The Eatonton Messenger

The Holcombe Harley entry finished runner-up in fan voting for Best Pirate Ship on Saturday.

Pirates, Prizes, and ‘Pour Decisions’ for Lake Sinclair tradition

Wednesday, June 3, 2026

for Lake Sinclair traditionThe forecast called for rain, but Saturday afternoon delivered sunshine and smooth sailing for the annual Lake Sinclair Pirate Parade.Nearly 20 decorated boats cruised the lake from The Front Porch restaurant alongside Hwy. 441 in Baldwin County before gathering at The…

PUTNAM PETE

News Staff

Wednesday, June 3, 2026

Lowboy Louie is enjoying the new Super Paving in downtown Eatonton, blasting his Harley-Davidson through town daily. It’s good to see all the improvements happening in Eatonton. Uncle Charlie sent word from Kansas that he needs more “Rainmaker Money!” Told Zeke he would guarantee three inches —…

Adrian Cornejo-Bueno

Deputies assaulted; offender arrested

Lynn Hobbs

Wednesday, June 3, 2026

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

Man menaces friends with gun; charged for terroristic threats

Lynn Hobbs

Wednesday, June 3, 2026

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

Wednesday, June 3, 2026

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

Photos By Ian Tocher

Wednesday, June 3, 2026

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…

FESTIVAL LAYOUT & VENDORS

News Staff

Wednesday, June 3, 2026

SECTION A RIGHT SIDE MADISON AVE1- 4 – Police5 – Twin Bridges Firefighters6 – Vining Group Krista Pickren Real Estate 7-8 – Ciara Chapman – teddy bear clothes and accessories 9-10 – Train ride & sand art11 – Cheryl O’Kelly – wood art12 – Julia Edens – cards, wax melts13 – Peggy Nix –…

KEITH FIELDER

News Staff

Wednesday, June 3, 2026

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…

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The Dairy Alliance

News Staff

Wednesday, June 3, 2026

Each year at the Putnam County Dairy Festival, the Pilot Club recognizes an organization that provides leadership and support not only to local dairy farmers but also to the dairy industry in Georgia and the Southeast. This year, the organization being recognized is The Dairy Alliance.The Dairy…

Plaza hosting free concert featuring GridRocked to close out Dairy Festival

News Staff

Wednesday, June 3, 2026

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

2026 Dairy Festival queen and court crowned

News Staff

Wednesday, June 3, 2026

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…

Sammy Lackey

Man menaces friends with gun; charged for terroristic threats

Lynn Hobbs

Wednesday, June 3, 2026

Several people called 911 when a friend pointed a gun at them and threatened to shoot up their...

Gatewood players pose with their fourth consecutive state championship trophy last Friday in Statesboro.

Gators win program’s fifth state title

Story And Photos By Trey Norris

Wednesday, June 3, 2026

STATESBORO — If there was any doubt about Gatewood’s status as the GIAA’s premier baseball program...

The Holcombe Harley entry finished runner-up in fan voting for Best Pirate Ship on Saturday.

Pirates, Prizes, and ‘Pour Decisions’ for Lake Sinclair tradition

Wednesday, June 3, 2026

News

PUTNAM PETE

News Staff

Wednesday, June 3, 2026

Lowboy Louie is enjoying the new Super Paving in downtown Eatonton, blasting his Harley-Davidson...

Adrian Cornejo-Bueno

Deputies assaulted; offender arrested

Lynn Hobbs

Wednesday, June 3, 2026

Two Putnam County Sheriff’s Office deputies recently responded to a 911 call concerning a fight.

County concerned about size of quarry crowd

Ian Tocher

Wednesday, June 3, 2026

As public opposition to a proposed granite quarry alongside Dennis Station Road continues, Putnam...

Sports

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