Local News

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)

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.

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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)

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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

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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)

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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.

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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)

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.

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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.