court

This photo of the construction of the bridge on Crawford-Smithonia Road was taken by one of Oglethorpe County’s drones. The bridge is on schedule and is projected to reopen by February. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

This photo of the construction of the bridge on Crawford-Smithonia Road was taken by one of Oglethorpe County’s drones. The bridge is on schedule and is projected to reopen by February. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

BOC votes to change juvenile prosecutor

Kimberly Thomas
Friday, December 5, 2025
The Oglethorpe County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a motion Monday night to replace current juvenile prosecutor Kevin McFarlin with representatives from Dyal Jenkins, an Elberton-based law firm.   Approximately 35 people attended the meeting, including all commissioners.

Man to face trial on rape, burglary charges

Leighton Dancy
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Jury selection began Tuesday in the trial of Kelvin Hill, more than two years after his arrest on rape and burglary charges. Hill, 47, of Crawford, was present for the jury selection hearing. Approximately 80 residents were called for jury selection at the Oglethorpe County Courthouse.
Chief Magistrate Judge Megan Coile discusses the new ordinances with the Board of Commissioners in its monthly meeting on Monday. The ordinances, which passed unanimously, give deputies the option to impose lower-level charges for a variety of offenses. (Andy Johnston/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Chief Magistrate Judge Megan Coile discusses the new ordinances with the Board of Commissioners in its monthly meeting on Monday. The ordinances, which passed unanimously, give deputies the option to impose lower-level charges for a variety of offenses. (Andy Johnston/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Ordinances lower penalties on lesser offenses

Avi Young
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved four ordinances that offer the possibility of a lighter penalty for lower-level offenses during its monthly meeting on Monday night.
The exterior of the Oglethorpe County Court House located on Lexington's Main Street. (Photo/Emily Garcia)

The exterior of the Oglethorpe County Court House located on Lexington's Main Street. (Photo/Emily Garcia)

Courts chip away at case backlog

Emily Garcia
Thursday, September 22, 2022
Judge Jeffery S. Malcom likened the backlog of court cases in the Northern Judicial Circuit to an elephant that he and his fellow judges plan to eat one bite at a time.
Kelli Paradise Smith, Oglethorpe County’s Clerk of Superior Court since 2009, has helped guide the courthouse through a wave of modernization. (Submitted Photo)

Kelli Paradise Smith, Oglethorpe County’s Clerk of Superior Court since 2009, has helped guide the courthouse through a wave of modernization. (Submitted Photo)

Smith, Clerk of Superior Court, brings updated technology to courtroom

Katherine Lewis
Wednesday, February 2, 2022
Kelli Paradise Smith, Oglethorpe County’s Clerk of Superior Court since 2009, has led the courthouse through a series of technological advancements, which has not only created modern practices, but also prepared the county to work through an unforeseen pandemic.

GBI arrests court clerk

News Staff
Thursday, November 4, 2021
Oglethorpe County Probate Court clerk Angel Bramlett was arrested by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation on Tuesday and charged with 30 counts of theft by taking, 38 counts of computer trespass and 17 counts of computer forgery, the GBI announced in a statement.