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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)

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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)

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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)

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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.
Kay Remar (from left), Scott Kennedy, Tom Remar and Heather Clark have come together to form Miss6on, a nonprofit organization to help veterans and their families throughout the Athens area. (Katie Tucker/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Kay Remar (from left), Scott Kennedy, Tom Remar and Heather Clark have come together to form Miss6on, a nonprofit organization to help veterans and their families throughout the Athens area. (Katie Tucker/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Organization is on a mission

Katie Tucker and Thomas Bresee
Thursday, November 10, 2022
Veteran and Oglethorpe County resident Michael Mathe admits he feels awkward when non-military “civilians” tell him, “Thank you for your service.” Even on Veterans Day, which is Friday, he would rather stay at home instead of participating in a ceremony or celebration.
Gary Palmer talks with visitors at the Christmas Market last year. Palmer makes wooden toys and other items by hand and sells them at markets with his wife, Naomi Palmer, who also handmakes decorations and items.(Staff/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Gary Palmer talks with visitors at the Christmas Market last year. Palmer makes wooden toys and other items by hand and sells them at markets with his wife, Naomi Palmer, who also handmakes decorations and items.(Staff/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Food, gifts, financial assistance available during holidays

Dawn Sawyer and Jack Rhodes and Julianna Duennes Russ and Sydney Hood
Thursday, November 10, 2022
Various organizations throughout the Northeast Georgia region are teaming up to provide assistance to those in need this holiday season. Nonprofits, churches and businesses are assisting with food insecurity, holiday gifts and more in ways that demonstrate a spirit of community and service.
Lanier Rhodes, who is state Rep. Trey Rhodes’ dad, campaigns outside Lexington Baptist Church on Tuesday. Rhodes defeated Democratic challenger Kat Howkins, of Winterville, in the Georgia House District 124 race.

Lanier Rhodes, who is state Rep. Trey Rhodes’ dad, campaigns outside Lexington Baptist Church on Tuesday. Rhodes defeated Democratic challenger Kat Howkins, of Winterville, in the Georgia House District 124 race.

Senate race likely going to a runoff

Aisha Schulz
Thursday, November 10, 2022
With all eyes on Georgia during Tuesday’s midterm election, one race in particular likely will have to wait until December for a decision.  Sen.

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Broadband back on EDA’s agenda

Bobby Andrews
Thursday, November 10, 2022
Broadband is back on the agenda for the Oglethorpe County Economic Development Authority, alongside discussions about Paladin. The meeting, which is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15, is open to the public.
Anthony Prillaman, the director of the National Agricultural Statistics Service’s Southern Region, said the data from the 2022 ag census will help make “really critical decisions.”

Anthony Prillaman, the director of the National Agricultural Statistics Service’s Southern Region, said the data from the 2022 ag census will help make “really critical decisions.”

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Data from 2022 ag census critical for future of farming

Erin Kenney
Thursday, November 10, 2022
One hundred and ninety eight million dollars. No, that’s not the next Powerball jackpot. That was the total market value of agricultural products sold in Oglethorpe County in 2017, according to data from that year’s Census of Agriculture.

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BOC approves additional expenses for Sheriff’s Office

Katie Tucker
Thursday, November 10, 2022
The Oglethorpe County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved additional funding for the Oglethorpe County Sheriff’s Office at this month’s meeting on Monday.  The funding covers a new reporting system and an increase in the E911 budget.