Local News

The Arnoldsville Fire Department purchased the new fire truck with a $261,904 grant. This 2023 model offers a significant upgrade in firefighting capabilities, chief Heath Baker said. (Photo/Kayla Lopez)

The Arnoldsville Fire Department purchased the new fire truck with a $261,904 grant. This 2023 model offers a significant upgrade in firefighting capabilities, chief Heath Baker said. (Photo/Kayla Lopez)

Arnoldsville Fire Department to raise funds with car washes

Tyler Lary
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
The Arnoldsville Fire Department has joined with Tidal Wave Auto Spa to raise funds for the department through discounted car wash vouchers.    “We are doing this (fundraiser) to build our money back up for the money we’ve spent in the last two months,” Chief Heath Baker said.
Ms. Atao's students enjoyed many activities such as laying in the hammocks on their trip to Sweetwater Creek State Park during the weekend of April 19. (Photo/Amy Atao)

Ms. Atao's students enjoyed many activities such as laying in the hammocks on their trip to Sweetwater Creek State Park during the weekend of April 19. (Photo/Amy Atao)

Camping trip pushes students out of comfort zones

Sarah Coyne
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
Amy Atao’s eighth-grade connections class went fishing, hiking and visited Civil War ruins during their camping trip to Sweetwater Creek State Park on the weekend of April 19.
Mill Creek Meadows, which is off Whites Run Road, near its intersection with Arnoldsville Road, will include 20 homes. (Submitted Photo)

Mill Creek Meadows, which is off Whites Run Road, near its intersection with Arnoldsville Road, will include 20 homes. (Submitted Photo)

New developments add houses to Oglethorpe County

Jordan Howard and Tyler Lary
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
Houses are being completed at The Pines at Grove Creek in Crawford and Mill Creek Meadows in Arnoldsville, Oglethorpe County’s newest developments.
Keith and Paula Wagnon of Buds 'n Bows in Crawford are closing the florist they've owned and operated since 2000.

Keith and Paula Wagnon of Buds 'n Bows in Crawford are closing the florist they've owned and operated since 2000.

Wagnons decide it’s time to close Buds ’n Bows

Jordan Howard
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
Buds ’n Bows Flower Shop is closing.    “This season of our life has come to a close,” Paula Wagnon said. “We’ve met a lot of wonderful people, and they have become family.”   Paula, an Oglethorpe County native, and her husband Keith Wagnon have operated the shop at 303 Park Ave. since 2000.
Local writer, John Brewer, has lived in Oglethorpe County for 47 years and has written over 13 books. (Photo/Michael Johnson)

Local writer, John Brewer, has lived in Oglethorpe County for 47 years and has written over 13 books. (Photo/Michael Johnson)

Local artists and authors shine at Oglethorpe Library event

Michael Johnson
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
Peggy Hroma, a longtime Oglethorpe County resident and member of the Friends of the Oglethorpe Library, came up with the idea to add an art show to the library’s book sale twice a year.

USPS finds missing 200 mailed ballots

Zeke Palermo
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
Absentee ballots sent to Oglethorpe County voters on April 22 that were lost in the mail have been found, according to election officials and the U.S. Postal Service.   “As of (Sunday) they were located,” Oglethorpe County Election Supervisor Marilyn Huff-Waller said on Monday.
Two of the famous dishes at G Brand BBQ are the brisket sandwich and the banana pudding. Both are made in house and served fresh. (Lily Murphy/Oglethorpe Echo)

Two of the famous dishes at G Brand BBQ are the brisket sandwich and the banana pudding. Both are made in house and served fresh. (Lily Murphy/Oglethorpe Echo)

Customers crave G Brand BBQ’s banana pudding

Lily Murphy
Thursday, May 2, 2024
G Brand BBQ has been serving homemade barbeque for almost six years, but like many restaurants of its kind, one of its most popular dishes is banana pudding.    “We make it all fresh, fresh bananas, fresh cookies and keep it in a chilled dish,” said Ashtyn Allen, who manages the restaurant.
A cicada crawling up a plant stalk. (Submitted Photo)

A cicada crawling up a plant stalk. (Submitted Photo)

Where the cicadas sing: Periodical group emerges, is everywhere

Micahya Costen
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Sarah Rutherford has developed a fascination with cicadas.   Like many Georgians this spring, the Lexington resident has taken photos of the insects, which are seemingly everywhere.   “I went outside, and there were literally hundreds and hundreds of these.