Local News

Fireworks explode in the night sky at Grove Chapel Church’s fireworks show on June 25. Sandy Cross Baptist Church will hold its third annual Independence Day celebration at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 2. (Photo/Morgan Quinn)

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Food and fireworks

News Staff

Thursday, June 30, 2022

Picnics. Concerts. Fishing. Swimming. Grilling burgers and hot dogs. Water skiing. Golfing. Playing patriotic music. And of course, plenty of fireworks.

Superintendent Beverley Levine (from left), Gamma Tau member Linda Banks, science instructional coach Jennifer Yauck, English-Language arts department head Elaine Kitchens and assistant superintendent Kanya Cornish celebrate the progress of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. (Submitted Photo)

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Register with Imagination Library for free books

Sarah Evans

Thursday, June 30, 2022

Jennifer Yauck's lifelong connection to Oglethorpe County inspired her to help give local children a head start on education. Yauck teaches science at Oglethorpe County High School, where she graduated in 1997.

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Motorcycle joins sheriff’s office, makes quick impact

Caitlin Farmer

Thursday, June 30, 2022

The Oglethorpe County Sheriff’s Office’s new motorcycle helped make a traffic stop before it officially reported for duty. Sheriff David Gabriel said he was driving the motorcycle back from being repainted and was behind a woman who was swerving into oncoming traffic.

Cafe Racer owner Chris Hart is expanding his restaurant to what will be a newly constructed building on West Broad Street in Athens. (Photo/Jack Casey)

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Cafe Racer to open in Athens, but keep Crawford location

Morgan Quinn

Thursday, June 30, 2022

Cafe Racer is gearing up to open a location on West Broad Street in Athens by this fall. Four years of experimenting in its trailer facing Highway 78 in Crawford gave the cafe the opportunity to polish and form its identity before moving to a bigger, more established space.

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)

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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)

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)

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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)

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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)

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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.