Local News

Floral artist Jenny Derevere adds both homegrown and foraged dried Nigella, Monarda, snapdragon and Scabiosa, or pincushion flower, to a white pumpkin for a twist on natural fall decor. She uses blossom from her flower farm in Stephens. (Photo/Isabelle Manders)

Floral artist Jenny Derevere adds both homegrown and foraged dried Nigella, Monarda, snapdragon and Scabiosa, or pincushion flower, to a white pumpkin for a twist on natural fall decor. She uses blossom from her flower farm in Stephens. (Photo/Isabelle Manders)

Create an elegant Thanksgiving tablescape with pumpkins

Lily Baldwin and Isabelle Manders
Thursday, November 17, 2022
During autumn, dining tables function as more than just a place to eat — they act as the focal points for all fall festivities.
From left to right: Daniel Tinsley, David Stooksbury (who is not a Quaker — he was observing for a religion class), Tim Johnson and Betsey Collins gather in silent worship on Nov. 13, 2022. Silent worship involves a meditative state where members seek a message from the spirit of God. (Photo/Nimra Ahmad)

From left to right: Daniel Tinsley, David Stooksbury (who is not a Quaker — he was observing for a religion class), Tim Johnson and Betsey Collins gather in silent worship on Nov. 13, 2022. Silent worship involves a meditative state where members seek a message from the spirit of God. (Photo/Nimra Ahmad)

Quakers find home at Cherokee Corner Church

Nimra Ahmad
Thursday, November 17, 2022
An hour after the 11 attendees arrived at the Athens Religious Society of Friends, secretary Betsey Collins finally greeted them.    “Good morning, friends,” Collins said upon the completion of a Quaker tradition called “silent worship.
Board of Commissioner members William Brown (District 4) and Tracy Norman (District 5) respond to community and EDA members during joint work session. (Photo/Jalen Beckford)

Board of Commissioner members William Brown (District 4) and Tracy Norman (District 5) respond to community and EDA members during joint work session. (Photo/Jalen Beckford)

Residents voice concerns about broadband access

Jalen Beckford
Thursday, November 17, 2022
Residents expressed concerns regarding a lack of broadband at the Oglethorpe County Economic Development Authority meeting on Tuesday night.   They were particularly concerned about the county canceling its agreement with Paladin Wireless.
Oglethorpe County Middle School’s five REACH Scholars wait for the signing ceremony to begin. The five students are (from left): Emma Baker, Christian Harris, Mya Jewell, Melody Roberts and Shyanne Spade. They will receive $10,000 in scholarship funds and mentoring resources if they maintain good grades, attendance and behavior throughout high school. (Submitted Photo)

Oglethorpe County Middle School’s five REACH Scholars wait for the signing ceremony to begin. The five students are (from left): Emma Baker, Christian Harris, Mya Jewell, Melody Roberts and Shyanne Spade. They will receive $10,000 in scholarship funds and mentoring resources if they maintain good grades, attendance and behavior throughout high school. (Submitted Photo)

Eighth-graders receive REACH Scholarships

Kyle Soto
Thursday, November 17, 2022
Eighth-grader Melody Roberts felt relief when she received the REACH Scholarship.   “(It) kind of feels like a weight is off my back, because although my parents could financially support me, I feel a lot more stable,” Roberts said.
Voters line up to enter the Sonlight Baptist Church, Beaverdam, GA, Oglethorpe County, Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022. Sonlight Baptist Church is one of two churches serving as polling locations in Oglethorpe County. (Photo/Aisha Schulz)

Voters line up to enter the Sonlight Baptist Church, Beaverdam, GA, Oglethorpe County, Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022. Sonlight Baptist Church is one of two churches serving as polling locations in Oglethorpe County. (Photo/Aisha Schulz)

Oglethorpe, Georgia prepare for Senate run-off

Thomas Bresee
Thursday, November 17, 2022
Election Day has come and gone, but Oglethorpe County’s work is not done.    The Senate race between incumbent Democrat Raphael Warnock and Republican Herschel Walker wasn’t decided because neither candidate received more than 50% of the vote.
Andrea Gutierrez/The Oglethorpe Echo

Andrea Gutierrez/The Oglethorpe Echo

Flu season hits schools, county hard

Andrea Gutierrez
Thursday, November 17, 2022
This year’s flu season has hit Georgia hard, and Oglethorpe County is no exception.   The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in its weekly influenza surveillance map, added a new color — purple — to indicate an extremely high level of flu activity. As of Nov.
OCHS juniors Jaylen Banks, left, Kenyon Pass and Elijah Hood talk with Rick Chatfield, an operations manager at Yancey Bros. Co., at the college and career fair on Oct. 26. Representatives from colleges, businesses and the military talked with students about post-graduation job opportunities. (Photo/Megan Fitzgerald)

OCHS juniors Jaylen Banks, left, Kenyon Pass and Elijah Hood talk with Rick Chatfield, an operations manager at Yancey Bros. Co., at the college and career fair on Oct. 26. Representatives from colleges, businesses and the military talked with students about post-graduation job opportunities. (Photo/Megan Fitzgerald)

Strong relationships lead to strong graduation rates

Emily Rose Hamby and Megan Fitzgerald
Thursday, November 17, 2022
Melissa McGarity describes the moment seniors walk across the graduation stage at Oglethorpe County High School as bittersweet.    “It’s such a proud day,” said McGarity, an OCHS counselor for 10th and 12th grade students.
Boldly patterned, floor to ceiling curtains in one of Linda Parish’s front rooms serve as a focal point. (Photo/Erin Kenney)

Boldly patterned, floor to ceiling curtains in one of Linda Parish’s front rooms serve as a focal point. (Photo/Erin Kenney)

The star treatment

Erin Kenney
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
Anyone who has shopped for window treatments knows the options are endless. Roman shades or pleated drapes? Minimalist blinds or chunky shutters? What about swags, valances and cornices?
A two-bedroom, two-bath home at 242 N. Upson St. in Lexington is listed for $219,900. (SUBMITTED PHOTO/TRACEY BRILL, BERNSTEIN AND CO. REALTY)

A two-bedroom, two-bath home at 242 N. Upson St. in Lexington is listed for $219,900. (SUBMITTED PHOTO/TRACEY BRILL, BERNSTEIN AND CO. REALTY)

What’s on the market: Homes with porches

Celia Lovell and Christa Bugg
Monday, November 14, 2022
Oglethorpe County’s real estate market includes listings that showcase quaint and expansive porches. Here are three homes, built between the early 1900s and the early 2000s, on the market at a range of prices, with porches as part of the curb appeal.   242 N. Upson St.
(Kennedy Lewis/The Oglethorpe Echo)

(Kennedy Lewis/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Rayle EMC warns of telephone scams

Kennedy Lewis
Thursday, November 10, 2022
Rayle Electric Membership Corporation advised its customers to be wary of an increase in scams.  Karen Chafin, the manager of administrative services, said the scam is reminiscent of ones it has seen in the past.