Local News

Jay Paul, chairman of the Board of Commissioners (fourth from right) and the commissioners look over the agenda at a recent meeting at the Oglethorpe County Courthouse. The board permanently moved its meetings to the courthouse in June. (ANDY JOHNSTON/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO)

Jay Paul, chairman of the Board of Commissioners (fourth from right) and the commissioners look over the agenda at a recent meeting at the Oglethorpe County Courthouse. The board permanently moved its meetings to the courthouse in June. (ANDY JOHNSTON/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO)

Courthouse tech upgrade should help: BOC meetings have been hampered by audio issues

Emma Greene
Wednesday, September 2, 2026
The Oglethorpe County Board of Commissioners is implementing new technology at the courthouse so people who attend can hear, and therefore be better informed, about issues affecting their lives.
Oglethorpe County Superintendent Phillip Powell speaks to about 33 people at the first Patriot Porch at the OCHS cafeteria on Saturday. He spoke about several topics, including the budget and chronic absenteeism. (Ellie English/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Oglethorpe County Superintendent Phillip Powell speaks to about 33 people at the first Patriot Porch at the OCHS cafeteria on Saturday. He spoke about several topics, including the budget and chronic absenteeism. (Ellie English/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Powell outlines vision at first Patriot Porch

Ellie English
Friday, August 28, 2026
Oglethorpe County Superintendent Phillip Powell was inspired by “The Andy Griffith Show” when it came time to name his new community chats.
The renovated bar area at the American Legion Post 123 reopened last week after delays in funding and materials. Post commander Martii Moats said the space will be used for many events moving forward. (Sarah Nanos/The Oglethorpe Echo)

The renovated bar area at the American Legion Post 123 reopened last week after delays in funding and materials. Post commander Martii Moats said the space will be used for many events moving forward. (Sarah Nanos/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Cheers: Legion’s renovated bar area reopens

Sarah Nanos
Friday, August 28, 2026
About 100 people attended the opening of the renovated bar space at the James T. Rayle American Legion Post 123 on Aug. 18. “Everybody’s excited,” said Legion post commander Martii Moats, who served in the U.S. Navy from 2001-09.
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms, a former mayor of Atlanta, is running on education and healthcare reform. Bottoms will face Republican nominee Rick Jackson in the election on Nov. 3. (Submitted Photo)

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms, a former mayor of Atlanta, is running on education and healthcare reform. Bottoms will face Republican nominee Rick Jackson in the election on Nov. 3. (Submitted Photo)

Bottoms plans to introduce education, healthcare reform

Lexie Shadix
Friday, August 28, 2026
Democratic gubernatorial candidate and former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms is targeting rural voters with the promise to improve healthcare and the education of students in Oglethorpe County.
Lexie Shadix/The Oglethorpe Echo

Lexie Shadix/The Oglethorpe Echo

Sheriff’s Office: Housing inmates in Hart is cheaper

Lexie Shadix
Friday, August 28, 2026
The majority of Oglethorpe County’s inmates don’t stay in the county jail.  Instead, they reside roughly 45 minutes away at the Hart County Jail, the result of a November 2025 intergovernmental agreement between Oglethorpe County Sheriff David Gabriel and Hart County Sheriff Chris Carroll.
Lindsie Moore started K&L Farm Stand, a self-serve operation in Winterville, in a storage shed with lighting and refrigeration last year. She added dirty sodas to the variety of baked goods at the urging of her children. (Ellie English/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Lindsie Moore started K&L Farm Stand, a self-serve operation in Winterville, in a storage shed with lighting and refrigeration last year. She added dirty sodas to the variety of baked goods at the urging of her children. (Ellie English/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Farmstands inspire community connection

Ellie English
Friday, August 28, 2026
Farmstands are popping up around Oglethorpe County, offering residents a place to buy homemade baked goods, fresh produce and other treats while supporting local families. For some farmstand owners, the businesses are about more than making money.
Karyn Gunter (left), the director of special education and student support, confers with Oglethorpe County School Superintendent Phillip Powell during a meeting on July 20. Powell will hold a community feedback time on Saturday. (Andy Johnston/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Karyn Gunter (left), the director of special education and student support, confers with Oglethorpe County School Superintendent Phillip Powell during a meeting on July 20. Powell will hold a community feedback time on Saturday. (Andy Johnston/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Powell hopes Patriot Porch becomes regular event

Ellie English
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Superintendent Phillip Powell will host The Patriot Porch program from 9-10 a.m. Saturday Aug. 22 at the Oglethorpe County High School cafeteria.