solutions jourrnalism

Trava Barnett not only owns and runs Trava’s Dog Gone Good Cafe in Lexington, but also a hot dog cart that she operates on the weekends in Downtown Athens. She’s one of several county business owners who have found ways to attract new audiences for their products. (DINK NESMITH/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO)

Trava Barnett not only owns and runs Trava’s Dog Gone Good Cafe in Lexington, but also a hot dog cart that she operates on the weekends in Downtown Athens. She’s one of several county business owners who have found ways to attract new audiences for their products. (DINK NESMITH/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO)

Improvise. Adapt. Overcome.

Sarah Donehoo and Alex Bavosa
Thursday, May 4, 2023
A kitchen fire caused Trava Barnett to take her cafe food on the road with a hot dog cart.   Chris Hart faced a demand so high Cafe Racer had to move to online ordering.
Sgt. Samantha Mathe with the Oglethorpe County Sheriff’s Office teaches students about illegal substances and safety through the C.H.A.M.P.S. program at the Oglethorpe County Elementary School. Last month she spoke with them about the drug, methamphetamine. (Brooke Stewart/Photo)

Sgt. Samantha Mathe with the Oglethorpe County Sheriff’s Office teaches students about illegal substances and safety through the C.H.A.M.P.S. program at the Oglethorpe County Elementary School. Last month she spoke with them about the drug, methamphetamine. (Brooke Stewart/Photo)

Stopping county drug use starts with C.H.A.M.P.S.

Brooke Stewart and Sydney Bishop
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
While many believe saying no to drugs starts on the streets, in Oglethorpe County, it starts in the classroom.   Choosing Healthy Activities and Methods Promoting Safety (C.H.A.M.P.S.) is a nonprofit started in 2003 by the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association.