Mary Kate Shealy With kids Austyn, Blaze and Hudson Shealy at a former Truck or Treat event at the Recreation Department. (Submitted Photo)
Local News
Oglethorpe County Listening Event
WUGA, The Echo host community listening event
Meadow Barrow
The Oglethorpe Echo, in partnership with WUGA, will host a community listening event from 6-7:30 p.m. Nov. 2 at the Oglethorpe County Library.
All interested residents are encouraged to attend.
Thursday, October 26, 2023
Community Christmas organizers (from left) Catherine Bowen Drewry, Jodie Zeuke and Shirley Dillard are preparing for the busy time of the year. In 2022, Community Christmas distributed $93,552 in toys, assistance and funds to 175 families. (Photo/Sidney Chansamone)
Community Christmas registration ends soon
Catherine Drewry started Community Christmas of Oglethorpe County Inc. in 1996 with one goal in mind: providing Christmas gifts for kids in need.
Beaverdam VFD fire chief Jehu Post (left) and assistant chief Cody Gibbs (right) lead many of the trainings for firefighters in Oglethorpe County. Evan Smoak/The Oglethorpe Echo
Volunteer firefighters needed
Evan Smoak
Oglethorpe County is experiencing a firefighter shortage.
“I think there’s a crisis across public safety, a crisis for personnel,” said Cody Gibbs, assistant chief of the Beaverdam Volunteer Fire Department.
Thursday, October 26, 2023
Laura Pallas, who co-owns Buffalo Creek Berry Farm and has a doctorate in food science from the University of Georgia, holds her son Arthur James Phillips in February 2022. Pallas uses leftover produce in a manner of ways, including syrups and jams. (Kate Hoffman/The Oglethorpe Echo)
Farmers find ways to reduce produce waste
John James
Produce farming is hard.
It’s a year-round industry, filled with long hours, intensive labor, and fruits and vegetables that go out of season at a moment’s notice. Even when farmers can produce a bountiful crop, it’s impossible to sell everything.
Inevitably, goods are left over.
Thursday, October 26, 2023
EMILY LUPO/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO
Safety tips for children, adults
Emily Lupo
With Halloween approaching and many fall festivities already underway, emergency services officials in Oglethorpe County are offering tips and reminders to help keep your family safe this spooky season.
Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Lisa Porterfield (from left), Dylan Fields, Kelli Porterfield, Kristin Young, Paul Mixon, Tina Mixon and Hercules the Dalmation enjoy a recent Trunk or Treat at the rec department. This is the seventh year the rec department has held the event.
Trunk or Treat returns to rec department for seventh year
Jordyn Gershoni
What began as a simple idea by a dedicated parent seven years ago has grown into a local custom that welcomes hundreds of Oglethorpe County children and families every year.
The Oglethorpe County Recreation Department is set to host its seventh annual Trunk or Treat from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct.
Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Julie Wade (left) and Deidre Boswell work on the set in preparation for Mt. Pleasant Community Church’s Judgment House, which is open from 7-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21 to Monday, Oct. 23. Pastor Levi Taylor said the Judgment House is more about spreading the word of a loving, merciful God. (Submitted Photo)
Crawford church to welcome community to Judgment House
Martina Essert
Mt. Pleasant Community Church in Crawford will bring back a Judgment House after a four-year hiatus.
The Judgment House, which is open from 7-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21 through Monday, Oct. 23, is less about fear for Pastor Levi Taylor and more about spreading the word of a loving, merciful God.
Friday, October 20, 2023
The Bell’s in Lexington, along with the other four stores in the chain, were sold to B&T’s Food Fresh Market on Friday. The name likely will be changed sometime by the first of the year. (Aisha Shulz/The Oglethorpe Echo)
Employee retention part of Bell’s deal with B&T’s
News Staff
Bell’s Food Stores customers should expect to see changes by early 2024 after the five-store chain was acquired by B&T’s Food Fresh Market last week.
The deal was finalized on Friday. Details were not disclosed.
Ralph J. Costa Jr.
Thursday, October 19, 2023
Gracelyn Ramey, a senior at Oglethorpe County High School, was crowned America’s National Miss last summer. She aligns with ANM, which has anti-bullying values. (Sidney Chansamone/The Oglethorpe Echo)