Local News

Several people take a look at the damage to Emerald Green Drive caused by heavy rains in the county the past week. About 30 people were stranded on one side of the dead-end road. (Photo/Submitted)

Several people take a look at the damage to Emerald Green Drive caused by heavy rains in the county the past week. About 30 people were stranded on one side of the dead-end road. (Photo/Submitted)

Brief tornado, damage result of storms, rain

Jessie Isaacs
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
The National Weather Service confirmed there was a brief spin-up tornado by Oglethorpe Feed and Hardware Supply on Friday, according to the Oglethorpe County Georgia Emergency Management Agency.
Superintendent Beverley Levine smiles as she prepares for the groundbreaking ceremony for the new elementary school. (Landen Todd/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Superintendent Beverley Levine smiles as she prepares for the groundbreaking ceremony for the new elementary school. (Landen Todd/The Oglethorpe Echo)

One fond farewell

Charlotte Cochran
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
When asked what she would miss most, Beverley Levine said the answer was simple.  “The kids,” she said. “That’s why you do the job. I’ve tried to never lose sight of that.”  Levine, superintendent of the Oglethorpe County School System, is set to retire, effective June 30.

OCHS graduation moved to Classic Center in Athens

News Staff
Thursday, May 21, 2026
Oglethorpe County High School’s graduation ceremony is headed indoors. With an 85% chance of rain in the forecast for Friday, school officials moved the event from Patriot Stadium to The Classic Center in downtown Athens, where it will be held at 8 p.m. at the venue’s theatre.

LOCAL ROUNDUP: MOAS Bark & Wine scheduled for August

News Staff
Thursday, May 21, 2026
The 11th annual MOAS Bark & Wine will be held from 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15 at Countryside Manor in Winterville.  The event, MOAS’ largest fundraiser, has been held in May in past years. All proceeds will go to the shelter. Tickets are $60 in advance and $70 the day of the event.
Andy Johnston/The Oglethorpe Echo

Andy Johnston/The Oglethorpe Echo

Residents have concerns about development

Lexie Shadix
Thursday, May 21, 2026
The stretch of highway where Yancey and Old Edwards roads meet U.S. Route 78 is considered hazardous by many Oglethorpe County residents.  Situated on a crest, the main highway drops down on both sides, hiding oncoming traffic from merging drivers. The curve of Cherokee Corner is just to the west.
Michael Moody plants a shoal lily in between two rocks in the Broad River in April. Moody, who died later that month, owned the Broad River Outpost in Danielsville. (Kira Doppel/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Michael Moody plants a shoal lily in between two rocks in the Broad River in April. Moody, who died later that month, owned the Broad River Outpost in Danielsville. (Kira Doppel/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Fighting for the Broad: Advocates respond to pollution with shoal lily

Kira Doppel and Dakota Meeks
Thursday, May 21, 2026
Michael Moody stood on a shallow rocky bank of the Broad River in April. Around him, water lapped at his feet as he worked with his hands to plant a shoal lily into the watery soil of the riverbank.
Callie Bridges (from left), the honorian, Kayden Watkins, the salutatorian, and Amber Tiller, the valedictorian, received trophies for their academic achievements at Oglethorpe County’s Senior Honors Night on Tuesday. (Ellie English/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Callie Bridges (from left), the honorian, Kayden Watkins, the salutatorian, and Amber Tiller, the valedictorian, received trophies for their academic achievements at Oglethorpe County’s Senior Honors Night on Tuesday. (Ellie English/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Tiller selected as valedictorian, Levine honored

Ellie English
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Amber Tiller was recognized as valedictorian of Oglethorpe County High School’s graduating class at Senior Honors Night in the cafeteria on Tuesday.  She will attend Georgia Tech in the fall, pursuing studies in aerospace engineering.
Ralph Maxwell Jr., who owned and published The Oglethorpe Echo for 40 years, died May 7. He was 74 years old. (Sarah White/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Ralph Maxwell Jr., who owned and published The Oglethorpe Echo for 40 years, died May 7. He was 74 years old. (Sarah White/The Oglethorpe Echo)

RALPH MAXWELL JR.: Longtime publisher of The Echo, was county icon, friend to many

Andy Johnston
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Jay Paul remembers watching Ralph Maxwell Jr. try to climb a 10-foot platform to find a better angle for a photo at a high school baseball game several years ago. This was after Maxwell had begun to struggle with his health, which included a stroke in 2017.
Former Oglethorpe County commissioner Marilyn Stone has hosted her own show, called “The Marilyn Show: Church Tea” on WSGC 105.3 in Elberton since last May. She served on the BOC from 2000-2012. (Submitted Photo)

Former Oglethorpe County commissioner Marilyn Stone has hosted her own show, called “The Marilyn Show: Church Tea” on WSGC 105.3 in Elberton since last May. She served on the BOC from 2000-2012. (Submitted Photo)

Spared for a purpose: Stone turns survival into spiritual service

Sean King
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Marilyn Stone didn’t take her relationship with God seriously until she survived a near-death experience. Stone, an Oglethorpe County native, was driving on a rainy Saturday in Athens in 1986, when her Audi hydroplaned, sending her down a 25-foot embankment.
Emily Williams, an extension agent for Oglethorpe County, and other instructors work with students while they prepare ingredients to make quesadillas last week. Williams said other dishes have included turkey wraps and pumpkin pancakes. (Sarah Nanos/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Emily Williams, an extension agent for Oglethorpe County, and other instructors work with students while they prepare ingredients to make quesadillas last week. Williams said other dishes have included turkey wraps and pumpkin pancakes. (Sarah Nanos/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Special education program promotes independent living

Sarah Nanos
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Emily Williams placed packets of shredded cheese, mixing bowls, knives and more on tables in an agricultural barn next to a livestock show ring at the Oglethorpe County UGA Extension Office. She then plugged in a handheld blender and heated a griddle in the back kitchen.