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
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
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
“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
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)
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)
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
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
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
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…