Oconee Matters with The OE News

Welcome to Oconee's Own, a podcast production of The Oconee Enterprise. In this episode, we speak with our smallest “staff member” at The Oconee Enterprise, Mary Louise Prochaska, daughter of co-publishers Michael and Amanda Prochaska, to learn all about her favorite things! We hope you will join us again next year to learn more about Oconee’s own community members. For questions about sponsoring an episode, podcast commercials or general podcast questions, please email [email protected]. 

Welcome to Oconee's Own, a podcast production of The Oconee Enterprise. In this episode, we speak with former Sports Editor at The Oconee Enterprise, Justin Hubbard, about his experience at the Tupelo Two Elvis Tribute Artist Show at the Oconee County Civic Center on November 22. We hope you will join us each Tuesday to learn more about Oconee’s own community members. For questions about sponsoring an episode, podcast commercials or general podcast questions, please email [email protected]. 

Welcome to Oconee's Own, a podcast production of The Oconee Enterprise. In this episode, we speak with President and Founder of Stearns Retirement Group, Dave Stearns, about how he got into retirement planning and what he wants people to know about planning for retirement. You can find more information on Stearns Retirement Group at www.stearnsretirementgroup.com. For a free consultation, call Stearns Retirement Group at 706-769-3346 or 888-769-3346 and tell them you listened to this episode. Dave’s podcast, “The Retirement Income Show with Dave Stearns” can be found at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-retirement-income-show-with-dave-stearns/id1718937774 We hope you will join us each Tuesday to learn more about Oconee’s own community members. For questions about sponsoring an episode, podcast commercials or general podcast questions, please email [email protected]. 

The thirty-first episode of “Oconee’s Own” is available now on all podcast platforms! In this special episode, we speak with some of the staff at The Oconee Enterprise about what they are grateful for this Holiday Season. You can find this week’s episode at the link in our bio. We hope you will join us each Tuesday to learn more about Oconee’s own community members. For questions about sponsoring an episode, podcast commercials or general podcast questions, please email [email protected].

Welcome to Oconee's Own, a podcast production of The Oconee Enterprise. In this episode, we speak with the Founder of the Ashton Hope Keegan Foundation, Kim Keegan, about how the Foundation began, what the Foundation does and their upcoming campaigns. From now until December 17, people can select tags from the Foundation’s Angel Trees at Orange Theory and Club Pilates at Beechwood, as well as The Mark. The Foundation will have a birthday celebration for Ashton at Small Cakes on January 24th. You can find the Ashton Hope Keegan Foundation at https://ashtonhopekeeganfoundation.org/. You can email Kim at [email protected] or call her at 660-233-2512. We hope you will join us each Tuesday to learn more about Oconee’s own community members. For questions about sponsoring an episode, podcast commercials or general podcast questions, please email [email protected]. 

Welcome to the special Veterans Day episode of Oconee's Own, a podcast production of The Oconee Enterprise. Today and always, we honor the service of our Veterans and thank them for their sacrifice. In this episode, we speak with Air Force Colonel Ed Keegan about his service. You can find the Ashton Hope Keegan Foundation at https://ashtonhopekeeganfoundation.org/. We hope you will join us each Tuesday to learn more about Oconee’s own community members. For questions about sponsoring an episode, podcast commercials or general podcast questions, please email [email protected].

Welcome to Oconee's Own, a podcast production of The Oconee Enterprise. In this episode, we speak with the Area Churches Together Serving Co-Chairman Randy Dawson about what they do, their donation needs, how ACTS works and more. You can find their Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/ACTSOconee/. The ACTS Distribution Center is located at 130 East Thompson Street, Bogart, Georgia. The distribution center is open to serve clients and accept donations every Tuesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Their Can-a-thon with Oconee County Schools starts on November 3 and ends on November 14. ACTS will sort Can-a-thon donations on November 21. Their Thanksgiving distribution day will be November 18 and they will be closed on November 28 following Thanksgiving. They will be accepting toy donations to be distributed on December 5. Their Christmas food distribution will be on December 19. ACTS will be closed on December 26 and January 2. To contact ACTS distribution center, call (770) 725-2330 or email Randy at [email protected]. Monetary contributions to ACTS can be sent to the attention of ACTS Treasurer at P.O. Box 638 in Watkinsville, Georgia 30677. We hope you will join us each Tuesday to learn more about Oconee’s own community members. For questions about sponsoring an episode, podcast commercials or general podcast questions, please email [email protected]. 

