Local News

(Graphic/Jennifer Xia)

(Graphic/Jennifer Xia)

Oglethorpe population continues to increase

Lux Corrona and Jennifer Xia
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
For families like the Nations, generational ties to Oglethorpe County run deep — 93 years deep.  “My mother and father was Fred Duncan Nation and Bertha Mae Nation,” said Ora D. Nation, who is 86. “They moved out of North Carolina near Dillsboro in 1932.
Graduates adorned in blue caps and gowns sit in chairs on the field last Friday before the OCHS graduation ceremony began. Principal Bill Sampson gave the opening speech, reminding students to be kind. (Photo/Anna Izquierdo)

Graduates adorned in blue caps and gowns sit in chairs on the field last Friday before the OCHS graduation ceremony began. Principal Bill Sampson gave the opening speech, reminding students to be kind. (Photo/Anna Izquierdo)

Photos: OCHS Class of 2025 Graduation

Anna Izquierdo
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Members of the Oglethorpe County High School class of 2025 toss their caps in the air after receiving their diplomas last Friday at Patriot Stadium. This year’s class included 150 graduates. (Photo/Anna Izquierdo)

Members of the Oglethorpe County High School class of 2025 toss their caps in the air after receiving their diplomas last Friday at Patriot Stadium. This year’s class included 150 graduates. (Photo/Anna Izquierdo)

Grads in the spotlight

Anna Izquierdo
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Valedictorian Abby Horton left her classmates with a reminder to remember the present and not to “chase success the way the world defines it” at Oglethorpe County High School graduation last Friday.

Mayor of Lexington steps down

Zach Leggio
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Mayor Craig Snow stepped down at the Lexington City Council meeting earlier this month, citing a large workload for his business and not enough time to serve the city constructively.
The Bark & Wine, which will be held on Saturday, May 31, is MOAS’ largest fundraiser of the year. There was a strong turnout for last year’s event at Historic Smithonia Farm. (Photo/Torin Smith)

The Bark & Wine, which will be held on Saturday, May 31, is MOAS’ largest fundraiser of the year. There was a strong turnout for last year’s event at Historic Smithonia Farm. (Photo/Torin Smith)

Funds from Bark & Wine key for MOAS success

Jennifer Xia
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
The Madison Oglethorpe Animal Shelter (MOAS) will host its 10th annual Bark & Wine fundraiser at 6 p.m. Saturday, May 31 at Historic Smithonia Farm. As MOAS’ largest fundraiser of the year, shelter leadership hope to raise significant amounts of money to combat rising costs for operations.
Members of the Rick Fowler Acoustic Band include Rick Fowler, Michael Doke, Greg Veale and Deane Quinter. The band will play at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 24 at Lexington’s Meson Park. (Submitted Photo)

Members of the Rick Fowler Acoustic Band include Rick Fowler, Michael Doke, Greg Veale and Deane Quinter. The band will play at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 24 at Lexington’s Meson Park. (Submitted Photo)

Local Roundup: Rick Fowler Band in concert on Saturday

News Staff
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Athens-based Rick Fowler Acoustic Band is back at Lexington’s Meson Park this year. The band, which plays a version of blues rock, will play at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 24. The show is free.
OCHS junior Callie Bridges and sophomore Jake Huff are two of three students who will represent Rayle EMC at the Washington Youth Tour in June. “It’s a huge honor because there aren’t many people that are selected for this,” Huff said. (Photo/Anna Izquierdo)

OCHS junior Callie Bridges and sophomore Jake Huff are two of three students who will represent Rayle EMC at the Washington Youth Tour in June. “It’s a huge honor because there aren’t many people that are selected for this,” Huff said. (Photo/Anna Izquierdo)

OCHS students part of EMC group heading to DC

Anna Izquierdo
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Jake Huff and his family have been members of Rayle EMC for as long as Huff can remember, leading to his decision to apply for the cooperative’s Washington Youth Tour in June.
Andy Alvarez (left) and Bryce Frankel sign with the inaugural apprenticeship program between OCHS and the Mechanical Trades Institute at the school on May 15. Alvarez and Frankel will begin work with contractor Batchelor & Kimball in September. (Photo/Anna Izquierdo)

Andy Alvarez (left) and Bryce Frankel sign with the inaugural apprenticeship program between OCHS and the Mechanical Trades Institute at the school on May 15. Alvarez and Frankel will begin work with contractor Batchelor & Kimball in September. (Photo/Anna Izquierdo)

First two apprentices provide spark to school’s new welding program

Anna Izquierdo
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
After taking a welding class with Travis Sertich, Bryce Frankel was encouraged to apply for the inaugural apprenticeship program between the Mechanical Trades Institute and Oglethorpe County High School.
Growing up in Oglethorpe County shaped how OCHS grads Shane Watson (clockwise from top left), Jayda Jones, Ben Beasley, Macie McDaniel, Nick Orlowsky and Mathew Soto approach life. They look back with fondness of their time in the county and in the school system. (Submitted Photos)

Growing up in Oglethorpe County shaped how OCHS grads Shane Watson (clockwise from top left), Jayda Jones, Ben Beasley, Macie McDaniel, Nick Orlowsky and Mathew Soto approach life. They look back with fondness of their time in the county and in the school system. (Submitted Photos)

Where are they now: Former grads forge their paths beyond OCHS

Lucy Grey Shields
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
A high school diploma was just the starting point for these Oglethorpe County graduates.  From college to internships to early career experiences, they’re finding their footing beyond OCHS and the county.