Local News

Wingate Downs converted his photography studio into a cabin called Oak Ridge Lodge. It and the surrounding 20 acres have become a popular destination for wedding and fans of Georgia football opponents. (Submitted Photo)

Wingate Downs converted his photography studio into a cabin called Oak Ridge Lodge. It and the surrounding 20 acres have become a popular destination for wedding and fans of Georgia football opponents. (Submitted Photo)

Oglethorpe County rentals growing in popularity

Mackenzie Tanner
Thursday, December 2, 2021
Jim Cabaniss’ 7,200-square-foot home in Stephens is so popular it's booked from next May through August.   “I am drawing out-of-state people, nobody from Georgia,” he said.

District looks at new K-5 building idea

Thomas Ehlers
Thursday, November 25, 2021
A new K-5 school might be coming to Oglethorpe County.   School Superintendent Beverley Levine met with teachers from both the elementary and primary schools last Friday to discuss plans to develop and build a new kindergarten through fifth grade school behind the current elementary school.

Grant could bring broadband to county

Maddie Brechtel
Thursday, November 25, 2021
The Oglethorpe County Economic Development Authority recently applied for $20 million in federal funds to build out broadband. The authority partnered with Kinetic by Windstream, which is the primary provider of telephone service in the county.
Oglethorpe County Emergency Medical Services plans to return to the Target in Athens for two more days of Fill the Ambulance on Nov. 26 and 27. The donations help support children in foster care. (Photo/Julianna Russ)

Oglethorpe County Emergency Medical Services plans to return to the Target in Athens for two more days of Fill the Ambulance on Nov. 26 and 27. The donations help support children in foster care. (Photo/Julianna Russ)

EMS hosts Fill the Ambulance donation drive

Julianna Duennes Russ
Thursday, November 25, 2021
Helping children in foster care is especially close to the heart of Ryan Hollingsworth, a paramedic with Oglethorpe County Emergency Medical Services. He adopted his own children through Nightlight Foster Care, which motivated him to start a donation drive.

OCHS takes steps to ensure that U.S. flag is flying

News Staff
Thursday, November 25, 2021
Oglethorpe County High School is making changes to make sure the American flag is properly displayed on its property.   Oglethorpe County resident Mike Crawford noticed the flag had not been raised during the school day on several occasions. So he contacted the district and other officials.
Oglethorpe County Middle School eighth-grade students Lyla Bryant, Ellen Hgay, Ermon Lewis, Devyn Patrick and Madison Rader are the recipients of the REACH scholarship. The REACH program provides a $10,000 scholarship for each selected student. (Photo/Sarah White)

Oglethorpe County Middle School eighth-grade students Lyla Bryant, Ellen Hgay, Ermon Lewis, Devyn Patrick and Madison Rader are the recipients of the REACH scholarship. The REACH program provides a $10,000 scholarship for each selected student. (Photo/Sarah White)

OCMS recognizes REACH scholars

Thomas Ehlers
Thursday, November 25, 2021
Ermon Lewis said he wants to become an entrepreneur and start his own business. He’s still about 4½ years from graduating high school, but thanks to a scholarship opportunity, he’s closer to achieving his goals.
Gary Palmer talks with visitors at the Christmas Market in Crawford on Nov. 21. Palmer makes wooden toys and other items by hand and sells them with his wife, Naomi Palmer, who also handmakes decorations and items. (Photo/Sarah White)

Gary Palmer talks with visitors at the Christmas Market in Crawford on Nov. 21. Palmer makes wooden toys and other items by hand and sells them with his wife, Naomi Palmer, who also handmakes decorations and items. (Photo/Sarah White)

A Christmas Market in Crawford

Sarah White
Thursday, November 25, 2021
Thomas Ehlers/The Oglethorpe Echo

Thomas Ehlers/The Oglethorpe Echo

Graduation rate at 94%, above state

Thomas Ehlers
Thursday, November 18, 2021
  Beverley Levine is quick to spread the credit.   Oglethorpe County Schools’ graduation rate of 94% continues the district’s streak of surpassing the state average, which was 83.7% in 2021, according to graduation data released by Georgia Department of Education on Oct. 21.
Volunteers for the Community Christmas charitable group post for a photo at an event in 2020. (Submitted Photo)

Volunteers for the Community Christmas charitable group post for a photo at an event in 2020. (Submitted Photo)

Growth of Community Christmas continues Drewry's vision, goals

Alden Lisse
Thursday, November 18, 2021
Twenty-five years ago, Catherine Drewry was looking for a way to donate toys to kids who likely wouldn’t receive any for Christmas.   “I thought, well surely, some neighbors and I could get together and maybe we could sponsor a family,” Drewry said.   She set out to do just that.