Local News

This image shows the participating counties in the Feral Swine District Initiative. The initiative was implemented to help reduce feral swine population through the state of Georgia. (Georgia Association of Conservation Districts/The Oglethorpe Echo)

This image shows the participating counties in the Feral Swine District Initiative. The initiative was implemented to help reduce feral swine population through the state of Georgia. (Georgia Association of Conservation Districts/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Be careful processing feral swine

Jack Rhodes
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Deer season ended Jan. 8, causing some in Oglethorpe County to turn toward alternate sources of meat — like feral swine.    Nature’s Harvest Meat Co., which processed more than 3,000 deer this past season, has seen an uptick in demand for feral swine.
Assistant chief Cody Gibbs (left) gives a Firefighter of the Year award to Crawford assistant chief Ryan Martin at the Oglethorpe County Fire Rescue Banquet on Saturday. Martin also serves as a firefighter for Athens-Clarke County. (Submitted photo/Cody Gibbs)

Assistant chief Cody Gibbs (left) gives a Firefighter of the Year award to Crawford assistant chief Ryan Martin at the Oglethorpe County Fire Rescue Banquet on Saturday. Martin also serves as a firefighter for Athens-Clarke County. (Submitted photo/Cody Gibbs)

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First-responders recognized for service at annual banquet

Brooke Stewart
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Assistant Chief Cody Gibbs knows first-hand that being a first-responder is difficult.   And in a year with more emergency calls than normal, Gibbs said emergency personnel are “spending time away from their families or spending time away from friends.
Jamie Lewis, co-owner of the Rowdy Rooster in Lexington, is known for her culinary skills, whether it's scones, sandwiches or soups. (RAMON ELORTONDO/OGLETHORPE ECHO)

Jamie Lewis, co-owner of the Rowdy Rooster in Lexington, is known for her culinary skills, whether it's scones, sandwiches or soups. (RAMON ELORTONDO/OGLETHORPE ECHO)

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Local Flavor

Ramon Elortondo
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Jamie Lewis is a unique kind of chef. Fusing her culinary skills with a career in education, her style has become a favorite for many who visit the Rowdy Rooster in Lexington on Fridays and Saturdays.
Bill Sampson (Submitted Photo)

Bill Sampson (Submitted Photo)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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.