Local News

Dwight Howard Jr., who is 6-foot-10, hangs out with OCHS students before the start of the Patriot Promise, a new mentoring program started by Superintendent Beverley Levine. Howard played for the L.A. Lakers and Orlando Magic, among other teams. (Jim Bass/Oglethorpe Echo)

Dwight Howard Jr., who is 6-foot-10, hangs out with OCHS students before the start of the Patriot Promise, a new mentoring program started by Superintendent Beverley Levine. Howard played for the L.A. Lakers and Orlando Magic, among other teams. (Jim Bass/Oglethorpe Echo)

Former NBA star kicks off mentoring program

Ellie Pool
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Dwight Howard Jr. walked through the halls of Oglethorpe County High School, towering over students and ducking under doors as students followed him, waiting patiently to ask for a photo or autograph.

News Roundup: Turkey season opening days coming soon

News Staff
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Turkey season opens Saturday, March 30 on private land and a week later for public lands.   Only one gobbler can be taken per hunter per day and a total of two for the season, which ends on May 15, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
Jonathan Scott talks at a Historic Oglethorpe meeting, debunking the story surrounding Confederate soldier John Schroeder. Schroeder is said to be buried in Winterville. Michael Johnson/The Oglethorpe Echo

Jonathan Scott talks at a Historic Oglethorpe meeting, debunking the story surrounding Confederate soldier John Schroeder. Schroeder is said to be buried in Winterville. Michael Johnson/The Oglethorpe Echo

Historian: Soldier not buried in Winterville

Michael Johnson
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
Jonathan Scott debunked the mystery of a Confederate soldier supposedly buried behind Winterville Methodist Church at a Historic Oglethorpe meeting at the Oglethorpe County Library on Monday.
Robert Wilson, who graduated from OCHS in 2008, recently graduated from Georgia State’s law school and works for Arora Law in Atlanta.

Robert Wilson, who graduated from OCHS in 2008, recently graduated from Georgia State’s law school and works for Arora Law in Atlanta.

OCHS grad makes name with law firm

Michael Johnson
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
Robert Wilson loved the small-town feel of growing up in Oglethorpe County. He has vivid memories of visiting his grandparents’ tranquil farm and seeing cows and horses.   Wilson said he was sure he never wanted to move to a big city.
Teresa Jo Campbell (left) and Dawn Johnson Scarborough (right) are the candidates running for Oglethorpe County tax commissioner in the May 21 election. (Submitted photos)

Teresa Jo Campbell (left) and Dawn Johnson Scarborough (right) are the candidates running for Oglethorpe County tax commissioner in the May 21 election. (Submitted photos)

Election 2024 Q&A: Scarborough, Campbell look to fill Arnold’s role

Sarah Myers
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
The Oglethorpe County tax commissioner seat will be open after Sheila Arnold, who has held the office since 2008, retires in December.
Georgia’s revised outdoor burning regulations and how to “Take Five” before burning

Georgia’s revised outdoor burning regulations and how to “Take Five” before burning

Two fires burn nearly 430 acres

Kayla Lopez
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
Two wildfires burned close to 430 acres and prompted urgent responses from volunteer fire departments and forestry agencies in Oglethorpe County on March 20.   A fire on Bull Bray Road, the first incident of the day, started around 1:43 p.m.
Katie Edwards, a counselor at Oglethorpe County Elementary School, helps third-grader Londyn Wilson with a work- sheet during a guidance lesson last month. The lessons are regularly held to guide students' empathy, emotion regulation, perseverance and more. (Navya Shukla/For The Oglethorpe Echo)

Katie Edwards, a counselor at Oglethorpe County Elementary School, helps third-grader Londyn Wilson with a work- sheet during a guidance lesson last month. The lessons are regularly held to guide students' empathy, emotion regulation, perseverance and more. (Navya Shukla/For The Oglethorpe Echo)

High need, low accessibility: Oglethorpe County residents face barriers to mental health care, even as teens and schools are willing to have the conversation

Navya Shukla and Sydney Rainwater
Thursday, March 21, 2024
Sonja Thompson Roach remembers the moment last year when a photographer took photos and interviewed her son and his friends for a Time magazine story on mental health and teens.
Advanced EMT Taylor Eidson stands in front of an Oglethorpe County ambulance. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

Advanced EMT Taylor Eidson stands in front of an Oglethorpe County ambulance. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

Q&A: Eidson loves to help friends, family

Zeke Palermo
Thursday, March 21, 2024
Oglethorpe County High School began offering a class titled "Emergency Medical Technician" in 2017 that is taught by Jason Lewis.  Like the certified nursing assistant classes offered at the school, it allows students to receive professional training and a basic EMT certification before graduation.
Jason Lewis is Oglethorpe County’s interim coroner after serving as the EMS director. He’s running unopposed in this year’s election. (Submitted)

Jason Lewis is Oglethorpe County’s interim coroner after serving as the EMS director. He’s running unopposed in this year’s election. (Submitted)

Election 2024 Q&A: Lewis experienced, but ‘still learning’ coroner position

Lily Murphy
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Jason Lewis, who is running for coroner, has been a paramedic for 27 years. He has been Oglethorpe County’s Emergency Medical Services director and recently stepped in as interim coroner when James Jackson resigned to run for sheriff.
The Winterville Community Garden is a city-sponsored space for gardeners to rent soil beds and grow fresh produce. Four beds are dedicated to providing produce to local food banks. (Submitted Photo)

The Winterville Community Garden is a city-sponsored space for gardeners to rent soil beds and grow fresh produce. Four beds are dedicated to providing produce to local food banks. (Submitted Photo)

Winterville Community Garden cultivates produce, generosity

Sara Micale
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Gardeners sow the seeds of plants, but also the spirit of generosity, at the Winterville Community Garden.      Founded in 2013 and located near Pittard Park in Winterville, the garden is a city-sponsored space for people to rent beds of compost and soil mix for growing produce.