of Baldwin Rd., from Suburban Farms to single family residential. This would allow the development of 1-acre residential parcels. The current zoning allows for nothing smaller than 5-acre parcels.
The Oxford Downtown Development Authority is expected to discuss and vote on a proposal to change its executive director’s employment status from part-time to full-time.
Local business icons reminisced about the community and how it’s changed over the years during a fireside chat at the Oxford Public Library. Participating were members of the Sherman, Patterson and Bossardet families.
Oxford-Orion FISH had a successful 2014 as the local charitable group distributed 144, 165 pounds of food to an average of 150 households (or 350 individuals) per month.
New Oxford School Board members Joyce Brasington, Mike Schweig and Mark Stepek were sworn in.
January 21
The Oxford Village Council voted 5-0 to increase the price of its building fees and permits, effective March 1, to prevent the municipality from continuing to lose money while providing those services.
The Oxford Board of Education voted to hire the Michigan Leadership Institute to help conduct a search for the district’s next superintendent. The firm is charging $5,500 for the service.
Students in the Oxford Middle School Drama Club will bring the comedic play ‘Fairy Tale Courtroom? to the stage of the OHS Performing Arts Center. OMS students first performed this play back in 2006.
Plans to create a second access point for the Ridgelawn Memorial Cemetery in Oxford Village are moving forward. It will be located at the intersection of Dayton and Willow streets.
Oxford Village officials are considering scrapping a portion of the recently-adopted ordinance language that prohibits ‘all truck traffic,? with the exception of local deliveries, from using W. Burdick St. between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. However, the street’s 40,000-pound weight limit for trucks would remain in effect and they would continue to be prohibited 24 hours a day.
Oxford Twp. officials voted 7-0 to authorize the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner’s Office to carry out an estimated $312,000 worth of repairs, maintenance and upgrades to the municipal water system this year.
Actors portraying America’s captains of industry ? Henry Ford, Thomas Edison and Harvey Firestone ? visited the Oxford Public Library as part of ‘The Way We Worked,? a Smithsonian Institute traveling exhibition.
January 28
Suits for Soldiers, a nonprofit organization founded by Oxford resident Scott Fader, is giving business attire to veterans and helping them find jobs.
Oxford Township resident Kallie Roesner-Meyers is blaming coyotes for the death of her 27-year-old Argentine thoroughbred mare. She claims they attacked her horse so severely that it had to be euthanized. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is investigating the claim.
An on-line petition opposing plans to build a dormitory in Oxford to house visiting Chinese students and other international students has garnered 256 signers.
Addison residents Joe and Pat Schnur are launching a petition drive to get the North Oakland Transportation Authority millage on the May 5 ballot. The proposed five-year, 0.25-mill tax has already failed twice in Addison, which led to the termination of NOTA services in the rural township.
Retired U.S. Navy Capt. Barlett Clark, of Clarkston, discussed his career aboard submarines during a fireside chat at the Oxford Public Library. He once commanded the USS Omaha, a nuclear-powered submarine.
OHS senior William Horne III received academic all-state honors (second team) from the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association. Horne has a 4.149 grade point average and was voted best linebacker for the 2014 season by his teammates on the Oxford varsity football squad.
February 4
Oxford’s first major snowstorm of the winter season caused no problems. Approximately 12 inches of the white stuff fell over a 28-hour period between Feb.1 and Feb. 2.
An Oxford school bus driver was terminated for picking up a stranded motorist along Hummer Lake Rd. and driving the person a short distance. Although it was an act of kindness, it violated district safety regulations and policy.
Oxford Township resident Kallie Roesner-Meyers is blaming coyotes for injuries sustained by another one of her horses on Jan. 30. She claims a 7-year-old thoroughbred mare sustained a lengthy gash on its side as she was running out of fear due to the presence of coyotes.
Demolition of the vacant, three-story Dominican Center, located on W. Drahner Rd., is slated to begin on Feb. 17. The Lapeer-based North American Dismantling Corporation is handling the project. (Due to inclement weather, the demolition gets delayed until March.)
After 20 years with the Oxford Fire Department, hard-working Finance Manager Margaret Payne retired. She’ll be missed.
February 11
An arrest warrant has been issued for Shavon Westley, 35, a former employee of CAM Logic located in downtown Oxford. She is accused of embezzling more than $250,000 from her employer.
A trapper has been called in to deal with the alleged coyote problem on Oxford Township resident Kallie Roesner-Meyer’s farm. She claims coyotes killed one of her horses and caused another to severely injure itself.
