Representatives of Putnam County Stone encouraged support for its quarry proposal at Saturday’s Dairy Festival. (Putnam County Stone’s Facebook)

Representatives of Putnam County Stone encouraged support for its quarry proposal at Saturday’s Dairy Festival. (Putnam County Stone’s Facebook)

Wisconsin-based Putnam County Stone has formally requested to withdraw its controversial rezoning application to establish a rock quarry along 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…
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

The Putnam County Commission met on June 5, with commissioners tackling alcohol licensing enforcement, commercial growth, and how the county might prepare for emerging technologies like data centers.Commissioners unanimously voted to table an alcohol license application submitted by Welcome to the…
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

With the field of candidates for statewide office narrowed, voters will make their final selections for party nominees on June 16, with early voting concluding Friday.Voters who selected a party ballot during the May 13 primary may only vote in that same party’s runoff on Tuesday unless they chose…
The most prominent features of the refurbished back entrance to the Georgia Writers Museum are the new wheelchair ramp, new doors, and decorative shutters covering long-ago bricked-in window openings. IAN TOCHER/Staff

The most prominent features of the refurbished back entrance to the Georgia Writers Museum are the new wheelchair ramp, new doors, and decorative shutters covering long-ago bricked-in window openings. IAN TOCHER/Staff

You may not be able to judge a book by its cover, but for the Georgia Writers Museum, appearances matter.Located at a highly visible entrance to Eatonton’s historic downtown at Highway 44 and South Jefferson Avenue, the museum is one of the first landmarks visitors encounter. While the front of the…
Charles Seabrook

Charles Seabrook

“Bucket list” is a phrase made famous by the hit film starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. But what sights in Georgia would make your own must-see list?The Georgia Writers Museum is set to explore that question during its July Meet the Author event, featuring 35 Natural Wonders of Georgia to…
Putnam County High School juniors enjoyed both urban and rural sights and experiences on their recent visit to several historic sites in Italy. CONTRIBUTED

Putnam County High School juniors enjoyed both urban and rural sights and experiences on their recent visit to several historic sites in Italy. CONTRIBUTED

Nearly 40 members of Putnam County High School’s Class of 2027 recently returned from an unforgettable educational trip to Italy, where students experienced history, culture, and learning firsthand.During their travels, PCHS students explored some of Italy’s most iconic landmarks in Rome, including…
Dr. Willie Oliver (center) presented $1,500 scholarship checks to PCHS graduates (l-r) Kasey Davis, Leanna Giddens, A’Ziyah Williams, and Natalie Puente, May 29 in front of Most Valuable Smiles in Eatonton. (IAN TOCHER/Staff)

Dr. Willie Oliver (center) presented $1,500 scholarship checks to PCHS graduates (l-r) Kasey Davis, Leanna Giddens, A’Ziyah Williams, and Natalie Puente, May 29 in front of Most Valuable Smiles in Eatonton. (IAN TOCHER/Staff)

For the fourth consecutive year, Dr. Willie Oliver is putting his money where his heart is by investing directly in the future of local healthcare.In 2026, Oliver expanded both the number and value of scholarships awarded through his Eatonton Healthcare Future (EHF) scholarship program. During a…
Lauren Paxson (1) and teammate Avery Hill will help lead the Lady Gators as seniors this season. (IAN TOCHER/Staff)

Lauren Paxson (1) and teammate Avery Hill will help lead the Lady Gators as seniors this season. (IAN TOCHER/Staff)

After reaching the GIAA Final Four last season, the Gatewood Lady Gators have quickly shifted their focus toward the future.Under head coach Ferdinand Farley, the program is using the summer months to lay the groundwork for another successful season, emphasizing strength training, skill development…
Putnam County offensive lineman Jabius Farley (left) with a Shorter University coach last month. CONTRIBUTED

Putnam County offensive lineman Jabius Farley (left) with a Shorter University coach last month. CONTRIBUTED

