Local News

Members of the team involved in the creation and production of  Mirakel visit a testing lab in Daytona Beach, Florida. They include  (back, from left) Skrip Shoppe owner Tim Hansford and Don Chris- tian, and (front, from left) Cole Miller, Marcia Dixon, Ann Hansford  and Tony Gay.

Members of the team involved in the creation and production of Mirakel visit a testing lab in Daytona Beach, Florida. They include (back, from left) Skrip Shoppe owner Tim Hansford and Don Chris- tian, and (front, from left) Cole Miller, Marcia Dixon, Ann Hansford and Tony Gay.

Skrip Shoppe owner 'thrilled' by results of his new product

Tim Hansford, owner of Skrip Shoppe Pharmacy in Lexington, is also the co-creator of Mirakel, an over-the-counter topical cream.
All four teachers of the year. From left: Tim Stoudenmire, Mary Kate Shealy, Erin Serrian, Laray Mask. (Submitted Photo)

All four teachers of the year. From left: Tim Stoudenmire, Mary Kate Shealy, Erin Serrian, Laray Mask. (Submitted Photo)

Teachers of the year selected for their dedication

This year’s Oglethorpe County School teachers of the year may come as no surprise to those in their classrooms, in part, because they are being honored for their teaching techniques and student support — even after they leave their classrooms each day.
(Staff/The Oglethorpe Echo)

(Staff/The Oglethorpe Echo)

County early voting behind usual pace

Although early voting numbers across Georgia have risen by 34% since the last midterm, Oglethorpe County has seen a decrease in early voter turnout this year.    Oglethorpe County has 11,309 eligible voters; 2,852 have voted early, a turnout of 25%.
Georgia WIC serves income-eligible women, infants and children who are: infants or children aged 1-5 years old, pregnant or breastfeeding women, postpartum women (up to six months) and Georgia residents. (Andrea Gutierrez/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Georgia WIC serves income-eligible women, infants and children who are: infants or children aged 1-5 years old, pregnant or breastfeeding women, postpartum women (up to six months) and Georgia residents. (Andrea Gutierrez/The Oglethorpe Echo)

eWIC system delivers smoother experience for families

An updated electronic system has simplified grocery shopping for families with infants and small children with the introduction of eWIC by the Oglethorpe County Health Department.

Levine: Lockdown drills 'successful'

Superintendent Beverley Levine called Tuesday’s lockdown drills “successful” at the school board meeting that night.   Levine said the last lockdown drill the school system conducted was before the COVID-19 pandemic, so another drill was needed at all four of the county’s schools.

News Roundup: Rotary club holds golf tournament, more

  The Oglethorpe Rotary Club is sponsoring a golf tournament at 9 a.m. Nov. 18 at Double Oaks Golf Club in Commerce.   Prizes will be paid for winners through third place. There will also be contests for the longest drive and the closest to the pin.
The original UGA staff included (from left) Thomas Ehlers, Alden Lisse, Sarah White, Mackenzie Tanner, De Turner and Julianna Russ. Not pictured: Maddie Brechtel. They reported for The Oglethorpe Echo from October 2021 to last January. (Sarah Freeman/The Oglethorpe Echo)

The original UGA staff included (from left) Thomas Ehlers, Alden Lisse, Sarah White, Mackenzie Tanner, De Turner and Julianna Russ. Not pictured: Maddie Brechtel. They reported for The Oglethorpe Echo from October 2021 to last January. (Sarah Freeman/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Echo celebrates year of partnership

When Andy Johnston, soon-to-be editor of The Oglethorpe Echo, got a call from his boss one Friday afternoon in September of 2021, he thought he had done something wrong. But that was, in fact, the last thing on Charles Davis’ mind.
Firefighters place numbered stickers on large pads of paper to indicate their station's priorities during a meeting in the Oglethorpe County courthouse in Lexington, Georgia, on Monday, Oct. 17. (Emily Garcia/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Firefighters place numbered stickers on large pads of paper to indicate their station's priorities during a meeting in the Oglethorpe County courthouse in Lexington, Georgia, on Monday, Oct. 17. (Emily Garcia/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Small steps for fire stations

Jehu Post, Beaverdam’s fire chief, isn’t sure he’d call the planning meeting between fire stations on Oct. 17 a unity meeting, but then again, he might.    “If we (stations) all fall underneath the strategic plan, then we're all working on the same page.
Beverley Levine runs through a paper banner upon entering Oglethorpe County High School as part  of her celebration through the county schools. (Photo/Katie Tucker)

Beverley Levine runs through a paper banner upon entering Oglethorpe County High School as part of her celebration through the county schools. (Photo/Katie Tucker)

Levine celebrated as state finalist

When Oglethorpe County teams excel, the school community celebrates with a parade through the hallways of the primary, elementary, middle and high schools.