Local News

Oglethorpe County Rotary Club founding charter members pose with current president Susan Sharp in front of the chapter’s flag. Roger Neesmith (from left), Sharp, John Stephens and Bill Cabaniss are pictured. (ELOISE MCNAIR/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO

Oglethorpe County Rotary Club founding charter members pose with current president Susan Sharp in front of the chapter’s flag. Roger Neesmith (from left), Sharp, John Stephens and Bill Cabaniss are pictured. (ELOISE MCNAIR/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO

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Rotary chapter celebrates 30 years

Eloise McNair
Friday, April 15, 2022
There is plenty of camaraderie, coffee and muffins at the Oglethorpe County Rotary Club’s weekly meetings in the conference room of Farm Bureau Insurance in Crawford. But most important, there’s a lot of discussion about preserving and improving the communities around the county.
SUBMITTED PHOTO

SUBMITTED PHOTO

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New tick-borne disease detected in Georgia

Aly Hertzog
Friday, April 15, 2022
Tick season comes with a new potential threat: the Heartland virus. Researchers have confirmed in a study published by Emory University that the Heartland virus is actively circulating in Georgia through the lone star tick.
The Asian Tiger mosquito, the most common mosquito species found in Georgia. Mosquitoes are a dangerous pest in Oglethorpe County, responsible for transmitting and spreading multiple po- tentially fatal viruses. (SUSAN ELLIS/BUGWOOD.ORG)

The Asian Tiger mosquito, the most common mosquito species found in Georgia. Mosquitoes are a dangerous pest in Oglethorpe County, responsible for transmitting and spreading multiple po- tentially fatal viruses. (SUSAN ELLIS/BUGWOOD.ORG)

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Take these steps to cut down on pesky mosquitoes

Aly Hertzog
Friday, April 15, 2022
As the old saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers.”   But as the month ushers in more rain and flowers in Oglethorpe County, it also initiates the return of a familiar pest: mosquitos.
Taco’s Mexican Restaurant originally opened in 2014 and relocated to its current location in 2017. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

Taco’s Mexican Restaurant originally opened in 2014 and relocated to its current location in 2017. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

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La Cabana to replace Taco’s Restaurant

Liset Cruz
Thursday, April 14, 2022
La Cabaña de Don Juan will take the place of Taco’s Mexican Restaurant next month.   Taco’s, a beloved Mexican restaurant, has subleased its space at 777 Athens Road to La Cabaña de Don Juan owner Nicolas Lopez, who plans to open his restaurant on May 2.

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Development gains preliminary approval

Katherine Lewis
Thursday, April 14, 2022
The Oglethorpe County Board of Commissioners approved the preliminary plat for The Pines at Grove Creek, a 26.1-acre development on Bunker Hill Road in a called meeting on Monday night.
There were plenty of Easter eggs to be gathered at the Spring Out Fundraiser at Mt. Pleasant Community Church in Crawford. The church boasts that there were more than 15,000 eggs in its hunt. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

There were plenty of Easter eggs to be gathered at the Spring Out Fundraiser at Mt. Pleasant Community Church in Crawford. The church boasts that there were more than 15,000 eggs in its hunt. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

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County residents start Easter celebrations early

Sabrina Laster
Thursday, April 14, 2022
WATCH: See the egg hunt and other Oglethorpe County festivities in this video. Hundreds of residents got a jump on celebrating Easter this spring.    Local events this past weekend included the annual Family Easter Festival at Sandy Cross Baptist Church and Mt.
Wesley Gratham scoops bees from a swarm on his birdbath into a box to start cultivating on his farm in Winterville. He uses the clear container to collect the bees, then empties them into the white box to start creating a hive.(JULIA WALKUP/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO)

Wesley Gratham scoops bees from a swarm on his birdbath into a box to start cultivating on his farm in Winterville. He uses the clear container to collect the bees, then empties them into the white box to start creating a hive.(JULIA WALKUP/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO)

Sweet relief: Customers say they enjoy the benefits of local company’s THC-infused honey

Julia Walkup
Thursday, April 14, 2022
Wesley Grantham squatted near a swarm of bees on a birdbath in his backyard. A few buzzed lazily by him.   “Whenever they swarm like this, their bellies are full of honey and things, so they won’t try to sting you,” Grantham said.
OCHS Athletic Booster Club president Jennifer Frost (right) and secretary Jill Kort (left) discuss additions to the OCHS concession stand at a recent club meeting. (Meredith Boyd/The Oglethorpe Echo)

OCHS Athletic Booster Club president Jennifer Frost (right) and secretary Jill Kort (left) discuss additions to the OCHS concession stand at a recent club meeting. (Meredith Boyd/The Oglethorpe Echo)

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OCHS booster club rebounds from tough stretch

Meredith Boyd
Friday, April 8, 2022
The Oglethorpe County Athletic Booster Club may be one of the few organizations to say they benefited from the COVID-19 pandemic. Months without sports meant the group’s funds could be replenished after a theft that depleted its account.
Courtesy/Oglethorpe County Fire Rescue

Courtesy/Oglethorpe County Fire Rescue

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Vesta FD to separate from other departments

Kate Hoffman
Friday, April 8, 2022
    Station 12 Vesta Volunteer Fire Department formally requested to separate from the Oglethorpe County Fire Rescue at the Board of Commissioners meeting on April 4.
Katherine Lewis/The Oglethorpe Echo

Katherine Lewis/The Oglethorpe Echo

Candidates address sludge, broadband and more

Katherine Lewis
Friday, April 8, 2022
WATCH: Listen to what the candidates have to say about their platforms and why they think you should vote for them this upcoming primary.   The Oglethorpe County Republican Party hosted a Board of Commissioners forum on March 31 at the Oglethorpe County Library.