Hello, October. Fall is officially underway. The occasional cool breezes are welcome, but we sure could use some rain. Back in the spring and summer — during all the downpours — did you ever think we’d be saying that?
Here are thoughts for the first week of October:
Thumbs up for an idea
Oglethorpe County likes being Oglethorpe County and not Oconee County, home of explosive growth and development. Folks here seem to prefer the wide-open, rural feel.
Nonetheless, there is a need to expand our tax base to give property owners relief. Here’s an idea that wouldn’t overburden our infrastructure or school system. The stream of big rigs through our communities is endless. How about a truck stop on Highway 78?
It could be a win-win for truckers and Oglethorpe County. The truckers need a safe place to pull off the road to rest and refuel. And at the same time, our county could benefit from the sales tax from fuel sales and other merchandise.
The devil is always in the details, but we give a thumbs up to the idea. What about it, Oglethorpe County entrepreneurs?
Thumbs down for vandals
Our community is steeped in history. And Oglethorpe County takes great pride in its past. Look around. See the landmarks.
But it’s a shame some foolish people don’t share the sentiments about our heritage. Vandals have struck the covered Howard Bridge on Cloud’s Creek, again.
Earlier this year, the county did a fine job of replacing rotten wood and making the bridge safer for those who want to walk into the past. The recent strike by vandals is both frustrating and disgusting.
The Oglethorpe Echo, as the community’s oldest business establishment, is making a pledge. Working with local law enforcement officials, your 150-year-old newspaper will post a $500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the vandals. Furthermore, we will provide $500 to purchase cell-phone-activated video cameras to patrol the bridge.
To senseless destruction, we give a thumbs down.
Thumbs up to community
Oglethorpe County is one of Georgia’s largest size-wise. Sprinkled over the 442-square miles are multiple communities, each with its own identity. One is Arnoldsville, which is seeing its share of newcomers.
Why?
Real estate is comparatively affordable. Arnoldsville is near Athens, and it’s a short drive to the University of Georgia. Lake Oglethorpe resident Mary Nouri has an event space in Arnoldsville, and she has an idea.
Nouri is inviting residents — longtime and newcomers — to come together Friday evening. Neighborly residents have long been one of the staples of quality of life in Oglethorpe County.
We give Mary Nouri a thumbs up for her initiative and opening her #3 Railroad St. for the community get-together. Y’all come. Get to know your neighbors from 6-8 p.m. Oct. 6.
