Local News

Kim Bradford, from left, Charles Barrow, Jennifer Whitlock, Cory Crayton, Ronnie Boggs, and Craig Snow meet as the Lexington City Council at the Lexington City Hall on Thursday. The board approved the first reading of an ordinance that would provide legal accountability for not following historic preservation rules. Also attending the meeting was Jill Severn. (McCain Bracewell/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Kim Bradford, from left, Charles Barrow, Jennifer Whitlock, Cory Crayton, Ronnie Boggs, and Craig Snow meet as the Lexington City Council at the Lexington City Hall on Thursday. The board approved the first reading of an ordinance that would provide legal accountability for not following historic preservation rules. Also attending the meeting was Jill Severn. (McCain Bracewell/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Lexington ordinance would add penalties to support preservation

McCain Bracewell
Wednesday, June 19, 2024
Lexington City Council approved the first reading of a historic preservation ordinance that would allow the Historic Preservation Commission to take legal action against violators within the city.
Jack Howard pictured in front of his house in Lexington, which has been owned by the Howard family since 1836. Howard was born in the house and moved back into it in 1996 following his mother's death. (Jack Keys/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Jack Howard pictured in front of his house in Lexington, which has been owned by the Howard family since 1836. Howard was born in the house and moved back into it in 1996 following his mother's death. (Jack Keys/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Embracing the arts: Oglethorpe native explores passion after returning to childhood home

Jack Keys
Wednesday, June 19, 2024
Members of the Howard family have lived in an antebellum home on Salem Church Road in Lexington for nearly four generations, dating back to 1836.  Now, thanks to owner Jack Howard, one of Oglethorpe County’s historic houses has a modern, artistic touch that also stretches beyond its walls.

MOAS offers free vaccines on Saturday

Echo Staff
Wednesday, June 12, 2024
Madison Oglethorpe Animal Shelter will hold a free pet vaccine clinic for Oglethorpe County residents from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 15 in the parking lot of the Lexington Community Center, which is across from Meson Park.
Ron Brown holds a quartz cluster, which is a prevalent crystal in the area. (Submitted photo)

Ron Brown holds a quartz cluster, which is a prevalent crystal in the area. (Submitted photo)

Crystals are hidden gems of Oglethorpe County

Sara Micale
Wednesday, June 12, 2024
Oglethorpe County is home to many hidden gems. Literally. There are veins of crystals, including clear quartz and amethyst, beneath the ground, and for some, digging up these crystals has become a satisfying hobby.
Heather Pillsbury, who has “always wanted to play Audrey,” rehearses for “Little Shop of Horrors,” a musical presented by Arts!Oglethorpe this month. Audrey is the love interest of Seymour, played by Tyler Spears (left), a fourth-year UGA student. (Sarah Coyne/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Heather Pillsbury, who has “always wanted to play Audrey,” rehearses for “Little Shop of Horrors,” a musical presented by Arts!Oglethorpe this month. Audrey is the love interest of Seymour, played by Tyler Spears (left), a fourth-year UGA student. (Sarah Coyne/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Plant puppet could steal the show

Sarah Coyne
Wednesday, June 12, 2024
Arts!Oglethorpe’s summer production of “Little Shop of Horrors” will feature more than just actors. Plants will also make their debut. Puppeteer Cedwan Hooks was able to bring to life a “special” puppet that will be on display during the show.
The Historic Crawford School, which opened in 1911, has been owned by Arts!Oglethorpe since 2011. It has been renovated, including the installation of 68 windows, bathrooms, staircases and replica doors. (Sarah Coyne/The Oglethorpe Echo))

The Historic Crawford School, which opened in 1911, has been owned by Arts!Oglethorpe since 2011. It has been renovated, including the installation of 68 windows, bathrooms, staircases and replica doors. (Sarah Coyne/The Oglethorpe Echo))

Theater group makes its home in Crawford School

Sarah Coyne
Wednesday, June 12, 2024
The Historic Crawford School, which opened in 1911, now houses Arts!Oglethorpe, the county’s community theater group.  The organization has owned and used the building as a rehearsal space, storage and theater since 2011, thanks to support from donors.

Black heritage expo set for Juneteenth

Zeke Palermo
Wednesday, June 12, 2024
The Joynt Production Network (JPN) will celebrate Juneteenth with a Black Youth Heritage Expo from noon to 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 19, at Oak Tree Plaza in Lexington. The expo will feature 15-20 exhibits created by Black students across Georgia.
Andy Johnston (left), editor of The Oglethorpe Echo, and Dink NeSmith, chairman of The Oglethorpe Echo Legacy Inc., display the awards won at this year’s Georgia Press Association convention on June 7. The Echo has won 18 GPA awards in its two full years partnering with UGA’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. (Lori Johnston/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Andy Johnston (left), editor of The Oglethorpe Echo, and Dink NeSmith, chairman of The Oglethorpe Echo Legacy Inc., display the awards won at this year’s Georgia Press Association convention on June 7. The Echo has won 18 GPA awards in its two full years partnering with UGA’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. (Lori Johnston/The Oglethorpe Echo)

The Echo receives 9 awards in state newspaper contest

Echo Staff
Wednesday, June 12, 2024
The Oglethorpe Echo earned nine section and individual awards in the Georgia Press Association’s annual Better Newspaper Contest for the second consecutive year.
President of the Concerned Men of Oglethorpe County Reverend Reginald Hunter (top left) is pictured alongside fellow members of the organization. The coalition of religious leaders was founded over 25 years ago, awarding annual scholarships to OCHS graduating students in need. (Submitted Photo)

President of the Concerned Men of Oglethorpe County Reverend Reginald Hunter (top left) is pictured alongside fellow members of the organization. The coalition of religious leaders was founded over 25 years ago, awarding annual scholarships to OCHS graduating students in need. (Submitted Photo)

Concerned Men remain committed to county’s youth

Jack Keys
Wednesday, June 12, 2024
Just over 25 years ago, approximately 40 Black students enrolled at Oglethorpe County High School. Only 11 of them graduated.  The Rev. Reginald Hunter of New Springhill Baptist Church knew something needed to change. “We knew then we had to do something to help the community,” he said.
Longtime Oglethorpe County resident Forrest Neely celebrates his 100th birthday, which is on June 6, with a party at the Winterville United Methodist Church on June 8. Neely was the owner of Farmer’s Hardware in Athens for several years. (Wyatt Meyer/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Longtime Oglethorpe County resident Forrest Neely celebrates his 100th birthday, which is on June 6, with a party at the Winterville United Methodist Church on June 8. Neely was the owner of Farmer’s Hardware in Athens for several years. (Wyatt Meyer/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Friends, family honor Forrest Neely’s 100th birthday

Wyatt Meyer
Wednesday, June 12, 2024
Though his birth certificate says otherwise, longtime Oglethorpe County resident Forrest Neely didn’t turn 100 on June 6. He turned 36,525.  That’s because throughout Neely’s century on the planet, he’s rejected thinking about life in terms of years. Instead, he takes it day by day.