Local News

Debbie Winsett, who transcribes and translates textbooks for the visually impaired, received her Braille Transcriber certification in 2010. (OLIVIA SHAPIRO/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO)

Debbie Winsett, who transcribes and translates textbooks for the visually impaired, received her Braille Transcriber certification in 2010. (OLIVIA SHAPIRO/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO)

In high demand

Molly Linder and Olivia Shapiro
Wednesday, July 5, 2023
At the bottom of every email Crawford resident Debbie Winsett sends, she includes a quote from Helen Keller’s book “Light in My Darkness”: “There is no better way to thank God for your sight than by giving a helping hand to someone in the dark.
Burts United Methodist Church on Veribest Enterprise Road in Lexington, Georgia on March 15, 2023. UMC does food distribution on the third Wednesday of every month. (SARAH DONEHOO/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO)

Burts United Methodist Church on Veribest Enterprise Road in Lexington, Georgia on March 15, 2023. UMC does food distribution on the third Wednesday of every month. (SARAH DONEHOO/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO)

‘We don’t refuse anyone’

Sarah Donehoo
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
Cathi Mowen cuts a piece of cake as she stands next to her husband Robert. It’s her 62nd birthday, and she’s celebrating.   “I wanted to share some cake with everybody in the food bank,” Mowen said.
(SUBMITTED PHOTO)

(SUBMITTED PHOTO)

Bartram explored Oglethorpe County 250 years ago

Brad Sanders
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
One of the earliest written descriptions of Oglethorpe County was penned by the renowned naturalist, artist and author William Bartram, who traveled through the region in June, 1773.    From April 1773 to December 1776, William explored the southern British colonies in the employ of Dr.
Oglethorpe County Commissioner Tracy Norman (from left), owners Blake and Shannon Bailey, and Crawford Mayor Seavy O’Neal prepare to officially open The Grove at Bailey Farms last Saturday. The new venue is on the site of the former Nix farm, which was owned by Aubrey Nix, who died in 1989. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

Oglethorpe County Commissioner Tracy Norman (from left), owners Blake and Shannon Bailey, and Crawford Mayor Seavy O’Neal prepare to officially open The Grove at Bailey Farms last Saturday. The new venue is on the site of the former Nix farm, which was owned by Aubrey Nix, who died in 1989. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

Baileys say ‘I do’ to vision, open wedding venue

McCain Bracewell
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
Shannon and Blake Bailey were driving through Oglethorpe County on a Sunday 2½ years ago when they found the old Nix farm.   “We pulled up and I said this is the place, and Blake said what are you talking about,” Bailey said.
Paige Hill Murphy recently harvested this fallow buck in New Zealand. Her job with Huk allows her to travel places like Mexico and New Zealand. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

Paige Hill Murphy recently harvested this fallow buck in New Zealand. Her job with Huk allows her to travel places like Mexico and New Zealand. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

Oglethorpe native always ready for next hunting trip

Garrett Kicklighter
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
Oglethorpe County native Paige Hill Murphy has traveled across the world hunting different species of animals.   She recently completed the Wild Turkey World Slam, which means she’s harvested all four U.S.
The Oglethorpe Echo

The Oglethorpe Echo

News Roundup: Landfill hours to change on July 3

News Staff
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
Staff Reports The Oglethorpe County C&D Landfill will have new operating hours starting on July 3, Commission Chair Jay Paul said.   The new hours are 7:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Monday through Friday. Saturday hours will remain the same: 8-11:45 a.m.   The landfill will remain closed on Sundays.
New Oglethorpe County branch manager Katherine Ratcliffe and outgoing branch manager Austin Jenkins were the guests of honor at a party hosted by staff and library supporters last week. Jenkins had been the branch manager since 2016. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

New Oglethorpe County branch manager Katherine Ratcliffe and outgoing branch manager Austin Jenkins were the guests of honor at a party hosted by staff and library supporters last week. Jenkins had been the branch manager since 2016. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

Ratcliffe takes over for Jenkins as library branch manager

Avni Trivedi
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
Katherine Ratcliffe is the new branch manager at the Oglethorpe County Library, replacing Austin Jenkins, who is joining the Athens-Clarke County Library.    Jenkins has worked with the Oglethorpe County Library for the past 10 years.
Jeanne Jones staffs the Community Day tent during last year’s Fourth of July celebration at Bryan Park. Community Day is held just before the start of the school year to give supplies to students and help prepare them for the school year. (JACK CASEY/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO)

Jeanne Jones staffs the Community Day tent during last year’s Fourth of July celebration at Bryan Park. Community Day is held just before the start of the school year to give supplies to students and help prepare them for the school year. (JACK CASEY/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO)

Community Day returns to help kids prepare for school

Avni Trivedi
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
Community Day will return for another year of fun, outreach and community support from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 5. at the Oglethorpe County Recreation Department.
Paula and Keith Wagnon, the husband and wife team that owns Buds ’n Bows Flower Shop in Crawford, have decided to temporarily close their shop to take care of their mothers. The shop has been open since 1995. (SHANNON MORAN/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO)

Paula and Keith Wagnon, the husband and wife team that owns Buds ’n Bows Flower Shop in Crawford, have decided to temporarily close their shop to take care of their mothers. The shop has been open since 1995. (SHANNON MORAN/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO)

Buds ’n Bows to remain closed through Aug. 1

Jesse Wood
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
Keith and Paula Wagnon, who own Buds ’n Bows Flower Shop in Crawford, have temporarily closed their store to attend to family matters.