Local News

The Oglethorpe county board of education holds a work session in preparation for their next official meeting on May 2.(Alex Bavosa/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Schools working through several personnel changes

Alex Bavosa

Thursday, April 27, 2023

The Oglethorpe County School System will look different at every level next year. Positions across elementary, middle and high schools will be filled with new hires or will experience faculty and staff moving to new roles.

Jake Willcox auctions off an item at the Oglethorpe County Athletic Booster Club's Patriot Powerball fundraiser. The Patriot Powerball is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the OCABC and helps fund middle and high school athletics. (Gray Jones/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Patriot Powerball winners split grand prize

Gray Jones

Thursday, April 27, 2023

As the tags were removed one by one, the crowded field of more than 300 contestants was steadily whittled down to the final 10. The tension was palpable. Then, those still remaining in the lottery were called to the front of the stage. “My heart was racing; I’ll tell you that,” said Jeri Franklin.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

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)

Exclusive Subscriber Content

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)

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

Exclusive Subscriber Content

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)

Exclusive Subscriber Content

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.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Paint issue resolved, cyclists will ride again

Wade Cheek

Thursday, April 20, 2023

The Specialty Paint and Body Gambler Bike Ride will press on for another year. Earlier this month, the Board of Commissioners approved the event permit request submitted by Athens Twilight.

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.