Two local men have died.Marcus Wiedower is stepping down.Learn about next week's general election.Subscribe online at ⁠OconeeEnterprise.com⁠

Welcome to Oconee's Own, a podcast production of The Oconee Enterprise. In this episode, we speak with the Oconee County Board of Elections and Registration Chairman Jay Hanley about the new consolidated precincts in the county to get you prepared for Election Day on November 4. You can find the Board of Elections and Registration website at https://www.oconeecountyga.gov/1463/Elections-Registration and you can check your voter registration at https://mvp.sos.ga.gov/s/ Our publication can be found at OconeeEnterprise.com. We hope you will join us each Tuesday to learn more about Oconee’s own community members. For questions about sponsoring an episode, podcast commercials or general podcast questions, please email [email protected]. 

ESPLOST is on the ballot.More news from the Bishop election.Our new issue of Oconee the Magazine is here.Subscribe online at ⁠OconeeEnterprise.com⁠

Welcome to Oconee's Own, a podcast production of The Oconee Enterprise. In this episode, we speak with the Oconee County Library Branch Manager James Mitchell about what his role entails and how people can get involved. You can find the Oconee County Library website at https://athenslibrary.org/location/oconee/ You can find our publication at OconeeEnterprise.com. We hope you will join us each Tuesday to learn more about Oconee’s own community members. For questions about sponsoring an episode, podcast commercials or general podcast questions, please email [email protected]. 

Welcome to Oconee's Own, a podcast production of The Oconee Enterprise. In this episode, we chat with Elvis Tribute Artists Brooke Wright and Liam Hewitt about what they do and their upcoming show at the Oconee County Civic Center on November 22, 2025. You can find Liam’s website at https://www.liamsingselvis.com/, YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/pnxvu-OvdMI?feature=shared and TikTok at https://www.tiktok.com/@liamsingselvis?_t=ZT-90WLQG2WvjZ&_r=1. You can find Brooke’s website at https://brookewrighteta.com/home and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/people/Brooke-Wright-ETA/100030791481309/#. You can purchase tickets to the show at https://liamhewittentertainment1.ticketspice.com/the-tupelo-two. You can find our publication at OconeeEnterprise.com. We hope you will join us each Tuesday to learn more about Oconee’s own community members. For questions about sponsoring an episode, podcast commercials or general podcast questions, please email [email protected]. 

Oconee County Schools has a new superintendent. Oconee County has more greenspace on the way.It is National Newspapers Week.Subscribe online at ⁠OconeeEnterprise.com⁠

Welcome to Oconee's Own, a podcast production of The Oconee Enterprise. In this episode, we chat with Oconee County High School student Marin Torres, the Editor-in-Chief of The Oconee Tapestry. You can find our publication at OconeeEnterprise.com and The Oconee Tapestry interest form at https://gformsapp.com/f/1JGH9VtRkXlaxdW1w2xc9QmtsHI_LXzk7PUbq2_9zRvs/en We hope you will join us each Tuesday to learn more about Oconee’s own community members. For questions about sponsoring an episode, podcast commercials or general podcast questions, please email [email protected].

The Town of Bishop Election has a twist.An ACAD student spreads kindness.Local sports hit highs and lows.Subscribe online at ⁠OconeeEnterprise.com⁠

Welcome to Oconee's Own, a podcast production of The Oconee Enterprise. In this episode, we sit down with Carrie Shepherd, the mother of Our Local Hero Henry Shepherd, a Childhood Cancer Survivor, for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. You can find our publication at OconeeEnterprise.com and CURE at www.curechildhoodcancer.org We hope you will join us each Tuesday to learn more about Oconee’s own community members. For questions about sponsoring an episode, podcast commercials or general podcast suggestions, please email [email protected]. 

