Local News

Security devices, including cameras, locks and buzzer systems, are at the doors of the county’s schools. (Photo/Jack Casey)

Security devices, including cameras, locks and buzzer systems, are at the doors of the county’s schools. (Photo/Jack Casey)

Security plan designed to keep children safe

Sarah Evans
Thursday, August 4, 2022
Oglethorpe County parent Chris Busbin is apprehensive about his two children attending school this year.   “It makes me a little nervous with everything that's happened, you know, across the country,” Busbin said. “Because we're in a small town. Just like they were in Texas.
(Graphic/Andy Johnston)

(Graphic/Andy Johnston)

COVID-19 cases on rise in county

Caitlin Farmer
Thursday, July 28, 2022
Oglethorpe County didn’t escape the latest COVID-19 surge.   There were 33 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the county over a two-week period ending July 20, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health’s COVID-19 County Indicator Report.
The Branded Cowboy Church Wranglers provide the music for the Branded Cowboy Church, which meets monthly at Double H Ranch in Smithonia. (Submitted Photo)

The Branded Cowboy Church Wranglers provide the music for the Branded Cowboy Church, which meets monthly at Double H Ranch in Smithonia. (Submitted Photo)

Church puts own mark on worship

Morgan Quinn
Thursday, July 28, 2022
Horace Hudson hosted “Western weekends'' for more than 20 years on his Double H Ranch on Beaverdam Road in Smithonia after retiring as a UGA professor and rodeo team coach in 2005.

News Roundup: Gray installed to legion post

News Staff
Thursday, July 28, 2022
George Gray, American Legion Squadron 123 adjutant, recently was installed as commander of Georgia’s 4,400-member Sons of the American Legion organization at the state American Legion Convention.

New bazaar to benefit library

Sarah Evans
Thursday, July 28, 2022
Oglethorpe County Friends of the Library member Peggy Hroma wants to provide new opportunities to local artists at the upcoming Arts & Crafts Bazaar and Book Sale.
The Smith-Turner House has been an ongoing project since before Blair Dorminey purchased the property in 2019. Preservation architect Joe Smith has been involved for six years and is glad to be working with an owner determined to see the renovation finalized. (Submitted Photo)

The Smith-Turner House has been an ongoing project since before Blair Dorminey purchased the property in 2019. Preservation architect Joe Smith has been involved for six years and is glad to be working with an owner determined to see the renovation finalized. (Submitted Photo)

Smith-Turner House is work in progress

Kate Hoffman
Thursday, July 28, 2022
For years, Athens attorney Blair Dorminey would pass the Smith-Turner House at 307 West Main Street in Lexington on his way to work. With a personal interest in historic homes, he wondered why no one had touched it.   About four years ago, a friend informed him that the property was for sale.
Todd Crowe, foreground, and Jared Johnson of Akridge Fence Company of Arnoldsville install fencing around Patriot Farm Supply on Highway 78. (Photo/Dink NeSmith)

Todd Crowe, foreground, and Jared Johnson of Akridge Fence Company of Arnoldsville install fencing around Patriot Farm Supply on Highway 78. (Photo/Dink NeSmith)

Patriot Farm Supply opens, specializes in poultry equipment

Wade Cheek
Thursday, July 28, 2022
The owners of Patriot Farm Supply hope to meet the demands of Oglethorpe County’s growing chicken industry.
Cats fill the cages at the Madison Oglethorpe Animal Shelter, but outgoing director Andrew Kitchens has helped cut the average length of stays to 30 days. (Photo/Jack Casey)

Cats fill the cages at the Madison Oglethorpe Animal Shelter, but outgoing director Andrew Kitchens has helped cut the average length of stays to 30 days. (Photo/Jack Casey)

Kitchens to step down as MOAS director

Caitlin Farmer
Thursday, July 28, 2022
Madison Oglethorpe Animal Shelter director Andrew Kitchens said he is most proud of being able to quickly move animals through the shelter to free up space for new ones.
Artist Beatrice Brown moved to Lexington in 2017 and started ButterScotch Designs. She paints barn quilts and makes traditional patchwork quilts for beds. (Jack Casey/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Artist Beatrice Brown moved to Lexington in 2017 and started ButterScotch Designs. She paints barn quilts and makes traditional patchwork quilts for beds. (Jack Casey/The Oglethorpe Echo)

A new kind of quilt

Morgan Quinn
Friday, July 22, 2022
Beatrice Brown discovered her love of textiles as a young girl spending summers learning how to sew with her grandmother in Maryland.   “I saw her talent of dressmaking fit into my goal of being a fashionista. I loved it,” Brown recalled of her summer trips.
Sludge trucks, as they are called, are common sights in Oglethorpe County during the summer months. (Submitted Photo)

Sludge trucks, as they are called, are common sights in Oglethorpe County during the summer months. (Submitted Photo)

County's sludge war continues

Kate Hoffman
Friday, July 22, 2022
Dave Wynne, who owns 150 acres on Will Wynne Road, said he has dealt with the overwhelming smell from two nearby farms for about six years. The amount of flies and 18-wheelers coming down his road have increased the past three years.