The Oglethorpe Echo

Mayor Evelyn Reece (from left), city clerk Kim Bradford and Jill Severn, mayor pro tem, make the proclamation of Kim Bradford Appreciation Week in Lexington on Monday. The presentation surprised Bradford on her 10th anniversary working for the city. (Submitted Photo)

A worthy honor for Bradford: Lexington honors indispensable city clerk with proclamation on 10-year anniversary

Thursday, August 6, 2026

Evelyn Reece had a simple, yet profound way to describe Kim Bradford. “I inherited a clerk with superpowers,” Lexington’s mayor said. Reece, who started her term in January, is the fourth mayor to work with Bradford, who has been in her role of city clerk for 10 years.

Local News

Jennifer Yauck

Yauck aims to grow Rotary during her time as president

Sarah Nanos

Thursday, August 6, 2026

For Crawford resident Jennifer Yauck, the Rotary Club is more than just a service opportunity —...

Makayla England (left) and Felicia Cain, third-grade teachers at Oglethorpe County Elementary School, prepare for the first day of school, which is Friday. Teachers went back to work on Monday. (Becky Soto/The Oglethorpe Echo)

New school year means new start for Powell, students

Ellie English

Thursday, August 6, 2026

New superintendent Phillip Powell is ready for the first day of school on Friday.

Steve Ledford, the treasurer of MOAS, explains the shelter's financial situation at the Board of Commissioners meeting on Monday night. The commissioners voted to give $13,000 to MOAS. (Andy Johnston/The Oglethorpe Echo)

BOC approves new 911 system, MOAS funding

Lexie Shadix

Thursday, August 6, 2026

The Oglethorpe County Board of Commissioners voted to unanimously approve a technology upgrade to...

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.

Sports

Former OCHS and Athens Academy running back PayTon Xavier “Zay” Prince celebrates at his send-off party with a cookie cake at The Local Spot in Crawford on July 28. He has signed to play football at the University of the Cumberlands. (Submitted Photo)

Prince to continue career at Cumberlands

Ethan Greene

Thursday, August 6, 2026

Former Oglethorpe County and Athens Academy running back PayTon Xavier “Zay” Prince has signed to...

Oglethorpe County outside hitter Leanna Newton serves returns for her junior season after being named MVP of the Class A state championship match last year. She led the region with 425 kills last season. (Ethan Greene/The Oglethorpe Echo)