oglethorpe county

Oglethorpe County EMS shift supervisor and paramedic Dylan Smith assembles a search-and-rescue drone at the EMS station in Crawford on Aug. 29. Smith and local emergency crews work alongside UGA disaster management researchers to integrate advanced aerial technology into rural operations. (ISABELLA PANG/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO)

Oglethorpe County EMS shift supervisor and paramedic Dylan Smith assembles a search-and-rescue drone at the EMS station in Crawford on Aug. 29. Smith and local emergency crews work alongside UGA disaster management researchers to integrate advanced aerial technology into rural operations. (ISABELLA PANG/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO)

Partnership with UGA gives boost to emergency services

Isabella Pang
Wednesday, September 2, 2026
Reaching the scene is often the largest hurdle for first responders when there’s an emergency somewhere across Oglethorpe County’s more than 400 square miles.
Assistant Superintendent Kanya Cornish gives a presentation about Oglethorpe County’s College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) at the BOE meeting on Tuesday night. OCHS’ score jumped to 71.6 from 58.7. (Photo/Ansley Gavlak)

Assistant Superintendent Kanya Cornish gives a presentation about Oglethorpe County’s College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) at the BOE meeting on Tuesday night. OCHS’ score jumped to 71.6 from 58.7. (Photo/Ansley Gavlak)

Schools increase key performance scores in 2025

Ansley Gavlak
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Oglethorpe County High School demonstrated significant growth in 2025, as reflected in a rapid improvement in its College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI), which increased from 58.7 to 71.6.
Oglethorpe County EMS supervisor paramedic Dennis Weaver (from left), paramedic Taylor Smith and advanced emergency medical tech Kelly Huff delivered a baby on Jan. 8. Weaver assisted in the delivery of the baby in the quick response vehicle while Smith and Huff responded in an ambulance. (Submitted Photo)

Oglethorpe County EMS supervisor paramedic Dennis Weaver (from left), paramedic Taylor Smith and advanced emergency medical tech Kelly Huff delivered a baby on Jan. 8. Weaver assisted in the delivery of the baby in the quick response vehicle while Smith and Huff responded in an ambulance. (Submitted Photo)

Oh baby! EMS delivers two in two months

Grace Burnett
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Oglethorpe County EMS often has to act fast. Recently, two paramedics each unexpectedly assisted in the delivery of a baby during their shift.  Kristin Gilliam helped deliver a baby on Dec. 11 and Oglethorpe County EMS supervisor paramedic Dennis Weaver helped deliver a baby on Jan. 8.

Obituary: Benjamin Thomas Wheless

News Staff
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Benjamin Thomas Wheless, age 83, passed away peacefully on Dec. 26, 2025. Thomas, of Sandy Cross, was born on Feb. 6, 1942 to Joseph H. Wheless and Lula Catherine Thomas Wheless. He was raised in Oglethorpe County and developed a strong work ethic, which he carried throughout his whole life.
Wade Patterson

Wade Patterson

Obituary: Wade Patterson

News Staff
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Wade Patterson, 62, of Comer, passed away on Dec. 22, 2025. Born in Athens, he was the son of William Telvie Patterson and Runita Jane Butler Patterson. Wade dedicated many years to his career with McKenny’s, and was a proud member of the local 72.
Ora David Nation

Ora David Nation

Obituary: Ora David Nation

News Staff
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Ora David Nation was born Jan. 9, 1939 to Fred and Bertha Nation, one of a large family. He grew up on a beloved family farm in Oglethorpe County, with an upbringing that shaped his strong work ethic and steady character throughout his life.
(Graphic/Eva Saraf)

(Graphic/Eva Saraf)

Unemployment has been stable since 2020

Eva Saraf
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Unemployment in Oglethorpe County has remained relatively unchanged the past five years, despite challenges in the county and efforts to improve employment opportunities.
Courtney Brown (clockwise from upper left), Mandy Garrett, Robert Wadsworth (with daughter Lizzie) and Timmy Gay won’t give up the sense of community and tranquil living of Oglethorpe County so they commute to work outside the county. (Photos/Submitted)

Courtney Brown (clockwise from upper left), Mandy Garrett, Robert Wadsworth (with daughter Lizzie) and Timmy Gay won’t give up the sense of community and tranquil living of Oglethorpe County so they commute to work outside the county. (Photos/Submitted)

Hit the road for work

Grace Burnett and Emily Adams
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Many Oglethorpe County residents work outside of the county, often in pursuit of careers or opportunities that aren’t available inside the county’s borders. These residents commute to and from Oglethorpe County because they love its slower pace of life and community.
Lauren Willcox, owner of W5 Breakaway Roping, makes her catch during competition, throwing a clean loop as her horse tracks the calf across the arena. She’s also a special education and pre-K teacher in Oglethorpe County. (Photo/Submitted)

Lauren Willcox, owner of W5 Breakaway Roping, makes her catch during competition, throwing a clean loop as her horse tracks the calf across the arena. She’s also a special education and pre-K teacher in Oglethorpe County. (Photo/Submitted)

Willcox spurs growth of her roping school

Jacob Harper
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Lauren Willcox owns and operates W5 Breakaway Roping, which has attracted customers from across Georgia and the Carolinas.  “A friend asked if I wanted to put on a clinic, and I thought that it would be something fun to do one time,” Willcox said.
Members of the Red Hat Society meet at restaurants or in members’ homes, such as this Christmas gathering. The only requirements: members must be at least 50 years old and wear purple clothing and red hats. (Submitted Photo)

Members of the Red Hat Society meet at restaurants or in members’ homes, such as this Christmas gathering. The only requirements: members must be at least 50 years old and wear purple clothing and red hats. (Submitted Photo)

Red Hat Society helps bring women together

Maura Rutledge
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Scarlet hats and purple clothing aren’t a traditional combination, but they’re the signature look of the Red Hat ladies of Lexington. Despite their regal appearance, they said they “just like to have fun.”  “The Red Hats are just a fun group of ladies. We don't have a set program.