Local News

Penni Stoudenmire smiles in her classroom with one of her Kindergarten students after an in-class activity. Stoudenmire uses hands-on activities like this one to foster an enjoyable and engaging environment for her students. (Submitted Photo)

Penni Stoudenmire smiles in her classroom with one of her Kindergarten students after an in-class activity. Stoudenmire uses hands-on activities like this one to foster an enjoyable and engaging environment for her students. (Submitted Photo)

District teacher of the year: Stoudenmire aims to have positive influence on kids

Penni Stoudenmire sees her students not merely as pupils, but as “one big family.”   The Oglethorpe County Primary School kindergarten teacher was recently named the district teacher of the year and will represent the district at the state level.
The Maxwell family dedicates the new Oglethorpe Echo building on the 102nd anniversary of the newspaper. (Submitted Photo)

The Maxwell family dedicates the new Oglethorpe Echo building on the 102nd anniversary of the newspaper. (Submitted Photo)

Honoring the long legacy of the Echo

"Ralph Maxwell is a disappearing breed of newsman. He understood the importance of striking the balance of what a community needs to know and what was good to know. He helped maintain the charm of Oglethorpe County.
Tanner Mask (back row, from left), Randy Booth, Noah Huff-Merck, (front row, from left) Lannah Scarborough, Micah Dixon, Jennifer Dixon, Noah Dixon, Caroline Paradise Jenny Wisham, were the winners of the Patriot 5k. (Submitted Photo)

Tanner Mask (back row, from left), Randy Booth, Noah Huff-Merck, (front row, from left) Lannah Scarborough, Micah Dixon, Jennifer Dixon, Noah Dixon, Caroline Paradise Jenny Wisham, were the winners of the Patriot 5k. (Submitted Photo)

Patriot 5K raises more than $2,500 for cross country equipment

The annual Patriot 5K raised more than $2,500 this year, surpassing the goal set by Oglethorpe County cross country coach Melissa McGarity.   The funds will be used to buy uniforms, healthy snacks, water, tents, chairs, coolers, and other items for the Oglethorpe County’s cross country teams.

Program will help Arnoldsville residents with water bills

Help is coming for Arnoldsville residents who are behind on their water bills.   The city unanimously passed a proposal on Oct. 21 to offer the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP), which provides funds to assist low-income households with water and wastewater bills.

Arnoldsville council updates: Oct. 21, 2021

The Arnoldsville City Council heard updates on several continuing efforts involving the city at its monthly meeting on Oct. 21.   Here’s what happened: It was the first meeting for new city clerk Betty Coy, who was assisted by former city clerk Debbie Love.
State Bound Oglethorpe County 4-H Forestry Judging Team

State Bound Oglethorpe County 4-H Forestry Judging Team

State Bound Oglethorpe County 4-H Forestry Judging Team

The Oglethorpe County 4-H Forestry Judging Team traveled to McRae, Georgia, on September 25th for the 4-H State Forestry Judging Contest. They did a great job as it was their first trip to the State Contest.
More hog than boy

More hog than boy

More hog than boy

J .D. Armour recently killed this 350-pound wild hog on his father’s farm near Lexington. J.D. said he frequently saw wild pigs on the farm and that he, in fact, had previously a hog approximately the same size in almost exactly the same spot as this one.