Elections

Jason Lewis is Oglethorpe County’s interim coroner after serving as the EMS director. He’s running unopposed in this year’s election. (Submitted)

Jason Lewis is Oglethorpe County’s interim coroner after serving as the EMS director. He’s running unopposed in this year’s election. (Submitted)

Election 2024 Q&A: Lewis experienced, but ‘still learning’ coroner position

Lily Murphy
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Jason Lewis, who is running for coroner, has been a paramedic for 27 years. He has been Oglethorpe County’s Emergency Medical Services director and recently stepped in as interim coroner when James Jackson resigned to run for sheriff.
The Lexington City Council gathers for its monthly meeting on March 14, 2024, where it discusses the agenda set by Mayor Craig Snow. (Tyler Lary/ The Oglethorpe Echo)

The Lexington City Council gathers for its monthly meeting on March 14, 2024, where it discusses the agenda set by Mayor Craig Snow. (Tyler Lary/ The Oglethorpe Echo)

Lexington looks to fill council seat

Jordan Howard
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
The Lexington City Council is searching to fill its open seat.    Greg Reece and Cindy Haynes stepped away in December, and Jennifer Whitlock took over one of the seats, joining Ronnie Boggs, Jill Severn and Cory Crayton.    That leaves the city council one person short.

Trump, Biden receive most votes in county

News Staff
Thursday, March 14, 2024
Donald Trump and President Joe Biden were the clear winners with Oglethorpe County voters on Tuesday.   Trump, the former president, received 90.2% of votes in the Republican presidential primary and Biden received 93.8% of votes on the Democratic side.
A table of the candidates qualified for the general primary and nonpartisan election on May 21. The general election will be held on Nov. 5. (Lee Short/The Oglethorpe Echo)

A table of the candidates qualified for the general primary and nonpartisan election on May 21. The general election will be held on Nov. 5. (Lee Short/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Challengers take on Paul for chairman

Lee Short
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Jay Paul has opposition in his reelection bid.   Paul, the chair of the Oglethorpe County Commission, will face fellow Republican Wayne Loggans in the primary election, which is scheduled for Tuesday, May 21. Democrat Patrick Bonds also qualified to run for the position.
From left to right: Kelli Smith, Megan Coile and Kayla Grier. (Submitted Photos)

From left to right: Kelli Smith, Megan Coile and Kayla Grier. (Submitted Photos)

Incumbents Smith, Coile, Grier to run

News Staff
Thursday, February 15, 2024
Oglethorpe County’s judicial incumbents plan to defend their positions in this year’s election.   Kelli Paradise Smith, the clerk of superior clerk, Megan Coile, the chief magistrate judge, and Kayla Grier, the probate judge, all told The Oglethorpe Echo that they plan to run again.
Jay Paul

Jay Paul

Paul has 2nd term in sights

News Staff
Thursday, February 8, 2024
Jay Paul plans to seek a second term as chair of the Oglethorpe County Board of Commissioners.   “I lived in this county all my life. It’s where I plan on dying,” he said Monday. “This position has been the most challenging thing I’ve ever done in my life.

Gabriel to run for reelection

News Staff
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
Sheriff David Gabriel will run for a third term in 2024 and said he will “crank up” his campaign around February.   “My life plan is to run at least two more times, this time and the next time, and that puts me at retirement age at the end of that,” said Gabriel, who is 50 years old.