Local News

Bell's Food Stores, Oglethorpe County’s only grocery store, is in negotiations to be sold to B&T’s Food Fresh Market, a grocery chain in East Georgia. EVAN SMOAK/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO

Bell's Food Stores, Oglethorpe County’s only grocery store, is in negotiations to be sold to B&T’s Food Fresh Market, a grocery chain in East Georgia. EVAN SMOAK/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO

Chain in talks to buy Bell’s

Jordan Long
Thursday, October 12, 2023
Bell’s Food Stores in Lexington is in the process of being sold to B&T’s Food Fresh Market.    “Bell’s and B&T’s Food Fresh Market are in negotiations for B&T’s Food Fresh Market to acquire Bell’s, and the acquisition will take place in the near future,” said Ralph J. Costa Jr.
Half of this year’s Zombie Farms staff gathered for a recent group shot. Owners Patrick and Cynthia MacDonald host multiple casting calls a season and generally have about 100 people on staff.

Half of this year’s Zombie Farms staff gathered for a recent group shot. Owners Patrick and Cynthia MacDonald host multiple casting calls a season and generally have about 100 people on staff.

Couple relies on community to make Zombie Farms come alive

Jordyn Gershoni
Thursday, October 12, 2023
Zombie Farms is a haunted trail in Oglethorpe County, but it’s also a community effort, according to its creators.  With around 100 people on staff, ranging from actors to parking directors, the event becomes a cooperation of local talents.
Erin Campbell, founder of the Athens Area Diaper Bank, moves boxes labeled for Oglethorpe County at the organization's warehouse in Bogart. The nonprofit sends free diapers to locations in Oglethorpe County. (Sarah Donehoo/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Erin Campbell, founder of the Athens Area Diaper Bank, moves boxes labeled for Oglethorpe County at the organization's warehouse in Bogart. The nonprofit sends free diapers to locations in Oglethorpe County. (Sarah Donehoo/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Ways to help those in need in Oglethorpe County

News Staff
Thursday, October 12, 2023
By Sarah Donehoo, Olivia Wakim, Elizabeth Rymarev and Sydney Hood For The Oglethorpe Echo Finding assistance can be an overwhelming task for those who need food, basic supplies, family services and more. About 12.
Crystal Yamasato, 3, must undergo a series of rabies shots after being attacked by a bobcat in Winterville last Friday. She is one of two children who were attacked near the intersection of Melton and Williams McCurley roads. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Crystal Yamasato, 3, must undergo a series of rabies shots after being attacked by a bobcat in Winterville last Friday. She is one of two children who were attacked near the intersection of Melton and Williams McCurley roads. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Bobcat attack victim faces recovery

Echo Staff
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
Crystal Yamasato returned home on Monday night, but faces more hospital and doctor visits as she recovers from a bobcat attack.   Yamasato, who is 3 years old, was one of two children attacked in Winterville last Friday afternoon. The first victim was a 14-year-old boy whose injuries are unknown.
Arnoldsville City Councilman Danny Sniff (left) gestures toward Mayor Pro Tem Danny Morcom (far right) at the Arnoldsville meet and greet last Friday at No. 3 Railroad Street. Both men are running for mayor, but have shown respect and goodwill toward each other. “Am I endorsing Danny?” Sniff said. “To some degree, yes.” (photo/ Elena Acosta)

Arnoldsville City Councilman Danny Sniff (left) gestures toward Mayor Pro Tem Danny Morcom (far right) at the Arnoldsville meet and greet last Friday at No. 3 Railroad Street. Both men are running for mayor, but have shown respect and goodwill toward each other. “Am I endorsing Danny?” Sniff said. “To some degree, yes.” (photo/ Elena Acosta)

Arnoldsville, county leaders make most of meet and greet

Elena Acosta
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
    As Katherine Ratcliffe and Babs DeArmond of the Oglethorpe County Library walked into No. 3 Railroad Street last week, they received a unique welcome from the owner, Mary Nouri.    “Y’all are just in time for the catastrophe!
Locator graphic

Locator graphic

Bobcat attacks two children in Winterville 

Evan Smoak
Monday, October 9, 2023
Two Oglethorpe County juveniles were attacked by a bobcat last Friday, according to local officials.   “We urge the public to be diligent and be aware of your children while they play outside,” said Cody Gibbs, the public information officer for Oglethorpe County Fire & Rescue.
CAITLIN DOWNING/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO David Kidd, the Oglethorpe County representative on Advantage Behavioral Health System’s Community Service Board, said support from the Board of Commissioners could help the group receive funding.

CAITLIN DOWNING/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO David Kidd, the Oglethorpe County representative on Advantage Behavioral Health System’s Community Service Board, said support from the Board of Commissioners could help the group receive funding.

Commissioners add funds to E-911 budget

Caitlin Downing
Thursday, October 5, 2023
The Oglethorpe County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to add $110,000 to the Enhanced 911 budget at its Monday meeting.   The money will be used to hire two new positions, starting in January, as mandated by state legislation.
ohn Lutz’s art room was turned into a crime scene for Rock Your School day. The class used their art skills to color suspects and use confidential files to identify the criminal. (Photo/Caleb Baldwin)

ohn Lutz’s art room was turned into a crime scene for Rock Your School day. The class used their art skills to color suspects and use confidential files to identify the criminal. (Photo/Caleb Baldwin)

Rock Your School Day

Caleb Baldwin
Thursday, October 5, 2023
The Oglethorpe County Primary and Elementary Schools hosted an event called Rock Your School Day last Friday. The purpose was to creatively make school unique for the day with themes and experiences, while still educating the children.
Ninth-grader James Adams (left), who achieved a perfect score on an Algebra I End of Course Test after completing a summer class through Georgia’s Virtual School. Third-grader Catherine Yauck (right), who won first place in the Plains Peanut Festival Postcard Contest. (Photo/Caleb Baldwin)

Ninth-grader James Adams (left), who achieved a perfect score on an Algebra I End of Course Test after completing a summer class through Georgia’s Virtual School. Third-grader Catherine Yauck (right), who won first place in the Plains Peanut Festival Postcard Contest. (Photo/Caleb Baldwin)

BOE approves bus radios, routing software

Caleb Baldwin
Thursday, October 5, 2023
The Oglethorpe County Board of Education unanimously approved two measures to help bus transportation at its meeting on Tuesday.   The first was the purchase of bus routing software, not to exceed $15,000.    Board members expressed concern with the large number of bus riders.