Oxford Village resident Richard Stone was named the Polly Ann Trail Ambassador of the Year for 2014. He routinely plows snow, picks up litter, trims tree branches and removes animal waste on the portion of the trail between Pleasant St. and W. Drahner Rd. Stone does it all without being asked or paid.
Oxford American Legion Auxiliary Unit 108 honored all of the community’s police officers and firefighters. Special honors went to Oakland County Sheriff’s Deputy Charles Farley, Oxford Fire Assistant Chief Dave Creech and Oxford Village Police Officer Dave Churchill.
The NOTA board voted 6-0 to put its twice-failed millage back on the ballot in Addison Township. Voters will see it again in the May 5 election.
‘The Way We Worked,? a traveling exhibition from the Smithsonian Institute, attracted thousands of visitors to the Oxford Public Library between Dec. 6 and Feb. 1.
February 18
The Oxford Board of Education voted 5-1 to approve a 20-year deal with the China-based Weiming Education Group for a dormitory that is expected to house 200 international students.
A bomb threat was e-mailed to Oxford Schools Deputy Superintendent Tim Throne. The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office is investigating. The e-mail was very short and very vague.
The American Legion Riders, a motorcycle group based at Oxford Post 108, is collecting bicycles to give away to youngsters in need.
Addison resident Sylvia Marie Majewska, 65, has been deemed unfit to stand trial for allegedly slaying her 29-year-old son, Daryne Gailey, and her 7-month-old granddaughter, Charley Lillian Hendrick, in Oxford last November.
Oxford Virtual Academy sophomore Liliya Rettger, 16, is organizing a fund-raiser to help an orphanage in war-torn Ukraine. Born and raised in the former Soviet Republic, Rettger came to live in the U.S. in December 2013.
Only six residents attended a community forum regarding the Oxford school district’s search for a new superintendent.
February 25
The two finalists for the Oxford Schools superintendent position are Tim Throne, the current deputy superintendent, and Ed Okuniewski, a deputy superintendent for the L’Anse Creuse school district.
Oxford Township is awaiting revised plans for a two-story, 55,377-square-foot dormitory on E. Market St. to house 200 international students. The project must be approved by the township planning commission before the China-based Weiming Education Group can build it.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has concluded its investigation and determined there’s no evidence to substantiate claims that coyotes attacked an Oxford horse, which was later euthanized, or were chasing other horses on the property belonging to township resident Kallie Roesner-Meyers.
Members of the Michigan Coyote Research Project want to set the record straight regarding the facts and myths surrounding the wild canines. They contacted the newspaper in light of all the stories regarding allegations that coyotes attacked a horse in Oxford, resulting in its death.
Oxford resident Alan Majewski’s 1956 Chevrolet 210 Delray sedan will be shown as part of the 63rd Annual Meguiar’s Detroit Autorama.
The Oxford varsity wrestling team won regionals and is preparing to send seven grapplers to compete individually at the state level.
March 4
A two-story garage with an upstairs studio apartment burned to the ground at Sassafras Farms (3270 Barber Rd.) in Oxford Township. A kerosene heater is the suspected cause. It was being used to prevent the garage’s water pipes from freezing.
The Oxford Board of Education voted to hire Tim Throne as the next superintendent effective Sept. 1.
Oxford resident and mighty hunter Bob Collins shot his first bobcat. He harvested it near Hubbard Lake and is having it made into a rug for his northern hunting lodge.
Oxford Village received a $20,062 check from the Michigan Municipal League’s Liability and Property Pool to help cover the property tax money from 2010 that a forensic auditor discovered missing in 2012. This combined with an $856 check from another insurance carrier means the village has now been made whole.
Oxford Township’s new 2,350-square-foot meeting room is complete. It’s capable of accommodating 100 audience members and is located inside the municipal office building located at 300 Dunlap Rd.
Oxford Village resident Heather Dalling’s angel-themed poppy display earned first place in the state at the VFW’s midwinter conference in Lansing.
March 11
Based on the February student count, the Oxford school district has 20 less full-time equivalent students than it did during the fall count.
Oxford resident Cindy Wheeler is being honored by the Orion Art Center with the 2015 Patron of the Arts award.
The three-story, 7,500 square-foot Dominican Center on W. Drahner Rd. was demolished. Built sometime between the 1840s and 1860s, the building was no longer in use by the Dominican Sisters.
Oxford wrestlers Alex Hrisopoulous and Collin Campbell earned medals at the individual state finals in Auburn Hills.
The Canada-based Enbridge company has donated $15,000 to Addison Township. It will be used to install a handicapped-accessible dock on Lake George.
