Local News

Emily Graham (left), Addie Dellinger (center), Carrie Tweedell (right) are all from Oglethorpe County and now part of the University of Georgia majorettes. (Submitted Photo)

Emily Graham (left), Addie Dellinger (center), Carrie Tweedell (right) are all from Oglethorpe County and now part of the University of Georgia majorettes. (Submitted Photo)

OCHS grads take UGA majorette line by storm

Nimra Ahmad
Saturday, October 8, 2022
On the day the University of Georgia majorettes announced its line, Emily Graham anxiously refreshed her email. The Lexington native and Oglethorpe County High School graduate was supposed to know that evening whether her dream had come true, or not.    At 6:02 p.m.
(Andrea Gutierrez/The Oglethorpe Echo)

(Andrea Gutierrez/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Q&A: Pitts’ practice is a family affair

Andrea Gutierrez
Saturday, October 8, 2022
Nestled between historic downtown buildings in Lexington, Oglethorpe Ear, Nose & Throat stands out with its clean, modern look and sleek interior design. But at the heart of the practice, Dr. Robert Pitts keeps close to his roots in Oglethorpe County.
Exterior of the Tax Commissioner office in Oglethorpe County (File/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Exterior of the Tax Commissioner office in Oglethorpe County (File/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Q&A: Caldwell provides clarity to tax increase

Bobby Andrews
Saturday, October 8, 2022
Kem Caldwell, the chief tax appraiser for Oglethorpe County, explains what the tax appraisal process looks like and why taxes increased since last year.   This Q&A has been edited for length and clarity.   Q: How does the tax appraisal process work?
Leslie Jones was appointed president of Oglethorpe County Retired Educator's Association in July 2022. (Emily Rose Hamby/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Leslie Jones was appointed president of Oglethorpe County Retired Educator's Association in July 2022. (Emily Rose Hamby/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Jones to emphasize growth as OCREA president

Emily Rose Hamby
Saturday, October 8, 2022
When Leslie Jones called the Oglethorpe County Retired Educators Association (OCREA) meeting to order as its new president on Sept. 13, her vision for supporting the teachers and staff of the county was built on empathy.   “I mean, we were there one time,” Jones said.

IRS approves Echo’s nonprofit status

News Staff
Saturday, October 8, 2022
The wait is over.     After 10 months of anticipation, The Oglethorpe Echo’s application for 501(c)(3) nonprofit status has been approved by the IRS.    Amy Stone, secretary of The Oglethorpe Echo Legacy Inc., received official notification this week.
Well-known artist Rebecca Wood stands at the door of her Lexington home, one of many downtown Lexington locations on the Art Crawl on Saturday. (Megan Fitzgerald/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Well-known artist Rebecca Wood stands at the door of her Lexington home, one of many downtown Lexington locations on the Art Crawl on Saturday. (Megan Fitzgerald/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Art Crawl on tap for Saturday

Lily Baldwin
Saturday, October 8, 2022
Three years — and one week later — the Art Crawl returns to Lexington.   The event, which had been on hiatus because of COVID-19, was scheduled to be held last Saturday, but organizers postponed it to Oct. 8 out of precaution when Hurricane Ian was predicted to move through Northeast Georgia.
Miss Oglethorpe Princess Lilah Trejo, holds bucket for donations to support Jacob Dake, Oglethorpe County high school, Sept. 29, 2022. Dake was in a motorcycle accident on Sept. 15, and has had extensive surgeries since. (Aisha Shulz/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Miss Oglethorpe Princess Lilah Trejo, holds bucket for donations to support Jacob Dake, Oglethorpe County high school, Sept. 29, 2022. Dake was in a motorcycle accident on Sept. 15, and has had extensive surgeries since. (Aisha Shulz/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Pass the BBQ, buckets: County helps support Dake family through fundraisers

Aisha Schulz
Saturday, October 8, 2022
When local business owner Hazel Sanders heard about Jacob Dake’s accident, she knew she had to do something.    “He’s my customer, and I’ve been taking care of him for years,” said Sanders, of Hazel’s Hair Salon in Lexington. “He’s one of my babies.