July 3, 2026
Maeve Haydock’s mural will feature Lena Wise, a longtime Oglethorpe County educator and namesake of the community center in Crawford. (Submitted Photo)
Thursday, June 25, 2026
A plain wall at the Lena Wise Community Center will soon become a colorful tribute to the community, thanks to a mural designed by 15-year-old Oglethorpe County student Maeve Haydock. The mural incorporates several elements specific to the county.
J.W. Fanning (left) and Dink NeSmith sit on a bench in front of the Classic Center that Athens 96 had installed to honor Fanning’s legacy to Athens. NeSmith was chairman of Athens 96. (Submitted Photo)
Phillip Nelson is retiring as a game warden after a 25-year career, the last 24 in Oglethorpe County. He said he’s most proud of the Outdoors Beyond Barriers program. (Submitted Photo)
The front of The Waypoint at 1147 is pictured in this rendering from developer Paul “Stags” Oristaglio. He plans for it to become a cafe-style restaurant and hospitality space. (Submitted Photo)
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.
OCHS cross country runners Julian George (from left) John Adams and Payton Duvall run during practice at the new cross country course at Oglethorpe County Middle School on Tuesday. The course was completed in early April. (Ethan Greene/The Oglethorpe Echo)
Campers and staff members pose for a photo after the second annual Bonds Movement Youth Football Camp at Oglethorpe County High School in Lexington on Saturday. Bonds, an OCHS alum who created and runs the camp, currently plays for South Carolina State. (Ethan Greene/The Oglethorpe Echo)
Stanley Lattimore returns to OCHS as the wrestling coach, taking over for Steve Mason. Lattimore will also serve as the defensive line coach for the football team. (Submitted Photo)
