Local News

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

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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)

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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

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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)

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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.
Tom Gresham, who has played a key role in mapping Oglethorpe County's cemeteries, shows Church Crow features on a map. (Photo/Erin Kenney)

Tom Gresham, who has played a key role in mapping Oglethorpe County's cemeteries, shows Church Crow features on a map. (Photo/Erin Kenney)

Marking the past

Erin Kenney
Wednesday, January 25, 2023
Stepping over branches in a wooded area near Crawford, Tom Gresham had no doubt he was looking at a cemetery. As an archeologist, he sees what others may miss — rocks become grave-markers, facing east. A slumping patch of earth becomes the sunken ground where a person was buried.
Lori Hamby, who has been the park manager at Watson Mill Bridge State Park since September, said she wants to make the park one of the best in the state. (Erin Kenney/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Lori Hamby, who has been the park manager at Watson Mill Bridge State Park since September, said she wants to make the park one of the best in the state. (Erin Kenney/The Oglethorpe Echo)

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Q&A: Park manager wants to add programs at Watson Mill

Erin Kenney
Monday, January 23, 2023
In just the four months since her arrival, Lori Hamby has made Watson Mill Bridge State Park her home.    In September, she arrived as the park’s new manager, the first park manager it’s had since 2008, when it was placed under the management of Victoria Bryant State Park due to budget cuts.
Oglethorpe County property owner Joe Forrester said his lake in Goose Pond has been "totally red" for two months. His land is adjacent to the Timberland Solar Project. (Erin Kenney/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Oglethorpe County property owner Joe Forrester said his lake in Goose Pond has been "totally red" for two months. His land is adjacent to the Timberland Solar Project. (Erin Kenney/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Orange lake: Property owner upset with solar farm

Erin Kenney
Monday, January 23, 2023
Mud threatened to swallow Jeff Sharp’s boots as he traced the side of a rust-colored creek off Goose Pond Road. Looking at the creek’s murky orange water, it wasn’t hard to see that something was wrong.
Lexington would like to resolve the issue of vacant downtown buildings, including the five properties owned by Richard "Rick" Hawkins. (Dink NeSmith/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Lexington would like to resolve the issue of vacant downtown buildings, including the five properties owned by Richard "Rick" Hawkins. (Dink NeSmith/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Lexington sets date for building owner to appear

Ashley Balsavias
Monday, January 16, 2023
Lexington is working to address derelict buildings, including five downtown storefronts owned by Richard “Rick” Hawkins.    Hawkins is scheduled to appear at a municipal court hearing at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18 at city hall. Markus Boenig, an Athens attorney, will preside.
Melissa McGarity coaches the cross country teams, including her son Luke, at Oglethorpe County High School. The winter break helps her recharge for the spring semester. (Maggie Ruland/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Melissa McGarity coaches the cross country teams, including her son Luke, at Oglethorpe County High School. The winter break helps her recharge for the spring semester. (Maggie Ruland/The Oglethorpe Echo)

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School teachers, staff feel recharged for new semester

Erin Kenney
Wednesday, January 11, 2023
It’s no secret that many students love winter vacation. Holiday excitement and no school give the three-week span a certain gleam, even if the weather is dreary.    But students aren’t the only ones who enjoy the time away from the classroom.
The Georgia Broadband Availability Map shows only 54% of the county had any access to broadband internet service as of 2021. (Liset Cruz/The Oglethorpe Echo)

The Georgia Broadband Availability Map shows only 54% of the county had any access to broadband internet service as of 2021. (Liset Cruz/The Oglethorpe Echo)

County, Spectrum receive $7.9 million

News Staff
Wednesday, January 11, 2023
One word came to Nikki Hughes’ mind when she heard that Spectrum will receive $7.9 million to build out broadband infrastructure in Oglethorpe County.   “Awesome,” said Hughes, who has been an outspoken proponent for improved broadband coverage.