Echo wins Beacon Award for school coverage
News Staff
The Oglethorpe Echo has received an award for its reporting on the public education system in Oglethorpe County.
Thursday, November 9, 2023
Local News
The Oglethorpe Echo
Paul recognized for work on sludge legislation
John James
Jay Paul, chairman of Oglethorpe County’s Board of Commissioners, was recognized for his work on sludge and soil amendments when the Georgia Water Coalition released its annual report on Nov. 1.
Thursday, November 9, 2023
Runoff from a nearby dumping ground was a problem on Johnathan Martin's property, which is on Thaxton Road in Rayle, earlier this year. Sludge remains a hot topic in Oglethorpe County. (Submitted Photo)
Experts differ on sludge use, benefits
More than 40,000 tons of sludge were used for agricultural purposes in Georgia in 2018, according to the National Biosolids Data Project. That’s four times the weight of the Eiffel Tower. Sludge — also called soil amendments or biosolids — is fertilizer made of recycled goods.
Total registration numbers for previous years. NOTE: 2023 numbers are subject to change, as registration does not close until Nov. 2.
Rec department enrollment numbers continue to increase
News Staff
The Oglethorpe County Recreation Department expects a massive turnout for this year’s youth basketball and wrestling seasons.
Thursday, November 2, 2023
Children’s literacy is an important part of the Friends of the Oglethorpe County Library’s mission. The group helps support reading programs at the library.
Group Supports Reading Program
Jared Smith
Members of the Friends of the Oglethorpe County Library have been volunteering, leading fundraisers and holding events for years to help the local library.
While the group’s library efforts are the priority, it has also helped children in other ways.
Thursday, November 2, 2023
Tax Commissioner Sheila Arnold poses for a portrait.
Arnold plans to retire as tax commissioner
Jay Reece
Oglethorpe County Tax Commissioner Sheila Arnold said Monday she won’t seek reelection next year.
“You have to have it in your heart to run,” she said. “I wanted to help the citizens of Oglethorpe County.
Thursday, November 2, 2023
Rileigh (left) and Raina Giles pose together for twin day. The two seventh graders are actual twin sisters. (Photo/Caleb Baldwin)
PHOTOS: RED RIBBON WEEK
Caleb Baldwin
We always love to see our students excited about spirit week and having those crucial conversations about healthy lifestyles,” said OCMS Assistant Principal Alecia Casper.
Oglethorpe County Schools celebrated Red Ribbon Week, bringing awareness to the dangers of drug-abuse.
Thursday, November 2, 2023
Fire station map for Oglethorpe County
Inspections will be held to improve ISO rates
Evan Smoak
Oglethorpe County Fire & Rescue will inspect sites across the county to prepare for an Insurance Services Office fire rating review, which the organization hopes to conduct in early 2024.
Thursday, November 2, 2023
Tina White, the founder and organizer of Oglethorpe County’s Trunk or Treat event, distributes candy to siblings Zayne Kitchens (5), Zackari Kitchens (6) and Zailie Kitchens (9). This is White’s seventh year putting on the event and all of the work White puts into the event is completely volunteer based.
PHOTOS: Trunk or Treat returns to rec department for seventh year
Jordyn Gershoni
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
Dana Player, Arnoldsville city clerk and elections superintendent waits to check in voters at City Hall earlier this week. Early voting for the general and special elections began on Oct. 16, and Election Day is Nov. 7.