Local News

Former Maxeys mayor William Winkle died from a medical episode and the Maxeys Country Store was destroyed by fire in January. (Photo/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Former Maxeys mayor William Winkle died from a medical episode and the Maxeys Country Store was destroyed by fire in January. (Photo/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Biggest stories of 2021

Julianna Duennes Russ
Thursday, December 30, 2021
COVID-19 continues The pandemic continued in 2021. Early in the year, the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) set up a website displaying data regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, sortable by county.
Evelyn Reece touches the interior of a stained glass window in the former Lexington Presbyterian Church earlier this month. The windows were recently restored with the help of funds received from a grant written by Reece. (Photo/Sarah White)

Evelyn Reece touches the interior of a stained glass window in the former Lexington Presbyterian Church earlier this month. The windows were recently restored with the help of funds received from a grant written by Reece. (Photo/Sarah White)

Grant helps kick-start restoration

Sarah White
Thursday, December 30, 2021
Evelyn Reece and the Historic Preservation Commission knew restorations were needed for the old Lexington Presbyterian Church when it closed in 2015 and the building was acquired by the city.   “The windows were an emergency situation,” she said.
Austin Gabriel, a 2018 Oglethorpe County High School grad, and his Ranger challenge team, will represent the University of North Georgia at the Sandhurst Military Skills competition at the U.S. Military Academy in April. (Submitted Photo)

Austin Gabriel, a 2018 Oglethorpe County High School grad, and his Ranger challenge team, will represent the University of North Georgia at the Sandhurst Military Skills competition at the U.S. Military Academy in April. (Submitted Photo)

OCHS grad Gabriel up for Ranger challenge

Thomas Ehlers
Thursday, December 30, 2021
At 0600, when many college students are still sleeping, Austin Gabriel is up and ready for his first round of physical training.
Kevin "Chappy" Hynes places a wreath on the grave of a veteran during the National Wreaths Across America Day at Winterville Cemetery. (Submitted Photo/Sharon Doherty)

Kevin "Chappy" Hynes places a wreath on the grave of a veteran during the National Wreaths Across America Day at Winterville Cemetery. (Submitted Photo/Sharon Doherty)

Winterville group honors veterans with wreaths event

News Staff
Thursday, December 30, 2021
Volunteers, including many children, placed wreaths on the graves of veterans during the National Wreaths Across America Day at Winterville Cemetery on Dec. 18.   Denise Van Wicklen organized the Winterville ceremony that included opening remarks and moderation of the ceremony by C/Capt.

Primary school principal plans to retire soon

Thomas Ehlers
Thursday, December 23, 2021
Oglethorpe County Primary School will soon have a new principal.   Pam Shields will return as principal of OCPS after holiday break, but will retire shortly after that, Oglethorpe County School Board chair Becky Soto said.    An official retirement date hasn’t been determined.    “Mrs.
Cherokee Corner is marked by signs showing the direction of the curve. (Photo/Sarah White)

Cherokee Corner is marked by signs showing the direction of the curve. (Photo/Sarah White)

Wrecks always issue at Cherokee Corner

Julianna Duennes Russ
Thursday, December 23, 2021
Don't have time to read? Listen here instead.   Mary Nouri is used to hearing about traffic accidents along Cherokee Corner.    She grew up in a house near the infamous curve on U.S. Highway 78, just inside Oglethorpe County’s boundary with Athens-Clarke County.
Oglethorpe County Emergency Services' new Quick Response Vehicle (QRV), which is equipped like an ambulance but doesn't transport people, has already proven it's worth, agency leaders say. (Submitted Photo)

Oglethorpe County Emergency Services' new Quick Response Vehicle (QRV), which is equipped like an ambulance but doesn't transport people, has already proven it's worth, agency leaders say. (Submitted Photo)

New quick response vehicle meets needs

Julianna Duennes Russ
Thursday, December 23, 2021
Oglethorpe County Emergency Services has been one of the heaviest users of mutual aid resources in the region the past decade. However, the recent purchase of a Quick Response Vehicle (QRV) is already changing that need.

Here's how to contact your elected officials

News Staff
Thursday, December 23, 2021
The core of The Oglethorpe Echo’s mission is to keep you informed. That’s what we’ve done for 148 years. Whether you live in Arnoldsville, Maxeys, Crawford, Lexington or in the outskirts of our large rural county, you need to know how to contact your local, state and federal elected officials.