Local News

Dawn Scarborough started her new position as Oglethorpe County Tax Commissioner on Jan. 1. Scarborough is a former paramedic who won the election last year to replace Sheila Arnold, who retired in 2024. (Photo/Emery Pikel)

Tax commissioner applies life motto to new position

Emery Pikel

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Dawn Scarborough, Oglethorpe County’s new tax commissioner, said she follows the “golden rule” — as she did in her previous career — but with a twist: treat others the way you’d want your grandma treated. Scarborough followed this same philosophy as a paramedic.

Charley Boss, Wyatt Boss and Everett Boss use their pocket knives to help clear a tree on Cherry Street in Maxeys on Sunday morning. Strong storms and winds blew over trees and knocked out power throughout the county. ADAM NATION/FOR THE OGLETHORPE ECHO

Helpers of all ages chip in as county cleans up after storm

Julianna Duennes Russ

Thursday, February 20, 2025

Help for Sunday’s storm cleanup in Oglethorpe County came from unexpected places. “I saw (a few boys) just sawing away with their little pocket knives, so I stopped and talked to them briefly, and told them thank you,” said Adam Nation, the county’s public works director.

Geneva Stamey shares an exchange with Elvis tribute artist E.J. Boyer as he hands her a teddy bear at Quiet Oaks Nursing Home in Crawford, Ga on Feb. 14, 2025. Stamey is Oglethorpe County's former Clerk of Court, and came to visit Quiet Oaks during their annual Valentine's day event in order see Elvis. (Photo / Lux Corrona)

King of hearts: Elvis impersonator a hit at Quiet Oaks' Valentine's celebration

Lux Corrona

Thursday, February 20, 2025

Love was found in Elvis songs this Valentine’s Day at Quiet Oaks Health Care. Singing famous songs such as “Hound Dog” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” Elvis Presley tribute artist E.J.

Downtown Development Authority member Linda Parish leads the effort to renovate the Lexington Community Center on Church Street. The Downtown Development Authority formed a committee of volunteers to help her realize her vision. (Photo/Adriana Cascio)

Volunteers to help Parish with community center

Adriana Cascio

Thursday, February 20, 2025

Linda Parish is leading the effort to revitalize the Lexington Community Center — and now there’s a committee to help her.“We’re going to take this one bite at a time, unless somebody is going to drop a huge pile of money in our hands,” said Ronnie Boggs, head of the Downtown Development Authority.

Eggs are few and far between at B&T's Food Fresh Market, where a sign in the egg section reads “Due to a national egg shortage, costs have continued to rise. We continue to provide egg products at the best possible value.” (Photo/Jesse Wood)

Egg prices hit hard in county

Jesse Wood

Thursday, February 20, 2025

The egg section in B&T’s Food Fresh Market in Lexington sits nearly empty this week.Manager Tammy Watkins has found the egg shortage and the rising prices of eggs to be “frustrating.” The store would sell up to 80 dozen daily on average, but now, it sells approximately 30 dozen.

Leslie Whitehead O'Neal, Penny Miller, and Ed Smith rehearse "Love Letters." The play will run from Feb. 20-22 at the Historic Crawford School. (Jet Rawls/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Arts!Oglethorpe kicks of 30th year with "Love Letters"

Jet Rawls

Thursday, February 20, 2025

The Historic Crawford School will host a story spanning over half a century as Arts!Oglethorpe kicks off its third decade of operation with a production of A.R. Gurney’s “Love Letters” Feb. 20-22.

County, cities to stay with HB 581

Zach Leggio

Thursday, February 20, 2025

More than two-thirds of Oglethorpe County voters approved an amendment that could lower their property taxes. The Board of Education has opted out of HB 581, but the county and three cities will stay in.

Sim Hogan (left) replaced Alice Williamson as Oglethorpe County CERT chair this year. He hopes to continue Williamson’s efforts in building the emergency response team. (Submitted Photo)

Williamson steps down, Hogan promoted to CERT chair

Leighton Dancy

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Alice Williamson said she believes Sim Hogan is the right person to lead Oglethorpe County volunteers in keeping the community safe. Hogan was nominated by Williamson to be the new CERT chairman last November, and he assumed the position in January.

From left: Ginny Crafton and Charles Huff lift their legs in an exercise routine led by Sarah Baker at the Oglethorpe County Senior Center on Feb. 6, 2025. (Photo / Lux Corrona)

Exercises with Sarah: Baker strives to keep seniors healthy

Lux Corrona

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Disco music and dumbbells get folks moving and grooving twice a month at the Oglethorpe County Senior Center. “It’s mainly (about) meeting people where they are,” said volunteer Sarah Baker, who leads a bi-monthly sessions of exercise routines at the center.

Sam Balling’s pole barn stands outside his Lexington home on Thursday, Jan. 30. Once used for RV storage, the barn now serves as his primary workspace, except when the temperatures are below freezing. (Photo/Emily Slepsky)

Finding art in the in-between

Emily Slepsky

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

In a barn-turned-studio on a 2-acre property in Lexington, Sam Balling balances painting and fatherhood, carving out moments while raising his 1-year-old son. Sam Balling poses with his son Bodhi at his home in Lexington on Thursday, Jan. 30.