OCS named their Teacher of the Year.Construction begins on Ga. 316.ACAD celebrates a milestone.Subscribe at OconeeEnterprise.com

Welcome to Oconee's Own, a podcast production of The Oconee Enterprise. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Russell of Russell Orthodontics & docaligners Studio, to learn more about his new Watkinsville office, how he got into orthodontics and all-things Invisalign! You can find our publication at OconeeEnterprise.com and. We hope you will join us each Tuesday to learn more about Oconee’s own community members. If you have any questions for Dr. Russell, you can contact his office at (706) 549-0110. You can find their website at https://russell-orthodontics.com/. For questions about sponsoring an episode, podcast commercials or general podcast suggestions, please email [email protected]. 

The city of Watkinsville has announced plans for a pedestrian pathway.The city of Bogart has four City Council candidates running in the Nov. 4 Election.The Oconee County Rotary Club is hosting its 17th annual Classics in the Country Car Show.Subscribe online at ⁠OconeeEnterprise.com⁠

Welcome to Oconee's Own, a podcast production of The Oconee Enterprise. In this episode, we sit down with Brent Leach, aka “Jack’s Dad” of Jack’s Cheesecake, to learn more about his family, how their business has grown over the years and where they hope to be in the future. You can find our publication at OconeeEnterprise.com and. We hope you will join us each Tuesday to learn more about Oconee’s own community members. If you have any questions for Brent, you can contact him at [email protected] and (706) 510-8818. You can find their website at https://www.jackscheesecake.com/ and their Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/p/Jacks-Cheesecake-61563161781423/ For questions about sponsoring an episode, podcast commercials or general podcast suggestions, please email [email protected]. 

Georgia Department of Transportation has planned a public meeting related to the intersection of McNutt Creek Road and Ga. 316. Find their information hereOconee County Schools has announced their school-wide Teachers of the year.The Oconee County Parks & Recreation Department has received a grant.

Welcome to Oconee's Own, a podcast production of The Oconee Enterprise. In this episode, we chat with The Oconee Enterprise’s Student Intern Micah Taylor to learn more about him and how he ended up at The Oconee Enterprise. You can find our publication at OconeeEnterprise.com. We hope you will join us each Tuesday to learn more about Oconee’s own community members. If you have any questions for Micah, you can email him at [email protected] For questions about sponsoring an episode, podcast advertisements or general podcast suggestions, please email [email protected].

OCS has presented a finalist for the superintendent position.Bishop has 10 candidates running for office.Athens Academy sports are on a roll.Subscribe online at ⁠OconeeEnterprise.com⁠

Welcome to Oconee's Own, a podcast production of The Oconee Enterprise. In this episode, we chat with Realtor Allen Seigler to learn more about the current real estate market and The Seigler Group. You can find more information about The Seigler Group at theseiglergroup.com. You can find our publication at OconeeEnterprise.com. We hope you will join us each Tuesday to learn more about Oconee’s own community members. If you have any questions about sponsoring an episode, podcast advertisements or general podcast suggestions, please email [email protected].

Welcome to our new listeners! Reach out to Caitlin Farmer ([email protected])Municipal elections are set. Meet the candidates.OCHS has a new band director.The Watkinsville Christmas Parade date is set.Subscribe online at ⁠OconeeEnterprise.com⁠

Welcome to Oconee's Own, a podcast production of The Oconee Enterprise. In this episode, we sit down with Polias Founder Dave Mulkey to answer all of your questions about his plans for the former Bell’s location and his upcoming projects along Highway 441. You can find more information about his projects at polias.co. You can find our publication at OconeeEnterprise.com. We hope you will join us each Tuesday to learn more about Oconee’s own community members. If you have any questions about sponsoring an episode, podcast advertisements or general podcast suggestions, please email [email protected]. 

It is qualifying week for the four Oconee County municipalities. Nathalee Simoneau brings another update on the ongoing issues with the mold concerns brought to Oconee County Schools.Bogart Station 7 has a new fire truck.Subscribe online at ⁠OconeeEnterprise.com⁠

Welcome to Oconee's Own, a podcast production of The Oconee Enterprise. In this episode, we sit down with Oconee County Emergency Management Agency Director C.J. Worden to learn more about what his job entails and how he prepares the county for an emergency. You can find more information about Oconee County EMA and sign up for CodeRED safety and weather alerts at https://www.oconeecountyga.gov/158/Emergency-Management. You can find our publication at OconeeEnterprise.com. We hope you will join us each Tuesday to learn more about Oconee’s own community members. If you have any questions about sponsoring an episode, podcast advertisements or general podcast suggestions, please email [email protected].

