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Madden Drake drives the ball during the Class A Division 1 State Championship match. (Photo by Bo Underwood)

Madden Drake drives the ball during the Class A Division 1 State Championship match. (Photo by Bo Underwood)

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Madden Drake leaves mark on Elbert County’s golf history

Bo Underwood
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
When it finally came down to the 18th and final hole on day two of the GHSA A Division I golf state championship, the Elbert County boys’ golf team had it all officially wrapped up.
The Elbert County golf team poses after winning the 2026 state championship. (Photo by Bo Underwood)

The Elbert County golf team poses after winning the 2026 state championship. (Photo by Bo Underwood)

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Historic season sees Elbert County repeat as state champs

Bo Underwood
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Elbert County boys’ golf finally broke through and captured its first state title in 59 years last season, but 2026 brought a whole new kind of pressure: being asked to do it all again.
Larry Kesler coaches Nolan Henderson during the GHSA Class A Division 1 championship May 18. (Photo by Bo Underwood)

Larry Kesler coaches Nolan Henderson during the GHSA Class A Division 1 championship May 18. (Photo by Bo Underwood)

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Kesler holds the keys to Elbert County golf team’s success

Bo Underwood
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Larry Kesler points to one of the first conversations he had as head golf coach at Elbert County Comprehensive High School as a defining moment that shaped his approach to the job.
Joe Samuel Starnes is the author of three novels and currently works as the director of public relations and editorial content at the Rutgers University Foundation. (Photo courtesy of Joe Samuel Starnes)

Joe Samuel Starnes is the author of three novels and currently works as the director of public relations and editorial content at the Rutgers University Foundation. (Photo courtesy of Joe Samuel Starnes)

Author Starnes to visit Elbert County Public Library this weekend

Bo Underwood
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Author Joe Samuel Starnes will visit the Elbert County Public Library this Saturday at 11 a.m. to discuss his novel “Fall Line”, which is being reissued on paperback after being originally released in 2011.
Elbert County

Elbert County

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Elbert County runoff elections scheduled after stalemates

Mark Wells
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
A trio of Elbert County's local elections are headed to a runoff after candidates were unable to obtain over 50 percent of the vote in a close election. For the District 2 Board of Commissioners seat Mark Harper held the edge after Election Day voting with 357 votes.
The Elbert County Comprehensive High School Class of 2026 dodged some rainy weather and held their graduation ceremony inside Elbert County Elementary School May 22. Regardless of the venue change the class was unable to resist the urge to toss their caps in the air after the completion of the ceremony. (Photo by Bo Underwood)

The Elbert County Comprehensive High School Class of 2026 dodged some rainy weather and held their graduation ceremony inside Elbert County Elementary School May 22. Regardless of the venue change the class was unable to resist the urge to toss their caps in the air after the completion of the ceremony. (Photo by Bo Underwood)

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Hats off: Elbert County Comprehensive High School holds 2026 graduation

Bo Underwood
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Elbert County Comprehensive High School's annual graduation ceremony was held last week, meaning new winners of the Principal's Cup and Faculty Cup were announced. D.K. Winn was named as the winner of the Faculty Cup while D.J. Fortson was the winner of the Principal's Cup.
The Elbert County golf team (L-R), head coach Larry Kesler, Carson Amabile, Madden Drake, Landen Adams, Nolan Henderson, Ty Johnson, Maddox Adams and assistant coach Sandy Thornton won their second straight GHSA state championship Tuesday. (Photo by Bo Underwood)

The Elbert County golf team (L-R), head coach Larry Kesler, Carson Amabile, Madden Drake, Landen Adams, Nolan Henderson, Ty Johnson, Maddox Adams and assistant coach Sandy Thornton won their second straight GHSA state championship Tuesday. (Photo by Bo Underwood)

Back to back: Elbert County golf wins second straight state championship

Bo Underwood
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
The Elbert County golf team better make some more space in that trophy room of theirs.
The Elbert County football team held spring practice last week to prepare for the 2026 football season. The Blue Devils went 5-7 last season, beating Oglethorpe in the first round of the playoffs before falling to Gordon Lee in a close 17-12 loss in the next round. This will be the team's second season under head coach Andy Dyer. (Photos by Bo Underwood)

The Elbert County football team held spring practice last week to prepare for the 2026 football season. The Blue Devils went 5-7 last season, beating Oglethorpe in the first round of the playoffs before falling to Gordon Lee in a close 17-12 loss in the next round. This will be the team's second season under head coach Andy Dyer. (Photos by Bo Underwood)

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PHOTOS: Elbert County football holds spring practice

Bo Underwood
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Elbert County Comprehensive High School seniors Alyssa Childers (left) and Quang Ngyuen (right) pose alongside a collection of their works displayed in the Bennett-Jossey Gallery in the media center of ECCHS. The senior duo have also competed in the Georgia 10th District Congressional Art Competition. (Photo by Bo Underwood).

Elbert County Comprehensive High School seniors Alyssa Childers (left) and Quang Ngyuen (right) pose alongside a collection of their works displayed in the Bennett-Jossey Gallery in the media center of ECCHS. The senior duo have also competed in the Georgia 10th District Congressional Art Competition. (Photo by Bo Underwood).

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Elbert County's Ngyuen and Childers make waves with art

Bo Underwood
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
The far-side wall of the Elbert County Comprehensive High School media center is currently home to a sprawling art exhibition featuring a multitude of clashing styles.