Oglethorpe Echo

(LINDA HELMLY/PHOTO SUBMISSION) This is Grandma Lee (Parolee Crowe Arnold) (right) and little Linda Helmly (left) in 1963. They are smiling for a photo outside Helmly's childhood home.

(LINDA HELMLY/PHOTO SUBMISSION) This is Grandma Lee (Parolee Crowe Arnold) (right) and little Linda Helmly (left) in 1963. They are smiling for a photo outside Helmly's childhood home.

Helmly makes sure Maxeys isn’t lost to history

Everything started with a “what if” for Linda Helmly in 2007: What would happen if she told the rich stories of Maxeys she had heard growing up?
(RAMON ELORTONDO/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO) Cast members Wyatt Herndon (Porter Milgrim) and Dave Bloyer (Sidney Bruhl) practice a scene for Arts!Oglethorpe’s production of "Deathtrap” this month.

(RAMON ELORTONDO/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO) Cast members Wyatt Herndon (Porter Milgrim) and Dave Bloyer (Sidney Bruhl) practice a scene for Arts!Oglethorpe’s production of "Deathtrap” this month.

Arts!Oglethorpe hits stage with ‘Deathtrap’

Arts!Oglethorpe has been rehearsing three times a week since early January for its first show of the season, which director Bly Hartley describes as one “everyone can enjoy.” Ira Levin’s comedy/mystery/thriller “Deathtrap” will be performed Feb. 23-26 at the historic Crawford School.
Oglethorpe County Zoning Board members Robert Drew (left)  and Jimmy Shealy discuss business with code compliance officer Jeff Sharp at the board meeting on Monday. The board approved a plan for a new coffee shop and a meat processing operation. (Photo/Sarah Donehoo)

Oglethorpe County Zoning Board members Robert Drew (left) and Jimmy Shealy discuss business with code compliance officer Jeff Sharp at the board meeting on Monday. The board approved a plan for a new coffee shop and a meat processing operation. (Photo/Sarah Donehoo)

Zoning board approves coffee shop, deer processing plant

Oglethorpe County is one step closer to having a new coffee shop.   Amy Delfin-Torres’ plan to open a coffee shop at 9 Callaway Road was approved by the zoning board on Monday night.
Lexington Mayor Craig Snow (head of the table) and city council members (from left) Cindy Haynes, Greg Reece, Ronnie Boggs and Corey Crayton discuss how to address the city’s downtown.  (ANDY JOHNSTON/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO)

Lexington Mayor Craig Snow (head of the table) and city council members (from left) Cindy Haynes, Greg Reece, Ronnie Boggs and Corey Crayton discuss how to address the city’s downtown. (ANDY JOHNSTON/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO)

Lexington property owner granted extension

Rick Hawkins was granted a 45-day extension to show compliance with ordinance violations for his five properties on Main Street in downtown Lexington.   He has until March 1 or a new date will be set for him to appear in municipal court. The original court date was set for Jan.
Blake Arnold

Blake Arnold

Hot dog restaurant in works for Crawford

They say it’s the simple things that make life great. If that’s true, life in Oglethorpe County just got better.   Blake Arnold and business partner Noah Shealy, who are both real estate agents, bought 2.
Basil Terhune’s photo series capturing the story of life at Caribe United, Tamita Brown’s farm, was one of two Echo pieces receiving honorable mentions for INN’s Insight Award for Visual Journalism. (Basil Terhune/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Basil Terhune’s photo series capturing the story of life at Caribe United, Tamita Brown’s farm, was one of two Echo pieces receiving honorable mentions for INN’s Insight Award for Visual Journalism. (Basil Terhune/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Echo recognized for dedicated journalism through awards, funds

The outcome of the University of Georgia’s partnership with The Oglethorpe Echo, established in the fall of 2021, has been anything but lackluster.
The Oglethorpe Echo

The Oglethorpe Echo

Editorial: Let’s celebrate Homecoming

Fall is a busy time, especially during an election year.     Early voting is in full swing at the Board of Elections office on Fairground Road, but the big excitement this week is Oglethorpe County High School Homecoming.

Obituary: Jennifer Watkins

Jennifer Watkins, 51, of Athens died, Oct. 17, 2022. A viewing was held Fri. Oct. 21, 2022 from 1-6 pm at the funeral home. The funeral service was Sat. Oct. 22, 2022 at 1:00 pm at Fork Bethel Baptist Church. Interment was in the church cemetery.

Obituary: George Oliver 'Buck' Smith

George Oliver 'Buck' Smith, age 85 of Social Circle, was born with a sweet disposition on October 27, 1936 and never changed until his death on Saturday, October 15, 2022.