County Considers Shifting Economic Development To Chamber

The action will sidestep the state's open meetings and open records laws.

Local Journalists Focus On Business Model At Media Forum

The four agreed that this is a period of dramatic change and adaptation in the media industries they represent.

Oconee Commissioners Pass Resolution Opposing House/Senate Bills

The message was directed at the county's two representatives and senator.

Commissioners Criticize House Bill, Discuss Internet Investment

Commissioners used the Town Hall Meeting to voice their frustration with proposed state legislation limiting their zoning power.

GDOT Announces Public Meetings On US 441 Widening & Bishop Bypass

The public meetings will be March 12 in Morgan County and March 19 in Oconee County.

House Committee Passes Bill Prohibiting Local Housing Control

The vote followed a discussion of more than an hour that was dominated by the building industry in the state.

Shopping Center On SR 316 Needs A Buffer Variance

Developer will be back before the Board of Commissioners seeking a variance for the 19-lot commercial center.

Gaines & Wiedower Undecided On Bill Limiting Housing Regulation

Rep. Houston Gaines and Rep. Marcus Wiedower say they were asked to be a sponsor of the bill but declined.

Legislators Seek To Block Local Regulation Of Housing Design

The proposed law is far reaching and has been called “mammoth pre-emptive legislation” by the Association County Commissioners of Georgia.

County Holds Hearing On Senior Center Expansion

Project specialist applauds high level of involvement.

County To Close Sewer Line To Protect Barber Creek

Sewerage will be diverted to Calls Creek plant from Land Application Site on Rocky Branch Road.

County Sets IT And Social Media Policies

The social media policy puts control in the hands of the county administrator.

County Begins Tree Planting On New Mars Hill Road

More than 750 trees–both native and nonnative verities–will be planted.

County Begins Tree Planting On New Mars Hill Road

More than 750 trees–both native and nonnative verities–will be planted.

Governor-Elect Frequently Referenced In Pre-Legislative Session

The pre-legislative session was more partisan than pre-legislative sessions held by Oconee County commissioners in recent years.

Watkinsville Residential Complex On Hold Awaiting Permits

Chuck and David Williams ended the year without a resolution to their efforts to reactivate the proposed Wisteria Ridge Apartment Complex.

Election Director Told GOP Misinformation Exits About Recent Race

She said she believes the election system is secure because of the “checks and balances” built into it.

Defeated Democratic House Candidate Said Is Proud Of Campaign

Jonathan Wallace confess he was not happy with the outcome.

Development Authority Issues Bonds For Presbyterian Village

Issuance followed a ruling in Superior Court approving an agreement with Westminster Presbyterian Homes for payment of the bonds.

Fire Station Dedication Underscores Commercial Need

County officials designed the station for the possibility of moving from a volunteer to a paid workforce.

Planning Commission Recommends Rezone For 2 Large Developments

Following settlement of three lawsuits, the county is seeking to modify the rezones for Parkside and Westland residential developments.

Commissioners Forgive Builder Who Put House Too Close To Street

Builder blamed the mistake on his draftsman and said he wasn't trying to hide the mistake.

Republicans Win In Oconee In Runoff, But Democrats Show Gains

Brad Raffensperger won the Secretary of State race in the county, while Chuck Eaton won the Public Service Commission race.

Eastville Car Museum Receives Variance Requests

Tony Townley won’t have to meet county standards for his car museum at Snows Mill Road and Cole Spring Road.

County To Spend 2004 And 2009 SPLOST Reserves

County is financially sound, the finance director told the Board of Commissioners.

Early Voting For Dec. 4 Runoff Starts Monday

Only Secretary of State and Public Service Commission races are on the ballot.

Straight Party Voting Dominated Nov. 6 Election, Analyses Suggest

No Republican got more than 74.6 percent of the vote or less than 66.8 percent in Oconee County.

Apalachee River Intake Makes Georgia's Dirty Dozen List

The Georgia Water Coalition said the intake on the Apalachee for the Hard Labor Creek Regional Reservoir was an example of "overbuilding."

High Oconee Turnout Rate Impacted Outcomes Of Legislative Races

Oconee County joins with four other counties to form three legislative districts. It is the smallest in terms of registered voters.

Republicans Reclaim House District 117 And 119 Seats

Houston Gaines defeated Deborah Gonzalez and Marcus Wiedower defeated Jonathan Wallace.

Incumbents Win In Education Board, Watkinsville Council Races

County voters favored Republican Brian Kemp over Democrat Stacey Abrams for governor, 69.8 percent vs. 29.0 percent.

Reservoir Board Purchases Property For Intake On Apalachee River

The $1.3 million purchase agreement includes both temporary and permanent easements as well as water rights.

Republicans Double Amount Of Spending Of Democrats In October

Republican candidates for the three state legislative seats from Oconee County also raised nearly twice what Democrats raised.

Four In Ten County Voters Already Cast A Ballot

Turnout more likely to match that of a presidential year than an off year.

Speakers At Forum Say It Is Easy To Miss Sexual Trafficking

It could be your daughter or your son and you might not know it, speakers say.

County Agrees to Settlement Of Suits Over Sewer Capacity Fees

The decision will allow the massive Parkside and Westland developments to move forward.

Kemp Uses Oconee Bus Tour Stop To Promote Local House Candidates

Just under 100 attended the event at the Pavilion at Oconee Veterans Park.

Congressman Hice Touts Economy In Meeting With Government Leaders

In two years, the economy has gone from "stagnant" to booming, Rep. Jody Hice told leaders at the meeting in Athens.

Watkinsville Candidates Want Sidwalks And Bike Paths

All seven candidates at a forum stated a desire to improve the city infrastructure for nonmotorized transportation.

Healthcare Dominates Candidate Forum At Athens Church

Medicaid expansion was favored by the three Democratic candidates for the Georgia General Assembly. The sole Republican present did not.