Opinion

Graffiti covers the recently repaired Howard’s Covered Bridge, which was built in 1904-05. (Submitted Photo)

Graffiti covers the recently repaired Howard’s Covered Bridge, which was built in 1904-05. (Submitted Photo)

Editorial: Time to find out who’s defacing our history

News Staff
Thursday, October 19, 2023
Oglethorpe County is rich in history. It’s one of our points of pride.     The newspaper you’re reading has been chronicling this community’s history for 150 years. We believe that makes The Oglethorpe Echo the oldest, continuously operated business in the county.
Larry Walker Jr. spent 32 years in the Georgia House of Representatives. One of many achievements was to persuade the General Assembly and the governor to build improved fair facilities. In this 1985 photo, Gov. Joe Frank Harris, center, signs the legislation creating the Georgia Agricenter. On the left is Rep. Henry Reaves, chair of the House agriculture committee. On the right is Rep. Larry Walker Jr. The bill paved the way for the Georgia National Fair complex in Perry, Walker’s hometown.

Larry Walker Jr. spent 32 years in the Georgia House of Representatives. One of many achievements was to persuade the General Assembly and the governor to build improved fair facilities. In this 1985 photo, Gov. Joe Frank Harris, center, signs the legislation creating the Georgia Agricenter. On the left is Rep. Henry Reaves, chair of the House agriculture committee. On the right is Rep. Larry Walker Jr. The bill paved the way for the Georgia National Fair complex in Perry, Walker’s hometown.

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Opinion Column: Why is the Georgia National Fair in Perry?

Dink NeSmith
Saturday, October 14, 2023
There’s almost always a backstory to the story.   But first, what’s the story?   Down in Middle Georgia — perched on the Gnat Line — the 34th annual Georgia National Fair is expected to draw more than 550,000 visitors. On opening day, Oct. 5, I was one among the masses.
The Oglethorpe Echo

The Oglethorpe Echo

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Opinion Column: Long live The Echo and community newspapers

Dink NeSmith
Friday, October 6, 2023
Step back with me to 1958.   The school-year routine was the same on Wednesday afternoons.   The 3 o’clock bell would ring at Orange Street Elementary School.   As fast as I could pedal my red Schwinn, I’d race seven blocks to the back door of The Jesup Sentinel.

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Opinion Column: ‘Thank you for telling me NO!’

Dink NeSmith
Thursday, September 21, 2023
My people were storytellers. I grew up listening.    I can still hear their voices: Big Dink, Mother, Nanny, Uncle Billy, Aunt Sue, Aunt Lillie, Uncle James and Uncle Johnny. And there was one of my beloved mentors, Dr. J.W. Fanning (1905-1997).    We’d go for drives in the country.

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Editorial Opinion: Thumbs Up

News Staff
Thursday, September 21, 2023
Thumbs up for reporters   On the back page of this edition, you’ll see an advertisement for The Oglethorpe Echo.  The headline reads “Telling Oglethorpe County’s story since 1874!”   Yes, that’s what your community’s newspaper has been doing for soon-to-be 150 years.
The Oglethorpe Echo

The Oglethorpe Echo

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Opinion Column: Thumbs up and down

Dink NeSmith
Monday, September 18, 2023
Thumbs up and down There are many ways to describe a newspaper. Here’s one: “The Oglethorpe Echo is a mirror that reflects what’s happening in the community.” Remember Clint Eastwood in the 1966 film, “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly?”
Crawford Pizza will provide Oglethorpe County residents with another dining option when it opens. It’s across Highway 78 from G Brand BBQ. (ANDY JOHNSTON/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO)

Crawford Pizza will provide Oglethorpe County residents with another dining option when it opens. It’s across Highway 78 from G Brand BBQ. (ANDY JOHNSTON/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO)

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The Echo's Opinion: Positive signs

News Staff
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
If you haven’t noticed, there are positive signs in our community.   Look around.   If you’re traveling on Highway 78 from Athens-Clarke County into Crawford, you’re welcomed by a new mural on the west wall of soon-to-open Crawford Pizza.