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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.

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.

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.

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Voting continues in Arnoldsville mayoral, council races

Elena Acosta and Tyler Blount
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
Early voting continues in Arnoldsville’s mayoral and city council elections. As of Monday morning, 23 out of 297 qualifying voters had cast ballots.    Early voting is being held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Saturday, Nov. 4 at Arnoldsville City Hall. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Mary Kate Shealy With kids Austyn, Blaze and Hudson Shealy at a former Truck or Treat event at the Recreation Department. (Submitted Photo)

Mary Kate Shealy With kids Austyn, Blaze and Hudson Shealy at a former Truck or Treat event at the Recreation Department. (Submitted Photo)

Halloween activities around the area

Sidney Chansamone and Caleb Rollins
Thursday, October 26, 2023
Fall is in full swing and Halloween is right around the corner. Here are fun things to do in and around Oglethorpe County to celebrate the spooky season:   Trunk or Treat at Comer Health & Rehabilitation: 5-7 p.m. Oct. 26 at 2430 Paoli Street, Comer.
Oglethorpe County Listening Event

Oglethorpe County Listening Event

WUGA, The Echo host community listening event

Meadow Barrow
Thursday, October 26, 2023
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.
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 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

Caleb Rollins and Sidney Chansamone
Thursday, October 26, 2023
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

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
Thursday, October 26, 2023
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.
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)

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
Thursday, October 26, 2023
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.
EMILY LUPO/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO

EMILY LUPO/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO

Safety tips for children, adults

Emily Lupo
Wednesday, October 25, 2023
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.
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.

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
Wednesday, October 25, 2023
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.
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)

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
Friday, October 20, 2023
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.