The 2025 General Election ballot will be far from blank.We check in with our private schools.Our annual football preview magazine is out now!Subscribe online at ⁠OconeeEnterprise.com⁠

Welcome to Oconee's Own, a podcast production of The Oconee Enterprise. In this episode, we speak with Simply Admissions CEO and Educational Consultant, Lee Allen, to discuss how they help students during the college admissions process and the packages they offer. You can find their website at www.simplyadmissions.com. To contact Lee Allen, email [email protected]. You can find our publication at OconeeEnterprise.com. We hope you will join us each Tuesday to learn more about Oconee’s own community members. If you have any questions about sponsoring an episode, podcast advertisements or general podcast suggestions, please email [email protected]. 

School is back in session.Read updates from local governing bodies.Volleyball and golf are in the headlines.Subscribe online at ⁠OconeeEnterprise.com

Welcome to Oconee's Own, a podcast production of The Oconee Enterprise. In this episode, we sit down with Athens Parent Wellbeing and reBlossom Parent & Child Shop Executive Director and Founder Monira Silk and Donor Relations and Well Being Advocate Leah Trotter, to learn about their story and the services they offer. You can find their website at athensparentwellbeing.org, on Instagram at @athensparentwellbeing and @reblossom and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/athensparentwellbeing and https://www.facebook.com/ReBlossomAthens. You can find our publication at OconeeEnterprise.com. We hope you will join us each Tuesday to learn more about Oconee’s own community members. If you have any questions about sponsoring an episode, podcast advertisements or general podcast suggestions, please email [email protected].

Oconee County Schools on Monday released a report conducted by an independent organization that analyzed the presence of mold within the air at Oconee County Elementary School.The State House of Representatives study committee on gambling, Chaired by Rep. Marcus Wiedower, met at the Oconee County Administrative Building. There is a new athletic director in town.Subscribe online at ⁠OconeeEnterprise.com⁠

Welcome to Oconee's Own, a podcast production of The Oconee Enterprise. In this episode, we sit down with the University of Georgia Digital Projects Archivist, Donnie Summerlin, also known as “The Newspaper Guy” to learn about what his job entails and how he is archiving The Oconee Enterprise. To contact Donnie, email [email protected]. You can find our archived newspapers at https://gahistoricnewspapers.galileo.usg.edu/ and our publication at OconeeEnterprise.com. We hope you will join us each Tuesday to learn more about Oconee’s own community members. If you have any questions about sponsoring an episode, podcast advertisements or general podcast suggestions, please email [email protected] 

The Oconee County Board of Education has been busy lately.Celebration Village Athens has officially broken ground.The Bogart Library has a new manager.Subscribe online at ⁠OconeeEnterprise.com

Welcome to Oconee's Own, a podcast production of The Oconee Enterprise. In this episode, we speak with Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Mental Health Specialist, Melissa Smith, who founded New View Integrative Pediatrics in Watkinsville. To contact New View, call (762) 234-5900 or visit https://www.newviewpediatrics.com. You can find our publication at OconeeEnterprise.com. Please email any advertising, sponsored episode or general podcast questions and suggestions to ⁠[email protected]⁠. 

Learn more about the life and legacy of David Williams and Vinnie Williams.Support a local teen as she fundraises to skydive and support ESP. Donate here: tinyurl.com/4k94k6uy A local theater group is preparing for an August Show.Subscribe online at ⁠OconeeEnterprise.com⁠

Welcome to Oconee's Own, a podcast production of The Oconee Enterprise. In this episode, we chat with Oconee County natives Chris Mobley and Hunter Grayson about all things Oconee County! Chris can be found on Facebook at @chris.mobley and Instagram at @christopher_mobley430. Hunter can be found on Facebook and Instagram at @HunterGraysonMusic. You can find our publication at OconeeEnterprise.com. Please email any advertising, sponsored episode or general podcast questions and suggestions to ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠. 

