Local News

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)

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‘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.
Elizabeth Palmer said her "focus was doing my best at every opportunity to learn." (Photo/ Sarah Evans)

Elizabeth Palmer said her "focus was doing my best at every opportunity to learn." (Photo/ Sarah Evans)

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OCHS graduation speeches: Valedictorian Elizabeth Palmer

News Staff
Thursday, June 16, 2022
Edited for length and clarity.   Good morning. Superintendent Levine, Oglethorpe County Board of Education, Ms. Johnson and administration, OCHS faculty and staff, community and parents here today, thank you for making all of this possible and being here.
OCHS salutatorian Myles Oliver. (Submitted Photo)

OCHS salutatorian Myles Oliver. (Submitted Photo)

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OCHS graduation speeches: Salutatorian Myles Oliver

News Staff
Thursday, June 16, 2022
Edited for length and clarity.   Well, hey everyone. Nice to see ya. Haven’t really had much time to think about introductions and all, but I’m Myles. The loud speaker may or may not have just told you that. I’ve been at this school system for all the years of my schooling, and I know most of you.

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Oglethorpe County High School Honor Roll Spring 2022

News Staff
Thursday, June 16, 2022
Ninth grade Allgood, Ava Jade  Carlan, Aidan Lane  DeJesus Benito, Olivia  Dodd, Ethan David  Forschler, Madeleine Abigail  Frankel, Bryce Nicholas  Gabriel, Beau Wynne  Gamble, Mycheala Shanae'  Hamby, Smyth Harris  Henderson, Sydnie Rae  Hitchcock, Za'Riyah Imani Anair  Hovey, Jaylyn...

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Oglethorpe County High School Principal’s List Spring 2022

News Staff
Thursday, June 16, 2022
Ninth grade  Amos, Samantha Jane Barner, Montana Nicole  Carter, Emily Paige  Duffell, Alexandra Leigh  Hardy, Khalic Tyrone  Horton, Abigail Grace  King, Jenna Lynn  McAphee, Nyah Alicia  Moo, Su EhNer  Nash, Lauren Samantha  Nguyen, Andy Vu  Palmer, Olivia Harper  Ralston, Jada...

Protect flocks during bird flu outbreak

Wade Cheek
Thursday, June 16, 2022
There’s been only one confirmed case of bird flu in Georgia, but the disease has affected 40.1 million birds in the United States this year (through June 14), according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Brooke Anderson customizes shoes, wallets, bags, clothing and other items, if requested. Customers can send pictures of the designs they want or ask her for design ideas if they’re unsure what they want. (Submitted Photo)

Brooke Anderson customizes shoes, wallets, bags, clothing and other items, if requested. Customers can send pictures of the designs they want or ask her for design ideas if they’re unsure what they want. (Submitted Photo)

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Making her mark: Anderson’s TBA Designs customizes shoes, clothing

Morgan Quinn
Thursday, June 16, 2022
Brooke Anderson, owner of TBA Designs, started customizing shoes in late 2020, turning a passion for Marvel and UGA into a creative hobby. She didn’t think she’d sell about 70 pairs by 2022.   “It was just something I got into because I wanted a pair of Marvel shoes,” Anderson said.
John Fortuna (left) and Thomas Gresham worked together to help turn the county’s old jail into a museum. (Photo/Jack Casey)

John Fortuna (left) and Thomas Gresham worked together to help turn the county’s old jail into a museum. (Photo/Jack Casey)

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Old jail now museum, available for tours

Caitlin Farmer
Thursday, June 9, 2022
It’s easy to come and go as you please from the Historic Oglethorpe County Jail these days, which is in stark contrast to when the imposing brick and granite structure housed prisoners for nearly 130 years.
Donna Wetterlund has raised $6,500 of the estimated $20,000 it will take to finish restoring the barn on her daughter's property on Elberton Road. (Photo/Jack Casey)

Donna Wetterlund has raised $6,500 of the estimated $20,000 it will take to finish restoring the barn on her daughter's property on Elberton Road. (Photo/Jack Casey)

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Family fixer-upper

Lilly Kersh
Thursday, June 9, 2022
Many people took up a hobby or a project during the pandemic. For Donna Wetterlund in Chaddsford, Pennsylvania, it was restoring an old barn on her daughter’s property from more than 800 miles away.