Local News

Crawford Pizza employees Elizabeth Russell (left) and Caitlin Hartrum stand in front of the restaurant’s mural earlier this month. Russell, who lives in Crawford, and Hartrum, who lives in Lexington, said it helps welcome people to the county. (Margaux Binder/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Crawford Pizza employees Elizabeth Russell (left) and Caitlin Hartrum stand in front of the restaurant’s mural earlier this month. Russell, who lives in Crawford, and Hartrum, who lives in Lexington, said it helps welcome people to the county. (Margaux Binder/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Mural gains popularity: Phrase on side of Crawford Pizza welcomes visitors to city

Margaux Binder
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Every day for almost a year, a large mural has greeted those who drive through downtown Crawford.    The mural’s bold, white letters — “It’s nice to have you in Crawford Georgia” — stand out against the red brick on an exterior wall of Crawford Pizza.
Born and Raised in Oglethorpe County, Katherine (left) and Sarah (right) Ratcliffe continue to serve the county. Katherine is the branch manger of the library and Sarah is a naturalist at Watson Mill Bridge State Park.(Photo/Michael Johnson)

Born and Raised in Oglethorpe County, Katherine (left) and Sarah (right) Ratcliffe continue to serve the county. Katherine is the branch manger of the library and Sarah is a naturalist at Watson Mill Bridge State Park.(Photo/Michael Johnson)

Ratcliffes are sisters in life, service

Michael Johnson
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Katherine and Sarah Ratcliffe were fully prepared to find a new place to call home when they left Oglethorpe County to go west in 2019. Born and raised in the county, they quit their jobs and started a new adventure.
The Oglethorpe Echo

The Oglethorpe Echo

Miss Oglethorpe Pageant Canceled

Lee Short
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
The eighth annual Miss Oglethorpe Pageant, originally scheduled for March 16, has been canceled.    Organizer Joanne Wrenn said the cancellation was due to a lack of participation, likely due to March being a busy time of year for parents, along with the start of school spring sports.
A table of the candidates qualified for the general primary and nonpartisan election on May 21. The general election will be held on Nov. 5. (Lee Short/The Oglethorpe Echo)

A table of the candidates qualified for the general primary and nonpartisan election on May 21. The general election will be held on Nov. 5. (Lee Short/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Challengers take on Paul for chairman

Lee Short
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Jay Paul has opposition in his reelection bid.   Paul, the chair of the Oglethorpe County Commission, will face fellow Republican Wayne Loggans in the primary election, which is scheduled for Tuesday, May 21. Democrat Patrick Bonds also qualified to run for the position.

Bearden is The Echo’s new business manager

News Staff
Friday, March 8, 2024
The Oglethorpe Echo has a new staff member.    Trisha Bearden joined the 150-year-old newspaper as its business manager this week, said Dink NeSmith, chairman of The Oglethorpe Echo Legacy, Inc., the nonprofit that owns and operates the newspaper.
A sign in Peach Express in Crawford commemorates the $1 million jackpot won by an Oglethorpe County resident late last month. The resident wishes to remain anonymous.

A sign in Peach Express in Crawford commemorates the $1 million jackpot won by an Oglethorpe County resident late last month. The resident wishes to remain anonymous.

Resident strikes gold with $1 million lottery win

Kayla Lopez
Friday, March 8, 2024
An ordinary trip to a local gas station transformed into a million-dollar moment for an Oglethorpe County resident last week.   The winner, who wishes to remain anonymous, bought the $1 million scratch-off, a Triple Jackpot ticket, at 8:58 a.m. Feb.
Hazel Sanders, owner of Hazel's Hair Salon in Lexington, sees customers of all ages, but has built a reputation with kids, including Jaden Hayes (left), 14, who has had his hair cut by Sanders for nearly nine years. Blade Dozier (center) from Wilkes County, receives his first haircut from Sanders in July 2020, and Sanders gave Bella Sheridan (right), who is 7, her first haircut as a toddler and continues to cut her hair. (Submitted Photos)

Hazel Sanders, owner of Hazel's Hair Salon in Lexington, sees customers of all ages, but has built a reputation with kids, including Jaden Hayes (left), 14, who has had his hair cut by Sanders for nearly nine years. Blade Dozier (center) from Wilkes County, receives his first haircut from Sanders in July 2020, and Sanders gave Bella Sheridan (right), who is 7, her first haircut as a toddler and continues to cut her hair. (Submitted Photos)

Special service: Sanders brings comfort to customers of all ages at her shop or in their homes

Margaux Binder
Thursday, March 7, 2024
Barbara Laubert, a 90-year-old Lexington resident, and her 93-year-old husband Andy exchange compliments and smiles in their home. Andy Laubert, however, shares his best jokes with Hazel Sanders, owner of Hazel’s Hair Salon, as she trims his white curls.
The historical marker commemorates the conclusion of the William Bartram Trail. The marker is located near Arnoldsville on U.S. 78. (Photo/Michael Johnson)

The historical marker commemorates the conclusion of the William Bartram Trail. The marker is located near Arnoldsville on U.S. 78. (Photo/Michael Johnson)

Historical markers highlight county's past

Michael Johnson
Thursday, March 7, 2024
Oglethorpe County is home to 12 historical markers highlighting important people, places and events in the area’s past, only some of which might be known to residents.   The county’s most recent marker was erected in 2020, commemorating the birthplace of the Columbia Theological Seminary.
John Fortuna receives a certificate from Kathleen deMarrais, presi- dent of Historic Oglethorpe County after receiving the annual Historic Oglethorpe County Annual Award at the organization’s banquet on March 1. (Photo/Izzy Wagner)

John Fortuna receives a certificate from Kathleen deMarrais, presi- dent of Historic Oglethorpe County after receiving the annual Historic Oglethorpe County Annual Award at the organization’s banquet on March 1. (Photo/Izzy Wagner)

Fortuna recognized for historic efforts

Izzy Wagner
Thursday, March 7, 2024
A heavy, wooden plaque, engraved with award recipients dating back decades, made its way around the table. Attendees of the Historic Oglethorpe County Awards Banquet carefully held it in their hands before passing it to the person beside them.