Local News

William Jackson served on the USS Glacier in the U.S. Coast Gaurd for almost four years. He is one of many Oglethorpe County natives who have served in the military. (Submitted Photo)

William Jackson served on the USS Glacier in the U.S. Coast Gaurd for almost four years. He is one of many Oglethorpe County natives who have served in the military. (Submitted Photo)

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Those Who Served: Honoring the veterans of Oglethorpe County

Alden Lisse
Thursday, November 11, 2021
The flash of an explosion blinded William Jackson in the engine room of the USS Glacier.    Jackson, a fireman for the U.S. Coast Guard, had been watching the ship’s generators and switchboard in the middle of the night. As he walked by one generator, it suddenly erupted.
Barry and Iris Walker attended Game 4 of the World Series to help check a box off their bucket list. The Braves won the World Series for the first time since 1995. (Photo/Sarah White)

Barry and Iris Walker attended Game 4 of the World Series to help check a box off their bucket list. The Braves won the World Series for the first time since 1995. (Photo/Sarah White)

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World Series Braves win captivates local couple

Thomas Ehlers
Thursday, November 11, 2021
Barry and Iris Walker had three big items on their bucket list: attend a Little League World Series, a College World Series and a World Series. They just checked one of those boxes off their list.   The Oglethorpe County natives attended Game 4 of the World Series at Truist Park on Oct. 30.

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Oglethorpe County Middle School FFA receives national honor at event

Thomas Ehlers
Thursday, November 11, 2021
A group of middle school students received a little more gold to go on their blue jackets after their recent trip.   Oglethorpe County Middle School’s chapter received the highest national rating at the Future Farmers of America’s National Convention and Expo in Indianapolis, on Oct.
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)

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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.

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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.

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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)

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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)

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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.