Local News

Carl Young (from left), who works at OCHS, Lori Hall (OCES), Madison Phillips (OCMS) and Everneda Moore (OCPS) were recognized as the Oglethorpe County Board of Education classified employees of the year at the BOE meeting on Tuesday. They were chosen by their peers for the recognition. (McCain Bracewell/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Carl Young (from left), who works at OCHS, Lori Hall (OCES), Madison Phillips (OCMS) and Everneda Moore (OCPS) were recognized as the Oglethorpe County Board of Education classified employees of the year at the BOE meeting on Tuesday. They were chosen by their peers for the recognition. (McCain Bracewell/The Oglethorpe Echo)

BOE recognizes classified employees of the year

McCain Bracewell
Thursday, November 7, 2024
 The Oglethorpe County Board of Education celebrated the classified employees of the year at each of the schools during its monthly meeting Tuesday night.
The Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to add a four-way stop at Sandy Cross and Lexington-Carlton roads. If signs are available, they hope the new stop will be effective by Dec. 1.

The Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to add a four-way stop at Sandy Cross and Lexington-Carlton roads. If signs are available, they hope the new stop will be effective by Dec. 1.

Commissioners approve four-way stop in Sandy Cross

Sarah Coyne
Thursday, November 7, 2024
The Oglethorpe County Board of Commissioners unanimously agreed to create a new four-way stop in the county due to safety concerns.Chairman Jay Paul proposed placement of a four-way stop at Sandy Cross Road and Lexington-Carlton Road during the Nov.
A sign identifies the Crawford Depot as a polling location on Tuesday morning. There were 170 votes cast there by 10 a.m.

A sign identifies the Crawford Depot as a polling location on Tuesday morning. There were 170 votes cast there by 10 a.m.

Voters get early start at Crawford Depot

Makenzy Wolford
Thursday, November 7, 2024
First-time voters were among the early crowd at the Crawford Depot on Tuesday morning.  “I’m just trying to do my part,” said Elliott Fowler, first-time voter and Arnoldsville resident.  Fowler wasn’t the only first-time voter at the Depot.
Rylee Stanley (from left), Rebecca Jones, Kinley Grimes and Julian George went all out for the rec department’s Trunk or Treat. The eighth-graders stand in front of one of the night’s biggest attractions: Ms. Frizzle’s Magic School Bus. (Saylor Williams/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Rylee Stanley (from left), Rebecca Jones, Kinley Grimes and Julian George went all out for the rec department’s Trunk or Treat. The eighth-graders stand in front of one of the night’s biggest attractions: Ms. Frizzle’s Magic School Bus. (Saylor Williams/The Oglethorpe Echo)

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Hundreds pack rec department’s Trunk or Treat

Saylor Williams
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
 From mad scientists with spooky concoctions to Ms. Frizzle’s Magic School Bus to a 7-year-old dressed like actor Glen Powell, this year’s eighth annual Trunk or Treat event had it all.
Oglethorpe County High School students Landon King (left) and Kayden Watkins have been selected to the Athens-Area chapter of the Watson Brown Foundation Junior Board of Trustees. King said he would like to become an archaeologist. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

Oglethorpe County High School students Landon King (left) and Kayden Watkins have been selected to the Athens-Area chapter of the Watson Brown Foundation Junior Board of Trustees. King said he would like to become an archaeologist. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

OCHS students chosen for area preservation committee

Ashby Booth
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Oglethorpe County High School students Kayden Watkins and Landon King have been selected to the Athens-Area chapter of the Watson Brown Foundation Junior Board of Trustees.   The foundation is a group of high school students whose job is to make decisions on preserving local historic sights.

News Roundup: Maxeys parade will take place on Dec. 7

News Staff
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
 The sixth annual Maxeys Christmas Parade is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 in downtown Maxeys.  The Christmas Marketplace, featuring food trucks, vendors, music and more will start at 10 a.m. There will be a visit from Santa.

Trio teams up to take over administrative duties

Alex Perri
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
When county administrator Josh Hawkins headed to Athens for his new job as Athens-Clarke County’s capital projects administrator, three Oglethorpe County employees — county clerk Amy Forrester, code officer Jeff Sharp and EMS director Jason Lewis — stepped up to perform his duties in his absence.
Oglethorpe County elections supervisor Marilyn Huff-Waller (left) helps distribute and count votes at the Board of Elections in Lexington on Tuesday. Nationally, Donald Trump defeated Kamala Harris in the presi- dential race to return to the White House. (Mary Catherine Dodys / The Oglethorpe Echo)

Oglethorpe County elections supervisor Marilyn Huff-Waller (left) helps distribute and count votes at the Board of Elections in Lexington on Tuesday. Nationally, Donald Trump defeated Kamala Harris in the presi- dential race to return to the White House. (Mary Catherine Dodys / The Oglethorpe Echo)

Incumbents Paul, Saxon cruise to victory in heavy turnout

Mary Catherine Dodys
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
 Republican incumbents easily held onto their seats on Tuesday.  Commission chair Jay Paul and District 2 commissioner Andy Saxon defeated their Democratic challengers in the election.  Election assistant Steve McCannon said Oglethorpe County had a voter turnout of 78.
More than 44% of Oglethorpe County registered voters have cast an early or absentee ballot so far in the 2024 election. These totals show early voting numbers each day through Oct. 26.

More than 44% of Oglethorpe County registered voters have cast an early or absentee ballot so far in the 2024 election. These totals show early voting numbers each day through Oct. 26.

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Early voting continues at steady pace

Sarah Coyne
Thursday, October 31, 2024
Georgia set an early voting record on Oct. 15 with 310,000, or nearly 4% of total registered voters in the state, casting a ballot. Oglethorpe County contributed 591 votes to that record-breaking total. But, the county isn’t surpassing its own record totals — yet.
Hannah Ramirez (left) and Jessica Holm Boguski stand near a line of rabbit pelts from the Harvest Day's harvest. This year’s Harvest Day was held at Ramirez’s Renaissance Farmstead in Sandy Cross. (ALEX PERRI/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO)

Hannah Ramirez (left) and Jessica Holm Boguski stand near a line of rabbit pelts from the Harvest Day's harvest. This year’s Harvest Day was held at Ramirez’s Renaissance Farmstead in Sandy Cross. (ALEX PERRI/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO)

Harvest Day helps folks become one with food

Alex Perri
Wednesday, October 30, 2024
 Harvest season is upon us.  Fields have been cut. Hay has been baled. Apples and squash are ripe for the picking.  And for many farmers and homesteaders, now is the time to slaughter their animals.