Local News

Melissa and Bud Godfriaux have pushed for improved bus stop safety in the county after the second near accident in front of their residence on Veribest Road in the past two years. Skid marks from a quarry truck are visible after it swerved to keep from hitting their children's school bus on the morning of Sept. 11. (Emily Lupo/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Melissa and Bud Godfriaux have pushed for improved bus stop safety in the county after the second near accident in front of their residence on Veribest Road in the past two years. Skid marks from a quarry truck are visible after it swerved to keep from hitting their children's school bus on the morning of Sept. 11. (Emily Lupo/The Oglethorpe Echo)

A mother’s concern

Emily Lupo
Saturday, October 14, 2023
Melissa Godfriaux watched from the front porch to make sure her children got on the school bus safely on the morning of Sept. 11. Just as the bus arrived, the screeching sound of brakes sent her sprinting down her driveway.
The 2023-2024 teachers of the year (from left): Shonda Cronic, OCPS kindergarten; Lindsay Gregory, OCES gifted third-fifth grade teacher; Janet High, OCMS English teacher; Lee Jones, OCHS band director.

The 2023-2024 teachers of the year (from left): Shonda Cronic, OCPS kindergarten; Lindsay Gregory, OCES gifted third-fifth grade teacher; Janet High, OCMS English teacher; Lee Jones, OCHS band director.

Teachers of the year inspired by students, community

Caleb Baldwin
Thursday, October 12, 2023
The Oglethorpe County School System teachers of the year were honored by the Board of Education at its meeting last week. The teachers shared their motivation and inspiration with The Oglethorpe Echo. Comments have been edited for length and clarity.
Bell's Food Stores, Oglethorpe County’s only grocery store, is in negotiations to be sold to B&T’s Food Fresh Market, a grocery chain in East Georgia. EVAN SMOAK/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO

Bell's Food Stores, Oglethorpe County’s only grocery store, is in negotiations to be sold to B&T’s Food Fresh Market, a grocery chain in East Georgia. EVAN SMOAK/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO

Chain in talks to buy Bell’s

Jordan Long
Thursday, October 12, 2023
Bell’s Food Stores in Lexington is in the process of being sold to B&T’s Food Fresh Market.    “Bell’s and B&T’s Food Fresh Market are in negotiations for B&T’s Food Fresh Market to acquire Bell’s, and the acquisition will take place in the near future,” said Ralph J. Costa Jr.
Half of this year’s Zombie Farms staff gathered for a recent group shot. Owners Patrick and Cynthia MacDonald host multiple casting calls a season and generally have about 100 people on staff.

Half of this year’s Zombie Farms staff gathered for a recent group shot. Owners Patrick and Cynthia MacDonald host multiple casting calls a season and generally have about 100 people on staff.

Couple relies on community to make Zombie Farms come alive

Jordyn Gershoni
Thursday, October 12, 2023
Zombie Farms is a haunted trail in Oglethorpe County, but it’s also a community effort, according to its creators.  With around 100 people on staff, ranging from actors to parking directors, the event becomes a cooperation of local talents.
Erin Campbell, founder of the Athens Area Diaper Bank, moves boxes labeled for Oglethorpe County at the organization's warehouse in Bogart. The nonprofit sends free diapers to locations in Oglethorpe County. (Sarah Donehoo/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Erin Campbell, founder of the Athens Area Diaper Bank, moves boxes labeled for Oglethorpe County at the organization's warehouse in Bogart. The nonprofit sends free diapers to locations in Oglethorpe County. (Sarah Donehoo/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Ways to help those in need in Oglethorpe County

News Staff
Thursday, October 12, 2023
By Sarah Donehoo, Olivia Wakim, Elizabeth Rymarev and Sydney Hood For The Oglethorpe Echo Finding assistance can be an overwhelming task for those who need food, basic supplies, family services and more. About 12.
Crystal Yamasato, 3, must undergo a series of rabies shots after being attacked by a bobcat in Winterville last Friday. She is one of two children who were attacked near the intersection of Melton and Williams McCurley roads. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Crystal Yamasato, 3, must undergo a series of rabies shots after being attacked by a bobcat in Winterville last Friday. She is one of two children who were attacked near the intersection of Melton and Williams McCurley roads. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Bobcat attack victim faces recovery

Echo Staff
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
Crystal Yamasato returned home on Monday night, but faces more hospital and doctor visits as she recovers from a bobcat attack.   Yamasato, who is 3 years old, was one of two children attacked in Winterville last Friday afternoon. The first victim was a 14-year-old boy whose injuries are unknown.
Arnoldsville City Councilman Danny Sniff (left) gestures toward Mayor Pro Tem Danny Morcom (far right) at the Arnoldsville meet and greet last Friday at No. 3 Railroad Street. Both men are running for mayor, but have shown respect and goodwill toward each other. “Am I endorsing Danny?” Sniff said. “To some degree, yes.” (photo/ Elena Acosta)

Arnoldsville City Councilman Danny Sniff (left) gestures toward Mayor Pro Tem Danny Morcom (far right) at the Arnoldsville meet and greet last Friday at No. 3 Railroad Street. Both men are running for mayor, but have shown respect and goodwill toward each other. “Am I endorsing Danny?” Sniff said. “To some degree, yes.” (photo/ Elena Acosta)

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Arnoldsville, county leaders make most of meet and greet

Elena Acosta
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
    As Katherine Ratcliffe and Babs DeArmond of the Oglethorpe County Library walked into No. 3 Railroad Street last week, they received a unique welcome from the owner, Mary Nouri.    “Y’all are just in time for the catastrophe!
Locator graphic

Locator graphic

Bobcat attacks two children in Winterville 

Evan Smoak
Monday, October 9, 2023
Two Oglethorpe County juveniles were attacked by a bobcat last Friday, according to local officials.   “We urge the public to be diligent and be aware of your children while they play outside,” said Cody Gibbs, the public information officer for Oglethorpe County Fire & Rescue.
CAITLIN DOWNING/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO David Kidd, the Oglethorpe County representative on Advantage Behavioral Health System’s Community Service Board, said support from the Board of Commissioners could help the group receive funding.

CAITLIN DOWNING/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO David Kidd, the Oglethorpe County representative on Advantage Behavioral Health System’s Community Service Board, said support from the Board of Commissioners could help the group receive funding.

Commissioners add funds to E-911 budget

Caitlin Downing
Thursday, October 5, 2023
The Oglethorpe County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to add $110,000 to the Enhanced 911 budget at its Monday meeting.   The money will be used to hire two new positions, starting in January, as mandated by state legislation.