Local News

Former staff, board members and volunteers, including Peggy Hroma (left) and Jane Bowen (right), share memories of when the library opened in 1995. Articles from The Echo announcing the construction and opening of the library give information on the building’s cost and resources available to the public. (Photo/Elizabeth Kim)

Former staff, board members and volunteers, including Peggy Hroma (left) and Jane Bowen (right), share memories of when the library opened in 1995. Articles from The Echo announcing the construction and opening of the library give information on the building’s cost and resources available to the public. (Photo/Elizabeth Kim)

Memories abound as library building celebrates 30 years

Elizabeth Kim
Thursday, July 3, 2025
Jane Bowen was there when the Oglethorpe County Library building first opened its doors on June 25, 1995, and was back last Wednesday, when it celebrated its 30th anniversary in its current location.
Peyton Lewis attended the HOSA International Leadership Conference in Nashville last month, placing tenth overall in the respiratory therapy category. To be invited to the international competition, she placed first among roughly 30 competitors in Georgia at the state competition in March. (Submitted Photo)

Peyton Lewis attended the HOSA International Leadership Conference in Nashville last month, placing tenth overall in the respiratory therapy category. To be invited to the international competition, she placed first among roughly 30 competitors in Georgia at the state competition in March. (Submitted Photo)

Lewis finishes 10th at HOSA conference

Anna Izquierdo
Wednesday, July 2, 2025
Peyton Lewis had a change of heart after initially steering clear of respiratory therapy and trying a “bunch of different things” relating to health care, like CPR and first aid training.
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.