Local News

Scruggs to host deer hunting seminar

Ethan Greene
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Local hunters will get a deep dive into the strategy and science behind deer season during a seminar hosted by veteran outdoorsman Steve Scruggs at the Georgia Farm Bureau on Saturday, Aug. 22.
Kim Williams, a deputy with the Oglethorpe County Sheriff’s Office, escorts Michael Thomas Dusch from the courthouse after he was sentenced to life for the murder of David John Stewart in Winterville last year. He pleaded guilty to all nine counts. (Dink NeSmith/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Kim Williams, a deputy with the Oglethorpe County Sheriff’s Office, escorts Michael Thomas Dusch from the courthouse after he was sentenced to life for the murder of David John Stewart in Winterville last year. He pleaded guilty to all nine counts. (Dink NeSmith/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Dusch sentenced to life: Man pleads guilty to 2025 murder in Winterville

Sarah Owens
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Michael Thomas Dusch pleaded guilty and was sentenced to life in prison on Tuesday for the murder of Oglethorpe County’s David John Stewart last year.
Attendees check out the silent auction at MOAS’ 11th annual Bark & Wine at Countryside Manor in Winterville on Aug. 15. MOAS raised $50,000 at the event, doubling last year’s amount. (Sarah Nanos/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Attendees check out the silent auction at MOAS’ 11th annual Bark & Wine at Countryside Manor in Winterville on Aug. 15. MOAS raised $50,000 at the event, doubling last year’s amount. (Sarah Nanos/The Oglethorpe Echo)

MOAS raises $50,000 at Bark & Wine

Sarah Nanos
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
The Madison Oglethorpe County Animal Shelter (MOAS) raised $50,000 at its 11th annual Bark & Wine — doubling the size of last year’s amount — at just the right time. “Very excited,” board president Danielle Burgess said.
Willie Torres, the co-owner of Town and Country Kafe, said his family is closing the restaurant to focus on an event venue business on the property. A restaurant called Wright’s Southern Cafe will take over the building. (Adriana Cascio/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Willie Torres, the co-owner of Town and Country Kafe, said his family is closing the restaurant to focus on an event venue business on the property. A restaurant called Wright’s Southern Cafe will take over the building. (Adriana Cascio/The Oglethorpe Echo)

New restaurant to take place of Town & Country

Sarah Nanos
Thursday, August 13, 2026
Town and Country Kafe will be transformed into a Southern soul food restaurant called Wright’s Southern Cafe.
Parents walk their children into Oglethorpe County Elementary School on the first day of school last Friday morning. Principal Katie Baldwin said OCES is working through issues with the morning drop off and afternoon pick up. (Ellie English/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Parents walk their children into Oglethorpe County Elementary School on the first day of school last Friday morning. Principal Katie Baldwin said OCES is working through issues with the morning drop off and afternoon pick up. (Ellie English/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Back in the swing of school: Oglethorpe County students returned to class on Friday

Ellie English
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Oglethorpe County faculty and staff welcomed students back to the classrooms last Friday.  First-year superintendent Phillip Powell said teachers were excited to have the students return to school after they spent time preparing their classrooms.