Local News

New state policies to take effect this year

Sarah Evans
Friday, July 22, 2022
Oglethorpe County Board of Education members introduced new state laws regarding parental complaints that relate to political subjects, books and instructional materials at the Board of Education meeting on July 19.
Robbie Buchanan milks one of her Nigerian dwarf dairy goats, Ray, under a string of ribbons at Stillcrazy Farm in Maxeys in March. Buchanan said this week that the farm has 23 goats, and is expecting more during the current kidding season. (Katie Tucker/For The Oglethorpe Echo)

Robbie Buchanan milks one of her Nigerian dwarf dairy goats, Ray, under a string of ribbons at Stillcrazy Farm in Maxeys in March. Buchanan said this week that the farm has 23 goats, and is expecting more during the current kidding season. (Katie Tucker/For The Oglethorpe Echo)

No kidding around at Stillcrazy Farm

Katie Tucker
Thursday, July 14, 2022
EDITOR’S NOTE : This multimedia package was produced in conjunction with UGA photojournalism professor Mark E. Johnson and the Woodall Weekend Workshop, a photojournalism event that was held in Oglethorpe County in March. Accompanying video can be found here.
Justin Sanders

Justin Sanders

Arnoldsville development is approved

Wade Cheek
Thursday, July 14, 2022
The Oglethorpe County Board of Commissioners agreed to approve the preliminary plat for Mill Creek Meadows subdivision on Arnoldsville Road at its monthly meeting on Monday.    The item was tabled at last month’s meeting, when the commissioners had several concerns about the plat.
A 40-foot inflatable cow greets customers at the Chick-fil-A van that sets up at Crawford Pentecostal Church on Tuesdays. (Jack Casey/The Oglethorpe Echo)

A 40-foot inflatable cow greets customers at the Chick-fil-A van that sets up at Crawford Pentecostal Church on Tuesdays. (Jack Casey/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Chick-fil-A pop-up hits spot for locals

Morgan Quinn
Thursday, July 14, 2022
Lexington’s Jean Hays has a Tuesday routine. She heads to the Chick-fil-A food truck at the Crawford Pentecostal Church for lunch.    “I drive over here every Tuesday,” said Hays, who has two children. “It gives the kids a choice of having something else. They love the nuggets.
Don Uldrich (from left), Luke Barger, Todd Smith and Tracy Anderson have turned Nature’s Harvest Meat Company into a full-service butcher. Uldrich and Smith are the co-owners, and Barger and Anderson are the butchers. (Dink Nesmith/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Don Uldrich (from left), Luke Barger, Todd Smith and Tracy Anderson have turned Nature’s Harvest Meat Company into a full-service butcher. Uldrich and Smith are the co-owners, and Barger and Anderson are the butchers. (Dink Nesmith/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Nature's Harvest rebrands as butcher

Thomas Ehlers
Thursday, July 14, 2022
Oglethorpe County residents will soon have a new shop for fresh meat.    Nature’s Harvest Meat Company, a rebrand of Firetower Deer Processing, is bringing grass-fed beef, pork and lamb fresh from farms to its retail store.
The Oglethorpe Echo

The Oglethorpe Echo

Oglethorpe inmate dies in Oconee jail

Caitlin Farmer
Thursday, July 14, 2022
An Oglethorpe County inmate being held at the Oconee County Jail died July 5 after she was found unresponsive in her cell.    The Georgia Bureau of Investigation confirmed Tinieceseia Devona Collins, of Lexington  Carlton Road in Carlton, died. The GBI is investigating the death.
Diane Thiel has written 12 books, including her latest, which is called “Questions from Outer Space." (Submitted Photo)

Diane Thiel has written 12 books, including her latest, which is called “Questions from Outer Space." (Submitted Photo)

Author with local connections to discuss new book

Sarah Evans
Thursday, July 14, 2022
The Oglethorpe County Library will host Diane Thiel — an author with connections to the county — to talk about her newly released book: “Questions from Outer Space” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 19.
Pigmy rattlesnake (J.D. Willson, SREL/Submitted Photo)

Pigmy rattlesnake (J.D. Willson, SREL/Submitted Photo)

Summer means snakes

Lilly Kersh
Thursday, July 7, 2022
As people spend more time outdoors, encounters with snakes are much more likely than in other times of the year. There are many misconceptions about the reptiles, as well as many safety tips to keep in mind in case you encounter a snake this summer.
Arnoldsville resident Michaela Guest said the city’s water has caused rings to form around the toilets in her bathrooms. (Submitted Photo)

Arnoldsville resident Michaela Guest said the city’s water has caused rings to form around the toilets in her bathrooms. (Submitted Photo)

Arnoldsville residents upset about city water

Kate Hoffman
Thursday, July 7, 2022
Arnoldsville resident A.J. Herrera posted a picture of “greenish yellow” bathtub water in an Oglethorpe County Facebook group last month, sparking a discussion about water quality in the city.