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2026 215 lb. section champion Lincoln Blackmon corrals his opponent. (File photo by Mark Wells)

2026 215 lb. section champion Lincoln Blackmon corrals his opponent. (File photo by Mark Wells)

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Mat Devils send 11 to state

Bo Underwood
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
A total of 11 Elbert County wrestlers are officially moving on to the Georgia Class A state tournament. The Mat Devils finished third out of 39 teams at the Class A Section A tournament last Saturday at Commerce High School.
Lila Layne (left) is crowned Miss ECCHS for 2026 by last year's winner, Makayla McKnight. (Photo courtesy of Amanda Chandler)

Lila Layne (left) is crowned Miss ECCHS for 2026 by last year's winner, Makayla McKnight. (Photo courtesy of Amanda Chandler)

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Layne named Miss ECCHS

Mark Wells
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Elbert County Comprehensive High School senior Lila Layne was named Miss ECCHS 2026. The Miss ECCHS Pageant was held Feb. 7 and featured a host of winners in addition to Miss ECCHS. The first runner-up was I'jianah Whiten and second runner-up was Carlee Brown.
Paul J. Blackwell learning center

Paul J. Blackwell learning center

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Pre-K registration scheduled for March 11 and 12

Mark Wells
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Paul J. Blackwell Learning Center is hosting a Pre-K Registration Kick Off March 11 and 12. The event is scheduled to be from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days at Paul J. Blackwell Learning Center. Children who are four years old by Sept. 1 are eligible to register.
Elbert county graphic

Elbert county graphic

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BOC seeking input from community after hearing

Mark Wells
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
The Elbert County Board of Commissioners officially kicked off the planning process to develop a comprehensive plan Monday night by hosting a public hearing before their monthly regular meeting.
Photo by Bo Underwood

Photo by Bo Underwood

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Blue Devils defend home court with big win on senior night

Bo Underwood
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
It was a successful senior night for the Elbert County Blue Devils boys’ basketball team, who earned a region win over Oglethorpe County 56-47. Before the game, senior wing A.J. Brown, center Jaylen Dye, guard Jase Mattox, guard Jordan Morrison, forward D.K.
Lincoln Blackmon and Cruz Floyd earned area titles at AAAAAAA area traditionals. (File photos by Bo Underwood and Mark Wells)

Lincoln Blackmon and Cruz Floyd earned area titles at AAAAAAA area traditionals. (File photos by Bo Underwood and Mark Wells)

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Blackmon, Floyd win area titles for Mat Devils

Bo Underwood
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Two Elbert County wrestlers are area champions, with senior Lincoln Blackmon and junior Cruz Floyd winning titles at the AAAAAAA area traditionals at Commerce High School Jan 30. Blackmon wrestled at 215 lbs and Floyd at 113. The wrestling team took the runner-up spot overall.
The Elbert County Middle School seventh grade boys’ basketball team poses after their win in the NEGIAA championship game. (Photo Courtesy of Derek Aston)

The Elbert County Middle School seventh grade boys’ basketball team poses after their win in the NEGIAA championship game. (Photo Courtesy of Derek Aston)

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Rams put finishing touch on undefeated season with championship win

Bo Underwood
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Derek Aston received a hero’s welcome Thursday night after his Elbert County Rams seventh grade boys’ basketball team capped off a perfect season with a win in the NEGIAA championship game. “We went in the locker room and they hit me with every water bottle they had,” the head coach said.
The Elbert County Middle School seventh grade girls’ basketball team celebrates after their win in the NEGIAA championship game. (Photo courtesy of Kathleen Newman)

The Elbert County Middle School seventh grade girls’ basketball team celebrates after their win in the NEGIAA championship game. (Photo courtesy of Kathleen Newman)

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Lady Rams triumph over Habersham in championship

Bo Underwood
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Redemption is a sweet thing, and that’s what the Elbert County Middle School girls’ seventh grade basketball team earned last Thursday when they beat Habersham County 41-23 in the NEGIAA championship.
Photo by Bo Underwood

Photo by Bo Underwood

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Lady Devils send seniors off with win over Oglethorpe County

Bo Underwood
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
The Elbert County girls’ basketball team honored its seniors Friday night after beating Oglethorpe County 62-36 in The Inferno. The Lady Devils improved to 13-7 with a 4-5 region record. Seniors Zy Belcher, Sarah Blackmon, Kaylen Rucker and Kamryn Webb were recognized after the game.