Local News

Josh Lee (right), business development manager for Select Trees, takes OCHS teachers Emily Williams ( left) and Kaitlyn Marchant on a tour of the facility as part of an externship through WorkSource NEGA. (GARRETT KICKLIGHTER/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO)

Josh Lee (right), business development manager for Select Trees, takes OCHS teachers Emily Williams ( left) and Kaitlyn Marchant on a tour of the facility as part of an externship through WorkSource NEGA. (GARRETT KICKLIGHTER/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO)

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OCHS teachers have learning opportunity at Select Trees

Garrett Kicklighter
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
Select Trees hosts two Oglethorpe County High School teachers this week as a part of an externship that places local educators with local industries to learn about overlooked career opportunities in their communities.
Eric Schmidt (center) stands with four students from his first year of teaching last week. All four (from left): Wanda Colquitt, Brenda McCormack, Schmidt, Tim Poole and Andrea Ash work with Oglethorpe County Schools. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

Eric Schmidt (center) stands with four students from his first year of teaching last week. All four (from left): Wanda Colquitt, Brenda McCormack, Schmidt, Tim Poole and Andrea Ash work with Oglethorpe County Schools. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

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Schmidt retires after 38 years of teaching

McCain Bracewell
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
When Eric Schmidt’s father-in-law asked him years ago when he was going to be promoted to administration, Schmidt responded that he loved teaching and the classroom and could never give it up.   When Schmidt hit the 30-year retirement mark, he said he still wasn’t ready to leave the classroom.
Members of the Oglethorpe County Board of Education, representatives from Southern A&E and Parrish Construction Group, Superintendent Beverley Levine, Principal Katie Baldwin, and students throw dirt with their shovels. (LANDEN TODD/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO)

Members of the Oglethorpe County Board of Education, representatives from Southern A&E and Parrish Construction Group, Superintendent Beverley Levine, Principal Katie Baldwin, and students throw dirt with their shovels. (LANDEN TODD/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO)

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Ceremonial start for new school

McCain Bracewell
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
Oglethorpe County Schools had more to celebrate than the last day of class on May 24.   The Board of Education, teachers, students, parents and elected officials gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony of the new K-5 elementary school.

BOE’s Cherry resigns

McCain Bracewell
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
Oglethorpe County District 1 Board of Education member Collin Cherry has resigned from his position, effective last week, to pursue the school system’s transportation director position.
Lexington’s Tom Thon has played a variety of roles in movies, TV and on the stage. He also has a photography business and sells photos at the Rowdy Rooster. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

Lexington’s Tom Thon has played a variety of roles in movies, TV and on the stage. He also has a photography business and sells photos at the Rowdy Rooster. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

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A role to play

Morgan Quinn
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
Tom Thon makes his way through Linda Parish’s backyard before settling into a wicker chair on the porch.    “People here become your friends instantly,” he said.

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Staff Report: Community Day set for Aug. 5

News Staff
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
The Oglethorpe County Com- munity Day and Family Movie Night has been set for Saturday, Aug. 5 at Bryan Park.   Community Day is scheduled for 6:30-8:30 p.m. and the fami- ly friendly movie night will start at sunset.   The event is free.