Local News

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.
Lexington City Hall is pictured on Oct. 29, 2021. City officials are asking residents to share their ideas about the addition or other aspects of the design. (Photo/Sarah White)

Lexington City Hall is pictured on Oct. 29, 2021. City officials are asking residents to share their ideas about the addition or other aspects of the design. (Photo/Sarah White)

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Lexington officials ask for feedback on new city hall design

Maddie Brechtel
Thursday, November 4, 2021
Lexington officials are seeking input from residents for a planned city hall addition.
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)

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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.
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)

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Honoring the long legacy of the Echo

News Staff
Thursday, November 4, 2021
"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)

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

News Staff
Thursday, November 4, 2021
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.

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Program will help Arnoldsville residents with water bills

News Staff
Thursday, November 4, 2021
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.

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Arnoldsville council updates: Oct. 21, 2021

News Staff
Thursday, November 4, 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.