Jay Paul (from left), chair of the Board of Commissioners, and commissioners Will Brown and Tracy Norman, listen to speakers during the commission meeting on Monday at the courthouse. The commissioners unanimously approved a data center ordinance. (ANDY JOHNSTON/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO)

Jay Paul (from left), chair of the Board of Commissioners, and commissioners Will Brown and Tracy Norman, listen to speakers during the commission meeting on Monday at the courthouse. The commissioners unanimously approved a data center ordinance. (ANDY JOHNSTON/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO)

Commissioners approve data center ordinance

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

 The Oglethorpe County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a “restrictive” data center ordinance in its meeting on Monday at the courthouse.  The ordinance doesn’t ban data centers.

Local News

Corrine Haley homeschools her son Josiah, 11, in Arnoldsville, GA. Josiah is part of Compass co-op where he attends enrichment classes once a week. (Sophia Bobo/The Oglethorpe Echo).

Corrine Haley homeschools her son Josiah, 11, in Arnoldsville, GA. Josiah is part of Compass co-op where he attends enrichment classes once a week. (Sophia Bobo/The Oglethorpe Echo).

From medicine to education

Sophia Bobo
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Although she doesn’t teach in a school setting, Corrine Haley is an educator.
Henrietta (Nell) Browne stands over her daughter Nicole Browne at Altered Ego, their sewing shop in downtown Comer. The store officially opened on Aug. 28. (Photo/Ren Grimsley)

Henrietta (Nell) Browne stands over her daughter Nicole Browne at Altered Ego, their sewing shop in downtown Comer. The store officially opened on Aug. 28. (Photo/Ren Grimsley)

Mother-daughter duo open sewing shop in Comer

Ren Grimsley
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Henrietta “Nell” Browne learned to sew out of necessity while growing up in Comer. 
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The Oglethorpe Echo e-Edition

Videos

The Echo: Amplified

What happens when a public university partners with a community newspaper? A beautiful collaboration and a reminder of all the things local news is meant to be: personal, rewarding and impactful.

 

To those who serve The Echo.

To those who read The Echo.

To those who believe in local news.

 

This documentary was directed by Julianna Duennes Russ and produced by Leighton Dancy, in collaboration with the University of Georgia's Grady College of Journalism & Mass Communication and The Oglethorpe Echo Legacy, Inc. 

 

Special thank you to: Ralph Maxwell, Dink NeSmith, Amanda Bright, Andy Johnston, Lori Johnston, Trisha Bearden, Lourdes Tompkins, Blake Campbell, Kathleen deMarrais, Jamie Lewis, Barbara Cabaniss, Delbra Kendrick, Zachary Leggio, Adriana Cascio, Libby Hobbs, Jesse Wood. Copyright 2025. All rights reserved.

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Oglethorpe Echo
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Sports

Senior Khloe Eidson bunts the ball at Clarke Central High School for Oglethorpe County High School on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026. Eidson plays shortstop for the Patriots and is their starting hitter. (Photo/Sydney Jarrard)

Senior Khloe Eidson bunts the ball at Clarke Central High School for Oglethorpe County High School on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026. Eidson plays shortstop for the Patriots and is their starting hitter. (Photo/Sydney Jarrard)

Prep roundup: Baker leads softball team to 16-3 win over Clarke

News Staff
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Haleigh Baker pitched five innings, had a hit and drove in three runs to lead the Oglethorpe County...
Oglethorpe County’s Omar Sagastume (88), who also plays in the marching band, kicks in the loss to Washington-Wilkes on Sept. 4. Coach Mike Holland asked him to kick for the football team this fall. (Photo/Evan Frilingos)

Oglethorpe County’s Omar Sagastume (88), who also plays in the marching band, kicks in the loss to Washington-Wilkes on Sept. 4. Coach Mike Holland asked him to kick for the football team this fall. (Photo/Evan Frilingos)

Two passions, one Friday night

Wesley Webb
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
For Omar Sagastume and Rylee Stan
The Oglethorpe County High School softball team breaks down their after game cheer at the Clarke Central high school on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026. The Patriots beat Clarke Central 12-1 during its makeup game. (SYDNEY JARRARD/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO))

The Oglethorpe County High School softball team breaks down their after game cheer at the Clarke Central high school on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026. The Patriots beat Clarke Central 12-1 during its makeup game. (SYDNEY JARRARD/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO))

Prep Report: Baker, Wisham spark softball team’s victory

News Staff
Thursday, September 10, 2026
Haleigh Baker threw a five-inning complete game and Emily Wisham went 4-for-4 with three RBIs to...
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