Local News

Derrick Lemons gives a sermon at Temple United Methodist Church on Sunday. He plans to retire as the church’s pastor in June after 16 years because of his increasing responsibilities at the University of Georgia. (SARAH OWENS/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO)

Derrick Lemons gives a sermon at Temple United Methodist Church on Sunday. He plans to retire as the church’s pastor in June after 16 years because of his increasing responsibilities at the University of Georgia. (SARAH OWENS/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO)

A bittersweet farewell

Sarah Owens
Friday, March 27, 2026
Pastor Derrick Lemons stood at the altar on Sunday, delivering his sermon at Arnoldsville’s Temple United Methodist Church as he has nearly every week for the past 16 years.
A public notice sign for the cell tower stands along 202 Bowen Farm Road in Oglethorpe County, Georgia, on March 23. The tower is proposed to be built beyond the sign in the open land behind. (Photo/Emilie Sullivan)

A public notice sign for the cell tower stands along 202 Bowen Farm Road in Oglethorpe County, Georgia, on March 23. The tower is proposed to be built beyond the sign in the open land behind. (Photo/Emilie Sullivan)

Residents oppose, board denies cell tower on Bowen Farm Road

Emilie Sullivan
Thursday, March 26, 2026
Two cell tower proposals met different fates at the Oglethorpe County Zoning Board meeting on March 19.
Moms and their children work on crafts at the St. Patrick’s Day celebration at the Oglethorpe County Library on March 17. The events are planned with various activities to accommodate children of different ages and abilities. (CHARLOTTE COCHRAN/ THE OGLETHORPE ECHO)

Moms and their children work on crafts at the St. Patrick’s Day celebration at the Oglethorpe County Library on March 17. The events are planned with various activities to accommodate children of different ages and abilities. (CHARLOTTE COCHRAN/ THE OGLETHORPE ECHO)

Wee ones have grand time at St. Patty’s fest

Charlotte Cochran
Thursday, March 26, 2026
Giggles, small feet running through aisles of books and children’s chatter characterize Tuesday afternoons at the Oglethorpe County Library. That was no different on March 17, when the library hosted a St. Patrick’s Day celebration, a themed twist on Tuesdays at the Library.

Lexington lands $40K grant to address water needs

Riley Baugh
Thursday, March 26, 2026
Lexington residents will soon have upgrades to their water treatment system, thanks to a $40,000 grant from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority’s (GEFA) Small, Underserved and Disadvantaged Communities Grant Program.
Arnoldsville Fire Chief Heath Baker gives a report to members of the Arnoldsville City Council during its meeting on March 19. The department plans to build an addition to the station. (Photo/Jessie Isaacs)

Arnoldsville Fire Chief Heath Baker gives a report to members of the Arnoldsville City Council during its meeting on March 19. The department plans to build an addition to the station. (Photo/Jessie Isaacs)

City Roundup: Plans for hotel, restaurant move forward in Crawford

Jessie Isaacs and Riley Baugh
Thursday, March 26, 2026
Arnoldsville’s Paul “Stags” Oristaglio requested permission to use an outside firm for inspections on his current renovation project, a boutique hotel and restaurant at 1147 Athens Road, with a coffee shop extension.
A bald eagle perches on a tree about four years ago near the home of Natalie Thier, who lives on Long Branch Lane. There have been many recent sightings of bald eagles across Oglethorpe County. (Submitted Photo)

A bald eagle perches on a tree about four years ago near the home of Natalie Thier, who lives on Long Branch Lane. There have been many recent sightings of bald eagles across Oglethorpe County. (Submitted Photo)

America’s national symbol takes flight in Oglethorpe

Dakota Meeks
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Oglethorpe County is home to a wide range of wildlife, including America’s national symbol. With its brilliant white head and large wingspan, the bald eagle has become a common sight in the county.
OCHS students will travel to multiple places in Italy and France this summer for a agricultural based study abroad. (Graphic/Jasmine Milbourne)

OCHS students will travel to multiple places in Italy and France this summer for a agricultural based study abroad. (Graphic/Jasmine Milbourne)

OCHS students head to Europe this summer

Jasmine Milbourne
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Ansley Paul will step onto a plane for the first time in May.  She has never been abroad, but this summer she’ll visit Europe. Twice.  Once will be as part of the study abroad trip with 18 Oglethorpe County High School students. The second time will be a graduation trip with her grandmother.
The Oglethorpe Echo

The Oglethorpe Echo

Local Roundup: OCHS band to hold annual mattress sale

News Staff
Thursday, March 19, 2026
The Oglethorpe County High School band will host its annual mattress sale from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 21 at the high school. There will be more than 25 brand-name mattress floor models on display, including Purple, Southerland and Therapedic.
U.S. Rep. Mike Collins, who represents Georgia’s 10th Congressional District, is seeking a U.S. Senate seat, opening the race for his current position. Early voting for the primary will start on Monday, April 20 and ends at noon Friday, May 15 at the Oglethorpe County Board of Elections at 41 Fairground Road in Lexington. (Photo Submitted)

U.S. Rep. Mike Collins, who represents Georgia’s 10th Congressional District, is seeking a U.S. Senate seat, opening the race for his current position. Early voting for the primary will start on Monday, April 20 and ends at noon Friday, May 15 at the Oglethorpe County Board of Elections at 41 Fairground Road in Lexington. (Photo Submitted)

Oglethorpe resident runs for Congress

News Staff
Thursday, March 19, 2026
An Oglethorpe County resident has qualified to run for Georgia’s 10th Congressional District seat this year.