Local News

Bill Sampson (Submitted Photo)

Bill Sampson (Submitted Photo)

OCHS names new leader

Bella Guerrero
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Bill Sampson will take over as principal of Oglethorpe County High School for the 2023-2024 school year.   He will replace current OCHS Principal Susie Johnson, who will retire after eight years as principal.
Workforce statistics from long-term care facilities. These statistics are a result of the pandemic. (Graphic/Shelby Wingate)

Workforce statistics from long-term care facilities. These statistics are a result of the pandemic. (Graphic/Shelby Wingate)

Quiet Oaks faces staffing shortages

Shelby Wingate
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Even though COVID-19 is no longer seen as the unsettling force it once was, Quiet Oaks Health Care continues to face challenges due to the pandemic.    Like other nursing homes, Quiet Oaks is struggling with staffing shortages.
Oglethorpe County Zoning Board members Robert Drew (left) and Jimmy Shealy discuss business with code compliance officer Jeff Sharp at the board meeting on Monday. The board approved a plan for a new coffee shop and a meat processing operation. (Photo/Sarah Donehoo)

Oglethorpe County Zoning Board members Robert Drew (left) and Jimmy Shealy discuss business with code compliance officer Jeff Sharp at the board meeting on Monday. The board approved a plan for a new coffee shop and a meat processing operation. (Photo/Sarah Donehoo)

Zoning board approves coffee shop, deer processing plant

Sarah Donehoo
Thursday, January 26, 2023
Oglethorpe County is one step closer to having a new coffee shop.   Amy Delfin-Torres’ plan to open a coffee shop at 9 Callaway Road was approved by the zoning board on Monday night.
Lexington Mayor Craig Snow (head of the table) and city council members (from left) Cindy Haynes, Greg Reece, Ronnie Boggs and Corey Crayton discuss how to address the city’s downtown. (ANDY JOHNSTON/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO)

Lexington Mayor Craig Snow (head of the table) and city council members (from left) Cindy Haynes, Greg Reece, Ronnie Boggs and Corey Crayton discuss how to address the city’s downtown. (ANDY JOHNSTON/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO)

Lexington property owner granted extension

Destiny Hartwell
Thursday, January 26, 2023
Rick Hawkins was granted a 45-day extension to show compliance with ordinance violations for his five properties on Main Street in downtown Lexington.   He has until March 1 or a new date will be set for him to appear in municipal court. The original court date was set for Jan.
Amber Waldroup, who started at the UGA Extension Office last September, labels dishes at a recent Cooking to Share Program. (ERIN KENNEY/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO)

Amber Waldroup, who started at the UGA Extension Office last September, labels dishes at a recent Cooking to Share Program. (ERIN KENNEY/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO)

UGA Extension launches blog, youth programs

Morgan Quinn
Thursday, January 26, 2023
After hiring Amber Waldroup as the new program assistant last year, engagement and enrollment in clubs has peaked, and with a new digital platform to share updates, the extension’s 4-H agent Marcus Eason said the office has been busier than previous years.
Crossroads Odds and Ends displays hand-crafted bird houses made by owner Randy Patman on Jan. 19, 2023. The store is full of one-of-a-kind items inside and out. (Photo/Sophie McLeod)

Crossroads Odds and Ends displays hand-crafted bird houses made by owner Randy Patman on Jan. 19, 2023. The store is full of one-of-a-kind items inside and out. (Photo/Sophie McLeod)

Crossroads Odds and Ends Provides Antique Shopping with a Twist

News Staff
Thursday, January 26, 2023
Crossroads Odds and Ends is an antique shop with a twist: It allows locals to sell items, providing a one-stop shop for acquiring new treasures and leaving old ones behind.
Oglethorpe County Sheriff David Gabriel speaks to residents concerning safety techniques in the event of an emergency Jan. 21 at St. John's Ame Church. Sheriff Gabriel has been in law enforcement since 1993. Sydney Bishop/The Oglethorpe Echo

Oglethorpe County Sheriff David Gabriel speaks to residents concerning safety techniques in the event of an emergency Jan. 21 at St. John's Ame Church. Sheriff Gabriel has been in law enforcement since 1993. Sydney Bishop/The Oglethorpe Echo

Sheriff gives safety tips at program

Sydney Bishop
Thursday, January 26, 2023
WATCH: Sheriff Gabriel's Safety Program at St. John AME Church    Nineteen residents gathered in St. John AME Church on Saturday to ask Oglethorpe County Sheriff David Gabriel about safety and crime, especially how it relates to a church setting.
Ten Oglethorpe County residents walk for 45 minutes along the Firefly Trail during the Walk-A-Weigh session on Jan. 21, 2023 at 9 a.m.. This portion of the trail is located right outside the program's meeting spot at Maxeys Volunteer Fire Department, 369 S Main St, Stephens, GA 30667. (Photo/Gianna Rodriguez)

Ten Oglethorpe County residents walk for 45 minutes along the Firefly Trail during the Walk-A-Weigh session on Jan. 21, 2023 at 9 a.m.. This portion of the trail is located right outside the program's meeting spot at Maxeys Volunteer Fire Department, 369 S Main St, Stephens, GA 30667. (Photo/Gianna Rodriguez)

Local program offers path to healthier lifestyle

Gianna Rodriguez
Thursday, January 26, 2023
One by one, Oglethorpe County residents arrived at Maxeys Volunteer Fire Department bundled up in coats and winter gloves.    For some, Saturday mornings are for resting after a long week of work.
Tiffany Gomes

Tiffany Gomes

Gomes receives 15-year sentence

Erin Kenney
Wednesday, January 25, 2023
Former Oglethorpe County Athletic Booster Club Treasurer Tiffany Gomes was sentenced to 15 years on Jan. 12.   Gomes, who pleaded guilty to four felony counts of theft by taking in November, will serve three years in confinement with the remainder on probation.
The Oglethorpe County Library Board of Trustees and branch manager Austin Jenkins discussed the library’s finances at its quarter-annual meeting last week. (Photo/Viktoria Kangas)

The Oglethorpe County Library Board of Trustees and branch manager Austin Jenkins discussed the library’s finances at its quarter-annual meeting last week. (Photo/Viktoria Kangas)

Data shows library’s value to county has increased

Viktoria Kangas
Wednesday, January 25, 2023
The Oglethorpe County Library gave back 33% more in value for each dollar it received last year.