Local News

Folks watch the fireworks during last year’s Fourth of July celebration at Bryan Park. This will be the seventh year the rec department has hosted the fireworks. (Photo/Torin Smith)

Folks watch the fireworks during last year’s Fourth of July celebration at Bryan Park. This will be the seventh year the rec department has hosted the fireworks. (Photo/Torin Smith)

More than 50 vendors set for 4th of July celebration

News Staff
Wednesday, July 2, 2025
More than 50 vendors — almost double last year’s total — are expected to be at the seventh annual Fourth of July celebration and fireworks at Bryan Park on Friday night. The celebration will start at 6 p.m., with the fireworks planned after dark.

County is rewriting rezoning ordinances

Zach Leggio
Wednesday, July 2, 2025
New subdivision requirements and clarification of current rezoning ordinances are coming to Oglethorpe County, likely increasing the waiting period between property splits.  The changes come after an influx of subdivision requests to the zoning board and the Board of Commissioners.
The new grain elevator and storage bins outside of Oglethorpe Feed and Hardware Supply feature a 125-foot tall elevator that’s still under construction, but is expected to be running sometime this month. (Photo/Elizabeth Kim)

The new grain elevator and storage bins outside of Oglethorpe Feed and Hardware Supply feature a 125-foot tall elevator that’s still under construction, but is expected to be running sometime this month. (Photo/Elizabeth Kim)

Reaching new heights

Elizabeth Kim
Wednesday, July 2, 2025
Looming 125 feet above the Oglethorpe Feed and Hardware Supply, an unfamiliar metal tower nestled between the grain storage bins has caused some confusion for the store’s customers.  “They think it’s a sign, they think it’s like a grain mixer,” said Stewart Sanders, an operator at the store.
Former Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal and Brenda Micali were married Saturday at Fair Havens in Arnoldsville. About 116 people attended the ceremony at Linda Lauderdale’s home. Deal was governor from 2011-2019. (Submitted Photo)

Former Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal and Brenda Micali were married Saturday at Fair Havens in Arnoldsville. About 116 people attended the ceremony at Linda Lauderdale’s home. Deal was governor from 2011-2019. (Submitted Photo)

Former governor married in Oglethorpe

News Staff
Wednesday, July 2, 2025
There was a VIP wedding in Oglethorpe County last weekend. Former Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal married Brenda Micali at Fair Havens in Arnoldsville on Saturday. About 116 people attended. Deal, who was governor from 2011-19, married Micali nearly three years after the death of his wife Sandra.
UGA entomologist Elmer Gray, who lives in Arnoldsville, said clearing debris away from the sides of houses could help keep insects from entering homes during the summer. Also, make sure items don’t collect water, which is where mosquitoes breed. (Submitted Photo)

UGA entomologist Elmer Gray, who lives in Arnoldsville, said clearing debris away from the sides of houses could help keep insects from entering homes during the summer. Also, make sure items don’t collect water, which is where mosquitoes breed. (Submitted Photo)

Here are tips to stop insects this summer

Zach Leggio
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Hot weather — as Oglethorpe County is experiencing — can lead to more bugs. During the summer, temperatures at night stay elevated, allowing for insect larvae to grow faster, said Elmer Gray, UGA entomologist and Arnoldsville resident.
Grove Chapel Church will host its fifth annual fireworks show on Saturday. Pastor Jason Phillips said the show is a way for his church’s members to connect with people from outside its community. (Submitted Photo)

Grove Chapel Church will host its fifth annual fireworks show on Saturday. Pastor Jason Phillips said the show is a way for his church’s members to connect with people from outside its community. (Submitted Photo)

Church fireworks show helps grow community

Anna Izquierdo
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
A passion for lighting fireworks since childhood and longtime membership at Grove Chapel Church helped spark Chris Wages’ decision to help his community.  “Every year, the (fireworks show has) grown,” he said.

Levine named incoming Rotary Club president

Anna Izquierdo
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Beverley Levine has a passion for the Rotary Club and a strong commitment to helping the club grow.  With a decrease in membership due to “aging” members, Levine said the club was “in danger of folding,” leading her to step into the role of president, starting in July.

BOE plans to use savings to cover budget deficit

Anna Izquierdo
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
A surplus in savings led the Oglethorpe County Board of Education to approve its budget for 2025-26.  The $30.8 million budget includes a nearly $3 million deficit, which will be covered by the school system’s fund equity, or savings account. Expenses are expected to be $33.7 million.