Oconee County Schools has a familiar face at the helm.The Oconee County Board of Commissioners fulfilled a promise made 8 years ago when it voted to demolish the old jail.The Oconee County Senior Center surprised Grace Guillory, a newly crowned centenarian.Subscribe online at ⁠OconeeEnterprise.com⁠

Welcome to Oconee's Own, a podcast production of The Oconee Enterprise. In this episode, we sit down with Photographer, TV Producer and Professor, Chris Greer, to learn more about his TV Show “View Finders,” what inspires him and how he got to this point. You can find our publication at OconeeEnterprise.com. To subscribe to our free, weekly newsletter “The OE Newsletter,” visit https://theoenews.substack.com/ Please email any advertising, sponsored episode or general podcast questions and suggestions to ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠. 

Oconee County Schools Board of Education Chair Michael Ransom and incoming Interim Superintendent Debra Harden met with the Oconee County Republican Party.As an 11-year-old, J.P. Porter may be the youngest person to be a certified scuba diver.Khamari Brooks committed to Georgia.Subscribe online at ⁠OconeeEnterprise.com⁠

Welcome to Oconee's Own, a podcast production of The Oconee Enterprise. In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Chambers from Urgent Care of Oconee to learn more about what they do and what led him to urgent care. You can find our publication at OconeeEnterprise.com. Please email any advertising, sponsored episode or general podcast questions and suggestions to ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠. To learn more about Urgent Care of Oconee, visit https://urgentcareofoconee.com/

Bishop has a proposed budget.Oconee's Own features our first community guest.An OCHS cheerleader is continuing her career.Subscribe online at ⁠OconeeEnterprise.com⁠

Welcome to Oconee's Own, a podcast production of The Oconee Enterprise. In this episode, we sit down with Oconee County Sheriff James Hale to learn more about his upbringing in Oconee County, his career and his favorite music. You can find our publication at OconeeEnterprise.com. Please email any advertising, sponsored episode or general podcast questions and suggestions to ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠. 

Welcome to Oconee's Own, a podcast production of The Oconee Enterprise. In this special Father’s Day episode, Community Engagement Director and Podcast Host Caitlin Farmer interviews her Father, Shawn Farmer, where he discusses music, podcasting, his career, how their family ended up in Oconee County and Georgia Football. You can find our publication at OconeeEnterprise.com. Please email any advertising, sponsored episode or general podcast questions and suggestions to ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠. You can find Shawn’s podcast, “Re-Vinyl” at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/re-vinyl/id1747597217

A  family entertainment center to include a bowling alley, arcade and a restaurant with a bar may be coming.3 generations attended a local school.Summer sports camps are in full swing.Subscribe online at ⁠OconeeEnterprise.com⁠

Welcome to Oconee's Own, a podcast production of The Oconee Enterprise. This week’s episode features an interview with The Oconee Enterprise Community Engagement Director and Podcast Host Caitlin Farmer, where she discusses how her roles at The OE have changed, what she’s been working on in her role and her favorite restaurants in Oconee County. You can find our publication at OconeeEnterprise.com. Please email any questions for Caitlin and any podcast questions or suggestions to ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠. To fill out the Google Form from The OE’s Community Listening Session, visit https://forms.gle/kEUHZc3HxvPc2GtK8.  

OCAF has a new director.The OE is hosting a listening session tonight, June 5, from 6-7p.m. at the Oconee County Library.Stuart Steele brings a recruitment update.Check out The Oconee County GuideSubscribe online at ⁠OconeeEnterprise.com⁠

Welcome to Oconee's Own, a podcast production of The Oconee Enterprise. This week’s episode features an interview with The Oconee Enterprise Graphic Designer George Windate, where he reflects on his career, what he enjoys outside of work and why he loves his job. You can find our publication at OconeeEnterprise.com. Please email any questions for George and any podcast questions or suggestions to ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠ 

A former Oconee County Schools substitute was arrested in Gwinnett for simple battery and felony child cruelty. Two parents say he exhibited similar behavior while in Oconee.The OE is hosting a listening session June 5.North Oconee Girls Golf took their 5th straight state title.Subscribe online at ⁠OconeeEnterprise.com⁠