Local News

Infographic/Kennedy Lewis

Infographic/Kennedy Lewis

Early voting starts Oct. 17

Kennedy Lewis
Wednesday, October 12, 2022
Election season is underway, with early voting for the Nov. 8 midterm election beginning on Monday, Oct. 17.    Through early voting, the Oglethorpe County Board of Elections officials hope to increase voter turnout and offer convenience for citizens. Early voting ends on Nov. 4.
Artist Mary Ann Cox, who works on a new pastel still-life at her studio during the Art Crawl, took advantage of the event to meet new folks.

Artist Mary Ann Cox, who works on a new pastel still-life at her studio during the Art Crawl, took advantage of the event to meet new folks.

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Crawl introduces county to artists

Nimra Ahmad
Wednesday, October 12, 2022
Painter Mary Ann Cox moved to Lexington in 2019, right before the pandemic, so she wasn’t able to meet as many people as she would have liked. So last week’s Art Crawl was an opportunity to make acquaintances and new art patrons.
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)

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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)

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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)

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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?

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Firefly Trail remains discussion point in Arnoldsville

Troyce Grant
Saturday, October 8, 2022
The Arnoldsville City Council is continuing discussions in the planning and development of the Firefly Trail within city limits. Residents shared thoughts on the mapping and route of the trail at the Sept. 15 meeting.
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)

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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.

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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.