Peter Grebeck, owner of the old South Lyon mill and Peter’s True Value Hardware, donated a collection of antique mill equipment to the Village of Leonard. It will be displayed inside Leonard’s old mill/grain elevator once it’s been restored and transformed into a public park.
A preliminary design for the new Addison Township Hall was accepted by the board of trustees. Officials are hoping to spend around $1.7 million to construct the 10,900-square-foot building.
March 18
A preliminary site plan for a dormitory to house 208 international students was approved in a 4-3 vote by the Oxford Township Planning Commission. The proposed two-story building will be 55,377 square feet and is expected to be constructed on a 2.71-acre site on Market St., just east of M-24.
Developer Chuck Schneider wants to purchase 98 S. Glaspie St. from Oxford Village for $225,000 and build a mix of multiple family and single family housing units on the approximately 3.5 acres.
Oxford’s new substation to house officers from the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office is complete and open for business. It’s located inside the lower level of the Oxford Township Hall at 300 Dunlap Rd.
Oxford Village has put a 120-day moratorium on the approval of any new electronic signs. Planning commissioners are expected to discuss the issue and make a recommendation regarding the future of these signs in the village.
The Leonard Village Council voted to raise the municipality’s tax rate from 6 mills to 7 mills beginning this year in order to help pay for a future construction project involving Elmwood St.
The Oxford Village Council took no action regarding the existing truck prohibitions on W. Burdick St. Trucks weighing more than 40,000 pounds are still prohibited 24/7 and trucks weighing more than 7,000 pounds are still prohibited between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. There is an exception for local deliveries.
For the second straight year, the Oxford Middle School wrestling team won the Oakland County championship.
March 25
The Downtown Development Authority voted 7-1 to recommend Oxford Village hire Addison resident Lisa Renaud to coordinate and raise funds for the 2015 Lone Ranger Festival.
A shortage of school bus drivers in Oxford has led to doubling-up on a few routes, which has caused concern among some parents.
Five Oxford High School students earned the right to compete at the national level for the Business Professionals of America. The students are Brenda Martinez, Aidan Schieber, Harrison Lavins, Alicia Kuligowski and Stephen Reynolds.
LaCresha Levy, a 2014 Oxford High School graduate, is battling cancer and attempting to raise funds for her treatment.
OHS seniors Chad Simmers and Eric Patrell will compete in the state finals of the Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills competition on May 7 in Warren.
The Oxford DDA board recommended the appointment of longtime Oxford Bank employee Geno Mallia, Jr. to its vacant seat.
A grassroots parent committee is committed to raising money for new playground equipment at Oxford and Daniel Axford elementary schools.
April 1
The calendar says its spring, but the Oxford area received about 4 inches of heavy, wet snow. Winter, go away!
The Rotary Club of Oxford donated $1,000 to the Oxford Public Library for the purchase of books to benefit students at Crossroads for Youth. The students are part of a book club there.
State voters are being asked to approve $2 billion in tax increases, so an additional $1.2 billion can be spent on fixing Michigan’s crumbling roads.
April 8
A new plan and a new site for the proposed international student dormitory have been submitted to Oxford Township. This one is four stories tall and would be located on N. Oxford Rd., just south of the high school.
TEAM 20, a grassroots community group, is asking questions and challenging the proposed international student dormitory.
Paul Barr, owner of downtown’s Oxford Yoga Studio, is planning to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa as a fund-raiser for the Canine Companions Rescue Center.
Despite complaints from TKMS Trucking, the Oxford Village Council is not going to stop enforcing the truck prohibitions it imposed on W. Burdick St. last year.
Dan Davis, owner of the Royal Roofing Company in Orion Township agreed to donate a roof for the new Addison Township Hall that’s going to be built in Lakeville this year. The donation is worth approximately $80,000 based on what the township has budgeted for the new roof. Davis lives in Addison.
Shavon Westley, 35, a former employee of CAM Logic in downtown Oxford, pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement of $100,000 or more and five counts of forgery. An investigation by the Oxford Village Police Department revealed Westley embezzled approximately $254,000 from CAM Logic between 2012 and 2014.
April 15
Former NOTA riders in Addion Township shared their stories about how hard life has been since the bus service ended there on Dec. 30, 2014. They’re hoping Addison voters approve the proposed five-year, 0.25-mill property tax to restore the service. The proposal is on the May 5 ballot.
The Warren-based Falling Down Beer Co., a successful craft brewery, is planning to open a second location later this year in downtown Oxford at 14 N. Washington St.
