Sophomore Deven Weaver pitches during a preseason scrimmage against Thomson at OCHS on July 23. Weaver played in seven varsity games as a freshman. (Ethan Greene/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Sophomore Deven Weaver pitches during a preseason scrimmage against Thomson at OCHS on July 23. Weaver played in seven varsity games as a freshman. (Ethan Greene/The Oglethorpe Echo)

OCHS softball returns with more experienced lineup

Friday, July 31, 2026

The Oglethorpe County softball team enters 2026 after a season in which it gained experience and reestablished itself as a postseason contender.  Led by coach Brianna Dickens, the Patriots went 13–11 in 2025, finishing third in the region and securing a spot in the state playoffs.

Local News

The hallways at Oglethorpe County High School feature new flooring and fresh paint as part of a summer of renovations to the building’s interior. Principal Bill Sampson said the work will be completed before students return Aug. 7. (Ellie English/The Oglethorpe Echo)

The hallways at Oglethorpe County High School feature new flooring and fresh paint as part of a summer of renovations to the building’s interior. Principal Bill Sampson said the work will be completed before students return Aug. 7. (Ellie English/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Study in style: OCHS receives new paint, flooring

Ellie English
Friday, July 31, 2026
Students returning to Oglethorpe County High School on Aug.
Here’s a closeup of one of the rings presented to the OCHS volleyball players last spring. They feature the team’s 32-8 record on one side and individual player’s jersey number and volleyball on the other side. (Submitted Photo)

Here’s a closeup of one of the rings presented to the OCHS volleyball players last spring. They feature the team’s 32-8 record on one side and individual player’s jersey number and volleyball on the other side. (Submitted Photo)

Booster club board ready to build on experience

Ethan Greene
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
The Oglethorpe County volleyball team won its first state championship last year, giving the school...
Workers look to repair the gas leak on North Woodlawn Drive in Crawford on June 30 that county officials said was caused by a Kinetic crew. A Kinetic spokesman said utility companies had failed to mark the gas service line. (Submitted Photo)

Workers look to repair the gas leak on North Woodlawn Drive in Crawford on June 30 that county officials said was caused by a Kinetic crew. A Kinetic spokesman said utility companies had failed to mark the gas service line. (Submitted Photo)

County, Crawford officials unhappy with broadband subcontractors

Lexie Shadix
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Subcontractors for Kinetic (formerly Windstream), one of the county’s broadband service providers, 
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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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Sports

OCHS cross country runners Julian George (from left) John Adams and Payton Duvall run during practice at the new cross country course at Oglethorpe County Middle School on Tuesday. The course was completed in early April. (Ethan Greene/The Oglethorpe Echo)

OCHS cross country runners Julian George (from left) John Adams and Payton Duvall run during practice at the new cross country course at Oglethorpe County Middle School on Tuesday. The course was completed in early April. (Ethan Greene/The Oglethorpe Echo)

New cross country course ready for first race

Ethan Greene
Thursday, June 25, 2026
For the first time in four years, cross country runners in Oglethorpe County will have the chance...
Campers and staff members pose for a photo after the second annual Bonds Movement Youth Football Camp at Oglethorpe County High School in Lexington on Saturday. Bonds, an OCHS alum who created and runs the camp, currently plays for South Carolina State. (Ethan Greene/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Campers and staff members pose for a photo after the second annual Bonds Movement Youth Football Camp at Oglethorpe County High School in Lexington on Saturday. Bonds, an OCHS alum who created and runs the camp, currently plays for South Carolina State. (Ethan Greene/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Football camp gives kids chance to learn from local athletes

Ethan Greene
Thursday, June 18, 2026
As nearly 60 kids gathered on the Oglethorpe County High School football field last Saturday, South...
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