Opinion

Liam Munroe helps George, the alpha male of the herd, pose for his new summer look. (Dink NeSmith/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Liam Munroe helps George, the alpha male of the herd, pose for his new summer look. (Dink NeSmith/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Opinion Column: Llamas add adventure to the farm

Dink NeSmith
Thursday, July 14, 2022
Llamas get a bad rap as spitters. Yes, if provoked, they will spit. If a llama’s banana-shaped ears go back, and it starts gurgling, watch out. I should have known better than to get too close to Georgette’s new baby, Dalai.
The Oglethorpe Echo

The Oglethorpe Echo

Editorial: Wrecking our quality of life

News Staff
Thursday, July 14, 2022
Without using these exact words — quality of life — that’s what several Oglethorpe County residents had on their minds at the county commission meeting on Monday night.
In the 1980s, Winterville Councilman Ron Adams joked that the city’s newest street should be named the Wesley Whitehead International Boulevard. Instead, his cohorts flipped the joke — all 58 feet of it — back on the jokester. Adams said, “Wesley Whitehead taught me a lesson. Don’t try to pull a joke on the person who makes the ultimate decision. He got the last laugh.” (Photo/Dink NeSmith)

In the 1980s, Winterville Councilman Ron Adams joked that the city’s newest street should be named the Wesley Whitehead International Boulevard. Instead, his cohorts flipped the joke — all 58 feet of it — back on the jokester. Adams said, “Wesley Whitehead taught me a lesson. Don’t try to pull a joke on the person who makes the ultimate decision. He got the last laugh.” (Photo/Dink NeSmith)

Opinion Column: Winterville trick still tickles Ron Adams

Dink NeSmith
Thursday, July 7, 2022
Have you ever tried to pull a practical joke and have it backfire — on you?   That’s what happened to Winterville City Councilman Ron Adams about 40 years ago.  I remember Ron telling me the story, so I went looking for the still-standing evidence — all 58 feet of it.
Pigmy rattlesnake (J.D. Willson, SREL/Submitted Photo)

Pigmy rattlesnake (J.D. Willson, SREL/Submitted Photo)

Editorial: Snakes alive! Be careful out there

News Staff
Thursday, July 7, 2022
Summertime. Picnics. Swimming. Boating. Hiking.   Warm weather gets people outside. The rise in temperature also gets snakes to crawling. There are a multitude of snakes crawling in Northeast Georgia.

Opinion Column: There’s always been work to do

Dink NeSmith
Thursday, June 30, 2022
Some people think I am crazy. They glance at my gray hair and ask, “Why are you still working?” I’ve been at this job for 51 years. And that got me thinking. How long have I been working?   Jesup Stockyard My first official payday was in 1956. S.A.
The historical marker tells the story of Howard’s Covered Bridge, which has been painted with graffiti. (Photo/Dink NeSmith)

The historical marker tells the story of Howard’s Covered Bridge, which has been painted with graffiti. (Photo/Dink NeSmith)

Editorial: Why deface a county landmark?

News Staff
Thursday, June 30, 2022
One of the most treasured threads running through Oglethorpe County’s existence is its history.     Founded in 1793 and named for Gen. James Oglethorpe, much has been written about our county and its famous residents. From U.S. Sen. William Harris Crawford to Gov. George R.

Editorial: Your local officials

News Staff
Thursday, June 23, 2022
City of Arnoldsville   George Spearing IV, Mayor  706-742-5036 Debbie Love, Clerk   Council members Norma Craddock Danny Morcom Jack Norman Danny Sniff Tracy Massey   City of Crawford   Seavy O’Neal, Mayor 706-255-9215 buildingwrights@windstream.
A bright-pink petunia took root in a crack in the asphalt driveway. (Photo/Dink NeSmith)

A bright-pink petunia took root in a crack in the asphalt driveway. (Photo/Dink NeSmith)

Opinion Column: There’s a whole world out there

Dink NeSmith
Thursday, June 23, 2022
Do you ever look and not see?   I’m guilty of that sometimes.   But usually, I am fascinated by the simplest things. I like what European author/poet/songwriter Charlotte Eriksson has to say about that. “There’s a whole world out there, right outside your window.
Alan NeSmith, Tom Wilson and Eric NeSmith

Alan NeSmith, Tom Wilson and Eric NeSmith

Opinion Column: Three Father's Day blue ribbons

Dink NeSmith
Thursday, June 16, 2022
Supply-chain disruption has stayed in the news.    I often wonder what I’d see if I could peek into one of those shipping containers at the ports. But what I wouldn’t see is enough colorful paper and bows to wrap my Father’s Day present this year. Or ever.   No way.

Editorial: Read grand jury presentments

News Staff
Thursday, June 16, 2022
In this edition of The Oglethorpe Echo, you will find the presentments of the grand jury of the May 2022 term of Superior Court. You should turn to Page 10 and read what the grand jury has to say. This is a report on your local government.