Oxford Township will spend $481,521 to construct 4,255 feet of new safety paths along Lapeer (M-24), Seymour Lake and Dunlap roads.
Oxford resident and Daniel Axford kindergartner Wesley Walleman’s healthy habits helped him win a contest. The prize is getting to run the bases and do exercises on the field of Comerica Park, then watch the Detroit Tigers play ball.
Oxford paid-on-call firefighter Susan Van Heck has been placed ‘on leave? until a situation involving some alleged criminal wrongdoing is resolved. She’s accused of stealing nearly $400 in merchandise from a Wal-Mart store in Rochester Hills in August 2014.
April 22
Two agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation showed up at the Oxford school district’s main office on March 30 to talk with Superintendent Dr. William Skilling about visas for foreign exchange students and a perceived conflict of interest stemming from his former gig as a paid consultant for the China-based Weiming Education Group.
A proposed contract for Tim Throne, the Oxford school district’s next superintendent, is expected to save the district $25,535 annually for the next three years.
Residents and local officials sung the praises of the Oxford-based Odd Job Disposal in the hopes the Oxford Village Council would hire the company to handle the municipality’s trash and recycling needs.
Oxford Village cop Sean Brown earned a traffic safety ribbon for addressing 2,214 traffic violations last year.
An Oakland County Circuit Court judge denied TKMS Trucking’s motion seeking a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction against Oxford Village to halt enforcement of its truck prohibitions on W. Burdick St.
The Oxford Village Council approved a list of general terms for sale of 98 S. Glaspie St. to developer Chuck Schneider. He’s expected to purchase the site in ‘as is? condition. Schneider wants to build 76 residential units on it.
The Detroit Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists honored Oxford Leader Editor C.J. Carnacchio with a first place award in editorial writing and an honorable mention in feature photography.
April 29
Fred Shuback, who is quitting as the Oxford Schools? controller effective May 14, explained why and outlined his concerns about district spending in his resignation letter.
Special land use and preliminary site plan approvals were granted in a 4-1 vote by the Oxford Township Planning Commission for the China-based Weiming Education Group’s proposed dormitory on N. Oxford Rd. to house up to 208 international students. However, plans to build the dorm are now on hold and it appears issues related to the acquisition of the proposed site are the reason.
Oxford Superintendent Dr. William Skilling has changed his mind and wants to move up his retirement date from Aug. 31 to June 30.
Oxford Bank has a new president and CEO. His name is David P. Lamb and he comes from Hantz Bank in Southfield, where he had been working since April 2008.
Former Oxford resident Dave Willits, 54, is planning to run the first 10-kilometer race of his life, the Wildcat Race on May 2. He’s celebrating the fact that he’s still alive after suffering a massive heart attack 13 months ago. He flatlined three times, had to have his heart shocked 11 times and had four stents placed.
A ceremony to honor John ‘Jay? Gould, the only Oxford law enforcement officer ever killed in the line of duty, will be held May 12 in the Oxford Township cemetery on W. Burdick St. A nightwatchman for the village, Gould was shot and killed downtown by unknown assailants on Feb. 13, 1925. He finally has a headstone thanks to the tireless efforts of Oxford Village Police Sgt. Mike Solwold and retired Oxford Police Capt. Jim Malcolm.
May 6
Oxford postal workers are preparing for their annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive, which will collect nonperishable items for the Oxford-Orion FISH pantry.
After less than a year on the job, Oxford DDA Executive Director Virginia ‘Ginny? Schomisch is leaving to take a position elsewhere. Her last day will be May 15.
Steve Foster, senior project architect-manager for the Weiming Education Group dormitory, said the project is on hold for now as negotiations for the potential 5-acre site on N. Oxford Rd. continue.
Banbury Cross Therapeutic Equestrian Center held its 25th Annual Derby Day Celebration fund-raiser. It generated more than $100,000 as 260 stylishly-dressed folks attended.
May 13
Oxford Superintendent William Skilling was supposed to retire Aug. 31. But instead, he stopped working last week and Tim Throne took over the position on May 7. Skilling will remain available as a consultant to Throne until his official retirement date, which is June 30.
The Oxford school district is addressing a fight between a black female student and white male student at the middle school. A video of the incident went viral on social media. Threats, foul language and racial slurs were depicted in it.
The Oxford school district is planning to avoid a potential lawsuit from former Chief Operations Officer Pam Anstey through a memorandum agreement. Under it, Anstey’s official last day will be June 30, however, she will be on an administrative leave of absence until then. She will continue to be paid her normal salary and receive her benefits. She will also be paid an additional $30,000.
