Oglethorpe Echo

Grant could bring broadband to county

Maddie Brechtel
Thursday, November 25, 2021
The Oglethorpe County Economic Development Authority recently applied for $20 million in federal funds to build out broadband. The authority partnered with Kinetic by Windstream, which is the primary provider of telephone service in the county.
Oglethorpe County Emergency Medical Services plans to return to the Target in Athens for two more days of Fill the Ambulance on Nov. 26 and 27. The donations help support children in foster care. (Photo/Julianna Russ)

Oglethorpe County Emergency Medical Services plans to return to the Target in Athens for two more days of Fill the Ambulance on Nov. 26 and 27. The donations help support children in foster care. (Photo/Julianna Russ)

EMS hosts Fill the Ambulance donation drive

Julianna Duennes Russ
Thursday, November 25, 2021
Helping children in foster care is especially close to the heart of Ryan Hollingsworth, a paramedic with Oglethorpe County Emergency Medical Services. He adopted his own children through Nightlight Foster Care, which motivated him to start a donation drive.

OCHS takes steps to ensure that U.S. flag is flying

News Staff
Thursday, November 25, 2021
Oglethorpe County High School is making changes to make sure the American flag is properly displayed on its property.   Oglethorpe County resident Mike Crawford noticed the flag had not been raised during the school day on several occasions. So he contacted the district and other officials.
Oglethorpe County Middle School eighth-grade students Lyla Bryant, Ellen Hgay, Ermon Lewis, Devyn Patrick and Madison Rader are the recipients of the REACH scholarship. The REACH program provides a $10,000 scholarship for each selected student. (Photo/Sarah White)

Oglethorpe County Middle School eighth-grade students Lyla Bryant, Ellen Hgay, Ermon Lewis, Devyn Patrick and Madison Rader are the recipients of the REACH scholarship. The REACH program provides a $10,000 scholarship for each selected student. (Photo/Sarah White)

OCMS recognizes REACH scholars

Thomas Ehlers
Thursday, November 25, 2021
Ermon Lewis said he wants to become an entrepreneur and start his own business. He’s still about 4½ years from graduating high school, but thanks to a scholarship opportunity, he’s closer to achieving his goals.
Our eight grandchildren look forward to the family's Thanksgiving gather and Christmas-morning excitement. Posing with Stella NeSmith are, from left, Hayes Wilson, Bayard NeSmith, Wyatt Wilson, Smith Wilson (standing), Fenn NeSmith, William NeSmith and Henry Wilson. (Submitted Photo)

Our eight grandchildren look forward to the family's Thanksgiving gather and Christmas-morning excitement. Posing with Stella NeSmith are, from left, Hayes Wilson, Bayard NeSmith, Wyatt Wilson, Smith Wilson (standing), Fenn NeSmith, William NeSmith and Henry Wilson. (Submitted Photo)

Opinion Column: It's time to give thanks and an extra hug to each other

Dink NeSmith
Thursday, November 25, 2021
“To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there.”                                                                             — Former First Lady Barbara Bush Thanksgiving is Thursday.    I am thankful our family is here so that we can put our arms around each other.
Larry Brown, who played both football and basketball at the University of Georgia and played a year in the NFL, is in his first season as the coach of the Oglethorpe County boys team. "As for basketball, I just want to build a first-class program," Brown said. (Photo/Sarah White)

Larry Brown, who played both football and basketball at the University of Georgia and played a year in the NFL, is in his first season as the coach of the Oglethorpe County boys team. "As for basketball, I just want to build a first-class program," Brown said. (Photo/Sarah White)

Finding 'a way to piece it together'

De Turner
Thursday, November 25, 2021
When Oglethorpe County began the search for a new head boys basketball coach, they looked for someone who could bring change to the unsuccessful program. They needed someone with knowledge and patience to work with a young team and turn their potential into prosperity.    They found Larry Brown.
Luke McGarity drives to the basket in a 39-36 loss to Jasper County. (Photo/Sarah White)

Luke McGarity drives to the basket in a 39-36 loss to Jasper County. (Photo/Sarah White)

Girls basketball team wins season-opening games

News Staff
Thursday, November 25, 2021
The Oglethorpe County girls basketball team improved to 2-0 with two victories last weekend.   On Friday, Kenzie Henderson had 20 points and 15 rebounds to lead the Lady Patriots to a 59-15 victory over West Hall.
Gary Palmer talks with visitors at the Christmas Market in Crawford on Nov. 21. Palmer makes wooden toys and other items by hand and sells them with his wife, Naomi Palmer, who also handmakes decorations and items. (Photo/Sarah White)

Gary Palmer talks with visitors at the Christmas Market in Crawford on Nov. 21. Palmer makes wooden toys and other items by hand and sells them with his wife, Naomi Palmer, who also handmakes decorations and items. (Photo/Sarah White)

A Christmas Market in Crawford

Sarah White
Thursday, November 25, 2021
Thomas Ehlers/The Oglethorpe Echo

Thomas Ehlers/The Oglethorpe Echo

Graduation rate at 94%, above state

Thomas Ehlers
Thursday, November 18, 2021
  Beverley Levine is quick to spread the credit.   Oglethorpe County Schools’ graduation rate of 94% continues the district’s streak of surpassing the state average, which was 83.7% in 2021, according to graduation data released by Georgia Department of Education on Oct. 21.