Local News

Rezone request may be withdrawn

News Staff
Thursday, November 30, 2023
The business owner who applied to rezone 12.3 acres on Double Bridges Road from agricultural to heavy industrial is considering withdrawing his application, County Planner McKenzie Spooner told The Oglethorpe Echo in an email on Wednesday morning.

News Roundup: COVID, flu kiosks set up in area

News Staff
Thursday, November 30, 2023
  The Northeast Health District provides around-the-clock COVID-19 and flu PCR testing at kiosks at these area locations: Old fire station, 3500 Atlanta Highway, Athens 30606 (entry is on Mitchell Bridge Road).  91 Albany Avenue, Danielsville 30633 (parking area near gazebo).
Oglethorpe County is one of Georgia’s largest agricultural producers, ranking 10th in total farm gate value (out of 159 counties), but is dominated by livestock, poultry and hay, not cotton. (Photo / Andy Johnston)

Oglethorpe County is one of Georgia’s largest agricultural producers, ranking 10th in total farm gate value (out of 159 counties), but is dominated by livestock, poultry and hay, not cotton. (Photo / Andy Johnston)

Oglethorpe County: Where cotton is no longer king

John Henry Hammond
Thursday, November 30, 2023
Phil Sanders sits at his dining table in Stephens and looks out on a once-familiar scene that’s now increasingly rare — cotton fields.  Cotton farming was once common in Oglethorpe County, but its presence has slowly waned.
Santa, who is a guest of honor at the Maxeys Christmas Parade, waves from his float in a recent parade. This is the fifth year for the parade, which also includes vendors, musical groups and food trucks.

Santa, who is a guest of honor at the Maxeys Christmas Parade, waves from his float in a recent parade. This is the fifth year for the parade, which also includes vendors, musical groups and food trucks.

Maxeys parade continues to grow

Jared Smith
Thursday, November 30, 2023
Organizers hope this year’s Maxeys Christmas Parade will bring Christmas spirit to the city and grow connections throughout the community.   “It’s about spreading good cheer, having fun in the community and starting off the Christmas season,” organizer Heather Parham said.
The Beaverdam Volunteer Fire Department participated in a pressurized container fire control course hosted by Butch McDuffie, chief of the Shiloh Volunteer Fire Department in Danielsville, on Nov. 18. Multiple departments attended the eight-hour course, which took place at Beaverdam station and at Oglethorpe County High School.

The Beaverdam Volunteer Fire Department participated in a pressurized container fire control course hosted by Butch McDuffie, chief of the Shiloh Volunteer Fire Department in Danielsville, on Nov. 18. Multiple departments attended the eight-hour course, which took place at Beaverdam station and at Oglethorpe County High School.

Photo Package: Fire Training

Emily Lupo
Wednesday, November 29, 2023
The Cabaniss Dairy farm is seen on Nov. 6, 2023. The farm exports organic milk from Stephens, Georgia, in Oglethorpe County. (Sidney Chansamone/The Oglethorpe Echo)

The Cabaniss Dairy farm is seen on Nov. 6, 2023. The farm exports organic milk from Stephens, Georgia, in Oglethorpe County. (Sidney Chansamone/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Farm-to-table: An inside look at the Cabaniss Dairy operation

Sidney Chansamone and Caleb Rollins
Wednesday, November 29, 2023
At the same time every day, seven days a week, Jim Cabaniss can be found at work on the organic dairy farm he owns and operates along with his brother, Jon, in Stephens.   “We run 24/7.
Santa listens as a child tells him what she wants for Christmas at the annual Christmas Marketplace in Crawford last weekend. Santa (Jim Anderson) travels to Oglethorpe County to appear as Santa Claus during the holiday season. Jordan Long/The Oglethorpe Echo

Santa listens as a child tells him what she wants for Christmas at the annual Christmas Marketplace in Crawford last weekend. Santa (Jim Anderson) travels to Oglethorpe County to appear as Santa Claus during the holiday season. Jordan Long/The Oglethorpe Echo

Christmas Marketplace kicks off holiday season

Jordan Long
Monday, November 27, 2023
The twinkle of fairy lights and the laughter of families and friends filled Crawford Depot this past weekend as the Oglethorpe County Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Christmas Marketplace.
Cyclists completing the 50-mile course travel along Lexington Carlton Road during the Ride SOFAR event on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. Cyclists could compete a 10k, 25-mile or 50-mile course starting and ending in Winterville. (Photo/Cassidy Hettesheimer)

Cyclists completing the 50-mile course travel along Lexington Carlton Road during the Ride SOFAR event on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. Cyclists could compete a 10k, 25-mile or 50-mile course starting and ending in Winterville. (Photo/Cassidy Hettesheimer)

Event organizer declares Ride SOFAR a success

Christian Kirby II
Thursday, November 23, 2023
 The Sweet Olive Farm Animal Rescue (SOFAR) held its inaugural bike race, “Ride SOFAR,” on Saturday to raise awareness and funds for the organization that rescues all types of farm animals.