Local News

Michael White, the director at the recreation department, recently oversaw the construction of a new facility. (Sarah White/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Michael White, the director at the recreation department, recently oversaw the construction of a new facility. (Sarah White/The Oglethorpe Echo)

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New gym meets public's needs

Thomas Ehlers
Thursday, January 13, 2022
Allen Stewart understood that a new gym was needed. After watching his children play basketball through the years, he saw firsthand the struggles teams faced in scheduling gym time.   “We went to do all-stars, and we had to go to Rabun County because we didn’t have a gym,” Stewart said.

COVID-19 cases on rise across Oglethorpe County

Julianna Duennes Russ
Thursday, January 13, 2022
  COVID-19 numbers have jumped in Oglethorpe County since the start of 2022.   There have been 210 reported cases in the county since Dec. 31, tripling the number of 72 reported for the final two weeks of 2021, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health’s Daily Status Report.

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OCPS interim principal in place this semester

Thomas Ehlers
Thursday, January 13, 2022
  Keith Goodwin had called Oglethorpe County Schools home for more than 20 years of his professional career. Now, he’s returning for another stint — as the Oglethorpe County Primary School interim principal.   The former teacher, coach and administrator began his interim role on Jan.
Crews from Oglethorpe County Public Works, including Tommy Wood in the dump truck and Logan Gabriel in the loader, clear debris from Brown’s Chapel Road. (Submitted Photo)

Crews from Oglethorpe County Public Works, including Tommy Wood in the dump truck and Logan Gabriel in the loader, clear debris from Brown’s Chapel Road. (Submitted Photo)

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Crews clean up after wind, rain

Julianna Duennes Russ
Thursday, January 6, 2022
County and utility crews spent the early part of this week clearing roads and restoring power throughout Oglethorpe County following storms early Monday morning.   Rayle EMC confirmed 6,200 outages were reported in the 10 area counties it serves.
The Oglethorpe County Board of Commissioners voted to extend the use the Quick Response Vehicle (QRV) for another six months. The QRV is equipped like an ambulance but can’t transport patients. (Submitted Photo)

The Oglethorpe County Board of Commissioners voted to extend the use the Quick Response Vehicle (QRV) for another six months. The QRV is equipped like an ambulance but can’t transport patients. (Submitted Photo)

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County keeps rescue truck

Maddie Brechtel
Thursday, January 6, 2022
Oglethorpe County’s emergency quick response vehicle (QRV) will be around another six months.   The Oglethorpe County Board of Commissioners voted to extend the project — after a lengthy discussion — during its monthly meeting on Monday.
Fred Gretsch has branched from his family’s heritage in the musical instrument business and opened G Brand BBQ in Crawford. (Photo/Sarah White)

Fred Gretsch has branched from his family’s heritage in the musical instrument business and opened G Brand BBQ in Crawford. (Photo/Sarah White)

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Making his own mark in the BBQ biz

Alden Lisse
Thursday, January 6, 2022
A well-known musical instrument company with 138 years of family ownership in its history has ties to a barbecue restaurant in Crawford.   Gretsch Music has manufactured guitars and drums since 1883, which have been sold to celebrities and music fans alike for generations.

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‘Right to Farm’ to be in General Assembly

Dave Williams
Thursday, January 6, 2022
ATLANTA — After a year in limbo, “Right to Farm” legislation being pushed by groups representing the farming and livestock industries will be back before the General Assembly this winter.
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Brightwell offers full ride for town’s students

Mackenzie Tanner
Thursday, January 6, 2022
  All is bright for Maxeys residents who live within a 1-mile radius of a marker in the middle of town, marking A.T. Brightwell’s former home.    For more than 60 years, the giving spirit of both Brightwell and his son Guy Brightwell have lived on through the A.T.