Local News

Howard Sanders (Submitted Photo)

Howard Sanders (Submitted Photo)

Recount confirms District 1 outcome

News Staff
Friday, June 24, 2022
A recount of the votes cast in the Oglethorpe County Commission District 1 runoff confirmed that Howard Sanders defeated Phil Sanders 140-133 for the seat.   The recount, which was called by the Board of Elections, occurred on June 22, the morning after the election.
Oglethorpe County coroner and 911 director James "Junior" Jackson has had many jobs and titles throughout his career in law enforcement and public service. (Photo/Jack Casey)

Oglethorpe County coroner and 911 director James "Junior" Jackson has had many jobs and titles throughout his career in law enforcement and public service. (Photo/Jack Casey)

Jack(son) of all trades

Caitlin Farmer
Thursday, June 23, 2022
James Jackson answers to many names.    There's his given name. And then there's "Captain." But most folks know him as "Junior."   And if it’s possible, his many jobs and passions outnumber his names.
(Graphic/Lilly Kersh)

(Graphic/Lilly Kersh)

Narrowest of margins

Wade Cheek
Thursday, June 23, 2022
UPDATE: Recount confirms District 1 outcome   Howard Sanders defeated incumbent and cousin Phil Sanders for the District 1 Board of Commissioners seat by only seven votes (140-133) in the runoff on Tuesday.    After only receiving 31.
(Graphic/Lilly Kersh)

(Graphic/Lilly Kersh)

County property taxes on the rise

Kate Hoffman
Thursday, June 23, 2022
Property values increased 20% for the average Oglethorpe County household this year, said Deputy Chief Appraiser Kim Knudsen of the Tax Assessor’s Office.
Brandy Epps huddles children in the 1-year-old class for circle time. These times include storytelling, identifying colors and singing songs. (Photo/Sarah Evans)

Brandy Epps huddles children in the 1-year-old class for circle time. These times include storytelling, identifying colors and singing songs. (Photo/Sarah Evans)

Oglethorpe Children’s Academy provides place for learning, play

Sarah Evans
Thursday, June 23, 2022
Magic shows, canvas painting, water slides, and treats from a Kona Ice truck are just some of the activities for children to enjoy during summer camp at Oglethorpe Children’s Academy.    “Parents have to work, so they bring (their children) here for their summer camp,” said owner Melanee McGee.
The Oglethorpe County Library and its board of trustees are looking for ways to replace the fluorescent lights in and around the building. (Photo/Jack Casey)

The Oglethorpe County Library and its board of trustees are looking for ways to replace the fluorescent lights in and around the building. (Photo/Jack Casey)

Library looks for ways to upgrade to LED lights

Wade Cheek
Thursday, June 23, 2022
The Oglethorpe County Library Board of Trustees is exploring options to replace the facility’s outdated fluorescent lighting.
The cast of “Big Fish” rehearses for Arts!Oglethorpe’s second production since 2020. The organization also performed “Bright Star” last summer. (Photo/Jack Casey)

The cast of “Big Fish” rehearses for Arts!Oglethorpe’s second production since 2020. The organization also performed “Bright Star” last summer. (Photo/Jack Casey)

Arts!Oglethorpe hits stage with ‘Big Fish’

Sarah Evans
Thursday, June 23, 2022
When planning to direct Arts!Oglethorpe’s production of “Big Fish,” Brian Jones thought that the musical’s fantastical exploration of a father-son relationship would resonate with audiences.
Tamita Brown throws non-GMO feed to chickens on Caribe United, her farm in Crawford in March. She and her husband Gabriel own about 1,000 birds on pasture and produce around 300 eggs per day, which she sells at markets in Athens and Atlanta. (Photo/Basil Terhune for The Oglethorpe Echo)

Tamita Brown throws non-GMO feed to chickens on Caribe United, her farm in Crawford in March. She and her husband Gabriel own about 1,000 birds on pasture and produce around 300 eggs per day, which she sells at markets in Athens and Atlanta. (Photo/Basil Terhune for The Oglethorpe Echo)

Never-ending egg hunt

Basil Terhune
Thursday, June 16, 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.
Mike Collins, who is in a runoff with Vernon Jones for the 10th District U.S. House of Representatives seat, made a campaign stop at the Oglethorpe County Courthouse on Tuesday. (Photo/Jack Casey)

Mike Collins, who is in a runoff with Vernon Jones for the 10th District U.S. House of Representatives seat, made a campaign stop at the Oglethorpe County Courthouse on Tuesday. (Photo/Jack Casey)

Sanders cousins prepared for runoff

Wade Cheek
Thursday, June 16, 2022
The Oglethorpe County District 1 Board of Commissioners runoff will be decided between incumbent Lewis “Phil” Sanders and Howard Sanders during the runoff election on Tuesday, June 21.   The cousins feel confident about their campaigns and have been competitive while remaining friendly relatives.
Steve Jones, a sergeant with the Oglethorpe County Sheriff’s Office, has worked in law enforcement for 30 years, and has lived in Oglethorpe County all his life. He has made the difficult decision to retire due to his health. (Photo/Lilly Kersh)

Steve Jones, a sergeant with the Oglethorpe County Sheriff’s Office, has worked in law enforcement for 30 years, and has lived in Oglethorpe County all his life. He has made the difficult decision to retire due to his health. (Photo/Lilly Kersh)

‘That's what Oglethorpe’s about’

Lilly Kersh
Thursday, June 16, 2022
Steve Jones loves his family, hunting, fishing and his community. Born and raised in Oglethorpe County, his 30 years in law enforcement are a testament to his love for the place he grew up.