Local News

Diaper drive will provide free diapers

Gianna Rodriguez
Thursday, April 27, 2023
The Athens Area Diaper Bank will hold what is being billed as the World’s Largest Diaper Drive, starting May 1.    The diaper bank, which concludes May 6, will take place in Barrow, Athens-Clarke, Jackson, Madison, Oconee and Oglethorpe counties.
(Graphic/ Gianna Rodriguez)

(Graphic/ Gianna Rodriguez)

New DFCS director: We need more foster parents

Gianna Rodriguez
Thursday, April 27, 2023
The Division of Family & Children Services in Oglethorpe County is looking to recruit more foster parents.    Norma Heninger’s first goal as the new director, with guidance from former director Kristy Daniels, is to match each of the nine foster children in the county with foster parents.

Dental care is available for those with autism

News Staff
Thursday, April 27, 2023
April is Autism Awareness Month, and while we celebrate progress made in understanding this complex condition, families and individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) continue to face challenges in accessing quality dental care.
Sgt. Samantha Mathe with the Oglethorpe County Sheriff’s Office teaches students about illegal substances and safety through the C.H.A.M.P.S. program at the Oglethorpe County Elementary School. Last month she spoke with them about the drug, methamphetamine. (Brooke Stewart/Photo)

Sgt. Samantha Mathe with the Oglethorpe County Sheriff’s Office teaches students about illegal substances and safety through the C.H.A.M.P.S. program at the Oglethorpe County Elementary School. Last month she spoke with them about the drug, methamphetamine. (Brooke Stewart/Photo)

Stopping county drug use starts with C.H.A.M.P.S.

Brooke Stewart and Sydney Bishop
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
While many believe saying no to drugs starts on the streets, in Oglethorpe County, it starts in the classroom.   Choosing Healthy Activities and Methods Promoting Safety (C.H.A.M.P.S.) is a nonprofit started in 2003 by the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association.
Tanner Biggers highlights the different plant species that are being stored in the greenhouse at Beech Hollow Farm. It uses an irrigation system built into the greenhouses to ensure the health of the plants. JACK RHODES/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO

Tanner Biggers highlights the different plant species that are being stored in the greenhouse at Beech Hollow Farm. It uses an irrigation system built into the greenhouses to ensure the health of the plants. JACK RHODES/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO

Beech Hollow goes native

Morgan Quinn and Jack Rhodes
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
Leading a group hike around Beech Hollow Farm’s 200-acre property in Lexington, Tanner Biggers calls out the name of a different plant or tree every few minutes for the group to stop and observe.
Courtney Corbin, who works with the Oglethorpe County Sheriff’s Office, trains with a virtual reality simulator, which the department received last month. The simulator helps deputies prepare for a variety of scenarios. (Submitted Photo/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Courtney Corbin, who works with the Oglethorpe County Sheriff’s Office, trains with a virtual reality simulator, which the department received last month. The simulator helps deputies prepare for a variety of scenarios. (Submitted Photo/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Stopping threats in virtual reality: New simulator gives deputies training for many situations

Sydney Bishop
Thursday, April 20, 2023
The newest addition to the Oglethorpe County Sheriff’s Office is a virtual reality simulator. One of its purposes is to train officers in de-escalation.
Mayor Craig Snow and council member Ronnie Boggs at the Lexingtoncity council meeting on April 13, 2023. (Photo/DeAnthony Moore)

Mayor Craig Snow and council member Ronnie Boggs at the Lexingtoncity council meeting on April 13, 2023. (Photo/DeAnthony Moore)

Lexington to begin charging for trash pickup

DeAnthony Moore
Wednesday, April 19, 2023
The Lexington City Council decided to end garbage can subsidies and is a step closer to putting a stop to engine braking in the city.    The council unanimously decided to no longer subsidize garbage pickup for the price of the can. This new fee will be $15 a can and start in July.
(Alex Bavosa/The Oglethorpe Echo) Jennifer Yauck (right), an Oglethorpe County High School teacher, updates the Board of Education on the status of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, a program that provides children with free books.

(Alex Bavosa/The Oglethorpe Echo) Jennifer Yauck (right), an Oglethorpe County High School teacher, updates the Board of Education on the status of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, a program that provides children with free books.

Imagination Library off to strong start

Alex Bavosa
Wednesday, April 19, 2023
Jennifer Yauck, a teacher at Oglethorpe County High School and the program chair for Delta Kappa Gamma, has spent the last year growing Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Oglethorpe County.
John Robertson-performing chemical testing at Watson Mill Bridge State Park. (Submitted Photo / The Oglethorpe Echo)

John Robertson-performing chemical testing at Watson Mill Bridge State Park. (Submitted Photo / The Oglethorpe Echo)

Volunteer environmental group wins state award

Morgan Quinn
Wednesday, April 19, 2023
The team saw its first victory when it successfully lobbied for state legislation banning the burning of creosote, a known carcinogen.