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Clay Reece, 18, a senior at Oglethorpe County High School, receives his sticker from election supervisor Marilyn Huff-Waller on Tuesday after voting for the first time. (Photo/Dink NeSmith)

Clay Reece, 18, a senior at Oglethorpe County High School, receives his sticker from election supervisor Marilyn Huff-Waller on Tuesday after voting for the first time. (Photo/Dink NeSmith)

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Early voting slow for general primary

Wade Cheek
Thursday, May 19, 2022
Early voting turnout in Oglethorpe County has been slow compared to previous years.   There had been 833 in-person votes submitted and 144 absentee ballots returned and accepted through May 16, which is a turnout of around 8%.
A group of seniors received the OCHS Patriot Academic award at the 2022 Honors Night on Tuesday at the OCHS auditorium. (Photo/Jack Casey)

A group of seniors received the OCHS Patriot Academic award at the 2022 Honors Night on Tuesday at the OCHS auditorium. (Photo/Jack Casey)

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Palmer selected OCHS valedictorian on Honors Night

Sarah Evans
Thursday, May 19, 2022
Elizabeth Palmer was named valedictorian of Oglethorpe County High School’s graduating class at 2022 Senior Honors Night on Tuesday in the school auditorium.   “It’s been four years of good times,” Palmer said. Her cumulative GPA is 100.3.
Members of the fifth-grade class at Oglethorpe County Elementary School graduated from the inaugural C.H.A.M.P.S. program. (Photo/Caitlin Farmer)

Members of the fifth-grade class at Oglethorpe County Elementary School graduated from the inaugural C.H.A.M.P.S. program. (Photo/Caitlin Farmer)

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First C.H.A.M.P.S. class graduates at OCES

Caitlin Farmer
Thursday, May 19, 2022
Fifth-grade students at Oglethorpe County Elementary School graduated from the county’s first year of the Choosing Healthy Activities and Methods Promoting Safety course on Monday morning.
OCHS students practice for their CNA certification, which they took earlier this month. All 24 of teacher Erin Bunch’s class passed the test earlier this month. (Photo/Darden Hearn)

OCHS students practice for their CNA certification, which they took earlier this month. All 24 of teacher Erin Bunch’s class passed the test earlier this month. (Photo/Darden Hearn)

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CNA class prepares students for entry-level nursing positions

Darden Hearn
Thursday, May 19, 2022
The certified nursing assistant program at Oglethorpe County High School provides definite insight for the students who take it.   “They either really love it, or know they don’t want to go into healthcare anymore,” said Erin Bunch, the healthcare science pathways teacher.   Bunch should know.
Miss Marigold — Roma Ellenberg, a 2021 Oglethorpe County High School graduate — rides in the Marigold Festival parade on Saturday. The festival, which is held in Winterville, resumed after a two-year hiatus. (Photo/Jack Casey)

Miss Marigold — Roma Ellenberg, a 2021 Oglethorpe County High School graduate — rides in the Marigold Festival parade on Saturday. The festival, which is held in Winterville, resumed after a two-year hiatus. (Photo/Jack Casey)

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Photo Gallery: Marigold Festival returns

Jack Casey
Thursday, May 19, 2022
Phillip Nelson has worked with the State Department of Natural Resources in Oglethorpe and surrounding counties for the past 21 years. (Submitted Photo)

Phillip Nelson has worked with the State Department of Natural Resources in Oglethorpe and surrounding counties for the past 21 years. (Submitted Photo)

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Q&A: Nelson says turkey numbers down from last year

Morgan Quinn
Thursday, May 19, 2022
State Department of Natural Resources game warden Phillip Nelson said the department made changes to this year’s turkey hunting season. The number of hunted birds declined from 146 in 2021 to 96 this year, but the bag limit was reduced from three gobblers per hunter to two this year.
Owner Jason Booth works on a guitar for a customer. Booth says it takes around 30 hours to build a guitar from start to finish. (Photo/Colt Yeargin)

Owner Jason Booth works on a guitar for a customer. Booth says it takes around 30 hours to build a guitar from start to finish. (Photo/Colt Yeargin)

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From dead wood to Deadwood

Colt Yeargin
Thursday, May 12, 2022
Jason Booth didn't see why he couldn’t step foot into the world of guitar making.    He had a background in interior trim work, so in 2004, Booth decided to build his first guitar.    The rest is history.    “It was something I was interested in, and then it became a passion.
OCHS senior Elisse Griffiths hugs Carl Young, the Chief of Oglethorpe County Fire and Rescue after the Beaverdam Volunteer Fire Department gave $2,000 to help fund HOSA’s trip to the international competition. (Photo/Jack Casey)

OCHS senior Elisse Griffiths hugs Carl Young, the Chief of Oglethorpe County Fire and Rescue after the Beaverdam Volunteer Fire Department gave $2,000 to help fund HOSA’s trip to the international competition. (Photo/Jack Casey)

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Fire department gives $2,000 for trip to HOSA conference

Jack Casey
Thursday, May 12, 2022
Oglethorpe County High School students are going to the HOSA International Leadership Conference this summer, thanks in part to a $2,000 donation from the Beaverdam Volunteer Fire Department.
Heads Up For Harry panelists (from left) Carrie Olson, Bob Sears, Stephanie Jordan, McKenzie Lawson, Robert Lovett, Spencer Mitchell, at a recent event. (Submitted Photo)

Heads Up For Harry panelists (from left) Carrie Olson, Bob Sears, Stephanie Jordan, McKenzie Lawson, Robert Lovett, Spencer Mitchell, at a recent event. (Submitted Photo)

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Q&A: Group brings awareness, support for people with mental illness

Yana Obiekwe
Thursday, May 12, 2022
When a group of college students lost one of their best friends to suicide in 2014, they sought a way to provide support for others who may have felt disempowered through the battles of mental health.
Michael Collins, a Republican candidate for the 10th Congressional District seat, lost in a runoff to Jody Hice for the same office in 2014. (Submitted Photo)

Michael Collins, a Republican candidate for the 10th Congressional District seat, lost in a runoff to Jody Hice for the same office in 2014. (Submitted Photo)

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Q&A: Collins determined to win 10th district

Wade Cheek
Thursday, May 12, 2022
Longtime Georgia businessman Mike Collins, who is a Republican candidate in the 10th District congressional race, took time to reflect on the issues and his agenda.    Comments have been edited for length and clarity.