Local News

Mother-daughter duo Kelli Kitchen (left) and Vicky Matthews have spent their lives in education and their teaching legacy may continue on through Kitchen’s daughter, Allison. “She has her mind set on going into education as well,” Kitchen said. (Photo/Felix Scheyer)

Mother-daughter duo Kelli Kitchen (left) and Vicky Matthews have spent their lives in education and their teaching legacy may continue on through Kitchen’s daughter, Allison. “She has her mind set on going into education as well,” Kitchen said. (Photo/Felix Scheyer)

Family ties run deep

Julianna Duennes Russ
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
There was a knock at the door of longtime educator Brian Lance’s office at Oglethorpe County High School. Jennifer Yauck, another teacher, poked her head in and smiled. “Here’s another one,” Lance said. He had been listing coworkers at OCHS that grew up in the school system and came back.
A “No Thru Trucks” sign is attached to this county limits sign on Parkview Road, indicating that large trucks are not allowed to drive there. Similar signs will be posted on roads impacted by the new ordinance, passed by the Oglethorpe County Board of Commissioners on May 5. (Photo/Zach Leggio)

A “No Thru Trucks” sign is attached to this county limits sign on Parkview Road, indicating that large trucks are not allowed to drive there. Similar signs will be posted on roads impacted by the new ordinance, passed by the Oglethorpe County Board of Commissioners on May 5. (Photo/Zach Leggio)

More county roads off limits to big trucks

Zach Leggio
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
A new truck ordinance is in effect following the Oglethorpe County Board of Commissioners meeting last week.
Abby Horton and Nancy Coleman Hart hold a check signifying that Horton was awarded the inaugural $5,000 Dr. Nancy Coleman Hart scholarship that honors Hart, a former OCES principal and curriculum director, and the late Bob Hart, her husband who died in February. (Photo/Anna Izquierdo)

Abby Horton and Nancy Coleman Hart hold a check signifying that Horton was awarded the inaugural $5,000 Dr. Nancy Coleman Hart scholarship that honors Hart, a former OCES principal and curriculum director, and the late Bob Hart, her husband who died in February. (Photo/Anna Izquierdo)

Horton is valedictorian of 2025 class

Anna Izquierdo
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Abby Horton was recognized as valedictorian of Oglethorpe County High School’s graduating class at Senior Honors Night held in the cafeteria on Tuesday.

Local Roundup: Bramblett to perform at Marigold Festival

News Staff
Thursday, May 8, 2025
Randall Bramblett will headline the music portion of the annual Marigold Festival, which will be held Saturday at Pittard Park. Bramblett, a longtime Athens musician, will cap the festivities, which include a parade, vendors and food trucks. The vendors will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Teresa Jo Campbell works in her new role as Oglethorpe County’s planning assistant and permitting coordinator. Campbell, who worked as a clerk and elections assistant in the probate court, began this job in January. (Photo/Lilly Stone)

Teresa Jo Campbell works in her new role as Oglethorpe County’s planning assistant and permitting coordinator. Campbell, who worked as a clerk and elections assistant in the probate court, began this job in January. (Photo/Lilly Stone)

Campbell takes on new role with county

Lilly Stone
Thursday, May 8, 2025
Teresa Jo Campbell fell in love with Oglethorpe County for many of the same reasons most residents do when she moved here in 2018. “I hope that people see Oglethorpe the way I saw it when I moved here,” Campbell said. “I loved that it was quiet and peaceful, and it still is.
Nicole Hensley has replaced Katherine Ratcliffe as the Oglethorpe County Library branch manager. She has been with the library since 2021. (Submitted Photo)

Nicole Hensley has replaced Katherine Ratcliffe as the Oglethorpe County Library branch manager. She has been with the library since 2021. (Submitted Photo)

Hensley plans to keep ‘vibes’ going at library

Jet Rawls
Thursday, May 8, 2025
Nicole Hensley hoped her name would be called as the replacement when former library branch manager Katherine Ratcliffe announced she was leaving the Crawford location for the Bogart branch.  “I had my fingers and my toes crossed,” Hensley said. Her method must have worked.
Work continues on the temporary animal impoundment facility at the Oglethorpe County Sheriff's Office. The kennels are waiting on plumbing before the concrete will be poured. (Photo/Zach Leggio)

Work continues on the temporary animal impoundment facility at the Oglethorpe County Sheriff's Office. The kennels are waiting on plumbing before the concrete will be poured. (Photo/Zach Leggio)

Impoundment facility held up by plumbing

Zach Leggio
Thursday, May 8, 2025
The temporary animal impoundment facility at the Oglethorpe County Sheriff’s Office remains a work in progress. The Sheriff’s Office has been working to build a concrete slab, two runs, five kennels with drainage and a cover since last September.
Guillermo Camacho, assistant superintendent Kanya Cornish, BOE Chair Becky Soto and Susan Robinson meet to discuss Sara Hughes’ work-based learning program on Tuesday. Several students were in attendance. (Photo/Anna Izquierdo)

Guillermo Camacho, assistant superintendent Kanya Cornish, BOE Chair Becky Soto and Susan Robinson meet to discuss Sara Hughes’ work-based learning program on Tuesday. Several students were in attendance. (Photo/Anna Izquierdo)

BOE recognizes work-based learning program

Anna Izquierdo
Thursday, May 8, 2025
The Oglethorpe County Board of Education recognized Sara Hughes’ work-based learning program during its monthly meeting Tuesday night.  Hughes’ program provides high school students the opportunity to receive credit while working in an environment related to their career pathway.
Residents pack the meeting room during the Board of Commissioners meeting on Monday night. A series of rezoning items caused concern throughout the county, leading to the overflow crowd. (Photo/Dink NeSmith)

Residents pack the meeting room during the Board of Commissioners meeting on Monday night. A series of rezoning items caused concern throughout the county, leading to the overflow crowd. (Photo/Dink NeSmith)

Debates highlight meeting

Zach Leggio
Thursday, May 8, 2025
Rezoning debates dominated the Oglethorpe County Board of Commissioners meeting Monday, with the first four items on the agenda taking up the majority of the more than three-hour meeting.