Local News

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.
Trina Gaither of Arnoldsville (from left), Babs DeArmond of Crawford and Mary Frey of Arnoldville stand in front of the book sale sign on the porch of No. 3 Railroad St. during the fourth annual Friends of the Oglethorpe County Library Book and Art Sale last Saturday. The show will feature local artists, jewelry designers, authors and woodworkers, among others. (Photo/Olivia Wilson)

Trina Gaither of Arnoldsville (from left), Babs DeArmond of Crawford and Mary Frey of Arnoldville stand in front of the book sale sign on the porch of No. 3 Railroad St. during the fourth annual Friends of the Oglethorpe County Library Book and Art Sale last Saturday. The show will feature local artists, jewelry designers, authors and woodworkers, among others. (Photo/Olivia Wilson)

Photos: Friends of the Oglethorpe County Library Book and Art Sale

Olivia Wilson
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
The fourth annual Friends of the Oglethorpe County Library Book and Art Sale went on last Saturday at No. 3 Railroad St. in Arnoldsville. The sale featured local artists, jewelry designers, authors and woodworkers, among others.
Jackson EMC linemen Cody Watson, Brandon Sanders and Easton Tuggle placed fourth out of 27 journeyman teams at the Georgia Lineman’s Rodeo on May 3. They advanced to the International Lineman’s Rodeo and Expo later in October. (Submitted Photo)

Jackson EMC linemen Cody Watson, Brandon Sanders and Easton Tuggle placed fourth out of 27 journeyman teams at the Georgia Lineman’s Rodeo on May 3. They advanced to the International Lineman’s Rodeo and Expo later in October. (Submitted Photo)

Local linemen qualify for international rodeo

Anna Izquierdo
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Brandon Sanders and his journeyman lineman team achieved their goal in the Georgia Lineman’s Rodeo on May 3: to qualify for the International Lineman’s Rodeo and Expo for the first time.  “Going to Kansas, it’s going to be a humbling experience,” Sanders said.
Rayle EMC’s Richard Heard (left) presents a check to the Oglethorpe County Sheriff’s Office’s Courtney Corbin and Shae Peek for a car seat program. The money was used to purchase car seats for county residents. (Submitted Photo)

Rayle EMC’s Richard Heard (left) presents a check to the Oglethorpe County Sheriff’s Office’s Courtney Corbin and Shae Peek for a car seat program. The money was used to purchase car seats for county residents. (Submitted Photo)

Car seat technicians provide free service to residents

Frankie Hennessy
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Dispatcher Shae Peek said an experience with her family led her to find more resources for car seats in Oglethorpe County.  “My sister has a daughter, and my sister could never (install a car seat) properly and correctly,” Peek said. “And she always had troubles with it.
The interior of the clubhouse at Bryan Park when it was closed in February 2024. The county is trying to decide what to do with the building, which was built in 1951. (Photo/Dink NeSmith)

The interior of the clubhouse at Bryan Park when it was closed in February 2024. The county is trying to decide what to do with the building, which was built in 1951. (Photo/Dink NeSmith)

No news on future of Bryan Park clubhouse

Mitchell Stone
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
No to little progress has been made planning the next steps of the Bryan Park clubhouse, which was closed Feb. 8, 2024 for several reasons, including the presence of mold in the basement’s air handler.  “I’ve got millions of dollars worth of road problems in the county right now.
Josh Cronic shows the location of the gym he plans to open next to Lexington Auto Parts in July. It will be the second location of Cronic Fitness, which is also in Madison County. (Photo/Zach Leggio)

Josh Cronic shows the location of the gym he plans to open next to Lexington Auto Parts in July. It will be the second location of Cronic Fitness, which is also in Madison County. (Photo/Zach Leggio)

Cronic plans to open new gym this summer

Zach Leggio
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Josh Cronic, the founder and owner of Cronic Fitness in Madison County, plans to open a gym next to Lexington Auto Parts and across from Oglethorpe County High School in July. “Oglethorpe County has never had a gym before really, same as Madison County,” Cronic said.
Sue Ann Blalock sits at her desk in the Oglethorpe County School System’s central office, where she works as the assistant to Superintendent Beverley Levine. Blalock has been with the school system for 26 years. (Photo/Paige Clarke)

Sue Ann Blalock sits at her desk in the Oglethorpe County School System’s central office, where she works as the assistant to Superintendent Beverley Levine. Blalock has been with the school system for 26 years. (Photo/Paige Clarke)

Q&A: Blalock provides support, service as Levine’s assistant

Paige Jeneane Clarke
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Sue Ann Blalock is often “the first face you see” in the central office.  Born and raised in Oglethorpe County, she has spent her entire 26-year career with the county schools, currently serving as Superintendent Beverley Levine’s assistant.