Nicah Pass (4) recovers a fumble by East Hill during Oglethorpe County’s victory over the Vikings last fall. Pass, a defensive back/receiver, is drawing the interest of colleges heading into his senior season. (Sofia Yaker/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Nicah Pass (4) recovers a fumble by East Hill during Oglethorpe County’s victory over the Vikings last fall. Pass, a defensive back/receiver, is drawing the interest of colleges heading into his senior season. (Sofia Yaker/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Clark Atlanta, Berry among options for Pass

Thursday, July 16, 2026

When members of Clark Atlanta University’s football coaching staff asked to meet Oglethorpe County defensive back Nicah Pass, he didn’t expect much.  The coaches reached out to OCHS coach Michael Holland and arranged to visit the school.

Local News

Workers take core samples of the granite on July 7 on part of the 534-acre site that Oglethorpe County is looking to sell. Two granite companies are taking samples, and three others are preparing to do the same. (Lexie Shadix/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Workers take core samples of the granite on July 7 on part of the 534-acre site that Oglethorpe County is looking to sell. Two granite companies are taking samples, and three others are preparing to do the same. (Lexie Shadix/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Companies test county-owned land for granite

Lexie Shadix
Thursday, July 16, 2026
The county is moving forward with its plans to sell or lease a 534-acre tract of la
UGA entomologist and Arnoldsville resident Elmer Gray shares tips on how to deal with summer pests, specifically mosquitoes and ticks, at PlowShare's monthly meeting on Monday at the Farm Bureau. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned of an abnormally early mosquito season. (Ethan Greene/The Oglethorpe Echo)

UGA entomologist and Arnoldsville resident Elmer Gray shares tips on how to deal with summer pests, specifically mosquitoes and ticks, at PlowShare's monthly meeting on Monday at the Farm Bureau. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned of an abnormally early mosquito season. (Ethan Greene/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Gray says ‘avoidance is the best policy’ for ticks, mosquitoes

Ethan Greene
Thursday, July 16, 2026
Persistent rain has eased Oglethorpe County’s multi-month drought, but the sudden moisture, paired...
APEX owner Phillip Blume (right) is pictured with Mike Rivers in front of a climbing wall at APEX Climbing & Spa. Rivers played a key role in Blume’s rock climbing background, serving as a mentor throughout Blume’s childhood. (Submitted Photo)

APEX owner Phillip Blume (right) is pictured with Mike Rivers in front of a climbing wall at APEX Climbing & Spa. Rivers played a key role in Blume’s rock climbing background, serving as a mentor throughout Blume’s childhood. (Submitted Photo)

Shaking Rock climbs grow into business for Blume

Sarah Nanos
Thursday, July 16, 2026
Phillip Blume, a former Crawford resident, is bringing the natural world to Watkinsville, opening...
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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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Sports

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)

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)

New cross country course ready for first race

Ethan Greene
Thursday, June 25, 2026
For the first time in four years, cross country runners in Oglethorpe County will have the chance...
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)

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)

Football camp gives kids chance to learn from local athletes

Ethan Greene
Thursday, June 18, 2026
As nearly 60 kids gathered on the Oglethorpe County High School football field last Saturday, South...
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