County Attorney Adam Nelson

County Attorney Adam Nelson

Putnam County Stone requests quarry application withdrawal

News Staff
Wisconsin-based Putnam County Stone has formally requested to withdraw its controversial rezoning application to establish a rock quarry alongside Dennis Station Road. The move could halt what was expected to be one of the county’s most closely watched public hearings in years, though questions…
Adrian Cornejo-Bueno

Adrian Cornejo-Bueno

Deputies assaulted; offender arrested

Lynn Hobbs
Two Putnam County Sheriff’s Office deputies recently responded to a 911 call concerning a fight. After their arrival, the offender also began throwing punches at the deputies. Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills said one of those deputies was taken to the hospital immediately after the incident. The…
Sammy Lackey

Sammy Lackey

Man menaces friends with gun; charged for terroristic threats

Lynn Hobbs
Several people called 911 when a friend pointed a gun at them and threatened to shoot up their house, according to law enforcement reports.Putnam County Deputy Sheriff Hollie Collins responded to a residence on the 100 block of Friendship Road between 7 and 8:30 a.m., May 27, Sheriff Howard Sills…

County concerned about size of quarry crowd

Ian Tocher
As public opposition to a proposed granite quarry alongside Dennis Station Road continues, Putnam County officials are racing against a tight deadline to secure a larger venue for upcoming public hearings expected to draw hundreds of residents.During the May 19 meeting of the Putnam County Board of…
REMEMBERING THE 2025 FESTIVAL

REMEMBERING THE 2025 FESTIVAL

REMEMBERING THE 2025 FESTIVAL

Photos By Ian Tocher
SECTION C RIGHT SIDE SUMTER ST24 – Paula Stewart – lemonade25 – Doro Champion – Custom Designs26 – Stop Rock Quarry27 – Teresa Stafford – Custom wood art28 – Randy Martinez – gym items29 – Jehovah Witnesses – informationSECTION C RIGHT SIDE CONTINUED30 – Jessia Hawkins – car fresheners31 – Sew…
KEITH FIELDER

KEITH FIELDER

KEITH FIELDER

News Staff
Keith Fielder is a graduate of the University of Georgia, holding degrees in Biology and Animal Science. He serves as a County Extension Coordinator and Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent, providing leadership and educational programming in Putnam and Hancock counties. His Extension work…
Plaza hosting free concert featuring GridRocked to close out Dairy Festival

Plaza hosting free concert featuring GridRocked to close out Dairy Festival

Plaza hosting free concert featuring GridRocked to close out Dairy Festival

News Staff
The beloved annual Dairy Festival in Eatonton will wrap up this year with an exciting and completely free live concert featuring the high-energy band GridRocked. The performance will serve as the grand finale of the festival, bringing the community together for an evening of music, celebration and…
Ninth-twelfth Grade Dairy Festival Queen Court (L-R); Miss Congeniality Lily Armistead; 2026 Dairy Festival Queen Bentleigh Crumpton; First Runner-up Jordan Bird; Second Runner-up Brenlee Brown. MARK TURNER/Turner Photo Design

Ninth-twelfth Grade Dairy Festival Queen Court (L-R); Miss Congeniality Lily Armistead; 2026 Dairy Festival Queen Bentleigh Crumpton; First Runner-up Jordan Bird; Second Runner-up Brenlee Brown. MARK TURNER/Turner Photo Design

2026 Dairy Festival queen and court crowned

News Staff
With more than 100 girls participating, the Eatonton Service League (ESL) held its 65th annual pageant May 9 at The Plaza Arts Center.ESL is a non-profit organization serving Eatonton-Putnam County, living its motto: We Give Where We Live. All money raised by ESL goes back into the local community…
2026 DAIRY FESTIVAL

2026 DAIRY FESTIVAL

2026 DAIRY FESTIVAL

News Staff
SATURDAY • JUNE 6 • 2026The Dairy Festival returns to Eatonton June 6, with its first official event beginning at 7:30 a.m. with a 5K Race and Fun Run sponsored by the Eatonton Service League.By 9 a.m., dozens of arts, crafts, and food vendors, plus children’s activities will be open around the…
Store owner Neil Patel (third from left) was joined by Eatonton Mayor John Reid (blue shirt), two “saints” from BAPS Mandir, and Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce CEO Robbie King (red shirt), among others, for a Memorial Day ribbon cutting at Stop N Go, on Eatonton’s Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.

Store owner Neil Patel (third from left) was joined by Eatonton Mayor John Reid (blue shirt), two “saints” from BAPS Mandir, and Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce CEO Robbie King (red shirt), among others, for a Memorial Day ribbon cutting at Stop N Go, on Eatonton’s Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.

Blessings, business, and new beginning at Stop N Go

Story And Photo By Ian Tocher
A new convenience store opened its doors in Eatonton on Memorial Day, but for owner Nilesh “Neil” Patel, the launch of Stop N Go is about more than just business. It represents blessings, tradition, and building something lasting in a community he calls “home.”“This is a neighborhood store,” Patel…
Gatewood coaches want their players to be like “family” to each other, committed to helping whether in the gym or on the football field. TREY NORRIS/Staff

Gatewood coaches want their players to be like “family” to each other, committed to helping whether in the gym or on the football field. TREY NORRIS/Staff

Gators begin summer workouts in preparation for 2026 season

Lance McCurley
With the start of summer workouts underway, the Gatewood football team has officially begun laying the groundwork for the 2026 season.The Gators opened their offseason conditioning program Monday, beginning a two-month focus on building strength, improving conditioning, and developing the…
The Eatonton Messenger e-Edition

News 

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Sports 

Putnam County’s Emily Hardie recently signed to continue her golf career at Georgia Military College in Milledgeville. CONTRIBUTED

Putnam County’s Emily Hardie recently signed to continue her golf career at Georgia Military College in Milledgeville. CONTRIBUTED

Hardie stays local, inks with GMC

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Putnam County graduate Emily Hardie has signed with Georgia Military College to continue her golf...
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Community 

Store owner Neil Patel (third from left) was joined by Eatonton Mayor John Reid (blue shirt), two “saints” from BAPS Mandir, and Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce CEO Robbie King (red shirt), among others, for a Memorial Day ribbon cutting at Stop N Go, on Eatonton’s Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.

Store owner Neil Patel (third from left) was joined by Eatonton Mayor John Reid (blue shirt), two “saints” from BAPS Mandir, and Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce CEO Robbie King (red shirt), among others, for a Memorial Day ribbon cutting at Stop N Go, on Eatonton’s Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.

Blessings, business, and new beginning at Stop N Go

Story And Photo By Ian Tocher
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
A new convenience store opened its doors in Eatonton on Memorial Day, but for owner Nilesh “Neil”...
Georgia Benjamin-Smith called recent Putnam High grad Amario up from the audience to share a little of his story as he prepares for college life. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Georgia Benjamin-Smith called recent Putnam High grad Amario up from the audience to share a little of his story as he prepares for college life. IAN TOCHER/Staff

MAC banquet celebrates community service

Ian Tocher
Thursday, May 28, 2026
Approximately 100 community members gathered Saturday evening in the banquet hall of Eatonton First...
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Obituaries 

Carey Wendel Shupe

Carey Wendel Shupe

Carey Wendel Shupe

News Staff
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Carey Wendel Shupe, 88, of Eatonton, Georgia, died May 22, 2026, in Eatonton, GA.
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