As he prepares for his senior season, Putnam County offensive lineman Jabius Farley is taking advantage of every opportunity to improve his game and pursue his goal of playing football at the next level.Farley recently attended recruiting camps at Kennesaw State University and Shorter University,…
Jeremy Banks, the younger brother of Putnam County boys’ all-time leading scorer Eren Banks, averaged 10.5 points and 3.7 rebounds last season. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Jeremy Banks, the younger brother of Putnam County boys’ all-time leading scorer Eren Banks, averaged 10.5 points and 3.7 rebounds last season. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

After reaching the Elite Eight last season, the Putnam County boys basketball team enters the summer facing a challenge every successful program eventually encounters: replacing key pieces.The War Eagles graduated leading scorers Tamaud Woodson and Jmari Green, along with defensive anchor Shamar…
Aunt Fairy

Aunt Fairy

Every time we sing “Precious Memories” at church or for a funeral, I always think of my daddy’s Aunt Fairy, who raised him.His daddy beat him, his mama left him, so without hesitation, Aunt Fairy and Uncle Oscar took him and raised him on their farm in the shadows of the Appalachian Trail. When…
The Eatonton Messenger e-Edition
Post 6686 Commander Brian Alliston is bringing new ideas and plans to the Eatonton veterans’ institution, including a planned move from its current location, potentially to southern Putnam County. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Post 6686 Commander Brian Alliston is bringing new ideas and plans to the Eatonton veterans’ institution, including a planned move from its current location, potentially to southern Putnam County. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Eatonton VFW offers ambitious vision for future

The local Veterans of Foreign Wars post is looking toward a future that leaders say will look very...
Representatives of Putnam County Stone encouraged support for its quarry proposal at Saturday’s Dairy Festival. (Putnam County Stone’s Facebook)

Representatives of Putnam County Stone encouraged support for its quarry proposal at Saturday’s Dairy Festival. (Putnam County Stone’s Facebook)

Putnam County Stone requests quarry application withdrawal

Wisconsin-based Putnam County Stone has formally requested to withdraw its controversial rezoning application to establish a rock quarry along Dennis Station Road.
The most prominent features of the refurbished back entrance to the Georgia Writers Museum are the new wheelchair ramp, new doors, and decorative shutters covering long-ago bricked-in window openings. IAN TOCHER/Staff

The most prominent features of the refurbished back entrance to the Georgia Writers Museum are the new wheelchair ramp, new doors, and decorative shutters covering long-ago bricked-in window openings. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Georgia Writers Museum revitalizes historic rear facade

You may not be able to judge a book by its cover, but for the Georgia Writers Museum, appearances...
Jeremy Banks, the younger brother of Putnam County boys’ all-time leading scorer Eren Banks, averaged 10.5 points and 3.7 rebounds last season. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Jeremy Banks, the younger brother of Putnam County boys’ all-time leading scorer Eren Banks, averaged 10.5 points and 3.7 rebounds last season. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

War Eagles begin summer workouts, prep for 2026-27

After reaching the Elite Eight last season, the Putnam County boys basketball team enters the...
Crooked D Creamery founders and owners David Hodge (center, with scissors) and his wife, Jesse (center, sunglasses), welcomed a sizable crowd of well-wishers May 28 for their official ribbon cutting ceremony at 110 N. Jefferson Ave., in downtown Eatonton. (IAN TOCHER/Staff)

Crooked D Creamery founders and owners David Hodge (center, with scissors) and his wife, Jesse (center, sunglasses), welcomed a sizable crowd of well-wishers May 28 for their official ribbon cutting ceremony at 110 N. Jefferson Ave., in downtown Eatonton. (IAN TOCHER/Staff)

Crooked D Creamery scoops up success in Eatonton

Crooked D Creamery may be the newest sweet spot in downtown Eatonton, but co-owner David Hodge said...
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. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Blessings, business, and new beginning at Stop N Go

A new convenience store opened its doors in Eatonton on Memorial Day, but for owner Nilesh “Neil”...
Carey Wendel Shupe

Carey Wendel Shupe

Carey Wendel Shupe

Carey Wendel Shupe, 88, of Eatonton, Georgia, died May 22, 2026, in Eatonton, GA.
Olene Farley Lee

Olene Farley Lee

Olene Farley Lee

Olene Farley Lee was a woman whose life was defined by strength, perseverance, and an unwavering...