Local News

Phillip Powell reads over the agenda for the BOE work session on March 31, 2026. Powell will replace Beverley Levine as superintendent on July 1, 2026. (Photo/Jasmine Milbourne)

Phillip Powell reads over the agenda for the BOE work session on March 31, 2026. Powell will replace Beverley Levine as superintendent on July 1, 2026. (Photo/Jasmine Milbourne)

New superintendent contract is approved

Jasmine Milbourne
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
CORRECTION: Phillip Powell has taught in both Franklin and Gwinnett counties. An earlier version of this story had the incorrect counties listed.
Jadie Fleming picks up eggs during the Easter egg hunt hosted by Quiet Oaks Nursing Home last April. All eggs were filled with candy donated by family members of residents and staff, except for five golden eggs, with two containing $5 bills and three with $1 bills. (Photo/Lux Corrona)

Jadie Fleming picks up eggs during the Easter egg hunt hosted by Quiet Oaks Nursing Home last April. All eggs were filled with candy donated by family members of residents and staff, except for five golden eggs, with two containing $5 bills and three with $1 bills. (Photo/Lux Corrona)

Variety of events, services set for Easter weekend

Mia Tanner
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Sunrise services, egg hunts and plenty of food will be shared to celebrate Easter in Oglethorpe County this weekend. Local churches and organizations are rolling out everything, from early-morning services with breakfast to potluck lunches for seniors.
Oglethorpe County Emergency Medical Services on, Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in Crawford, Georgia. Oglethorpe County EMS plans to start provding whole blood products for severe trauma patients starting late summer or early fall. (Photo/Sydney Shankman)

Oglethorpe County Emergency Medical Services on, Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in Crawford, Georgia. Oglethorpe County EMS plans to start provding whole blood products for severe trauma patients starting late summer or early fall. (Photo/Sydney Shankman)

EMS pursues grant for whole blood products

Sydney Shankman
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
The No. 1 goal for Oglethorpe County EMS is to save lives. The addition of whole blood could save even more.  In fact, receiving whole blood products during pre-hospital treatment could save 37% of patients from severe trauma injuries, which is why EMS plans to start providing it.
Derrick Lemons gives a sermon at Temple United Methodist Church on Sunday. He plans to retire as the church’s pastor in June after 16 years because of his increasing responsibilities at the University of Georgia. (SARAH OWENS/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO)

Derrick Lemons gives a sermon at Temple United Methodist Church on Sunday. He plans to retire as the church’s pastor in June after 16 years because of his increasing responsibilities at the University of Georgia. (SARAH OWENS/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO)

A bittersweet farewell

Sarah Owens
Friday, March 27, 2026
Pastor Derrick Lemons stood at the altar on Sunday, delivering his sermon at Arnoldsville’s Temple United Methodist Church as he has nearly every week for the past 16 years.
A public notice sign for the cell tower stands along 202 Bowen Farm Road in Oglethorpe County, Georgia, on March 23. The tower is proposed to be built beyond the sign in the open land behind. (Photo/Emilie Sullivan)

A public notice sign for the cell tower stands along 202 Bowen Farm Road in Oglethorpe County, Georgia, on March 23. The tower is proposed to be built beyond the sign in the open land behind. (Photo/Emilie Sullivan)

Residents oppose, board denies cell tower on Bowen Farm Road

Emilie Sullivan
Thursday, March 26, 2026
Two cell tower proposals met different fates at the Oglethorpe County Zoning Board meeting on March 19.
Moms and their children work on crafts at the St. Patrick’s Day celebration at the Oglethorpe County Library on March 17. The events are planned with various activities to accommodate children of different ages and abilities. (CHARLOTTE COCHRAN/ THE OGLETHORPE ECHO)

Moms and their children work on crafts at the St. Patrick’s Day celebration at the Oglethorpe County Library on March 17. The events are planned with various activities to accommodate children of different ages and abilities. (CHARLOTTE COCHRAN/ THE OGLETHORPE ECHO)

Wee ones have grand time at St. Patty’s fest

Charlotte Cochran
Thursday, March 26, 2026
Giggles, small feet running through aisles of books and children’s chatter characterize Tuesday afternoons at the Oglethorpe County Library. That was no different on March 17, when the library hosted a St. Patrick’s Day celebration, a themed twist on Tuesdays at the Library.

Lexington lands $40K grant to address water needs

Riley Baugh
Thursday, March 26, 2026
Lexington residents will soon have upgrades to their water treatment system, thanks to a $40,000 grant from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority’s (GEFA) Small, Underserved and Disadvantaged Communities Grant Program.
Arnoldsville Fire Chief Heath Baker gives a report to members of the Arnoldsville City Council during its meeting on March 19. The department plans to build an addition to the station. (Photo/Jessie Isaacs)

Arnoldsville Fire Chief Heath Baker gives a report to members of the Arnoldsville City Council during its meeting on March 19. The department plans to build an addition to the station. (Photo/Jessie Isaacs)

City Roundup: Plans for hotel, restaurant move forward in Crawford

Jessie Isaacs and Riley Baugh
Thursday, March 26, 2026
Arnoldsville’s Paul “Stags” Oristaglio requested permission to use an outside firm for inspections on his current renovation project, a boutique hotel and restaurant at 1147 Athens Road, with a coffee shop extension.
A bald eagle perches on a tree about four years ago near the home of Natalie Thier, who lives on Long Branch Lane. There have been many recent sightings of bald eagles across Oglethorpe County. (Submitted Photo)

A bald eagle perches on a tree about four years ago near the home of Natalie Thier, who lives on Long Branch Lane. There have been many recent sightings of bald eagles across Oglethorpe County. (Submitted Photo)

America’s national symbol takes flight in Oglethorpe

Dakota Meeks
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Oglethorpe County is home to a wide range of wildlife, including America’s national symbol. With its brilliant white head and large wingspan, the bald eagle has become a common sight in the county.