Local News

The Bell’s in Lexington, along with the other four stores in the chain, were sold to B&T’s Food Fresh Market on Friday. The name likely will be changed sometime by the first of the year. (Aisha Shulz/The Oglethorpe Echo)

The Bell’s in Lexington, along with the other four stores in the chain, were sold to B&T’s Food Fresh Market on Friday. The name likely will be changed sometime by the first of the year. (Aisha Shulz/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Employee retention part of Bell’s deal with B&T’s

News Staff
Thursday, October 19, 2023
Bell’s Food Stores customers should expect to see changes by early 2024 after the five-store chain was acquired by B&T’s Food Fresh Market last week.   The deal was finalized on Friday. Details were not disclosed.   Ralph J. Costa Jr.
Gracelyn Ramey, a senior at Oglethorpe County High School, was crowned America’s National Miss last summer. She aligns with ANM, which has anti-bullying values. (Sidney Chansamone/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Gracelyn Ramey, a senior at Oglethorpe County High School, was crowned America’s National Miss last summer. She aligns with ANM, which has anti-bullying values. (Sidney Chansamone/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Ramey combats bullying through beauty pageants

Sidney Chansamone and Caleb Rollins
Thursday, October 19, 2023
To outsiders, beauty pageants may seem all glitz and glamor.    However, for Gracelyn Ramey, a senior at Oglethorpe County High School, pageantry is how she overcame personal struggles and gained renewed self worth.
Jacob Dake sits on the front of his 2001 Mazda Miata before participating in the Angel Ride, a non-profit fundraiser that raised $42,077.65 for the Oglethorpe County High School grad who was injured in a severe vehicle accident last September. (Sidney Chansamone/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Jacob Dake sits on the front of his 2001 Mazda Miata before participating in the Angel Ride, a non-profit fundraiser that raised $42,077.65 for the Oglethorpe County High School grad who was injured in a severe vehicle accident last September. (Sidney Chansamone/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Guardian angels

Sidney Chansamone and Caleb Rollins
Thursday, October 19, 2023
The 13th annual Angel Ride raised $42,077.65 for Jacob Dake on Saturday at the Jackson County Agricultural Center in Jefferson.
A map of Oglethorpe County and five surrounding counties, showing that Oglethorpe County has the second-highest graduation rate behind Oconee County.

A map of Oglethorpe County and five surrounding counties, showing that Oglethorpe County has the second-highest graduation rate behind Oconee County.

OCHS graduation rates among best in area

Cassidy Hettesheimer
Thursday, October 19, 2023
Oglethorpe County School System leaders celebrated an increase in the graduation rate — now at 95.8% — with cupcakes that spelled out the percentage.    The dessert display was delivered not just to the high school, but the primary, elementary, and middle schools.
Callie Bridges kneels alongside an Angus cow at Bridges Angus Farm in Lexington. Callie, the daughter of Phillip and Leigh Anne Bridges, is part of the fourth generation of the Bridges family to work the farm. (Submitted Photo)

Callie Bridges kneels alongside an Angus cow at Bridges Angus Farm in Lexington. Callie, the daughter of Phillip and Leigh Anne Bridges, is part of the fourth generation of the Bridges family to work the farm. (Submitted Photo)

Livestock production is in the DNA

John Henry Hammond
Thursday, October 19, 2023
Ralph Bridges, who founded Bridges Angus Farm in Lexington, made headlines in 1985 when his bull, Warlock, became the first documented one to gain 5 pounds in a single day.
Greenpoint Pediatric Dentistry is located at the Mitchell Bridge Dental Associates building. Hansford credits Drs. Whitney Swann and Alyson White, senior dentists at Mitchell Bridge Dental Associates, for helping to make the free day possible. (Sidney Chansamone/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Greenpoint Pediatric Dentistry is located at the Mitchell Bridge Dental Associates building. Hansford credits Drs. Whitney Swann and Alyson White, senior dentists at Mitchell Bridge Dental Associates, for helping to make the free day possible. (Sidney Chansamone/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Hansford, volunteers set day for free dental services

Caleb Rollins and Sidney Chansamone
Thursday, October 19, 2023
  Read the Spanish translation of this story here.   Greenpoint Pediatric Dentistry, owned by John Hansford Jr., will offer free dental services to children ages 1-10 on Friday, Oct. 27 with the help of medical professionals, organizations and individuals.
The Oglethorpe Echo

The Oglethorpe Echo

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Community Need Roundup: Community Christmas starts seasonal drive

News Staff
Saturday, October 14, 2023
Community Christmas, one of Oglethorpe County’s most comprehensive charitable organizations, is preparing for the holiday season.   Catherine Bowen Drewry, co-chair of Community Christmas, said the organization needs to raise at least $50,000 in six weeks to meet the needs of the county.

Sheriff looks into Winterville shooting

John James
Saturday, October 14, 2023
A husband shot his wife at their house on Shady Glade Road in Winterville on Oct. 4, according to the Oglethorpe County Sheriff’s Office.    There were no witnesses to the incident, which happened at approximately 5 a.m.