It looks like the third time was indeed the charm in Addison Township as voters there finally approved the NOTA millage. The five-year, 0.25-mill property tax passed 819 to 801. This same millage proposal failed twice last year.
Oxford-Addison Youth Assistance honored 58 students for their contributions to the community and others.
Nicole Alexander has resigned as director of the Oxford Chamber of Commerce.
Oxford DECA students Olivia Hale, Alex Schultz, Savannah Fullmer and Heather Marra earned national honors in Orlando, Florida.
May 20
Developer Dave Weckle wants to construct three new mixed-use buildings on E. Burdick, Mill and Stanton streets, plus create 58 new public parking spaces. He pitched the idea to the Oxford DDA because he needs three parcels it owns along E. Burdick St. to make it happen.
A potential water crisis is brewing in the Lake Villa Manufactured Home Community as its independent well system, which is owned by Oxford Township, is aging, deteriorating and unreliable, according to officials.
A contingent of community leaders from Oxford and Orion visited The Detroit Parade Co. to get some big ideas for the Lone Ranger Parade.
Oxford Twp. officials voted 5-2 to rezone a 41.7-acre vacant parcel on the north side of Stanton Rd., just east of Baldwin, so the minimum residential lot size for future development can be decreased from 5 acres to 1 acre. Surrounding residents have expressed vehement opposition.
The Oxford Village Council voted 5-2 to accept a $225,000 purchase agreement with developer Chuck Schneider for the 3.5-acre site the municipality has owned at 98 S. Glaspie St. since 2006. Schneider wants to build 76 residential units there.
Oxford Twp. officials voted 4-3 to accept a $450,000 offer to purchase the two-story, 5,318-square-foot Oxford Veterans Memorial Civic Center (28 N. Washington St.) and the 43-space parking lot behind it.
The Oxford Tap was named Main Street Oakland County’s Business of the Year for 2014.
May 27
Oxford High School held its commencement ceremony at the Ultimate Soccer Arena in Pontiac. There were 341 graduates. Catherine Bartz and Tyler Kwapis were the 2015 winners of the Oxford Cup. Jacob Cutler was the valedictorian.
Oxford Twp. Supervisor Bill Dunn, a U.S. Air Force veteran who served in the Vietnam War from 1967-68, was the keynote speaker at the Memorial Day observance in downtown’s Centennial Park.
The Oxford Middle School Equestrian Team clinched the Div. B title.
NOTA will begin serving Addison residents again on June 1.
Oxford resident Nicholas George, who claims to be a highly-decorated, retired Sgt. Maj. in the U.S. Army and a former Green Beret, was quite conspicuous at the Memorial Day observances in Oxford and Addison.
Devon King, who graduated from OHS last week, officially became an Eagle Scout.
Scott Stubenrauch and Jessica Murphy won the George Prince and Helen Smith awards, meaning they were voted the best male and female athletes in the Class of 2015.
June 3
Special Forces Poser Patrol, a group that investigates and exposes people who falsely claim to have served in U.S. Army Special Forces, says it can find no record of Oxford resident Nicholas George completing the necessary training to become a Green Beret.
A Free Little Library located on the campus of Kingsbury Country Day School in Addison Township is now open for business. It was built and placed there thanks to the efforts of Addison residents Don and Jane Saxon.
The Oxford Village Council adopted $7 million in budgets for the 2015-16 fiscal year, which begins July 1. Officials voted to keep the property tax rate at 10.62 mills, but warned an increase is likely to occur next year.
NOTA is adding two new routes. One is a split-shift route that will run Monday through Friday from 6-10 a.m. and from either 3-7 p.m. or 4-8 p.m. The other is a second Saturday route that will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Crossroads for Youth held an open house for its new Adams House, a residential program to help abused and neglected girls. Up to 12 girls can live there at one time.
June 10
Members of Oxford resident Nicholas George’s family, specifically his estranged mother and older brother, both of whom live in Mississippi, told the Leader he’s lying about his military service. Records are also refuting George’s claims.
Kingsbury Country Day School in Addison Township held its 59th Annual Country Fair.
Students in the Learning Opportunities for Tomorrow (LOFT) program had loads of fun camping and learning at the Pan Equus Animal Sanctuary (PEAS) in Oxford Township.
A grand opening for the Leonard Nature Park is scheduled for June 20.
Jack Meadows, 7, of Oxford, displayed his collection of 1/24 scale diecast models during the weekly classic car show at the Burning Oak Smokehouse in Oxford Township.
The OHS commencement will move to the DTE Energy Music Theatre next year.