Sophomore Kayden Phelps (left) and junior Isaiah Hood block a teammate during Oglethorpe County football practice earlier this season. Phelps and Hood are wearing Guardian Caps, which have been shown to help prevent concussions. (Sydney Jarrard/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Sophomore Kayden Phelps (left) and junior Isaiah Hood block a teammate during Oglethorpe County football practice earlier this season. Phelps and Hood are wearing Guardian Caps, which have been shown to help prevent concussions. (Sydney Jarrard/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Patriots provide player safety with Guardian Caps

Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Oglethorpe County lineman Zachary Carter plans to wear a Guardian Cap going forward. He sustained a concussion on Sept. 29 and has had to sit out until he’s cleared. “I do regret not wearing a Guardian Cap,” Carter said. “It’s pretty boring not being able to practice and get work in.”

Local News

Patrick and Leye Blount stand outside of the Greenhow Handmade Ironworks building in Washington, Georgia. The couple has lived in the Winterville area of Oglethorpe County for 17 years. (Submitted Photo)

Patrick and Leye Blount stand outside of the Greenhow Handmade Ironworks building in Washington, Georgia. The couple has lived in the Winterville area of Oglethorpe County for 17 years. (Submitted Photo)

Couple to promote fine arts in rural Georgia through sculpture

Maura Potvin
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
The Blounts are always trying to add a little more beauty to the Oglethorpe County area.  
Darryl Brese hugs OCMS Assistant Principal Alecia Cooper after he's been announced as the District Teacher of the Year (Photo/Walker Durham).

Darryl Brese hugs OCMS Assistant Principal Alecia Cooper after he's been announced as the District Teacher of the Year (Photo/Walker Durham).

Brese selected as top teacher for first time

Walker Durham
Thursday, October 8, 2026
Darryl Brese was recognized as the District Teacher of the Year for 2026-2027 at the Board of...
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The Oglethorpe Echo e-Edition

Videos

The Echo: Amplified

What happens when a public university partners with a community newspaper? A beautiful collaboration and a reminder of all the things local news is meant to be: personal, rewarding and impactful.

 

To those who serve The Echo.

To those who read The Echo.

To those who believe in local news.

 

This documentary was directed by Julianna Duennes Russ and produced by Leighton Dancy, in collaboration with the University of Georgia's Grady College of Journalism & Mass Communication and The Oglethorpe Echo Legacy, Inc. 

 

Special thank you to: Ralph Maxwell, Dink NeSmith, Amanda Bright, Andy Johnston, Lori Johnston, Trisha Bearden, Lourdes Tompkins, Blake Campbell, Kathleen deMarrais, Jamie Lewis, Barbara Cabaniss, Delbra Kendrick, Zachary Leggio, Adriana Cascio, Libby Hobbs, Jesse Wood. Copyright 2025. All rights reserved.

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Oglethorpe Echo
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Sports

ETHAN GREENE/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO Oglethorpe County junior Leanna Newton practices with her teammates earlier this season. The Patriots, the defending Class A state champs, are 20-17 entering the Class A/AA tournament this week.

ETHAN GREENE/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO Oglethorpe County junior Leanna Newton practices with her teammates earlier this season. The Patriots, the defending Class A state champs, are 20-17 entering the Class A/AA tournament this week.

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OCHS volleyball determined to defend state title

Sarah Owens
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Oglethorpe County’s volleyball team hopes to add to its trophy collection as it enters Class A/AA...
Senior Khloe Eidson flashes a heart to the dugout after hitting a double at the in a victory over Putnam County last month. Eidson, a shortstop, is one of three seniors on the OCHS softball team. (SYDNEY JARRARD/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO)

Senior Khloe Eidson flashes a heart to the dugout after hitting a double at the in a victory over Putnam County last month. Eidson, a shortstop, is one of three seniors on the OCHS softball team. (SYDNEY JARRARD/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO)

‘We are a family’: OCHS seniors, parents convey Patriot Pride ideal

Wesley Webb
Sunday, October 11, 2026
For senior athletes and their families who have lived in the county for more than 20 years,...
Members of the Oglethorpe County girls cross country team take part in the inaugural Patriot Stars and Stripes Invitational on Saturday at its new course. More than 300 runners took part in the event. (Submitted Photo)

Members of the Oglethorpe County girls cross country team take part in the inaugural Patriot Stars and Stripes Invitational on Saturday at its new course. More than 300 runners took part in the event. (Submitted Photo)

Prep Roundup: New course shines in inaugural meet

News Staff
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Members of the Oglethorpe County cross country teams were among 300 runners who raced in the...
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