Lexington

A sign marks the section of road named for Hamilton McWhorter Jr. on Highway 78 heading northwest from Lexington on Aug. 28, 2025. The Oglethorpe County native is remembered for his contributions to Lexington and the county. (Photo/Susanna Johnson)

A sign marks the section of road named for Hamilton McWhorter Jr. on Highway 78 heading northwest from Lexington on Aug. 28, 2025. The Oglethorpe County native is remembered for his contributions to Lexington and the county. (Photo/Susanna Johnson)

Hamilton McWhorter Jr. Highway honors Oglethorpe's unsung hero

Susanna Johnson
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
The road signs on Highway 78 between Crawford and Lexington reading “Hamilton McWhorter Jr. Highway” are hard to miss. But because of McWhorter’s “behind-the-scenes” nature, many may not know the extent of his contributions to Oglethorpe County. Hamilton McWhorter Jr.
Linda Parish and Gina Holloway scrape paint off a cabinet on Aug. 22, 2025 to prepare for First Friday. The cabinet will hold drinks and food for Lexington Market Place's First Friday event on Sept. 5, 2025. (Mia Fishman/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Linda Parish and Gina Holloway scrape paint off a cabinet on Aug. 22, 2025 to prepare for First Friday. The cabinet will hold drinks and food for Lexington Market Place's First Friday event on Sept. 5, 2025. (Mia Fishman/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Lexington Market Place seeks to revitalize downtown with First Friday event

Ansley Gavlak
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
Over the years, downtown Lexington has shifted from a stop-and-shop town to a community many simply drive through.   But local business owners want the charm that Main Street once had to return — and that effort begins this week with First Friday.
Pine Grove Road's street sign stands in Arnoldsville, Ga, on Aug. 21, 2025. The city council unanimously approved adding waterline upgrades to the road's proposed paving plan. (Photo/Mia Fishman)

Pine Grove Road's street sign stands in Arnoldsville, Ga, on Aug. 21, 2025. The city council unanimously approved adding waterline upgrades to the road's proposed paving plan. (Photo/Mia Fishman)

Pine Grove Road paving plan sparks debate in Arnoldsville

Mia Fishman
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Pine Grove Road in Arnoldsville may be paved, but it might also need waterline work. Arnoldsville council member Blake Arnold introduced a motion last Thursday to explore adding waterline upgrades and a new fire hydrant to the Pine Grove Road paving project.
John Fortuna has been digging his own grave for the past year at his property in Lexington. He said he has only a few more inches to go until he reaches 6 feet deep. (Photo/Alex Perri)

John Fortuna has been digging his own grave for the past year at his property in Lexington. He said he has only a few more inches to go until he reaches 6 feet deep. (Photo/Alex Perri)

Digging his own grave

Alex Perri
Thursday, August 21, 2025
Lexington artist John Fortuna’s property is sprinkled with his handiwork.  His home, a 1,200-square-foot geodesic dome, he hand-built with his brother’s help.  Inside, the space is covered with his award-winning artwork. In his yard are two more domes he’s built to house his peacocks and chickens.
Property owner Rick Hawkins appears to be making progress on repairs to the buildings he owns in downtown Lexington. He owns six buildings, four of which are for sale, local representative Kathrine Clark said. (Photo/Dink NeSmith)

Property owner Rick Hawkins appears to be making progress on repairs to the buildings he owns in downtown Lexington. He owns six buildings, four of which are for sale, local representative Kathrine Clark said. (Photo/Dink NeSmith)

Hawkins, Lexington try to work through building issues

Zach Leggio
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Progress is being made after a stalemate between the City of Lexington and Rick Hawkins, the owner of derelict buildings in downtown Lexington.

Lexington budget rises $118K, but is balanced

Zach Leggio
Thursday, July 17, 2025
Lexington approved its budget for the 2025 fiscal year at $646,740, which includes a $118,803 increase. A large portion of the budget is dedicated to water services, which cost the city roughly $389,000. The budget, however, remains balanced.
Rowdy Rooster co-owners Jamie Lewis (left) and Kathleen deMarrais stand next to Marisa Mustard’s hanging art display. The display is Mustard’s first exhibit inside the cafe. (Photo/Anna Izquierdo)

Rowdy Rooster co-owners Jamie Lewis (left) and Kathleen deMarrais stand next to Marisa Mustard’s hanging art display. The display is Mustard’s first exhibit inside the cafe. (Photo/Anna Izquierdo)

Local artist brings new art to Rowdy Rooster

Anna Izquierdo
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Artist Marisa Mustard is no stranger to displaying her art at Rowdy Rooster since completing a mural in January for the bakery and deli.  Though Mustard said she normally paints murals, a decision to “(take) a few weeks off” from painting led to the creation of her first interior art display.

Mayor of Lexington steps down

Zach Leggio
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Mayor Craig Snow stepped down at the Lexington City Council meeting earlier this month, citing a large workload for his business and not enough time to serve the city constructively.
Jackson EMC linemen Cody Watson, Brandon Sanders and Easton Tuggle placed fourth out of 27 journeyman teams at the Georgia Lineman’s Rodeo on May 3. They advanced to the International Lineman’s Rodeo and Expo later in October. (Submitted Photo)

Jackson EMC linemen Cody Watson, Brandon Sanders and Easton Tuggle placed fourth out of 27 journeyman teams at the Georgia Lineman’s Rodeo on May 3. They advanced to the International Lineman’s Rodeo and Expo later in October. (Submitted Photo)

Local linemen qualify for international rodeo

Anna Izquierdo
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Brandon Sanders and his journeyman lineman team achieved their goal in the Georgia Lineman’s Rodeo on May 3: to qualify for the International Lineman’s Rodeo and Expo for the first time.  “Going to Kansas, it’s going to be a humbling experience,” Sanders said.