jason lewis

An Oglethorpe County EMS team, including medical technician Kelly Huff (from left), director Josh Robinson, EMT Jeffrey Clark, EMT Roy Allen and supervisor paramedic Dennis Weaver, stand in front of an ambulance on April 21, 2025. Robinson said EMS will be hosting a gathering of past and present employees in the fall to celebrate the service's 50th anniversary. (Photo/Emery Pikel)

An Oglethorpe County EMS team, including medical technician Kelly Huff (from left), director Josh Robinson, EMT Jeffrey Clark, EMT Roy Allen and supervisor paramedic Dennis Weaver, stand in front of an ambulance on April 21, 2025. Robinson said EMS will be hosting a gathering of past and present employees in the fall to celebrate the service's 50th anniversary. (Photo/Emery Pikel)

Decades of dispatch: EMS celebrates 50th anniversary in county

Nick Hasnain
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
On a crisp December day, a woman in Oglethorpe County had a sudden realization: her water had broken. Miles from the nearest hospital, paramedic Kristin Gilliam was her only hope. Even with a million “what-ifs” racing through her mind, Gilliam successfully delivered the newborn.
County administrator Jason Lewis (left) and Jeff Sharp, the county’s director of planning, zoning and compliance, discuss a road repair project last year. Lewis said county officials are working to make the government more transparent for residents. (ZACH LEGGIO/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO)

County administrator Jason Lewis (left) and Jeff Sharp, the county’s director of planning, zoning and compliance, discuss a road repair project last year. Lewis said county officials are working to make the government more transparent for residents. (ZACH LEGGIO/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO)

Officials aim to overcome mistrust with accessibility

Bridget Goodman
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Oglethorpe County officials say they are taking steps to increase transparency and build trust with residents.  “All governments need that ability for citizens to engage with them,” said Jason Lewis, county administrator.
A new radio tower was built to boost radio reception with first responders in the Glade community. The land was donated by the Glade Volunteer Fire Department. (Photo/Neva Drane)

A new radio tower was built to boost radio reception with first responders in the Glade community. The land was donated by the Glade Volunteer Fire Department. (Photo/Neva Drane)

New radio tower in Glade should boost fire, police communication

Neva Drane
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
A new radio tower in the Glade community has been constructed and is projected to be operational early next year.  The tower, which was approved by the Oglethorpe County Board of Commissioners in July, is intended to boost the signal for fire and emergency services in that area of Oglethorpe County.