Local News

Ora Nation stands on the steel framework of a building while working for Rain- water Construction in 1959. Nation has worked at the company for 67 years, holding various roles from steel erector to building consultant over the course of his career. (Submitted Photo)

Ora Nation stands on the steel framework of a building while working for Rain- water Construction in 1959. Nation has worked at the company for 67 years, holding various roles from steel erector to building consultant over the course of his career. (Submitted Photo)

Man of steel: Nation celebrates 67 years with same company

Margaux Binder
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
Ora Nation left Oglethorpe County at age 18 to find a job in Atlanta and “strike it rich.”    There, he began his first job at Rainwater Construction as a steel erector, assembling the framework of steel buildings. Nation was excited to receive a wage of 75 cents an hour, a fair rate in 1957.
Two Republican candidates seek the next term as Oglethorpe County sheriff on May 21.

Two Republican candidates seek the next term as Oglethorpe County sheriff on May 21.

Q&A: Sheriff candidates on key issues, policies

Kayla Lopez
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
Q: What do you think are the top three priorities of the office and how the deputies' time is being allocated?    Jackson: I’d say, the top priority for me is to protect and serve the citizens and maintain the jail.
Candidates for Oglethorpe County primary election. The last day to register to vote is April 22. Election is May 21.

Candidates for Oglethorpe County primary election. The last day to register to vote is April 22. Election is May 21.

News Roundup: Registration for primary ends April 22

News Staff
Monday, April 8, 2024
The final day to register to vote or update your address for this year’s general primary is Monday, April 22.     Residents can register or check their voter status online at mvp.sos.ga.gov or visit the Board of Elections office at 41 Fairground Road in Lexington.
Jason Lewis

Jason Lewis

Lewis receives state EMS award

News Staff
Monday, April 8, 2024
Jason Lewis was selected as the EMS Director of the Year for the state at the Georgia Emergency Medical Services Association’s annual leadership conference at Lake Lanier Islands last week.   Lewis was recently appointed coroner for Oglethorpe County.
Sara Hughes, director of federal programs and grant writing for the Oglethorpe County School System, moved into the role last August, resulting in more than $1.1 million in grants in the 23-24 school year.

Sara Hughes, director of federal programs and grant writing for the Oglethorpe County School System, moved into the role last August, resulting in more than $1.1 million in grants in the 23-24 school year.

Hughes' role pays off for Oglethorpe County schools

Jim Bass
Thursday, April 4, 2024
Oglethorpe County School System has received more than $1.1 million in grants this school year — surpassing last year’s total.    The funds are thanks to Sara Hughes, director of federal programs and grant writing, who is in a new position with the school system.
Alumni Willie Waller and Maggie Mobley were two of the first students to attend the Oglethorpe Consolidated school. (Photo/Michael Johnson)

Alumni Willie Waller and Maggie Mobley were two of the first students to attend the Oglethorpe Consolidated school. (Photo/Michael Johnson)

Preserving history one brick at a time

Izzy Wagner and Michael Johnson
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Oglethorpe County Primary School will be demolished after the completion of the new K-5 elementary school on Fairground Road. However, the building’s history will be preserved in the final construction of the new school and in the minds of its former students.
Jimmica Collins stars as Aanika in "Aanika's Elephants" at the New Victory Theater in New York. In the play, the orphan Aanika meets and forms a sisterly bond with an elephant. (Submitted Photo/Zach Hyman)

Jimmica Collins stars as Aanika in "Aanika's Elephants" at the New Victory Theater in New York. In the play, the orphan Aanika meets and forms a sisterly bond with an elephant. (Submitted Photo/Zach Hyman)

Collins, a ‘Sesame Street’ regular, hits Broadway

Izzy Wagner
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Moving to New York City from her hometown of Lexington was nothing short of a culture shock for actress Jimmica Collins, but after graduating from Oglethorpe County High School in 2009, she had her heart set on it.   “I had only grown up with certain types of people,” Collins said.
District 3 Commissioner David Clark

District 3 Commissioner David Clark

BOC voices concern over library book

Avi Young
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Members of the Board of Commissioners said they want a specific book removed from the Oglethorpe County Library due to inappropriate content during a heated meeting Monday night.   Paul said the main concern is with “All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George M.
The lot at 111 N. Gilmer St. recently was cleared as part of the clean up of the downtown Lexington buildings owned by Rick Hawkins. He also owns 110, 112, 114, 116 and 118 West Main Street. (Dink Nesmith/ The Oglethorpe Echo

The lot at 111 N. Gilmer St. recently was cleared as part of the clean up of the downtown Lexington buildings owned by Rick Hawkins. He also owns 110, 112, 114, 116 and 118 West Main Street. (Dink Nesmith/ The Oglethorpe Echo

Work begins on buildings in Lexington

Jordan Howard
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Rick Hawkins has started to clean up his properties in downtown Lexington. Debris, junk and overgrown shrubbery recently was cleared from the exterior of the building at 111 N. Gilmer St., just off Main Street.