Local News

John Fortuna has been digging his own grave for the past year at his property in Lexington. He said he has only a few more inches to go until he reaches 6 feet deep. (Photo/Alex Perri)

John Fortuna has been digging his own grave for the past year at his property in Lexington. He said he has only a few more inches to go until he reaches 6 feet deep. (Photo/Alex Perri)

Digging his own grave

Alex Perri
Thursday, August 21, 2025
Lexington artist John Fortuna’s property is sprinkled with his handiwork.  His home, a 1,200-square-foot geodesic dome, he hand-built with his brother’s help.  Inside, the space is covered with his award-winning artwork. In his yard are two more domes he’s built to house his peacocks and chickens.
Fabian and Nicole Miranda, who live in Sandy Cross, said the rains submerged their dock and covered most of the driveway that crosses the bridge. The water washed out the area and damaged their coop door, leading to the escape of some of their birds. (Submitted Photo)

Fabian and Nicole Miranda, who live in Sandy Cross, said the rains submerged their dock and covered most of the driveway that crosses the bridge. The water washed out the area and damaged their coop door, leading to the escape of some of their birds. (Submitted Photo)

Photos: Storms close roads, knock down big trees

News Staff
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Several readers emailed photos that show the aftermath of the heavy rain and flooding throughout Oglethorpe County this summer, especially last week, when 5-8 inches fell, according to the Oglethorpe County Rainfall Reporting Network.  Pete Kalla measured 8.
Andy and Madison Nimmons stand with an assortment of their entries at the North Carolina Taxidermist’s Association summer show. They won ribbons and medals for fish, birds and various mammals. (Submitted Photo)

Andy and Madison Nimmons stand with an assortment of their entries at the North Carolina Taxidermist’s Association summer show. They won ribbons and medals for fish, birds and various mammals. (Submitted Photo)

Kangaroo helps father, daughter dominate N.C. taxidermy show

Anna Izquierdo
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Madison Nimmons found her passion for taxidermy after initially pursuing a career in agriculture education and learning how to mount a duck her junior year of college.  “I just fell in love with mounting birds,” she said. “Teaching, you don’t really make a lot of money.
Guillermo Camacho, vice-chair Tim Poole, superintendent Beverley Levine, BOE chair Becky Soto, Susan Robinson and Jake Willcox discuss items during the Aug. 12 Board of Education meeting. (Photo/Anna Izquierdo)

Guillermo Camacho, vice-chair Tim Poole, superintendent Beverley Levine, BOE chair Becky Soto, Susan Robinson and Jake Willcox discuss items during the Aug. 12 Board of Education meeting. (Photo/Anna Izquierdo)

Milestones scores up from 2024

Anna Izquierdo
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
The Oglethorpe County Board of Education received the newly released Milestones scores for students in grades 3-8, noting general improvements and placements above the state level.
Fair Havens Estate owner Linda Lauderdale looks through binders full of old photos taken during the home’s restoration. This year marks 30 years since her and her late husband bought the once run-down mansion. (Photo/Alex Perri)

Fair Havens Estate owner Linda Lauderdale looks through binders full of old photos taken during the home’s restoration. This year marks 30 years since her and her late husband bought the once run-down mansion. (Photo/Alex Perri)

From a shell to showplace

Alex Perri
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
It’s 5 p.m. at Fair Havens Estate in Arnoldsville, and the late summer sun is streaming in through Linda Lauderdale’s tastefully draped windows.  Inside, the gilded dining room is glistening in the light.
Students in kindergarten through fifth grade sit on the gymnasium floor before walking to home rooms on the first day of school at Oglethorpe County Elementary School. The 2025-26 school year started on Friday in Oglethorpe County. (Photo/Anna Izquierdo)

Students in kindergarten through fifth grade sit on the gymnasium floor before walking to home rooms on the first day of school at Oglethorpe County Elementary School. The 2025-26 school year started on Friday in Oglethorpe County. (Photo/Anna Izquierdo)

Photos: School's Back!

Anna Izquierdo
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
People line up to check out the tables during Community Day at Oglethorpe County Middle School on Saturday. Local organizations passed out free school supplies and resource information to families as students head back to school. (Photo/Jennifer Xia)

People line up to check out the tables during Community Day at Oglethorpe County Middle School on Saturday. Local organizations passed out free school supplies and resource information to families as students head back to school. (Photo/Jennifer Xia)

Photos: Community Day

Jennifer Xia
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Naomi McPeake (from left), Montana Barner and Abigail Whitney competed at the 4-H State Congress in Atlanta last month. McPeake was recognized as a Master 4-H’er and Whitney was second in her category. (Submitted Photo)

Naomi McPeake (from left), Montana Barner and Abigail Whitney competed at the 4-H State Congress in Atlanta last month. McPeake was recognized as a Master 4-H’er and Whitney was second in her category. (Submitted Photo)

Local Roundup: McPeake, Whitney, Barner shine at 4-H State Congress

News Staff
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Naomi McPeake was recognized as a Master 4-H’er and Abigail Whitney finished second in the Dairy Project at the 82nd annual 4-H State Congress in Atlanta in July.  McPeake had been awarded Showmanship Champion at the State Livestock Show in Perry, Georgia.