Local News

Austin Gabriel (holding the trophy) helped the University of North Georgia's Ranger Challenge Team win its fourth consecutive Spartan Ranger Challenge (Submitted Photo)

Austin Gabriel (holding the trophy) helped the University of North Georgia's Ranger Challenge Team win its fourth consecutive Spartan Ranger Challenge (Submitted Photo)

Oglethorpe County grad helps win Spartan Ranger Challenge

News Staff
Thursday, November 11, 2021
Oglethorpe County High School grad Austin Gabriel helped the University of North Georgia’s Ranger Challenge team win its fourth consecutive Spartan Ranger Challenge at Fort Knox, Kentucky, last month.

Former commission chairman loses finger, flown to hospital

News Staff
Thursday, November 11, 2021
Former Oglethorpe County Commission Chairman Robert Johnson, 84, suffered the loss of the ring finger on one hand on Monday during a firewood-cutting excursion with friend Thomas Wheless.    Reportedly, no surgeon was available to try and reattach Johnson's finger in Athens.

GBI arrests court clerk

News Staff
Thursday, November 4, 2021
Oglethorpe County Probate Court clerk Angel Bramlett was arrested by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation on Tuesday and charged with 30 counts of theft by taking, 38 counts of computer trespass and 17 counts of computer forgery, the GBI announced in a statement.
Ralph Maxwell, former owner and editor of The Oglethorpe Echo, poses for a portrait outside of The Oglethorpe Echo building on Oct. 29, 2021. Maxwell had been the owner, publisher and editor of the Echo since 1981. (Photo/Sarah White)

Ralph Maxwell, former owner and editor of The Oglethorpe Echo, poses for a portrait outside of The Oglethorpe Echo building on Oct. 29, 2021. Maxwell had been the owner, publisher and editor of the Echo since 1981. (Photo/Sarah White)

A new era for the Echo

Alden Lisse
Thursday, November 4, 2021
For 40 years, Ralph Maxwell Jr. has served his community as editor of the Oglethorpe Echo.   However, the Echo’s inability to generate revenue and Maxwell’s health issues made it difficult for him to continue to operate the newspaper.
The staff of The Oglethorpe Echo has a combined 188 years of service to the county. From left, Brenda Norman, Jessica Colquitt, Ralph Maxwell, Elaine McGarity and John Harold Williams, say they leave behind strong connections to each other. (Submitted Photo)

The staff of The Oglethorpe Echo has a combined 188 years of service to the county. From left, Brenda Norman, Jessica Colquitt, Ralph Maxwell, Elaine McGarity and John Harold Williams, say they leave behind strong connections to each other. (Submitted Photo)

Echo staff built tight relationships

Alden Lisse
Thursday, November 4, 2021
“It’s been wonderful!” Brenda Norman exclaimed when asked about her job at the Oglethorpe Echo.   Norman has been the Echo’s bookkeeper for the past 36 years, after one day impulsively quitting her previous job at the local bank. She hasn’t wanted to leave since.
The new staff of The Oglethorpe Echo, along with Managing Editor Andy Johnston and Chairman Dink NeSmith, mark the beginning of reporting for Oglethorpe County. (Submitted Photo/Sarah Freeman)

The new staff of The Oglethorpe Echo, along with Managing Editor Andy Johnston and Chairman Dink NeSmith, mark the beginning of reporting for Oglethorpe County. (Submitted Photo/Sarah Freeman)

UGA students begin reporting for the Echo

Andy Johnston
Thursday, November 4, 2021
Welcome to a new era at The Oglethorpe Echo.   Looking at this front page, you might have noticed strange new names and a different look to your community newspaper.   Please don’t be alarmed.
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

Thomas Ehlers
Thursday, November 4, 2021
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.